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…a play without boundaries

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The Syringa Tree - SEED Theatre ProjectThe Syringa Tree

THE SEED THEATRE PROJECT

This weekend, The SEED Theatre Project will present the regional premiere of The Syringa Tree, by Pamela Gien.  The thought provoking play is performed by one actress, Robin Smith, who portrays twenty-four different characters, all of whom speak, and sing, in a variety of languages & dialects.  To further complicate this actress’ task, she performs without physical scenery and props, allowing the voices of her characters free to tell the story of Elizabeth Grace with only the external impact of light and sound to place these people in a time and place.

I spoke with Robin, along with Adam Leigh (director), Amy Brooks (dramaturg/assistant director) & Michelle Leigh (production manager) last weekend about The Syringa Tree.  I am curious about the concept of this show, and I am very much looking forward to attending the performance to hear this amazing tale spun by so many characters on an empty stage with only one actress.

A description of the show, provided by SEED:

The Syringa TreeThe Syringa Tree is a personal, deeply evocative story of an abiding love between two families, one black, one white, and the two children that are born into their shared household in the early 1960’s South Africa. Seen first through the eyes of a child, six-year old Elizabeth Grace, as she tries with humor and sometimes palpable fear, to make sense of the chaos, magic and darkness of Africa, we follow their destinies in a story that spans four generations, from early apartheid to the present day free South Africa.

Robin Smith - THE SYRINGA TREE - The SEED Theatre Project Resident Artist Robin Smith will portray twenty-four very different characters (black, white, old, young, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Zulu, English, Jewish, etc.) in the telling of this story.

The SEED crew is highly passionate about this piece, pointing out the similarities of the time & place of the story with our lives in Dayton, 2010.  The play takes place in apartheid-bound Johannesburg, South Africa from the 1960’s through the mid-1990’s, as apartheid was lifted.  The production staff points out that even as the characters in this play live in a world where boundaries are all they know, there is a love in this script that defies all racial boundaries…the play becomes timeless and boundless.  It concerns itself more with the interconnectedness of people in a time and place where the disruption of apartheid created a disconnectedness with the land.

The Syringa TreeIn their research on this work, Adam & Michelle Leigh began looking into the South African community within the Miami Valley.  They were surprised to find out how many refugees are living in the Dayton area, some by choice and some by force.

“…it’s not over in South Africa.  It’s not on the 6:00 news, but it still exists.  Americans know apartheid exists, but not the details.”

Adam Leigh, the show’s director and founder of SEED states that their mission is to present entertainment, but at the same time taking the audience on a journey so that when they leave, they understand that we, in Dayton, experience the exact same issues today.  The SEED Theatre productions will feature an Enter-Action Forum following each performance.  The forum will be a time for the audience, the actors, the staff and other guests to discuss the issues presented in the play.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

The SEED Theatre Project, Dayton, OhioTHE SYRINGA TREE (8pm, August 20-21 at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center) Tickets: $12  Call (937) 823-0081 or by visiting their ONLINE BOX OFFICE:  ShowTix4u.com.

Please Note: This production contains adult language and themes. Viewer discretion is advised.

Visit http://www.seedtheatreproject.org for more information about the organization.

Visit The Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center for information about this amazing community center now open in Dayton. The Kroc Center is located at 1000 North Keowee Street, Dayton, Ohio  45404.

The Syringa Tree will be the first theatrical production to take place in the center.  The staff of SEED Theatre indicated that they were very fortunate to the gracious people of the Kroc Center.

SA

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC just concluded their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton, which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane & Dave at [email protected]

Accidentally Coming of Age

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The Cast of Encore Theater Co.'s production of NEXT THING YOU KNOWNext Thing You Know

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

Encore Theater Company in association with Sinclair Community College will present a developmental production of the new musical NEXT THING YOU KNOW written by Drama Desk Nominees JOSHUA SALZMAN & RYAN CUNNINGHAM August 12-14, 2010 at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theatre. (Note…there is an opportunity for you to win tickets to this show.  Details are found at the end of this post!)

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham, writers of Next Thing You KnowJoshua Salzman (music) and Ryan Cunningham (book and lyrics) met at the NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Their thesis musical, I Love You Because went on to be professionally produced Off-Broadway, earned a Drama Desk nomination for the team, spawned a cast album on PS Classics and garnered a licensing deal with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, resulting in productions both nationally and internationally including Encore Theater Company’s own regional production several seasons ago.

“The opportunity to see our show developed outside of NY, under a dedicated and enthusiastic team of actors and directors, is invaluable”, says composer Joshua Salzman, “The nurturing and safe environment ETC provides for musical theater writers to hone their craft is essential to the creative process of developing a new musical”.

Salzman & Cunningham spent several days in Dayton developing the show which the creators describe this way:

“Real life comes real fast. One day you wake up, and instead of a hangover, you have a job. Instead of a fling, you have a live-in girlfriend. And instead of naïve dreams, you have reality. For four artists in New York City, discovering yourself can take a lot longer than you think. The little joys and compromises that bring us into adulthood are brought to life in this all-new musical”.

The cast of ETC's production of Salzman & Cunningham's NEXT THING YOU KNOWThe cast for the Dayton engagement of NEXT THING YOU KNOW includes: Amy Leigh (Waverly), Matthew D. Curry (Luke), BethAnn Wipprecht (Lisa) and JJ Parkey (Darren). Production staff include David Brush (Director), Shawn Storms (Assistant Director), Jackson Gallagher (Lighting Design), Nathan Dean (Sound Design), and Ally Wetz (Stage Manager).

The cast and staff of NEXT THING YOU KNOW shared some thoughts with me about working directly with the writing team, and what it means to originate a character in a brand new piece of musical theater.  Excerpts are below, but you can read more of their thoughts on the production blog at NextThingYouKnowDayton.wordpress.com and listen to an interview with the cast and writing team at MusicalWorld.us .

As the weekend with the writer’s approached in July, what did you feel most anxious about?

Amy LeighAmy Leigh:  “I was nervous that Josh and Ryan were seeing us do the entire show just after we’d blocked it, before we had time to settle into the scenes. I wanted to prove to them that, although we might stumble on lines, lyrics, or notes here and there, that we honor the original intent of their show. But they were anything but judgmental. They seemed to truly appreciate seeing the show on its feet, and having their input really completed the experience for me.”

JJ Parkey and Amy Leigh of ETC's NEXT THING YOU KNOWJJ Parkey: “I was afraid that their presence in the room would be really intimidating, but as it turns out, Ryan and Josh are absolutely WONDERFUL to work with. They were so very supportive of what we were all doing, and the entire weekend was a very positive experience. Ryan and Josh brought about a sense of grounding to the project for me.

Describe the experience of working directly with the creators of a new piece of theater.

Matthe Curry in ETC's production of Salzman & Cunningham's NEXT THING YOU KNOWMatthew D. Curry:  “Having Josh there to guide us through deeper meaning of our music, and Ryan giving us hints and clues to where our character’s thoughts lie, weather we thought we had it or not, gave me personally a truer look into Luke. And that’s an experience you never get with just a script and our own analysis of the writer’s words.”

What has it been like, leading a team of actors through the discovery of new characters that have never before been seen on stage?

Shawn Storms, assistant director of ETC's NEXT THING YOU KNOWShawn Storms, assistant director:  “I have found this process easier than the work I have done with new plays. I feel that it has much to do with the extremely talented cast of this show. They have been open and eager to try new things; go with the flow. I feel that without that beautiful collaborative spirit, this show would never have evolved in the many ways it has.

