On Stage Dayton

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: March 14-18

March 14, 2012 By Rob Bucher Leave a Comment

…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

NIXON’S NIXON

Middletown Lyric Theatre

The Story: It is the night before President Nixon is to announce his resignation, and he has summoned Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to the Lincoln Sitting Room. Kissinger arrives, expecting to find his President preparing to resign but Nixon leads his Secretary of State on a journey through the high moments of his administration and Nixon’s past. The journey borders on the surreal as Nixon pressures Kissinger into reenacting crucial scenes. Meanwhile, Kissinger is subtly working to convince Nixon to step down so that he can pursue his geopolitical goals—and his own quest for historical glory—unencumbered by a weakened President.
The Dates: March 15-17, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Middletown Lyric Theatre | BTC listing

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Rivertown Players Inc.

The Story: Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the restless years following World War Two A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE is the story of Blanche DuBois, a weak and disturbed woman on a desperate prowl for someplace in the world to call her own. After losing their ancestral home, Belle Reve, Blanche shows up at the doorstep of her sister, Stella. However, Blanche’s snobbery wins her the instant dislike of Stella’s husband, Stanley. Stanley becomes enraged when Blanche hits it off with Stanley’s friend, Mitch.
The Dates: March 15-17, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Rivertown Players | BTC listing

…NEW THIS WEEK

TIGERS BE STILL

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: “This is the story of how I stopped being a total disaster,” announces the heroine of this darkly funny and moving new comedy. Having recently earned her master’s degree, Sherry Wickman finds herself still living at home with a mother who won’t come downstairs and a depressed but smart-alecky sister. Follow Sherry’s quirky misadventures as she lands her first job and tackles her two biggest challenges … getting her mother out of bed and her sister off the couch.
The Dates: March 17-April 15, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

TIME STANDS STILL

Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: This explosive new drama examines the relationship between headstrong Sarah, a star photojournalist, and James, a foreign correspondent, who were once addicted to the adrenaline of documenting the realities of war and are now grounded in their Brooklyn loft. Now, James writes online movie reviews while Sarah recovers from being injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq, itching to get back behind the camera. But, when their own story takes a sudden turn, the adventurous couple confronts the prospect of a more conventional life…and everything changes-in a flash.
The Dates: March 14-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

…CONTINUING

Mariemont Players Inc.

COLE

The Story: Follows Cole Porter’s life – from Yale to Paris to Manhattan to Broadway to Hollywood. This delightful musical tribute to the King of Musicals includes such hit tunes as I Love Paris, Take Me Back to Manhattan, “Love for Sale, Night and Day, and I Get a Kick Out of You.
The Dates: March 9-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mariemont Players Inc | BTC listing

The cast of MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Stephen Sondheim’s remarkable Broadway fable of friendship and the high price of success opens in the present and moves backward in time. The triumphs and failures of a jaded composer and his two closest friends are traced from their estranged ending to their idealistic beginning. Directed by John Doyle, who led Playhouse’s Tony Award-winning production of COMPANY, the performers in this highly anticipated revival will play all of the instruments as they act and sing in one of Sondheim’s most melodic scores. Ages 13 and up.
The Dates: March 3-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC Listing

: Burgess Byrd as Clairee Belcher & Christine Dye as Ouiser Boudreaux in CCPA’s STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

The Story: Welcome to Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few revealing verbal collisions, the play invokes knowing laughter and certain tears when the spunky Shelby risks her life for a child of her own. The realization of mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love – in these uniquely American women.
The Dates: March 8-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Landmark Productions | BTC listing

…ENDING THIS WEEK

THE DINING ROOM

Lebanon Theatre Company

The Story: A mosaic of interrelated scenes—some funny, some touching, some rueful—which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species of the upper-middle-class. The Dates: March 9-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Lebanon Theatre Company| BTC listing

THE PRODUCERS

Loveland Stage Company

The Story: A fading producer, Max Bialystock, convinces accountant Leo Bloom to partner with him in producing a guaranteed flop and then running off with the money they’ve raised. “Springtime for Hitler” couldn’t possibly be a hit, right?
The Dates: March 9-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Loveland Stage Company | BTC listing

Jane Austen’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: When a lack of luck makes for difficult marriage prospects, the Dashwood sisters set sail on the volatile seas of courtship. The sisters soon discover that neither reserved Elinor’s common sense nor impulsive Marianne’s passion offer the key to happiness. Scandalous secrets, burning betrayals, and suave (and some not-so-suave) suitors line the path to true love in this fresh adaptation.
The Dates: Through March 18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC listing

…COMING SOON

ALMOST, MAINE

Xavier University Players

The Dates: March 22-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Xavier University Players | BTC listing

CRYSTAL CLEAR DEATH

P.L.O.T.T. Performers

The Dates: March 23-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: P.L.O.T.T. Performers | BTC listing

GUYS AND DOLLS

Rotary Presents

The Dates: March 22-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Rotary Presents | BTC listing

OUR COUNTRY’S GOOD

Northern Kentucky Univeristy

The Dates: March 22-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Northern Kentucky University | BTC listing

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES

Brieabi Productions

The Dates: March 23-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Brieabi Productions | BTC listing

RAPUNZEL! RAPUNZEL! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

The Dates: March 23-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean Coming to The Loft Theatre

March 13, 2012 By 1 Comment

The New York Times called the late August Wilson “Theatre’s poet of black America,” and Gem of the Ocean is a fine example of why the accolade is richly deserved.

Wilson’s fame centers around his “Pittsburgh Cycle,” ten plays about the neighborhood where he grew up, each set in a different decade of the 1900s. Gem covers the first decade, set in The Hill District in 1904, although it was the next to last of the series written. The play revolves around Aunt Ester, the 285-year old matriarch who was brought to America on the slave ship in the title and who serves as the community’s advisor and moral guide.

The production by The Human Race, Dayton’s own professional theatre company, is directed by Mark Clayton Southers, Artistic Director of the theatre at the August Wilson center in Pittsburgh. Southers grew up in and still lives in The Hill, and recognizes many of the characters from real life. “I think there are Aunt Esters in every family,” says Southers. “They pass down recipes and oral history. African-American history relies heavily on the oral tradition.”

Southers say that while the setting is in an African-American community at a time when slavery was a very real memory, Gem, like all Wilson works, crosses cultural lines, “White audience members get to be a fly on the wall, hearing stories they typically don’t hear.”

The Human Race will present a special opportunity to learn more about Wilson and his work at a symposium at 1pm Saturday, March 31. The panel of the symposium, moderated by David Greer, includes Southers; Sala Udin, a Wilson childhood friend and actor in his early plays; Christopher Rawson, Pittsburgh theatre critic and professor and author of a book on Wilson; and Charles Holmond, who teaches a course on Wilson at Earlham College.

Southers has gathered a cast of local favorites and talented guest artists for Gem of the Ocean. Dwandra Nickole, who had a long New York career before joining the faculty at Ball State University, plays Aunt Ester. Jonathan Berry (Citizen Barlow) and Kevin Brown (Eli) have extensive experience in Pittsburgh productions of Wilson’s works.

Two Human Race Resident Artists are featured – Alan Bomar Jones as Solly Two Kings and Scott Stoney as a Rutherford Selig. Other locals in the cast are Dayton native Bryant Bentley (Caesar Wilks) and Marva M.B. Williams (Black Mary), who was in The Human Race in-school tour show, Change, last fall.

The set for Gem of the Ocean is designed by Dick Block, costumes by Colleen Alexis Metzger, lighting by Resident Artist John Rensel, and sound by Rich Dionne. Kay Carver is the Production Stage Manager.

Gem of the Ocean has a preview night March 29, with official opening March 30 and performances through April 15.

Gem of the Ocean and the August Wilson Symposium will both be in the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. Tickets are available via www.humanracetheatre.org , by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, or at the Schuster Center box office.

