On Stage Dayton

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. 

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

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.

Nutcrackers, dancers, snow and songs. Sounds like a typical holiday event, but Cirque Dreams Holiday at the Victoria is anything but standard fare. We all have become familiar with the Cirque brand….acrobats, magicians, oddities….and they’ve arrived en force in Dayton! The 90-minute show, in 2 Acts, moves quickly, with some stunning ‘sideshow’ style moments  and solid aerobatic performances. Set to a loosely based ‘Nutcracker’ theme, the background highlights larger than life props, and chorus characters dressed in candy-striped sweetness.

One of the best parts of the show is watching and listening to those folks in the audience….kids with their mouths agape as a lady wrapped in cloth, suspended from the ceiling, seems to lose control in a quick roll to earth, only to stop just short of her demise. Loud claps, and uneasy ‘phews’ fill the space. Adults. watching in semi-horror as a contortionist twists 6 ways from Sunday, muttering ‘ewwws’ and ‘ouches!’ And, of course, the occasional, ‘Oh brother…’ when the tongue-in-cheek cheesy moments hit the stage. (There are a few!)

The dangling rope artist is exceptional, the hula-hooper is spectacular and the King and Queen Sugar Plum are the climax in terms of awe-factor! But, for me, and oddly, it was the high-spirited jumprope artists that made the impression. Smiling, without fail, and getting the audience into a clapping frenzy, the jumpers appear to hit 60mph, and it was just plain fun! The lady behind me saying ‘I’d have a heart attack doing that, but it looks so invigorating!’…..ummmm, don’t try that at home!

Kids will love the Holidaze as it never really slows down, and when it does, the bass filled music never lets us ‘rest’ long enough to take a breath. (Intermission is short, so grab that wine, pronto!) The show starts on-time and stays on-time, for parents. that’s a great thing to know.

The only real drawback to Holidaze is the story itself. We get moments of narration, and insights into what Clara wants for Christmas, but honestly, it’s not necessary and makes little sense. At one point, Clara gets her chance in the air, and you are left wondering, ‘Did Clara ask to be catapulted for Christmas?’

All that aside, it’s good, clean fun. The magician does his level best to engage the audience in a second act ‘sing-along’ and the ‘narrator’ stays the course by crooning some holiday hits. You’ll enjoy it….your kids will love it….and you will all leave with the proverbial ‘I wonder how they did that?’

Cirque Dream Holidaze is at the Victoria Theater 12/21- 12/26.

Tickets range from $35-$85.

More information at daytonlive.org

 

 

 

 

 

Grab that Ho-Ho-Mojito, a pack of pretzels and settle in at the PNC Arts Annex for a little Christmas Cheer.  From the moment it kicks off with a jazzed-up version of ‘This Christmas,’  we are reminded that the HOLIDAYS are back! No more bah-humbug, isolation or streaming television necessary. It’s live and it’s lively. That alone is something to sing about!

Philip Drennen and Gina Handy provide an energetic  3-act  Christmas show, backed up by Deron Bell and his Merry-Makers. Each song, though familiar, seems to take on a live of its own when the band infuses jazz, swing and…yep…FUNK! There are some truly memorable moments in the set. ‘It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas’ takes on a smooth almost etherial tone. ‘The Christmas Song’ gives you a somber start, but an uplifting finish. And for the purest, Handy nails ‘Merry Christmas, Darling.’  The one you will leave loving is ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside.’ It’s fun, silly and timely!

Centered in the audience is a mailbox, where requests are taken, and performed during the 2nd and 3rd act. This makes for some fun chat with the audience. You learn of people’s wishes for the Holiday, and why certain songs ‘mean so much.’  It is truly the magnificent talent of Bell’s band that allows the show to flow. They seamlessly answer requests with spot-on versions of Christmas classics, and then some.

Dayton, once again, proves you don’t need to search for talent outside of our city limits. Take special note of the duets, as Handy and Drennen blend, back-up and harmonize with each as if they’VE been doing it for years!

‘Season’s Greetings’ is not big, and that is the point. It’s intimate, close-knit…more of a family ‘sing-along.’ The Holidays are about gathering…and laughing….and reminiscing. With all of that in mind, get your tickets for this charmer. Bring your mom, grandma….the one you love….and remember what Karen carpenter sang, ‘Everyday’s a Holiday when I’m next to you!’ That’s it…that’s this show, in a nutshell!!