It has been a pleasure to witness each character’s evolution. To see the script change, new moments discovered, and songs soar. I hope that our audiences see what a gem this show is!”

Why did ETC choose a new musical, one that nobody in Dayton has even heard of before, as the finale for it’s summer theatrical season?

David Brush, director: “This kind of development is what new shows need – a long term commitment to walk a show from one step to the next and allow creators to make changes, additions and deletions along the way. This gets at the very heart of ETC’s mission and we are thrilled to kick off the program with two amazing young, fresh talents like Ryan and Josh.”

NEXT THING YOU KNOW is part of Encore Theater Company’s New Musicals In Development program which includes a focus on developing new work through podcasts, readings, and development productions.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

NEXT THING YOU KNOW (August 12-14) Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 on the day of the performance.  Please note:  this show contains adult language and situations.  Visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for tickets.

WIN TICKETS TO Next Thing You Know!

Encore Theater Company & DaytonMostMetro.com are giving away a pair of tickets to NEXT THING YOU KNOW.  It’s really easy to enter. The deadline to enter is Noon on Wednesday, August 11th.

1.  In the comment section below, answer this question…WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE OMELET INGREDIENTS? (Yeah, we know…it doesn’t make sense, but if you come see NTYK it will!)

2.  Share this DMM post on Facebook!  At the bottom of this post there are buttons to like, tweet & share this…Please share it!  For every 10 FACEBOOK SHARES of this post, we’ll add  a pair of tickets (up to 6 pairs!). The more people who share this, the more chances there are to win!

Dayton Area Casting Calls:

Grey Gardens: The Musical

THE SEED THEATRE PROJECT Open Auditions

Continuing the 2010-2011 theatrical season with the SEED theatre project will be the area premier of Scott Frankel, Michael Korie & Doug Wright’s musical Grey Gardens. Grey Gardens: The Musical will be directed by Adam J. Leigh. In addition, Judy Mansky serves as music director while Shayne Thomas Petty serves as assistant director.

Grey Gardens at SEED Theatre ProjectFresh from Broadway where it was nominated for ten Tony Awards in 2007, this new musical was inspired by the 1975 Maysles brothers documentary of the same name. Grey Gardens tells the entertaining and poignant story of two unconquerable women, Edith Bouvier Beale and her adult daughter Edie, the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Once known as two of the brightest stars in the social register, these two women became East Hampton’s most infamous “reclusive inhabitants”, sharing their rundown 28-room mansion with 52 stray cats and rabid raccoons. From the glittering high society of 1940s New York to the tabloid headlines that rocked the Kennedy clan in 1970s, Grey Gardens hurls you into American royalty and poses the questions: When do private lives become public fascinations? How much is too much? And where does it stop?

The SEED Theatre Project, Dayton, OhioOpen Auditions for this show will be held on Tuesday, August 10th and Wednesday, August 11th. They will begin at 7pm each night. Auditions will be held at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center – 1000 N. Keowee Street – Dayton, OH 45420. Performers will only need to attend one night of auditions for consideration.

Performance dates are Friday, November 5th and Saturday, November 6th, 2010.

For more information please contact Adam Leigh via phone at (937)219-7835 or via email at [email protected] or visit SEED’s website for casting requirements and additional audition details:  www.SEEDtheatreproject.org

The Sugar Witch

THE DAYTON THEATRE GUILD Open Auditions

Sugar Witch at The Dayton Theatre GuildThe Dayton Theatre Guild announces open auditions for it’s upcoming production of THE SUGAR WITCH by Nathan Sanders.

Auditions will take place August 23rd & 24th, 2010 at 7 pm in The Dayton Theatre Guild’s  Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape at 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH 45410.  Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script

The show, directed by Doug Lloyd and produced by Debra Kent is set in the Florida swamp country of the Watchalahoochee River unfolding an at times eerie, weird and often very funny story of what’s left of the Bean family, Moses and Sisser, along with Annabelle, the Sugar Witch. And yes, there may be flying cats, casting of spells, country music, not to mention a few possible surprises.

Performance Dates:  October 22nd – November 7th, 2010

Casting Requirements:

Sisser – Female – Late 20’s to late 30’s – Southern, Obese, and somewhat mad. A wheel chair bound lover of little Debbie Snack cakes. She is capable of anything – even murder.

Ruth Ann Meeks – Female – Late 20’s to Mid 30’s – Southern, Racist, and half insane. A “church-goer”, plain, not necessarily pretty, most likely the product of incest.

Annabelle – African-American Female – Mid 40’s to 50’s – Southern swamp mystic and conjure woman. She brews magical potions from sugar cane molasses. Annabelle is the last in a long line of powerful “Sugar-Witches”.

Moses Bean – Male – mid 20’s – Southern, Handsome and boyish. He is a mechanic at the local Texaco station. Innocent and virginal; a gender reversed “Sleeping Beauty”.

Hank Hartley – Male – 30’s – Southern, handsome and strong. He is the play’s “gentleman caller”. He has recently returned to Sugar Bean to take over his family funeral home business. Hank is madly “in-love” but yet hiding a dark secret.

Granddaddy Meeks – Male – 60’s to 70’s – Southern, redneck, racist, abusiveand mean. He is Ruth Ann’s Grandfather.

Additional information about The Dayton Theatre Guild can be found online at www.DaytonTheatreGuild.org

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently in the midst of their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton, which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the upcoming new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane & Dave at [email protected]

http://musicalworldpodshow.mevio.com/

Oh What A Night…

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Muse Machine - CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOUCan’t Take My Eyes Off Of You

THE MUSE MACHINE

This week, the Dayton-based, nationally recognized arts education organization The Muse Machine will continue it’s tradition of presenting near-professional quality music, theatre and dance with local teens.   The Muse Machine  is busy preparing for their 12th summer concert, joining nearly 200 current students from the Miami Valley with fellow Muse Machine alums.  The group will croon from the Victoria Theatre stage, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You:  the Songs of Frankie Valli, The Four Seasons & Friends” (other popular groups of the era).

Michael Ingersoll

Michael Ingersoll

This summer, those performers are joined by very special guest star, Muse alum Michael Ingersoll, who was featured in the original L.A., San Francisco and Chicago casts of the Tony-award winning Jersey Boys, as well as appearing on the Emmys, the Tonight Show and Oprah.

There are only 2 chances to catch this concert, this Wednesday & Thursday, and tickets are going fast, so press pause on this post, go to www.ticketcenterstage.com, order up some great summer entertainment, then come on back and read on…

The many muse performers include singers, dancers and musicians who range from talented alumni all the way down to budding elementary school performers. The songs are recreated with a new vision, original concepts, choreography and arrangements.  While most of the show focuses on the actual songs of the Four Seasons, there are a few other surprises.

The Muse Machine - Singin In The Rain - Winter 2010

The Muse Machine - Singin' In The Rain, 2010

“Jersey Boys gives a nod to the girl groups of the 60’s, and later the Four Seasons perform songs by other great artists,” said producer, Douglas Merk.  “And there are a few of these really exciting influences that we’ll visit to round out the show.”

Nobody has performed more shows as one of the Four Seasons in Jersey Boys than Michael Ingersoll. After more than 1,300 performances, his solo concert tour — often backed by other cast members, performers and even a big band — has sold out venues as large as 1,800 seats. His projects have raised nearly $1 million for charitable causes, and he is eager to return to Dayton, where he credits Muse for launching his career on stage.