Regional Theatre Review Roundup – March 2012

March 10, 2012 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

CHILDREN OF EDEN

Playhouse South’s purposeful, engaging, vocally strong presentation of composer Stephen Schwartz and librettist John Caird’s 1991 biblical musical “Children of Eden” clearly ranks among the organization’s finest productions.
Staged with minimalist cohesiveness by Carrie Thurston and based on a concept by Charles Lisanby, “Children of Eden” puts a family-oriented, contemporary spin on the familiar tales of creation (Act 1) and the great flood (Act 2) from the Book of Genesis. The parent/child-themed Act 1 is more engrossing than Act 2 due to the emotional value of Adam and Eve’s journey from bliss to banishment, but there is potency throughout, especially in the parallels of brotherly strife (Cain vs. Abel / Japeth vs. Ham) and the struggle God (named Father) undergoes while coping with the generational disobedience of His children.

Meaningful portrayals are offered by full-throttle tenor Sean Hurley as Father, Muse Machine alum Jacob McGlaun as Adam/Noah, Natalie Sanders as Eve/Mama, Bobby Mitchum as Snake/Cain/Japeth, David Stephen Thomas as Abel/Ham, Mackensie Vonderbrink as Yonah, and Jamal Cann as Seth/Shem. McGlaun, a wonderfully practical and sensitive Adam/Noah, has an appealing chemistry with the effectively inquisitive Sanders, a knockout vocalist. In fact, Sanders’ renditions of “The Spark of Creation” and the gospel-centric “Ain’t it Good” are among the best I have heard. I’m surprised “Ain’t it Good,” vigorously heightened by an uncredited pianist in conductor Brett Greenwood’s fine orchestra, does not receive a brief encore due to its nearly show-stopping magnitude. The ever-reliable Mitchum also hits the mark with pleasant versions of “The Pursuit of Excellence” (a highlight among choreographer Davy Folger’s routines), “Lost in the Wilderness,” and “In Whatever Time We Have” (opposite Vonderbrink).
The cast also includes Laura Bloomingdale, Alli Brown, Jess Evans, Tamar Fishbein, Jessica Freesen, Sherry Fox, Bobby Gray, Pauline Humbert, Leah Kushmaul, Kaylei Lowe, Ria Megnin, Brett Norgaard, Jordan Norgaard, Bethany Scearce, Bradley Scearce, TC Schrier, Victoria Tuccillo, Hailey Walters and Ashley York.
“Children of Eden” ends tonight. Catch it if you can.

“Children of Eden” concludes March 10 at 8 p.m. at the Clark Haines Theatre (Kettering Board of Education building), 3700 Far Hills Ave., Kettering. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $7-$12. For tickets or more information, call (888) 262-3792 or visit www.playhousesouth.org.

THE BIG PICTURE

Dayton continues to be a hotbed for burgeoning musicals, but no one ever said the process was easy. The most recent example is lyricist-librettist David Brush and composer Jim Farley’s “The Big Picture,” originally workshopped in 2004 and currently receiving its world premiere at Beavercreek Community Theatre.
Set in 1962 Pine Springs, Illinois with flashbacks to 1942, “The Big Picture” centers on college student Billy Carson (Brian Kester), who returns home for the summer seeking answers about his long-lost father Jack (Michael Shannon). However, questions arise when Billy’s agitated mother Maggie (Pam McGinnis) refuses to reveal the past, particularly Jack’s history as a B-movie screenwriter/director. Family drama aside, romantic subplots emerge in the form of Billy’s affection for his high school crush Ellie Patterson (Angela Umstead) and Maggie’s topsy-turvy relationship with her amiable suitor Charlie (Shawn Hooks).

Brush and Farley attempt to create a poignant small town coming-of-age tale, but their foundation lacks cohesion, balance and depth. Jack and Maggie’s USO courtship is stagnant (more flashbacks would be beneficial). Billy and Ellie’s bond is awkwardly underdeveloped. Billy’s best friend Sam Morris (Eric Bracht) serves as comic relief, but is basically an annoying distraction. Further, the score, containing shades of Big Band, is merely serviceable than impactful (Act 2 ballad “What A Little Moonlight Can Do” is the strongest of 20 songs). Perhaps if the bulk of the score was cemented to the era a la “Hairspray,” also set in 1962, the show would have considerable flavor.

Artistically, director Doug Lloyd’s cast fails to engage or coalesce. Some actors have difficulty overcoming issues of age-appropriateness and memorization while others suffer from shaky musicality. Chris Harmon’s cinema-inspired scenic design and John Falkenbach’s efficient lighting design are technical pluses.

Instead of tweaking “The Big Picture,” Brush and Farley should consider retooling/resurrecting their 2003 musical “Summer of My German Soldier,” a sharper endeavor based on Bette Greene’s novel of the same name.

“The Big Picture” concludes March 11 at the Lofino Center, 3868 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek. Performances are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Act One: 50 minutes; Act Two: 38 minutes. Tickets are $11-$13. The cast also includes Matt Owens as the Soldier. For tickets or more information, call (937) 429-4737 or visit www.bctheatre.org. In related news, BCT’s 2012-13 season will consist of “Musical Chairs” (Sept. 7-16, directed by Matt Owens), “The Sugar Bean Sisters” (Oct. 26-Nov. 4, directed by Doug Lloyd), “On Christmas Day In The Morning” (Nov. 30-Dec. 9, directed by Teresa Connair), “Steppin’ Out” (Jan. 25-Feb. 3, directed by John Falkenbach), “A Chorus Line” (March 1-10, directed by Doug Lloyd), “The Canterbury Tales or Geoffrey Chaucer’s Flying Circus” (Apr. 19-28, directed by Teresa Connair), “Legally Blonde The Musical” (June 21-30, directed by Chris Harmon).

BERLIN TO BROADWAY WITH KURT WEILL: A MUSICAL VOYAGE

Wright State University saluted the melodically rich legacy of composer Kurt Weill (1900-1950) with an excellent presentation of the 1972 revue “Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill: A Musical Voyage” March 2-4 in the Herbst Theatre.
As the title indicates, “Berlin to Broadway” chronicled Weill from his German benchmarks (particularly “The Threepenny Opera,” his legendary 1928 Bertolt Brecht collaboration featuring his muse/wife Lotte Lenya) to his New York successes (such as “Lady in the Dark,” “Lost in the Stars,” “Love Life” and “One Touch of Venus”). Weill, who became an American citizen in 1943, notably won the first original score Tony Award for 1947’s “Street Scene,” co-written by Langston Hughes. His diverse collaborators also included Maxwell Anderson, Ira Gershwin, Oscar Hammerstein II, Alan Jay Lerner and Ogden Nash.

Crisply staged with lyric-driven intent by Jamie Cordes and fittingly accented with mood-setting projections by Nicholas Crumbley, this breezy revue featured 38 songs and a dynamic octet solidly supported by musical director/pianist Susan Carlock. Highlights included Chrissy Bowen and Lizzy Miller’s fiery “Jealousy Duet,” Ian DeVine and Drew Helton’s playful “Progress,” Samantha Helmstetter’s beguilingly personable “That’s Him,” Jonathan Hacker’s reflective “Lonely House,” Cooper Taggard’s splendid “Lost in the Stars,” and Emily Thomas’ strikingly firm “Surabaya Johnny,” “Pirate Jenny” and “Saga of Jenny.” Helmstetter, a terrific soprano, also rendered a fabulously captivating, character-consumed “I Wait for a Ship” pulsating with seduction and strength. It is no surprise she is a semifinalist in the Kurt Weill Foundation’s esteemed Lotte Lenya Competition and will be seen as Christine in WSU’s spring production of “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Although a deeper, more compelling account of Weill’s illustrious career, including his relationship with Lenya, can be found in Alfred Uhry’s little known 2007 musical “LoveMusik,”“Berlin to Broadway” proved thoroughly satisfying.

