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Archives for April 2011

Faze-O Reunites to Bring the Funk to Gilly’s

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Faze-O

In the 1970’s Dayton was a hotbed for funk.  One of the great bands that’s often mentioned in the same breath as the Ohio Players, Lakeside and Slave is Faze-O.  Produced by Clarence Satchell of the Ohio Players, one of the band’s most famous song is the title track from their 1977 album, Riding High.  That song has gone on to be sampled by many modern hip hop artists, including Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, but you can hear the real thing this weekend at Gilly’s.

After 30 years, Faze-O has reunited and will be performing at show at Gilly’s on Saturday night, April 23rd, beginning at 9pm.  The show also features a guest  appearance by Cherlyn Aikens. Tickets are available at Omega Music.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNuCYzqiuBk&feature=player_embedded#at=52′]

Schwartz Scholarship Competition at Loft Theatre

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Stephen Schwartz

The Human Race Theatre Company will present its fourth annual Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Scholarship finals Tuesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. at the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St.

Ten students, the largest group of collegiate and high school finalists to participate thus far, will compete for $3,500 in scholarships named in honor of the prolific Tony nominated and Oscar winning composer of such works as “Godspell,” “Pippin,” “The Prince of Egypt” and “Wicked.” This year’s contenders are:

  • Blaine Boyd, a Wright State University senior
  • Mimi Klipstine Dick, an Interlochen Arts Academy senior from West Milton
  • Joanna Draper, an Oakwood High School senior
  • Molly Emerson, a Wright State University senior
  • Bradley Farmer, a Springboro High School senior
  • Alexandra Finke, a University of Michigan junior from Centerville and co-winner of the inaugural competition in 2008
  • Mary Kate O’Neill, a Kettering-Fairmont High School senior
  • Jamard Richardson, a University of Oklahoma sophomore from Union
  • Jenyth Rosati, a Wright State University junior
  • Lucian Smith, a Wright State University senior

Each finalist will perform a Schwartz selection and a show tune from another composer under the music direction of Julie Spangler. The audience will also have the opportunity to cast a collective vote which will be added to the judges’ votes. Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra music director Neal Gittleman will host the event, which will not be attended by Schwartz due to his involvement in the New York premiere of his first opera “Seance on a Wet Afternoon.”

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.humanracetheatre.org.

Young, Gay, and Looking for Something New?

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Then look no further!  We have the “cure” for the Gay Dayton weekend!

The Mu Crew, a program of AIDS Resource Center Ohio, is gearing up for its 6th annual weekend retreat which will be held the weekend of May 13th-15th .  The Retreat VI will be jam packed with hiking, speakers, a talent show, camp fires, games, smores, team activities, late night board games and more. The Retreat targets young gay/bi-sexual men ages 18-29 with the goal of empowering, educating, entertaining, and allowing them to take a break from life in an environment that is supportive, friendly, and fun.  The weekend is drug/alcohol free and any type of sexual relationship is strictly prohibited.

The Retreat VI site is only 20 minutes from Dayton in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The cabins we stay in are air conditioned/heated and even have hot showers! We also have use of a lodge and full kitchen/cafeteria, where a kitchen crew will prepare all of your meals for the weekend.

To register please click here.  There is a $40 registration fee to hold your spot, but if money is an issue we do have scholarships available. We are expecting sell-out attendance with participants from many different GLBT groups across the state and even from across the country!

If you’re ready to make some new friends, get away for a while and have a great time then come join 60 other guys for a weekend in the woods!

If you have any questions, just send  an email to  [email protected].

Blackbird

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Blackbird by David Harrower - Dayton Theatre Guild - April 22-24, 2011Blackbird

Dayton Theatre Guild

The Dayton Theatre Guild is set to present Blackbird by Scottish playwright David Harrower as a season extra offering, opening Friday evening.  The only opportunity to catch this intense psychological drama will be this weekend, April 22 – 24 at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Avenue, in Dayton’s historic Oregon Arts District.

Blackbird by David Harrower - Dayton Theatre Guild - April 22-24, 2011

David Harrower

The bold award-winning play promises to be a thought-provoking, though potentially uncomfortable, evening for theatregoers.  The play was commissioned by the Edinburgh International Festival, where it received its world premiere in 2005.  In the years to follow, Blackbird was honored with a “Best New Play” award from both The Critics’ Award for Theatre in Scotland and The Lawrence Olivier Award.

