
Spoiler alert – his name is RUMPELSTILTSKIN!
Don’t miss our fall ACT Showcase, MY NAME IS RUMPELSTILTSKIN! November 7-9! Friday at 7pm and Saturday and Sunday at 3pm!
Spoiler alert – his name is RUMPELSTILTSKIN!
Don’t miss our fall ACT Showcase, MY NAME IS RUMPELSTILTSKIN! November 7-9! Friday at 7pm and Saturday and Sunday at 3pm!
Washington Township’s Town Hall Theatre will hold auditions for it’s spring production of SEUSSICAL JR on January 4th beginning at 1pm and January 9th beginning at 4pm. The theatre for young audiences will cast children in grades 2 up to adult for some roles. The show will run March 7 – 23rd.
Registration for auditions is online. Please do not call the box office to schedule auditions. You will receive an email confirmation with your date and time. We cannot guarantee your choices for audition dates and times, however we will try our best to provide one of your three choices.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration for auditions scheduled on Saturdays must be received by 6pm on the Thursday before the audition. Our box office is closed on Fridays.
Playhouse South in Kettering is holding auditions for Hamlet by William Shakespeare, directed by Jen Skudlarek, on January 6th & 7th at 7pm, with callbacks on January 8th. The performances are on February 28, March 1, 2, 7, 8 at 8:00 pm and March 2 at 2:00 pm. They will be doing cold readings from the script. Please bring any conflicts you may have to auditions. They are looking for 16-20 people, with a minimum of 7 men and 3 women ages 16 and up. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jen Skudlarek at [email protected]
The competition heats up in the “Heart of Centerville” this Friday at Town Hall Theatre! When glitzy Camp Star opens across the lake, the competition is on! Will Camp Rock beat its new rival in the summer’s ultimate musical showdown?
The Landmark Children’s Theatre Company presents Camp Rock, the Musical, based on the hit Disney Channel Original Movies Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam at Town Hall Theatre in Centerville September 16th – October 2nd, 2011.
When Camp Star moves in across the lake, Camp Rock knows it’s in trouble. The glitzy Camp Star has everything Camp Rock doesn’t; better pay, fancier costumes; even air conditioned cabins! When most of the staff and campers leave Camp Rock for the glamour of Camp Star, it’s up to the true “rockers” Mitchie and the gang to get themselves into top shape for an ultimate musical showdown that will determine the fate of Camp Rock!
The production is presented by the Landmark Children’s Theatre Company, the theatre’s premiere series featuring professional and volunteer adult actors performing with young people. It is directed by Chris Harmon, who previously directed Pinkalicious, A Year with Frog and Toad, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Disney’s Geppetto and Sonfor Town Hall Theatre.
Mr. Harmon says he’s “thrilled to be directing the regional premier of Disney’s Camp Rock. The cast is really rising to the challenge of bringing intense Rock & Roll music, dance and attitude to the Town Hall stage!”
Playing the “Gray” brothers made famous in the movies by the Jonas brothers are Montana Iverson as Shane, Brendan Plate as Nate, and Matthew Perkins as Jason Gray. Centerville natives Cecily Dowd and Addi Helms alternate asMitchie and Autumn Gensheimer and Abby Cates alternate as Dana and Sydney Fowler and Anna Hilnomaz both perform Tess. The show’s battling camp directors include adult actors Ed Iverson as Axel Turner and C.J. Suchyta asBrown Cesario.
-TH Press Release
We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected]Disney’s CAMP ROCK, the Musical – September 16 through October 2 (Fri/Sat/Sun)
(Times Vary: Click HERE)
Tickets Prices: $10 children 12 & under / $13 students & seniors / $15 adult / ALL day of show tickets are $15.
Location: Town Hall Theatre – 27 North Main Street,Centerville (MAP) next to Panera Bread in the “Heart of Centerville”
Reserve tickets online at www.townhalltheatre.org or call 937-433-8957.
The show runs 70 minutes and isrecommended for children ages 4 and up.
For more information on this production and to find out more about our class offerings, please contact the Box Office at(937) 433-8957 or log on to our website at www.townhalltheatre.org.
