Marva M.B. Williams in Intimate Apparel (Photo by Patti Celek)
Sinclair Community College supplies an absorbing local premiere of Lynn Nottage’s poignant 2003 drama “Intimate Apparel,” the heartwarming and heartbreaking account of African-American seamstress Esther Mills set in and around a Lower Manhattan boarding house circa 1905.
Delicately directed by Sinclair and Wright State University alumnus Monica L. Williams, “Intimate Apparel,” refreshingly grounded as a melting pot of diverse cultures and personalities, is firmly led by Marva M.B. Williams, a standout in the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “Gem of the Ocean” last season. Williams brings grace, humility and ample naiveté to her commendable portrayal of Esther, a God-fearing, 35-year-old spinster defying the odds of her race and status by making a comfortable living designing and sewing garments for the upper and lower classes. As the illiterate yet talented Esther, a true survivor and descendant of slaves, becomes enamored by the letters she receives from the exotic George (an admirable Tray Shelton sustaining a thick Barbadian accent) and ultimately marries him with alarming consequences, Williams strikes an emotional chord that lingers long after the final bows. In fact, when Esther’s world comes crashing down thanks to the candor of sassy prostitute Mayme (a playful Sade Oyeyemi), Williams transforms Nottage’s rich text into poetry. Toward the conclusion she also wonderfully conveys Esther’s undeniable hurt of having been enticed by lies and to have married a stranger only to become a stranger to herself.
The marvelously earthy Catherine A. Collins, who appeared in Sinclair’s terrific 2006 production of “Flyin’ West” also directed by Williams, absolutely shines as meddlesome boarding house proprietress Mrs. Dickson, who takes Esther under her wing as is she were her mother. Collins particularly captivates when Mrs. Dickson discusses the intimacies of marriage. Kevin Erman is equally impressive in a quieter fashion as the kindly Mr. Marks, a Jewish merchant attracted to Esther but afraid to make his feelings known. Katie Beyoglides, in her stage debut, has the potential to take her portrayal of conflicted socialite Mrs. Van Buren to great depths, but oddly stops short, especially when divulging a pivotal revelation immersed in juicy drama. Even so, she ensures her character is a credible confidant throughout.
Guest scenic designer Chris Harmon supplies a striking, multileveled set proficiently lit by Dan Brunk. Kathleen Hotmer supplies lovely period costumes. Jennifer Kramer’s properties, Gina Neurer’s projection design and Kate Joss Glasheen’s dialect coaching are also noteworthy.
“Intimate Apparel” intriguingly looks back at a time when strong African-American women were bound by limitations and a narrow sense of purpose. Thankfully, they can hold their heads high today as equal and worthy without fear of leaving an unidentified legacy.
“Intimate Apparel” continues through Feb. 10 in Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, of Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. Performances are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 50 minutes; Act Two: 40 minutes. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. For tickets or more information, visit online.
Guest artists LaFrae Sci from Jazz at Lincoln Center and Jakari Sherman from Step Afrika are in town this final week, working with performers to sharpen skills and affirm the four-week residency commitment by 75 or so young artists. Kent Brooks, director of the Gospel choir at Wittenberg University, has prepared the singers for the project. He will also play the piano for selected dances during the performance. Erica Harvey of Stivers School for the Arts and David O’Connell of Centerville High School have led an outstanding group of teen musicians in preparation for Ms. Sci’s arrival. Jordan Daughtery of DCDC 2 has set Mr. Sherman’s choreography with the Edison students.
On Friday, February 1, the savvy, witty graphic novels of the present day collide – onstage! – with the bombastic camp of 1930’s radio serials as the Victoria Theatre Association presents 
Featured and praised on Conan and NPR’s All Things Considered (indeed, Dayton’s NPR affiliate, WYSO 91.3 FM, is sponsoring this performance), as well as in the Wall Street Journal and American Theatre Magazine, people are often not sure what to expect when confronted by The Intergalactic Nemesis, but two years of national touring, rave reviews, and the creation of a new sequel in response to popular demand…well, they all speak for themselves. Nemesis is a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that will bring out the kid in you. Older audience members will enjoy the warm, nostalgic throwback to a time when entertainment was simpler and more was left to the imagination. Younger attendees will love the boundless energy, the over-the-top energy comedy (including some truly hysterical death scenes), and recapturing that childhood thrill they felt the first time they saw Indiana Jones outrun a boulder, the Goonies discover The Inferno, or the Ghosbusters face Gozer as life, love, and the future hung in the balance.
The Dayton Theatre Guild
The Importance of Being Earnest
Beavercreek Community Theatre
The Dixie Swim Club
On Thursday, February 7 through Sunday, February 10 at 8 p.m. in the
Choreographer Lula Elzy’s graceful, energetic routines authentically reflect the era and the carefree spirit of the West. The exuberantly perky “I Can’t Be Bothered Now,” the lovely “Shall We Dance,” the ensemble-heavy “Slap That Bass” and “Stiff Upper Lip,” and the hoedown-inspired thrills in “I Got Rhythm” (winningly led by Snyder at the close of Act 1) are just some of the highlights of Elzy’s wonderful contributions. Musical director Timothy Olt, astutely incorporating a snippet of “Rhapsody in Blue” when the action briefly returns to the hustle and bustle of New York, leads an excellent orchestra.
Ghosts