Dramatists Play Service synopsizes the play as follows:

Two people who once had a passionate affair meet again fifteen years later. Ray is confronted with his past when Una arrives unannounced at his office. Guilt, rage and raw emotions run high as they recollect their relationship when she was twelve and he was forty. Without any moral judgments, the play never shies away from the brutal shattering truth of the abandoned and unconventional love. Ray, fifty-six, after years in prison and subsequent hardships, has a new identity and has made a new life for himself, thinking that he could no longer be found. Una, twenty-seven, has thought of nothing else, and on finding a photo of him, sets out to find Ray. She is looking for answers not vengeance. Nevertheless, the consequences are shattering.

While the sexual themes of the show, particularly the ages of the two involved, may be difficult for many to handle for a holiday weekend’s entertainment, the play’s history, reviews and the fervor with which the cast worked to bring it to a Dayton stage indicate that the provocative 70-minute drama is well worth an evening of your time.

“The gifted David Harrower’s intense BLACKBIRD promises to be the most powerful drama of the season…masterly, mesmerizing…extraordinary…a miracle.” ~NY Times

“…an intense psychodrama that won’t let your mind wander even though there are times this story makes you wish you could switch channels.” ~Curtain Up

The play, which unfolds in real-time, ruthlessly examines the complicated history and bond between a man and a woman as they struggle through a deep exploration into what happened and why it happened, and what it all means now.

Blackbird by David Harrower - Dayton Theatre Guild - April 22-24, 2011

Heather Atkinson (L) and K.L. Storer (R) in Blackbird

The cast includes Heather Atkinson, last seen at the Guild in The Cashier and K.L. Storer, who appeared in last season’s A Case of Libel.  The play is directed by Natasha Randall.

This play contains harshly explicit sexual language, mature themes and subject matter.

-SA/DTG Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

Dayton Theatre GuildDavid Harrower’s BLACKBIRD – April 22-24 – (8pm on Friday & Saturday / 3pm on Sunday)

Tickets Prices: $10 student / $15 senior / $17 adult

Location:  Dayton Theatre Guild at The Caryl D. Philip’s TheatreScape – 430 Wayne Ave. Dayton, Ohio  45410 (MAP)

Contains adult situations and language.

Tickets are on sale now through DTG’s Online Box Office, or via phone at (937) 278-5993 (due to a volunteer staff, phones are not monitored continually).

For more information about Dayton Theatre Guild’s entire 2010-2011 season, visit www.DaytonTheatreGuild.org

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

30 Days Positive – Children Caring for Children

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The global HIV/AIDS epidemic is an unprecedented crisis that requires an unprecedented response. In particular it requires solidarity — between the healthy and the sick, between rich and poor, and above all, between richer and poorer nations. We have 30 million orphans already. How many more do we have to get, to wake up?”
— Kofi Annan – 2001

Are We Awake Yet?

This week I had an opportunity to investigate AIDS “now” on more of a global level.  An estimated 40,000 children in South Africa are infected with HIV each year reflecting an impoverished region lacking in both awareness and prevention. 40,000 Children…and the number of premature deaths due to HIV/AIDS has risen significantly over the last decade from 39 percent to 75 percent in 2010 in South Africa. It is estimated there are 1.9 million AIDS orphans where one or both parents are deceased in South Africa and that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is responsible for half of the country’s orphans.

Left Behind.

In some cases orphaned, often HIV infected, children are cared for by institutions but with an overwhelming amount of children and lack of resources it is seemingly impossible to help them all, let alone stop the cycle from continuing.

This week I met with Felito Utuie,  who is here in Dayton, OH visiting from Mozambique.  At 29 years old, he has spent a majority of his life focused on outreach and missions to improve the quality of life for 1000s of people.  Felito, explained the devastating numbers of children who are left with no one to care for them because of  the still growing AIDS epidemic. His regions lack of educational resources forces many fathers to leave their families for work in other cities because they don’t have adequate training, being gone for years at time. He describes, infidelity as being fairly common and husbands succumbing to temptation from prostitutes while being away from their wives for long periods of time. This has lead to the rise of infection being spread and when they return to their villages, so does the HIV virus; infecting their wives and increasing mother-to-child infection.  This cycle has lead to some over 380,000 orphans in Gaza, a region where Felito has ventured upon his next outreach. One of which, he believes will have a remarkable impact.