Every new theater season in Dayton seems to be ripe with variety. It’s one of the great joys of the Dayton theatre scene that the ‘something for everyone’ cliche actually rings true. 2011-2012 is already proving to be among the most eclectic yet. This season promises……
Below you’ll find On Stage Dayton’s picks for the most anticipated offerings for the 2011-2012 Dayton Theatre Season. It’s just a small sampling of a very full year of stage work. And with this official launch, you can count on OSD to be there all season long.
If you like ‘The Help’ you’ll like…
Caroline, or Change
The Human Race Theatre Company offers the overdue local premiere of this dynamic 2004 Tony Award-nominated musical from librettist/Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner (“Angels in America”) and composer Jeanine Tesori (“Thoroughly Modern Millie”). A potent study of race relations set in 1963 Louisiana, “Caroline, or Change” chronicles the testy yet engaging relationship between a headstrong African-American maid and her Jewish employers. Tesori’s sublime music encompasses klezmer, opera and Motown.
If you like ‘Mamma Mia!’ or ‘The Sopranos’ you’ll like…
Jersey Boys
The local premiere of “Jersey Boys,” the sleek, sharp and surprisingly tender story of pop legends Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, is the hallmark of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Good Samaritan and Miami Valley Hospitals Broadway Series. One of the most popular jukebox musicals of the last decade and the recipient of the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical, “Jersey Boys” features such timeless numbers as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.”
If you like ‘Dallas’ you’ll like…
Dividing the Estate
Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Horton Foote’s authentic, relevant 2009 Tony Award-nominated portrait of a Texas clan at odds will receive its local premiere courtesy of the Dayton Theatre Guild. Centered on a tough traditionalist matriarch and her squabbling children, “Dividing the Estate” uncovers the harsh realities that arise when economics and legacy threaten to tear a family apart.
If you like ‘The Full Monty’ you’ll like…
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Clark State Community College provides the local collegiate premiere of librettist Jeffrey Lane and composer David Yazbek’s 2005 Tony Award-nominated musical based on the 1988 film of the same name. Yazbek, an outstanding songwriter, had great success with his critically acclaimed adaptation of “The Full Monty,” co-created by Terrence McNally, and the con artist-driven “Scoundrels” shares an appealingly naughty kinship. The “Scoundrels” national tour failed to connect four years ago at the Schuster Center, but perhaps Clark State will give the hilarious material the solid treatment it deserves.
If you like the Muse Machine you’ll like…
The Wizard of Oz
Dorothy’s ruby slippers will sparkle once more thanks to the Muse Machine, Dayton’s premier arts education organization celebrating its 30th year. The memories of Muse’s 1996 “Oz” production remain indelibly etched in my mind (the Broadway caliber performances of Tyler Maynard as the Scarecrow and Tory Ross as the Wicked Witch of the West were particularly extraordinary), but it will be refreshing to see a new generation tackle the iconic musical. Expect another Muse hit you will not want to miss.
There are few MORE iconic moments from the Broadway canon than watching the entire company of 42ND STREET make its way down a giant staircase in perfect choreographic synergy. It’s perfect golden age Broadway wow-factor – not bad for a show that opened in 1980 (nearly 30 years after the Golden Age). But it wasn’t just it’s nostalgic structure that launched 42nd STREET into early legend-status.
The score – a healthy mix of tunes from the film soundtrack on which the musical is based – was blended seamlessly with a collection of appropriate songs from the Al Dubin-Harry Warren catalogue. And it’s one hit after another – “You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me”, “We’re In The Money”, “Lullabye of Broadway”, “About A Quarter To Nine”, “Shuffle Off To Buffalo”. In that respect, 42ND STREET was a jukebox musical before there were jukebox musicals. But unlike many contemporary examples, 42ND STREET did it right – at its core is one hell of a classic story. Consider this: Girl from small town America moves to big dangerous city to fulfill her Broadway dreams. Tough auditions, a love interest, twist of fate that launches girl from the chorus to the leading role, and POW – all the makings of a show to inspire the coldest of critics.