General Information:

***If you are part of the WHAMAGGEDON Challenge, beware!

When: Dec. 9, 10, 12, 15, 16 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.

@: PNC Arts Annex, 46 W. Second St., Dayton

Cost: $25-$35

For Tix:  Call 937-228-3630 or

you can visit daytonlive.org/seasons-greetings

FYI: Masks are required for patrons 6 and over

 

On Friday, December 10 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, December 11at 2:30 and 7:30 pm; Sunday, December 12 at 2:30 pm; Friday, December 17 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, December 18 at 2:30 and 7:30 pm; Sunday, December 19 at 2:30 pm in the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center, the Dayton Ballet, accompanied by the full Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, will present the holiday favorite The Nutcracker, the second ballet of the DPAA 2021-2022 season.

 

Dayton Ballet’s beloved The Nutcracker is Dayton’s biggest and best holiday performing arts tradition.With choreography by Artistic Director Karen Russo Burke, sets by designer Ray Zupp, and costumes by Lowell Mathwich, the story of little Clara, her prized Nutcracker, the Rat King, the handsome Cavalier, and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy comes alive on stage this December. The elegance, grace and sheer athleticism of the full company of Dayton Ballet dancers brings the magical story to immediate, colorful life.

The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Neal Gittleman, again takes up residence in the orchestra pit, giving Tchaikovsky‘s music the full, rich, gorgeous interpretation that it requires. There is no better way to enjoy this classic ballet and experience the full depth of this wonderful music than at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, a world-class venue that stands as a jewel in the Gem City.

In addition, Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker involves a cast of 29 children from the Dayton area, representing the following communities:  Arcanum, Beavercreek, Bellbrook, Centerville, Dayton, Englewood, Enon, Franklin, Kettering, Oakwood, Springboro, Tipp City, Troy, West Carrollton, and Xenia. The following young dancers, including dancers from Dayton Ballet II Senior and Junior Companies, will appear this year on stage at the Schuster Center, alongside the 19 professional dancers from Dayton Ballet:

 

Trudie Arling** Ellie Arnold Emma Barrentine* Blakely Barton Izabella Bell Audrey Blackburn Eva Borbonus Chelsea Brecht** Carissa Buehler* Adele Davis**

Molly Dunn** AJ Gross** Mollie Juniewicz** Parker Karban Sophia Krapf* Annabelle May* Jane Middleton Jenna Mumford** Alexia Nalls Emma Rubin**

Ellie Savage Mckenna Steneman** Ella Strehle* Karson Stubbs** Claire Takizawa** Bailee Waltersheide Matthew Warren** Caitlyn Wehner** Caroline Woessner**

** Denotes Dayton Ballet II Senior Company Dancer
* Denotes Dayton Ballet II Junior Company Dancer

 

Before the performances and during intermissions, the Schuster Center Wintergarden bustles with the excitement of the holiday season. Find the perfect holiday gift at the Dayton Ballet Boutique, peer into the famous whimsical Rike’s window boxes, or treat yourself with candy and ice cream at the Graeter’s Sweet Shoppe.

 

Several events are planned to highlight the Dayton Ballet’s presentation of The Nutcracker as follows:

 

• Behind the Ballet – After each performance, ticket holders are invited free of charge to “Behind the Ballet,” a Q&A with Ms. Burke and professional dancers from Dayton Ballet in the orchestra area of the theatre, giving audiences the opportunity to learn more about the life of a dancer at Dayton Ballet.

 

• Nutcracker Boutique – The Dayton Ballet Nutcracker Boutique opens before each performance and during intermissions and features hundreds of holiday nutcrackers of all sizes, painted pointe shoes, and ballet-themed items for sale. The Boutique is a wonderful display of unique pieces to purchase as a way to remember your lovely visit to The Nutcracker or to give as the perfect holiday gift to a loved one.

 

• Graeter’s Sweet Shoppe – To complete everyone’s visit to the Land of Sweets, Graeter’s Ice Cream will offer holiday goodies available for purchase at each performance.

 

• Rike’s Holiday Windows in the Wintergarden – For those seeking a walk down memory lane, the former Rike’s Department Store animated holiday windows are on display in the Schuster Center Wintergarden once again this year. The Rike’s Windows are a holiday tradition for countless Dayton families since the elves first appeared in the windows of Rike’s Department Store in the 1940s.