“Children caring of children” is how Felito explained the devastating numbers of those with no one to care for them. We know that the loss of a parent  has an immense emotional impact on child but to be without any else to care for them once their gone is a far worse tragedy. An estimated 70 percent of those orphaned are the result of losing their parent to the AIDS virus in South Africa.

A New Village

I felt chills listening to the stories and watching Felito as he talked about his journey and how for most of his life his path has been to help others.  I referred to his vision as being a new village as he laid out the blueprints of what he was planning because calling it an orphanage really does it no justice.  A center of stability, education, empowerment and most importantly one which will provide the family dynamic these children so desperately need is what Felito is getting ready to create.  While his focus is to help with the short term needs of the orphans the home will be residence to,  he has also considered heavily what he can do to stop the cycle by working with adults and caretakers as well as educating the young.

I asked Felito for a ballpark figure of the costs associated with his plan thinking he was going to have to raise some unfathomable amount and was floored when he said, ” Only $50,000 to build the orphanage.” Individual homes for both the children and their caretakers, recreational programs, education and career centers, land for farming  and livestock  are among several other offerings including health and wellness all on 73 Acres of Lands will cost $2 million to complete however which he will rely on donation partly for.

Despite awareness campaigns, accurate knowledge about HIV and AIDS is still poor amongst the people and children Felito has come across on his missions and he would also like to focus more on educating on prevention. I had to sit back and take a breath because I couldn’t really put my hands around one person taking on such mission, but he his and I was in awe.

I asked about  government barriers and if there were anything hindering him from moving forward. Felito described his efforts as being met with little resistance but that most officials (Chiefs) wanted something for themselves in return for “allowing his efforts which was of no real surprise to him or myself.  Politics are the same no matter what side of the world you are on.

Could one person really be so selfless to embark on such a journey? The answer was clearly yes, but Felito also explained his personal connection to the AIDS virus. Having a brother who had died from the disease, Felito understood first hand the devasting affects the disease has on both the infected and their loved ones.  Healthcare and AIDS resources in South African Countries are substantially different then that of other countries, though minimal improvements have been made. It is evident that awareness and prevention are measurable efforts that these countries will rely on more in years to come.

More on AIDS and South Africa

While AIDS continues to be a global concern, almost all those living with HIV (97%) reside in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa approximately 22.4 million people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most people living with HIV or at risk for HIV do not have access to prevention, care, and treatment in these countries affected. South Africa’s HIV and AIDS epidemic has had a devastating effect on children in a number of ways. There were an estimated 330,000 under 15 years old living with HIV in 2009. Other infectious diseases, food insecurity, and economic instability plague these regions and though an astounding amount of funds and programs have been given to create new programs for awareness and prevention, the fight still continues.

How You Can Help.

AIDS.gov

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ACT:s

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WE>AIDS

30 Days Positive – Follow the Journey

I commend Felito on his efforts and I am honored to have had the chance to sit down with him. I am once again reminded of the magnitude of  AIDS and how it is affecting the world around me. I look forward to following him on his journey, our continued friendship and one day visiting his village and partaking on his mission.

AIDS is a global problem and there should be a global solution found by the entire international community. It is really scary to see and imagine our world fall into pieces because we refuse to share and put in the common vestiges of our civilizations.
Sarah Polley

2 Hits Are Sticking Around + New Event Announcements at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

With our current two exclusive films – WIN WIN and JANE EYRE – we’ve got two hits on our hands. Thanks to all of you who came out and supported these films on opening weekend – we were quite busy. To read a synopsis of each film, please visit our website.

Be sure to sign up for WIN WIN prizes in our lobby.  We’ll have two drawings within the next 10 days for a WIN WIN prize pack.  (The WIN WIN sweatshirts are a hot commodity, and they’re part of the pack.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8J6Cjn06kA’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbe33D59euY’]

“Start your Miami Valley Cycling Summit experience a day early with Bike Film Night at THE NEON on Thursday, May 19 at 7:30 – featuring the Dayton premier of VEER. This critically acclaimed documentary tells the stories of people who have made a difference in the world of cycling, and how cycling has made a real difference in people’s lives. Join us for this inspiring film and support one of the Miami Valley’s own cycling advocate organizations: Bike Miami Valley. All proceeds from your $5 admission will benefit this growing cycling non-profit organization.” (taken from press release) Visit the official site to learn more about the Miami Valley Cycling Summit.

