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Sarcastic, Sweet and Solid: ‘Sordid Lives’ Scores!

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‘In a Small Texas Town.’

From the moment Jacob Sams (Ty) begins to let us in on the ‘small Texas Town’ and all its craziness, you are immersed in a silly, well-paced production of Del Shore’s much beloved ‘Sordid Lives.’ The story, which revolves around an accidental death of the elderly family matriarch, is filled with characters you cannot help but love, no matter how messed up they are! One rule of thumb with ‘Sordid Lives’….if the cast is having fun, YOU are having fun! This cast was LOVING IT!

Jenna Gomes‘ (Bitsy Mae) guitar solos break-up the madness effortlessly. Faith Whitt’s (Sissy) character is instantly relatable. Rick Flynn‘s (G.W.) frustration is palpable. Diane Strohm‘s (Dr. Eve) outrageous behavior is hysterical. AND keep your eye on Becky Milligan Howard‘s Juanita….it’s stealth,  but she’s a riot! The entire cast really needs a shout-out….of the ten audience members in our party, everyone had a favorite character!

The production, at the Beavercreek Community Theater, has it all. The lighting, the sound…the set…STELLAR!

I was lucky enough to interview the show’s director Doug Lloyd. It went something like this!

JS: So Doug…why ‘Sordid Lives?’

DL: I submitted “SORDID LIVES” because it’s a crazy funny show, with a large number of fun roles for actors to have fun with, but at the same time, has a message of acceptance and love, While the family seems to constantly be screaming at each other, they still love each other and are there for each other in time of need.

JS: And, for big ‘Sordid Lives’ fans, the connection to Brother Boy (brought to life on-screen by the late Leslie Jordan) is essential!

DL: Yes. It’s the kind of show I think we need right now, one that shows acceptance and does it with a sense of humor.

Brother Boy (Matthew Smith) and His Therapist! (Strohm)

Lloyd is right about this. With Drag Queen bans, and Anti-LGBTQ sentiment on the rise, this show handles it in stride….and with this cast, with a lot of heart!

JS: What would you say people can expect from this show?

DL: An evening of quality theatre, full of laughs. You may leave with your face a bit sore from smiling and laughing, but you will leave feeling good and knowing you had a great time.

I know my group of 10 did. We all chatted at intermission about how impressed we were (as we ate cookies and drank punch! Perfect!) The show was engaging…and we were anxious for the second act!

JS: I don’t know if people know about your theater experience. Would you mind sharing?

DL: Sure! I have been involved with theatre since I was in the first grade, close to sixty years ago.  I have been involved with BCT for close to 25 years. I am president of BCT and have been on stage or in the director’s chair for countless productions at BCT and other theatre’s in the Dayton area, including Dayton Theatre Guild, Dayton Playhouse, and Town Hall Theatre. I have received numerous ‘Daytony’ Awards and was inducted into the Dayton Theatre Hall Of Fame in 2011.  Besides theatre, I am retired from the City Of Beavercreek, am a potter that works out of and serves on the board at John Bryan Community Pottery in Yellow Springs. I also do stained glass, and am the proud poppa of three rescue dogs. One of which was recently onstage at BCT.

JS: You are BUSY, SIR! So much to be proud of. But what is it about directing that you enjoy?

DL: I love the creative aspect of it.  “Coaching” a group of actors and technical crew to work together and create an enjoyable work of art.  There are so many aspects that need coordinated to come together for the performance. Actors, lights, sounds, set, costumes, props, programs, publicity, ticket sales and more. It literally takes an army of volunteers to put a show together.  It is so rewarding to watch the audience react to the performance after all the hard work by everyone.

Fun Cast!

JS: Well your army nailed it! I know all directors hope audiences take
something from their experience at the show. What do you hope people take from ‘Sordid Lives?’
DL: Bottom line, I hope they walk away having had a great time. That they laughed till they were out of breath, and if they get the message that it’s ok to be different, to be yourself, and if it inspires them to  become more accepting of those that are, That would be wonderful.  If they also learn that BCT presents quality amateur theatre and makes them want to come back to future performances, all the better.
JS: Love that….and I have to say, I will be back! Doug, what is next for BCT? Have they announced the 2023-24 season yet?

DL: The next production at BCT is the musical “TWELFTH NIGHT” a modern twist of the Shakespeare comedy which opens June 16th.

Our 2023-2024 season includes
“BRIGHT STAR” the Steve Martin musical in August
Neil Simon’s “THE GINGERBREAD LADY” in October
Noel Coward’s “PRIVATE LIVES” next January 2024
“ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS” in April 2024
“THE HELLO GIRLS” in June of 2024.
JS: This sounds amazing. Again, congratulations on ‘Sordid Lives.’  For those of you interested in attending, I have been told there is a ‘low ticket alert…’ GRAB YOURS. It’s a good time in that small town in Texas!  THANK YOU DOUG!
DL: Thank YOU!
For more information on ‘Sordid Lives’ or any of BCT’s upcoming shows, go to bctheatre.org

 

Dayton Live 2023/2024 Season: Lions, Tinas and Chers…..OH MY!