As if that isn’t enough, the current local offering of the show is in the capable hands of director Joe Deer and the Wright State University Department of Theatre. With the current crop of remarkable students at WSU and Mr. Deer at the helm, there is every indication that once again, this will be an event not to be missed. Don’t let happen with 42ND STREET what happened with JEKYLL & HYDE earlier in the year. The buzz was so high, there was not a ticket to be had. Order now.
OSD recently spoke with 42ND STREET cast member TOMMI HARSCH about the upcoming opening. Here’s what she had to say:
onStageDayton: 42ND STREET is notoriously taxing on a dancer. How are dance rehearsals going and are you exhausted every hour of the day these days?
Tommi Harsch: To say the least, my stamina has been in such a building up process thanks to this show… the dance rehearsals have been crazy. Our choreographer- Rick Conant- who was featured in the original 42nd Street cast and who has done several tours as well as choreographed several productions of 42nd Street, has definitely kicked the entire cast’s butts as a whole. We’ve been working so hard! Personally, I’ve been in a constant state of soreness the past 6 weeks because of all the dancing. There were nights I worried my feet were actually going to fall off after we stopped dancing. However, as insane as it’s been, it’s absolutely worth it…it all looks fantastic!
OSD: Joe Deer continues to be one of the finest musical theatre directors in the region (Thoroughly Modern Millie and WSU’s stunning The Light in the Piazza). What’s been you experience working with Joe?
TH: Having Joe as our director for this show has been such a great experience. This is the first WSU Festival production I’ve been cast in, so I would definitely say that for a first show, it’s been an awesome one! He has made sure to instill in us a very solid work ethic and willingness to come focused to rehearsal. The professional attitude he has expected of all of us has absolutely made for such a smooth rehearsal process. Also, having Rick as the co-director has been magnificent! They make a great team.
OSD: There are scenes in 42ND STREET that are pretty iconic. Can audiences expect a wow-factor moment in WSU’s production as well?
TH: I’m sorry to say that we don’t have any sweet stairs, however, the ballet is certainly going to “wow” audiences! It’s an epic moment in the show, and is sure to impress every seat in the house. I’m guaranteeing it!
OSD: The show originally opened in 1980. I was 5. You weren’t born (sigh). What about this show resonates with a contemporary audience?
TH: The entire show is based on the idea of working hard to succeed in this field of performance, which is something that we’re all striving for in real life as well. Although the plot is set in 1933, the content is something that every one of us can relate to. We’re all working our butts off to make our way into this business, just like each of the characters in 42nd Street. The losses and the victories that the cast of “Pretty Lady” experiences are heartwrenching and wonderful, because each person watching can easily put themselves in the shoes of everyone on stage. It really hits home for all of us in the cast, and we hope the audience feels the same way while immersed in the story we are going to be telling for the next 3 weeks!
-DB
We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected]42ND STREET – May 15-29 – (Times Vary)
Location: Wright State University’s Festival Playhouse in the Robert & Elaine Stein Auditorium – 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435
Tickets are on sale now through WSU’s Box Office via phone at (937) 775-2500 (Monday through Friday Noon – 5:00 pm).
Zombies, the eighties, AND a musical? Today, I started my job as Assistant Stage Manager for a production of Evil Dead: the Musical at CATCO in Columbus, and I was reminded of something I love about theatre. One of the most powerful things about the arts is the wide variety of people to which they can appeal. Plays can include things you’d never have imagined… There literally is a show out there for everyone, even zombie lovers! I think that ability to speak to or entertain so many people through the same art form is one of the things I love most about theatre, and also our Dayton theatre in particular. There is often a wide variety of shows up, and these next two weeks are no exception, with selections from hip hop to drama. So, no matter your tastes, go see one of these great shows!
The Story: George (a glitzy nightclub owner) and his partner Albin (also the glamorous chanteuse Zaza)’s son is getting married… and in this musical, he brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair. “The bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly [in this] tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together… stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to themselves!”
