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Dayton At Work and Play: Big Sky Bread Company

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Mari Gallenstein of Big Sky Bread Company Dayton, Ohio. (3070 Far Hills Avenue). You can see her husband Phil baking in the background. They’ve owned and operated this local business for over 20 years.


I’m a regular here because I’m addicted to their blueberry crumbles. The last time I stopped in I asked Mari how the pandemic had affected her business.

“We’ve done everything we can to make this a safe place to shop. Our employees wear masks and we spend a lot of time cleaning everything. We’ve added barriers and changed the layout so there’s a safe distance between the customers and between customers the staff. Business is down from our normal levels but we’re doing OK. A few of the restaurants that sell our products have recently opened back up, which should help.”


“When the pandemic first hit we were contacted by Catholic Social Services. There was more demand than ever for the food that their Choice Food Pantry hands out, but their regular suppliers couldn’t get them any bread. We had decided to close on Saturdays because business was down, so we decided that Saturday would be our time to bake for the pantry. Some customers saw that we were working and stopped in, so we decided to stay open for a half day on Saturdays after all.”


“When people heard what we were doing, some of them gave us money to help cover our expenses. That helped a lot. Recently the regular bread suppliers to the Choice Food Pantry have worked through their problems, so we don’t need to do that baking. But we’re still baking for two other programs – Good Neighbor House and Kettering Backpack. We’ve gotten a lot of support from this community over the years. Helping people get through this difficult period is something we want to do.”

(937) 643-0300

3070 Far Hills Ave # c, Dayton, OH 45429

Hours

Mon: 10am – 6pm
Tues-Fri: 7am – 6pm
Sat: 10am – 2:30pm
Sun: Closed

Old Dayton Pizza at Riverside Hideaway Now Open!

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Owners Steve & Sherri Zelen purchased the old Green Lantern Bar on Old Troy Pike in Riverside last October.  Then they started working hard to transform the building to match their vision for what would become  Old Dayton Pizza at Riverside Hideaway. As they describe it, it’s a “Fun time sports bar …where locally sourced shenanigans pair with pizza.”  Their signature pizza features a Roman Style pizza crust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve’s famous Roman Style pizza dough goes through a bulk fermentation process for 24 to 48 hours.  “Just the right amount of crunch to chew”, as he describes it.

There is also a full bar with 12 taps of ice cold beer!

 

 

 

 

They’ve totally remodeled the inside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As well as the outside:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now all they need is you to visit them and enjoy some pizza!

Old Dayton Pizza at Riverside Hideaway
3490 Old Troy Pike
Riverside, OH 45404

937-23303490

Hours:  Mon- Sat 11am to midnight

 

Online Ordering will be available soon

Dayton at Work and Play: Blueberry Picking

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The cool Spring slowed things down, but the blueberries are now ready to pick at Once in a Blue Moon Farm (3984 East Social Road in Waynesville). The fields are open for picking July 4th & 5th from 8am to 2pm.

Tips from Once in a Blue Moon Farm:

When picking look for firm berries that are blue all over. Leave those that have pink or green still on them so they will ripen. Ripe berries come off the bush easily with a gentle pull. Ripe berries can be large or small and found throughout the bush.

After you get your berries home remove them from the bag and store dry in an open container. Wash for 1-2 minutes under cold water right before using.


If freezing your berries, wash them first and lay them out to dry (a towel works well). When completely dry they are ready for the freezer bag and freezer. They should be good up to one year.

Price per pound is $3.95, Cash or Check Only. Pre-picked pints are $5.00, quarts $10.00 and are in limited supply. Bottled water is available for 50 cents.

Peak season this year is delayed and will be mid July. Expect the best picking then.
Remember to bring your hand sanitizer and masks and to social distance as best you can. We look forward to seeing you this season!

ruef Design launches Free Music Video Contest

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ruef Design, a Dayton, OH-area digital marketing agency, is offering to produce, film, and edit a music video for a local band or artist for FREE.

The lucky artist or band will work with ruef Design through the creative process and all phases of production to craft a music video, all on ruef Design’s dime.

Zack Ruef, owner of the Dayton-based digital marketing agency said he and his team came up with the idea during the recent quarantine.

Zack Ruef

“We love Dayton and would like to give something back,” Ruef said. “We believe in nurturing the arts and creativity, now more than ever.”

He continued: “Dayton is full of talent. As a creative agency, we know it first-hand: We are made up of passionate artists and designers and musicians, and we want to help promote local art and music! We think now more than ever we need positivity and creativity to thrive.”

The video will be for one original song (no covers), including location scouting and video concept development, as well as full video production and editing.

“Shooting a music video is a lot of fun, plus we’ll get the opportunity to meet and work with other local artists, so it’s a win-win!” Ruef said.

The initial entry submission period will run until July 10th, 2020. For full terms and conditions, and to enter, visit https://ruef.com/music-video-contest/.

ruef Design specializes in technical communications and marketing for business-to-business buyers in manufacturing, engineering, and industrial spaces, and have created music videos for high-profile artists and bands in Dayton and Cincinnati.

Greater Dayton LGBTQ+ Her/History Nomination

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According to one of the founders, Jerry Mallicoat, “the Greater Dayton LGBTQ Her/History Project began in 2019 as a way to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising by capturing, preserving and recognizing history and trailblazers for equality in our local area LGBTQ community. As we began discovering important stories, people and events, we quickly realized that it should be continued annually so that we can preserve our local her/history for future generations to understand how LGBTQ people have helped make our community more equal and affirming. History is happening every day, and we want to be sure it gets professionally preserved a. That’s why we will install much of the information and memorabilia we are collecting at Wright State University Library where it can be protected and searched through their catalogs, and inform future generations about how integral we have been to our community.”
Last year they profiled the pivotal historical people, places and events in our Dayton LGBT community. The October award ceremony held at The Brightside honored many including, The Rubi Girls, lesbian activists Nancy Grigsby, Wendy Stiver, Elizabeth Wiley and Liz Valenti, Gay activists like Leon Bay, Jim McCarthy and Rodney Veal as well as Allies.
Not it’s time to nominate a person, place or event that has been pivotal to the LGBTQ+ history in the Dayton area during the last 50 years.  People can make nominations by July 31 using the link below, and they can indicate whether they have memorabilia to donate. Criteria for nomination are included on the nomination form.
Below are criteria that may help you with your submission. Please submit your nomination by July 31, 2020.
Categories include:

1. LGBTQ+ people who have been pivotal in helping to make the greater Dayton community a better place for everyone.

2. LGBTQ+ people who have been instrumental in advancing equality for the LGBTQ community.

3. Pivotal events that helped advance equality or raise consciousness about LGBTQ+ issues.

4. Places/buildings/locations that have been pivotal or important in our local LGBTQ+ history.

5. Organizations or community groups that have been pivotal in the LGBTQ+ community.

6. Straight allies who have been pivotal in advancing equality for LGBTQ+ people/community.

People can also send information and questions to [email protected]. A steering committee of people from across the community will review nominations and select the most impactful – true trailblazers for equality – to be recognized at a virtual event on October 22.

Melt Introduces New Happy Hour Menu

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Melt Bar and Grilled launches a new Happy Hour menu at all locations on July 1st.  The new menu consists of old favorites and delicious new items – only available 3pm – 6pm Monday through Friday.  Come on, get happy!