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Breath-Taking, Jaw-Dropping, Show-Stopping! Dayton Live put the word out about their upcoming season last night in style. Starting off with a fun scavenger hunt of titles, people were invited to make their way through the catacombs of the Schuster’s back stage, stopping intermittently to ‘guess a show’! For my friend Amy and me, it was fun challenge. Being that we both love Broadway, and are always up for some trivia, we gave it a whirl. I missed one….Amy did as well…..that doggone ‘Grinch’ and his theft of Christmas stumped us…we were sure it was Elf, The Musical! Nonetheless, we scored well with the other 5….and YOU WILL , TOO! What a fun, ambitious, diverse season is in store.

Aaron Sorkin’s take on Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird kicks off the season. The classic story (which I was lucky enough to see recently) is elegant and paced perfectly. Sorkin is unafraid to keep the conversation uncomfortable and raw. In a world of banned books, this this is timely, important and heart-wrenching! (October 17-22. 2023.))

Seuss’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas‘ comes to full-on life for the holiday season. Being a former elementary teacher means the stakes are high as this classic will be viewed by many a youngster! They will let us know just how much they love….er, hate….the Grinch! (November 14-19. 2023.)

See ‘Hadestown!’ See ‘Hadestown!’ Take my word for it. This is one of those shows that people ask about, wonder about, think about…and I’m reassuring you, it’s a mesmerizing musical. Focused on the tale of Persephone and Hades…retold brilliantly….you will find yourself immersed in this one. (March 12-17. 2024.)

‘Simply the Best’ artist of my lifetime, ‘Tina, the Tina Turner Musical‘ promises great songs, that well-known story and the inside look at how it all melded together. From childhood, to concert queen, this musical is a romp, a rage and a redemption! (April 9-14. 2024.)

Is there any opening moment more exciting than that of ‘The Lion King?‘ That first few minutes…the goosebumps…the humbled crowd….WOW! Beloved by audiences the world over, Disney put together one helluva show, and lucky us, it is back! Still one of the most ingenious recreations of a film ever brought to people live! You can’t go wrong. (May 1- 12. 2024.)

And to round out the fun….one of Dayton’s Favorite on your feet, sing-along sensations….’MAMMA MIA!‘ The songs, buoyed by that ABBA flare, carry us through a plot…at times a bit hard to believe….and into a fun, oft-times silly, love story! The show is/was a smash hit…and it’s light-hearted, upbeat soul continues to satisfy! (June 11-16. 2024.)

Also, of note…..the Forever Diva herself….CHER…and her life are told through ‘The Cher Show!’ Can you imagine over 30 hits, sixty years of performing, multiple awards…the hair….the gowns….the energy that is Cher. What a fun ride this promises to be! Get your tickets quickly for this special add-on which only shows (February 2-4. 2024.)

Always check in with daytonlive.org  as there always seems to be something magical taking place in our great city! This looks to be yet another fantastic season.

 

 

 

‘Human Race’ Spins Familiar Stories for 2023/2024!!

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The Human Race Theatre Company announced their upcoming season Monday night at the Loft Theatre! The theme is ‘Stories in Motion!‘ Marking the event, fans and friends of the HRTC were invited to grab a glass of their favorite beverage (Pinot Grigio for me…), find a seat and prepare to hear about the six shows that will make up their 2023/2024 season. In a fun, right off the bat twist, the audience was made aware that this time around, the stories may seem familiar…but the telling is somehow a surprise! That surprise is one that must be experienced…and how better than at the HRT itself.

Kicking off the season is ‘This is Tom Jones,” (September 7-25, 2023) by Mark Brown. The musical takes us back to the days of mop tops in Great Britain, where scandalous affairs and 60’s songs abound! (Katie Pees gave us a comical look into the show as part of the preview. Always entertaining when Katie’s in the house!)

Number two on the list is Pearl Cleage’s “Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous.” (October 26 – November 13, 2023). The plot centers around an actress seeking a replacement for herself, when an ambitious adult entertainment performer takes on the challenge! What could go wrong??

Next up sounds like another treat….Reindeer Sessions…announced with giant antlers intact…(December 8-23, 2023), written by Eric Ulloa. Get this…Blitzen has anger issues, there’s a broken red nose…and suddenly we are immersed in a different version of the famous Rudolph tale. Obviously, the familiar ride we have taken for years in the traditional holiday song will have a different ring to it!

The fourth story was previewed with a large octopus tentacle, which seemed appropriate when the title was revealed….Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont as Told by Himself. (February 22-March 10, 2024.) High seas, stories from around the world, large sea animals and fish tales are highlighted in this story by Donald Margulies.

Peerless, by Jiehae Park is up next. This dark comedy plays off of MacBeth and features high school students plotting to get into college. The description brought on many laughs as the options unfolded in this twisted tale. It plays April 25-Mat 12, 2024.

And last, but not least….and believe me the audience was stunned to hear it…is ‘The Kite Runner” (Yes that Kite Runner, the beloved novel by Khaled Hosseini which has been adapted for the stage by Matthew Spangler.) The amazing story of love, forgiveness and redemption comes to life in a joint venture with Dayton Live. WOW…..this one is a must-see! The show plays May 28-June 2, 2024.

