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Let’s face it, CHICAGO is a mainstay of Broadway shows… and TheatreLab Dayton is bringing you the CHICAGO you are hoping for. Punchy, funny, poignant, and true to the script….they are giving you the energy you need! Giving us a minute of their time, Mackensie King (Director) and Abby Kress (Roxie) sat down to talk about the upcoming stage staple.
937: Hi ladies, thank you for taking some time with us. I can tell you, from the outset, I love CHICAGO, but in its intended form, not the contemporary, less showy versions. I understand; you’re intentionally bringing it back to the Chicago we love. How did all of this come to pass?
MK: We really wanted to embrace the vaudeville spirit at the heart of the show. It plays with the classic ‘show within a show’ trope, and we’re intentionally breaking the fourth wall to invite the audience right into the fantasy unfolding on stage. The script itself has plenty of humor, but this cast has taken it to another level — they’re truly leaning into the comedy and delivering some big, belly laughs. And then there’s the choreography: Gage Wayne has created some absolutely stunning numbers. I think audiences will be tapping their feet and wishing they could jump up there and join in.
AK: This is a beloved musical by many so I hope audiences walk out having that classic Chicago itch scratched. I also hope they can identify the similarities this heightened, vaudevillian world has with the current political and social scenes we experience today.
937: Abby, I know Roxie is a beloved and coveted role….how are you feeling about it? And congratulations to you!
AK: Roxie is a dream role to take on, and challenging for sure. Physically of course, as the entire show is driven by song and dance numbers. Unlike other leading ladies, Roxie’s redeeming qualities are not heavily apparent in the script, that’s Chicago! As an actor, this poses another challenge to justify her choices throughout the show in order to deliver an authentic performance in the heightened world we’ve created.
937: Awesome….so ecited to see it. With that in mind, Mackensie, this season for TheatreLab has been interesting. How does CHICAGO fall into the theme?
MK: Reflecting on this season, one theme shines through: the powerful act of reclaiming one’s story. Chicago slots seamlessly into that narrative—giving center stage to women who not only find their voices but boldly rewrite the script. I’m always drawn to stories led by deeply flawed, complex characters. They invite us to see the world through their lens, challenging our assumptions and stirring empathy. Because really—who among us is perfect?
937: You have elevated those stories for sure this season. LIZZIE, FULL MONTY….people making their place in the world!! Ladies, what are you hoping people leave that theater feeling, or thinking?
AK: This show has a beautiful combination of TheatreLab veterans and fresh new faces! This cast is dynamic, talented, and so eager to entertain you. Chicago is the 2nd longest running show on Broadway, gripping audiences for over 25 years for a good reason. We are so excited to put a Dayton touch on a renowned favorite!
MK: She’s right….and beyond that, Now more than ever, we’re seeing just how much media — and our level of media literacy — shapes the way we view the world. With this piece, I really wanted to remind people that things aren’t always what they seem. Just because something is beautifully worded doesn’t mean it’s truthful. Art has always been one of the most powerful mirrors of our time, and I think it’s essential to dig deeper and find meaning, even in the material we think we already know.
937: Wow….what a great way to wrap this all together. Break many legs, and best to all of you! For more details:
https://www.simpletix.com/e/chicago-tickets-214975
The show runs
- June 26 – 29, 2025.
- The Beautiful Northmont Community Auditorium, 4916 National RoadClayton, Ohio 45315
Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy has been reimagined for a modern age in Dayton’s most thrilling venue, The Roger Glass Center for the Arts. The Gem City Groundlings, Dayton’s premier Shakespeare company, is proud to present a riveting new production of 
Tickets:
The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is presenting their Pride Concert titled, “The Power of Love!” The June concert is always important because it is the DGMC’s way to show excitement and appreciation of Pride Month. The DGMC felt it would be important to focus on “The Power of Love” to push back against some of the negativity that has unfortunately become so strong in our country and world.
Don’t miss the show, which features favorites like “Love Shack,” “Defying Gravity,” and “Wannabe” as well as some lesser known pieces that are sure to get an emotional response from the crowd. See you at the Glass!
