Arts & Entertainment

Calendar Project Highights A Dozen Local Artists

November 5, 2015 By Lisa Grigsby

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December created by NATE STEVENS – Nate is an undersized overachiever—dreaming and doing, living and loving in the Gem City of Dayton, Ohio. He spends his days designing, practicing jiu-jitsu, enjoying good company and anticipating his next meal. view work

It’s 4.25 inches wide and 6 inches tall and chocked full of local talent! The 12 Musketeers 2016 letterpress calendar is a collaboration of local graduates from the School of Advertising Art. According to their website this years calendar is:

“Geometric, organic, subtle or loud—patterns intersect with regulation and decoration in our lives. In 2016, let this calendar inspire you like it inspired us: to observe the small, the mundane, the good, and the bad. With newfound courage, chuck the old habits that no longer serve you, and create the space for new patterns to take form.”

And it even seems to come with a little advice:

“Dig deep, notice the repetitions, find the reoccurring theme, and keep repeating only what makes sense.”

We asked Reka Juhasz, currently a print designer at Real Art as well as the calendar coordinator about the process for putting this project together:

February by Shaw Green

What was the inspiration for the calendar?

The 12 Musketeers letterpress calendar in its fourth year and this year has been inspired by patterns. Each year we create a theme to give the designers a bit of an idea to go off on. They pick the month and how to convey what that month personally means to them with the inspiration at hand.

How did you chose the artists that were united for this project?

As a proud saa alum, I try each year to select people that I have been secretly spying on or people I know will deliver a good solution to the inspiration at hand. Each year I try hard to collaborate with the newest and oldest alums that can spare the time to work with me on the calendar. Sometimes you start out with friends you know will pull through, sometimes you reach out to alums based on work you have seen them do.

April by Kenny Glenn

Will there be more of these collaborations?

Each year is a different animal. The first year we sold out in less than 4 weeks, the following years it’s been harder to sell the calendars. I would like to keep the project going, and maybe do a special 5-year edition next year. As long as we break even on the project we will keep doing it.

What else should we know about this project?

It’s an award winning collaboration (we have been recognized for the print work, web work and video in previous years), we are a bunch of design nerds who all love design and the craft of letterpress and we are proud to be a revolving set of 12 musketeers every year showing the community (Dayton and worldwide) what saa has taught us about being curious, collaborative and loving the process.

“12 awesome designers trained in battle at saa come together to defend the honor of letterpress .”

You can purchase one of these limited addition, hand printed calendars online for just $20, perfect for holiday giving for that hard to buy for person on your gift list. And maybe one for you, as well. But be quick, only 150 have been made.

‘Chicago’ Review – Wright State University – How to Get Away with Murder

November 4, 2015 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Long before Annalise Keating displayed tremendous legal savvy, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly knew how to get away with murder in the Windy City of the Roaring Twenties. And it’s a lot of fun seeing these merry murderesses of the Cook County Jail compete to the hilt behind bars and in the press while enticing with delicious decadence in Wright State University’s marvelous production of John Kander, Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse’s cynically satiric 1975 musical “Chicago.”

Caroline Chisholm (Velma Kelly) and the cast of Wright State University’s production of “Chicago” performing “All That Jazz.” (Contributed photo)

Deftly directed by Joe Deer with a striking emphasis on the show’s original vaudevillian framework, expertly heightened by choreographer Teressa Wylie McWilliams, scenic designer Adam Koch and costumer Michelle Sampson, this “Chicago” takes hold and is firmly grounded from the outset thanks to the dynamic pairing of triple threats Bailey Rose (Roxie) and Caroline Chisholm (Velma). Chisholm, resembling Academy Award-winner Catherine Zeta-Jones who portrayed Velma in the 2002 film, launches the action with a sultry, sharply focused “All That Jazz” and impressively showcases her dancing skills in “I Can’t Do It Alone” and “When Velma Takes the Stand.” But at the same rate, she doesn’t discount Velma’s desperation and bruised ego due to her standing in the press (she killed her husband and vaudeville partner-sister after finding them in bed together) as Roxie overtakes her on the front pages having murdered her lover Fred Casely. Rose, memorable last season as Wendy Darling in “Peter Pan,” absolutely dazzles in her first scene bringing astute character choices and lyric-driven brilliance to the humorous “Funny Honey” detailing Roxie’s “affection” for her meek husband Amos. Once she arrives at the introspective “Roxie,” a fascinating peek into Roxie’s dalliances and desire for stardom, Rose transforms into a fiery, unyieldingly determined force to be reckoned with specifically as Roxie is overtaken by socialite Go-To-Hell Kitty (a feisty Alex Caldwell) and comes up with a pregnancy stunt to regain favor to Velma’s dismay. Deer wisely ensures Roxie and Velma remain rivals at all costs (there is definite bad blood between these ladies) so it is a joy to see Rose and Chisholm fully ignite the show’s final moments wonderfully unified with seductively sexy, electrifying finesse in “Nowadays” and “Hot Honey Rag.” Demanding total syncopation and synergy, these two numbers are performed at such a high professional-caliber proficiency you’ll wonder if you’re actually seeing “Chicago” at WSU or in the form of a national tour at the Schuster Center.