The announcement party was pure fun! And the titles were exciting…brought to life in relatable ways by members of the HRTC and their board. Leaving the event, you could feel a great sense of ‘They really put together a season this year.’  Think about it…high school drama, reindeer, Tom Jones and Afghanistan. They have definitely given us stories to hear and witness. Here’s to a great 2023/2025 for the entire Human Race!

All tickets are available through Dayton Live Box Office at 937-228-3630 or DAYTONLIVE.COM.

Multiple Ticket Options available.

Parent’s Day Out is one those of you with children should check out….I don’t have kids, but if I did….what a fantastic IDEA!!

Renewal packages will be available mid-April and new subscriptions can be purchased soon after.

For more information about the upcoming season, click this link: www.humanracetheatre.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme’ an ABBA Sing-Along, DGMC Style!!

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Are you a ‘Super Trouper?’ Come, sing-along!

I was so excited to catch up with Marc Driscoll of Dayton‘s fabulous Gay Men’s Chorus! Word is out about their upcoming sing-along with ‘Mamma Mia‘ the movie. I had to get more information, so we met….and it went something like this!

JS: Marc! So good to see you. So, tell me about your upcoming benefit!

MD: The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is having a Benefit….A Mamma Mia Sing Along which  will be held Sunday, April 16 at the Plaza Theatre in Miamisburg (33 South Main Street Miamisburg). Doors will open at 5:00 with the show starting around 6:00. Tickets are $20 a piece and can be purchased through the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus website: daytongaymenschorus.org

JS: That sounds fun, and fantastic! A Sing-Along can mean different things to different people. Elaborate on what folks can expect!

MD: Oh sure…The night will feature a limited song selection from the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus leading into the main event. Audience members will view the 2008 film Mamma Mia featuring the hit songs of ABBA. During the movie, lyrics to songs will appear on screen and audience members will be encouraged to sing along with the film. In addition to this there will be “call out” moments during the film to get members engaged in the story.

JS: The great thing is, we all are familiar with ABBA‘s music, so it surely will have people at ease to sing! You boys always have prizes and such at your events. What about this time around?

MD: Before the show and during the intermission audience members will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for gift baskets featuring donations from several local vendors. Audience members can also purchase alcoholic beverages, soda, and snacks similar to any experience at the movie theatre.

JS: Now look sir, the alcohol will really put people at ease to sing! Good thinking!

MD: YES!!! The idea for the night is for folks to let go and have fun singing along with the movie. It is an opportunity to raise money for the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus, but also to have fun with members of the chorus in the audience.

JS: I was in the chorus for one day…literally…but I realized right away, you gentlemen are pros at this. Which brings me to how smart you are to provide the lyrics….

MD: Oh yeah, for sure. The will appear on screen as the movie is playing… This is similar to the traditional “bouncing ball” or karaoke experience.

JS: And I know it’s a benefit for the chorus. How will the proceeds be used?

One of Dayton’s Treasures!

MD: Money raised will be used for things like purchasing the rights to music, securing performance venues, salaries for support staff etc.

JS: Venues like the Plaza Theater!

MD:  Exactly! The Plaza Theatre in Miamisburg has been beautifully restored and will be an awesome venue to get to experience ABBA.

JS: Should people dress in a certain way, or do their hair ABBA style?

MD: People are encouraged to wear resort wear or tropical wear to help get in the mood of the film.

JS: Super fun! Before I let you go, what else does the DGMC have coming up…I know you have a devoted fan base, for sure!

20 Years of the DGMC…and more to come!

MD: This year we have been celebrating the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus’ 20th season, and we have been practicing since January to prepare for our Spring show, “Still Gay After All These Years.” This will be held on June 17th at the Dayton Masonic Center at 8:00 PM.  This show will be a review of some of our favorite songs throughout the twenty years. In addition, this show is part of our DGMC Gives Back theme for the year. This means that the June concert will be 100% free!

JS: What a treasure we have in Dayton with you guys!! Congrats on 20 years! I know the sing-along will be a hit! THANK YOU for meeting with me!

MD: THANK YOU!

 

About the DGMC: Founded in 2003, DGMC is committed to continually reaching for excellence in choral music, forging active community partnerships and educating others about the value of diversity. We offer a broad range of musical styles from serious to the sublime—heavy to hysterical. Our members have a dedication to the choral arts and the desire to become part of a singing, gay-affirming community—and, no, you don’t have to be gay to join us!

 

 

 

 

 

Wright State’s ‘On The Town’ Elevates Local Theater!

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WSU’s ‘On the Town’ is Old Broadway Elevated!

Dayton Theater has had a great winter. Name a theater company in the area and you will likely find a good review for their most recent endeavor. Most of those shows were based on contemporary, more recent scripts, Titles that are ‘of the now.’ So imagine how refreshing it was to see a good old-fashioned Broadway Show at the Gem of Musical Theater…WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY.

From Sets to Songs, ‘On the Town’ delivers!