You may have noticed many businesses and organizations are taking a breather while NATO has its big meeting here in the Gem City. One of Dayton’s most prolific groups, The Rubi Girls, is looking forward to meeting the international folks as they perform Friday Night at MJ’s Cafe on Jefferson. We caught up with the group’s Executive Director, Dana Sintell, to get the scoop!
DS: We are helping the Dayton Pride Committee and the RubiGirls Scholarship Fund. 2 amazing organizations!
Few musicals have humor, heart, and happiness wrapped in music that is catchy and memorable….one of those is David Yazbek and Terrence McNally’s ‘Full Monty!’ With a lot of love in tow, the show is filled with surprises and uplifting human resilience. TheatreLab Dayton‘s version is quite timely. T
Probably the moment that will provide the sweetest of reactions will be Aaron Hill‘s heart-tugging ‘You Walk with Me’….kleenex worthy! Josh Stucky, once again playing a woman, adds levity to the tale with ‘Jeanette’s ShowBiz Number.‘ And of course, the boys bring it home with the giddy ending ‘Let it Go!’
Another rainy day is in store this Sunday, April 6. It’s time to get out of the house!!! 
Although Drennen’s hit show took place in NYC, he is committed to his hometown, and looks forward to having some fun this weekend!
Throughout the event, the hosts will be giving away tickets and discounts to the show are available.
937: It sounds stunning. All the success to you and the gang at Beavercreek Community Theatre! BRAVO! OH! How do we go?
A Distinct Society, by Kareem Fahmy begins in the tranquil hush of a library that straddles the U.S. – Canada border, where life is about to change. Much the same could be said for Cooper Schairbaum, the youngest in the cast who is receiving rave reviews for his performance in the show. Schairbaum plays Declan Sheehan in the play directed by Brant Russell at the Human Race Theatre Company.
The best part of any job is getting to meet new people! I was so excited to get to learn about the director of 
RG: Yes. We definitely need this kind of show to laugh at, and also to make us think. Especially in a time where there are many people that are upset and scared with everything going on in this country, and the world. It’s not the best of times, but this show can help you take a moment and relax. You’ll laugh a lot, maybe even shed a tear or two. Underneath all of the adult, sometimes crude humor, this is a show with heart.
937: Thank you so much, again. I know, I know folks, cue jingle…. ‘Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to Avenue Q?’ Details Below. Break a leg DPH….wait do puppets have legs?
The podcast, which is available on Spotify, iHeart, Apple and Amazon, has gained in popularity over the last few months and is now coming out with new episodes weekly. The podcast also has a video component when viewed on YouTube. ‘DDQ’ is hosted by Joshua Stucky and Philip Drennen and is filmed at the Mitosis Studio on Jefferson in downtown Dayton.
TheatreLab is coming off of their community acclaimed ‘Lizzie,’ and switching gears with ‘Not Another Thanksgiving Play’….a sort of rom-com with honest, heartfelt themes. I was so fortunate to get to sit down with Philip Drennen, who has returned from NYC to direct the show at the TheatreLab Dayton Space. 
PD: A big takeaway from NATP is that family is important and can look different for everyone. For some it’s mom and dad, for others it’s the chosen family we find at work, in school, or through a gaming club. And true happiness comes when we are true to ourselves. It might sound cheesy, but that’s what the holidays are all about!
November 21st – 7:30pm.
Hurried…anxiety driven…and commanding, ‘Lizzie’ now playing at Mudlick Tavern’s Second Floor, has thrust TheatreLab back in the spotlight! DDN’s Russell Florence put it best…‘a wonderfully raw, vocally-impressive spooky season production…’ The show is directed by Mackensie King, and I had the pleasure of interviewing her about the show’s high praise!!
For the Beloved Human Race Theatre, what could be more fun than a little October mystery…and this time it’s not Mr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes…it’s Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson! KATE HAMILL’S MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B has been wowing Daytonians for a week now, and a few performances remain.