Happy Hour Beer, Cocktails & Wine Specials

  • Bud Light & Miller Lite – $2.00 off 16oz & 22oz draft
  • $1.00 off all other draft beers – 16oz & 22oz
  • $1.00 off all can & bottled beer
  • $2.00 off all Signature Cocktails
  • $2.00 off all Spiked Seltzers
  • $3.00 off glass – house red or house white wine
  • $2.00 off all single serve wines
  • $4.00 off all half bottles

Mac & Cheese Crocks

  • Classic Cheesy Cheddar / Cheddar, romano, american, panko crumb crust. V, VG
  • Buffalo Mac / Cheddar, signature buffalo sauce, blue cheese. V, VG
  • Sweet & Smokey / Cheddar, caramel port onions, smoked gouda. V, VG
  • Bacon Ranch – Bacon, cheddar, ranch, scallions. VA, VG
  • Cheesy Tortilla – Roasted corn salsa, onion, tortilla crumbs, sweet chipotle, sour cream, scallions. V, VG

Melt Quesadilla / Grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, roasted corn salsa, sautéed onions, jalapeno, scallions, sour cream, house-made salsa picante. VA

Happy Corndogs / Happy size house-dipped corn dogs, chipotle ketchup & sweet mustard for dipping.

Chips & Salsa / Fresh fried tortilla chips & house made salsa picante. V

Melt Nachos / Fresh fried tortilla chips, cheddar cheese sauce, fire-roasted corn salsa, scallions, pickled jalapenos, house-made salsa picante, sour cream. V (chicken or ground beef extra)

Cheese Bacon Fries / Fresh-cut fries, cheddar cheese sauce, crisp bacon crumble. VA

Buffalo Chicken Tenders / Hand-breaded chicken strips tossed in our signature buffalo sauce with ranch dip.

Happy Bruschetta / Toasted bread, mozzarella, grilled tomato, hickory bacon, sweet balsamic, fresh basil. VA

V = Vegetarian Item
VA = Vegetarian Available
VG = Vegan Available

Play Downtown Dayton Summer Bingo!

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The Downtown Dayton Partnership (DDP) debuts a new feature of the DP&L Summer in the City lineup: Downtown Dayton Summer Bingo . The game will begin on Friday, July 3, and players can complete a bingo of challenges for the chance to win downtown Dayton prizes throughout the entire month of July.

Players will complete “challenges” that will have them exploring downtown Dayton dining, arts, culture, shopping and entertainment. The challenges include opportunities to explore in-person following social-distancing guidelines, or tasks that can be completed online from home. If they complete five challenges in a row on the game card to make a “bingo,” players can submit their card into the drawing to win prizes. Join in the fun at our Facebook event page here .

“Our goal is for players to explore downtown, support our small business community, learn about a new spot in downtown Dayton, and continue to safely visit downtown restaurants, shops, arts galleries and more throughout the summer,” said Sandra K. Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership.

1.       Complete 5 squares in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to make a bingo.

2.        Snap a photo or take a screen grab to prove that you completed the task. All tasks                MUST be completed using a downtown Dayton business or location.

3.        Email your final completed bingo entry and supporting proof to [email protected] to be entered to win prizes from the Downtown Dayton Partnership.

● Weekly drawings – On Friday, July 10, 17 and 24, winners will be chosen for weekly prizes, including gift cards to downtown businesses. Weekly winners will be re-entered into the Grand Prize drawing.

● Grand Prizes – At the end of the month, five winners will be chosen to receive a Downtown Dayton Prize Pack, which includes more than $100 in gift cards to downtown restaurants, bars, and retailers.

RULES: How to submit your bingo:

  1. Following the rules below, email your submission to: [email protected] before Saturday, August 1, 2020.
  2. Only submit a full bingo (five completed tasks in a row).
  3. Only one entry per person.
  4. All bingo tasks should be submitted in one email. The email needs to include the following:
    1. A screen grab or photo of your bingo card with your 5 completed tasks marked off.
    2. Proof* of your completed tasks either in the body of the email, or as attachments to the

      email. Read on for Proof* of Completion rules.

    3. Your name, contact phone number, and email

*PROOF of bingo square task
Virtual (pink): Take a photo or screen grab of your completed social media or website task (example: screen grab the website you explored, or the new Facebook page you “like”). Include that picture as part of your final email submission.

Support Local (orange): Take a picture of yourself completing the task (example: snap a selfie while you’re at the local coffee shop). Include that picture as part of your final email submission.

Get Out & Explore (green): Take a picture while you’re completing the task. (example: snap a selfie in front of a downtown mural). Include that picture as part of your final email submission.

For more information, including helpful tips on places to visit to complete some of the bingo challenges, visit the Downtown Dayton Partnership website. Here you can find the pages for OPEN* downtown Dayton restaurants , OPEN* retail , OPEN* things to do , Find it Downtown guides and downtown Dayton self-guided tours .

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Starts July 1

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Beginning July 1, the Ohio Development Services Agency and local Community Action Agencies and nonprofits will help income-eligible Ohioans maintain their utility service through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program. The program helps eligible Ohioans pay an electric bill, purchase an air conditioning unit or fan, or pay for central air conditioning repairs. This year, the program will run from July 1 until September 30, 2020.

 

“This year, we’ve extended the length of the program and expanded eligibility requirements so we can help more Ohioans during this health crisis,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency said. “We’re working with our local partners every day to help Ohioans in need.”

 

In 2019 more than 20,500 families across Ohio were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.

 

The Summer Crisis Program assists low-income households with an older household member (60 years or older), or households that can provide physician documentation that cooling assistance is needed for a household member’s health. Examples of conditions can include lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, etc. This year, households that were diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2020, have a disconnect notice, have been shut off, or are trying to establish new service on their electric bill are also eligible for assistance.

 

Ohioans can visit energyhelp.ohio.gov to start their application prior to their required appointment. This year appointments can be held over the phone or in person at a local partner Agency. To find an agency in your area or to schedule an appointment call, (800) 282-0880.

 

Eligible households can receive up to $500 if they are a customer of a regulated utility, or $800 if they are a customer of unregulated utilities such as electric cooperatives and municipal utilities. The assistance is applied to their utility bill, or to purchase an air conditioning unit or fan, or pay for central air conditioning repairs. Ohioans must have a gross income at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for assistance. For a family of four the annual income must be at or below $45,850.00.

 

Also new this year, Ohioans enrolled in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus Program (PIPP) who meet the above criteria may be eligible for assistance towards their default PIPP payment, first PIPP payment, central air conditioning repairs, or may receive an air conditioning unit and/or fan.

 

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program are available at energyhelp.ohio.govor by calling (800) 282-0880.

JOHN LEWIS, Catherine Deneuve & virtually THE LAST TREE!