I’m not going to lie…when I suggested ‘On The Town‘ to friends and family, there were questions….’You Mean Like The Movie on TMC?’ or  ‘On the Town...the sailor story…wasn’t that Sinatra?’ or ‘Wright State is Doing ‘On the Town?’ That’s an undertaking!’ I assured them, you can trust Joe Deer (Director) and the entire team! This team includes Music Director F. Wade Russo, who leads a 19 piece ‘on-stage’ orchestra! That alone is old-school magic. The show is around 80 years old…yes, 80 years old…but this production is alive and vibrant with choreography by Broadway’s Josh Walden. The dances are at times intricate and mesmerizing, and then, whimsical and bouncy! These kids can DANCE, and Walden obviously trusted their talents! They cover it all. From Ballet to 40’s Swing, the cast captures it.

‘But is it fun?‘ You ask? ‘The Movie was fun!‘ And it is. The sets harken to post war NYC and are a great blend of silly (T-Rex) and sound (the subway scenes.) Joe Deer’s direction allows the actors freedom to be goofy in those tongue-in-cheek moments, and reels in back in when the show returns to romance. It must be said that WSU’s version takes on the entire Leonard Bernstein score…..WOW! WOW! WOW! That’s an undertaking alright! You will recognize many of the songs, and may leave with ‘New York, New York- A Helluva town…the Bronx is up but the Battery’s down…’ repeating in your head.

These kids can dance!

It’s hard to highlight the cast individually as they all take on their role with spirit and enthusiasm. Tanner Gleeson (Gabey) is hard not to watch with his expressive presence and spot-on dancing.  Amy VanDyke (Ivy) pairs well with him as the love interest. Their Coney Island scene garnered applause mid-dance…it was well executed.  The other lead couples Ben Ohnemus (Chip) & Trinity Wolff (Hildy) and John Cuozzo (Ozzie) & Melissa Mataresse (Claire) keep the show moving forward with laughs and lunacy! Kevin Lausche‘s role as Pitkin was an obvious audience favorite as well. Just as enthusiastic are the musicians who handled the extensive score splendidly.

Look, big musicals are not easy to execute. There are so many moving parts, and each domino has to fall just right! And for this cast and crew it worked…beautifully. As I was leaving the theater, a patron said ‘Those students must be exhausted. They never stopped!’ My response…’Let’s hope they never do!’  Whatever magic happened that day, from a script now 8 decades old, with students in their twenties, is what theater should do! Leave you wondering….’How did they do that?’ Bravo WSU….for two and half hours, we were ‘Carried Away!’

Wright State is still the Gem of Musical Theater!

Performances take place April 6 at 7 p.m.; April 7 and 8 at 8 p.m.; April 8 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for senior citizens and $15 for students.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Creative Arts Center box office weekdays between noon and 4 p.m.

The show takes place in the Festival Playhouse.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dayton Battle of the Bands taking applications through December 12th

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 Dayton Battle of the Bands is taking applications for the 3rd annual competition now through December 12th. The annual winter concert series shines a spotlight on the up-and-coming local talent within a 35-mile radius of Dayton (including Middletown, Springfield, and Greenville).

Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists from 2022

One problem local venues and promoters run into is that there are so many great bands in the Dayton region, it can be challenging to wade through all the songs, samples, and videos that are sent to them on a regular basis. Plus with auto-tune and effects, it’s hard to take those and know what a live show will be like.

The Brightside, Levitt Pavilion, and others use the Dayton Battle of the Bands as an audition space for opening acts for national acts, or even stand-alone shows. This “competition” is much more of a networking event and an opportunity to get on the radar so your band has a better chance at getting booked at future events.  (Clarification – does not need to be a band, solo artists are welcome too!)
The competition starts on January 12, 2023 at The Brightside, and runs through February.  The finale will take place on Saturday, March 11th. Tickets for the public will be made available soon.
Band rules and info can be found here: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/official-rules
The application portal closes on December 12th!

Dayton Ballet kicks off 85th Season with “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”

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The Dayton Ballet proudly celebrates its 85th anniversary in an electric and exciting 2022–2023 Season. In this anniversary season, the company presents a spooky time with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the classic holiday story of The Nutcracker, a celebration of all things dance in the 85th Diamond Anniversary, and a family favorite with Peter Pan.

The launch to this anniversary season starts on October 28, 2022 with a historic spooky tale. Halloween weekend is the perfect setting for Dayton Ballet’s brand-new production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

The haunting story of the Headless Horseman comes to life with all the same characters of this familiar tale. Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, and the full ensemble of Dayton Ballet take the stage to bring to life Artistic Director Karen Russo Burke’s fresh approach to the timeless classic. Composer Austin Jaquith provides a brand-new original score, performed live by musicians from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Dayton Ballet rehearses for Sleepy Hollow

How To Go?

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the Victoria Theatre

7:30 pm Friday, October 28, 2022

7:30 pm Saturday, October 29, 2022

2:30 pm Sunday, October 30, 2022

Tickets to performances are $5 – $86 and available at https://www.daytonlive.org/events/legend-of-sleepy-hollow/






Elvis In The Park?

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This weekend a 14 piece tribute band to the king of rock and roll takes the stage at Riverfront Park in Miamisburg, behind Ron’s Pizza. The concert is free and the music is scheduled to start Saturday Night, June 11th, at 8pm. The only thing you have to do is BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR.