Additionally, the confident, suave, vocally strong, and remarkably mature Jordan Adams is a true find as Roxie and Velma’s super slick lawyer Billy Flynn, whose love of law doesn’t compare to his love of women. Adams embodies Billy as a sophisticated showman totally accustomed to the fickle, gullible nature of the press. In fact, during Adams’ excellent rendition of the press-driven “We Both Reached for the Gun,” pay heed to Billy stepping aside to scribble a few lines of copy on the pad of reporter Mary Sunshine (an appropriately ambiguous Cody Westbrook). Tyler Simms, a delightful Smee in “Peter Pan,” is equally winning as the dejected Amos. Simms’ mesmerizing interpretation of “Mister Cellophane” truly conveys the isolation, loneliness and timidity permeating within Amos’ soul as he simply yearns for recognition and respect. Katie Momenee, a standout in “Sondheim on Sondheim” last season, lacks intimidating seediness as Matron “Mamma” Morton, but she sings the role very well and commands attention. Keaton Eckhoff (Fred Casely) enjoyably accents the vaudevillian structure as he gleefully introduces each song. Haylee Dobkins (June), Alyson Snyder (a poignant Hunyak), Megan Valle (Mona), Meredith Zahn (Liz), Chisholm, and Caldwell join forces for a splendidly fierce and vengeful “Cell Block Tango,” one of many remarkable routines meticulously crafted by McWilliams in the iconic spirit of Fosse while altogether original. The slinky, praiseworthy ensemble includes Briana Koon, Rebekah Espich, Scotti Stoneburner, Lindsey Knoth, Hannah Struppa, Eli Davis, Aaron Johnson, Dakota Mullins, Kyle Sell, and Philip Stock.
Deer’s top-notch artistic team includes lighting designer Matthew P. Benjamin, sound designer James Dunlap, dialect coaches Deborah Thomas and Matthew Tabor, magic consultant Kyle Miller (the circus-themed “Razzle Dazzle” eerily enthralls with surreal mystery), and music director Scot Woolley who leads a red hot 12-piece onstage orchestra.

It’s unsurprising the pursuit of fleeting fame and the effects of a topsy-turvy judicial system still strikes a chord in today’s celebrity-crazed world. Nearly everybody wants to be somebody famous, but it’s a detrimental quest. As Billy tells Roxie, “You’re a phony celebrity, kid.” Luckily for theatergoers, there’s nothing false about the commitment and passion within this rip-roaring “Chicago,” which received special permission to be mounted courtesy of Kander and is so period-perfect I felt as if I were watching an episode of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.”

Don’t miss your chance to discover why WSU lays claim to one of Ohio’s finest collegiate musical theater programs. It’s the real deal. And that’s good isn’t it?

“Chicago” continues through Nov. 15 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are Nov. 4, 5 and 12 at 7 p.m., Nov. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. Act One: 78 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 seniors and students. For tickets or more information, call WSU box office at (937) 775-2500 or visit www.wright.edu/theatre-tickets.

$10 Cheap Seats For Upcoming Shows

November 2, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Thanks to a sponsorship from Dayton Power & Light Company, you can attend many theater shows at the Schuster Center and the Victoria Theatre. This CHEAP SEATS program makes available $10 seats (mostly in the balcony) when purchased in advance online.

Here’s how it works:

$10 ticket are available while supplies last or until 48 hours before the performance. You MUST register here to get access to the CHEAP SEATS.

You can only buy DP&L Company CHEAP SEATS online. They are not available at the Box Office or by phone. DP&L Company CHEAP SEATS can be purchased by clicking the “Buy Now” buttons on this email or by clicking here.

You will not be able to select specific seating locations, they are first-come, first-served and assigned by Ticket Center Stage. If you have special seating needs, please indicate this on your order by selecting the special needs ticket type.

Tickets must be purchased together to be seated together.

You can buy up to four (4) $10 tickets per show. Accounts found to have multiple orders with the total of tickets exceeding will be subject to cancellation.

There is a $2 fee per order.

Your tickets will be available at the Box Office the day of the show, between 10 am and showtime Monday through Friday and two hours prior to your performance on Saturday and Sunday.

CHEAP SEAT PERFORMANCES

Bullets Over Broadway
Schuster Center – Mead Theatre
November 3-8

Hailed by Time Magazine as “Musical Theatre Gold,” Bullets Over Broadway is the hilarious new musical comedy about the making of a Broadway show. Written by Woody Allen, with original direction and choreography by Susan Stroman, and based upon the screenplay of the acclaimed film by Woody Allen and Douglas McGrath, Bullets Over Broadway is the story of a young playwright who, in desperate need of financial backing for his next show, accepts an offer he can’t refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl girlfriend. Don’t miss what The New Yorker exclaims as “a fun machine from start to finish!” Loaded with big laughs, colorful characters, and the songs that made the ‘20s roar, Bullets Over Broadway is bringing musical comedy back with a bang.

Evil Dead The Musical
Victoria Theatre
November 6-8

All the elements of Sam Raimi’s cult classic films combined in one crazy theatrical experience! The only musical where you can choose to sit in the “Splatter Zone” and get drenched from the mayhem, or watch from a safe (and dry) distance. Recommended for ages 17 and up. Explicit language and theatrical gore.

Menopause The Musical
Victoria Theatre
November 21 & 22

The show that’s brought joy to millions worldwide is proving that laughter truly is the best medicine. With a cast of breast cancer survivors and co-survivors, Menopause The Musical® is partnering with Susan G. Komen® to offer inspiration, sisterhood, and hope. Four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more! This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles! Menopause The Musical®: The Survivor Tour® Benefiting Susan G. Komen® is the first of its kind, donating a portion of every ticket sale directly to the ongoing effort to save lives and end breast cancer forever.