The Muse Machine - Singin In The Rain - Winter 2010

The Muse Machine - Singin' In The Rain, 2010

“Jersey Boys was a huge break for me that led to major concert and producing opportunities. It’s such an honor to be asked to return to Muse where my love of performing began,” said Ingersoll.

Michael Ingersoll in The Jersey BoysCan’t Take My Eyes Off Of You: The Songs of Frankie Valli, The Four Seasons & Friends runs at the Victoria Theatre at 8:00 p.m., August 4 and 5, 2010. Tickets, currently on sale, are offered exclusively through Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630, online at www.ticketcenterstage.com or at the Ticket Center Stage box office, located in the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton. The concert is presented by MeadWestvaco with additional support provided by Bieser, Greer & Landis, LLP., BounceU and James Free Jewelers.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

I CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOU (August 4-5) Call Ticket Center Stage at  (937) 228-3630 or visit http://www.ticketcenterstage.com, visit http://www.musemachinedayton.com for more information about the organization.

About the Muse Machine

The Muse Machine is a nationally recognized arts education organization, providing creative experiences and resources for young people of the Miami Valley. Since 1982, they’ve produced 24 annual musicals and 12 concerts for the community and engaged thousands of students through academic-relevant lessons, workshops and in-school projects.  For more information, visit www.musemachinedayton.com.

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently in the midst of their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the upcoming new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

SA/Muse Press Release

Arts Reviews (by people who don’t know any better)

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Want to know if you can wear jeans to the latest show?  Interested if parking is readily available at local venues?  Do you want the scoop from a regular audience member?  Here’s the latest “First-Person Review” from JumpstART.  This time – a few jumpers checked out ETC’s {Title of Show} and two of them are sharing their conversational thoughts.  Check out the review, and become a fan of JumpstART on Facebook for more info.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/notes/jumpstart/review-etcs-title-of-show/447812694852

{Title of Show} ran one weekend only and has already closed.  Next up from ETC: Next Thing You Know

Visit the Arts Calendar to see what’s happening NOW with other arts around the region.

The Future(Fest) is Here

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FutureFest '09 - CARVE - The Dayton PlayhouseFutureFest 2010

THE DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

One of the biggest theatre weekends of the year is about to descend upon the Dayton-region, and 2010 marks an important milestone.  FutureFest, the annual new works festival at The Dayton Playhouse is celebrating it’s twentieth year and festival organizers can’t be more excited!

Every year writers from across the country, and from several other countries as well, submit their previously unproduced scripts for consideration.  This year over 390 new works  were submitted in hopes of being one of the famed “top six” to be presented at FutureFest 2010 from July 23rd to the 25th.
FutureFest 2009 - AdjudicationFor those who are new to FutureFest, it’s almost an unbelievable experience.  In one weekend the Dayton Playhouse mounts six different productions.  Each with a different director, cast, scenery, and technical aspects.  Following each show a panel of professional theatre folk, flown in from across the country, take to the stage with the author, director, and cast to adjudicate the show right in front of the audience.  They give the author feedback about their script and direct them in ways to make improvements that will get them closer to being published.
Several scripts from the Dayton Playhouse’s FutureFest have made it on to be published.
One has even appeared on Broadway and is now being made into a movie starring Jake Gyllenhall.
This year’s FutureFest productions are:
  • An Uncommon Language by Evan Guilford-Blake
  • Dancing Backwards by John Fiorillo
  • How It Works by Cary Pepper
  • The Judicial Murder of Mrs. Surratt by Rich Amada
  • Refuge by Marc Kornblatt
  • Short Story Long by Joel Fishbane
(synopsis for each play can be found at the end of this article)
Tickets are still available for this weekends FutureFest and may be purchased by calling the Dayton Playhouse Box Office at 937-424-8477 or online at daytonplayhouse.org.

Peter Filichia - A Personal History of the American Theater

Peter Filichia

A Personal History of the American Theatre

by Peter Filichia at THE DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

So, what’s it like to be a theater critic? Is it really fun to attend the theater night after night after night after night? Ask Peter Filichia, who has been attending theater consistently for the last half-century and has been a reviewer for more than half that time.

Filichia has seen theater in 42 states and 14 foreign countries and has managed to see as many as 365 stage shows in a single year. He will, God willing, soon see his 10,000th stage show.

One of those was Spaulding Gray’s one-man show, A PERSONAL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN THEATER. Gray simply sat at a table and held a bunch of oversized index cards. He pulled out a card at random and would tell a story based on the title of the show printed on that card.

Gray died in 2004. Filichia reasoned that the show should not go with him – but should go on. And so, he’s created his own version of A PERSONAL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN THEATER. He’s got quite a few index cards from which to choose.

Each performance of A PERSONAL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN THEATER is, of course, different. An audience might hear about Filichia’s adventures with a nice celebrity (Jerry Orbach), a not-so-nice one (Mary Tyler Moore), or one who turned out to be a little sneaky (Steve Allen). What’s it like to face Ben Vereen shortly after you’ve written a negative review about his performance? How did Filichia feel after he put his foot in his mouth when dealing with James Earl Jones?

There are stories about memorable audience members, ranging from Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary to the black man and old white woman who buttressed Filichia at The Wiz. Filichia also goes back to when he began theatergoing as a teen, and how many a play changed his life, be it as serious as A Raisin in the Sun or even as frivolous as Damn Yankees. There’s a poignant story about the time Filichia took Yugoslavians to a musical, as well as funny ones involving community theater disasters.

It’s all in the cards – and the story-telling. Filichia has performed A PERSONAL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN THEATER in points north (New York State), south (Miami), east (Boston), and west (Aspen, Colorado). Because of the very nature of the show, it can be as long or as short as a presenting house demands. Afterwards, Filichia is glad to take questions from the audience.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

FutureFest (July 23-25) visit http://www.daytonplayhouse.com/ (937) 424-8477 (tickets are availble for each individual play…see below for a synopsis of each play)

A Personal History of the American Theater by Peter Filichia (July 22) visit http://www.daytonplayhouse.com/ (937) 424-8477

Would you like to submit theater news for Dayton Most Metro’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane & Dave at [email protected]

FutureFest 2010 Plays

Dancing Backwards – John Fiorillo (Fully Staged) – 8pm Fri. 07/23

This is a story about the choices we make between loyalty and ambition or independence and accepting help.  Victor Belkin, a famous dancer, is worried about his friend Robert, an elderly Yankee widower. He asks Robert to share his home, although his lifestyle and Robert’s couldn’t be more different. Robert rejects Viktor’s offer. He has a secret, as well as a plan to escape. However, the situation gets out of hand as it turns from amusing to life threatening.

How It Works – Cary Pepper (Staged Reading) – 10am Sat. 07/24

HOW IT WORKS explores the issues of success, power, fame, recognition, compromise, integrity and personal satisfaction in the world of art.  How do you handle The Struggle? How do you maintain personal integrity as a person and an artist? What happens when you’re given one of the most prestigious awards in the world, but you yearn for a “smaller” award the public knows nothing about?

An Uncommon Language – Evan Guilford-Blake (Staged Reading) – 3pm Sat. 07/24

An Uncommon Language examines the repression of women and the nature of madness. Set in England in 1906, the play explores the life of HÉLOISE LACASSE, an untrained but passionate and talented sculptor, who chooses to subjugate her prowess to benefit JOHN BATISTE, her lover, the self-described enfant terrible of English sculpture.  Silently, she crafts heads for his statuary. Héloise has a history of free-spirited behavior, which, ultimately, John interprets as madness and has her institutionalized — where she is forbidden access to her sculpture.