This roughly 2 hour music tribute to Elvis highlights one of his “Vegas Style” concerts.  From “CC Rider” to “Suspicious Minds,” a huge set of hits are covered.  And how about that band?  The 14 piece band dubbed “The Comeback Special” is sure to impress the most stubborn rock fans.  

Beaverceek native Ryan Roth portrays Elvis, with a pitch perfect voice, tuned over the years in local appearances.  He was even a talented contestent on a national contest show out of Nashville.  Get ready to watch him perform the best of Elvis, with an occasional move of the pelvis, the ladies in the crowd may even get a scarf from “The King.”

No Rock N Green Tomato Fest Until 2023
The concert is usually the cap of the Rock N Green Tomato Festival, but due to a number of logistical and supply problems, the festival is postponed until June 9 & 10th, 2023 where it expands to a 2 day music, food and craft vendor event.  In 2023, look for old favorites like the Fried Green Tomatoes and the Hamburger Wagon’s burger eating contest.  Next year’s festival hopes to add beer trucks. 

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR THIS OUTDOOR CONCERT:
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ADMISSION IS FREE and FAMILY FRIENDLY
CONCERT STARTS at 8PM
BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR
NO FOOD VENDORS, BUT LOCAL RESTAURANTS ARE OPEN

RIVERFRONT PARK ADDRESS IS
3 North Miami Avenue, Miamisburg, OH 45342    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               











    

XACT presents “May 4th Voices”

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THESE SHINING LIVES chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. Catherine and her friends are dying, it’s true; but theirs is a story of survival in its most transcendent sense, as they refuse to allow the company that stole their health to kill their spirits—or endanger the lives of those who come after them.

“Outside, Looking In” at the tear-jerking ‘Dear Evan Hansen.’

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Sniffles. Uproarious laughter.  Tears discretely wiped from the face. Deep sighs. And Feelings of Hopelessness. No, you’re not in high school trying to fit in….but Evan Hansen is. And my how we relate!

It’s only about 15 minutes into the Tony Award Winning Best Musical‘s Script that we see the writing on the wall. ‘Oh Sh*t…what has he done??’ We recognize it because we lived. ‘How do I fit in?’ ‘Will anyone care if I live or die?’ ‘What does it take to be seen?’ The lengths, innocently or otherwise, we will go for that sense of belonging drive Hansen’s story. The magnificent script, by Steven Levenson, is literally able to move an entire epic tale into a 2+ hour musical . It never misses a beat, loses its way or lets us rest! The show flies by!

Tackling every kind of relationship you can basically create, (mom and dad, mom and son, friend and ‘family’ friend, popular kid and nerd, daughter and mother…the list goes on) Levenson’s story weaves a strong sense of rooting for the underdog, only to realize that may not always be our best bet.  Throughout the show, Evan (played masterfully by Stephen Christopher Anthony) allows us to cheer him on, embrace his faults and ultimately forgive his errors in judgment. You cannot ‘not like’ Evan. He’s silly, sweet, sarcastic and ‘sorry’ for who and what he is. Who can’t relate to that!

The story, which lends itself to many swallowed tears, finds us wrapped in a deception that we are, as the audience, somehow part of! Connor Murphy (a big cheers to Nikhil Saboo for his portrayal…) is the hero, and the demon, and the focal point and that scapegoat! Without giving away much, you will get to it quickly when Evan belts ‘For Forever.’ And with that, fate is sealed. Lump in the throat, and a squirm in the chair.

The supporting characters are stellar! They provide the gears that keep the musical moving forward…with light (Cara Elyse Harris as Alana Beck is yummy fun)…and laughs (Matthew Edward Kemp‘s Jared is the voice we need to keep the show believable…). The moms, (Kelsey Venter as Cynthia Murphy, who gets our tears going early, and Jessica Sherman as Heidi Hansen, who brings it all home later in the show) get the ball rolling with ‘Anybody Have a Map.’ You can see moms in the audience physically nodding their heads in agreement as they listen to the lyrics.

The show has magical musical moments (Music and Lyrics by Pasek and Paul)….the beloved ‘You Will be Found’ (Buy the t-shirt at the shop.)…‘Only Us’ (which features the solid Alaina Anderson as Zoe)…and the heart-wrenching ‘So Big/So Small’ (let me know if you got through that without sobbing!). It’s packed with spectacular visual effects that drive home the culture we have become…and then again, simple sets, that drive home what’s still important.

You clutch to hope throughout the musical that everything will be just fine…and in a sense, perhaps that’s possible. But Evan Hansen is ‘real.’ Sure the sets are slick and the music is, at times, a bit melodramatic, but the story is one for this society to heed. Misinformation has consequences!!!

We know it….they know it….but as we have witnessed in our own world, just keeping ‘going’…who’s keeping score? In this case the audience. The very audience, that from the outset,  just wanted to say ‘Evan – you’re enough! You are enough!’ But, like Evan Hansen, we all had to learn that lesson on our own along the way!

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ plays at the Schuster Center March 8 – 13.

Go to daytonlive.org for tickets and information.