Dates: May 13 – 29, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Dayton Playhouse
The Story: “Based on true stories recounted in the book of the same name, A Piece of My Heart
follows six women as they relive their memories of serving in Vietnam during the
1960s. These unsung heroes were among several thousand American women who
volunteered during the Vietnam War, serving as nurses, civilian humanitarian workers
and entertainers under frustrating and harrowing conditions.” (PHS)
Dates: May 13 – 21, 2011
Tickets & More Information: 888-262-3792 or Playhouse South
The Story: “Right from the start, Billy, Beaky, Downy and Fluff start flapping and squawking over their freshly-hatched brother duck. He just doesn’t seem right. His feet are way too big, he’s a lousy quacker and, well, he looks downright ugly! Even his parents are embarrassed to show him to the rest of the barnyard. Feeling miserable and alone, “Ugly” leaves home and begins a dangerous journey that will take him to a place where he, too, can be beautiful.” (THT) The entire family will love this musical adaptation of the classic story of the ugly duckling.
Dates: May 6 – 22, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Town Hall Theatre
The Story: Only together after the death of their mother, two estranged half-sisters discover a book of rare – and potentially extremely valuable – stamps. One sister embraces the stamp collecting, the other resists – but both are targets of three seedy, high-stakes collectors who are willing to do anything to claim a particularly rare find as their own.
Dates: May 13 – 29, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Dayton Theatre Guild
The Basics: In this admission-free performance, the muticultural dance company Illstyle and Peace fuses the moves and spirit of contemporary and old-school hip-hop with an eclectic mix of dance, while spreading unity, peace, love, and respect through dance.
Date: Wednesday, May 18, 7:30 pm
More Information: Springfield Arts Council
The Basics: A major collaboration between the DPO and Wright State University, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS explores a journey of self-discovery and finding faith. Enjoy a preview performance and a great box lunch from CitiLites during this education series.
Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Registration and Networking: 11:30 a.m. – Noon; Performance: Noon – 1 p.m.
More Information: Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers, 2010-2011 Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Classical Series
~KN
We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected]
Theatre at its very essence is collaboration: designers and directors; directors, production team, and actors; artistic and front of house staff; and numerous other people all work together to create art. However, we don’t have to limit collaboration to simply what can be done within a single theatre. Rather, collaborating between theatre groups, working together to put on a show or teach classes or read plays, can greatly expand both audiences and participants.
This weekend, the Zoot Theatre Company and Town Hall Theatre are doing just that in their production of The Phantom Tollbooth. In the story based on Norton Juster’s 1961 classic, young Milo is bored with everything from his toy collection to his life, so extremely that the Demons of Ignorance eagerly wait for him to succumb and urge him not to do anything at all (for that would be dangerous). However, with the arrival of an anonymous package and his entry into the fantastical Phantom Tollbooth, he discovers a new world and embarks on a remarkable journey to save the Kingdom of Wisdom. A funny and entertaining show for all ages, The Phantom Tollbooth is filled with puns and plot elements, such as Milo’s sudden Jump to (the Island of) Conclusions, that are the consequences of interpreting idioms literally.
Because of the combination of familial and fantastical elements, this show perfectly showcases the expertise of both the Dayton-based Zoot Theatre Company, which focuses on puppet work, and Centerville’s Town Hall Theatre, a professional and quality-driven children’s theatre. ZTC and THT have collaborated equally on a production annually for the past four years; they usually share artistic responsibilities, and selected this show together. This piece is different in that due to the nature and schedule of this piece, ZTC directed and artistically formed The Phantom Tollbooth, while THT handled all the front of house, publicity, and related areas. However, several students and Town Hall regular actors play the childrens’ roles, including the lead of Milo, making this production a successful model of collaboration between two groups, and providing both patron bases with opportunities beyond what either theatre could do alone.
Working together benefits both theatres. Mark Metzger, Artistic Director at Town Hall Theatre, remarked,
“I look for opportunities for our young people to be challenged, and to operate a puppet and receive feedback from professional puppeteers is an opportunity they won’t get anywhere else.”
Working on a production where the puppets take center stage, and other production elements (set, lighting, costumes) support the puppetry, is a great learning experience for student participants and audience members. This is especially beneficial given the prevalence of shows on Broadway – such as The Lion King, Avenue Q, Shrek, and WarHorse – that incorporate similar techniques.