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Hello NEON Fans!
Thanks to everyone who came out for our soft reopening.  We learned some important things along the way, and patrons reported that they had great experiences at THE NEON while adhering to our new safety measures.  If you still need to see MISS JUNETEENTH (and you want to see it on the big screen), you only have until Thursday…that said, we will continue our virtual engagement until July 9.  On Friday, we will open two brand new films – the inspiring doc JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE and the star-studded gem THE TRUTH!  In addition, we’ve just added a brand new, powerful film to our virtual offerings – THE LAST TREE.
Be sure to check out the Virtual news further down.  We have a couple awesome announcements about special virtual events!
Synopsis for JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE – In-Person Engagement: Rated “100% Fresh” on Rottentomatoes! “Using interviews and rare archival footage, JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE chronicles Lewis’ 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health-care reform and immigration. Using present-day interviews with Lewis, now 80 years old, Porter explores his childhood experiences, his inspiring family and his fateful meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1957. In addition to her interviews with Lewis and his family, Porter’s primarily cinéma verité film also includes interviews with political leaders, Congressional colleagues, and other people who figure prominently in his life.” (Magnolia Pictures) This feature-length documentary will be followed by a 16 minute pre-recorded discussion between Representative Lewis and Oprah. Leah Greenblatt of ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY wrote, “Excellent. A joyful, galvanizing portrait of a life radically and fully lived.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for THE TRUTH – In-Person Engagement: “Legends of French cinema Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche join masterful filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda (SHOPLIFTERS, STILL WALKING) to paint a moving portrait of family dynamics in THE TRUTH. Fabienne (Catherine Deneuve) is an aging French movie star who, despite her momentary lapses in memory, remains a venerable force to be reckoned with. Upon the publication of her memoirs, her daughter Lumir (Juliette Binoche) returns to Paris from New York with her husband (Ethan Hawke) and their young daughter to commemorate its release. A sharp and funny battle of wits ensues between the mother-daughter duo, as Lumir takes issue with Fabienne’s rose-colored version of the past. Reflected cleverly by Fabienne’s latest role in a sci-fi drama, their strained relationship takes a poignant journey toward possible reconciliation. Charming, bold, and imbued with endless emotional insight, THE TRUTH offers a relatable look at human relationships, featuring exquisite performances from its all-star cast.” (IFC Films) Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
Synopsis for THE LAST TREE – Virtual Engagement: “THE LAST TREE is the semi-autobiographical story of Femi (as a child played by newcomer Tai Golding), a British boy of Nigerian heritage who, after being fostered in rural Lincolnshire, moves to inner-city London to live with his birth mother. In his teens, Femi (Sam Adewunmi) is struggling with the culture and values of his new environment. Femi must decide which path to adulthood he wants to take, and what it means to be a young black man in London during the early 00s. Going back home to Nigeria with his mum to find his Nigerian roots will help adolescent Femi find grounding and hope for a better future…THE LAST TREE scooped two wins for Best Supporting Actress and Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Film Award. Its Sundance 2019 World Premiere screening was followed by multiple festival screenings in the USA and Canada.” Click the image below to gain 72 hour access for $10.
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We’re delighted to announce that these films will continue in our Virtual Cinema for one more week (until July 9):
SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER in our VIRTUAL CINEMA: “Alan (Bill Nighy) is a stylish tailor with moves as sharp as his suits. However, he’s spent years searching for his missing son Michael, who stormed out over a game of Scrabble and hasn’t been seen since…” You can watch this film on your computer or mobile device as well as some smart TVs.  For more details about available devices, please visit the Eventive’s HELP

page. Click the image below to watch the trailer and gain 72 hour access for $12.
ELLA FITZGERALD: JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS in our Virtual Cinema: “Ella Fitzgerald was a 15 year-old street kid when she won a talent contest in 1934 at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Within months she was a star…”  You can watch this film on your computer or mobile device as well as some smart TVs.  For more details about available devices, please visit the Eventive’s HELP page. This film will be available starting this Friday, June 26 in our Virtual Cinema.  Click the image below to watch the trailer and pre-order 72 hour access to the film for $12.
MISS JUNETEENTH in our Virtual Cinema: “Turquoise was once crowned Miss Juneteenth, a title commemorating the day slaves in Texas were freed – two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Life didn’t turn out as beautifully as the title promised, but Turquoise, determined to right her wrongs, is cultivating her daughter, Kai, to become Miss Juneteenth, even if Kai wants something else.”

Click the image below to gain 72 hour access to this film for $6.99.

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Wanna know what’s coming down the road in our virtual cinema? (Click any title to watch that film’s trailer.)  On July 8, we will open ONE SMALL STEP – a collection of critically acclaimed and award-winning animated short films that are family-friendly!  On July 15, we’ll open the wonderful documentary about a beloved Julliard professor – CREATING A CHARACTER (and here’s the fun news: On Sunday, July 19 at 5:00, we’ll host a special Zoom Artists’ Roundtable with Kevin Moore from The Human Race Theatre Company, Joe Deer from Wright State University,  and actors Jasmine Batchelor (the lead actress from THE SURROGATE) and Colby Lane Chambers – both who have performed in Dayton productions and studied with Moni at Julliard – the subject of this film!!) On July 17, we will open THE TOBACCONIST – both virtually and in-person – a film I saw and loved at The Cleveland International Film Festival last year (and here’s the fun news: you can join a post-screening discussion that Judy Schwartzman and I will co-facilitate on Monday, July 20 at 7pm). More details about the zoom discussions will be available next week.  On July 22, we will open FLANNERY – a film about Flannery O’Connor that Ken Burns calls “an extraordinary documentary.” At the end of July, we plan to bring NEVER TOO LATE – starring James Cromwell and Jacki Weaver.
In case you didn’t get last week’s newsletter, here’s a reminder about our new policies. Due to new guidelines for keeping staff and customers healthy during the current crisis, we now offer reserved seating.  If you want to sit next to someone, you’ll need to purchase tickets in the same transaction.  The software we are using will automatically block off three seats between parties – so if you buy a single ticket, there’s no chance for someone to sit next to you. If you’re the first person to reserve a seat in a row (on-line or in-person), we ask that you choose a seat that’s on the aisle or along the wall…this will allow us to maximize our capacity.  This is going to be a big learning curve for us – a full house will now be approximately 35% of our actual capacity.
Here is some of what we’re initially doing TO ENSURE THAT STAFF AND GUESTS STAY HEALTHY:
  • Masks are required for all staff and guests except when eating in an auditorium.
  • Our entrance to the building has moved to THE NEON’s patio doors.  This will streamline transactions and separate ticketing from food purchases.  Additional time between screenings will also minimize lobby traffic.
  • Commonly touched surfaces (door handles, will be sanitized every 30 minutes.
  • Floor markers will assist with social distancing, and hand sanitizers are located throughout the lobby.
  • Please arrive before the scheduled showtime.  Seating will begin approximately 40 minutes before each show.
  • In the auditoriums, every other row will be unavailable. Groups may sit together, but 3 seats will be required between parties in each row.
  • We have increased the time between screenings to allow us sufficient time to sanitize the auditoriums.  For additional assurance, seat wipes will also be available for customer use.
  • Please stay home if you have any of the following symptoms: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, sore throat or new loss of taste/smell.
We’ve had a couple people express that they’re still not comfortable leaving their homes during this crazy time.  Though we have gone above and beyond the required guidelines, I understand that some people are hesitant to make the leap of coming to a movie in person.  So I’m asking for your help.  Please know that you can still support us by watching our virtual selections (and by spreading the word)…and if you’re so inclined, donations are always appreciated.  We finally have a DONATE button on our website.  Donations to our cinema are tax-deductible, and they’re easy to do at this LINK.
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While distributors continue moving opening dates of some highly anticipated films, we are thinking of offering some retrospective titles over the next few weeks.  Some distributors are offering us great deals to license some of the films from their libraries, and I want to know what you would support in person at THE NEON.  Would you come out for a Wes Anderson fest?  How about first films from acclaimed directors like Barry Jenkins, Miranda July or Steve McQueen?  Do you want some Coen Brothers?  Or do you prefer some classic Hitchcock?  How about a NEON favorite – AMELIE?  Unfortunately, WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? wasn’t much of a draw this week…so I need your honest opinions as to what you’d support.  Thanks in advance for your input!
We hope to see you soon!
Be safe & well.
My best,
Jonathan
IN-PERSON SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 9:
MISS JUNETEENTH (NR) 1 Hr 34 Min
Wed & Thu (July 1 & 2): 3:30, 7:30
FINAL DAY – July 2!
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR (PG-13) 1 Hr 35 Min
Wed & Thu (July 1 & 2): 3:00, 7:00
FINAL DAY – July 2!
JOHN LEWIS: GOOD TROUBLE (PG) 1 Hr 34 Min + 16 Min Oprah discussion
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 3-5): 1:30, 4:30, 7:30
Monday (July 6): 3:30, 7:30
Tuesday (July 7): 3:30
Wednesday & Thursday (July 8): 3:30, 7:30
THE TRUTH (PG) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday (July 3-5): 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday – Thursday (July 6-9): 3:00, 7:00
COMING SOON – In-Person Screenings:
(All Dates Are Tentative.  Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)
July 10 – FIRST COW
July 17 – THE TOBACCONIST 
July 31 – SUMMERLAND
Aug 7 – BURNT ORANGE HERESY
TBD – MADE IN ITALY
SAVE YOURSELVES!
GORDON LIGHTFOOT: IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND
THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD

Saluting Dayton’s 2019-20 Theater Season

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Let’s be real. Dayton’s 2019-2020 theater season didn’t turn out the way anyone expected.
While many of us were busy going about our lives filling late winter weekend plans with the exciting prospect of attending numerous shows around town, who could have foreseen COVID-19? The coronavirus pandemic, a silent game-changer demanding social distancing, has totally upended our local economy, drastically altering the arts landscape in unimaginable fashion. In fact, the Dayton Playhouse recently announced an in-person hiatus until the 2021-2022 season, and it is not out of the question that multiple organizations, including Dayton Live and its reliance on direct-from-Broadway national tours, will remain dark this fall, hoping for a winter rebound at the earliest. Nevertheless, to borrow a phrase from Betty Comden and Adolph Green, “let’s be glad for what we had.” So, here is my annual salute to the outstanding experiences over the past 12 months on a variety of stages and, for the first time, a few virtual platforms.

The national tour cast of the 2018 Tony Award-winning revival of “Once on This Island.” (Photo by Joan Marcus)

Reflecting on current sentiment across the country, specifically the multiracial acknowledgment of the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing fight for racial justice, I’m pleased Dayton was ahead of the curve this season recognizing, producing and promoting Black-themed works. The Human Race Theatre Company provided an elegant Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill starring Tanesha Gary as legendary Billie Holiday. In addition to Dayton Playhouse’s regional premiere of Aaron Sorkin’s refreshingly progressive adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, Massachusetts playwright Jared Eberlein took top honors at the Playhouse’s FutureFest for his historical drama Fall With Me, centered on a Black family in 1930s Baltimore. Dayton Live, which notably supplied The Color Purple national tour which I missed, offered a striking Ohio premiere of the Tony Award-winning, Caribbean-flavored Once on This Island, a musical beautifully illuminating the power of love and communal storytelling within racial division. Dayton Theatre Guild delivered Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting, detailing the fictional yet riveting conversation between Black icons debating Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. Xenia Area Community Theater and the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center joined forces to educate and enlighten with the Ohio premiere of The Face of Emmett Till, a poignant tale of history, heartbreak, hate, and hope. Unmistakably, Emmett Till holds significant relevance as the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Rayshad Brooks, and Elijah McClain among others have brought greater attention to the unjust treatment of Blacks in America.

Elsewhere, I was impressed with Wright State University’s wonderful knockouts both comical (Peter and the Starcatcher, The Addams Family, Into the Woods) and thought-provoking (The Wolves, An Enemy of the People, Into the Woods), Muse Machine’s timely, incredibly joyous In the Heights, Human Race Theatre Company’s terrifically compelling regional premieres of The Cake and Gloria: A Life, Dare to Defy Productions’ engagingly heartfelt A New Brain, Playground Theatre and University of Dayton’s atmospheric Midwest premiere of Virginia playwright Ingrid DeSanctis’ whimsical yet gripping religious and relationship-driven dramedy Stained Glass, and the Tennessee Williams-inspired debut of The Virtual Theatre.

I congratulate the following winners (in bold) and nominees. Looking toward the future with Betty and Adolph in mind, I trust we’ll catch up at the theater some other time.

BEST TOURING PRODUCTION
The Book of Mormon, Dayton Live
Once on This Island, Dayton Live
Rent, Dayton Live 
The SpongeBob Musical, Dayton Live

BEST PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
The Cake, Human Race Theatre Company
Gloria: A Life, Human Race Theatre Company
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Human Race Theatre Company

Laurie Carter Rose (left as Della) and Claire Kennedy (Jen) in the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “The Cake.” (Photo by Heather N. Powell)

 

 

 


BEST PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
A New Brain, Dare to Defy Productions
Elf the Musical, La Comedia Dinner Theatre


Bobby Mitchum (center as Gordon Michael Schwinn) and the cast of Dare to Defy Productions’ presentation of “A New Brain.” (Contributed photo)


BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
The Face of Emmett Till, Xenia Area Community Theater and The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center
Icebergs, Dayton Theatre Guild
Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting, Dayton Theatre Guild
On the Horizon, Dayton Playhouse
Still Alice, Young at Heart Players
To Kill a Mockingbird, Dayton Playhouse

(left to right) Shaun Diggs (Jackie Robinson), Robert-Wayne Waldron (Joe Louis), Franklin Johnson (Bill Robinson), Edward Hill (Paul Robeson), and Robert Culpepper (Clancy Hope) in the Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of “Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting.” (Photo by Craig Roberts)

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Dayton Playhouse
Chicago, Springboro Community Theatre
Freaky Friday, Beavercreek Community Theatre
Man of La Mancha, Dayton Playhouse
The Marvelous Wonderettes, Springboro Community Theatre
The Wizard of Oz, Brookville Community Theatre

BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
An Enemy of the People, Wright State University
Bang, Bang, You’re Dead!, Sinclair Community College
Peter and the Starcatcher, Wright State University
Slut, Sinclair Community College
Treasure Island, Sinclair Community College
The Wolves, Wright State University

BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
The Addams Family, Wright State University
Into the Woods, Wright State University
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sinclair Community College

BEST VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
A Streetcar Named Desire, The Virtual Theatre
Beyond Glory, Renegade Stage
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Virtual Theatre
The Glass Menagerie, The Virtual Theatre
Look Into My Eyes, Human Race Theatre Company

(from left) Claire Kennedy (Blanche DuBois), Chelsey Cavender (Stella Kowalski) and Rene Millan (Stanley Kowalski) in The Virtual Theatre’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” (Contributed photo)

BEST SPECIAL THEATRICAL EVENT
Gratitude Project Brings the Arts to Life!, Oral Funk Theatre and Productions
In the Heights, Muse Machine
Stained Glass, Playground Theatre and University of Dayton
Why We Tell the Story: Broadway Songs and Stories, Epiphany Lutheran Church

BEST NEW WORK
Shelli Pentimall Bookler’s On the Horizon, Dayton Playhouse FutureFest
Ingrid DeSanctis’ Stained Glass, Playground Theatre and University of Dayton
Norman Mathews’ Drone, Dayton Playhouse FutureFest
Robert Weibezahl’s Which Way the Wind Blows, Dayton Playhouse FutureFest
Robb Willoughby’s Look Into My Eyes, Human Race Theatre Company
Desireé York’s Fractured, Dayton Playhouse FutureFest

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Saul Caplan as Branch Rickey, Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting
Shaun Diggs as Jackie Robinson, Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting
Will Graber as Peter, Peter and the Starcatcher
Ryan Hester as Tom Wingfield, The Glass Menagerie (Xenia Area Community Theater)
Nick Martin as Dr. Thomas Stockmann, An Enemy of the People
Maximillian Santucci as Calder, Icebergs