WICKED TICKETS ON SALE SOON

Tickets for the Victoria Theatre Association’s four-week return engagement of “Wicked” go on sale to the general public Monday, March 19 at 8 a.m. in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets. Tickets will also be available at 9 a.m. online (www.ticketcenterstage.com) and 10 a.m. by phone (937-228-3630). Tickets are $42-$121. There is an eight-ticket limit per patron. “Wicked” will be performed May 30-June 24 in the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center. For more information, visit www.ticketcenterstage.com

Dayton Ballet’s “The Spring Series”

March 8, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Justin Koertgen and Erica Lehman Downey (photo by sskphoto)

The Spring Series, at Victoria Theatre from March 15 – 18, 2012, will feature four ballets in one amazing performance: two world-premiere ballets: one by Dayton Ballet’s Ballet Master, Justin Koertgen titled Violin Concerto and performed to Max Bruch’s Violin Concertos #2 and #3; 2011 New Music for New Dance choreography winner, Susanne Payne’s Parádeigma; and two ballet revivals: Dermot Burke’s Interlude, performed to Dmitri Shostakovitch’s Piano Concerto No.2, Op. 102 and Gregory Robinson’s Hot Riffs and Blue Notes, performed to music by The Pointer Sisters. For tickets visit TicketCenterStage.com or call 937-228-3630.

A feature on the program, Violin Concerto, is choreographed by Dayton Ballet’s 11 year veteran, Justin Koertgen, and is a return to the pure roots of classical ballet. With tutus, tiaras, and tunics, Violin Concerto, is performed to Max Bruch’s Violin Concertos #2 and #3 with the elegance, energy and glorious partnering of true ballet.

Dayton favorite, GregoryRobinson, presents his popular revival, Hot Riffs and Blue Notes, performed to the melodically-layered music of The Pointer Sisters.

Dermot Burke, former Executive and Artistic Director of Dayton Ballet, returns with his revival, Interlude. This Neo-Classical ballet is danced by two couples to the romantic Piano Concerto No. 2, Op 102, by Dmitri Shostakovitch.

Grant Dettling and Halliet Slack (photo by sskphoto)

The Spring Series program concludes with a contemporary ballet choreographed by Dayton native, Susanne Payne. Susanne is the 2011 Choreography winner of New Music for New Dance. Her world premiere ballet, Parádeigma, pushes the company dancers to explore their limitations both physically and mentally. Parádeigma challenges the dancers and audience to move beyond their perceptions of what traditional ballet should be. The goal is for all is to experience the freedom achieved by breaking loose from the routine.

Performances of The Spring Series are at theVictoria Theatre, March 15, 16, & 17 at 8:00 pm, and March 17 and 18 at 3:00 pm.

Tickets are on sale now! Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or (888) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Noon-4 p.m. and two hours prior to each performance.

TICKET CONTEST

We have four pairs of tickets to give away for this show, courtesy of the Dayton Ballet! Simply likethis article to share with your FB friends, and then comment below. We’ll announce winners Wednesday March 14th at 2pm – good luck!

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: March 7-11

March 7, 2012 By Rob Bucher Leave a Comment

…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

THE AFGHAN WOMEN’S WRITING PROJECT

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: THE AFGHAN WOMEN’S WRITING PROJECT is aimed at allowing Afghan women to have a direct voice in the world, not filtered through male relatives or members of the media. Many of these Afghan women have to make extreme efforts to gain computer access in order to secretly submit their writings, in English, to the project.
The Dates: March 8-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

CELEBRITY OLD TIME RADIO SHOW

Xenia Area Community Theatre

The Story: Xenia celebrities and area actors perform old time radio favorites. Also presented for the first time is A ‘TIME’ FOR RADIO
The Dates: March 9-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Xenia Area Community Theatre | BTC listing

…NEW THIS WEEK

COLE

Mariemont Players Inc.

THE DINING ROOM

Lebanon Theatre Company

The Story: A mosaic of interrelated scenes—some funny, some touching, some rueful—which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species of the upper-middle-class.
The Dates: March 9-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Lebanon Theatre Company| BTC listing

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

THE PRODUCERS

Loveland Stage Company

: Burgess Byrd as Clairee Belcher & Christine Dye as Ouiser Boudreaux in CCPA’s STEEL MAGNOLIAS.

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

…CONTINUING

: Sara Clark as Marianne Dashwood, Giles Davies as Colonel Brandon, Kelly Mengelkoch as Elinor Dashwood & Brent Vimtrup as Edward Ferrars. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

Jane Austen’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

…ENDING THIS WEEK

THE BIG PICTURE

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Story: It’s the summer of 1962, college freshman Billy Carson is spending his first summer home with his mom and best friend. With only a few items to provide clues, Billy sets out with a renewed interest in discovering the father he never knew – B-Movie script writer and war hero, Jack Carson. But when old wounds are opened and new loves are discovered, Billy realizes that coming home is more difficult and ultimately more enlightening than he ever imagined and the sleepy town of Pine Springs, Illinois may never be the same. With script and lyrics by Troy native David Brush and music by Jim Farley of Piqua.
The Dates: March 2-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre | BTC Listing

: Don Volpenhein as Ray & Ashley Hail as Una in BLACKBIRD.

BLACKBIRD

The Story: Fifteen years ago, she was twelve and he was forty. Their relationship put him in jail and changed their lives forever. Now she has found him living a different life, under a different name. Will either person ever come to terms with the past? Or will the past consume them both? Ages 18 and up.
The Dates: March 2-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: BLACKBIRD blog | BTC Listing

THE DINING ROOM

Stagecrafters

The Story: The play is set in the dining room of a typical well-to-do household, the place where the family assembled daily for breakfast and dinner and for any and all special occasions. The action is comprised of a mosaic of interrelated scenes – some funny, some touching, some rueful – which, taken together, create an in-depth portrait of a vanishing species of the upper-middle-class.

The Dates: March 3-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Stagecrafters | BTC Listing

Michael Shooner as Man. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

ST. NICHOLAS

New Edgecliff Theatre

The Story: A burned-out theatre critic becomes infatuated with a young actress. Leaving his wife and children in Dublin to pursue his obsession, things become complicated in London when he finds himself in the employ of a coven of vampires. This wicked and riveting one-man show is sure to captivate audiences. Intended for mature audiences only.
The Dates: Through March 10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: New Edgecliff Theatre | BTC listing | BTC review

TALLEY & SON

The Drama Workshop

The Story: The time is Independence Day, 1944, the place the parlor of the Talley homestead in Lebanon, Missouri. As World War II rages across the seas, the Talleys are beset with crises of a different sort. Commenting on the action, unseen by the others, is the “ghost” of the second son, Timmy, already a casualty of the Pacific war, although the family has not yet learned of his death.
The Dates: March 2-10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Drama Workshop | BTC Listing

: Mike Moskowitz as Mr. Green in VISITING MR. GREEN. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

VISITING MR. GREEN

Falcon Theatre

The Story: After his car narrowly avoids an elderly man wandering into traffic,bright young professional Ross Gardiner has been sentenced to community service;he must visit his almost victim,Mr. Green,once a week for the next six months. Curmudgeonly Mr. Green resists Ross’s help,still overwhelmed with the death of his wife and harboring a deep and painful secret. But Ross has a secret of his own,and together the unlikely companions learn to understand each other and themselves in a humorous and touching story of forgiveness and compassion. This two-man play features real-life grandfather and grandson, Mike Moskowitz & Joshua Steele
The Dates: March 3-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Falcon Theatre | BTC Listing

Evy Ortiz as Maria and Ross Lekites as Tony in the First National Tour of WEST SIDE STORY. Photo © Carol Rosegg 2011.

WEST SIDE STORY

Broadway in Cincinnati

The Story: More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it’s back, and mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time. Directed by David Saint, using Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction, West Side Story remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The new Broadway cast album of West Side Story recently won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”
The Dates: Feb. 28-March 11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Broadway in Cincinnati | BTC Listing | BTC Review

…COMING SOON

EDGE WALKING

Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative

The Dates: March 13, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative | BTC listing

TIME STANDS STILL

Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati

The Dates: March 14-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

NIXON’S NIXON

Middletown Lyric Theatre

The Dates: March 15-17, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Middletown Lyric Theatre | BTC listing

A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Rivertown Players Inc.