Even if puppet-based shows were not experiencing such popularity, though, because plays are meant to be seen, not just heard, the addition of such a predominant visual element teaches skills applicable to all theatre, and collaborations such as this benefit both organizations. Metzger commented on Zoot’s talent and ability to produce quality theatre, so he had no reservations whatsoever about doing a project where THT’s own artistic involvement was minimized, knowing that the show would be excellent for both theatres.
As a traveling-based rather than single-venue theatre, Zoot finds collaboration extremely important. Working with Town Hall allows them the chance to perform in another space and with a different patron base; they also do a lot of work within schools and help area theaters with puppet-based work when needed, and even within specific shows, place a high emphasis on collaboration. For example, in describing the process through which the theatre designs and creates puppets, Zoot’s Artistic Director Tristan Cupp explained that various artistic staff design, sometimes originating with group discussions and sometimes with a focal designer’s vision, all the while working with the director to make puppets that align with the characters’ and show’s needs. These different processes, and Zoot’s production skills, are very collaborative. Cupp said,
“What’s wonderful is each one of these artists has strengths in different mediums and different styles, which really lends to the variety of puppets and looks and different ideas… You can expand your creative horizons that way, by learning from each other and learning to use different materials and different styles; that’s what’s needed, and it’s really appealing to a lot of artists who want to help us out and be a part of it.”
Part of that collaboration involves the input of visual artists not involved in theatre, which adds diversity and a variety of skills to the art.
Fittingly, then, Zoot has just announced a residency with the Victoria Theatre Association, and their Mathile Theatre at the Schuster Center. In the previous couple of years, Zoot has presented two shows independently at the Mathile, but this residency will provide both groups an opportunity for growth and collaboration. Zoot’s productions fit into two categories, Mainstage and Zoot Tales (child or family oriented), and the residency will introduce more people within those areas to a type of theatre relatively new to Dayton. Now, Zoot will choose a season of three shows to present, and the VTA will provide venue and/or assistance with touring; the Victoria will be able to offer educational initiatives in puppetry through ZTC, which fits nicely with programs such as their Physicians for Kids Discovery Series.
As such a collaborative organization, Zoot is looking ahead to continuing their work with schools and various theatres, and both Town Hall Theatre and the Zoot Theatre Company hope to continue their collaborations together. Cupp noted, “Puppetry itself is storytelling through a universal language,” and the idea of working together on something so universally applicable is beautiful. Collaboration, too, is universal, for we all have a certain connection as imaginative human beings capable of working together because of that humanity. Reflecting this, The Phantom Tollbooth provides an experience and combination unlike anything else in Dayton right now, where audience members truly can experience imagination come to life.
~KN
We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected]
TICKETS AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Dates: April 15 – 17, 2011, at Town Hall Theatre; April 21 – 30, 2011, at the Schuster Center’s Mathile Theatre
Tickets: Town Hall Theatre or Ticket Center Stage (choose appropriate site for venue)
More Information: Victoria Theatre Association: Phantom Tollbooth, Town Hall Theatre, Zoot Theatre Company
THURSDAY, APRIL 7 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20
Famous playwright, critic, and essayist George Bernard Shaw (who wrote Arms and the Man, opening this weekend at Clark State) once said, “You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’” The capacity to imagine and “dream things that never were” is vital to appreciating the arts, for the moment you walk through theatre doors, you become part of a new world and story for the next few hours. From a monster made of smoke to a drag queen with just “an angry inch” to four men running around in various stages of undress and clergy suits, the shows in the greater Dayton area this week are sure to expand your imaginations, while inspiring laughter and thought at the same time. Between special performances and weekend schedules, eight shows and a special event over the next two weeks provides you the opportunity to see a show almost any night you choose. So, this week, see a show or two or eight and enhance your imagination – as Shaw said, “Why not?”
The Story: In this adaptation of the youth classic, after the very bored Milo receives a make-believe tollbooth, he is transported to the Lands Beyond, a fantastic and imaginitive world. He meets Tock the watchdog, the floating Alex Bings (whose legs have not yet grown down to earth), Dynne (a monster made of smoke), and many others, ultimately learning the boundlessness of imagination.
