Archives for May 2012

My Mother…..Myself

May 11, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Michelle Drake Richardson

Admiration may be the perfect word to describe how I feel about my mom. She’s beautiful despite everything she has been through with her health and personal life. She never lets things get her down and can move forward and overcome the odds. My mom is not just beautiful physically but she is beautiful as a person. She is always there when I need a shoulder to cry on or when I have a life situation I don’t know how to handle. She is the first person to tell me that I am beautiful and the first one to say what did you do to your hair? The lessons that my mom has taught me are infinite and even though we may not see each other as much as we would like my mom is still the most beautiful woman I know inside and out. I can never replace what she has taught me about myself and what beauty means. It’s not all about fancy clothes and perfect makeup. Beauty comes from within and until you can be happy with yourself your true beauty will not shine through.

One of my favorite stories from my mom was about Calgon. When I was little we always had it in our house and I loved turning my bath water into a pretty blue, pink or green. My mom always told me you need three things to make a perfect night, a bath, new pajamas and clean sheets on your bed. Calgon was something very simple that meant a lot to my mom and now to me. When she was in her early twenties she was married and had a son. It turned out not to be a picture perfect marriage and after barely escaping the situation she moved out with an infant on her own. She barely had any money to buy food but when she had a little extra she always treated herself to a Calgon bath. It was something so simple yet so meaningful to her that it has stayed in my brain to this day. My mom taught me from the beginning that you have to treat yourself even if it’s the littlest thing. You have to put yourself first every now and again even if it’s for a thirty minute bath.

I learned a lot of life lessons through my mom not only about beauty but how being yourself makes you beautiful. Being yourself and not letting others bring you down can be one of the best beauty secrets. My mom and I were on our own for most of my childhood and adolescence. After my parents divorced it was just her and I and we became the best of friends. I can remember going out and getting new pajamas and sheets then coming home climbing into her bed and fall asleep watching a movie. It was a simple thing but at the time she was a single parent going to college full time. Our time together was limited but we always made the best of it. No matter how hard things got my mom always looked picture perfect and did everything she could to make me happy.

I remember watching my mom get ready for dates with my dad and she would always be meticulous with the perfect outfit, hair and makeup. She always had her own style from piles of cowboy boots to little black dresses. She kept it simple and minimal but always classy and ladylike. She always said to be a lady no matter what situation you are in. Cross your legs, sit up straight and chew with your mouth closed even if you are at a bar. Although my mom was very ladylike she always knew how to have a good time. She loved parties, music and most of all dancing. My mom taught me to have a good time, look like a lady and always smile because no one likes a raincloud.

It’s funny when I sat down to write this article the memories and ideas flooded through my head about my mom and beauty. I thought I would write about us doing each other’s makeup or when she would crimp my hair for hours. When writing this it occurred to me that my mom taught me so much more about beauty than just the physical product of makeup. Beauty is about so much more than what mascara to buy. Beauty is something that we should all feel no matter who we are. You can have all the bags, lipsticks and concealer in the world but when you truly feel beautiful for who you are; that is the greatest life lesson my mom could have taught me.

Love you mom Happy Mother’s Day!!! xoxo

If you enjoyed this article, check out My Mother…Myself Part 2

Art in the Window

May 11, 2012 By Megan Cooper Leave a Comment

Activated Spaces is back at it. Just in time for Urban Nights (whoo-hoo!), ten new art displays are up filling once-vacant storefront windows. As you’re out an about enjoying the food, music, fun, festivities, action, art, entertainment and more that comes with Urban Nights, keep your eyes open for Activated Spaces windows. Just another way that downtown Dayton is becoming vibrant before your eyes – 10 art installations at a time.

From Activated Spaces:

It’s a brand-new season for Activated Spaces Street Team artists. This session’s theme is “Naturally Dayton.” We challenged local artists to to focus on our beautiful outdoor assets. Whether it’s a favorite spot is along the rivers, in a park, or a lush rooftop garden, we wanted to see unique perceptions of Dayton’s natural appeal.

And, boy, did they deliver! The great creativity, technical capability and unique visions of our artistic community are filling storefronts downtown starting on Urban Nights (5/11/12). Visit each window and find out how local artists interpreted this prompt to show off Dayton’s best natural features. Vote for your favorite by May 31!

Visit 100 E Third Street for:

Robin Dakin’s visualization exploring the parks and rivers of “Dayton Hoods”
Amanda Sue Allen’s challenge to Dayton’s to “Let Our Gem Shine Again”
“Naturally Urban” – Bethany Ramsey’s view of downtown’s natural beauty.

Stop by Talbott Tower (131 N Ludlow) to see:

Philipe M. Payne’s triple pane glass visions of “MIAMI RiVERE DAYTON”
Spire Arts “Natural Dayton” installation to showcase work by artists affiliated with the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services.
Talia Shade’s view of how industry mixes with nature to form “Consolidation.”

See photography in Main Street Garage (223 N. Main) by:

Mikee Huber as she encourages us to “Enjoy Dayton’s Green Spaces”
John Murphy and Laura James with a collection that evokes “Naturally Dayton”

Check out Biltmore Tower (210 N. Main) for:

The Dayton Creative Syndicate’s showcase of PNC’s Second Street Public Market for natural food and fun in “A Taste of Dayton”

Visit all of these great spots to see local art beautifying our city and vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice Award! Thanks to our talented artists who explored our region through the theme Naturally Dayton and shared their vision of the parks, gardens, shops, farms, neighborhoods and more.

PLUS: Out of love for the project and sharing her art, interior designer Tracy Kraft’s great work is filling the Ohio EPA office at 401 E. Fifth Street. Tracy has added beauty to this window in the Oregon District and brightened up the day of many walking by. (See featured photo)

Tapping In!

May 10, 2012 By Brian Petro 2 Comments

Like a beer lover’s Christmas…for a week!

You may not be aware of it, but we live in a Golden Age of beer. Outside of the major players in the beer game, there are just fewer than 2,000 craft breweries in the United States. It is estimated that majority of Americans live within ten miles of one of them. In the not too distant future, that will be true of Dayton as well, with the opening of the Toxic Brew Company. That number has come a long way since the 1970’s, when there were around forty breweries in the United States, and the dominant beer was the German style lager in the tradition of Budweiser. If you were looking for anything outside of that, you would have to find an expensive import. That is why the week of 14^th to the 20^th of May has been declared American Craft Beer Week by the Brewer’s Association. It is a time to celebrate craft brewing in all of its small batch glory.

There are three major criteria for what the Brewer’s Association considers a craft beer brewery. The brewery in question has to be small, producing six million barrels of beer or less. To give you some idea of that size, Anheuser-Busch InBev sold 17.7 million barrels of Budweiser in 2011. Almost 18 million barrels of just one beer. Sam Adams, in comparison, sold 2.5 million barrels of all their fifty four beers released in 2011 combined. The brewery has to be independent, meaning that less than 25% of the brewery can be owned by a member of the alcohol industry. Goose Island ceased to be a craft brewer when it became part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev Empire. Even if the holding company does nothing to the beer, it is not independent. It should also be traditional, having its flagship beer be all malt, or at least half of all its beers being malt-based. They also look for innovation, making sure that brewers are always pushing the edges of the styles to improve the product. And most craft brewers, since they depend on locaholics to spread the word of their product, tend to be very heavily involved in their community. This blend of distinct characteristics (small, independent, traditional, and passionate) creates a blueprint for a typical craft brewery.

The craft beer movement really did not begin until the 1980’s. In colonial times and up to the late 19^th century, all breweries were local. They may have spread a little further than their own county, but with the limited technology of the day, they did not keep well and they did not travel quickly. It was not until the birth of the railroad and the advent of the refrigerated car that a beer was able to jump up and take over the country. Adolphus Busch was the man that made this leap (as well as a few others), and created a beer that was the same from New York to San Francisco. The big breweries, like Miller, Coors, Pabst, and others, grew from this point, crowding out all of the smaller competition. This downward spiral, aided by Prohibition, killed small breweries until 1965, when Fritz Maytag revived the Anchor Steam Brewing Company. Ken Grossman started to cobble together (literally) the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, using his passion for brewing and his knowledge of chemistry and engineering to create his beer. It was not until 1980 that the world saw its first drinkable batch of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Six years after that, the Boston Brewing Company was born, and Samuel Adams became part of a wave of breweries that swept the nation. That wave has been building over the last fifteen years, and does not show any sign of stopping. It has grown so big there are even social sites where people can share the beers they love, one of the bigger ones being Untappd, where you can check in to each beer, rate it, tweet it, and even include where you are enjoying it so others may try it.

Can you pick the most delicious beer from this line up?