The Dates: March 15-17, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Rivertown Players | BTC listing

TIGERS BE STILL

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Dates: March 17-April 15, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

The Look of Love

March 1, 2012 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

Love, in many forms and stages, permeates the mythical air of John Cariani’s tender comedy “Almost, Maine,” fluidly directed with a dash of whimsy by Kimberly Borst at Sinclair Community College.

Transpiring on a wintry Friday evening in the sleepy titular town, excellently envisioned by scenic designer Terry Stump and lighting designer Gina Neuerer, “Almost, Maine” flows as a series of nine vignettes effectively grounded in self-reflection and emotional connection. Cariani’s concept, which should have been conceived as a one-act, is predictably fueled by the universal desire of finding The One, but he astutely avoids the temptation to drown his appealing, relatable characters in melodramatic romanticism or mundane rom-com hijinks.

Cariani’s couples are particularly impactful when vulnerable or attempting a deeper intimacy and understanding. In fact, the Act 1 finale (“Getting It Back”) and Act 2 opening (“They Fall”) typify the play’s engrossing charm. “Getting It Back,” an eye-opening, symbolic look at love measured in bags of varying sizes, likely resonates with any woman who has endured a serious, long-term relationship without a wedding ring to show for it. The feisty Angela Dermer and sensitive Chris Hahn, paired as strongly here as they were last fall portraying Abigail Williams and John Proctor in “The Crucible,” wonderfully explore the frustrated discontent that arises when the end seems near even though a bright future actually looms over the horizon. In a striking role reversal, Hahn, opposite the admirable Josh Smith, is also featured in “They Fall,” a terrific bromance innocently peppered with random chatter encompassing bad hygiene and an impromptu Queen salute that endearingly climaxes with unexpected honesty and funny physical comedy.

Jenna Burnette and Isaac Hollister’s subtle love-at-first-sight compatibility in “This Hurts,” an intriguing account of a young man immune to pain, and Michael Marvin and Becca Sebree’s believably bruised “Where It Went,” a tale of a rocky marriage, are equally sharp. Amanda Hanisch, John Ray, costumer Kathleen Hotmer and the evocative strains of composer Julian Fleisher also contribute to the success of this perfect date night outing.

“Almost, Maine” continues through March 3 in Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, at Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Act One: 50 minutes; Act Two: 45 minutes. Tickets are $10-$15 with the exception of the Downtown Dayton Thursday Night performance which is an additional $5 and includes pre-show appetizers and cash bar. For tickets or more information, call (937) 512-2808 or visit www.sinclair.edu/tickets.

Love is in the air both joyous and tough at the Dayton Ballet Romance Series

March 1, 2012 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

Love in all its complicated, glorious infectiousness was on display at the Dayton Ballet Romance Series performance. While it was not a perfect concert there was enough of a incipient charm that kept me going as a lover of dance.

In talking about showcasing “relationships” in ballets, George Balanchine may have made a matter of fact observation. “ You have a man and woman, How much more story do you need?” In this cynical age in which people can get married and divorced in seventy-two days (the Kardashians immediately come to mind) we are all holdouts for true love. And this slightly imperfect showcase held steadfast to this premise.

The concert began with Stephen Mills Red Roses set to a musical score of the incomparable Edith “The Sparrow” Piaf. The work, which began perfunctorily with group unison partnering, while very well crafted held no surprises. When we moved into the solo danced by Erika Cole set to La Vieux Piano, the energy of the ballet ramped up considerably and more nuanced work began to emerge. We started to embrace the familiarities of couples falling in and out of love, because it showcased how love is complicated and unpredictable in an accessible way. The highlight of the piece was the comedic juxtaposition of the couples in C’est Peut-Etre Ca (The Apache), with an inspired full throttled performance by Abby Phillips along with Paul Gilliam, Erika Cole and Justin Koertgen.

The world premiere of Between Heaven and Earth by Gina Gardner-Walther was a beautiful meditation on a love that matures and transcends the shadows. Beautifully costumed in shades of plums, violets and lilac this was a work that challenged the dancers to work with choreographic material that was contemporary and allowed us to see the dancers in a fresh light. As I was watching the ballet the textured choreography of Mark Morris came to mind. The sensitive gestural movement vocabulary and the subtle caressing and framing of the face by the dancers spoke poignantly to this reviewer. This was a work that suggested the weathering of a very personal storm that only committed couples in love can overcome. For all of you single people out there this is the point you are trying to get to in any relationship, a real place. This sensitive and mature choreographic work was an excellent showcase for the contemporary movement ability of Case Bodamer. When I see works like this presented on the stage I am giddy with anticipation at what this company is truly capable of. My only quibble is a technical one. The ladies need to smooth out there landings in pirouettes, which were a little clunky. Overall this is a work that invites repeated viewing.

The Butterfly Suite as choreographed by the artistic director Karen Russo Burke had moments of theatricality that made me sit up and take notice and then there were moments that did not add up artistically. Because the libretto of the Madame Butterfly, in my opinion, is iconic and instantly identifiable even to those who may not have seen the opera, the viewing of this particular ballet is hampered by this previous knowledge. This is a work about grand passion and the huge emphasis needs to be on the “grand”. The opening and closing segments delivered on the grand passion and heightened theatricality. The middle section lost something in translation. I think Ms. Burke is on to something here and I think if she were to look at maybe re-working the mid-section of this ballet, I think it can be an even stronger work.

As I was watching the plight of Cio-Cio San, beautifully danced by Erika Cole, I immediately thought of the plight of Giselle, another ballet character sacrificed on the alter of love. As Giselle progresses we as an audience are made aware of what is at stake for her character almost immediately which allows us to embrace the tragic journey that she subsequently takes us on. I needed to viscerally feel and see what is at stake for the character of Cio-Cio San in the same way and in my opinion this is what is missing from Butterfly Suite. Fundamentally this story is all about navigating the difference between love and lust and the dangers that not knowing the difference exposes one to in relationships. It is also about the tragedy of searching for that knight in shining armor, who turns out to be a cad. I think that there is a goldmine waiting to be explored in this ballet and I have faith that Ms. Burke has the capacity to bring it out. In the final moments of the ballet when Cio-Cio San has resigned herself to commit suicide and seek redemption, the staging of the finale was in my opinion nothing short breathtaking. This story is about how the grand passion of love can tragically carry you to heights of unforeseen passion. If we as the audience had been transported to that place, the pay off would be magnificent.

“Bus Stop” Opens at the Dayton Playhouse

March 1, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Playhouse will present the popular drama, “Bus Stop,” March 16-25.

The play is set in a diner about 30 miles west ofKansas Cityin early March 1955. A freak snowstorm has halted the progress of the bus, and the eight characters have a weather-enforced layover in the diner from approximately 1 to 5 a.m. Romantic or quasi-romantic relationships ensue. “Bus Stop” original opened on Broadway in 1955. The play was nominated for four Tony Awards. “Bus Stop” was written by William Inge and is made available through Dramatists Play Service.

The Dayton Playhouse production stars Lorrie Sparrow as Grace,MargaretFoley as Elma, Craig Smith as Will,RickFlynnas Dr. Gerald Lyman, Ellen Ballerene as Cherie, Scott Knisley as Bo, Mike Rouseculp as Virgil and Mark Hassel as Carl. “Bus Stop” is being directed by Matthew Smith.

Performances will be Friday through Sunday, March 16-25. All performances are at 8:00 p.m. except Sundays, which are at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $14 for seniors and $10 for students.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.daytonplayhouse.com, or through the box office, 937-424-8477, which is staffed Monday, Wednesday and Friday 2:00 -5:00 p.m. Messages may be left for the box office at any time. The Dayton Playhouse is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414.