I’m currently working on putting together a panel discussion to follow a screening of a powerful and moving documentary called WE WERE HERE. “WE WERE HERE is the first documentary to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of AIDS in San Francisco. It explores how the City’s inhabitants were affected by, and how they responded to, that calamitous epidemic. Though a San Francisco-based story, We Were Here extends beyond San Francisco and beyond AIDS itself. It speaks to our capacity as individuals to rise to the occasion, and to the incredible power of a community coming together with love, compassion, and determination.” WE WERE HERE will screen on June 16 at 7PM. Tickets are $8 each and are currently available at THE NEON box office. This screening is sponsored by The Greater Dayton LGBT Center.
Be sure to take a look at the trailer, and get your tickets early.
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCxqJgpejbs’]

We hope to see you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 22 – April 28:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40

WIN WIN (R) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
May 27 THE BEAVER
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
June 10 INCENDIES
June 17 MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY
TBD BEGINNERS

Jane’s Best Bets (4/20 – 4/24)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

Easter is this coming Sunday, so here’s to an EGGcellent week!

On Wednesday, head to Bruning’s Wine Cellar for their Big-Ass Beer and Cab Tasting.  For the record, those are their words, not mine.  Or make your way to Nick’s Restaurant for the Rock and Roll Wine Tasting.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up to network with other young professionals as part of Generation Dayton’s Speed Networking at the Racquet Club.  Interested in photography but don’t know where to start?  Head to the K12 Gallery for Young People’s Camera Class.  By young, I believe they mean for the young and young at heart.  Over at Fifth Third Field, catch the Dragons as they play the Bowling Green Hot Rods.  And finally, get your tickets to see Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre.  Don’t let the name fool you…the show won’t be running permanently.

On Thursday, all you green lovers will want to participate in the Dayton Metro Library’s Earth Day Extravaganza at their East Branch.  Over at the Dayton Art Institute, learn how to draw by attending the Third Thursday Drawing Workshop with James Pate…hopefully the event will be a big draw for the museum.  Sing your heart out at with Karaoke Thursdays at Champps Americana or at Karaoke Night at Therapy Café.  And over at the amazing Schuster Center, catch the Zoot Theatre Company’s Phantom Tollbooth at Schuster Performing Arts Center.

On (Good) Friday, all you environmentally conscious people will want to attend the ‘Dump the Pump’ Kickoff at Wright Phantom TollboothStop Plaza Transit Center.  It’s the last day of “no meat” during Lent this year, so bring your significant other to The Melting Pot for their Couples Seafood Fondue Dinner.  And if you don’t have a significant other, you can just have lots of leftovers!  I’m sure that the Beatles would want you to catch the Dayton Theatre Guild’s performance of Blackbird.  If you don’t care about what the Beatles would like, other performances for Friday include Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre and Zoot Theatre Company’s ‘Phantom Tollbooth’ at the Schuster Center.

On Saturday, learn about Wines for Easter at Jungle Jim’s.  Make your way to church a day earlier (Southminster Presbyterian Church) for Gustafer Yellowgold’s Infinity Sock, An All-New Multimedia Experience.  The New York Times described it as “a cross between Yellow Submarine and Dr. Seuss.”  Art lovers should make plans to attend the Dayton Art Institute’s Sound Bites: Short Talks about Art.  In theater news, you will be able to catch Blackbird at Dayton Theatre Guild or Permanent Collection at The Loft Theatre.  Listen to the music of three legendary songwriters at Victoria Theatre in the performance, Soundtrack of Your Life – featuring Jimmy Webb, Barry Mann & Paul Williams.  Support the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) with Dayton Acoustic (A Benefit Show) at Blind Bob’s Tavern.  While you’re down in the Oregon District, you can also head to Oregon Express to catch the music of Uncle Rico.

On Easter Sunday, after church and after hunting for Easter eggs, it’s all about eating good food.  There are numerous places offering Easter brunch, including The Caroline, The Winds Café and Bakery, the Hilton Garden Inn, C’est Tout, McCormick & Schmicks, The Hawthorn Grill, Yankee Trace Golf Club, Fleming’s, and Barleycorn’s.  In addition, L’Auberge is offering a 3 Course Easter Sunday Supper.  I hope you all have a wonderful Easter with your family!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Why did the Easter egg hide?  He was a little chicken.

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 an eggcellent week Dayton!

Where Am I? April 18, 2011

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Here is the sixth installment in our new Where Am I? contest – if you know where the following picture was taken, simply fill out the form below with the correct answer and you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to The Wine Loft at The Greene.  Next Monday – a new picture and another chance to win!