Footloose
Dare to Defy
Victoria Theatre
November 27 & 28

Dare to Defy Productions is dancing onto the stage with the four time Tony nominated favorite, Footloose. Footloose is about dance, but it’s also about the conflict between wanting to fit in and the desire to change an intolerable situation.

Teenagers have lots of problems, but Footloose high schooler Ren McCormack really feels put upon. Ren’s dad has deserted the family and he and his mom Ethel are forced to move from that toddlin’ town of Chicago all the way to the nowheresville that is Bomont, described as “a small Midwestern town.”

As well as teenage angst, Footloose, is all about fun and the carefree nature of being a teen, which of course is never fully appreciated at the time.

Evil Dead – The Musical comes to Victoria Theatre Nov. 6-8!

October 30, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

EVIL DEAD – THE MUSICAL, winner of the 2007 Dora Audience Choice Award as Toronto’s (CA) favorite show, unleashes its bloody mayhem and fun, Nov. 6-8, 2015 for a limited engagement at Dayton’s historic Victoria Theatre as part of the 2015-2016 Star Projects Unlimited Star Attractions.

Evil Dead – The Musical, the hilarious, record-breaking Canadian musical (book and lyrics by George Reinblatt, director, co-creator and co-composer Christopher Bond, music by Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris, Reinblatt and Bond) tells the outrageous story of five college friends spending the weekend in an abandoned cabin in the woods after accidentally unleashing an evil force that turns them all into demons.

The original production, based on the Evil Dead film franchise, opened 12 years ago in Toronto and enjoyed an immensely popular run, with 150 productions presented in cities around the world with sold-out houses and rave reviews from critics.

“EVIL DEAD – THE MUSICAL is the most fun you can have at the theatre. It’s a show everyone loves – even if you don’t love musicals,” said Corey Ross, president of Starvox Entertainment. “Since being called ‘the next Rocky Horror Show’ by The New York Times, the show has been touring around the world, so all can enjoy the evil fun.”

Those familiar with EVIL DEAD – THE MUSICAL will remember that audience members sitting in the designated “Splatter Zone” (almost sold-out) get covered in fake blood as the production incorporates some fun, ‘real-life’ effects, during certain scenes. In addition to some dismembered limbs, demons telling bad jokes, and catchy tunes (Look Who’s Evil Now, All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Canadian Demons), the show features a saucy combination of wit and sexual innuendo that keeps audiences laughing out loud.

Tickets begin at $25 and are on sale now at Ticket Center Stage, located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center, by phone at (937) 228-3630, toll-free (888) 228-3630, or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

BLANCHETT & REDFORD in TRUTH + Big Changes at THE NEON!

October 29, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

Cate Blanchett & Robert Redford! Need I say more? If you’re like me, you’re already invested! Tomorrow (Oct. 30) we open TRUTH – the new film starring these two incredible actors! (In the coming weeks, I’ll hopefully have more details for you about CAROL – the film with Blanchett I’ve been anticipating for more than a year.) If you still need to see EXPERIMENTER or COMING HOME, you’ll need to hurry. Today is the last day for both of these films at THE NEON. If you need showtimes for today, please visit our website – www.neonmovies.com Showtimes for the upcoming weekend/week are below.

I’ve recently had several people ask me why movies aren’t sticking around longer…customers are wondering why wonderful films (like COMING HOME and PHOENIX and MERU) are leaving after such short runs. Simply put, it almost always means films aren’t performing well. We haven’t had a hit in quite a while, and the independent industry is feeling this across the board. As I write this, distributors are frantically changing their distribution strategies for upcoming films – opening dates are shifting (some forward, some backward), and some titles may disappear entirely from our “Coming Soon” list. These date moves make it all the harder on small venues like THE NEON to effectively market upcoming engagements. I truly appreciate you keeping your eyes on this newsletter (and even our website and facebook) for the latest developments.

Synopsis for TRUTH: “On the morning of September 9, 2004, veteran CBS News producer MARY MAPES (Cate Blanchett) believed she had every reason to feel proud of a broadcast journalism job well done. By the end of the day, Mapes, CBS News, and the venerable CBS News anchor DAN RATHER (Robert Redford) would be under harsh scrutiny. The evening before, 60 Minutes II had aired an investigative report, produced by Mapes and reported on-air by Rather, that purported to reveal new evidence proving that President George W. Bush had possibly shirked his duty during his service as a Texas Air National Guard pilot from 1968 to 1974.” (taken from Sony Classics) Stephen Holden of THE NEW YORK TIMES wrote, “TRUTH is a gripping, beautifully executed journalistic thriller about the events that ended Dan Rather’s career as a CBS anchorman.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Don’t forget that we’ve just opened MEET THE PATELS!
Synopsis for MEET THE PATELS: “A laugh-out-loud real life romantic comedy about Ravi Patel, an almost-30-year-old Indian-American who enters a love triangle between the woman of his dreams…and his parents. This hilarious and heartwarming film reveals how love is a family affair.” (taken from Alchemy Releasing) VARIETY calls the film “Sharp” and “Riotously funny.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

On Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7:30, Dayton native Tann Moore is bringing a selection of short films to town. “The Dayton Onyx Cinefest (D.O.C.) is a cinefest designed to broaden the horizons of local artists by bringing the culture of film to the African- American arts community and consumers of African-American entertainment in Dayton, Ohio. The fest’s goal is to encourage, educate and enhance the fine-arts related careers of emerging and established local filmmakers of color through a public exhibition and eventual competition program. The desire is to be instrumental in the process of discovering and launching independent films and filmmakers by bringing them to the attention of the public and broader industry. Additionally, attendees will have access to informational seminars and workshops covering a variety of topics including: independent film production, writing for independent film, and will have access to online tutorial programs designed to inform and educate local actors.” Tickets are $20 each and are available via the official site or at THE NEON’s Box Office.