Nick Martin (center as Dr. Thomas Stockmann) and the cast of Wright State University’s production of “An Enemy of the People.” (Contributed photo)

 

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Bryana Bentley as Joey, Slut
Rae Buchanan as Jewels, Stained Glass
Lindsay Cardoza as Scout Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird
Cassandra Engber as Alice, Still Alice
Jennifer Johansen as Gloria Steinem, Gloria: A Life
Laurie Carter Rose as Della, The Cake

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Jordan Matthew Brown as Elder Cunningham, The Book of Mormon
Hunter Minor as Gomez, The Addams Family
Bobby Mitchum as Gordon Michael Schwinn, A New Brain
Lorenzo Pugliese as SpongeBob SquarePants, The SpongeBob Musical
Tim Rezash as Cervantes/Alonso/Quixote, Man of La Mancha
Liam Tobin as Elder Price, The Book of Mormon

Hunter Minor (center as Gomez) and the cast of Wright State University’s production of “The Addams Family.” (Photo by Erin Pence)

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Megan Arseneau as the Baker’s Wife, Into the Woods
Casey Borghesi as the Witch, Into the Woods
Courtnee Carter as Ti Moune, Once on This Island
Robin Dunavant as Morticia, The Addams Family
Tina McPhearson as Miss Mona Stangley, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Sarah Viola as Aldonza/Dulcinea, Man of La Mancha

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Will Graber as Peter Stockmann, An Enemy of the People
Samuel Hamilton as Dill, To Kill a Mockingbird
Louie Kurtzman as Hovstad, An Enemy of the People
Tim Lile as Tim, The Cake
S. Francis Livisay as Reed, Icebergs
Josh McCabe as Black Stache, Peter and the Starcatcher

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Burgess Byrd as Woman 2, Gloria: A Life
Candice Handy as Macy, The Cake
Lauren Kampman as Molly, Peter and the Starcatcher
Claire Kennedy as Jen, The Cake
Rachel Oprea as Herself, Still Alice
Hayley Penchoff as Mayella Ewell, To Kill a Mockingbird

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Philip Boykin as Tonton Julian, Once on This Island
Kyle Ramar Freeman as Asaka, Once on This Island
Mark Antony Howard as Rapunzel’s Prince and Granny, Into the Woods
Andy Huntington Jones as Elder McKinley, The Book of Mormon
Chavin Medina as Sonny, In the Heights
William “Kip” Moore as the Padre, Man of La Mancha

Nate Saner (center as Usnavi) with Chavin Medina (Sonny) and the cast of Muse Machine’s production of “In the Heights.” (Contributed photo)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Tamyra Gray as Papa Ge, Once on This Island
Charlotte Kunesh as Vanessa, In the Heights
Sara LiBrandi as Camila Rosario, In the Heights
Hailey Noll as Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel, Into the Woods
Meghan Rupper as Featured Soloist, Why We Tell the Story
Michaella Waickman as Wednesday, The Addams Family

BREAKTHROUGH MALE PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY
Brian Buttrey as George Stewart, On the Horizon
Ben Evory as Jim O’Connor, The Glass Menagerie (Xenia Area Community Theater)
Cole Frasher as Aslasken, An Enemy of the People
Samuel Hamilton as Jimmy Gibson, On the Horizon
Edward Hill as Paul Robeson, Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting
Christopher Wells as Billing, An Enemy of the People

BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE PERFORMANCE IN A PLAY
Kristin Curby as Laura Wingfield, The Glass Menagerie (Xenia Area Community Theater)
Lauren Eifert as No. 7 – Striker, The Wolves
Michelle Hayford as Little Mermaid and The Women, Stained Glass
Hailey Marshall as Catherine Stockmann, An Enemy of the People
Margo Russ as No. 11 – Midfield, The Wolves
Annika Whetsone as Petra Stockmann, An Enemy of the People

Michelle Hayford portrayed Val, Mrs. Clifton, Rose, Sandy, and the Little Mermaid in the University of Dayton and Playground Theatre’s production of “Stained Glass.” (Photo by Knack Creative)

BREAKTHROUGH MALE PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL
Austin Gladstone as the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince, Into the Woods
Jared Levy as Jack and the Steward, Into the Woods
Erik Moth as Fester, The Addams Family
Nate Saner as Usnavi, In the Heights
Rafael Santillan as Potiphar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
John Woll as Richard, A New Brain

BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL
Gabby Casto as Abuela Claudia, In the Heights
Logan Hylinski as Velma Kelly, Chicago
Lillian Robillard as Ellie Blake, Freaky Friday
Molly Seybert as Cinderella, Into the Woods
Jenna Vance as Miss Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West, The Wizard of Oz
Kailey Yeakley as Roxie Hart, Chicago

BEST ACTOR IN A VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
Chris Bishop as Big Daddy, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Scott Christian as Harold “Mitch” Mitchell, A Streetcar Named Desire
Ryan Imhoff as Tom Wingfield, The Glass Menagerie
René Millán as Stanley Kowalski, A Streetcar Named Desire
Jeff Sams as Theo, Look Into My Eyes
Michael Wright as Brick, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Ryan Imhoff portrayed Tom Wingfield in The Virtual Theatre’s production of “The Glass Menagerie.” (Contributed photo)

BEST ACTRESS IN A VIRTUAL PRODUCTION
Rachel Barkalow as Maggie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
Chelsey Cavender as Stella Kowalski, A Streetcar Named Desire
Merrie Drees as Laura Wingfield, The Glass Menagerie
Claire Kennedy as Blanche DuBois, A Streetcar Named Desire
Caitlin Larsen as Zelda, Look Into My Eyes
Rhonda Lucas as Big Mama, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

BEST SOLO PERFORMANCE
Tanesha Gary as Billie Holiday, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
Annie Pesch as Laurel and others, Fractured

BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY
Marya Spring Cordes, Gloria: A Life
Bruce Cromer, Peter and the Starcatcher
Michelle Hayford, Jenna Valyn and Chris Hahn, Stained Glass
Greg Hellems, The Cake
W. Stuart McDowell, An Enemy of the People
Annie Pesch, On the Horizon

W. Stuart McDowell retired June 30 having chaired Wright State University’s Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures for 22 years. He also directed 26 productions including “An Enemy of the People.” (Contributed photo)

BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Michael Arden, Once on This Island
Joe Deer, The Addams Family
Philip Drennen, A New Brain
Tina Landau, The SpongeBob Musical
Lee Merrill, Into the Woods
Jeffrey Polk and Lula Elzy, In the Heights

BEST LOCAL CHOREOGRAPHY
Chris Beiser, Elf the Musical
Kara Castle, Chicago
Jessica Eggleston, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Lula Elzy, In the Heights
Sandra Hyde, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Dionysia Williams, The Addams Family

BEST TOURING CHOREOGRAPHY
Camille A. Brown, Once on This Island
Christopher Gattelli, The SpongeBob Musical
Casey Nicholaw, The Book of Mormon
Marlies Yearby, Rent

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY
Dan Gray, The Cake
Chris Harmon, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Scott J. Kimmins, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
Pam Knauert Lavarnway, Peter and the Starcatcher
Carleigh Siebert, The Wolves
Terry Stump, Treasure Island

Will Graber (center as Peter) and the cast of Wright State University’s production of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” (Contributed photo)

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
David J. Castellano, The Addams Family
Dane Laffrey, Once on This Island
Anna Louizos, In the Heights
Red Newman, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Jonathan Sabo, Man of La Mancha
David Zinn, The SpongeBob Musical