Refuge – Marc Kornblatt (Fully Staged) – 8pm Sat. 07/24

Two men meet on a secluded boardwalk along a marsh in a bird sanctuary in the Midwest.  Jim brings a notepad and a gun.  Laz brings a pile of pills and a six-pack of beer.  By the end of their first encounter, the pills are consumed and the gun goes off.  Both men live.  Jim and Laz meet again and again in the same place to argue, cajole, circle and embrace in a somber and funny dance of death that also draws Jim’s burdened wife and Laz’s yearning girlfriend to the marsh to find refuge and renewal.

The Judicial Murder of Mrs. Surratt – Rich Amada (Staged Reading) – 10am Sun. 07/25

Based on true events, the play follows the story of Mary Surratt, the first woman judicially executed by the U.S. government.  It was Mrs. Surratt’s boardinghouse where John Wilkes Booth and others are said to have plotted the assassination of President Lincoln.  By charging her, the government hoped to flush out her fugitive son, an alleged key conspirator.  On trial, Mrs. Surratt faced the gallows in what was 19th Century America’s trial of the century.

Short Story Long – Joel Fishbane (Fully Staged) – 3pm Sun. 07/25

After famed author Lincoln Kennedy dies, he bequeaths his money to his wife and his writing to his former girlfriend.  His wife, Julianne, refuses to obey her husband’s wishes until she can determine the reasons behind them.  Amalthea is equally confused, she has not seen Lincoln in years.  Together, the women work to unravel the mystery, slowly forging a tentative peace that is threatened once Lincoln’s true motivations are finally revealed.

Yeah… but can it play Dayton?

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[title of show] - Encore Theater Co. - Dayton CastDayton, Ohio:  a hotbed for the development & performance of new musical theatre?

YES.

“It is a hopeless endeavour to attract people to a theatre unless they can be first brought to believe that they will never get in.” – CHARLES DICKENS, Nicholas Nickleby

Musical Theatre Workshop:  Festival 2010

THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

During the 1940’s and 1950’s, American Musical Theatre was developed right in the heart of it all – Manhatten. After all, that’s where all the great theatre was happening. PLUS – it wasn’t nearly as expensive to produce a big Broadway musical as it is today. (Wicked has just recently recouped its $40 million investment and THAT’S a runaway hit). Add to that the fact that the vast majority of Broadway audiences are tourists, then you can see why so many writers of new musical theatre are hungry to test their work in an “everyman” market. After all, those are the folks buying tickets.

Events here in our city over the next two weekends suggest to me that New York writers might just begin asking themselves –“Yeah, but will it play Dayton?” Without a doubt, Dayton is becoming a new Midwestern Mecca for new musical theatre development.

Human Race Musical Theatre Workshop 2008

"The Black Crook Project" 2008

Consider this. Downtown at The Loft theatre this coming weekend, THREE new musicals will premiere. One of those – PLAY IT BY HEART – features the work of Brian Yorkey (2009 Tony-Winner for Next To Normal). Another – TENDERLY – was written by the same team that created the wildly popular GREEN GABLES that played the Victoria in 2005. And the third – being written as we speak by local students – will make its national debut – right here in Dayton (The Lovewell Project). This is coming on the heels of the stellar Human Race production of Adam Gwon’s new musical ORDINARY DAYS. There is simply no excuse not to catch one of these shows. Not to mention, the schedule for the festival weekend makes it so easy. PLUS there are opportunities to meet the creators and party with the Race.

Do yourself a favor and make time for this festival weekend.
MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP: FESTIVAL 2010 FULL SCHEDULE

Friday, July 16

8pm               Play It By Heart @ The Loft Theatre
Followed by an After-Show Reception @ The Dayton Racquet Club

Saturday, July 17

1:15pm          Meet the Play It By Heart writers @ The Loft Lobby
2pm                Play It By Heart @ The Loft Theatre
7pm               Lovewell Show @ The Loft Theatre
Followed by an After-Show Reception The Loft Lobby
8pm                Tenderly @ Creativity Center

Sunday, July 18

2pm                 Lovewell Show @ The Loft Theatre
2pm                 Tenderly @ Creativity Center
6:15pm           Meet the Tenderly writers Creativity Center
7pm                 Tenderly @ Creativity Center
Followed by a Wrap-Up Party @ a Location TBA

Synopses:

Play it By Heart tells the story of a female country music star battling her family and a changing industry. Taylor, who penned such hits as Tammy Wynette’s “Another Chance” and Johnny Cash’s “The Baron,” calls it “the quintessential story of family in country music.”

Tenderly is about a real musical legend, one of the most famous entertainers ever to come out of the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky region, Rosemary Clooney. The show includes such Clooney hits as “Come On-a My House,” “Mambo Italiano” and “Hey There.”

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Musical Theatre Workshop: Festival 2010 (July 16-18) will be celebrated at both the 219-seat Loft Theatre at 126 N. Main St. and the approximately 60-seat Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center at 116 N. Jefferson St. Tickets ($15 per performance) are available at the door. Visit http://www.humanracetheatre.org for more information.

If we seem to have a particular passion for developing NEW and innovative work, it because we do! After all, the same weekend as the MTW Festival at the Loft, Encore Theater Company is presenting local premiere of the 2009 Tony-Nominated musical [title of show] – trust me – a comedy like no other!

DB

[title of show]

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

What do you get when you gather four friends, four chairs, a keyboard, some monkeys, vampires, drag queens and a fresh batch of rice crispy treats?  Why [title of show] of course!

How do you explain a show that has an ingredient list like that?  How about “a show that really [BEEEEEEP]’ing ROCKS!”

Shawn Hooks as "Jeff" in [title of show] - Dayton, Ohio But really, all poor grammar aside, this show really does ROCK!  Just ask Dayton native Susan Blackwell, an original cast member of the Broadway, Off-Broadway and New York Musical Theater Festival productions of the little show that could. Not only was Ms. Blackwell an original cast member…she is also a character in the show.

Angele' Price as "Susan" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioConfused? Don’t be, here’s the premise-[title of show] is a hilarious new musical written by 2 struggling writers about 2 struggling writers writing a hilarious new musical. word.  Essentially, art imitating life imitating art imitating life.  Get the picture? Oh, and Susan was a great pal & agreed to be in their show.

Chris Smyth as "Hunter" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioWith a song list that includes such classics as “Untitled Opening Number,” “Monkeys & Playbills,” “I Am Playing Me,” “Nine People’s Favorite Thing,” and  “Die Vampire, Die!” how could you possibly consider missing this opportunity to catch this show?

Nora Coyle as "Heidi" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioWell…here’s good news!  You can win Tickets to [tos]! YAY! DaytonMostMetro & Encore Theater Company are giving away three pairs of tickets to [title of show].  All you need to do is give the show’s director a good DRAG QUEEN name! Yes, that’s right, brainstorm a great drag queen name for the director of the show…and suggest it in the comment section below (everyone else in the cast/crew has a DQ name already…you can check them out HERE).

We will announce winners on Wednesday night.  You will have a choice of performances (Thursday, Friday or Saturday at 7:30pm).

Help DOUBLE the number of tickets that we will be giving away!  We will announce three additional winners, if we can help DaytonMostMetro reach 2,000 fans by midnight Wednesday! Go to the DMM Facebook Fan Page, become a fan if you are not already, then share it with all of your friends, family & FB lurkers.

[title of show] will be performed at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday & Saturday (July 15-17) at Blair Hall Theatre on the campus of Sinclair Community College.  Visit www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for more information about Encore Theater Company & [tos].

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

[title of show] (July 15-17) Call Blair Hall Box Office at  (937) 512-2808 or visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for information and links to the online box office.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.  Please note:  [title of show] contains adult themes and language.

SA

Encore Theater Company welcomes the writers of Next Thing You Know to Dayton, July 23-25

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham - Next Thing You KnowOn the “developing new musical theatre in Dayton, Ohio” front, ETC would like to mention the exciting fact that the writers of NEXT THING YOU KNOW will be traveling from New York to work with the Dayton cast on the show.  Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham (who penned the Off-Broadway hit I LOVE YOU BECAUSE) have been developing NTYK for a potential New York run, and will be utilizing the Encore Theater Company production as an opportunity to test some changes and make some creative decisions in the development process.

In an effort to help cover Josh & Ryan’s expenses, ETC kicked off the 30 for 30 for New Musical Theater campaign last week.  The response was great from the Dayton arts community…making this opportunity a reality!  If you would like to contribute to the fund, and an opportunity to meet the writers, please email the ETC staff at [email protected] for information about how you can participate in the campaign.

While Salzman & Cunningham are in town, they will also conduct a workshop for Dayton actors about auditioning for musical theatre productions.  This workshop will take place on Saturday, July 24th in the Oregon District Arts Collaborative space above the new SideBar (400 East Fifth Street, Suite A).  Email the ETC staff at [email protected] for information.

Next Thing You Know will be performed at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday & Saturday (August 12-14) at Blair Hall Theatre on the campus of Sinclair Community College.  Visit www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for more information about Encore Theater Company & NTYK.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Next Thing You Know (August 12-14) Call Blair Hall Box Office at  (937) 512-2808 or visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for information and links to the online box office.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.  Please note: NTYK contains adult themes and language.

Update: NEXT THING YOU KNOW by Salzman & Cunningham

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham traveled from New York to Dayton last weekend to work with the ETC cast of NEXT THING YOU KNOW.  The writers continued to mold & shape their show into what they envision it to be.  This was a thrilling experience for everyone at Encore Theater Company.

While Salzman & Cunningham were in town we took some time to sit down with them, and the cast of NTYK to record a MusicalWorld episode.  Look for that episode below.

We also hosted a reception for the writing team at the home of Dr. Michael Ervin, followed by a trip to the new SideBar in the Oregon District.  Much thanks go out to Dr. Ervin, Kevin Moore (artistic director of The Human Race Theatre Co.), the donor’s in the “30 for 30” campaign, the folks at Toxic Brew Company (keep watching DMM for info about this cool Dayton start-up), Bill & Shannon from Dayton Most Metro and representatives from other local organizations & theatre companies.  Look for a video about that reception below.

http://www.mevio.com/episode/241734/mw66-salzman-amp-cunningham-next-thing-you

SA

Spitfire Grill

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Spitfire Grill - Beavercreek Community TheatreWhile not a brand new piece of musical theater, SPITFIRE GRILL is a rarely performed show.  The last performance in Dayton was the excellent production by The Human Race Theatre a few seasons ago.

Doug Lloyd will helm the Beavercreek Community Theatre production of Spitfire Grill September 17th through the 26th.  He will be joined on staff by Stacey Gear (choreographer) and Dr. James Tipps (music director).  BCT recently held auditions for the show.  The result was what looks to be a terrific cast for this heartwarming show.

Percy Talbott – Sydney Lanier

Shelby Thorpe – Katie Storost

Hannah Ferguson – Pam McGinnis

Effy Krayneck – Teresa Connair

Sheriff Joe Sutter – Max Monnig

Caleb Thorpe – Brad Mattingly

The Visitor – Nick Vanderpool

Synopsis:

A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. It is for sale but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow full and things are definitely cookin’ at the Spitfire Grill

Mark your calendars and plan to attend what will surely be a terrific production of  Spitfire Grill.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Spitfire Grill (September 17-26) Call Beavercreek Community Theatre Box Office at  (937) 429-4737 or visit http://www.bctheatre.org for information and links to the online box office.

SA

FINALLY – be sure to check out the latest MusicalWorld Podcast that features an interview with Susan Blackwell (who was in the original cast of [title of show] on Broadway!

Extraordinary Days

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Ordinary Days at The Human Race Theatre Co.Ordinary Days at The Loft

It isn’t often that patrons in ANY city get the rare theatrical opportunity currently occurring Downtown Dayton. Currently housed in an extended run in the Schuster Center is – for many – the gold standard for musical theater goers all over the world – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s now iconic THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. But quietly, intimately, and indeed passionately next door at The Loft, the next generation of musical theater writers is being heralded in by a young composer named Adam Gwon and his remarkable musical ORDINARY DAYS – thanks to the amazing staff and cast at The Human Race Theatre Company. Ordinary Days is anything but ordinary. The small in size – large on theme – musical evening explores several interconnected stories against the backdrop of New York City’s bustling contemporary culture. The music is contemporary – the lyrics are brilliant – the cast is engaging.

Adam Gwon, composer/lyricist of Ordinary Days

Adam Gwon, composer/lyricist of Ordinary Days

I cannot tell you strongly enough how important it is for the future of this artform that as patrons – we make the decision to not make only ‘safe’ choices with our entertainment dollars. Remember that once upon a time someone (whose name no one remembers) told Sir Lloyd Webber that a musical based on Gaston Leroux’s Gothic tale of a creeper with mommy issues stalking a young ingénue was a HORRIBLE idea for a musical. Someone lost their job over that one I am certain. So as wonderful as it is to JOIN an already exciting bandwagon – also take the time to be there from the start of one as well. And Ordinary Days and Mr. Gwon himself are poised to take this industry by storm sooner rather than later.

Ordinary Days continues through June 27 at The Loft.

The Human Race Theatre Company’s executive director Kevin Moore & Ordinary Days composer/lyricist Adam Gwon were recently featured on MusicalWorld discussing the journey that Ordinary Days took to Dayton, Ohio:

Additional Local Theater News:

Opening This Weekend:  BCT’s The Who’s Tommy

Cast of BCT's "The Who's Tommy"

BCT's "The Who's Tommy" with Dean Swann, Aiden Kesson, Lynn Kesson

Beavercreek Community Theatre wraps up its 2009-2010 season with the classic 60s rock opera “The Who’s Tommy.”

Pete Townsend’s tale of a young boy, who becomes catatonic after witnessing the murder of his mother’s lover by his father, will be presented at 8 p.m. on June 18, 19, 25 and 26 and at 3 p.m. on June 20 and 27.

The show includes many hits by The Who including “The Acid Queen,” “Pinball Wizard,” “Sensation,” “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” “See Me, Feel Me” and “Listening to You.

Matt Curry in BCT's "The Who's Tommy."

Matt Curry of Dayton portrays the adolescent Tommy. His parents are played by Dean Swann and Lynn Kesson, also of Dayton. In additiona, the cast includes Matt Owens of Beavercreek, Megan Vonder Kolk and Megan Grabiel of Fairborn, Rick Burnette of Huber Heights, Jillian Varner of Bellbrook, Malcolm Walker of Sidney, T.C. Schreier and Nick Moberg of Springfield, Leah Kushmaul and Montana Iverson of Springboro and Dayton residents Mike Stockstill, Aiden Kesson and Jenna Burnette.

The show, directed by Chris Harmon of Beavercreek, is an Edge of the Creek production, which means it is for mature audiences.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $11 for BCT members, students, and senior citizens.  A group discount of $1 per ticket is available to groups of 10 or more purchased at the same time for the same performance.

Beavercreek Community Theatre is located within the Lofino Adult Enrichment and Cultural Arts Center at 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek.

__________________________________________

(this week’s ridiculously cheesy sign-off)

Extra, extra, read all about it!  Pinball Wizard in a miracle cure!
Extra, extra, read all about it! Right now, right now, story and pictures
to show times, lessons and actors…
Extra, extra!  onStageDayton with Shane & Dave
only on Dayton Most Metro!

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Ordinary Days (through June 27) Call Ticket Center Stage at  (937) 228-3630 or visit http://www.ticketcenterstage.com

The Phantom of the Opera (through June 27) Call Ticket Center Stage at  (937) 228-3630 or visit http://www.ticketcenterstage.com

The Who’s Tommy (June 18-27) Contact BCT Box Office at [email protected] or (937) 429-4737  or visit http://www.bctheatre.org

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently in the midst of their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton: Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & Next Thing You Know.

Casting Call

Beavercreek Community Theatre will hold open auditions for  “The Spitfire Grill” at 7 p.m.  July 5 and 6 at the theater, located within the the Lofino Adult Enrichment and Cultural Arts Center at 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek.

Doug Lloyd will direct the show, which will be presented on September 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26.  The vocal director will be Dr. James Tipps and the choreographer will be Stacy Gear.

Those wishing to audition should prepare a one-minute Broadway-style song that “shows your belting abilities.”

There will also be cold readings from the script and those auditioning will be taught and asked to perform a short dance number.

For more information call 429-4737, email [email protected] or visit the theater’s Web site at www.bctheatre.org.

“Real Person” Review Provided at JumpstART

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So, do you ever wonder what YOU would think of a concert, theatre performance, or art opening?   It seems like the people who review these things professionally are just that – professionals who already love the stuff.  So – their complaints are so specific and detailed that the review is above your head or when they like it it seems like they they know so much about the history of the show and all the actors – it’s like they’re laughing at inside jokes.  What about the rest of us?  What about if you’re wondering if this would be a good date night and what you have to wear?  Check out JumpstART‘s reviews of local arts events.  Most recently posted – Arts Jumper SP comments on Ordinary Days at The Human Race Theatre Co.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/jumpstart/review-ordinary-days-a-musical/434082364852

Did you see the show yet?  What do you think?

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS…?

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The Bengson's performing on the rooftop terrace of Dayton's Firefly Building

The Bengson's performing on the rooftop terrace of Dayton's Firefly Building

…a butt-kicking, heart-breaking, raucous, Vaudevillian Cabaret!

What?

Yeah…I thought the same thing, the first time I was forcibly encouraged to attend a performance by Shaun & Abigail Bengson.  “What are we going to see again?  Who are these people? Can’t we just go to Chappy’s instead?”

Then, upon exiting the venue I asked…”What did I just see?  Who were those people?  When are they performing again? Is there a CD?”  The performance WAS heart-breaking, it WAS butt-kicking.  I fell in love with these performers, and the 20-some characters from around the world that they introduced me to that evening.

Shaun & Abigail Bengson.  Performers like no other.  To be frank…you, yes YOU….have NO RIGHT WHATSOEVER to miss their performances whenever their nomadic path winds through Southwest Ohio.  Sorry if that sounds too strong for a friendly little blog post, but I am forcibly encouraging you to attend a performance of AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS by The Bengson’s at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival this week.

Shaun & Abigail Bengson's AIN'T THAT GOOD NEWS

"Not only a tremendous musical talent, but also a raw honesty and sincere righteousness." THE NEW YORK TIMES

Shaun McClain Bengson was a local boy.  Bellbrook.  You might’ve even seen him perform as a kid…BHS marching band & theater productions, Sinclair Jazz Combo, community theater groups. In 2001 he began to explore beyond the Miami Valley.  First he attended college at Indiana University (studied Ethnomusicology & Traditional Indiana Fiddling), then after graduation Shaun moved to New York City as a part of the city’s teaching fellows program.  He became a music teacher in NYC.  He was assigned to a school for special education students, in a unit for students with Autism.  It was in this unit where Shaun crafted programs such as “Little Kids Rock!” and then “The New Manhattan Music Project,” where his students wrote, produced & performed their own musicals.  It was at the performance of these musicals where Shaun found love.  In walks Abigail Nessen, out walks “The Bengson’s,” and a new band called the “Zombie Nationalists.”  They were engaged within two weeks and writing their first musical.

The couple is constantly touring.  They have traveled to South Africa, West Africa, El Salvador, Japan, Mexico, Europe as well as many areas of the U.S.  They perform while touring, but more importantly they connect to the people they encounter,  educating kids and talking with families.  They collect stories along the way.  These stories…NO…these people become the Bengson’s show.

The Bengson's in C{space 2009Those of you who attended last week’s production of RENT in C{space got just a glimpse of Shaun & Abigail.  Shaun led the rockin’ band, giving this version of RENT an instrumental style of it’s own.  Abigail portrayed “Mimi.”  Her Mimi was perhaps a tinge “Joplin-inspired.”  She took the dark role & gave it a fierce, hard edge that was probably more truthful to the character than “glam’d” for Broadway.

Currently they are touring with AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS, finishing up a new album called THE PROOF, and writing their next show which is titled the same as the album.  The new show, which will employ a cast of 12 and an 8 piece band, will be developed through a residency in Vermont followed by an Off-Broadway run in 2011.

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS is described as

Shaun & Abigail Bengson…a raucous vaudevillian cabaret, full of roaring original music and impassioned characters. The Bengson duo evoke the quintessentially American stories of the immigrant and the outcast and play at the heart of the political struggles of our age through a melding of the musical forms of Tin Pan Alley, the Old South, German Weimar and rock and roll. The show is constantly evolving. As the Bengsons travel, they trade songs and drinks for new stories from the personal to the divine, and shift the work to reflect where they’ve been, and each new community they’re in. This work was made possible through support from the Puffin Foundation.

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS opened on Sunday night in the Cincinnati Fringe Festival.  You have three more chances to catch their show, so you will need to start making arrangements today. Hire a babysitter, make dinner reservations and ORDER YOUR TICKETS before they are gone!

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS @ The Cincinnati Fringe Festival

Wed. June 9 at 9:30p / Thurs. June 10 @ 8:45p / Sat. June 12 @ 9:00p

Venue: The Coffee Emporium, 110 E. Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio

Tickets:  $12 online at www.cincyfringe.com/aint-that-good-news

More Info:  www.bengsons.com or email Shaun & Abigail at [email protected]

When you get the chance to meet Shaun & Abigail after the show, make sure you give them a hug for us…but be careful what you say…you never know, it might just make it into their next musical!

SA

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently preparing for their upcoming Summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton: Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] &Next Thing You Know (a developmental production of a new musical by NYC-based writing team of Salzman & Cunningham)

Jonathan Larson’s RENT @ C{Space in Downtown Dayton

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Jonathan Larson's RENT at C{Space June 3-5 www.RENTdayton.org

Jonathan Larson's RENT at C{Space June 3-5 www.RENTdayton.org ~ Win Tickets Below!

On June 3rd Encore Theater Company will open it’s summer season of musicals with a show which has become a cornerstone for the musical theater world of the past decade and a half.  ETC will present Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway musical RENT in C{space on three evenings next week, and if you don’t plan ahead, you just might miss out this highly provocative production in a truly unique downtown venue (Saturday is nearly sold out & tickets are selling fast for the other performances).