On Sunday, November 15 at 3:00, The Dayton International Peace Museum will have a special screening of SEEKING THE TRUTH IN THE BALKANS. This screening is in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, and tickets will be on a first come first serve basis on the day of the screening for a requested minimum donations of $10. “In the 1990s, the former state of Yugoslavia devolved into chaos as various segments of the country declared independence, inflaming age-old ethnic tensions and the worst genocide to occur in Europe since World War II. During the midst of the conflict, the UN Security Council created the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) to prosecute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The ICTY was the first international criminal tribunal since Nuremberg. Now, 23 years later as the ICTY is wrapping up its cases, this prize-winning documentary explores the legacy of this landmark experiment in international law and asks if truth, peace, justice or reconciliation were attained by interviewing over 100 persons most impacted by the decisions of the Tribunal. The trailer for the film can be seen by clicking this LINK.

“Up And Running of Dayton has partnered with Trails in Motion to bring exciting films and documentaries about trail running to the Dayton Area on Wednesday, November 18 at 7:30. All proceeds from this event will go to Girls On The Run of Dayton. Each year, the TRAILS IN MOTION FILM TOUR brings a collection of the finest trail running films to passionate audiences around the world. Trails in Motion strives to present a varied montage of high quality film content from dynamic film makers in this genre, and also aims to develop a global community that brings together like minded trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts in a visual celebration of the sport. All hosted by people who love to share this ‘dirty art’ with their local running communities.” (taken from press notes) Tickets, just $12 each, are available at THE NEON’s box office, at Up And Running stores in Dayton and Troy or via this Speedy Feet LINK.

I’ve already had a handful of requests regarding this year’s holiday film selections. I will announce this year’s line-up in next week’s newsletter!

Thanks for your continued support!
Hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Oct. 30 – Thursday, Nov. 5:

TRUTH (R) 2 Hr 5 Min
Friday & Saturday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

MEET THE PATELS (PG) 1 Hr 18 Min
Friday & Saturday: 1:10, 3:10, 5:15, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 1:10, 3:10, 5:15, 7:20
Monday – Wednesday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:20
Thursday: 3:10, 5:15

DAYTON ONYX CINEFEST (NR)
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Nov. 6 – LABYRINTH OF LIES
Nov. 13 – SUFFRAGETTE
Nov. 25 – BROOKLYN
TBD – ROOM
Possible Titles: SPOTLIGHT, THE DANISH GIRL, CAROL, TRUMBO, YOUTH

Night of the Creeps 2 Art Exhibit & Dance Party

October 27, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

This art exhibit is PACKED with Dayton’s most talented artists / photographers & sculptors representing all things Horror & Halloween!

All paid entries will receive a ballot to vote on their favorite piece, the most votes will win a CASH PRIZE!!!

COSTUME CONTEST IN FULL EFFECT!!!

Dark Alternative Dance powered by
Matt Freeman
Mike Wishnewski
& Mike Guidone!!!

HOSTED BY ROCKY DOLL!!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ZOMBIE DOGZ WILL BE SETUP & READY TO SERVE
YOU BETWEEN 8PM-MIDNIGHT!!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sponsored by Monkey Bones, Zombie Dogz, Clash Dayton & Skull13
________________________________________
8PM DOORS
18+
$5 cover
VEX • 101 S St Clair st. Dayton, Ohio 45402++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ZOMBIE DOGZ WILL BE SETUP & READY TO SERVE
YOU BETWEEN 8PM-MIDNIGHT!!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sponsored by Monkey Bones, Zombie Dogz, Clash Dayton & Skull13
________________________________________
8PM DOORS
18+

FilmDayton Awards $1000 To “Pitch It” winner.

October 24, 2015 By Lisa Grigsby

Jacob Stuart, Jeremey Gingrich and Alvaro Leite

A film pitch is a basically a sales pitch for a film, tv show or other creative project. Depending on whom you are pitching to and what the purpose of the film pitch is, your pitch may be longer or shorter. A film pitch can range from a one sentence description of your project to a longer telling that should include the main elements of the story, the basic premise, plot points, the main characters, time period, setting and locations.

Last night the 7th Annual Eichelberger FilmFestival kicked off at the Dayton Convention Center with our annual Pitch It! The stories ranged from a psychotherapist’s culture shock in Beijing, to a disgraced conservative pundit returning to his hometown to mend relationships and a horror/fantasy about a girl who uses her creativity and newfound ability to ‘phase’ through colors to survive attacks from the malevolent entity that caused the disappearance of her dad and death of her mom.

The judges: Alvoro Leite, a filmmaker and screenwriter, who attended film school at Wright State University where he got hisBFA in Motion Pictures Production and currently a teacher at Stivers School for the Arts and Jacob N. Stuart, an award-winning and represented screenwriter. He has had OVER 15 scripts optioned and/or produced to screen, airing in OVER 7 different countries. Jacob is the Founder of Screenwriting Staffing.