The Dayton Playhouse is a community theatre providing outstanding theatrical productions toMiamiValleyaudiences of all ages for more than fifty years. The Playhouse is nationally recognized for “FutureFest,” a festival of new plays.

(submitted by The Dayton Playhouse)

Dayton Ballet’s “The Spring Series”

March 1, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Daytonfavorite, GregoryRobinson, presents his popular revival, Hot Riffs and Blue Notes, performed to the melodically-layered music of The Pointer Sisters.

DermotBurke, former Executive and Artistic Director of Dayton Ballet, returns with his revival, Interlude. This Neo-Classical ballet is danced by two couples to the romantic Piano Concerto No. 2, Op 102, byDmitriShostakovitch.

Performances of The Spring Series are at theVictoriaTheatre, March 15, 16, & 17 at 8:00 pm, and March 17 and 18 at 3:00 pm.

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: Feb. 27-March 4

February 28, 2012 By Rob Bucher Leave a Comment

…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

THE LARAMIE PROJECT

SSCC Theatre

The Story: In October 1998 a twenty-one-year-old student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped, severely beaten and left to die, tied to a fence in the middle of the prairie outside Laramie, Wyoming. His bloody, bruised and battered body was not discovered until the next day, and he died several days later in an area hospital. His name was Matthew Shepard, and he was the victim of this assault because he was gay.
The Dates: March 2-4, 2012
Tickets and More Information: SSCC Theatre | BTC Listing

…NEW THIS WEEK

Pam McGinnis of Oakwood, Brian Kester of Fairborn & Eric Bracht of Beavercreek rehearse THE BIG PICTURE.

THE BIG PICTURE

Beavercreek Community Theatre

BLACKBIRD

THE DINING ROOM

Stagecrafters

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

TALLEY & SON

The Drama Workshop

Joshua Steele as Ross Gardiner & Mike Moskowitz as Mr. Green in Falcon Theatre's VISITING MR. GREEN.

VISITING MR. GREEN

Falcon Theatre

The First National Tour of WEST SIDE STORY. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

WEST SIDE STORY

Broadway in Cincinnati

…CONTINUING

Michael Shooner as Man. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

ST. NICHOLAS

New Edgecliff Theatre

Sara Clark as Marianne Dashwood, Giles Davies as Colonel Brandon, Kelly Mengelkoch as Elinor Dashwood & Brent Vimtrup as Edward Ferrars. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

Jane Austen’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

…ENDING THIS WEEK

COLLAPSE

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: In 2007, the Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring another 145. Hannah’s husband David was driving one of the cars that went off the bridge. He is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, but refuses to attend a support group. Hannah’s life is falling apart. She can’t get pregnant, she’s one step away from losing her job, and she thinks her husband, who hasn’t been to work for months, may be an alcoholic. COLLAPSE is an uncomfortably funny exploration of the crumbling structures that undergird our bridges, our economy, and our most intimate relationships.
The Dates: Through March 3, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre | BTC listing

Chris Blem as The Baker, Victoria Cook as The Witch, Michelle Rombola as the Baker's Wife in CCM's INTO THE WOODS.

INTO THE WOODS

UC CCM Musical Theatre

The Story: Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical follows the journey of a Baker and his Wife on their quest to reverse a curse put on them by the Witch next door, forcing them to face the consequences of their actions. As the fairy tale characters work to fulfill their greatest wishes, they learn a heartwarming moral of the importance of family and community.
The Dates: Through March 4, 2012
Tickets and More Information: UC CCM | BTC listing

RENT

Footlighters, Inc.

The Story: Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer-prize winning Broadway musical based loosely on Puccini’s opera “La Bohème.” RENT follows a year in the lives of seven friends living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York’s East Village.
The Dates: Through March 3, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Footlighters | BTC listing

SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Love, sex and deceit create the emotional labyrinth in this stylish, noir thriller. This theatrical jigsaw puzzle of parallel stories explores the betrayals of two married couples and the unexpected links among five isolated strangers
The Dates: Through March 4, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

…COMING SOON

THE AFGHAN WOMEN'S WRITING PROJECT presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati on March 8-11

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

The Dates: March 8-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

COLE

Mariemont Players

The Dates: March 9-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mariemont Players | BTC listing

THE DINING ROOM

Lebanon Theatre Company

The Dates: March 9-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Lebanon Theatre Company | BTC listing

THE PRODUCERS

Loveland Stage Company

The Dates: March 9-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Loveland Stage Company | BTC listing

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

The Dates: March 8-April 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Landmark Productions | BTC listing

Straighten Up and Fly Right

February 24, 2012 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

The world premiere of “Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical” reveals a tunefully appealing dose of nostalgia in search of a shaper narrative.
Written by Cincinnati-based composers Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman (“Green Gables”) and produced by the Human Race Theatre Company at the Victoria Theatre, “Tenderly” tolerably tackles the triumphs and pitfalls that framed the career of the legendary singer-actress from Maysville, Kentucky. Widely known for the cheeky hit “Come On-A My House” (among 15 songs featured in this one-act), Rosemary rose to fame in the 1954 film “White Christmas” and several TV variety shows of the era, but her rocky upbringing (she regarded her grandmother’s house as home), relationship woes (she married and divorced Tony and Oscar winner Jose Ferrer twice, a union which produced five children) and personal destruction (pill addiction) are the key compelling factors attempting to propel this project past mere jukebox musical thrills.
Vogt and Freidman introduce Rosemary at age 40 in 1968, a month after she heard the shots which killed Bobby Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. While performing at a Reno, Nevada club she had a nervous breakdown which led to her hospitalization and eight years of psychoanalysis therapy. Oddly, Vogt and Freidman’s decision to begin the show with Rosemary’s frazzled, mean-spirited breakdown (which occurs while she happily sings “Come On-A My House”) produces one of the most jarring, disconcerting openings I have seen. I don’t doubt the moment’s authenticity, but it cruelly pulls the rug out from under the audience when the musical’s tone is freshly gestating. In addition to a revamped opening, the material would be better served as a one-woman outing. Rosemary’s amiable doctor doubles as various individuals in her life, but it’s an occasionally distracting, needlessly cutesy device that hinders her thoughts being front and center. I’m instantly reminded of how well the Human Race’s 2009 production of “Ethel Waters: His Eye is on the Sparrow” flowed as Ethel’s experiences vividly resonated with greater depth in her own words.
Despite navigating through conceptual shortcomings and appearing roughly 10 years too young, Muse Machine alumna Tory Ross (Broadway’s “9 to 5: The Musical” and “Cry-Baby”) wonderfully excels as Rosemary. Delicately guided by director Kevin Moore and admirably supported by Scott Stoney, the vibrant, funny Ross warmly embraces Rosemary’s lighthearted persona and grows believably tortured as her downward spiral and resentment of success takes shape. Most importantly, she delivers terrific vocals. Instead of outright impersonation, Ross astutely adopts the legend’s familiar phrasing and lyric-driven flair, particularly delivering marvelous renditions of “When October Goes,” “Hey There,” “Mambo Italiano,” “Slow Boat to China,” “Count Your Blessing Instead of Sheep” (beautifully lit by John Rensel in a soft pink hue), and the gorgeously lush title tune. The final numbers, “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” and “From This Moment On,” are given upbeat jazz treatments, expertly performed by music director Scot Woolley’s orchestra, perfectly evoking Rosemary’s breezy technique.
“Tenderly” hasn’t reached its potential, but hearing Ross execute some of the timeless standards in the Great American Songbook is a significant plus.
“Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical” continues through March 4 at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The show is performed in 90 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $40-$83. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com

DPO presents Queen: A Rock and Symphonic Spectacular (Ticket Contest)

February 23, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

(see ticket give-away details below)
So, you want to start a rock band? The four of you’ve got piano, drums, bass, and lead guitar covered. And you all do vocals…well. All you need is a name. Let’s see…how ‘bout Smile? Yeah, that’s it, Smile. That’s a name that will echo down the corridors of time and everyone will know and remember. Smile.