Dates: April 15 – 30, 2011, at both Town Hall Theatre and the Schuster Center Mathile Theatre
Tickets and More Information: Town Hall Theatre, Victoria Theatre Association , Zoot Theatre Company, and watch for a DMM feature article next week!
The Story: Galloping in and out of the four doors of an English vicarage are an American actor and actress, a cockney maid who has seen too many American movies, a staunch parishioner who unknowingly gets into the cooking sherry, and four men in clergyman suits. One is the bishop who really lives there, another is a disguised escaped prisoner, one just dropped in to visit, and the other — well, that’s left for those on stage and the audience to figure out in this WWII-era farce. (CU)
Dates: April 7 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Cedarville University Production Season, Cedarville University Box Office , and watch for a DMM feature article!
The Story: “The Petkoff women inadvertently save an enemy soldier’s life during wartime. After the war, the soldier returns to the Petkoff home only to be reunited with his warring enemies. With classic George Bernard Shaw witticism,”Arm & the Man” shows the foolishness of war against a lush and romantic backdrop.” (CSU press release)
Dates: April 8 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Clark State box office
The Story: Loosely based on a true story, in this play, eccentric collector Alfred Morris pretty much guarantees the collisions when his will stipulates both that his museum go to an historically black college and that the displays be kept precisely as they are – leading to an inevitable battle over African artworks that have been kept in basement storage.(HRTC)
Dates: April 14 – May 1, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Human Race Theatre Company
The Story: This musical, the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, explores the Biblical saga of Joseph through an exciting variety of musical styles. The prophetic Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, where he “endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged” as he struggles to survive in a new land and move past his brothers’ betrayal.
Dates: March 25 – April 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Playhouse South, DMM Review
The Story: Alice falls down a rabbit-hole into “a world of talking animals, comic royalty, and races where the contestants run in circles!” (BCT) This children’s adaptation provides a contemporary view of the Carroll classic, where “nonsense makes quite good sense” and we can believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
Dates: April 8 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre , 937-429-4737
The Story: Four emotionally and/or mentally challenged men live together as part of an independent living program; social worker Jack attempts to guide them in their distinct trials and pursuit of a happier life.
Dates: April 1 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: 937-278-5993 or Dayton Theatre Guild
The Story: After the sex change operation that will allow her to marry US soldier Luther is botched, East German
rock ‘n’ roll goddess and “internationally ignored song stylist” Hedwig Schmidt is left with just “an angry inch.” This award-winning, outrageous, and unexpectedly hilarious show tells her story in rock music and stand-up comedy, and is a show for all those who felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile, and all those who yearn to be complete. JJ Parkey (Rent) and Abigail Nessen Bengson (award-winning Mimi in last season’s Rent) co-star.
Dates: April 7 – 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Encore Theater Company
Auditions: Saturday, April 9, 2011 – 9 am
Performances: June 16 – 19, 2011
The Story: A fictionalized version of the lives of historical figures, in this musical, we explore the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley, from her falling in love to handling rival sharpshooters.
Directed by: Becky Brunsman
More Information: Springfield Arts Council: Auditions
The Basics: In this exploration of world music, Lorne Lampert, founder of Mystic Drumz, searches for Marshmallow Island through multicultural music themes and interactive audience participation with projection, sound effects, and instruments from around the world.
Date: April 13, 2011 – 7:30 pm
More Information: http://www.springfieldartscouncil.org
~KN
THURSDAY, MARCH 24 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011
When I wandered into the theatre today, a scenic artist was busily painting a stone wall – with nearly every color of the rainbow, rather than a traditional brick red or tan. The stones looked gorgeous, although not yet like the limestone bricks on the set model. “Real bricks aren’t flat – they’re unique,” she said, explaining her process of basing the bricks with rainbow scumbling, then applying multiple washes to mute the colors but bring out the pigments and bright undertones. However, when the set is complete, audience members will never know just how many layers were essential to make such a realistic stone wall.
So many layers and colors go into every one of these shows, as well. From the sound designer to the box office intern to the actors and directors, shows are necessarily collaborative and layered, to an extreme. Often, we are never aware of these affectations, but each one contributes to the show that we see.