Last week’s picture was the Fairborn Theater. This 1940’s gem is on the National Register of Historic Places and is under going renovation and expansion to become an arts and cultural center. You can help!

It looks like we stumped lots of folks this week too, as many answered “The Neon”.  Congratulations to Jason Snowden who won our fifth gift certificate.  For those who didn’t win or didn’t get a chance to play, here is your chance for this week.  Just fill out the form below with the correct answer to be entered to win.

(thanks to Teri Lussier for creating these weekly installments)

This week’s hint: “Bark”

This "Where Am I" series sponsored by The Wine Loft

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Come “Home Tour” my Neighborhood – Historic South Park

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South Park - Where people live on front porches, not behind privacy fences...

(the following is by Jill Davis of Historic South Park)

If I told you I lived in a friendly, comfortable, mid-sized midwestern city situated on the sunny banks of three rivers, with a full complement of arts organizations—orchestra and opera, art institute, ballet and contemporary dance, Broadway tours and local theater. And if I added to that nineteen metroparks, a children’s museum, a class A minor league baseball team and miles of beautiful bike trails. Plus a growing array of unique restaurants, coffee houses and music bars to explore, art galleries to haunt and clubs to revel in—I think you’d be eager to come visit and let me show you around Dayton and my neighborhood, South Park.

In fact, my out-of-town friends love to come visit because of Dayton’s unassuming quirkiness and uncompetitive sophistication. Today’s corporate cool-hunters who relentlessly follow trends will tell you that the qualities that constitute true “cool” these days have to do with not trying too hard.

In the past, it’s only when I’ve tried to convince area natives of the big and small pleasures of Dayton’s emerging “new urbanism” that I’m confronted with doubt. Recently, I’ve seen that changing. There’s been an influx of young people, open to the experience of living in denser urban areas, walkable, bikable places that need to be explored. Places of involvement and confrontation, diversity and surprise.

As a lover of city life, especially after having lived in New York for a decade, I’m happy to find that younger people especially are seeking something less predictable outside of mass culture, but without the expense associated with a major metropolis. It’s no secret that Dayton is a patchwork of areas of disinvestment interspersed with gentrified neighborhoods and business districts, so the transitions in between appear a little rough. But those of us who consider a little grit to be part of the authentic urban experience take it in stride.

My husband and I moved to Historic South Park because we prefer older homes, and a friend told us about the neighborhood’s brilliant location (just minutes from everything) and its many social activities. He said candidly, “It’s not for everybody.” But if you’re comfortable in an economically mixed group, and don’t need the orderliness and control of the suburbs, you’ll find what so many people are searching for these days, a sense of community. It’s the friendliest place we’ve ever lived.

On Saturday, April 30th, the public not only has a chance to enjoy South Park’s unique architecture and history, but is invited to use digital technology to further enrich their experience of this wonderful 1880s-era neighborhood. Historic South Park’s 2011 Spring Home Tour, Saturday, April 30, 1-6pm, includes a ScanDayton ScanVenger Hunt™ with a chance to win an Apple iPad2! (Everyone who buys a ticket can enter their name in our raffle.) Thanks to Sean and Shawntay at Comtactics, one of the exciting entrepreneurial businesses officed in Tech Town, visitors will use their smartphones to find out more about our award-winning neighborhood and why we so enjoy living here. Cost is $10 in advance at www.historicsouthpark.org and $15 the day of the tour at Brown Oak Studio, 860 Brown Street.  Free to Realtors who present a business card. Advance-purchase tickets can also be reserved in person at Brown Oak Studio, 860 Brown Street, 10am-5pm, Tuesday through Saturday; call 226-1196. Admission price includes the chance to enter the raffle. Plan to spend two hours enjoying the sights. For tour information call (937) 225-3801. Historic South Park thanks our title sponsor, Liberty Savings Bank, for making the tour possible.

Chaos and Compassion Under One Roof

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Tom Griffin’s humorous and poignant 1987 comic drama “The Boys Next Door,” a story of four mentally disabled roommates and their compassionate social worker, receives an excellently character-driven presentation at the Dayton Theatre Guild.

Director Natasha Randall, subtly inserting Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” for topical relevance at one point, deftly establishes the varying tones in the challenging play which encompass moments of utter pandemonium, charming levity and heartrending potency. Whenever the action particularly plummets into chaos, the hyperactive tendencies of the meticulous Arnold Wiggins (Darren Maddox), the childlike Lucien P. Smith (Franklin Johnson), the doughnut-craving Norman Bulanksy (William Fulmer) and the golf-adoring Barry Klemper (Craig Roberts) unintentionally rise to grating levels, but these unique men are endearingly and energetically brought to life nonetheless which is paramount.