Sounds a bit on the weird side, eh? Who in their right mind would ever name a rock band Smile?

Guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor, that’s who. Names sound familiar? They should, and they are because of a fan of theirs, a pianist by the name of Farrokh Bulsara. Brian and Roger played in a band called – wait for it – Smile.

Farrokh was certainly no dummy. He joined the band, and his first order of business was to change its name…and his. Taking his inspiration from the line “Mother Mercury, look what they’ve done to me” in the song My Fairy King, he renamed himself Freddie Mercury. And he came up with a new name for the band, one he thought “…very regal obviously, and it sounds splendid. It’s a strong name, very universal and immediate.” The name? Queen.

And history proved the band to be everything Freddie felt its name implied.

As music lovers, we tend to make things easy on ourselves and pigeonhole our favorite performers into narrow, easily defined categories. That is one thing no one will ever be able to do with Queen.

Follow the band’s musical progression.

When Queen formed in London in 1971 (John Deacon, replacing Smile bassist Tim Staffell, joined Freddie, Brian, and Roger), it began performing tunes influenced by progressive rock, but the band steadily moved forward into more predictable and marketable songs, adding more diversity and inventive styles into its music.

In 1973 the group launched its debut album named (what else?) Queen, influenced by heavy metal and progressive rock. With 1974 came Queen II (clever titling, what?), that featured lengthy, complicated sections, a fantasy-theme to some lyrics, instrumental genius, and The March of the Black Queen, a six-minute-long marathon with no song structure or chorus.

The members were becoming musicians.

Ragtime, heavy metal, ballads, British music hall, and Caribbean music all found their way into the group’s 1974 Sheer Heart Attack album. Testing the water with these diverse genres, Queen began to move away from its progressive roots toward a more airplay-friendly style. And the cut Killer Queen became the group’s breakthrough hit, rising to number two in the UK and number 12 in the United States.

In 1975 A Night at the Opera carried on the musical experimentation Sheer Heart Attack had begun. One of Freddie Mercury’s compositions even featured a harp and vocal harmonies dubbed over. Another song, Bohemian Rhapsody, became the only single ever to sell a million copies…twice, prompting the group to produce a video to go with the single. A video some have touted to have been the first “true” music video ever produced.

1976 saw Queen recording A Day at the Races; inspired by gospel, the album’s big hit Somebody to Love featured Mercury, May, and Taylor singing on multiple tracks to create the sonic illusion of a 100-voice gospel choir.

The 1977 studio album News of the World featured songs written for live performance, including We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions. Doubtless the group couldn’t foresee these two cuts becoming lasting international sports anthems.

1978’s Jazz included the hit singles Fat Bottomed Girls. Another notable track from Jazz, Don’t Stop Me Now, provides another example of the band’s energetic vocal harmonies.

In 1984 The Works featured the successful single Radio Ga Ga, not to be confused with, well, you know…

1986’s A Kind of Magic included another musical breakthrough; Who Wants to Live Forever? featured an orchestra conducted by Michael Kamen.

Music of Queen

Queen released The Miracle in 1989, which used a pop-rock sound mixed with a few heavy numbers and produced the hit I Want It All.

In 1991, Mercury died of bronchopneumonia, a complication of AIDS, and Deacon retired in 1997. For the last two albums made while Mercury was still alive, the band credited all songs to Queen, rather than specific members of the group, freeing them of internal conflict and differences.

On Saturday, March 10 in the Schuster Center at 3pm and 8pm, as part of their Rockin’ Orchestra Series, Assistant Conductor Patrick Reynolds and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra present Queen: A Rock and Symphonic Spectacular. With guest artists Music of Queen, a full rock band and stars from the London West End smash hit musical We Will Rock You, the DPO and over 70 performers on stage will perform all of Queen’s classic hits, including the hit singles I mentioned previously.

And keep the hit-making trail Freddie and the boys started blazing 40 years ago alive.

And hotter than ever.

See more details at the Dayton Philharmonic Website

Ticket Contest

The anticipation for this show was so high that the 3/10 8pm show was SOLD OUT! So, DPO just added a matinee show for 3pm on 3/10… and we have ticket pairs for that show to give away! Starting on Wednesday February 29th, we’ll announce one random winner every day for the following 7 days! All you have to do isthis article and share with your FB friends, and then comment below and name your favorite Queen song. Good luck!

UPDATE:

And… Congratulations to our winners – enjoy the show!

Heather Chandler
Jennifer Larew
Brian Kesson
Gina Kay Landis
Dan Forshaw
Jamie Werling
Mike Reitz

Coming up in Dayton Theatre: Feb. 22-26

February 22, 2012 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

Hey, Dayton Most Metro readers. My name is Sarah and I’m new here, but I’m totally jazzed to be joining Russell Florence, Jr., Shane Anderson and Rob Bucher in reporting all about the theatre happenings in our fair burg! I’ll be leaving reviews and all that good stuff up to the wonderful Mr. F, and I’ll concentrate mostly on bringing you news and updates on what’s coming up and what’s going down. I’ve been around theatre in Dayton for a good while, so hopefully what I’ve got to say will be useful and entertaining. With that out of the way, I bring you my first update:

…NEW THIS WEEK

Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical

The Victoria Theatre Association / Human Race Theatre Company

The Story: The Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Partners Broadway Series presents the world premier of Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical. Produced by the Human Race Theatre Company, this engaging new musical features beloved and classic songs as it follows the highs and lows of the career and personal life of this legendary singer.
Tenderly.

Dates: February 21st and runs through March 4th, with performances at 8 pm Tuesday to Friday, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm and 7:30.

Tickets and More Information: Victoria Theatre Association | On Stage Dayton Preview | On Stage Dayton Review

Children of Eden

Playhouse South

The Story: Don’t want to wait til May for your Stephen Schwartz fix? Don’t worry! Playhouse South will be producing the stirring and entertaining musical Children Of Eden starting February 24th and running through March 10th. Act I of this Old-Testament treat introduces us to Father, Adam, Eve and a chorus of Story-Tellers, while Act II spins the tale of Noah, his family and their ark. Familiar themes made fresh again.

Dates: February 24th – March 10th

Tickets and More Information: Playhouse South Website

…CONTINUING

Almost, Maine

Sinclair Community College

The Story: Like finding a leftover piece of Valentine’s Day candy a week later, Sinclair keeps the love alive by bringing Almost, Maine to the Blair Hall stage. This series of vignettes about love and life are set in the fictional town of Almost, Maine, where the aurora borealis sheds its ethereal light over hearts that are broken and, maybe, mended.

Dates: February 24th – March 3rd

Tickets and More Information: Sinclair Website

…COMING SOON

Wicked

Victoria Theatre Association

The Story: Having finished the hugely successful run of Jersey Boys, The Schuster Center stage will be dark (for theatre performances at any rate) for a little while as they await the triumphant return of Stephen Schwartz’s mega-blockbuster musical Wicked which storms back into Dayton on May 30th. If you’re interested, mark your calendars that tickets will go on sale May 19th, and are bound to sell quickly once again.

Dates: May 30 – June 24 (Tickets will go on sale May 19th)

Tickets and More Information: Victoria Theatre Association Website

Gem Of The Ocean

The Human Race Theatre Company

The Story: Next up on the Loft Theatre stage is August Wilson’s Gem Of The Ocean. Each of the 10 plays in Wilson’s renowned “Pittsburgh Cycle” takes place in a different decade in an urban, African American neighborhood. Gem Of The Ocean, set in 1904, is first chronologically despite having been one of the last pieces Wilson wrote. Gem opens March 29th and runs through April 15th and features several well-known Dayton-based actors including Human Race Theatre Company Resident Artists Alan Bomar Jones and Scott Stoney.