 

 

 

 

Little Women: the Musical

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In this adaptation, four actors in an attic retell Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Using found objects from across time (balloons, hula hoops, ribbon dancers, and more), the players create scenes of love, loss, and the ever glowing warmth of the March family hearth. Jo goes on a journey of artistic self-discovery and coming of age as she struggles to become the writer she longs to be amid the classic triumphs and troubles of Meg, Beth, Amy, and even Laurie. It is through a sense of play that Jo and her sisters find themselves, spending time in the attic making up fairy stories with witches and heroes, or spending an evening reciting the articles written for their beloved imaginary newspaper. It is, however, through the tragedy of losing her sister Beth that Jo finally finds her voice as an artist, and moves into adulthood with the knowledge that while families change and grow apart, the ones we love are always close at heart.

Dayton Opera Presents the World Premiere of Finding Wright

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Dayton Opera presents a world-premiere opera created and presented by a team of four of the most talented individuals in today’s opera world, all of whom just happen to be women! This captivating story was sparked as librettist Andrea Fellows Fineberg and stage director Kathleen Clawson uncovered a unique gem in Dayton’s past right in the middle of Dayton’s Woodland Cemetery‒the grave stone of Katharine Wright.

Finding Wright is the story of human connection and emotion, centering on the life of Katharine Wright, sister of two of the most famous Wrights of Dayton, and in fact, the world: brothers of flight Orville and Wilbur Wright. With music by award-winning composer Laura Kaminsky, performed by the Dayton Philharmonic under the direction of conductor Susanne Sheston, Finding Wright is the first-ever full-length opera commissioned for and presented by Dayton Opera.

Finding Wright traces two parallel narratives: one of Katharine Wright, sister of famed Orville and Wilbur Wright; and one of Charlotte (Charlie) Tyler, a 21st century aerospace engineer and academic who is grieving her thwarted career and the recent loss of her husband.

The opera shifts back and forth between Katharine Wright in the early 1900’s and Charlie Tyler in the present day in what the librettist calls “fractured time.” The story follows Katharine from her carefree younger days to the emptiness after the death of her mother to her role in propelling forward the world-changing discovery and invention of her famous brothers, even at the expense of her own ambitions. In the midst of her journey, she falls in love, and her new-found romance drives a wedge between her and her brother Orville. Can this rift be resolved?

In present time, Charlie grieves the loss of her young husband and finds herself at a crossroads in her life. At her husband’s funeral, she discovers Katharine’s grave and begins to explore the story of this kindred soul with whom she feels an unexpected connection. By exploring the past and contemplating Katharine’s actions and motivations, Charlie welcomes a new day dawning and begins to discover her own path forward.

Composer Laura Kaminsky has been cited in The Washington Post as “one of the top 35 female composers in classical music.” She frequently addresses critical social and political issues in her work, including sustainability, war, and human rights. Possessing “an ear for the new and interesting” (The New York Times), “her music is full of fire as well as ice, contrasting dissonance and violence with tonal beauty and meditative reflection. It is strong stuff.” (American Record Guide). Her first opera, As One, is the most produced contemporary opera in North America, with close to 50 productions to date in the U.S. as well as across Europe. Kaminsky brings her expertise and emotion to the creation of the music for Finding Wright.

Finding Wright marks the third time that librettist Andrea Fellows Fineberg has written for Dayton Opera, having previously crafted original dialogue for the 2014 production of The Magic Flute and the 2017 production of The Abduction from the Seraglio. Fineberg has served with Santa Fe Opera for over 30 years, holding the position of Director of Community Engagement since 1993. As librettist she has collaborated with John Kennedy on Trinity and Stephen Paulus on Shoes for the Santo Niño. In 2016, UnShakeable, with Joseph Illick, premiered in Santa Fe, and in the outpouring of activities for the commemoration of the Shakespeare 400, was cited by the New York Times. As a collaborative artist, Fineberg has had the privilege of creating and then working with the Academy for the Love of Learning’s Lifesongs¸ writing original musical narratives with individuals in hospice care since its inception in 2007. For six years she served as a national commissioner to UNESCO and as a member of the Obama Arts Policy Committee in 2008 and 2012.

Conductor Susanne Sheston is currently the Chorus Master of the acclaimed Santa Fe Opera, a position she has held since 2008. As Chorus Master, Sheston has collaborated with many of the world’s leading operatic and symphonic conductors. Her work at Santa Fe has included choral preparations for six world premieres and two North American premieres. Sheston was chorus master for the Grammy-award-winning recording (Best Opera Performance, 2019) of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, recorded live at Santa Fe Opera on the Pentatone label. Her work can also be heard on the 2016 Grammy-nominated recording of Jennifer Higdon’s Cold Mountain. Sheston takes the podium to direct the talented musicians of the Dayton Philharmonic for her first time as they perform together the stunning music of composer Laura Kaminsky.

Kathleen Clawson will be the Stage Director for this important world premiere. As dramaturg, she worked alongside Kaminsky and Fineberg during the development of Finding Wright, helping them to craft the drama of the work. Clawson is making her creative mark at Dayton her first season as Artistic Director, having worked with the company for over twelve years as Stage Director for fifteen performances, as well as appearances on stage as soloist with Dayton Philharmonic.

Commissioned to mark the 60th anniversary of Dayton Opera and Artistic Director Emeritus Thomas Bankston’s 25th season, Finding Wright was moved to 2022 because of the pandemic. Bankston serves as Artistic Advisor for the opera’s premiere.