Griffin doesn’t provide many conceptual fireworks in the mildly meandering Act 1, but supplies two terrific scenes in the more substantive, emotionally engaging Act 2. The tense arrival of Barry’s abusive, bigoted father, played with casually cruel ease by Mark Jeffers, completely demolishes Barry’s self-esteem and psychological well-being, which Roberts, in perhaps his most sympathetic performance to date, skillfully conveys. Shortly after Barry is reduced to tears, Lucien appears before the state senate in heartbreaking fashion to fight for his benefits. While questioned, Lucien delivers a powerful out of body monologue, a fervent plea for tolerance and understanding which also serves as the highpoint of this production,   superbly and passionately rendered with dignified dynamism by Johnson, whose fully absorbing, applause-inducing portrayal is among the finest of the season.

Jeffers, Roberts and Johnson are fortunate to have the most compelling material, but Maddox, Fulmer and an appealingly understated Jeff Sams as Jack, the friendly caregiver coping with uncertainty in his personal and professional life, are equally solid. The tall, lanky Maddox, wearing a funny assortment of hats throughout, effortlessly lays the quirky groundwork for the play in the opening scene. Fulmer, speaking loudly and vigorously barreling his way through the action, shines during his tender scenes opposite Lisa Sadai as the adorably smitten Sheila. Sams, very good at being totally unpretentious, embodies Jack with a genuinely supportive, paternal temperament which makes the final moments unquestionably touching. Ellen Ballerene and Darren McGarvey effectively portray multiple roles that accent the authenticity of this meaningful and thought-provoking Guild achievement.

The Boys Next Door, which opened Friday, April 1, continues through Sunday, April 17 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Act One: 57 minutes; Act Two: 70 minutes. Tickets are $11-$18. For tickets or more information, visit www.daytontheatreguild.org or call (937) 278-5993.

In related news, the Guild’s 2011-12 season, dubbed Truth and Consequence, will feature Paula Vogel’s The Oldest Profession (Aug. 26-Sept. 11, 2011 directed by Greg Smith), Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers (Oct. 21-Nov. 6, 2011 directed by Fran Pesch), Tom Stoppard’s adaptation of Gerald Sibleyras’ Heroes (Jan. 6-22, 2012 directed by Fred Blumenthal), David Davalos’ Wittenberg (Mar. 16-Apr. 1, 2012 directed by Saul Caplan), Lee Blessing’s Going to St. Ives (Feb. 10-26, 2012 directed by Greg Smith) and Horton Foote’s Dividing the Estate (Apr. 27-May 13, 2012, directed by Ralph Dennler). The season extra productions will consist of Stephen Temperley’s Souvenir (Sept. 16-25, 2011), Ed Graczyk’s The Blue Moon Dancing (Dec. 2-8, 2011, directed by Greg Smith) and Neil Bartram and Brian Hill’s The Story of My Life (June 1-17, 2012, directed by Debra Kent). Additional information about the season including audition dates will soon be found online at www.daytontheatreguild.org or by calling (937) 278-5993.

Record Store Day in the Miami Valley

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On Saturday, April 16th, independent record stores around the world will celebrate Record Store Day 2011.  This is the third year for the celebration of having a physical place to buy music and the culture surrounding that place.  The Miami Valley is lucky to have two stores participating in Record Store Day: Omega Music on 5th Street in the Oregon District and Toxic Beauty Records & Music Gallery in Yellow Springs.

The action gets started at Toxic Beauty at 9am with plenty of limited edition Record Store Day releases for sale.  The store will offer live beginning at 2pm with Yellow Springs bands Wheels and Mercury Mouth.  The store will also be offering an exclusive ticket giveaway for a show at the LC in Columbus that will be announced tomorrow via the store’s Facebook page.

Omega Music opens at 11am, and live music will start at 2pm beginning with a performance by Kelley Deal and the Buffalo Killers who will also be joined by Guided by Voices’ Mitch Mitchell.  The Motel Beds, Astro Fang, Rad Company, Yakuza Heart Attack and DJ Philly Phil will perform throughout the evening.  There will also a listening party for Sing For Your Meat, the Guided by Voices tribute album coming out on Record Store Day from No More Fake Labels.