Of course, you are going to want to celebrate this week. Before you start celebrating, you should write down that Ohio Brew Week is June 22-30 in Athens, OH and our own Dayton Beer Week is August 18-25. For this coming week, there are plenty of great places to check out craft brews in Dayton. Downtown, the Trolley Stop has a wonderful selection of craft beers, as well as a beer tasting on the first Wednesday of every month. If they seem a little full, you can walk down the street a little and check out Lucky’s Tap Room. They have eighteen beers on tap, and a hand book they give you to make sure you have an idea of what each one tastes like. Blind Bob’s also has a marvelous selection of craft beers and food, and is also within stumbling distance in the Oregon District. If you are looking for something a little further afield, the South Park Tavern has an amazing selection of craft beers on tap and by the bottle, as well as a fairly extensive selection in bottles and live music most days of the week. Traveling further south and closer to the Dayton Mall brings you to Chappy’s Tap Room and Grille. While Lucky’s has a good sized book of beers, Chappy’s has a novel. They also have some beer clubs you can join, so you can benefit from trying their rotating beer taps and work your way onto their Beer Wall of Fame. If you are looking to travel a little north of the city, there is Boston’s Bistro, “where bier tasting is an art.” They have an extensive and always rotating list of bottle and draught beers, as well as food specials every night of the week. If you are looking to just bring some beers home to try, Belmont Party Supply is the place to go. They offer a wide variety of six packs and single bottles of beer, and they are the ones that run the beer tasting for the Trolley Stop. So they really know their brews.

You can even go out next week and have fine craft beers for a good cause! The Big Brews and Blues Festival will be going on Friday, May 18^th to benefit Dayton Diabetes. There will be over thirty craft beers for you to sample, as well as good food and live blues music to listen to. It is a great way to end the work week and support local charity. You can even get the heads of this esteemed website serving beer to you! Celebrity bartending at its finest. With all of these options for the week of the American Craft Beer week, what is going to stop you from broadening your beer palate? And if you have a beer you think people should be trying next week, leave a note in the comments. Cheers!

Getting Fresh and Organic with The Food Adventures Crew

May 10, 2012 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Green B.E.A.N Delivers Fresh Fruit and Vegetables to Your Door

Farmer’s Markets are more popular than ever in a time when our country has an increasing desire for organic food products. People are more aware now than ever of the food they put into their bodies and are striving to improve their dietary habits. Food Adventures is always trying new things.

You have seen the word “organic” placed on food labels, but what does it mean? Conventional foods can carry harmful pesticides and are fertilized with synthetic chemicals. Organic foods use natural fertilizers, devoid of synthetic pesticides. If you buy organic, you are decreasing your families’ risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Organic foods also help reduce the amount of agricultural chemicals that affect wildlife and water quality, and organic produce also protect one of our nation’s most valuable resources — top soil. It’s something to keep in mind the next time you are buying produce, and a reason why Farmer’s Markets have been so successful over the years.
Unfortunately, not everyone has access to them. Food Adventures is grateful for the farm markets in Dayton.

We would like to introduce you to Green B.E.A.N. Delivery. Sort of a “Farmer’s Market on wheels.” Green B.E.A.N. was started up by three college
friends from Indiana University in 2007, Matt Ewer, Beth Blessing, and John Freeland. Their common goal is to provide healthy, local food and make it more convenient, accessible, and affordable. B.E.A.N. stands for: Biodynamic, Education, Agriculture, Nutrition(Try saying that fast three times fast!). Green B.E.A.N. is a grassroots effort; a network of farmers and artisans providing customers with organic and locally made products. John Freeland is the Vice President of Green B.E.A.N. Delivery and contacted us to try out what they have to offer.

Orders are Delivered in Green B.E.A.N Coolers

We went to the Green B.E.A.N. Delivery website and set up our accounts. We found the website to be easy to navigate and place orders. They have various
produce bins ranging in price from $35 to $49. They also have a ‘break-room bin’ which helps encourage healthy eating in the office. You can also customize your order by choosing from forty different items that are in season. We decided to let Green B.E.A.N. send us whatever they wanted…..mystery is always more fun!

When the time came for our delivery, we were greeted at the door by a big green bin. Food Adventure time !!! This was exciting — like having a farmer’s market delivered right to the front door. We both opened our bins like kids open up presents on Christmas Day. Inside sits a cooler with an ice pack so your produce remains cool if you have to work a long day. We ordered the $35 bin and were impressed with the amount of produce received. Some of the produce we received included: broccoli, carrots, celery, mangos, avocado, grapefruit, apples, tomatoes, asparagus, potatoes, lemons, spinach, green beans, onions, and pears all fresh and ready to eat! Green B.E.A.N. Delivery also has an option to add groceries to the bins. Some of the items offered include: dairy, meats, eggs, cupcakes, bulk foods, and beverages.

Lots of Fresh, Organic and Healthy Items to Choose From

When you sign up for Green B.E.A.N, you can choose to receive your bins either weekly or bi-weekly and you can cancel your membership at any time. The bins can either be delivered or you may choose to pick them up. Delivery areas include: Ft. Wayne, Indianapolis, Louisville, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus. If you don’t see your location on the delivery map, give them a call at (513) 761-BEAN (Cincinnati-Dayton) or (614) 352-2845 (Columbus). Check out the website for membership information, recipes, and the online store.

We were very impressed with the quality of produce that we received and highly recommend Green B.E.A.N. Delivery. We would like to thank John Freeland of Green B.E.A.N. for allowing us to take part in a delectable delivery. We received some incredibly fresh produce delivered right to our front doors without a glitch! Give Green B.E.A.N. Delivery a try by contacting them at www.greenbeandelivery.com or by phone. Try going organic to improve your health and buy local to help out our communities!

Have you used Green B.E.A.N. yet? If so, please comment below.

Dont forget to visit FOOD ADVENTURES on FACEBOOK and “like” our page by clicking HERE ![album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/greenBean/]

Dayton Fashion Week and Urban Nights Presents: Ambush Makeover!!

May 9, 2012 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Dayton Fashion Week will be participating in Urban Nights This Friday

Dayton Fashion Week will be making its Urban Nights Debut this Friday and of course it’s going to be one of the most fashionable events of the evening! Our sponsors at The Downtown Dayton Partnership have asked the DFW Team to give the patrons of Urban Nights a unique and fun experience– and of course we don’t want to disappoint!! So with that being said, DFW staff, along with our models, team of makeup artist, hair stylist, and photographers will be out and about at various locations downtown during Urban Nights scouting for individuals to be a part of our first ever Ambush Makeover!

That’s right, the lucky individuals will receive super model treatment during Urban Nights, they will have their hair and makeup done, treated to a professional photo shoot by our amazing photographers, and will receive lessons on how to rip the runway by DFW models right there on the spot! The individuals selected by our scouts will also be appearing in Dayton Fashion Week’s fashion and lifestyle print magazine which will be debuting in July—just in time for our big event!

The Makeovers will be taking place from 6p-9p at our table located in Court House Square! Though we are finished holding Casting Calls for this year’s event—I’ve been known to approach random strangers and do some scouting! So make sure you stop by and say hi because you never know you just may get discovered!

Oscar-Nominated FOOTNOTE Opens Friday

May 9, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

On Friday, we finally get to open the Oscar-nominated film FOOTNOTE. If you’ve been to THE NEON in the past couple months, I’m almost certain you’ve seen the trailer for this film that has received critical accolades from around the world.

If you still need to see JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, it only plays through Thursday. JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME and DAMSELS IN DISTRESS will play for another week. For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Because of limited print availability, our upcoming schedule has moved around quite a bit. In addition, we’ve added some new, great titles (see the entire line-up below). On Friday, May 18, we will open the new documentary MARLEY – the definitive life story of the brilliant musician and political/social prophet Bob Marley. In celebration of this film, we will have live music on our patio – provided by Reggae musician M. Hunter of Columbus – starting at 6pm on May 18. We hope you’ll plan to join us. (More details will be provided in next week’s newsletter.)

Synopsis for FOOTNOTE: “Eliezer and Uriel Shkolnik are both eccentric professors who have dedicated their lives to their work. The father, Eliezer, is a stubborn purist who fears the establishment and has never been recognized for his work. Meanwhile his son, Uriel, is an up-and-coming star in the field, who appears to feed on accolades – endlessly seeking recognition. Then one day, the tables turn. When Eliezer learns that he is to be awarded the Israel Prize, the most valuable honor for scholarship in the country, his vanity and desperate need for validation are exposed. His son, Uriel, is thrilled to see his father’s achievements finally recognized but, in a darkly funny twist, is forced to choose between the advancement of his own career and his father’s. Will he sabotage his father’s glory?” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Oscars, this film is currently at 91% positive reviews on Rottentomatoes.com. Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dwe7GR9kO4′]

On Wednesday, May 23 at 6:30pm (registration begins at 6pm), United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 75 has rented out our space for a special screening of INSIDE JOB – “the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008″…and they’re inviting you to join them. “UFCW 75 represents nearly 30,000 members along the I-75 corridor in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky; our members work mostly in supermarkets, drug stores, food packing and food processing plants, and in health care facilities. We are Ohio’s largest private sector union. For questions, more information, or to RSVP, email [email protected].” (details provided by UFCW 75)

For those of you who use Facebook, we finally have an actual page…not just a “group” page. We will soon be fazing out the old group, so please LIKE us by visiting our page – which now has a very easy address: www.facebook.com/neonmovies

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

P.S. I saw MOONRISE KINGDOM last week. Favorite film of the year so far. Can’t wait to bring it to Dayton!!