Likewise, we and the people around us bear the same intricacies and layers. We are products of years of existence and influence; each personal experience has added color to the scumbled wall that is a life. Part of the magic of theatre is its influential power to reflect people; part of that, and of shows in general, illustrates the deep and layered nature of those other human beings around us. It does this not only through the literal act of a show, but also through the subtle things, like the rainbow layers underneath the bricks.
This week, go see one of the following shows. Whether exploring cupcakes, alcoholism, or sex, each one deals in some way with real people, in all of their layers and depth; therefore, through them, we can better understand the people and world around us. You could even take a friend or two to one of the shows below, then discuss it over drinks or dinner afterward. Understand the layers, one at a time.
The Story: Bill W. – famous New York stockbroker who loses everything in the 1929 crash, then turns to alcohol – and Dr. Bob Smith – Ohio surgeon who often operates hung over – meet and form a relationship, each helping to keep the other sober. This courageously blunt, uncompromisingly straight forward docu-drama explores the lives of these two men and the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Dates: April 1 – 3, 2011 (Season Extra)
Tickets and More Information: 937-424-8477, Dayton Playhouse
The Story: Four emotionally and/or mentally challenged men live together as part of an independent living program; social worker Jack attempts to guide them in their distinct trials and pursuit of a happier life.
Dates: April 1 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: 937-278-5993 or Dayton Theatre Guild
The Story: This musical, the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, explores the Biblical saga of Joseph through an exciting variety of musical styles. The prophetic Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, where he “endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged” as he struggles to survive in a new land and move past his brothers’ betrayal.
Dates: March 25 – April 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Playhouse South
Pinkalicious!
The Story: Young Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes, even though her parents and friends warn her to stop. But when she wakes up one morning to discover she has turned bright pink from head to toe, her doctor diagnoses her with Pinkitis. In this adaptation of the beloved children’s book, families see if there can ever be too much of a good thing.
Dates: March 11 – 27, 2011
Tickets: (937) 433-8957
More Information: Town Hall Theatre: Pinkalicious
The Basics: Altar Boyz. In My Blood. Pump up the Volume. The Consequences. In its exciting 2011 season, ETC collaborates with Sinclair Community College and the Human Race Theatre Company to bring Dayton several developing and contemporary musicals throughout the summer.
Auditions: March 27 – 29, 2011 (schedule appointment)
More Information: Encore Theater Company
The Story: Princeton moves to NYC with bright eyes, big dreams, and a tiny bank account, and ends up on Avenue Q, where everyone is looking for the same things: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.” Sponsored by [email protected], Square One Salon & Spa, and with DaytonMostMetro.com as media sponsor, this national touring production of the sassy, irreverently hilarious puppet show that took Broadway by storm explores the ups and downs of life and “the real world.”
Date: March 30, 2011 – One Night Only!
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage , but they’re almost sold out!
More Information: DMM Feature
~KN
Daylight Savings Time is this coming weekend. As we spring forward, we’ll all have one less hour to have fun, so that just means you’ll have to be more efficient in packing as much fun as you can into the week! To help save some time, I’ve done some of the planning for you!
On Wednesday, find out what Skype is by heading to Welcome to the World of Skype at The Learning Center at Miami Valley Research Park. This is a perfect way to connect with a friend or loved one who lives far away. Speaking of connections, if you work or volunteer for a non-profit, you will want to attend 19 Ways to Use Social Media to Connect With Your Donors at the Dayton Metro Library’s main branch. Sick of cooking the same old meatloaf? Attend the Cooking Class: Small Plates From Around the World at the Greene County Career Center to “spice” things up! Or, learn the basics at UD’s ArtStreet for Basic Cooking Skills with Jim Owens. It’s only $10 for community members! At the Trolley Stop, be sure to not drink too liberally for the Drinking Liberally – Dayton event, in which you will be able to discuss politics with others who are interested in the topic. If drinking makes you drowsy, then get some caffeine and make your way to the Victoria Theatre to see The Drowsy Chaperone.