We invite you to share your favorite Record Store Day comments, purchases, and performances in the comments section.

Restaurants Offer Tax Relief Deals

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Whether you’re mailing, filing for an extension, or already e-filed your taxes, you deserve a break,  and some national chains are ready to give it to you. Here’s where you can find free food and discounts on tax day:

Arby’s has declared Friday, April 15 as Free FryDay at locations nationwide.  Arby’s signature Curly Fries are beloved for their appealing shape and flavor. To receive a free value size of these perfectly seasoned ringlets, you must print off a coupon from Arby’s Facebook page and bring it to any Arby’s location during regular business hours on Friday, April 15.

Cinnabon will offer two free Classic Cinnabon Bites from 6 to 8 p.m. as part of its Tax Day Bites promotion  on Monday.

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MaggieMoo’s Ice Cream and Treatery will be issuing a ‘Sundae Stimulus’ in the form of a free mini Crumb Cake Fundae on Monday, from the hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

McCormick & Schmick’s Reel in the $10.40 dinner & drink specials at the bar on April 18, plus you’ll get a gift certificate for — you guessed it — $10.40 that’s good for your next visit. Taxes aren’t due until April 18 this year, but early birds will also receive a tax relief gift certificate for $10.40 on April 15 during happy hour.

P.F. Chang’s Tax Relief special: Get 15 percent off your dine-in or carry-out food and beverage bill. (Alcohol and happy hour items excluded)

DJ Dragonfly’s “Mega-Mix” debut a Guiness Book of World Records Attemp

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For Mark Browning, better know as DJ Dragonfly, releasing a CD isn’t enough of an event. So why not release 2 CD’s in one night.  And to add a little extra excitement to the night, he’ll  attempt to create a world record for the most tracks sampled in a 1 hour DJ set.  DJ DJ Dragonfly’s “Mega-Mix” incorporates 193 samples from a wide variety of genres blended into a unique concotion that everyone can enjoy.  According to Browning, “This mix is guaranteed to be unlike anything people have heard before, but its presentation is welcoming due to the familiarity of the tracks involved.”

The other cd being released is called “Seven Shades of Solace” and brings about a very different mood than the “Mega-Mix”.  This drum and bass collection features crisp, gnarly beats with some rap vocals and some female vocals.  The album speaks to the emotions of inner turmoil, struggle, and a chance to express “realness”.  Seven Shades of Solace is anything but lighthearted and will bring about quite an impact through its raw nature.

Both pieces are highly creative as well as thought and emotion provoking.  This event will be full of excitement and topped off with lots of local favorites.

The Double CD Release Party will be held  on Sat, April 16th starting at 9pm at One Eyed Jacks,  which is located at 2368 Col. Glenn Hwy in Fairborn. Drink specials that night will include $3.50 cherry bombs and $6 pitchers.

Line Up includes:
Trunk Bound Regime
God Bless & Asher Jones
DJ Pluto
Giant Fist
DJ Katy Day
DJ Cory D

Imagination and Collaboration

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The Phantom Tollbooth

THE ZOOT THEATRE COMPANY
AND
TOWN HALL THEATRE COMPANY

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.

“Puppetry itself is storytelling through a universal language.”

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

Will The Real Vicar Please Stand Up

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Cedarville University wraps another winning season with an entertaining production of “See How They Run,” Philip King’s simple yet amusing 1944 British farce.

Cohesively directed by Rebecca Baker and attractively designed by Donald N.C. Jones and Robert Clements, the three-act “Run” centers on a flurry of mistaken identity inside the home of Reverend Lionel Toop (Josiah Hutchings, a standout in Cedarville’s marvelous “Hello, Dolly!” two months ago). Lionel’s musically inept wife Penelope (Sara Daransky), a former actress, does her best to keep her sanity intact amid the madness, but it’s a difficult task as the men around her are caught in a whirlwind of confused hilarity while dressed in priestly garb. King strangely builds the farcical essence of the piece with an awkwardly slow progression, which certainly hinders Act 1 from being a total laugh riot, but the sparks begin to fly in Act 2 and truly soar in Act 3.