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SHOWTIMES for
Fri. May 11 – Thur. May 17:

JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME (R) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:10, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

FOOTNOTE (PG) 1 Hr 43 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS (PG-13) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:20

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
May 18 MARLEY
May 25 THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
June 1 SOUND OF MY VOICE
June 15 HYSTERIA
June 29 MOONRISE KINGDOM
LOLA VERSUS
DARLING COMPANION
July 6 TO ROME WITH LOVE
July 13 YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
July 27 BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
WHERE DO WE GO NOW?

Big Brews & Blues (Ticket Contest)

May 9, 2012 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

National Craft Beer Week is May 14 – 20 and the 3rd annual All Draught Beer Tasting hosted by Diabetes Dayton is the perfect way to celebrate. It’s an evening of craft beers, and local blues at Carillon Park. Starting at 5pm on Friday, May 18th brews from Akron’s Thirsty Dog and Ohio Brewing Companies, Columbus based Elevator Brewing, Mount Carmel and Riverton from Cincinnati. Also on site will be Wooden Shoe Brewing Company of Minster,who began in 1860, survived prohibition and became one of the most desired brews of it’s era. In all there will be over 30 craft beers to select from.

Purchase your early bird ticket for Big Brews and Blues for just $30 until May 15th, which includes event entry and 20 beer sampling tickets with a commemorative tasting glass. On May 16th ticket price increases to $35. If you are there just for the music, you can purchase a $5 entry ticket and beer will be available by the pint for $5. This event happens rain or shine and ticket are nonrefundable. Tickets can be purchased online.

General Admission Ticket: $35 available from may 16-18 includes event entry and 20 beer sampling tickets with a commemorative tasting glass buy your ticket online: click on the shopping cart at the bottom of the page! tickets are nonrefundable and the event will go on- rain or shine just want to come check out the event

Noah Witherspoon

The Silver Kings Blues Band will start the night out at 5pm, Uptown Blues Players hit the stage at 6pm, Miss Lissa and Company begin at 8pm and the evenings headliner, Noah Witherspoon will come on at 8pm and the event concludes at 9pm.

In honor of American Craft Beer Week Dayton DRAFT will be on hand demonstating the craft of homebrewing up close and personal throughout the evening of Big Brews and Blues.

Attendees will be able to dine on offerings from Boston’s Bistro & Pub, Brock Masterson’s Catering, Hickory River Smokehouse and Kaimelsky’s.

Providing camps for children living with diabetes is one of the most important programs at Diabetes Dayton. Their goal is to offer a safe, fun filled week of resident camping under the supervision of medical staff. 100 % of the funds raised at thisevent are used so that any child living with diabetes can attend camp, regardless of their ability to pay. Camp for these kids means making friends with other children living with diabetes, becoming more independent, receiving the best medical care 24/7, and enjoying all the fun camp can offer.

Ticket Contest

Dayton Most Metro has TWO PAIRS of tickets to give away to Big Brews & Blues! Simply fill out the form below and comment below with your favorite craft beer. We’ll draw two winners this ~~Friday May 11~~ Saturday May 12 at 2pm – good luck!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to Troy Lindsey and Tamera Geesling – they are both winners in our ticket drawing for the Big Brews & Blues Festival! We do hope to see most of the rest of you there – there will be awesome beers, music, and DMM will be there pouring beers! CHEERS!

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: May 7-13

May 8, 2012 By Rob Bucher Leave a Comment

…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

THE CIVIL WAR

UC College-Conservatory of Music

The Story: THE CIVIL WAR is a moving musical meditation on the Civil War as seen through the eyes of Union and Confederate soldiers, slaves and landowners, along with American “everymen” from all levels of society. Featuring an eclectic score that includes gospel, folk, rhythm and blues, country and rock, the musical was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical. By turns humorous and emotionally gripping, THE CIVIL WAR is a sweeping portrait of a country torn by unrest and a moving tribute to the 620,000 men and women who made the greatest sacrifice for their principles.
The Dates: May 10-12, 2012
Tickets and More Information: BTC listing

THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO ENLIGHTENMENT

The Story: A workshop production. An aging stand-up comedian unburdens himself in the middle of his night club act, spinning a tale that is at once a memoir of his late lamented stepfather and an account of the odd events that occurred at the funeral.
The Dates: May 10-11, 2012
Tickets and More Information: BTC listing

Disney’s CAMP ROCK THE MUSICAL

The Children’s Theatre of Mason

The Story: Based on the Disney Channel original movies CAMP ROCK and CAMP ROCK 2: THE FINAL JAM this production will fire up the stage with over a dozen songs, including “This Is Me,” “Can’t Back Down,” “It’s On,” and “We Rock.” Camp Rock is the ultimate camp for aspiring musicians! This summer at camp was supposed to be all about the music and having the time of their lives. But the new, flashy Camp Star across the lake now threatens Camp Rock’s very existence. To keep the doors open, Mitchie steps up, rallies her fellow Camp Rockers, and gets them into top shape for the ultimate showdown!
The Dates: May 11-13, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Children’s Theatre of Mason | BTC listing

ELEPHANT SIGHS

Mad Anthony Theatre Company

The Story: Not long after moving to a small town, an uptight lawyer named Joel is invited to join a group of townsmen who meet in a ramshackle room at the edge of town. Joel has been chosen to replace a recently deceased and much beloved member. Joel accepts the invitation without ever asking just what exactly it is the group actually does. As an anxious Joel is swept up in the strange lives of the guys, the more apparent it becomes that each of them is just as lost as Joel. As the evening progresses the regulars finally reveal the mysterious reason for their gathering.
The Dates: May 1-6, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mad Anthony Theatre Company | BTC listing

LES MISERABLES

Broadway in Cincinnati

The Story: Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Les Misérables, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. The New York Times calls this Les Misérables “an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish.” The London Times hails the new show “a five-star hit, astonishingly powerful.”
The Dates: May 8-13, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Broadway in Cincinnati | BTC listing

…NEW THIS WEEK

ANGEL STREET

Lebanon Theatre Company

The Story: As the curtain rises, all appears the essence of Victorian tranquility. It is soon apparent however, that Mr. Manningham, a suavely handsome man, is not what he appears to be. When a caller from Scotland Yard visits Mrs. Manningham during one of Mr. Manningham’s many unexplained absences, pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. Author Patrick Hamilton has built and sustained some of the most brilliant, suspenseful sequences in modern theatre.
The Dates: May 11-20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Lebanon Theatre Company | BTC listing

THE FANTASTICKS

Loveland Stage Company

The Story: Two fathers decide that they want their children to fall in love. The girl, Luisa, is a daydreamer with an active imagination. The boy, Matt, is a romantic. The two fathers decide to instigate a mock feud amongst themselves in order to help the boy and girl fall in love. They figure that this feud will give them the excuse to say no to the relationship, which of course will simply encourage the children’s love even more. The fathers go as far as to hire El Gallo to stage a mock abduction of Luisa, in which Matt can become a hero and save her.
The Dates: May 11-20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Loveland Stage Company | BTC listing

FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS

Wyoming Players

The Story: During an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tennessee, estate, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason to avoid the proceedings below. They are Frances, a painfully sweet but sheltered fundamentalist; Mindy, the cheerful, wise-cracking lesbian sister of the groom; Georgeanne, whose heartbreak over her own failed marriage triggers outrageous behavior; Meredith, the bride’s younger sister whose precocious rebelliousness masks a dark secret; and Trisha, a jaded beauty whose die-hard cynicism about men is called into question when she meets Tripp, a charming bad-boy usher to whom there is more than meets the eye.
The Dates: May 11-19, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Wyoming Players | BTC listing

Brian Isaac Phillips as Shylock, Kelly Mengelkoch as Portia & Jared Joplin as Antonio. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: Passion, betrayal, and a bargain with a terrible price. In one of the Bard’s most controversial and thrilling plays, Antonio covers a debt for his friend Bassanio, from the complicated and persecuted Shylock—who has much reason to resent Antonio. Across lines of race and wrongdoing, Antonio must face a terrible fate, while Bassanio finds true love in the arms of the delightful Portia. Watch what happens as events culminate in a cross-dressing courtroom battle in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE.
The Dates: May 11-June 3, 2012

Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC listing

Tom Highley as Bruce Ismay, Shawn Toadvine as Thomas Andrews, and Rick Kramer as Captain EJ Smith.

TITANIC THE MUSICAL

Cincinnati Music Theatre

The Story: TITANIC is based on the true story of the great ship’s maiden voyage from departure in Southampton, England to the sinking in the Atlantic by an iceberg. The show touches on issues such as class, immigration and mankind’s vulnerability in the face of nature. The story follows passengers and crew members who actually existed and were aboard the Titanic back in 1912.
The Dates: May 11-19, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Music Theatre | BTC listing

…CONTINUING

James Oblak as Skip, Will Slenick as Wally, Nick Laughlin as Denny & Lee Slobotkin as Eugene. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

LIFE COULD BE A DREAM

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

The Story: SH-BOOM! From the creator of THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, comes the Crooning Crabcakes, the boy group banned from the Springfield High School prom that made it possible for The Marvelous Wonderettes to perform. The guys get one more chance at fame and fortune as Denny, Eugene, Skip and Wally form a singing group to enter and win the local radio contest and realize their dreams of making it to the big time! Featuring such classic songs as “Stay” (Just a Little Bit Longer),” “Runaround Sue,” “Tears On My Pillow,” “Unchained Melody,” “Earth Angel,” and of course the title song, Life Could Be A Dream is another musical trip down memory lane that will leave you laughing, singing and cheering!
The Dates: May 2-20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati | BTC listing

Catherine Ross as Margaret Johnson & Abby Paljieg as Clara Johnson in Footlighters' THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA.

THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA

Footlighters Inc.

The Story: The show takes place in Italy in the summer of 1953. Margaret Johnson, the wife of an American, is touring the Tuscan countryside with her daughter, Clara. While sightseeing, Clara-a beautiful, childish young woman-loses her hat in a sudden gust. As if guided by an unseen hand, the hat lands at the feet of Fabrizio Naccarelli, a handsome Florentine, who returns it to Clara. This brief episode sparks an immediate romance between Clara and Fabrizio. Extremely protective, Margaret attempts to keep them apart. As the story unfolds, a secret is revealed about Clara: she is not all that she appears. Unable to suppress the truth, Margaret is forced to reconsider not only Clara’s future, but her own hopes as well.
The Dates: May 3-19, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Footlighters Inc. | BTC listing

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

Mariemont Players

The Story: Nick, an Italian-American boy from New Jersey, wants to follow his dream and move to Seattle – far away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents and their routine Sunday dinners. But both sets of grandparents scheme to keep him from moving, using the lovely, and single, Caitlin O’Hare as bait.
The Dates: May 4-20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mariemont Players | BTC listing

The cast of THE SECOND CITY 2: LESS PRIDE...MORE PORK. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

THE SECOND CITY: LESS PRIDE MORE PORK

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: The world’s premier comedy company will again set its razor-sharp sights on Cincinnati. What’s left to skewer? The Second City was in town long enough to know they haven’t come close to exhausting the material. Not to mention, between now and opening night, entire sports seasons will come and go, politicians will star on reality shows and streetcars may (or may not) be on track. The future holds nothing but promise for comedy at our expense.
The Dates: April 29-July 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

David St. Louis as Marvell Thunder, Terry Burrell as Good Sister Dupree, Jennie Harney as Glory Dupree & Trent Armand Kendall as Jaguar Dupree, Sr. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

THUNDER KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Once upon a time, a mysterious, blues-playing stranger named Marvell Thunder arrives at the door of the Dupree family with a unique challenge — a “cutting contest,” in which twin guitars are the weapons of choice. If he has his way, the epic musical showdown will change everyone’s life forever. A mystical, magical celebration of love, family and the exhilarating power of music to free your soul.
The Dates: April 21-May 20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

…ENDING THIS WEEK

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON uses the story of America’s controversial seventh president, “the man who invented the Democratic Party, doubled the size of our nation, and signed the Indian Removal Acts that started the Trail of Tears,” to investigate the attraction and terrors of American populism, using a raucous blend of outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality and an infectious rock n’ roll soundtrack.
The Dates: March 31-May 12, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

Jonathan Zeng as Joseph, Michelle Koopman-Wells as The Narrator & Donnie McGovern as Pharoah in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT..

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

The Story: The Biblical, all-sung saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful parable. Joseph, his father’s favorite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged.
The Dates: April 19-May 13, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Covedale Center | BTC listing

PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM

Stagecrafters

The Story: Allan Felix has this thing about Humphrey Bogart. If only he had some of Bogart’s technique…Bogey comes to the rescue of Allan (who is bookish and insecure with women) with a fantastic bevy of beauties played out in hilarious fantasy sequences. Fixed up with gorgeous women by friends, he’s so awkward that even Bogey’s patience is tried. Allan mostly resembles a disheveled, friendly dog and this is what ultimately charms his best friend’s wife into bed. It’s a tough life, making it in the world of beautiful people but if you can’t be a hero it helps to have one…
The Dates: May 5-13, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Stagecrafters | BTC listing

…COMING SOON

Matt Dentino, Danielle Muething, Jennifer J. Araya & Patrick Phillips.

BABES IN HOLLYWOOD

The Dates: May 16-June 3, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Showboat Majestic | BTC listing

BECKY’S NEW CAR

The Dates: May 17-19, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Middletown Lyric Theatre | BTC listing

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED)

The Dates: May 17-20, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre | BTC listing

SONGS FROM THE TALL GRASS

The Dates: May 18-27, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Fairfield Footlighters | BTC listing

The Invisible Becomes Visible – This American Life Hits the Big Screen

May 8, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Radio Spectacular Comes To The Big Screen Via This American Life Live!

On May 10 the ultimate “shared experience” will be simulcast in over 550 theaters between the US and Canada as PRI’s award winning show, This American Life (TAL) brings radio to the big screen for the third time! TAL host and executive producer (and public radio rockstar) Ira Glass, serves as ring master for the cinematic event broadcasting live from NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts in NYC. The Invisible Made Visible is the theme for this production, starring a veritable “whose who” of the public radio culture!

For starters, there are feature stories from Ira Glass himself, as well as regular contributors David Sedaris and David Rakoff and yet another regular, Mike Birbiglia, throws in a short film into the mix. Also joining these TAL all stars is the host of NPR’s Snap Judgment, Glynn Washington, as well as comic Tig Notaro, author Ryan Knighton (to the delight of Canadian TAL fans) and live music with audience interactive Android / iPhone App performance by the band OK Go. Original animation and projected illustrations will be sprinkled throughout the show plus special surprise guests!

BUT WAIT! There’s MORE! What, you may be asking yourself, would a radio show be without dance? The Monica Bill Barnes & Company of New York is not only featured in this performance, but was the motivation behind bringing This American Life back into the cinema! In a recent interview, Glass recounts how inspired he was while attending a live performance of Monica Bill Barnes & Company for the first time…

“There was something about they way they did their performance that reminded me of our radio show. There was something about the personality of it and the way the dances unfolded. They were just very good actors. The pieces seemed to be about moments of awkwardness and anxiety and the thought flashed in my head.” Glass went on to say that, “Our audience would really be into this, it’s just like our radio show…but it’s entirely visual, maybe we should think about doing another cinema event.”

I asked him how long it took from the actual moment of inspiration to the concrete production of this live show. He was surprisingly specific…

“I saw the dance show (I’m pulling it up on my calendar as we speak) June 4th, 2011, but we didn’t really decide to do it until September.” He cites being in ‘infinite editing mode’ on a Birbiglia film during the Fall of 2011 and preparing for the January 2012 Sundance Film Festival, for putting this live event momentarily on the back burner.

Yet, this moment of inspiration led Glass into a parallel universe to produce The Invisible Made Visible. For the better part of the last year, while continuing to work on the radio show, Glass found himself in “the weirdest period of my life” approving drafts from Disney animators, attending dance rehearsals, as well as working with the band OK Go in developing an interactive iPhone & Android app. To heighten the shared experience, the vision for the music app is to include 50,000 audience members in a musical performance with OK Go, similar to the bands 2012 interactive music video, Needing/Getting which aired as a Chevrolet commercial during the Superbowl.

“We basically tried to invent things that you could never do on the radio.” – Ira Glass

This production is not the only cinematic venture in the life of Ira Glass. In the summer of 2011 he co-wrote and shot a feature film with humorist and author Mike Birbiglia titled Sleepwalk With Me, which is based on Birbiglia’s This American Life piece of the same name which, in turn, was developed into a book and one man show. In January of this year Sleepwalk With Me received an audience award at Sundance Film Festival and will be go into general release August 24, 2012.

When asked what his thoughts were pertaining to the Invisible Made Visible project, he laughingly said, “I wished for a multi media adventure and I got my wish!”

When I asked Ira if fans could look forward to these cinematic/multimedia events on a regular basis, say every two years or so, he gave an enthusiastic nervous laugh, saying, “I have no idea if we’ll ever do it again! It is such an ambitious sort of undertaking that with all the animations and movies and things like that, it’s either going to be the most AMAZING thing that we have ever put on, or, it’s going to be a complete train wreck! There’s no middle ground! It’s going to be the greatest triumph of the shows history OR we will always look back on this day as the WORST thing that we ever attempted. Nothing in between is possible!” (more nervous laughter) “That is my promise to the audience!”

Judging from the success of the radio show, the brief stint of This American Life on Showtime and the last two cinema events, Glass doesn’t have much to worry about. The financial weight of this, the third, live show is much less daunting than the previous one in 2009. That entire production was funded from the pockets of TAL and was an extreme business risk.

“This time we’re doing it for the purest of reasons. It seemed like it would be fun for the audience and fun for us.” – Ira Glass

Even with the hefty price tag of such a production for a cinematic event like this, the thought of the possible higher revenue from Pay Per View is not as attractive to Glass as one might think. The impetus for taking on such a huge endeavor such as this may be explained by something Glass had been witness to in the past. As a huge fan of Howard Stern, Ira recalled how magical it felt to be in a theater with other fans and the moment of sharing the standing “O” when Stern entered the theater.

“One of the big advantages to doing it in a movie theater is, I know that when we’ve done our show live on stage, it’s exciting for people who are fans of a radio show to get together with a group of people who are fans of the same show.” Glass said.

Glass respects the intelligence of the audience of This American Life, and leaves it up them to discern the difference between journalism and story telling. Briefly touching on the recent controversial Mike Daisey episode, Mr. Daisey Goes to the Apple Factory and the following retraction show in March 2012, Glass spoke to issues of fact checking and the responsibility of shows that deliver a mix of off beat news through entertainment.

Pertaining to the pitfalls that can occur with a show such as TAL, Glass said, “Truthfully, I would like to believe that the audience is sophisticated enough that they can tell the difference and that we don’t have to cue them.”

Even in light of his high regard for the audience, technical concerns and complicated timing during this live show is nerve wracking.

“I feel confidence in the material but, it’s a very complicated tech thing to pull off and so I feel very nervous about that.” Glass expounded on that thought by saying, “I feel confident or I wouldn’t be doing a show…but I go into it very, very worried. It’s also the excitement of doing things you’ve never done. Hopefully, with fear comes enjoyment.”

With all the anxiety that comes with producing such an ambitious event, Glass is equally excited about the format. He loves the energy and reaction of a live audience versus being in a sound proof production booth.

“It’s exciting to be on stage in front of people, especially with material that you’re excited to present! Maybe this is a bad thing to say because we have all these people collaborating, but I am most excited about my own part of the show.” Glass went on, saying, “I’m most excited about the parts I get to perform! There’s a story I get to tell at the top of the show and there’s another one in the middle of the show and their both going to be really fun to perform!” Taking on a giddy tone, his inner geek came out while talking about mixing music, quotes and cues live with an iPad. “It’s really fun to do!”

“I feel like we’ve been doing promos on the air and try to express to the audience, ‘No, no! I know I’ve promoted other things but this one is really unusual and special!’ and I don’t know how to wave my arms around enough and say, ‘We’re pulling all the stops out here! Even stops we didn’t know existed!’” Glass added, “I want to communicate to the audience, ‘We’re not kidding this time! You’re not going to want to miss this one!’ The stuff we’re making for the show is so exciting! The animation and the movie that Mike Birbiglia did…they’re so exciting that it’s really hard not to just show (it to) those to people and say, ‘See what we’re talking about?!?’…but then we don’t want to spoil it.”

Dayton, Ohio witnessed this “live” mix in the flesh last May (2011) when Ira performed his solo act at Victoria Theater, in support of WYSO. I was fortunate enough to be in the first class of WYSO’s Community Voices as a producer training. Ira conducted our last class the afternoon before his show. He had a lot of great stories and practical advice. One thing that stands out with me even today was his advice on finding stories, which was pretty simple actually: “Do stories on things that amuse you.”

This American Life has always had its finger on the pulse of what amuses people. Whether it’s tragic or comical, it draws us in. They have done what radio of the past has done; given a shared experience using only sound. This live show is the rare event to bring us the sight that goes with it.

Things you should know before attending the show:

~ Dayton showings are at Regal Hollywood 20 at Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek, Dayton South 16 (near Dayton Mall), and Huber Heights 16. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased in advance here: http://www.fathomevents.com/originals/event/thisamericanlife2012.aspx

~ If you have an iPhone or Android and would like to participate in the live interactive “OK Go” performance, (imagine being encouraged to loudly use your phone in a theater), you need to get the App before going to the theater. Cell phone reception is poor in theaters for a reason, so don’t wait to download your App in the theater. You can get it via iTunes or the App store or for easier linkage, go here: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/blog/2012/04/download-the-live-show-app

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Dayton Circus Sideshow Lucky 7

May 8, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Laurana Wong performs at Sideshow I

In 2006, local artist Laurana Wong had a vision to “expose the burgeoning underground art scene and interconnect it with the more established art community while bringing attention to Downtown Dayton through a grand-scaled and highly public display of the art that is so ripe in this town. The event will be free of charge and open to as wide of a population as we can reach. The guests will be at least as diverse as the involved…” And that year in a vacant space in the Cannery, Sideshow was born.

This was (and still is) the quintessential do-it-yourself grassroots independent local art show in the region. Artists and volunteers came together to prepare a vacant space that had collected decades debris and dirt. A stage was built, walls for hanging art were added, a dumpster was filled – and through it all, tight bonds were formed between dozens of local artists all coming together to organize an awesome event. That night on June 24th, over 60 artists and performers (including Laurana herself) put on an amazing show that had people mesmerized and speechless, with many shaking their heads in disbelief that they were “still in Dayton” – a phrase uttered at each of the following Sideshows that speaks both to how strong our independent arts community is, and how many in the region are still unaware. After that first wildly successful Sideshow, The Dayton Circus Creative Collective was born, with a simple mission: “The Circus is dedicated to building a nourishing environment that will encourage community interaction, artistic collaboration, and the empowerment of the individual. We offer a place to create, perform, and share freely in the experience of living.”

Leesa Haapapuro - "Pot Luck"

Sideshow has moved around to different locations over the years, with one of the most popular venues being The Merc on Third Street across and down from The Cannery. Next was the old Unicorn Bar at Third and Jefferson, then The Armory in the OD – and finally now at the permanent home to the Dayton Circus – The Yellow Cab Building across and down from Garden Station at 700 E. Fourth St. This 7,300 square foot space was built in 1964 and has a mix of spaces including a large garage area, artist studios, community meeting rooms and event spaces.

This year on Friday, May 11 (Urban Nights), and Saturday, May 12 the Dayton Circus Creative Collective will present its annual multimedia extravaganza, Sideshow 7 – which will feature work by more than 50 artists and more than 20 acts by performers and bands. In addition, there will also be performance art on Friday, and a fashion show and fire spinners on Saturday evening. Admission is free, but donations will accepted to support The Sideshow and the Circus.

I talked to this year’s co-organizer Kate Ervin about Sideshow 7…

DMM: What will make this Sideshow different from past Sideshows?

Kate: All our Sideshows vary year to year based on the tastes of the organizers and locations. Since this our second year in our semi-permanent home at the Yellow Cab, we’ve been able to settle in a bit and make the space more comfortable, rather than working with a completely abandoned shell of a building. In recent years, I’ve wondered if the general public associated The Sideshow with Dayton’s very large dark/goth/horror scene, however we truly don’t intend to highlight any one subculture. Therefore I’ve made it my mission to fill the building with nothing but fun this year, with rainbow color, cartoons, and good luck symbols for our seventh year!

DMM: Why do YOU think people across the region should check out Sideshow?

Kate: As a community-based arts festival, you’re likely to experience the creativity of your friends and neighbors. Even more, YOU are invited to participate in any manner you see fit, whether or not you are an “artist”–we welcome the contributions of everyone (shameless plug for volunteering – click here!)

DMM: What are you personally looking forward most to seeing?

Kate: I’m especially proud of the artists who have taken up my call to “go big” and make interactive installations to transform the space. A trio of street artists–ETCH, Nate Harrah, and Neal Chaney–have been working long nights on a giant Rube Goldbergy/Plinko machine that will predict your future. Kat Keller, an MFA student at OSU, created an outdoor “sensory experience” room with lighting, sound, and visuals. Leesa Haapapuro stepped up to build and cater our food table this year, making it a beautifully-designed carnival game.

Dayton Most Metro is proud to be the Media Sponsor this year!!!

Performance Schedule for Sideshow 7

Friday May 12

6:00-6:30 Emevol

6:30-7:15 Father’s Day

Todd The Fox (with Lisa BunnyFooFoo) Photo Credit: Val Slayton

7:15-8:00 Todd The Fox

8:00-8:45 The Fair Shakes

8:45-9:30 Dan Raridan & The Calientes

9:30-10:15 C. Wright’s Parlour Tricks

10:15-11:00 The Show

11:00-11:30 Vag Speak

11:30-12:15 Jasper The Colossal

Jasper the Colossal - Photo Credit: Amanda Barbosa

12:15-1:00 The White Soots

Saturday May 12th

6:00-6:25 Two Suns

6:25-6:55 The Low Land Healers

6:55-7:25 Haunted Palace

7:25-8:05 Northwest Ordinance

8:05-8:15 Atomik Geisha Fashions

8:15-8:55 Skratchmatik with the Funk Lab Crew

8:55-9:05 Daddy Katz Fashions

9:05-9:45 Starving In The Belly Of The Whale

9:45-9:55 Nina Kahn Fashions

Dirty Socialites

9:55-10:40 Tim Pritchard and The Boxcar Suite

10:40-10:50 Cachet G! Fashions

10:50-11:30 Lurchbox

11:30-12:15 The Dirty Socialites

12:15-1:00 Oxymoronatron

Artist Lineup for Sideshow 7

Nicholaus Arnold

Josh Arnold

Kristin Bailey

Gary Blowers

Blue Sky Tech-Arts Collaborative (Terry Welker, Christina, Pereyma, Rodney Veal, Teresa Olivaria, James Balmer, Denise Brooks, and others)