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY
David M. Covach, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
Carol Finley, The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Kathleen Hotmer, Treasure Island
Ayn Kaetchen, Gloria: A Life
Tatyana Kowalski, An Enemy of the People
Michelle Sampson and Victoria Gifford, Peter and the Starcatcher

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Kevin Alberts, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Theresa Kahle, Man of La Mancha
Clint Ramos, Once on This Island
Nikki Sherck and Alisa Vukasinovich, In the Heights
Zoë Still, The Addams Family
David Zinn, The SpongeBob Musical

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY
Malia Dalba, An Enemy of the People
Matthew Evans, Stained Glass
Gabriel Hrin, Treasure Island
Autumn Light, Peter and the Starcatcher
John Rensel, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
Richard Lee Waldeck, Decision Height (Dayton Theatre Guild)

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Kevin Adams, The SpongeBob Musical
Ara Beal, A New Brain
Matthew P. Benjamin, The Addams Family
Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer, Once on This Island
Jessy Henning, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Richard Lee Waldeck, Man of La Mancha

Daria Pilar Redus as Sandy Cheeks and Lorenzo Pugliese as SpongeBob SquarePants in “The SpongeBob Musical.” (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY
Dan Brunk, Treasure Island
Jay Brunner, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
James Dunlap, An Enemy of the People
Chris Hahn, Stained Glass
Lara Sagraves, Peter and the Starcatcher
K.L. Storer, Decision Height (Dayton Theatre Guild)

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
James Dunlap, The Addams Family
Bob Kovach, Man of La Mancha
Aaron Poland and James Dunlap, Into the Woods
Shannon Slaton, Once on This Island
Walter Trarbach, The SpongeBob Musical
Ryan Vallo, In the Heights

BEST ORCHESTRA
The Addams Family (Music Director: Wade Russo)
In the Heights (Music Director: Jeffrey Powell)
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill (Music Director: Deron B. Bell Sr.)
Man of La Mancha (Music Director: Sarah Plaugher)
Once on This Island (Music Director: Steven Cuevas)
Rent (Music Director: Mark Binns)

BEST PROPERTIES
Mikayla Burr, The Cake
John Lavarnway, An Enemy of the People
John Lavarnway, The Addams Family
Deirdre Root, Icebergs
Terry Stump, Treasure Island
Terry Webb, Peter and the Starcatcher

BEST PROJECTION DESIGN
John Riechers, Gloria: A Life
Mike Taint, The Glass Menagerie (Xenia Area Community Theater)

Jennifer Johansen (center as Gloria Steinem) and the cast of the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “Gloria: A Life.” (Photo by Heather N. Powell)

 