The musical, which is based loosely on Puccini’s opera La Boheme, follows a year in the lives of seven friends living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York’s East Village.  AIDS and both it’s physical and emotional complications pervade these characters as they struggle to find their place in a quickly changing world.

Maureen & Joanne in RENT www.RENTdayton.org

We think of RENT as this iconic “rock opera” legend but what RENT was saying and how it was saying it was revolutionary in 1996 and the theater world has never been the same.  The number of doors RENT opened for new musical theatre writers was unprecedented.  Shows that have followed – like SPRING AWAKENING & 2010’s AMERICAN IDIOT (Yes, the GreenDay one) –  are indebted to Larson & his show for their success.  RENT’s influence is still profound in shows opening today, fourteen years after it quietly opened it’s Off-Broadway run the night after Larson died of an aortic aneurysm.

When talking with cast members of the show, it’s interesting, almost comical actually, to realize that for many of them, their first knowledge of this show was the 2005 film version.  As depressing as that is to this almost-40-year-old, who could’ve been in the original Broadway cast (if he could act & sing that is), it’s also refreshing.  This cast is approaching this material with such an infectious energy!  They are exploring the souls of these characters, but through a new point of view, in a very different world.

Drew Bown as "Roger" in RENT www.RENTdayton.org
“To be able to experience something so beyond myself in sharing with my fellow castmates and it’s viewers, the very real struggle that these characters live through has been life-changing.  This chance to live in love, to spread the message to carry on and be thankful every single day has been a gift.”

Drew Bowen, “Roger”

JJ Parkey as "Mark" in RENT www.RENTdayton.org
“Being a part of RENT is something deeply profound that I’ve strived for in my art and I finally have the chance to play my dream role.  I’ll carry with me the artistic lessons that I’ve learned from this production as I pursue my stage career.”

JJ Parkey, “Mark”

Since ETC carries as its mission the development and preservation of new musical theatre, it seemed only fitting that we honor Jonathon Larson – the pioneer who made our work and our mission possible.  Along with a unique group of collaborators including C}Space, Sinclair Community College Theatre Department, AIDS Resource Center of Ohio, and Project Runway Finalist Althea Harper, ETC invites you to rediscover why you fell in love with RENT all over again and see this generation-defining musical in a fresh innovative production against the backdrop of one of Downtown’s Dayton’s most unique spaces.

Maureen & Joanne in RENT www.RENTdayton.org

Jonathan Larson’s RENT will play June 3, 4 & 5 in downtown Dayton’s C{space at 7:30pm each evening. An additional 11:30pm performance will take place on Friday, June 4th. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $18 at the door.  You can order tickets by visiting www.RENTdayton.org

WIN TICKETS to RENT!

It’s easy!  Just COMMENT to this post before midnight Saturday, May 29th to be entered into a drawing to win a set of tickets to the Encore Theater Company production of RENT.  We will be giving away one set of tickets for each 7:30 performance (Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 1 winner per performance)…but you can help DOUBLE the number of tickets we will be giving away!  If 50 readers “SHARE” this post, by clicking the FACEBOOK SHARE BUTTON before midnight Saturday…we’ll give away two sets of tickets for each evening’s performance! Start Sharing!

Dangerous Curves Ahead: Burlesque comes to Gilly’s

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Burlesque shows have been enjoying a revival in recent years, and this Thursday night Dayton will get a taste of the glitter and glamor when Brooklyn’s Dangerous Curves Ahead come to town. Billed as “Burlesque on the Go-Go,” this cabaret-style show at Gilly’s starts at 8pm and is only $10.  Several members of this year’s show performed to rave reviews in last year’s Monsters of Burlesque, and they’ll be joined onstage by local burlesque performer Champagne Shock.

Bonnett’s Book Store in the Oregon District is helping to promote the show.  Kevin Bonnett says, “Burlesque is racy, but it’s about stagecraft and performance; not pole dancing and dollar stuffing.  Regardless of the ‘sexy’ involved, these folks know how to put on a show that will make you smile!”

Teenagers, Princesses & Strippers…OH MY!

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Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead by Sinclair Community College Theatre

Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead by Sinclair Community College Theatre

Hey everyone!

We are quickly approaching Tony Award season and while New York is seeing a record-breaking number of NEW openings in the last few weeks before the Tony deadline (including Green Day’s American Idiot, Denzel Washington in Fences, and another front-runner for best musical Memphis), Dayton has it’s share of exciting Spring Openings.

Dayton Playhouse presents Gypsy

Dayton Playhouse presents Gypsy

Opening May 7 – make certain to catch Dayton Playhouse’s GYPSY – directed by Brian Sharp and featuring a stellar cast. This Sondheim/Laurents/Styne show is one you don’t get the opportunity to see very often – especially the hilarious “You Gotta Get A Gimmick” from that show is worth the price of admission. (GLEEK ALERT: Rumor has it, selections from ‘Gypsy’ will show up at McKinley High this spring on an episode of Fox’s hit series ‘Glee’)

Town Hall Theatre’s double bill of Disney’s Cinderella and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty opening May 6

Town Hall Theatre’s double bill of Disney’s Cinderella and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty opening May 6

We are blessed to have a fantastic children’s theatre company in the region – check out Town Hall Theatre’s double bill of Disney’s Cinderella and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty opening May 6.

However, I am most excited about a regional premiere opening May 7 at Sinclair Community College – that’s why Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead is my PICK OF THE WEEK. Leave the kids at home for this recent Off-Broadway hit and “R-rated” parody by Bert V. Roy. Dog Sees God is a modern tale of teenage angst directed by Brian McKnight. Still plagued with his endless identity crisis, CB turns to his friends to find answers to his questions. They offer him irreverent glimpses into sex, drugs, suicide, violence, rebellion and sexual identity. Cast includes: Steven Brotherton as CB, Katie Klein as CB’s sister, Max Monnig as Van, Sara Linker as Van’s sister, James Roselli as Matt, Corey Schall as Beethoven, Michelle Faulkner as Marcy and Lauren Bernstein as Tricia. Opening at New York’s Barrow Street Theatre in 2004, the rarely staged play is a unique (if not altogether shocking) glimpse into the American teenager. Sinclair Theatre continues to do some exciting work, so if you haven’t been to Blair Hall yet, get your tickets while they last for this limited 9-performance run.

(this week’s ridiculously cheesy sign-off:)

“Do something special…anything special…

If you wanna make it, twinkle while you shake it…

If you wanna grind it, wait ’til you’ve refined it…

If you wanna stump it, bump it with a trumpet…

So get yourself a gimmick, and you too can be a star!”

onStageDayton…with Shane & Dave

D.B.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Dog Sees God (May 7 – 15) Call (937) 512-2808 or visit http://brushfire.e-vent.info/events/sinclair/start.aspx

Gypsy (May 7 – 23) visit http://www.daytonplayhouse.com/

Disney’s Cinderella & Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (May 6 – 23) Call (937) 433-8957 or visit http://www.townhalltheatre.org/

onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently preparing for their upcoming Summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton: Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] &Next Thing You Know (a developmental production of a new musical by NYC-based writing team of Salzman & Cunningham)


Moby Dick by Zoot Theatre Co.

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Zoot Theatre Co. present "Moby Dick" April 23-25

Zoot Theatre Co. presents "Moby Dick" April 23-25

Hey everyone! April and May are really great months to catch great LIVE theater in the city. And there seems be something for everyone right now.
  • If you are the “blockbuster musical” type, the Broadway revival of A CHORUS LINE rolls into the Schuster next week or catch Maury Yeston’s PHANTOM which is still running at La Commedia.