In a FilmDayton tradition, each contestant had 2 minutes to “pitch” their idea and then judges asked questions eliciting further details on plot, character development, target audiences and more. After careful consideration the winning pitch was selected:

“Dean and Max, late 20’s best friends since college, are about to embark on the Never Ending Tour – Bob Dylan’s touring frenzy from the year 2000 – on a road trip through the Western United States (8 shows, 6 states in 10 days), meeting the colorful characters you’re bound to meet on such a tour, as they also try to cope with Dean’s impending divorce of his wife of 6 years and the recent death of Max’s father.

Beavercreek filmmaker Jeremey Gingrich was awarded $1000 to kickstart his film into production. And the FilmDayton festival was official underway, with 3 screenings last night at The Neon. The fest continues with documentaries, shorts, features at The Neon and workshops today and Sunday at ThinkTV. For the full scheudle, please visit FilmDayton’s website.

Spirits – The Boonshoft Museum’s New Halloween Party Ticket Giveaway

October 20, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery Dayton is hosting a new Halloween-themed event, Spirits: Halloween at the Boonshoft Museum, on Friday, October 23 from 8:00 – 11:00 pm. Providing adults (21+) an evening out, Spirits gives guests full access to the Museum’s popular exhibitions, in addition to aged-up activities that introduce the science behind some of pop-culture’s spooky favorites. You can count on experiencing a grown-up twist on things you loved as a kid, from an Alien Autopsy and explosive experiments to buzzy beer floats! Be sure to get a Coney Island Root Beer severed up with a dollop of vanilla ice cream at Spirits.

Sponsored by Goose Island Beer Co., Heidelberg Distributing, and Copp Integrated Systems, Spirits also offers guests themed-cocktails, test tube shots, “buzzy” root beer floats, and drinks, along with delicious bites from some of Dayton’s most popular eateries, including Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Dayton Racquet Club, Mikesell’s, Milano’s, Bullwinkles, Lucky’s, and many more.

Admission to Spirits: Halloween at the Boonshoft Museum is $40 online and $50 at the door, which includes access to the Museum, one drink ticket, food, Monster Mash, and activities like a hands-on alien autopsy, a close-up peek of the Museum’s oddities from their 1.7 million-piece collection, mummy talks, roaming live-animals, explosive mad scientist shows, and the kitsch movie classic, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, playing in the Museum’s Planetarium.

The evening will culminate with the master of macabre and local celebrity, Baron Von Porkchop has seen some amazing Halloween costumes in his day, which is why he will be judging our costume contest! Guests are encouraged to wear a costume if they are so inclined.

All proceeds go towards the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery’s public education programming.

MostMetro.com wants to send a few of our friends to the party!

And our winners are: Mikee Michelle, Debbie O’Brien Pierce, Andrew Adams & Christine Burns!

If you’d like to enter our drawing for a pair of tickets, fill out the form below and leave us a comment below telling us about your favorite Halloween trick or treat. Drawing will be held Thurs night and winners posted here.[form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Cinderella & Prince Charming Party

October 20, 2015 By LIbby Ballengee

Calling all princes and princesses! Join the Dayton Ballet Barre for a pre-show Tea Party before the Dayton Ballet’s Sunday October 25th performance of “Cinderella.”Ballet’s Sunday October 25th performance of “Cinderella.”

The Dayton Ballet Barre‘s Cinderella Tea is next Sunday before the Dayton Ballet Association‘s matinee performance of Cinderella. This is the PERFECT way to make the performance even more special for your little one!

Cinderella and Prince Charming will be on hand for photos and a dance lesson! We will have story time and of course, yummy snacks and warm drinks, thanks to our sponsor Boston Stoker Coffee Shop & the wonderful members of the Ballet Barre. Boys are welcome too!!

The event runs from 1:30 – 2:30pm, prior to the 3pm performance at Victoria Theatre. The Boston Stoker 2nd Street location is conveniently located within walking distance of the Victoria Theatre.

Tickets are $10, and do not include performance tickets. All tickets can be purchased via Ticket Center Stage.

Proceeds benefit the Dayton Ballet Barre, which is dedicated to ensuring the Dayton Ballet continues it’s 75+ year historical legacy!

‘The Wiz’ – Sinclair Community College – Ease On Into the Groove

October 15, 2015 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Sinclair Community College delivers an incredibly appealing production of composer Charlie Smalls and librettist William P. Brown’s Tony Award-winning 1975 musical “The Wiz.”

Sinclair Community College’s production of “The Wiz” features Vanae Pate as Dorothy along with (left to right) Brennan Paulin as the Tin Man, David Brandt as the Lion, and Naman Clark as the Scarecrow. (Contributed photo by Patti Celek)

A delightfully soulful retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” “The Wiz” presents a refreshing African-American spin on the universal tale of friendship, self-discovery and inner strength. Thankfully, director Chris Harmon doesn’t shy away from embracing the plentiful R&B vibes permeating nearly every inch of the peppy, marvelously tuneful material performed by an over 40-member cast. In fact, he astutely brings the music to the forefront by consistently placing the actors beyond the proscenium to perform at the edge of the stage and also having them occasionally venture into the aisles for greater immediacy. Harmon also enjoyably spoofs the show’s ‘70s sensibilities. When the smooth grooves of “A Rested Body is a Rested Mind” particularly arises late in Act 2, a group of male dancers (dressed in hip period attire by costumer Kathleen Hotmer) channels “Saturday Night Fever” and recalls the satiric savvy of the hilarious Broadway musical “Xanadu.” By and large, this “Wiz” doesn’t take itself too seriously which certainly keeps spirits high and the laughter contagious.

As the innocent, impressionable Dorothy, the lovely Vanae Pate brings an introspective sweetness to her fine solos (the stirring “Be a Lion” is beautifully motivating) and an engaging sense of wonder overall. Even so, she also understands the importance of not having Dorothy be a pushover as she comprehends and navigates her new surroundings. Naman Clark (Scarecrow), Brennan Paulin (Tin Man) and David E. Brandt (Lion) shine individually and collectively. Brandt particularly offers a breakthrough performance geared toward the Lion’s idiosyncrasies and insecurities with a slick New Jersey salesman persona thrown in for good measure. Sha-Lemar Davis is a bundle of energy and sass as the kooky Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North. The feisty, vocally strong Samantha Wright-Norman, clad in fiery red, wonderfully dominates as the larger-than-life Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West. As Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, Anna Masla charms with beguiling delicacy and vocal passion while rendering the gorgeous ballad “Believe in Yourself.” Malcolm Walker, mesmerizing in the rousing, gospel-driven “Y’all Got It!,” exuberantly embodies the eccentric, intimidating titular role accented by clever shades of Bob Fosse and James Brown. The cast also features Shaun Diggs as the Gatekeeper, Erin Waldon as Aunt Em, Nabachwa Ssensalo as the Kalidah Queen, Maegan Lopez as Lord High Underling, and the cutely cohesive Yellow Brick Road comprised of André Tomlinson, Bryana Bentley, Greyson Calvert, and Rebecca Henry.

In addition, choreographer Rodney Veal expertly creates flavorfully retro routines with contemporary flourishes. The uplifting, liberating “Everybody Rejoice” is a lively, toe-tapping standout, but the terrific inclusions of Stivers School for the Arts dancers as the Tornado, Poppies and Winged Monkeys and the South Dayton Dance Theatre troupe as the Emerald City Dancers are added benefits. Music director David McKibben, scenic designer Terry Stump’s scaffolding set, Gina Neuerer’s vibrant lighting design, and Dr. Kenneth Kohlenberg’s excellent 17-piece orchestra are also noteworthy elements of this truly entertaining showcase. From now until Saturday consider Sinclair your prime ticket to Funkytown.

“The Wiz” continues through Oct. 17 in Blair Hall Theatre of Sinclair Community College, Building 2, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Act One: 80 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors with the exception of the special Throwback Thursday performance (which will be American Sign Language interpreted) when all seats cost $10. For tickets or more information, call Sinclair Box Office at (937) 512-2808 or visit www.sinclair.edu/tickets.

Big Lens Fest Festival Debuts New Cinema

October 15, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Wright State University’s award-winning film program is hosting the Big Lens Film Festival at the Dayton Art Institute, on Friday October 16th at 7pm.

Films from the Wright State program have been nominated for Student Academy Awards, Student Emmy’s and have premiered at top film festivals, including Sundance.

DATV Named Best in Midwest!

October 14, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

DATV has been named the winner of the Philo T. Farnsworth Video Award for Overall Excellence in Public Access Programming, presented by the Central States Region of the Alliance For Community Media.

“Winning a Philo Award is a great accomplishment for both the organization and community producers. Congratulations to all the winners,” said Steve Ross, DATV Executive Director.

The award recognizes the quality and variety of programming seen on DATV during the past year. Through the efforts of DATV members and staff there were over 1,400 new programs produced.

The award will be presented at a ceremony on October 23rd in Richmond, Indiana. The Central States Region is made up of access centers in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Kentucky.

“The Funk Chronicles” produced by DATV member David Webb and directed by DATV Executive Director Steve Ross was also honored in the category of Best Series Program. The show is hosted by former Dayton radio personality Dr. John “Turk” Logan with production assistance and audio operator George Gee.

The program highlights funk music in Dayton and around the nation as is a catalyst for the effort to establish a Funk Music Hall of Fame in Dayton.

DATV also received a Philo Award for its website www.datv.org created by DATV Marketing Director Dan Suffoletto and for a station ID also created by Dan.

New York Shorts Come To Yellow Springs

October 13, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Local filmmaker and writer Holly Hudson is producing the local screening of the NYC-based traveling short film show – the 34th Asbury Short Film Concert at the Little Art Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 15th. The Speaking Suns will play an acoustic opening set before the screenings begin. Asbury is a non-competitive traveling film show featuring award winning shorts from the past few years with the mission to keep short films alive in the theaters. This screening will also feature shorts by Columbus based, award winning short filmmaker, Mitchell Rose.

Founded in 1980, The Asbury Film Festival originally took place annually in a church basement, near Asbury Avenue in Westbury. Guest hosts included local radio personalities and programs combined metro area college films with a few indie shorts coming in from out of town festivals.

In 1987 The Asbury “Festival” changed the format and entertainment focus changed drastically. The show is now like a trip to the best film festivals in the world where you sample the elite of the short film genre but without competition and added live entertainment!

Academy Award nominated director Jason Reitman (JUNO, Up in the Air, Thank You for Smoking, Young Adult) calls Asbury Shorts: “The best short film show I’ve ever seen.” The fast-paced highly entertaining screening features the best in live action comedy, drama and outstanding animation.

Asbury is celebrating thirty-one years of screening the world’s most popular short films at tour stops across the US and Europe! Some of the film you’ll see include:

The Tailor, Dir. Gordon Grinberg
Death Taxes and Apple Juice
The Quality of Mercy, Dir. Stephen Marro
Globe Trot, Dir. Mitchell Rose
ASAD
Tickets cost $8 and can be purchased online and at the box office the night of the event if not previously sold out online. The Little Art is located at 247 Xenia Avenue in Yellow Springs, Ohio. For any further information please call: 937-767-7671.