ADDITIONAL CAST ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  • The cast of A New Brain: Bobby Mitchum as Gordon Michael Schwinn, Vanae Stevee Pate as Homeless Lady, Danielle Ruddy as Rhoda, Abby Hoggatt as Waitress/Nancy, Brandon Leatherland as Mr. Bungee, John Woll as Richard, Zach King as Dr. Jafar Berensteiner, Garrett Young as the Minister, Brent Hoggatt as Roger Delli-Bovi, and Lindsay Sherman as Mimi Schwinn
  • The cast of A Streetcar Named Desire: René Millán as Stanley Kowalski, Claire Kennedy as Blanche DuBois, Chelsey Cavender as Stella Kowalski, Scott Christian as Harold “Mitch” Mitchell, Matt Guion as Steve, Jody Hart as Eunice, and Usman Enam as Pablo/Young Collector
  • The cast of The Addams Family: Hunter Minor as Gomez, Robin Dunavant as Morticia, Michaella Waickman as Wednesday, Erik Moth as Fester, Dylan Tacker as Lurch, Amanda Astorga as Grandma, Eric Thompson as Lucas, Emma Bratton as Alice, Nick Martin as Mal, Parker Kaibas as Pugsley, Male Ancestors: Marcus Antonio, Tommy Cole, Mitchell Lewis, Jake Siwek, and Jeremy Weinstein, Female Ancestors: Lauren Eifert, Tassy Kirbas, Emma Metzger, Maggie Musco, and Jeannie Sincic, and Swings Matthew Shanahan and Sophie Hardy
  • The cast of An Enemy of the People: Nick Martin as Dr. Stockmann, Hailey Marshall as Catherine Stockmann, Annika Whetstone as Petra Stockmann, Will Graber as Peter Stockmann, Christopher Wells as Billing, Cole Frasher as Aslaksen, Louie Kurtzman as Hovstad, Aidan Lord as Morten Kiil, Jake Siwek as Captain Horster, Matthew Shanahan as Ejlif Stockmann, Mikey Fried as Morten Stockmann, Dylan Roll as The Drunk, Male Ensemble members Kyle Channell, Xiao Ni Denker, Branden Fisher, Chap Hollin, Theo Karras, Kevin Lausche, Alex Tischer, Female Ensemble members Abbie Bookman, Abby Choi, Amanda Jacobson, Alexis Muhlenkamp, Brie Parsons, and Swings Nick Salazar and Sydney Freihofer
  • The cast of Bang, Bang, You’re Dead!: Christopher Koehler as Josh, Devontae Wheaton as Michael, Rebecca Shelley as Katie, Raushawn Parker as Matt, Leia Gaddis as Jessie, Katelyn Pennington as Emily, Robert Shutts as Actor 1/Judge/Principal, Christopher Leavitt as Actor 2/Prisoner/Drummer, Sabrina Smith as Actor 3/Witness/Jury Forewoman, Kiarra Matos as Actor 4/Prosecutor, and Darion Roberts as Actor 5/Defender
  • Miss Mona’s Girls of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas: Kelli Myers as Shy, Adee McFarland as Angel, Alicia Walton as Dawn, Shanna Camacho as Durla, Logan Hylinski as Beatrice, Stacey Ward as Ruby Rae, and Sommer McGuire as Linda Lou
  • The cast of Beyond Glory: Ben Rinehart as Lewis L. Millet, Hector Cafferata and Daniel Inouye; Fernando Romero as Clarence Sasser and Vernon Baker; and Don Hurst as John Finn, James Bond Stockdale and Nick Bacon
  • The cast of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: Rachel Barkalow as Maggie, Michael Wright as Brick, Chris Bishop as Big Daddy, Rhonda Lucas as Big Mama, Tyler Owen Parsons as Gooper, Hannah Brown as Mae, Bob McClain as Reverend Tooker, and Usman Enam as Doc Baugh
  • The cast of Decision Height (Dayton Theatre Guild): Heather Atkinson as Rosalie Hartson, Janell Blanks as Ziggie Lewis, Susie Gutierrez as Carol Henderson, Kat King as Mildred Simmons, Amy Leigh as Alice Hawkins, Wendi Michael as Mrs. Deaton, Carly Laurette Risenhoover-Peterson as Norma Jean Harris, Amanda Schrader as Virginia Hascall, and Samantha Stark as Edith “Eddie” Harknell
  • The cast of Drone: Shanna Camacho as Diwa Kahn, Ray Geiger as Lieutenant Mike Powell, Becky Howard as TV Announcer, Elise Laskowski as Kristen Powell, Brendan Milligan as Arman Kahn, Fran Pesch as Farishta Kahn, Karen Singh as Salar Kahn, Jefferson Smith as Robbie Powell, Mike Taint as Colonel Andrew, and Lynn Vanderpool as Sergeant Tonya Spanger
  • The cast of The Face of Emmett Till: Mendu Khanyile as Mamie Till-Bradley, John Lawson as JW Milam, Bendali Eugene as Emmett Till, Daria Dillard Stone as Mahalia Jackson, Marquesha “Free” Martin as Chorus, Dawn Andrews as Chorus, Carter Hume as Roy Bryant, Charlotte Harris as Rosa Parks/Reporter, Marceia Cornwell as Musician/Man at the Party, Matthew Benefiel as Gerald Chatham, Ronnie Copeland as Mose Wright, Olivia Ekler as Carolyn Bryant, Vincent Moorman as Henry Spearman, Yvette Watson as Alma Spearman, Kyle Mercuri as Mrs. Burke/Juanita Milam, Amanda Walton as Lawyer Whitten, Trenton Spencer as Roy Wilkins, Eberechukwu S. Cooper as Willie Reed/AA Raynor, Troy Reaves as Maurice, Edith Waugh as Senator James Eastland/Judge Swango, Timothy Hall-Norman as Man at the Party, and understudies RJ Geier and Akil R. Sharif
  • The cast of The Glass Menagerie (Virtual Theatre): Merrie Drees as Laura Wingfield, Chase Engel as Jim O’Connor, Rose Vanden Eynden as Amanda Wingfield, and Ryan Imhoff as Tom Wingfield
  • The cast of Gloria: A Life: Jennifer Johansen as Gloria Steinem, Burgess Byrd as Woman 2, Rae Buchanan as Woman 5, Eileen Earnest as Woman 6, Sherman Fracher as Woman 3, Andréa Morales as Woman 4, and Aurea Tomeski as Woman 1
  • The cast of The Humans (Beavercreek Community Theatre): Jim Spencer as Erik Blake, Jenni Cypher as Diedre Blake, Lynn Vanderpool as Aimee Blake, Natalie Marie Ruscello as Brigid Blake, Kathy Campbell as Fiona “Momo” Blake, and Jose Gutierrez del Arroyo as Richard Saad
  • The cast of Icebergs: Sha-Lemar Davis as Abigail, Lorin Dineen as Molly, S. Francis Livisay as Reed, Maximillian Santucci as Calder, and Titus Unger as Nicky
  • The principal cast of In the Heights: Quinn Bennett as Graffiti Pete, Nick Bradley as Piragua Guy, Gabby Casto as Abuela Claudia, Courtney Collinsworth as Daniela, Chynia Crane as Carla, Steven Greenwalt as Jose, Leila Halili as Yolanda, Desmond Kingston as Benny, Charlotte Kunesh as Vanessa, Sara LiBrandi as Camila Rosario, Chavin Medina as Sonny, Julie Murphy as Nina Rosario, Nate Saner as Usnavi, Michael Taylor as Kevin Rosario, and Darian Watson as Pete
  • The cast of Into the Woods: David Bays as Narrator/Mysterious Man, Molly Seybert as Cinderella, Jared Levy as Jack/Steward, Bridget Lorenz as Jack’s Mother/Cinderella’s Stepmother, Jonathan Crawford as the Baker, Megan Arseneau as Baker’s Wife, Elisabeth Mies as Florinda/Sleeping Beauty, Andrea Gutierrez as Lucinda/Snow White, Hailey Noll as Little Red Riding Hood/Rapunzel, Casey Borghesi as the Witch, Delaney O’Toole as Cinderella’s Mother/Milky White/Giant, Austin Gladstone as Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince, and Mark Antony Howard as Granny/Rapunzel’s Prince
  • The cast of Look Into My Eyes: Barbara Dirr as Billie, Libby Holly Scancarello as Gloria, Scott Stoney as Lonnie, Jeff Sams as Theo, Lauren Kampman as Lily, Jeremy Todd Farley as Junior, and Caitlin Larsen as Zelda
  • The cast of The Marvelous Wonderettes: Amy Brady as Suzy, Lindsey Cardoza as Betty Jean, Mary Nunnery as Missy, and Natalie Ruscello as Cindy Lou
  • The cast of Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting: Saul Caplan as Branch Rickey, Shaun Diggs as Jackie Robinson, Edward Hill as Paul Robeson, Robert Culpepper as Clancy Hope, Robert-Wayne Waldron as Joe Louis, and Franklin Johnson as Bill “Bojangles” Robinson
  • The cast of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Dayton Theatre Guild): Brad Bishop as Kelly, Melissa Ertsgaard as Bernice, Charles Larkowski as Roger, Jennifer Lockwood as Marjorie, K.A. Mercuri as Helsa, George Merusi as Eddie, Lolli Mitchell as Nikki, Dave Nickel as O’Reilly, Jeff Sams as Ken, and Lynn Vanderpool as Elsa
  • The cast of On the Horizon: Brian Buttrey as George Stewart, Samuel Hamilton as Jimmy Gibson, Matthew Lindsay as Captain Stanley Lord, Brandon Shockney as Herbert Stone, Jefferson Smith as Cyril “Sparks” Evans, and Will Taylor as Charlie Groves
  • The Gods of Once on This Island: Jahmaul Bakare as Agwe, Kyle Ramar Freeman as Asaka, Tamyra Gray as Papa Ge, and Cassondra James as Erzulie
  • The cast of Peter and the Starcatcher: Will Graber as Peter, Lauren Kampman as Molly, Julie Deye as Ted, Dean McKenzie as Prentiss, Kaitlyn Campbell as Mrs. Bumbrake/Teacher, Louis Kurtzman as Lord Aster, Christopher Wells as Scott, Sophie Kirk as Alf, Kenneth Erard as Slank/Hawking Clam, Ethan Evans as Grempkin/Mack/Sanchez/Fighting Prawn, Jake Jones as Smee, and Josh McCabe as Black Stache
  • The cast of Slut: Bryana Bentley as Joey, Callista Kinney as Jane, Kylee Pauley as Anna, Kiarra Matos as Danielle, Rebecca Shelley as Sylvie, Rachel Charles as Leila, Alexis Paige as Dominique, Leia Gaddis as Julie, Sabrina Smith as Grace, Cormari Pullings as Christina, Lilly Robillard as Natalie, Kasaahn Johnson as George, Devante Wheaton as Luke, and Matt Poliachik as Tim
  • The cast of Stained Glass: Amy Askins as Mom, A.J. Breslin as James, Rae Buchanan as Jewels, Jada Gee as Tinkerbell, Chris Hahn as Moses, Michelle Hayford as Little Mermaid/Val/Mrs.Clifton/Rose/Sandy, Chris Jones as Pinocchio/Gabe, Jillian Mitchell as Cinderella, and Jenna Valyn as Tess
  • The cast of Still Alice: Cassandra Engber as Alice, Rachel Oprea as Herself, Steve Strawser as John, Brandon Shockney as Thomas, Chelsey Hall as Lydia, Cher Collins as Dr. Tamara/Beth, and Shawn Hooks as Dr. Davis/Dan
  • The cast of Which Way the Wind Blows: Spencer Berta as Paul Travis, Benjamin Jones as Paul Travis and Peter Freeman, Cynthia Karns as Carol O’Neill, Charles Larkowski as Marty O’Neill, Jennifer Lockwood as Peggy O’Neill, Michael Markus as Gerald Freeman, Krissy McKim-Barker as Thalia Whetstone, and Chavin Medina as Marty O’Neill
  • The principal cast of The Wizard of Oz: Elainah Skaroupka as Dorothy, Adonis Lemke as Scarecrow/Hunk, Kendal Garrett as Tinman/Hickory, Mark Van Luvender as Cowardly Lion/Zeke, Jenna Vance as Miss Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West, Callista Kinney as Glinda, Bill Stewart as Professor Marvel/Oz Guard/The Wizard of Oz, Sheryl Koontz as Aunt Em, and Bill Bicknell as Uncle Henry
  • The cast of The Wolves: Mady McCabe as No. 00 – Goalie, Megan Ledford as No. 02 – Defense, Lauren Eifert as No. 7 – Striker, Julie Deye as No. 08 – Defense, Margo Russ as No. 11 – Midfield, Jessica Greenwald as No. 13 – Midfield, Bridget Lorenz as No. 14 – Midfield, Tina Hohman as No. 25 – Defense, Caroline Utz as No. 46 – Bench, and Sophie Kirk as Soccer Mom