(editor’s note–La Comedia IS NOT presenting the Andrew Lloyd Weber version of “Phantom of the Opera”…yet some believe this to be the better of the two shows–you be the judge & go see them both!  The ALW version will be in town soon!)

  • If “The Bard” is more your style, then check out Springfield Stage Works’ THE TAMING OF THE SHREW which opens this weekend in the historic State Theater.
  • Looking for something a little lighter? Both Playhouse South’s AND NEVER BEEN KISSED and Beavercreek Community Theatre’s THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ (children’s theater production) open this weekend.
  • Hate musicals? Like your drama pretty heavy? Definitely get over and see INDEPENDENCE at the Dayton Theatre Guild. You think your family has issues? Check out this play by Lee Blessing and you’ll feel much better!
  • But if, like me, your tastes tend to run toward the edges, I have my PICK OF THE WEEK:
Zoot Theatre Company have made a name for themselves by using mask and puppetry in innovative and exciting ways. (If you saw their haunting re-telling of HANSEL & GRETL last season, you know what I mean).
Zoot Theatre Co. presents "Moby Dick" April 23-25

Zoot Theatre Co. presents "Moby Dick" April 23-25

Opening Friday, Zoot re-imagines Herman  Melville’s American classic MOBY DICK in The Mathile Theatre (that’s the small blackbox theatre inside the Schuster Center).

A couple of things make this even MORE intriguing. Allegedly, the adaptation is by local theatre legend Bruce Cromer and the piece is being directed by John Lavarnway. If neither of those names ring a bell to you, you’ll just have to trust us here at onStageDayton – those are two VERY good signs.

I highly recommend catching MOBY DICK. Zoot Theatre Company is definitely poised to be a major mover and shaker.
(this week’s ridiculously cheesy sign-off:)

“Towards thee I roll…thou damned whale! Thus I give up the spear…and my Friday night to view thine puppets and masks at the Schuster Center…”

Have a good weekend – and see something LIVE!

onStageDayton…with Shane & Dave

D.B.

Zoot Theatre Co. presents "Moby Dick" April 23-25

Zoot Theatre Co. presents "Moby Dick" April 23-25

More info & tickets:

MOBY DICK (April 23-25 – ONLY THIS WEEKEND)  & A CHORUS LINE (April 27-May 2) visit http://www.ticketcenterstage.com

AND NEVER BEEN KISSED (April 23 – May 1) visit http://www.playhousesouth.org

THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ (April 23-May 1) visit http://www.bctheatre.org

PHANTOM (through May 2) http://www.lacomedia.com

INDEPENDENCE (through April 25 – CLOSING THIS WEEKEND) http://www.daytontheatreguild.org

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (April 22 – May 1) http://www.springfieldstageworks.org

onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently preparing for their upcoming Summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton: Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & Next Thing You Know (a developmental production of a new musical by NYC-based writing team of Salzman & Cunningham)

onStageDayton…DMM’s online hub for all things theater!

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onStageDayton...with Shane & Dave

onStageDayton...with Shane & Dave

Introducing the latest addition to the DaytonMostMetro.com line-up of contributers: “onStageDayton…with Shane & Dave”

onStageDayton will serve as your online hub for all things theater in Dayton & the Miami Valley.  Check back often to find out about:

  • productions opening & closing soon
  • how to get tix for great theater in Dayton
  • upcoming auditions for local theater organizations
  • interesting stories about local theater organizations, premieres, outreach projects, workshops/classes & the all of the terrific people involved in local theater-making it happen.

If you work with a local theater organization, please add us to your Press Release list, so we can get all the info into our blog here at DMM!  In addition, please be sure to add your events to the DMM Calendar!

Send all of your updates to us via email:  [email protected]

(this week’s ridiculously cheesy sign-off:)

While we are waiting for the Overture to begin and the cast to take the stage…why not head on over to the DaytonMostMetro Forum and start up a conversation in the Theater thread…

S.A.

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently preparing for their upcoming Summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton: Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & Next Thing You Know (a developmental production of a new musical by NYC-based writing team of Salzman & Cunningham)

HBO Def Poetry Jam Performer, Musicians, More Kick Off Third Season of Creative Arts Showcase “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show”

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l_054b03648a454f5b8843f52dedd99eecOral Funk Poetry Productions is launching its third season of “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” in style. The performance will be held from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 16, at the Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 W. Second St. Tickets cost $15 and are available at www.ticketcenterstage.com or by calling 937-228-3830.

This vibrant monthly showcase features local and national poets, musicians, actors, vocalists, dancers and visual artists. The April 16 show, “Poetic Illusion,” will be headlined by Dana Gilmore, who has shared the stage of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, a spoken word series hosted by Russell Simmons, with the likes of Mos Def, Kanye West and Smokey Robinson. True to her Missouri “Show-Me-State” roots, Gilmore’s writing is intended to inspire and provoke action. She speaks passionately, yet practically, about life’s adversities and alternatives for dealing with them. Today, Gilmore spends her time traveling across the United States performing at universities and other venues while working on songs, stage plays and screenplays.

Joining Gilmore will be El Coats and the Funk Point, which will perform a melting pot of rhythm and blues with a neo-soul twist. Jazz vocalist Shakera Jones will perform and host the event. In addition, a variety of local poets and singers will perform, and comedian I.Q. will make a special appearance ― along with a surprise celebrity guest.

Michael’s Dining and Jazz, 40 N. Main St. in the Kettering Tower lobby, will offer 15 percent off the dinner menu on Thursday, April 15, and Friday, April 16, to Signature ticket holders.

During its first two seasons, “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” featured numerous forms of self-expression, including poetry, visual art, drama, dance and such music as jazz, blues, reggae, neo-soul and hip hop ― often to sold-out crowds. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/thesignatureofpp.

Dayton Theatre Guild presents ‘Kimberly Akimbo’

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the cast of Kimberly AkimboLooking for something to do this weekend? Then check out Dayton Theatre Guild’s latest production, Kimberly Akimbo. The play, directed by Saul Caplan, runs now through March 14th at the Dayton Theatre Guild’s new location in the Oregon District (430 Wayne Avenue). Showtimes are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.

This dark comedy follows the story of Kimberly (played by Ellen Finch), a teenager with a rare condition that causes her body to age four times faster than it should.  Finch is joined by Troy Lindsey and Teresa Connair as Kimberly’s dysfunctional parents, Megan Cooper as her scam artist aunt, and Jeff McCracken as her gawky classmate. Due to strong language, this play is most appropriate for adult audiences only. Tickets are $17 for adults, $10 for students; visit http://daytontheatreguild.org or call 937-278-5993.

Need even more of a reason to escape cabin fever and spend a night in the Oregon District? Then check out the great deal being offered by JumpstART, a new group from Culture Works dedicated to connecting young professionals to great arts events across the region. Their first event will be held on Friday, March 12. The evening starts at Coco’s Bistro, followed by Kimberly Akimbo, and concludes at the Trolley Stop for some post-show fun. As part of the deal, Coco’s (515 Wayne Avenue) is offering $10 off two entrees; make a reservation by calling 228-COCO and mention the JumpstART deal. After the show, join the cast and crew at the Trolley Stop (530 E. Fifth Street); bring your ticket stub and skip the cover charge! For more information about this event, call Culture Works at (937) 222-2787. (Please note: participants are responsible for their own dinner reservations and tickets to the show.)

Photo from http://www.daytontheatreguild.org