On Thursday, head to the PNC 2nd Street Market for the Fresh Summer Wrap Demo. Afterwards, you will be able to fix your own for lunch. Make reservations to attend the Mardi Gras Creole Wine Dinner over at the delicious McCormick & Schmick’s. At A Taste of Wine, attend their 2 Cheeses & A Chocolate Fondue Wine Tasting. Join other young professionals in the Dayton region at the Generation Dayton Thirsty Thursday at Harrigan’s in Kettering. And if you would like to see some very talented young dancers, head to Wright State for their Dance Concert 2011.
On Friday, eat some of the amazing pizza at Oregon Express as part of their Half-Price Pizzas. Attend the first fish fry that is officially in Lent – the Carroll High School 26th Annual Alumni Irish Fish Fry. Looking for a historically accurate, multi-course dinner from the 19th century? Attend the Tavern Dinners: End of Winter Feast at Carillon Historical Park…I’m hoping that “historically accurate” does not mean that the food itself is well over a hundred years old. If you find that you’re tickled pink, head to Pinkalicious-The Musical at Town Hall Theatre. Other theater options include the Xenia Area Community Theatre’s Old Time Radio Show II at the Kettering Health Network Theatre, Beyond Therapy at the Dayton Playhouse, Little Women at Wright State University, Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical at Beavercreek Community Theatre, and The Drowsy Chaperone at Victoria Theatre. All you Celtic music lovers should make plans to see the band Solas as they perform at Kuss Auditorium. And if you love the Dayton Philharmonic, be sure to get tickets to see Russian Giants at the Schuster Center.
On Saturday, there will be great things going on at the PNC 2nd Street Market. Take the kids so they can enjoy the Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss celebration. Also, while there, join in the festivities as it is also St. Patrick’s Day at the Market! There will be live Irish music as well as Irish dance demonstrations. While you’re downtown, be sure to head to Fifth Third Field for the Dragons Box Office Opening so that you can get the best tickets for the season! For all those who would like to learn how to sew, register for the Workshop: Do-It-Yourself Sewing at the Dayton Art Institute. I definitely would benefit as I can’t sew worth a darn! All you artist wannabes will want to attend the Saturday Art Classes at K12 Gallery for Young People. If you know a teenager, encourage him/her to attend the Boonshoft’s shamROCK 2011, for an evening of live music, dancing, laser tag, prizes, and much more! There are a wide variety of theater options, including The Drowsy Chaperone (Victoria Theatre), Pinkalicious, The Musical at Town Hall Theatre, Old Time Radio Show II at the Kettering Health Network Theater, Beyond Therapy at Dayton Playhouse, Little Women at Wright State University, and Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical at Beavercreek Community Theatre. If you love black tie events, you will want to attend the Opera Guild of Dayton’s 2011 Opera Ball, whose theme this year Come Fly with Me. The event will take place at the Wright Brothers Airport. Have a wonderful time at Cars & Cabernet, a fundraiser to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio. It will be an evening of fine wine, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and exquisite automobiles! If you’d prefer a more low-key evening that will support a “God” cause, attend the Holy Trinity Fish Fry. Some musical options for Saturday include The Bluegrass Blowout featuring The Special Consensus at Centerville Schools Performing Arts Center and the Dayton Philharmonic’s Russian Giants at the Schuster Center. And if you love dance, be sure to attend the Dance Concert 2011 at the Schuster Center.
On Sunday, make time to catch one of the shows you didn’t have an opportunity to see earlier in the weekend: Beyond Therapy (Dayton Playhouse), Little Women (Wright State), The Drowsy Chaperone (Victoria Theatre), Mid-Life, The Crisis Musical (Beavercreek Community Theatre), Old Time Radio Show (Xenia Area Community Theatre at Kettering Health Network Theater), or Pinkalicious, The Musical (Town Hall Theatre). Want to get out in the great outdoors? Learn the Fundamentals of Skating at RiverScape. If you’re a write and prefer to stay indoors, attend Books & Co.’s Second Sunday Free Writers’ Workshop–How To Break Into Publishing. And finally, watch some amazing dance performances at Wright State’s Dance Concert 2011.
And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…
A seamstress went to the doctor. The doctor asked her, “How are you feeling?” She replied, “Ah, so so.”
These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar. There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today! Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE! And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!
Have a great week Dayton!