ADDITIONAL ARTISTIC ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  • Joyce Barnes’ direction of The Face of Emmett Till
  • Matthew P. Benjamin and Gabe Reichert’s lighting design for The Wolves
  • Brad Bishop as Pedro in Man of La Mancha
  • Casey Borghesi’s renditions of Stay with Me and Last Midnight in Into the Woods
  • Nick Bradley’s rendition of Piragua in In the Heights
  • Jay Brunner’s score for The Cake
  • David Brush’s music direction for Why We Tell the Story 
  • Steve Burton’s wig design for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
  • Pamela Byrd as Jewel in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
  • Lindsey Cardoza’s rendition of That’s When the Tears Start in The Marvelous Wonderettes
  • Courtnee Carter’s rendition of Waiting for Life in Once on This Island
  • The cast of In the Heights performing Carnaval del Barrio
  • Gabby Casto’s rendition of Pacience y Fe in In the Heights
  • Ronnie Copeland’s delivery of the Why I Live in Mississippi monologue as Mose Wright in The Face of Emmett Till
  • Marya Spring Cordes’ direction of The Wolves
  • Jonathan Crawford and David Bays’ rendition of No More in Into the Woods
  • Jackie Darnell, Bridget Miley and John Benjamin’s rendition of The I Love You Song in Why We Tell the Story 
  • Philip Drennen’s musical staging of A New Brain including And They’re Off
  • Matt Ebright’s musical direction of Peter and the Starcatcher
  • Ted Eltzoth as Sancho in Man of La Mancha
  • Lula Elzy’s choreography of 96,000, The Club and Carnaval del Barrio in In the Heights
  • Rick Flynn’s direction of Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting
  • Kyle Ramar Freeman’s rendition of Mama Will Provide in Once on This Island
  • Jeannine E. Geise as Katherine Blake in Freaky Friday and Matron Mama Morton in Chicago
  • Chris Harmon’s set for Icebergs and Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting
  • Kim Harvey and Lori Watamaniuk’s costumes for Why We Tell the Story
  • Brent Hoggatt’s rendition of Sailing in A New Brain
  • The Hope Is Why portion of Why We Tell the Story: Meghan Rupper (lead vocals) and cast singing Till We Reach That Day; Michael Shannon, Jack Issler, Kara Miller, Meredith Russ, Samuel Layman, Brett Greenwood, John Benjamin, Martha Armstrong-Benjamin (lead vocals) and cast singing One Day More; Meghan Rupper’s rendition of The Wizard and I; Taryn Lightcap, Abbey Fry, and Margo Russ’ rendition of I Know It’s Today; and Kathy Meyer, Andrew Gochenaur, Megan Rehberg, Mitchell Goecke (lead vocals), and ensemble singing Tonight Quintet
  • Jack Issler and Kara Miller’s rendition of You Matter to Me in Why We Tell the Story
  • Callista Kinney as Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
  • Micah Koverman as Jim Hawkins in Treasure Island
  • Charlotte Kunesh’s rendition of It Won’t Be Long Now in In the Heights
  • John Lawson as Vernon Dupace, Stewart and Mr. Leonce in Quilt – A Musical Celebration (INNOVAtheatre)
  • Samuel Layman, Siobhan McAleer, Eric Pettit, Zoe Miller and cast rendering You Will Be Found in Why We Tell the Story
  • Adonis Lemke as Horace Gilmer in To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Sierra Leone’s poem Vision Perfected for A Night of Symphonic Hip Hop with Wyclef Jean (Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra)
  • Sara LiBrandi’s rendition of Enough in In the Heights 
  • Matthew Lindsay as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Sean Mayo as Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird
  • W. Stuart McDowell’s staging of the Act 1 deluge finale (featuring Will Graber) and Act 2 town hall meeting (entire company) in An Enemy of the People
  • Hunter Minor’s rendition of Not Today in The Addams Family
  • Hunter Minor and Robin Dunavant’s Tango De Amor in The Addams Family
  • Bobby Mitchum and cast rendering Heart and Music, Gordo’s Law of Genetics, And They’re Off, and I Feel So Much Spring in A New Brain
  • Leslie Monnig’s costumes for The Wizard of Oz
  • The Musicians of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill: Pianist Keigo Hirakawa (as Jimmy Powers), percussionist Deron B. Bell Sr., and bassist Eddie Brookshire
  • Matt Neal’s direction of A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
  • Rodney Neal’s technical direction for The Virtual Theatre
  • Gina Neuerer’s direction of Slut
  • The Orchestra of Into the Woods: Music director/keyboardist Melissa Yanchak, cellist Emsie Hapner and keyboardist David Hapner
  • Tonya Oslack (Shirley) and company rendering A Fifth of Beethoven in Disaster! (La Comedia Dinner Theatre)
  • Matt Owens (Governor) and company rendering The Sidestep in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
  • Vanae Stevee Pate’s renditions of Change and Homeless Lady’s Revenge in A New Brain
  • Annie Pesch’s direction of Still Alice
  • Annie and Fran Pesch’s dialect coaching for Drone and On the Horizon
  • Janet G. Powell’s costumes for Nevermore (Beavercreek Community Theatre)
  • John Rensel’s lighting design for In the Heights
  • Margo Russ, Jessica Pettit and Andrew Gochenaur’s rendition of Superboy and the Invisible Girl in Why We Tell the Story
  • Megan Wean Sears’ direction and choreography for Why We Tell the Story
  • Molly Seybert’s rendition of On the Steps of the Palace in Into the Woods
  • Michael Shannon’s rendition of Dust and Ashes in Why We Tell the Story 
  • Brian Sharp as Judge Taylor in To Kill a Mockingbird
  • Michael Shepherd’s fight choreography for The Face of Emmett Till
  • Lindsay Sherman’s rendition of The Music Still Plays On in A New Brain
  • David Shockey as Joseph and his renditions of Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
  • G. Armando Silva, Joe Deer and Tyson Randolph’s creative contributions for In the Heights
  • G. Armando Silva and Lynda Casto’s Spanish language coaching for In the Heights
  • Aiyana Smash as Mimi Marquez and her rendition of Out Tonight in Rent 
  • Dawn Roth Smith’s direction of Man of La Mancha
  • Daria Dillard Stone’s vocals in The Face of Emmett Till
  • Scott Stoney’s direction of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill
  • Amy Taint as Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie (Xenia Area Community Theater)
  • David Thomas as Buddy in Elf the Musical
  • Deborah Thomas’ dialect coaching for Peter and the Starcatcher
  • Sahe West as Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird
  • John Woll’s renditions of Eating Myself Up Alive and You Boys Are Gonna Get Me In Such Trouble in A New Brain
  • Michelle “Elle” Zimmerman as the Moderator for Gloria: A Life

The cast of Dayton Playhouse’s production of “Man of La Mancha.” (Photo by Art Fabian)