 

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 Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker start at $19 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.

“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC: THE UNFORTUNATE RETURN OF THE RIDICULOUSLY SELF-INDULGENT, ILL-ADVISED VANITY TOUR is coming to the Schuster Center in Dayton on Aug. 23, 2022.

 

Tickets go on sale at 10 am on Dec. 10, 2021 and can be purchased at daytonlive.org/weird-al or from our Ticket Office Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 937-228-3630.

Almost four years after his first foray into unfamiliar concert territory with his highly-acclaimed Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, “Weird Al” Yankovic will be pressing his luck again, this time with THE UNFORTUNATE RETURN OF THE RIDICULOUSLY SELF-INDULGENT, ILL-ADVISED VANITY TOUR.

The tour marks Weird Al’s long-anticipated return to the concert stage after his hugely successful Strings Attached Tour in 2019 where he performed each night alongside a full symphony orchestra.

Once again drawing from his back catalogue of 14 studio albums, Weird Al promises to deliver a different set list every night, with no two shows the same. As before, rather than focusing on the hits from his career, the show will feature Yankovic’s non-parody material – the somewhat more obscure pastiches and original songs that have largely escaped the pop culture radar but are adored by his long-time fans. 

And like the last Vanity Tour, he is leaving behind the high-octane theatrics that he’s known for and going bare-bones – no costumes, no props, no video screens… just Al and his band of almost four decades hanging out on stage, playing music.

Opening the show each night will be returning fan favorite and Al’s long-time friend, the legendary comedian Emo Philips.

“Weird Al” Yankovic is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist of all time. A five-time Grammy winner, his 2014 release Mandatory Fun was the first comedy album in history to debut at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200. He is one of only five artists to have had Top 40 singles in each of the last four decades, the other four being Michael Jackson, Madonna, U2, and Kenny G.

According to the Urban Dictionary, “airness” is the extent to which an air guitar performance transcends the medium and becomes a higher form of artistic expression.  The Human Race Theatre Company continues its 35^th year with Chelsea Marcantel’s award-winning play Airness, the story of a young guitar player’s introduction to the unique and intense world of competitive air guitar.  But even more, it’s about being true to yourself, letting go of your inhibitions, accepting people for who they are and finding the Rockstar locked deep inside yourself.  Airness will light up the Loft stage, October 21 – November 7, 2021.

“We have had our eyes on this play since it rocked the 2017 Humana Festival at Actors Theatre of Louisville” states Human Race Artistic Director and Founding Member, Kevin Moore.  “It went on to win the American Theatre Critics Association’s New Play Award in 2018.  This story of an underdog triumphing – with the help of a community of fellow underdogs – is a perfect way to spend an evening in the theatre.”

Set in a series of dive bars and performance venues (designed by Human Race regular and native Daytonian, Dick Block), our young heroine Nina is taken in by a group of misfits who guide her through the world of air guitar competitions.  She learns the “six pillars” on which she will be judged:  artistic merit, originality, feeling, technical ability, charisma and the elusive quality of airness.  Through classic rock guitar riffs and offstage dramedy, we follow Nina’s journey to achieve “airness.”

Human Race Resident Artist and Director Jamie Cordes, who previously directed the sensational musicalLizzie,  has assembled a powerful cast of familiar and new faces.  The cast includes:  Andrew Ian Adams (Avenue Q) as “Golden Thunder;”  Allison Kelly (Red-Blooded All-American Man) as “The Nina;”  James Roselli (Play It By Heart) as “The Announcer;”  Zack Steele (Mame, Sweeney Todd) as “Shreddy Eddy;”  and Drew Vidal (The Glass Menagerie) as “Facebender.” Making their Human Race debuts:  Reanne Acasio as “Cannibal Queen” and Rasell Holt as “D Vicious.”  Production Stage Manager is Jacquelyn Duncan;  Costume Design by Janet G. Powell;  Scenic Design by Dick Block;  Lighting Design by John Rensel;  Sound Design by Jay Brunner.

Airness will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, October 21 – November 7, 2021.  Tickets are on sale through Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org  Following local mandates set by the City of Dayton and Dayton Live, all audiences must show proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid-19 test, and all are required to wear masks.  Details can be found on our website.