Neal Chaney

Jennifer Clarke

Matt Coffee

Alessandro Cortez

Jeff Dabney

Laura Daniel

Megan Dooley-Smallwood

Jen Dyke

Kate Ervin

ETCH

Summer Rose Fig

Cherry Fullam

Christine Gaffney

Charlie Gast

Stephanie Gorby

Mike Guidone

Amber Gwin

Leesa Haapapuro

Don Habill

Nate Harrah

James Hayden

Steve Heman

Amanda Jasnowski

David Jewell

Kat Keller

Micah Kemplin

David Kenworthy

Braille Korp

Crystal Leisure

Christina Lewis

Richard Duerr Lober

Joey London

Melissa Lush

Agatha MacAlpine

Shayna McConville

Ali Troubadour

Tracy McElfresh

Sarah McLain

Sharon Middelchylde

Chesterton David Miller

Jonathan Missall

Gary Mitchell

Sharon Mohler

Lisa Newman

Michael Officer

Michael Profitt

Rachael A. Redolfi

Bill Reid

Heather Lea Reid

Ben Riddlebarger

Ron Rollins

Katherine Schwab

David Sloane

David Sparks

Spyder

Frank Travers

Julia Trimboli

Wendy Wagener-Harris

Tamra Wallace

Tom Watson III

Patrick Woehl

A Lawyer Walks Into A Comedy Club…

May 7, 2012 By Lisa Grigsby 1 Comment

Many of you may know that for years I owned a comedy club here in town. Folks are always asking me who’s funny and to tell them when someone good is coming to town. That’s hard for me to do, for a couple of reasons. One- after 20+ years of seeing comic’s I became very jaded, what makes me laugh tends to be the obscure or the sick deviant stuff. Another is that I really prefer to know what you like before I recommend someone. I can send you to see a squeaky clean show, political satire or silly song parodies, but not every show is for everybody. Every now and then there’s an act that I think is pretty all encompassing and this week the Funny Bone at The Greene has him, Paul Mecurio. He’s an emmy winner for his work on The Daily Show!

Here’s what the Huffington Post has to say about Paul:

Paul Mecurio took an interesting route to becoming a comedian, beginning his career on Wall Street as a mergers and acquisitions lawyer and moonlighting in the clubs. Now he headlines comedy clubs around the country. Most recently, Paul launched Got No Game with Paul Mecurio, a new web series on HBOSports.com which tackles the world of sports with a comical look at the compelling stories and outrageous events away from the field through original sketches and one-on-one interviews. New episodes of Got No Game with Paul Mecurio will post each Friday through September 4.
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JHDaq1yU9U&feature=relmfu’]
Mecurio has been featured on his own “Comedy Central Presents” half-hour special and has made numerous TV appearances including Late Night with Conan O’Brien,The Late, Late Show with Craig Kilborn, CNN, MSNBC, and many others. For his work as a writer on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show, Paul won both an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award (the Pulitzer prize for broadcast journalism). When he’s not on the road, Paul frequently opens for live tapings of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? Paul can also be heard on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show. As the “Image Makeover Guy” on Bob & Tom, Paul doles out advice on how public figures can improve their images. Paul’s “Consumer Man” pieces about life as a frequently aggravated consumer have been featured on Bob & Tom and in The New York Times Magazine.

You probably know I do an interview with local Chefs called 10 ?’s. Paul wanted to know if I could interview him to help get the word out that he’d be here, so I sent him my 1o ?’s. Here ‘s what he shot me back in 2 minutes. And that’s a record for quickest answers!

What is your favorite ingredient to cook with?

Bob Costas interviews Paul as an "asterisk"

OXYCODONE–IT TRANSPORTS THE FOOD … AND YOU!

What ingredient do you dread?

URANIUM, VERY DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH AS A REDUCTION SAUCE

What’s your favorite dish to make?

CHEF BOYARDEE RAVIOLI … NOW IF I CAN JUST FIND SOMEONE TO OPEN THE CAN FOR ME, IT WOULD BE PERFECT

What’s your favorite pig out food?

PIZZA, ICE CREAM AND CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES, ALL AT ONCE … I;M A BUSY MAN

What restaurant, other than your own do you like to dine at in the Miami Valley?

THERE’S S A GREAT DUMPSTER AT FIFTH STREET & WAYNE AVE

What’s your best advice for home chefs?

FLAME RETARDANT JOCK STRAP.

If you could invite any 4 guests to a dinner party who would they be and why?

3 GANG MEMBERS AND DONALD TRUMP, SO I COULD WATCH THEM BEAT UP DONALD TRUMP WHILE I EAT — DINNER AND A SHOW.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

THE COLONEL –COME ON ELEVN HERBS AND SPICES? ELEVEN! THE MAN’S A GENIUS

What do you do in the Miami Valley on a day off?

READ THIS BLOG POST AND WEEP.

(though I seem to remember some nights we spent at Diamonds with the Jokers staff…)

Share a kitchen disaster, lucky break or other interesting story:

I WAS COOKING PASTA AND FORGOT TO PUT WATER IN THE POT-THE PASTA WAS A LITTLE UNDERCOOKED.
So go check Paul out this week at Funny Bone, make reservations, shows do sell out and tell ’em Lisa sent you! But remember there’s a 2 item minimum and don’t heckle, you’re never gonna be as funny as the pro’s and Paul is one of the best!

Architecture Week 2012 – Dining by Design

May 7, 2012 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

AIA Dayton, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, has been celebrating Architecture Week with 2 full weeks of events and invites the public to join them for 2 events this week that will highlight the urban culture of some of our favorite bars, restaurants and galleries.

Join a historic Bar Hop on Tues, May 8th from 6-9pm. You’ll Laugh and Learn as your tour guide, Terry Welker, AIA and Alexis Larson (former culture writer for the DDN and now with the Dayton Art Institute) give you a history of some of

Dayton’s oldest bars, artifacts, brewing and distilling history. Tour will start at The Century with a history of the bar, bourbon history and tasting. Next you’ll

go to Jay’s for more Dayton bar history and the new Dayton Beer Company tasting. Lastly we’ll head to the Oregon Express to see the famous train bar and relax on the upper deck as we watch the sunset with some craft beers and OE Pizza. Cost: $45/person. RSVP with form located here.

Perhaps you’d prefer to “Sustain that smile” as your local art guides give you the highlights of Dayton’s art scene, give insights on collecting art and help you tap into the creative side of life over a private dinner at the acclaimed “Olive – an Urban Dive” whose locally sustainable food sources are magically transformed into seasonal masterpieces on Thurs, May 10th. This tour will start at DVAC with the opening of Art & Arias where we see the new show and connect with the Dayton Opera over a glass of wine. Next you’ll head to the New CADC and the Oregon District for a short stop at the Color of Energy on the way to Gallery 510 where gallery owner Loretta Puncer shares her insights on collecting for beginners and long standing patrons over a glass of wine. Finally, we’ll stop briefly by Press, a coffee house gallery on our way to Olive for a relaxing private dinner party starting at 9:00pm.

Time: 6:00 – 10:00 PM

Leaders: Terry Welker AIA and Eva Buttacavoli (Executive Director for the Dayton Visual Arts Center)

Tour Maximum: 28 + 2 guides

Venues: DVAC, Color of Energy, CADC, Gallery 510, Press, Olive

Charge: $58 per person

Includes wine and appetizers, dinner at Olive

These events require a fee and this registration form sent via fax (937‐698‐6153) or email to the AIA Dayton office at [email protected].

The Mexican Connection

May 4, 2012 By Brian Petro 1 Comment

No, really, this is how everyone dresses.

Cinco de Mayo is upon us! It is going to be a fun weekend of partying on Saturday, and recovering on Sunday. Cinco de Mayo is the day where we celebrate the heritage of Mexico, and their contributions to the culture of the United States, mainly through Corona and tequila. We have been celebrating this holiday…well, in California…since the 1860’s. It did not really catch on as a holiday in most of the rest of the country until the 1940’s and 50’s. It really kicked into high gear in the 1980’s when beer and liquor companies discovered that there was a holiday their product could be integral in celebrating. The momentum has been growing ever since. In 2005 Congress (who it would appears loves a good party) wrote a resolution calling on the President to ask the people of the United States to celebrate the holiday. It had been going on for a long time before that, but now we had the blessing of the government to party.

Why on earth are we celebrating this holiday anyway? What is so special about the fifth of May? By the end of the 1850’s Mexico was flat broke. So broke, the president at the time, Benito Juarez, declared they country was not going to pay any foreign debt for two years. France, Spain, and England did not look too kindly on this, and sent their respective militaries to let the Mexicans know this. England and Spain sailed home after negotiating deals, but the French saw an opportunity to make a huge land grab in a destitute country. The Mexicans brought together a poorly trained army to face the well trained French one in a little town called Puebla de Los Angeles on May 5, 1862. The Mexicans were able to drive off the French in a battle that lasted all day. It was more of a symbolic victory; France brought more troops and ran roughshod over the country until the United States helped to drive the French out. Some historians feel that this little battle also helped to distract France from throwing their weight behind the Confederacy in the Civil War, who they had considered backing.

We celebrate this day like champs. There are festivals and parades in over 120 cities, and most people spend all day eating Mexican dishes and drinking Mexican beers and tequila. The Mexicans, however, do not really celebrate it outside of Puebla, where there are military parades and reenactments of the battle. Some places outside of Puebla enjoy some festivities, but not on the scale that we do in the United States.

So delicious looking...

Most people are going to go after a small number of drinks on this day. They will hit the Coronas, or maybe Dos Eqius, have a few shots of tequila, or maybe indulge in some margaritas. However, there is a much wider world of cocktails that are out there that use tequila. And other beers more popular than Corona. If we are going to celebrate Mexican heritage, let us take a look at what Mexican like to drink:

The Paloma

We all may be fans of the margarita when we go for authentic Mexican, but in Mexico their popular cocktail of choice is this one. And why not? It is made with simple and commonly found ingredients, and does not require any complicated preparations.

2 oz. tequila
.5 oz. lime juice
6 oz. Grapefruit soda (go with Jarritos for the holiday)

In a tall glass, combine the tequila and lime juice. Add your ice, then top it off with the grapefruit soda. Jarritos is available at Kroger, so finding it should not be difficult. Some recipes call for a pinch of salt as well, or a salt rimmed glass. If you want to do something a little fresher, just use grapefruit juice and top it off with some soda. Still fizzy and tart!

Sangrita

Nothing alcoholic, but something that Mexicans will drink as a chaser to their tequila. It is made with either orange juice (which it was made with originally) or tomatoes, and has a recipe that is not too far off from bloody mary mix. To enjoy it properly, you would take a sip of the tequila, then a sip of the sangrita to stop the burning. It is sold commercially, but here is a recipe you can make on your own, courtesy of Food & Wine:

2 medium cucumbers, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter
1/2 dried ancho chile, stemmed and seeded
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup tomato juice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon minced onion
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Cut two 3 1/2-inch lengths from each of the cucumbers to use as cups. Peel the pieces, leaving a 1 1/2-inch band of peel at one end of each. Using a melon baller, scoop out the seeds, stopping just before reaching the bottom. Refrigerate the cups for at least 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, toast the ancho chile over moderate heat until it begins to blister, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer the ancho to a work surface to cool.
In a blender, combine the orange, tomato and lime juices with the onion and Worcestershire sauce; crumble in the toasted ancho and puree. Strain through a coarse sieve. Season the sangrita with salt and pepper and chill for 20 minutes.
Pour the sangrita into the cucumber cups and serve.

Something tasty to wash it all down

Dulche de tequila

I found this one while doing my research, and it was too good to pass up. It contains a little bit of the history of the day, all in one delicious cocktail. It is a little bit French (Cointreau and cognac) and a little bit Mexican (tequila, agave nectar, and lime) all at the same time. How do you turn down something named “tequila candy” or “sweet tequila”?

2 oz. tequila (reposado or better)
1 oz. cognac
1 oz. Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
.5 oz. of lime juice
1 tbsp agave nectar (you can purchase it at Arrow Wine)
Sugar for rimming
Lemon wedge (garnish)

Wet the edge of the glass with the lemon and rim the glass with sugar. Pour all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake well, and then strain into the glass. Use the lemon wedge for a garnish

Michelada

Beer drinkers, this one is for you. It is for you only if you like a little adventure in your beer, and some heat. Some places will fill the glass a quarter of the way full with tomato juice or orange juice, and then add the beer. You can always add more of the beer when you drink it down a bit. And darker beer, like Negro Mondelo, is highly recommended.

12 oz. beer (Mexican, of course)
1 lemon’s worth of juice
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 dash of soy sauce
1 dash of Tobasco sauce
1 pinch of black pepper
Salt (for the glass)

Rim the glass with the salt. If you want some more kick, mix the salt with crushed pepper. Mix all of the ingredients in a tall glass with ice. Pour the beer over top of it, stir gently, and serve.

Go out and enjoy the day! Try some different Mexican beers, like Negra Mondelo, Pacifico, or Tecate, have some tequila, and relax. If you are looking for some places to go and celebrate, our own event guru Lisa Grigsby penned an article about where to go celebrate the day around our fair city. Salud!

Get Out & Give Back Day Improves Community, Engages YPs

May 3, 2012 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Thanks to Carly Short Photography for covering last year's event!

They’re coming. On Friday, May 4, a sea of blue shirts will roll through downtown Dayton, leaving a wake of good karma in its path. That’s right, the annual Get Out & Give Back Dayton day has returned! The event is hosted by Generation Dayton but young professionals from all walks of life and varying professional organizations are participating. More than 100 volunteers will take up their shovels, hammers, dust mops, work gloves and other tools of do-goodery to spruce up the area. This event is important because it not only connects young professionals directly to the Dayton area, it reminds local residents of the positive attributes young professionals have and the amazing contributions we make to the city. In other words, us whipper-snappers do more than prop up the economy via beer and taco sales.

This is my second year participating in Get Out & Give Back Dayton day, and the aspect I enjoy most about this event is the opportunity to meet other YPs in a non-professional setting. How many networking events have you attended where you sit through one lame, Internet-template elevator speech after another? I like to loosen the ol’ corporate necktie every now and then and get to know someone on a more intimate basis. You find out a lot about someone when you have to trouble-shoot trash hauling or develop a synchronized mulch distribution strategy! OK, the happy hour at the end also helps meet new people, but we earned it, gosh darn it!

Volunteers will be mulching, planting, scrubbing, wiping, sweeping and digging their way across nearly 30 locations in the greater Dayton area. The event kicks off with lunch at the Excelsior Building (off Sixth Street in the Oregon District behind Jay’s Seafood), and later the mottled motley crew will convene at The Vault for well-deserved refreshments and regaling the day’s events.

***Updated with new rain date: Can’t make it to Get Out & Give Back Dayton day? You can participate in another cool project, this one by updayton’s Unifying the Divide bridge painting project taking place this Sunday, May 6. This service group is working to connect two adjacent neighborhoods—South Park and the Oregon District—via a pedestrian bridge that goes over U.S. 35. Sign up online for a shift.

Get Out & Give Back Dayton day is about more than donating a few hours of your time to a worthy cause. For lots of YPs, this is an introduction to many of these organizations and for some, their first foray into downtown Dayton. Engaging this group of people is an investment in Dayton’s future. Retaining young talent isn’t about members of any single professional organization—it’s everyone’s prerogative. What better way to help retain people than giving them a reason to care about their community? Now each time they walk past that landscaping (or drive past that overpass), they’ll remember the personal investment they made in Dayton. They’ll tell their friends about this cool place they visited for the first time (“yeah, it’s called the Dayton Visual Arts Center and they have some really cool exhibits right now. Want to check it out tonight?”). Most importantly, they’ve got one more reason to stay.

I can’t wait for Get Out & Give Back Dayton day; it’s a reminder for me that, even though I feel inundated with bad news about terrible people, I can and will make a difference in my little corner of the universe. I can fix something, I can make it better, and it feels great to know I have a couple hundred people who are on my team.

The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra presents Resurrection Symphony

May 3, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Facing Life’s Challenges: A Musical Guide to Dealing with It All

I have a personal mantra: Nothing’s Ever Easy.

There aren’t web pages enough for me to catalog all of the instances in my own life where fate intervened, and I snapped defeat from the jaws of victory rather than the other way around.

I’ll share one with you.

After having caught nine innings of a baseball game, I came to the plate in the bottom of the ninth (I was much younger then, you understand) with two outs and our leftfielder standing on third, the result of two-strike curveball he’d slammed off of the centerfield wall.

I hit a line shot that caught the opposing team’s pitcher just above his sternum and bounced weakly off into the grass on the third base side of the diamond. Stunned by what was, in fact, the equivalent of a bunt, the other team’s third baseman started a late charge toward the ball. Our leftfielder ran towards the plate and the game-winning run, and I took off for first victory as good as in my grasp.

Here’s a rule of nature: catchers aren’t particularly fast runners, especially after having caught for nine innings. As first base loomed before me, almost as in a dream I saw something fluttering in the air above my head and slightly to my side. It was the baseball!

Here’s another rule: never slide headfirst into first base; scientific study has proven it to be actually a slower way of reaching the bag than simply running as fast as you can toward it. And I contributed to that body of scientific evidence, reaching the bag with my knurled fingertips scant seconds after the opposing first baseman had slammed his glove with the ball inside it right onto the top of my head. Hard!

Here’s a rule of baseball: Rule 4.09 – A run scores when a runner touches home plate before the third out is made, EXCEPT that no run can score when the third out is the result of a force play, or when the batter is put out before reaching first base.

Nothing’s Ever Easy. Life is a synonym for challenge. And that challenge is universal; we are all allergic to it. All.

I know of a man whose life was perhaps one of the most challenging ever lived. He grew up a Jew in a mostly Christian country, where all the old prejudices and hatreds toward Jews were rife.