Making her Dayton Opera debut as lead character Charlie Tyler is mezzo-soprano Amanda Lynn Bottoms. She was most recently engaged with the Santa Fe Opera, covering Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Fillipyevna in Eugene Onegin, Ino in The Lord of Cries. To much acclaim, Bottoms headlined the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago Fall 2021 recital series; the opening performance, “Songs of the New World,” was recently named one of the top three Chicago Classical Review’s Best of 2021.

Also making her Dayton Opera debut, mezzo-soprano Blythe Gaissert performs the historic role of the fascinating Katharine Wright. Much in demand for her command of new music, Gaissert has performed world premieres of music by John Adams, Laura Kaminsky, Mikael Karlsson, Robert Paterson, Martin Hennessy, Mohammed Fairouz, Richard Pearson Thomas, Glen Roven, Yotam Haber, Jorge Martin, Tom Cipullo, Renee Favand-See, Gilda Lyons, Jessica Meyer, Gabriel Kahane and more. A true singing actress, she has received critical acclaim for her interpretations of both new and traditional repertoire in opera, concert, and chamber repertoire. Known for her warm tone, impeccable musicianship and technical prowess, Gaissert has been praised by the Denver Post for her “pure, powerful and appealing voice and a forceful stage presence to match.”

Baritone Sean Anderson embraces his first role with Dayton Opera as Katharine Wright’s love interest and eventual husband, Harry Haskell. Classically trained for the Shakespearian stage, Anderson has received high recognition from Opera News as having a voice of “warm vocal velvet,” and he is diversely adept onstage in opera, musical theater, and classical drama. His repertoire list includes dozens of leading roles ranging from Verdi to Mozart to Gilbert and Sullivan, and his magnetic stage presence and authoritative voice have won him critical acclaim for both comedy and tragedy.

Performing the roles of the famous brothers of flight Orville and Wilbur Wright are tenors Dominic Armstrong and Christian Sanders, respectively. Dominic Armstrong returns to Dayton Opera for his third appearance after his 2017 role of Don José in the beloved Carmen. Dominic has quickly established himself internationally as an artist of superb and distinguished musicality and characterization. Christian Sandershas an operatic range that encompasses stirring roles in works from the classic repertoire to modern operas and works by living composers. Sanders has been hailed by Bill Eadie of SanDiego.com as a “…voice whose color belies his age. Someone to watch!”

Pam Knauert Lavarnway is the creative mind behind the unique scenic design, as the story shifts back and forth from present day to the classical historic time period of the early 1900s. Costumes from these two distinctly different time periods are the work of Bartlett Blair. Resident lighting designer John Rensel will light this production. Wig and Make-up Designers are the talented Cassandra Brake and Thomas Venditelli.

Join the Dayton Opera at the Schuster Center this February for this exhilarating world premiere. Find your path by looking back into the life of Katharine Wright, the inspirational sister of the ingenious inventors of flight who propelled them…and our history…forward!

Performances will be Friday, February 25, 2022 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 3 p.m. in the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center, Dayton Opera, under the leadership of Artistic Director Kathleen Clawson.. This opera will be sung in English with English surtitles.

Tickets for Finding Wright begin at $5 and are available through the box office at (937) 228-3630 or online atwww.daytonperformingarts.org. Senior, teacher and student discounts are available.

 

 

WSU Presents “The Gondoliers”

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Wright State Theatre presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s mistaken identity musical farce, THE GONDOLIERS in the Herbst Theatre from February 18-27.  Written in 1889 by the great founders of English Musical Comedy, Sir Arthur Sullivan and Sir W.S. Gilbert, THE GONDOLIERS is at times as comic as a Saturday Night Live sketch, at other times touching and romantic, and always relentlessly tuneful. Gilbert and Sullivan are the forerunners of some of the greatest writers in the history of Musical Theatre, including Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and Stephen Sondheim. The influences of their comedy and music can be heard in even contemporary musicals like Book of Mormon, Avenue Q and Urinetown. 

(seated) Nora DeGreen, Elizabeth Mies, (above) Kyle Channell, Jamie Cordes, Director, Kevin Lausche

The silly story concerns the young bride of the heir to the throne of the fictional kingdom of Barataria who arrives in Venice to join her husband. It turns out, however, that he cannot be identified, since he was entrusted to the care of a drunken gondolier who mixed up the prince with his own son. To complicate matters, the King of Barataria has just been killed. The two young gondoliers must now jointly rule the kingdom until the aged nurse of the prince can be brought in to determine which of them is the rightful king. Moreover, when the young queen arrives to claim her husband, she finds that the two gondoliers have both recently married local girls. A last complicating factor is that she, herself, is in love with another man. Though many audience members have seen The Pirates of Penzance or The Mikado, The Gondoliers is a rarer trat and is Gilbert and Sullivan’s last great hit, running for more than two years in London.