Dates: March 29th – April 15th

Tickets and More Information: Human Race Theatre Company Website

Bus Stop

The Dayton Playhouse

The Story: A small, Midwestern town in the grips of a snowstorm is the unassuming setting for Dayton Playhouse’s next offering, the gripping Bus Stop by William Inge. A group of strangers stranded by the storm prove that a lot can happen in just one night. Bus Stop opens Friday, March 16th and runs two weekends, closing Sunday, March 25th.

Dates: March 16 – March 25

Tickets and More Information: Dayton Playhouse Website

Incidentally, The Dayton Playhouse just closed the crowd-pleasing musical comedy Nunsense, but isn’t quite done with singing Sisters yet this season. Auditions for the (rightly) classic musical The Sound of Music will be held on Monday and Tuesday, February at 27th and 28th at 7 pm. Those auditioning should prepare a song (an accompanist will be provided) and will be asked to read from the script.

The Big Picture

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Story: BCT is hard at work preparing another world premier, this one of an original musical from Dayton-area writers David Brush and Jim Farley. The Big Picture takes us back to the summer of 1962 in Pine Springs, Illinois, where a college freshman learns that coming home is never as simple as you think it will be.

Dates: March 2 – March 11

Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre Website

Urinetown

University Of Dayton

A city in the grips of a devastating, decades-long water crises that forces the government to impose bans on that most private of experiences, our bathroom time? Sounds dramatic, no? No! As you’ll learn when UD brings us Urinetown, a truly delightful piece of musical theatre about what happens to this city and its citizens. When water is at a premium, a lot of dirty laundry can get aired.

Dates: March 21 – March 30

Tickets and More Information: UD Theatre Program Website

That about wraps it up for now – mark your calendars for all this great stuff and feel free to comment here if I forgot something or shafted your favorite theatre!

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: Feb. 20-26

February 20, 2012 By Rob Bucher 1 Comment

…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF

Miami University

The Story: The lives of seven women are rolled into one expressive voice in this unique and triumphant tale. From the agony of self-awareness to overcoming love loss, these women search for self through music, dance, laughter and pain. This highly acclaimed, award–winning play promises to excite, inspire, and transform the spirit.
Dates: Feb. 22-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Miami University | BTC listing

GOOD BOYS AND TRUE

Mad Anthony Theatre Company

The Story: The privileged life of a brilliant, athletic, popular and charming prep-school senior threatens to collapse when a disturbing videotape is found on campus. As the resulting scandal takes unexpected turns, his mother must sort fact from fiction and confront unsettling truths about her son, herself and their life. Contains adult themes and language.
Dates: Feb. 22-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mad Anthony Theatre Company| BTC listing

DOG SEES GOD: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead

Xavier University Players

The Story: CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife when his dog dies from rabies. His best friend is a burn-out; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. Rated R.
Dates: Feb. 23-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Xavier Univeristy Players | BTC listing

A COUPLE OF BLAGUARDS

Irish American Theater Company

The Story: Follows the trials of the young McCourts in poverty-stricken Limerick, Ireland, to their journey to the U.S. and Brooklyn, New York, where the young men learn to incorporate the day-to-day lessons of their hard Irish past.
The Dates: Feb. 24-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Irish American Theater Company | BTC listing

…NEW THIS WEEK

Chris Blem as The Baker, Victoria Cook as The Witch, Michelle Rombola as the Baker's Wife in CCM's INTO THE WOODS.

INTO THE WOODS

UC CCM Musical Theatre

The Story: Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical follows the journey of a Baker and his Wife on their quest to reverse a curse put on them by the Witch next door, forcing them to face the consequences of their actions. As the fairy tale characters work to fulfill their greatest wishes, they learn a heartwarming moral of the importance of family and community.
The Dates: Feb. 23-March 4, 2012
Tickets and More Information: UC CCM | BTC listing

ST. NICHOLAS

New Edgecliff Theatre

The Story: A burned-out theatre critic becomes infatuated with a young actress. Leaving his wife and children in Dublin to pursue his obsession, things become complicated in London when he finds himself in the employ of a coven of vampires.
The Dates: Feb. 23-March 10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: New Edgecliff Theatre | BTC listing

…CONTINUING

COLLAPSE

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: In 2007, the Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring another 145. Hannah’s husband David was driving one of the cars that went off the bridge. He is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, but refuses to attend a support group. Hannah’s life is falling apart. She can’t get pregnant, she’s one step away from losing her job, and she thinks her husband, who hasn’t been to work for months, may be an alcoholic. COLLAPSE is an uncomfortably funny exploration of the crumbling structures that undergird our bridges, our economy, and our most intimate relationships.
The Dates: Through March 3, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre | BTC listing

RENT

Footlighters, Inc.

Sara Clark as Marianne Dashwood, Giles Davies as Colonel Brandon, Kelly Mengelkoch as Elinor Dashwood & Brent Vimtrup as Edward Ferrars. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

Jane Austen’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: When a lack of luck makes for difficult marriage prospects, the Dashwood sisters set sail on the volatile seas of courtship. The sisters soon discover that neither reserved Elinor’s common sense nor impulsive Marianne’s passion offer the key to happiness. Scandalous secrets, burning betrayals, and suave (and some not-so-suave) suitors line the path to true love in this fresh adaptation.
The Dates: Feb. 17-March 18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC listing

Bruce Cromer as Pete & R. Ward Duffy as Leon in PIP's SPEAKING IN TONGUES. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

…ENDING THIS WEEK

The cast of Falcon Theatre's THE 39 STEPS. Donnie McGovern, Dan Doerger, Mike Hall & Elizabeth Molloy.

THE 39 STEPS

Falcon Theatre

The Story: What do you get when you combine the genius of Alfred Hitchcock,the zany humor or Monty Python and the boundless energy of four incredibly versatile actors? You get one hysterical parody of all the great Hitchcock film thrillers.
The Dates: through Feb. 25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Falcon Theatre | BTC listing

ADAPTATION and NEXT

Oxford Area Community Theater (OxACT)

The Story: An evening of two one-act plays. ADAPTATION is a contest in which players advance through the seven ages of man. The play creates a picture of man from birth until death, with all its madness, familiarity, and nonsense. NEXT is set in an Army Induction Center, where an overweight, overage and overwrought draftee has reluctantly reported for his physical after being mistakenly called by the draft. A battleof-wits is waged between Marion Cheever, determined to avoid military service, and the career officer, just as determined to sign him up.
Dates: Through Feb. 26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: OxACT | BTC listing

COME BACK TO THE 5 AND DIME JIMMY DEAN JIMMY DEAN

Village Players

The Story: In a small town store in West Texas, the Disciples of James Dean gather for their 20th reunion. Now middle aged women, they were teenagers when Dean filmed Giant two decades ago. One of them has a child whom she says was conceived by Dean on the set. The ladies’ reminiscences mingle with flash backs to their youth
The Dates: Through Feb. 17-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Village Players | BTC listing

Buz Davis as Gus, Rachael Christianson as Valentine, Micheal Bath as Lubbock, Adam Marzheuser as Alex & Reggie Willis as Mr. Barcroft in The Clifton Players' DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEES.

DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEES

The Clifton Players

The Story: A comedy set in a single branch of the United States Postal Service along “Tornado Alley” in Oklahoma. These characters are the sorters, handlers of each letter, parcel, and package on route to its destination. It is an endless task. It takes guts, determination and SELF DELUSION. The moment leaves you wondering who could go “postal” first.
The Dates: Through Feb. 26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Clifton Performance Theatre | BTC listing

THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB

Sunset Players

The Story: Five Southern women, whose friendships began 33 years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge their relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives.
The Dates: Through Feb. 25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Sunset Players | BTC listing

Lauren Hayes, Zak Schneider, Chandler Taylor Wesley Carman, Katharine Moser and Jordan K. Pruitt in NKU's THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION

Northern Kentucky University

The Story: Philo Farnsworth, a boy genius from Rigby, Idaho who, at age 22, invented television only to become involved in an all-or-nothing legal battle with David Sarnoff, the young president of RCA and America‘s first communications mogul. In this classic tale of little guy versus the corporate machine, Farnsworth not only fights for his rights but for his slice of the American Dream.
The Dates: Feb. 16-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Northern Kentucky University | BTC listing

THE ODD COUPLE (Female Version)

Fairfield Footlighters

The Story: Neat-nick and soon-to-be-divorced Florence Unger moves in with her housekeeping-challenged friend Olive Madison in Neil Simon’s feminine take on his classic play.
The Dates: Through Feb. 26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Fairfield Footlighters | BTC listing

…COMING SOON

THE BIG PICTURE

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Dates: March 2-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre | BTC listing

BLACKBIRD

The Dates: March 2-11
Tickets and More Information: Official page | BTC listing

BLITHE SPIRIT

Troy Civic Theatre

The Dates: March 2-10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Troy Civic Theatre | BTC listing

THE DINING ROOM

Stagecrafters

The Dates: March 3-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Stagecrafters | BTC listing

THE LARAMIE PROJECT

SSCC Theatre

The Dates: March 2-4, 2012
Tickets and More Information: SSCC Theatre | BTC listing

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Dates: March 3-31, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

TALLEY & SON

The Drama Workshop

The Dates: March 2-10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Drama Workshop | BTC listing

VISITING MR. GREEN

Falcon Theatre

The Dates: March 3-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Falcon Theatre | BTC listing

WEST SIDE STORY

Broadway in Cincinnati

The Dates: Feb. 28-March 11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Broadway in Cincinnati | BTC listing

Balance Brings Surprises At DCDC Concert

February 18, 2012 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

“Familiar Crossings” the latest offering from The Dayton Contemporary Dance Company brought together works from the African-American choreographic legend Donald McKayle, contemporary master Ronald K. Brown, to the up and coming choreographic voice of Robert Priore and the Artistic Director Debbie Blunden Diggs. As the concert was structured or “programmed” this allowed for a viewing experience that was much more balanced artistically and contextually than their previous outing.

I believe that this balance, or mixture of older repertory works and newer works in the life of any dance company, depends on the commitment to the “ why” of presenting the historically significant choreographic works. In the case of The Donald McKayle’s masterpiece Rainbow ‘Round my Shoulder would have significantly benefited from the consideration of this essential question. Many dance companies struggle in dealing with this responsibility. New York City Ballet and Alvin Ailey are two organizations that deal with the weight and burden of said responsibility of performing iconic historical works of revered dance titans. The difficulty often lies in the lack of context for the audience of the importance and significance that it might possess. So the burden falls on the artist to present the work as potent and fully measured as possible.

Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder was first premiered in 1959, a time period in America’s cultural history in which the depiction of the deeply rich source material of African American life was not always being represented on our artistic stages. The chain- gang imagery of incarcerated black men is a powerful image that served its intended purpose to expose and generate a dialogue on race relations. As I was watching the work I immediately thought of an exhibition of James Pates visual art that is being presented at Bing Davis’s Ebonia Gallery (Check it out if you can), a powerful tour de force collection that conjures up these similar questions of identity and representation.

Donald McKayle

The opening imagery of the five men linked hand in hand speaks to the invisible bind that connects all of us as human beings. It is meant to jolt us and transport us to an unfamiliar cultural and psychological landscape. While this performance did not initially possess that power, it grew to possess it by the end. While the men performing possessed an impressive physicality. I felt as if something was missing on a spiritual/psychological level that this piece inherently possesses and requires. The literal primal cries of incarceration/ entrapment still provoked a response, which speaks to the artistic mastery of Donald McKayle’s choreography.

Os Padröes (Portuguese for “The Standards”), a quirky –pop fizzy, Pan-African, world mélange of music and imagery inspired by the works of Willis ”Bing” Davis, was an absolute delight. While I am not familiar with his previous work, Robert Priore brought a unique movement vocabulary that revved up the energy of both the audience and the dancers. I believe that the greatest strength this company possesses lies in its ability to attract fresh choreographic voices. I felt this performance was no exception. Using the bold geometric patterns of Mr. Davis’s painting as a blueprint, Mr. Priore was able to fully integrate his aesthetic into that of his chief inspiration. By having a rotating slideshow of Bing’s paintings projected on the scrim, we were allowed to be lost in the connection between these two artists. While I was watching this performance I was reminded of a portfolio of photographs by Daniel Tamagni, Gentlemen of Bakongo, that I recently reviewed. The photos and accompanying text brought to life the vivid colors and texture of this particular segment of Congolese society that dresses in vibrant and colorful tailored menswear. Juxtaposed against the backdrop of a region still reeling from the effects of civil war. The power of the photographic imagery was jolting and invigorating, much like this choreography. The jittery rhythmic pulses and clever transitional segments were a complete joy. I am sending specific kudos to Kimberly Jones and Jarel Waters for the lovely pas de deux that was a nice humanizing moment in the midst of this energetic work. This was just pure fun.

Common Threads, a world premiere by artistic director Debbie Blunden-Diggs, primary charm lied in its old school choreographic construction and intentions. Here we were presented with a contextual moment in the concert that allowed us to the examine contractions and weighted movement modern dance technique at its purest and most direct usage. A solo male figure dancing against a black background led us through a pretty much straightforward choreographic enterprise that enveloped us into a opaque narrative thread with three women joining him in the proceedings. This was not a work rooted in innovation but rather the significance of how modernism is represented by this mostly Horton technique driven company. This ultimately provides the answer to the question of “why” DCDC can and should matter.

The concert concluded with a re-staging of Children of the Passage, a collaborative work by Donald McKayle and Ronald K. Brown. This piece went through a similar evolutionary performance process that Rainbow ’Round My Shoulder went through earlier in the evening. What brought this rollicking, and what could be very mesmerizing piece into a clearer focus was the presence of Sheri “Sparkle” Williams. I marvel at what a true and mature artistic presence can do to elevate any artistic performance. What Ms. Williams brought to this work goes beyond technical skill, which she still has in abundance. It goes to what I can only describe as a transcendent ability to invigorate even the most sketchy of works with a joyous artistry. Leaving the theatre after witnessing her performance still inspires hope for what this company can and should be.

Holier Than Thou

February 17, 2012 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

The Little Sisters of Hoboken are back and aim to please in the Dayton Playhouse’s lively production of Dan Goggin’s simplistically silly 1985 musical “Nunsense.”

Playfully directed by Greg Smith, “Nunsense” concerns the accidentally poisoned deaths of 52 nuns who have not been buried as a whole due to bad financial planning. In order to remedy the situation, five of the 19 survivors stage a small fundraiser that quickly erupts into a jokey talent show filled with goofy antics, naughty puns, adequate tunes, and good-natured audience participation.

Tina McPhearson, a natural comedienne with a zestful personality, is perfectly cast as no-nonsense Mother Superior Mary Regina who attempts to keep the zaniness under control to no avail. In addition to solidifying her appeal with a joyously carefree rendition of “Turn Up the Spotlight,” she’s truly amusing late in Act One letting loose with a nod to “Driving Miss Daisy.” Sherri Sutter, a sweetly ditzy Sister Amnesia even in terms of choreography, turns up the charm for “A Word from Reverend Mother” and gives her lovely soprano an effective country twang for the toe-tapping “I Could’ve Gone to Nashville.” As Sister Robert Anne, an aspiring thespian with a tough edge, the enjoyably droll Amy Askins is adept at impersonation and nails her big solo “I Just Want to Be a Star.” The amiable Kelli Locker is a suitable fit for Sister Mary Leo, the weakest character. In her first local musical role, Ellen Finch warmly embodies the practical Sister Hubert. Finch, particularly fine opposite McPhearson, isn’t the strongest vocalist but manages to end Act One on a high note while leading “Tackle That Temptation With a Time Step.”
If you’re looking for an upbeat diversion this weekend, give “Nunsense” a try.

“Nunsense” continues through Feb. 19 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15. Act One: 55 minutes; Act Two: 45 minutes. For tickets or more information, call (937) 424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.com