He had to struggle to make ends meet. Some say that, when he eventually converted to Christianity, he did so to get a better paying position. No one bothered to determine if he really wasn’t only following through on a change in his beliefs.

Christopher Chaffee, Associate Professor of Music at Wright State University provides this insight into the man: As a conductor he ruled with an iron will and overturned many long-standing traditions. He banned the rowdy fan clubs of star singers, stopped performances when audience members talked, and closed and locked the doors to the hall once a performance began, leaving latecomers stranded in the lobby…was equally demanding on the musicians, and the quality of his opera productions and orchestral programs soared to new heights.

He was a composer whose own wife joined with the music critics in deriding his compositions as manufactured, out-of-date, and distraught.

And, as if that weren’t enough, his five-year-old daughter died.

His music reflects his emotional roller coaster ride, taking listeners to “heights of pleasure and happiness to the depths of despair, many times…” (Chaffee). And one of his symphonies, his second, in particular depicts musically the challenges we all face. Life-and-death challenges, religious and philosophical challenges, the challenges we face simply to stay alive and those we face when we ponder life and the sense, or insanity, of it all.

Here’s how the composer himself described his second symphony:

“It is the hero of my First Symphony whom I bear to his grave, and upon the clear recollection of whose life I gaze from a higher vantage point. At the same time, there is the great question: ‘Why hast thou lived? Why hast thou suffered? Is all this only a great and ghastly joke?’ We must solve these problems in one way or another, if we are to continue living – yes, even if we are to continue dying! He in whose life this call has once resounded must give an answer; and I give this answer in the last movement.

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
“Resurrection Symphony”
Friday, May 11 & Saturday, May 12 ~ 2012
Schuster Center, 8 pm
Click for Tickets

“The second…movement is a recollection – a sunny scene, from the life of this hero. It must have happened to you once – you have borne a dear friend to his grave, and then, perhaps on your way homewards, there has suddenly appeared before you the image of a long-past happiness, which now enters into your soul like a sunbeam- marred by no shadow – you can almost forget what happened! That is the second movement.

“Then, when you awaken from this nostalgic dream and must return to life’s confusion, it may easily occur that this perpetually moving, never ending, ever incomprehensible hustle and bustle of life becomes eerie to you, like the movement of dancing figures in a brightly lighted ballroom into which you must gaze out of the dark night – from so far that you do not hear the dance music any more. Life becomes senseless to you then, a ghastly apparition from which you, perhaps, recoil with a cry of disgust. This is the third movement!

“What happened to me with the last movement of the Second Symphony is simply this: I …was forced…to express my feelings and thoughts in my own words. It was at this time that…I attended…memorial services. The mood was very much in the spirit of the work I carried inside of me. At this point the choir from the organ loft intoned…Rise Again! Like Lightning this hit me: everything became clear and distinct before my soul.”

The confusion had dissipated. Everything had become clear. Finally, Gustav Mahler had understood the reason for the challenges of life and the approach for dealing with them.

On Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 at 8 pm in the Schuster Center, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will present Resurrection Symphony, the final concert in this season’s Classical series. DPO Music Director Neal Gittleman will host a Take Note Talk in the Mead Theatre at 7pm and provide you with in-depth background into this glorious musical work, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, Resurrection.

Soprano Ilana Davidson and mezzo soprano Susan Platts will join Neal, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Dayton Philharmonic Chorus directed by Hank Dahlman for Mahler’s groundbreaking Second Symphony and take you on a universal, spiritual odyssey of life, death, and resurrection.

And help us all perhaps face life’s challenges.

With hope.

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre 5/4 – 5/18

May 3, 2012 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

You may have heard that a little show called Wicked is going to be returning to Dayton, with tickets going on sale imminently. The return of this monster super show is great for Dayton for a lot of different reasons, and we at On Stage Dayton can’t wait to tell you more about it, but in the mean time, let’s not forget the other things we have going on here!

Currently Playing:

Dividing The Estate

Dayton Theatre Guild

The Skinny: This Texas-based comedy by Horton Foote opened last week at the guild and chronicals two generations of former gentility as they connive and grope to wrest control of the cherished and once-valuable family estate out of the hands of the matriarch, who wants the eponymous estate to remain a proud symbol of a vanished way of life. Family members square off against her, and each other, in a comedy that precisely captures a time, a place and a way of life of a very colorful set of kinfolk.

Dates: Continuing this weekend and next, closing May 13th.

Tickets: For tickets and more information, please visit the Dayton Theatre Guild website at www.daytontheatreguild.org

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8kHN7r1omU’]

The Hallelujah Girls

Brookville Community Theatre

The Skinny: The action southern-fried comedy takes place inside the beauty salon Spa-dee-dah!, where, every Friday night, a group of women friends gather to catch up. After a tragedy rocks the tight-knit group, the realize life is precious, and with the support they lend one another, they’re able to make needed and healthy changes in their lives.

Dates: Continuing and closing this weekend, May 6th, it’s worth noting that Brookville Community Theatre does offer a Thursday show, so there are 4 more performances available.

Opening This Weekend:

Ravenscroft

Troy Civic Theatre

The Skinny: Inspector Ruffing is called to Ravenscroft Manor on a dark and snowy night. There’s been a murder — the soul male in a houseful of women has been killed, and Ruffing must piece together who did what, to whom, with what and when. Part psychological thriller, part dark comedy, the first impressions of these seemingly innocent women belie their deeper motivations.

Dates: Opening Friday 5/4 and running two weekends, closing Sunday 5/13.

Tickets: $12 per seat, first come, first served. This play is being produced in the Barn in the Park, across from Hobart Arena. For directions and ticket reservations, please call 937-339-7700.

Additionally, Troy Civic Theatre has annouced their 2012-2013 season:

Dearly Departed; Annie ; Boeing, Boeing and Edwina Black

Dates are not yet stated on the theatre’s website: www.troycivictheatre.com

Opening Next Weekend:

The Sound Of Music

The Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: If you’re unfamiliar as to the general plot of The Sound of Music, I gotta wonder where you’ve been lo these 50-odd years! This perennial favorite combines nuns, children, nazis, love and — best of all — some of the most enduring music Rogers and Hammerstein ever added to the American songbook. It’s truly a classic, and absolutely deserving of that title. This one pleases all generations!

Dates: Opening Friday 5/11 and running 3 weekends, closing Sunday 5/27.

Tickets: For tickets and more information, please visit the Dayton Playhouse website at: www.thedaytonplayhouse.com

Future Fest 2012 Finalists!

The finalists are (mostly) decided! 5 of the 6 plays competing in Dayton’s own, nationally reknowned playwrighting festival are as follows:

A Political Woman; Curve; Excavation; Nureyev’s Eyes and Provenance.

One of the originally selected 6 finalists had to drop out, and a 6th play is currently TBD.

Also announced is this years line-up of adjudicators:

David Finkle
Rob Koon
Helen Sneed
Eleanor Speert
Faye Sholiton

Future Fest audiences may remember Faye Sholiton from having won Future Fest 1997 with her stirring piece The Interview.

Future Fest auditions will be held:
June 4th at 2 pm
June 5th (fully-staged shows) at7 pm and June 6th (staged-readings) at 7 pm.
Tickets will go on sale on June 4th. Weekend pass (all 6 shows) price is $95.00

Archives for May 2012

Ticket Contest

…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

THE CIVIL WAR

UC College-Conservatory of Music

THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO ENLIGHTENMENT

Disney’s CAMP ROCK THE MUSICAL

The Children’s Theatre of Mason

ELEPHANT SIGHS

Mad Anthony Theatre Company

LES MISERABLES

Broadway in Cincinnati

…NEW THIS WEEK

ANGEL STREET

Lebanon Theatre Company

THE FANTASTICKS

Loveland Stage Company

FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS

Wyoming Players

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

TITANIC THE MUSICAL

Cincinnati Music Theatre

…CONTINUING

LIFE COULD BE A DREAM

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA

Footlighters Inc.

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

Mariemont Players

THE SECOND CITY: LESS PRIDE MORE PORK

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

THUNDER KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

…ENDING THIS WEEK

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

PLAY IT AGAIN, SAM

Stagecrafters

…COMING SOON

BABES IN HOLLYWOOD

BECKY’S NEW CAR

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED)

SONGS FROM THE TALL GRASS

Radio Spectacular Comes To The Big Screen Via This American Life Live!

“We basically tried to invent things that you could never do on the radio.” – Ira Glass

“This time we’re doing it for the purest of reasons. It seemed like it would be fun for the audience and fun for us.” – Ira Glass

Performance Schedule for Sideshow 7

Artist Lineup for Sideshow 7

Facing Life’s Challenges: A Musical Guide to Dealing with It All

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra “Resurrection Symphony” Friday, May 11 & Sat­urday, May 12 ~ 2012 Schuster Center, 8 pm Click for Tickets

Currently Playing:

Dividing The Estate

The Hallelujah Girls

Opening This Weekend:

Ravenscroft

Opening Next Weekend:

The Sound Of Music

Future Fest 2012 Finalists!

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
“Resurrection Symphony”
Friday, May 11 & Saturday, May 12 ~ 2012
Schuster Center, 8 pm
Click for Tickets