‘Pippin’ Review – Victoria Theatre Association – All the Right Moves

October 8, 2015 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Exhilarating acrobatics and fantastic choreography catapults the outstanding national tour of “Pippin” to marvelously magical heights at the Schuster Center as the launch of the Victoria Theatre Association’s 2015-2016 Premier Health Broadway Series.

The cast of the national tour of “Pippin” (Photo by Terry Shapiro)

Based on its 2013 Tony Award-winning Broadway revival and originally staged and choreographed by the legendary Bob Fosse in 1972, “Pippin,” featuring a book by Roger O. Hirson and score by Stephen Schwartz, tells a humorous and fanciful tale of the titular son of Charlemagne. Following college graduation he boldly pursues a quest for absolute fulfillment. However, his complicated yet committed soul-searching gets the best of him as he battles war, the flesh, revolution, politics, and domestication. Even so, he’s faithfully guided by the captivating and mysterious Leading Player fervently reminding him of his purpose while keeping the audience amused and occasionally diverted with sardonic glee.

Hirson’s cynical edge (which Fosse would effectively use as a model three years later when co-writing the libretto for “Chicago” with Fred Ebb) and Schwartz’s radiant score have always been a strong match, but director Diane Paulus, who rightfully won the Tony for this staging, resurrects the material anew with a brilliantly inspired circus concept. Truly adhering to the enticing lyrics driving the groovy opening number “Magic to Do,” Paulus, with tremendous assistance from Montreal’s Les 7 doigts de la main troupe co-founded by Gypsy Snider, heightens the action with an assortment of thrilling, death-defying routines. Having cast members perform various acts of magic and athleticism not only speaks to the fun and danger of life in general but fittingly reflects the evolution of Pippin’s eye-opening journey as he simultaneously matures as a man and, particularly in the eyes of the audience, entertainer.

The uniformly terrific cast is blessed with first-rate principals. As the beguilingly suave Leading Player, Gabrielle McClinton, a knockout triple threat, crisply commands with intuitiveness, sass and ferocity, specifically filling “On the Right Track” with a soulful pop vibe. Amiable Brian Flores, freshly graduated from the University of Michigan, conveys a charmingly boyish sensibility in the titular role while bringing introspective joy to such songs as “Corner of the Sky,” “With You” and “Morning Glow.” John Rubenstein, the original Pippin and a Tony winner for “Children of a Lesser God,” effortlessly embodies the kooky Charles the Great (Charlemagne) with spirited humor and deftly imposing resonance. Priscilla Lopez, the original Diana in “A Chorus Line” and a Tony winner for “A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine,” absolutely enchants as Pippin’s delightfully earthy grandma Berthe in the “No Time at All” sequence spotlighting her fascinatingly flexible trapeze act. As Pippin’s conniving stepmother Fastrada, the elegant, statuesque Sabrina Harper dazzles in “Spread a Little Sunshine” complete with eye-popping costume changes resulting in a scintillating red dress and dance number recalling “The Music and the Mirror” from “A Chorus Line.” Handsome Erik Altemus enjoyably reprises his Broadway portrayal of Pippin’s vain, treacherous brother Lewis. The attractively earnest Bradley Benjamin warmly interprets the comical, sensitive widow Catherine, notably joining Flores late in Act 2 for a gorgeous, ‘70s folk-acoustic rendition of “Love Song.” Jake Berman humorously startles as Catherine’s persnickety son Theo.

In addition, Fosse’s choreography, specifically his iconic “Manson Trio” routine in the “Glory” sequence sparkling with the mesmerizing slinkiness of McClinton and two ensemble Players, is superbly authenticated in his definitive style by Tony nominee Chet Walker. The exemplary, Tony-nominated circus locale/design is courtesy of scenic designer Scott Pask, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, and costumer Dominique Lemieux. Musical director Ryan Cantwell leads a vibrant, top-notch orchestra.
From start to finish this “Pippin” excels to the hilt. Get your tickets!

“Pippin” continues through Oct. 11 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 pm. The production is performed in 2 hours and 35 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $25-$92. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Dayton Ballet Presents the Classic Cinderella

October 6, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Say “Cinderella,” and what word comes to mind? Romance? Intrigue? Love? Humor? How could it not? Just look at the list of characters in the cast: a harassed serving girl, a wicked stepmother, two evil stepsisters, a fairy godmother, four fairies, 12 prince’s courtiers, four mice, four attendants, a beautiful princess, and, of course, a handsome prince.
This October, Dayton Ballet opens with the first of three full-length story ballets for its 2015-2016 Ascend Season. Dayton Ballet Artistic Director Karen Russo Burke’s spectacular Cinderella returns to the Victoria Theatre, featuring the wonderful music of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev.

Prokofiev began work on Cinderella in 1940 but did not complete the score until 1945, having had other obligations during World War II that kept him from this piece. Prokofiev said about the beloved protagonist, “I see Cinderella not only as a fairy-tale character, but also as a real person, feeling, experiencing, moving among us.” (101 Stories of the Great Ballets by George Balanchine and Francis Moon) And his beautiful music has inspired the most acclaimed of choreographers to bring the fairy-tale character to life on stage, perhaps as Prokofiev himself envisioned her. Since 1945, Cinderella has become one of the most popular and most widely performed classical ballets with ballet companies worldwide.
Artistic Director Karen Russo Burke originally choreographed this production in 2013, with all the intrigue, love and humor one would expect from one of the world’s most iconic rags-to-riches love stories. Dayton Ballet brings this wildly popular story ballet back to the stage, complete with gorgeous, colorful costumes by Lowell Mathwich and the whimsical set designs of Ray Zupp.
Add to this staging the melodic music of master Sergei Prokofiev, danced with the outstanding expertise of Dayton Ballet, and another word might just come to mind when we say “Cinderella”—magic.

On Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 pm; Friday, October 23 at 8 pm; Saturday, October 24 at 8 pm; and Sunday, October 25 at 3 pm in the Victoria Theatre, the Dayton Ballet is thrilled to present Cinderella, the first ballet of the 2015–2016 Ascend Season. The Thursday evening performance of Cinderella includes a Pizza Prelude from Uno’s Pizzeria to be served in the Victoria lobby beginning at 7 pm.
The Dayton Ballet Barre will host a Cinderella Tea at Boston Stoker, 34 W. Second Street, across the street from the Schuster Center, on Sunday, October 25 from 1:30 pm-2:30 pm, before the matinee performance. A story, a dance lesson, and a snack will make for a delightful afternoon before attending the performance. Cinderella and her handsome Prince Charming will make an appearance for magical photo opportunities. Tickets for the Cinderella Tea are $10 for adults and children and are sold separately from the performance. Tickets can be purchased by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630.

Before each performance, Ms. Burke will hold a pre-performance talk called “The First Step,” giving audience members a more in-depth look at the upcoming performance and a behind-the-scenes peek at Dayton Ballet. “The First Step” will be held 45 minutes prior to curtain time for each performance in the Burnell Roberts Room at 126 North Main Street, beside the Victoria Theatre. “Behind the Ballet,” a Q&A with dancers that gives audiences the opportunity to learn more about the life of a dancer with Dayton Ballet, will follow each performance in the theatre. “The First Step” and “Behind the Ballet” sessions are free of charge for all ticketholders.

Tickets for Cinderella are $21 to $72 and are available at Ticket Center Stage (937) 228-3630 or online at www.daytonperformingarts.org. Senior, teacher and student discounts available at box office. For more information or to order subscriptions, including flexible subscription types that include performances by Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet, visit www.daytonperformingarts.org.

‘The Columnist’ Review – Dayton Theatre Guild – Power and Secrecy Inside the Beltway

October 5, 2015 By Russell Florence, Jr.

The intriguing double life of prominent Republican syndicated columnist Joseph Alsop (1910-1989) provides the thought-provoking basis for David Auburn’s engrossing 2012 drama “The Columnist,” currently receiving an excellent local premiere at the Dayton Theatre Guild.

The cast of Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of “The Columnist” includes back row (left to right) Alexa Storar, Rick Flynn, Dakota Dulco, Jenna Gomes; Front row: David Shough, Wendi Michael, (Not pictured: Chris Petree and Ryan Shannon). (Contributed photo)

As he ascended in fame and influence in Washington, D.C. from the 1940s through the late 1960s, Joe hid his sexuality, a fact Auburn frankly details at the outset which depicts the legendary writer awakening from a tryst with a handsome tour guide in a Moscow hotel circa 1954. Afterward Joe is busted by the K.G.B, but his closeted identity looms within the entire proceedings, based on real events and predominately taking place in his posh Georgetown residence (attractively designed by Les Dersham) during the hopeful and ultimately tumultuous 1960s. Joe’s fascinating complexity (he particularly entered a marriage of convenience) bolstered by his fervent support of the Vietnam War certainly stirs emotions within this insightful character study. Even so, Auburn, best known as the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “Proof,” astutely dissects Joe’s political views, especially foreign policy concerns, to balance the storytelling with intellectual bite. One of the most interesting facets of Joe’s conservative playbook rests in his peculiar distaste for Dwight Eisenhower and great affection for Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. In fact, Kennedy’s assassination proves pivotal here implying how persuasive Joe, who prided himself on promoting Lyndon Johnson as a vice presidential pick, would have been during Kennedy’s second term as matters at home (civil rights) and abroad (Vietnam) escalated.

Director Doug Lloyd’s cast is superbly led by David Shough, whose outstanding Guild staging of “Outside Mullingar” two months ago is still the talk of the town. The effortless Shough, tailor-made for the role, marvelously inhabits Joe as a combative, prickly, slick, vain, stodgy, and wounded quandary. Even when Auburn’s script becomes a bit heavy-handed late in Act 2 when Joe has a blast from the past, Shough avoids overkill and sustains credibility. Wendi Michael, beautifully costumed in period attire by Carol Finley, brings tenderness and fitting agitation to her portrayal of Susan Mary Alsop, Joe’s loving yet insecure wife particularly in charge of hostess duties. Rick Flynn, in one of his finest performances, is equally impactful as Joe’s younger brother Stewart who shared a column with him in their early days. Dakota Duclo, charming with a tinge of cunning ambition and dubiousness, delicately embodies Russian informant Andrei. Jenna Gomes, very strong as Susan Mary’s daughter and future hippie Abigail, and Chris Petree as pushy New York Times reporter David Halberstam also contribute to the production’s appeal along with Alexa Storar as Young Abigail and Ryan Shannon as Philip.
It helps to have some affinity for politics and American history when viewing “The Columnist,” but its age-old themes of power and secrecy thoroughly resonates to the fullest.

“The Columnist” continues through Oct. 18 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Performances are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. The play is performed in 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $13 for students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org