 

The Gondoliers is directed by Jamie Cordes (Human Race’s Airness, Wright State’s If/Then), who says, “Taking a break from contemporary musical theatre, the students have the opportunity to sing a beautiful, funny and exciting score unplugged. The Gondoliers offers a chance for the students to embody grand characters in a world of outlandish circumstances. The intimate Herbst Theatre provides the perfect place to experience light opera.  This production should prove to be a wonderful marriage of singing, movement and acting with elements of Monty Python and a smattering of the surreal humor from the 1980 film, Airplane. If you enjoy that, you will most likely love the writing of Gilbert and Sullivan.” The Gondoliers is Music Directed by Matt Ebright (Staff Musical Director) and Choreographed by Senior Musical Theatre major, Nora DeGreen. 

Patrons, cast and crew are required to wear masks at all times. Seating for this production is limited to sixty patrons per performance.

Tickets can be purchased at www.wright.edu/theatre.
For more inco call the box office at(937) 775-2500

3 Chances to Catch “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (ABRIDGED)

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All 37 plays in 97 minutes! Three madcap men in tights weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s comedies, histories, and tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter. An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) was London’s longest-running comedy.

Cirque Fatale presents “Ruin Your Childhood” Burlesque Show

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We’re riding those Valentine’s vibes right into the weekend with Cirque Fatale “Ruin Your Childhood” Burlesque! This talented group of dancers presents a burlesque and aerial show that promises to be the Magical Kingdom of fun! The cast will do their best to ruin your childhood favorites like Scooby-Doo, superheroes, and many of those magic castle animated princesses.

The performance is taking place on Friday, February 18, 2022 inside the Ballroom at The Brightside in downtown Dayton (905 E 3rd St) from 7-10pm. Along with Cirque Fatale, this show also features special guests The LeCamerons from CinCity Burlesque!

While this event is certainly fun, there is a charitable element happening too. Cirque Fatale is accepting donations of new bras (all sizes) for the YWCA. Sports bras are needed the most! So if you have some extra you never wore, or find some at the store, please bring along with you to the show!

“Dayton has been such a huge supporter of local entertainment like Cirque Fatale, that we want to give back to our local community,” organizer Cassie Guard shared.  

Cirque Fatale shows are known for flying performers over the crowd and making you laugh until your cheeks hurt. But they are also known for being safe in these covid times. They are taking measures to make sure you can still enjoy live entertainment are:

Masks required for entry and are to be worn  throughout the venue. Masks may be removed once seated at your table. All “tickets” are tables that seat 2-4 people. No rowed seating allowed. Venue HVAC system has UV-C bulbs to clean and purify the air!

Get your ticket today! Just a few table left: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ruin-your-childhood-burlesque-show-tickets-253806822037

Jazz Royalty Carmen Bradford Joins the Dayton Philharmonic This Weekend

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On Friday, February 18, 2022 and Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 8:00 pm in the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the leadership of Conductor Patrick Reynolds, will present The Ladies of Swing, the third SuperPops concert in the 2021–2022 season of the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance.

The Dayton Philharmonic and guest singer Carmen Bradford bring to the stage a program featuring hits performed and recorded by the great Swing legends Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and more. Carmen uses this collection of timeless standards and songs, made popular by the great vocalists of the swing era, to guide the audience with her dazzling vocal style and honor these incredible vocal songstresses.

Carmen Bradford is jazz royalty. Her grandfather Melvin Moore sang with Dizzy Gillespie’s Big Band and with the Ink Spots, and her parents are legendary cornetist and composer Bobby Bradford and world-renowned jazz vocalist, composer, and author Melba Joyce. It was no surprise, then, that at the age of 22, Carmen was discovered and hired by William “Count” Basie and became the featured vocalist in the legendary Count Basie Orchestra for nine years.

Since then, Bradford has sung with Big Bands and Symphonies across the country, and she has lent her voice from stage productions to the music of Hollywood films. But she has never stopped performing with her Basie family, the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Even after all these years, Carmen has always said, “when they call me, I go!” Her body of work reflects a vast depth of musical experience and technical brilliance, and she contributed to the perpetuation and preservation of this great American art form called jazz.

The DPO and Carmen bring the swing to Dayton with some of the most iconic jazz tunes from the golden era of music, including “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Love is Here to Stay,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,”  “Fascinatin’ Rhythm,” “I Won’t Dance,” “Mr. Paganini,” “Love Me or Leave Me,” “I’ve Got A Crush on You,” “A Tisket A Tasket,” and so many more jazz greats. Carmen Bradford and the Dayton Philharmonic deliver a show-stopping performance to the Schuster this February as together they honor the The Ladies of Swing.

Safety Protocols
The DPAA is excited to welcome audiences back to the 2021–2022 Season. The health and safety of patrons, performers, staff, and volunteers is our top priority. Beginning November 22, 2021, in partnership with DPAA’s venue partner Dayton Live, the following new health and safety protocols will be in place at all performances and events until further notice:

  • Vaccination and Testing – Proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing will no longer be required to attend performances at Dayton Live venues, including the Schuster Center and the Victoria Theatre.
  • Masks – Masks will be required for all patrons over the age of 6 during the entire visit while attending a DPAA performance or event. Mask must cover both nose and mouth.

Tickets for The Ladies of Swing start at $5 and are available at the box office by calling (937) 228-3630 or online at www.daytonperformingarts.org.  Senior, teacher and student discounts are available at the 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.