In addition to Hutchings and Daransky’s admirable performances, “Run” features a strong supporting cast who sharply executes Matthew Michael Moore’s fight choreography and embraces spontaneity while avoiding the temptation to go over the top. The very charming Dylan Cimo naturally embodies the easygoing Corporal Clive Winthrop, who previously starred with Penelope in a production of “Private Lives” and longs for nothing more than his Army uniform once he’s trapped in black. Jordan Link and Eric Rasmussen are respectively and delightfully daft as the Bishop of Lax and Reverend Arthur Humphrey. Allister Littrell brings appealing menace and humor to his role as a foreign Intruder, especially in Act 3 when he humorously tries to fool everyone as Lionel while clinging to Penelope. Keely Heyl, possessing an impressive knack for physical comedy, is outstanding as tightly-wound parishioner Miss Skillon, who is continually shoved in a closet. Perfectly prim and proper at the outset yet completely disheveled toward the end, Heyl notably performs an inspired bit involving a group of coats that would make James Burrows (“Cheers,” “Frasier,” “Will & Grace”) proud. Emily Dykeman scores big laughs as Ida, Lionel and Penelope’s dutiful maid. Ben Lenox offers fine authority as Sergeant Towers in the final moments.

“Run” doesn’t race until Act 2, but serves its overall purpose as playful theatrical escapism.

See How They Run, which opened Thursday, April 7, continues through Sunday, April 17 in the DeVries Theatre of the Stevens Student Center at Cedarville University, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Act One: 33 minutes; Act Two: 34 minutes; Act Three: 45 minutes. Tickets are $8-$12. For tickets or more information, visit http://www.cedarville.edu/ticketinfo

The 2 Hottest Indie Films of Spring Open Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

Our two current films have been much loved but sparsely attended. I’ve seen a handful of posts on Facebook urging people to see HEARTBEATS (one friend even went as far as saying it’s “one of the three best films I have ever seen at THE NEON”)…and audiences of THE CONCERT have expressed their affection for the film to all of THE NEON’s staff. That said, Thursday will be the last day to see these films. Hurry down if you still need to see them.

On Friday, we start the two hottest indie films of the season – WIN WIN and JANE EYRE. These films have proven themselves as critical successes, audience favorites and box office champs in numerous markets across the country. I’ve seen both films recently and really liked them both, and I’m certain that Daytonians will like them, too.

Synopsis for WIN WIN: “Disheartened attorney Mike Flaherty, who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dealings while trying to support his family. Just as it looks like he will get a double payday, the boy’s mother shows up fresh from rehab and flat broke, threatening to derail everything.” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) OFFICIAL SITE
We’ll be giving away some fun WIN WIN materials on opening night at 7:30…and we’ll have a drawing for a WIN WIN sweatshirt throughout opening week.

Synopsis for JANE EYRE: “Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender star in the romantic drama based on Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel, from acclaimed director Cary Fukunaga. In the story, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. As she reflects upon the people and emotions that have defined her, it is clear that the isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. She must now act decisively to secure her own future and come to terms with the past that haunts her – and the terrible secret that Mr. Rochester is hiding and that she has uncovered.” (Focus Features)  OFFICIAL SITE

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbe33D59euY’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8J6Cjn06kA’]

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON this Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home. Tickets for the first screening have already sold out…so a 2nd screening has been added for 5:15.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie. (Garchen Rinpoche will not attend the 5:15 screening.)
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release)

LUNAFEST: Short Films By, For, and About Women is set for this Sunday, April 17 at 3:00. This will be the 3rd year for LUNAFEST at THE NEON – sponsored by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance and American Association of University Women – and it’s been quite successful the past two years. In addition to the touring LUNAFEST showcase, this event will feature REFLECTIONS – a short film by Tessa Trozzolillo, a junior at Stivers School for the Arts. In lieu of a set price for tickets, organizers are requesting a minimum donation of $5 or $10 per person (with $3 per student). Money raised will go to benefit The Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41TvvKTCg1Q’]

Lastly, I’d like to thank some of our community partners. Once a week, I make a jaunt to Meadowlark to hang a poster for our upcoming/current attractions. While there, I almost always run into someone who is a NEON regular (if you’ve never eaten at Meadowlark, you should really try it out…I love it). I always hang posters at a couple Boston Stoker locations as well as The Ohio Coffee Company, and when we have a British film, Basically British is always receptive. Special thanks to these businesses for helping us spread the word about what’s happening at THE NEON.

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 15 – April 21:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday: 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40
Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 7:15, 9:40
Sunday: 12:10, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40

WIN WIN (R)  1HR 46Min
Friday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Saturday: 12:30, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40

FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS (NR) 100 Min + Q&A
Saturday: 3:00*, 5:15
(* already sold out)

LUNAFEST (NR)
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY