Archives for February 2014

‘The Magic Fire’ Review – Wright State University – Our Private World

February 7, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

The cast of Wright State University’s production of “The Magic Fire” (Contributed photo)

Wright State University returns to sophisticated fare with a beautifully executed regional premiere of Lillian Groag’s semi-autobiographical, thought-provoking Argentinean drama “The Magic Fire.”

Commissioned and originally produced in 1997 by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the engrossing, highbrow “Magic Fire” concerns a close-knit family of European immigrants living in Buenos Aires circa 1952 during the divisive Juan Peron regime. As chaos consumes the streets with ever-present military force, the argumentative, opinionated, opera-adoring Bergs are reticent to join the fray, opting instead to safeguard themselves within their own private world of culture and music they hope cannot be vanquished. The symbolism of their behavior and the play’s title astutely mirrors the final act of Richard Wagner’s opera “Die Walküre,” specifically Wotan’s decision to encircle his sleeping daughter Brünnhilde with an artificial wall of fire that only the bravest of men can penetrate. However, when the brother of the family’s housekeeper seeks shelter in their home, it becomes impossible to ignore the political turmoil swirling in their midst.

Groag’s poetic, female-driven look at differing generations and changing times is simultaneously endearing and confusing in its scope. Her decision to conceive the material as a nearly three-hour memory play lends itself to numerous moments of heartfelt earnestness and subtle grandeur, but the key reason why narrator/protagonist Lise (Layan Elwazani) looks back on her life is muddled. In Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie,” one of the greatest memory plays, disillusioned Tom is kicked out of his home by his domineering mother only to be haunted by the memory of his fragile sister, prompting him to reflect. Here, it is a mystery why Lise so emphatically desires nostalgia. Nonetheless, despite conceptual flaws including an abundance of overlapping arcs, director Lee Merill supplies elegant stage pictures bolstered by her innate grasp of classical music and superbly evocative assistance from lighting designer Samantha Jelinek.

The aforementioned Elwazani is an emotionally strong focal point seamlessly weaving in and out of the flashbacks shaped around the events of Lise’s seventh birthday. She also establishes a gentle kinship with the adorably precocious Ally Miller, who portrays young Lise with tenderness and feistiness. As Otto Berg, Lise’s father who fled Nazi-occupied Austria, Mathys Herbert excellently grasps the character’s pivotal choices and deep affection for opera. DeLee Cooper (who also choreographs) is a genial presence as Amalia, Otto’s dutiful wife. Mimi Klipstine completely satisfies as diva Elena Guarneri, Amalia’s actress-sister out of work because she refuses to support Peron. Tommy DiMassimo vigorously inhabits Gianni “Juan” Guarneri, Amalia’s passionate father. Kristina Hopkins is perfectly tipsy as Paula Guarneri, Amalia’s aunt. The terrifically expressive Alyssa Brembeck charms as 98-year-old Mussolini-hating matriarch Maddalena Guarneri, who arrived in Argentina with her husband in 1890. The handsome Stephen Kell is fittingly authoritative and enigmatic as General Henri Fontannes, a Peron loyalist and neighbor of the Bergs specifically drawn to young Lise. Logan Torbet is firm and fiery as newspaper publisher Alberto Barcos, who despises Peron and therefore loathes Henri. Jasmine Easler brings quiet dignity and a no-nonsense sensibility to her role as housekeeper Rosa Arrua. Diana Frankhauser (Clara Stepaneck), Julia Gomez (Leila) and Julian Rojas (Santa Arrua) are noteworthy. Taylor Hinkle portrays young Lise at certain performances. Merrill’s first-rate artistic team includes costumer David J. Castellano, scenic designer Lydia Watson (filling the revolving stage with trunks and crates suggesting a family on the move), sound designer James Dunlap, and dialect coach Deborah Thomas.

In related news, WSU’s 40th anniversary 2014-15 season will consist of “Fences” (Sept. 18-28, co-directed by W. Stuart McDowell and Sheila Ramsey), “Hot Mikado” (Oct. 23-Nov. 9, directed by Greg Hellems with choreography by Teressa Wylie McWilliams), “Romeo and Juliet” (Nov. 14-23, directed by Sandra Crews in the Herbst Theatre) “Pride and Prejudice” (Jan. 29-Feb. 8, directed by Marya Spring Cordes), the musical “Peter Pan” (Mar. 19-Apr. 5, directed by Joe Deer and starring Bruce Cromer as Captain Hook), and the local premiere of “Sondheim on Sondheim” (Apr. 17-26, directed by Jamie Cordes in the Herbst Theatre).

“The Magic Fire” continues through Feb. 9 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are Feb. 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., Feb. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 8 and 9 at 2 p.m. Act One: 1 hour and 50 minutes; Act Two: 45 minutes. Tickets are $22 for adults and $20 seniors and students. For tickets or more information, call the WSU box office at (937) 775-2500.

A Muse Sparkles Brightly at the DCDC ReVisioning Concert

February 6, 2014 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

What makes a legend? In the dance world, it is a dancer whose singular talent that has been burnished to a blinding artistic brilliance by time. Sheri “Sparkle” Williams, the vessel for the post modern choreographic sensibilities of Rodney Brown, is that legend.

“The Gathering/wee Thing” had it’s world premiere in 2012 as part of the world premiere of the Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar Documentary Film “Sparkle” at the Dayton Art Institute.
I had the great fortune of being in the audience for the sold out event, a powerful testimony to the magical allure of Sheri “Sparkle” Williams, and bearing witness to her masterful talents. The powerful combination of Rodney Brown’s multifaceted and textured choreography and the magisterial interpretive skills was absolutely intoxicating.

As a reviewer I am grateful for the opportunity to revisit this work and that a larger audience will get an opportunity to experience this indelibly awe-inspiring work of art.

The fact that Sheri “Sparkle” Williams is receiving the Ohio Governors Award for Arts Excellence this spring is another reason we all need to be at this concert to show our appreciation and gratitude for a woman and an artist who defies categorization and all the normal laws of the physical universe. I cannot imagine any obstacles or excuses for not attending this show.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gOMZFZrSj4′]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ_EFJquDwQ

ReVisioning 45: New Works Unveiled
Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 3:00pm
Victoria Theatre, 138 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
For tickets to ReVisioning 45: New Works Unveiled please contact Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630 or 888-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Still Time To Volunteer for The Adventure Summit!

February 6, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Adventure Summit is hosted every two years by Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University. The Summit seeks to inspire and educate people interested in a vibrant and healthy lifestyle by offering demonstrations, classes, competitions, and vendors.
The event is February 14 & 15 at WSU Student Union. Details can be found at www.theadventuresummit.com.
All event volunteers will receive a FREE Get Out & Live shirt, access to our hospitality area and the opportunity to work with a great team of outdoor recreation enthusiasts!
The following positions still need filled. Positions will be filled on a first-come, first filled basis. Please be flexible.
Thursday, February 13
Set-up, Noon – 3:00 PM

Saturday, February 15
Classroom Ambassador, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
Classroom Ambassador, 1:30 – 5:30 PM
Poolside Support, 1:15 – 4:00 PM
Poolside Support, 1:15 – 4:00 PM
General Tear-Down, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
MetroParks Booth Ambassador, 2:30 – 6:00 PM

Position descriptions can be found at www.theadventuresummit.com/volunteer.
To help, contact Lucy Sanchez at [email protected] or call (937) 274-3171.

TICKET GIVEAWAY To See Alton Brown with the Food Adventures Crew

February 5, 2014 By Dayton937 48 Comments

See Food Network Star Alton Brown for FREE !

CALLING ALL FOODIES!

Want more than you can handle? Then this Monday night is right up your alley. Check out this contest, brought to you by Dayton Most Metro, Dayton Dining and Food Adventures.

WHAT: 2 random people who comment below will win a ticket to see ALTON BROWN LIVE at his “Edible Inevitable” show

WHO: ALTON BROWN the star of Food Network’s “GOOD EATS” and commentator on the “IRON CHEF”

He brings madcap antics to any show he appears on for the Food Network, from his new “Cutthroat Kitchen” to the annual live Thanksgiving specials. Yet, there is plenty of substance in what he does. He won two James Beard Foundation Awards, the “Oscars” of the food world. One was as outstanding television host for “Good Eats” and the other for his “I’m Just Here for the Food” cookbook in the reference category.

Awards and celebrity were not enough for the entertainer in Brown. So he dreamed up “The Edible Inevitable Tour” and hit the road for his first theater experience, something he finds so different from a closed kitchen set. “The camera sucks your soul out through your eyeballs,” he explained. “I am energized by a live audience. It’s such a different experience.”

Brown wanted to do a culinary variety show in the style of “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Smothers Brothers” and “Sonny and Cher,” all of which he enjoyed growing up in the 1970s. Bringing back the kind of clever songs and comedy skits of those shows was his goal. As was being part of it. “I like to sing and play the guitar,” Brown said. All the music in the show is original, including songs “The Meat Goes On,” “Airport Shrimp Blues” and “TV Cookin Ain’t Like No Other Cookin.”

WHEN: Monday Night, February 10th at the SCHUSTER CENTER, 8pm

THAT AIN’T ALL: You also get to have dinner at the FLYING PIZZA Downtown before the show with The Food Adventure Crew. Meet them there for a personal FOOD ADVENURE at 6pm, it’s their treat !! They will also accompany you to the show..

HOW: Just comment below to be entered into the contest and tell us why you should be chosen !

******WINNERS WILL BE PICKED ON SATURDAY !******

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Antioch College’s Herndon Gallery Hosts Night Of Performance To Close Currencies Exhibition

February 5, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Gabrielle Civil performs at Antioch College’s Herndon Gallery

The Herndon Gallery on Antioch College’s campus will host an evening of performances on Friday, February 14, beginning at 7:00 p.m. This event will close the current exhibition, Currencies, which presents the work of current Antioch arts faculty and resident scholars.

The evening will include dance performances by Jill Becker, associate professor of dance at the former College, and a National Endowment for the Arts Choreographer’s Fellowship recipient, and Melissa Heston, a collaborative dance and theatre artist who performs regionally and internationally. Becker and Heston will begin by performing solos and duets improvised with a “love” theme—sappy, romantic, dreamy, love-sick, love-lost, melancholy, first love, etc. In addition, Heston will perform an excerpt from Bon Voyage, a piece choreographed in 2003 with music by Yann Tierson. Becker will be performing a solo piece, “What I want to say is…,” that moves between the private and public self.

Louise Smith, an actor, writer, and educator, and currently Antioch’s dean of community life, will be performing One Don’t Operate Without the Other, a performance poem about darkness. This piece premiered in Cincinnati last year at the Time Arts Series, and is inspired by Jungian ideas about the unconscious mind and how it expresses itself through language, the body and the world around us. Smith is a 2003 Obie Award winner for her work in A Painted Snake in a Painted Chair.

Gabrielle Civil, a poet, conceptual and performance artist, and associate professor of performance at Antioch College, will be performing “and then . . .” This piece features Nicolas Daily, resident life manager, with video by Cristian Perez Lopez ’17. Civil writes of this new piece, “Break out the Happy Meal, it’s Valentine’s Day. What to do with the space before, during and after love? With loud sound, movement, video, naughty texts and more, this work offers upside down roses, black kisses and trying to cry. There is a parental advisory due to its explicit content. Not for the faint of heart.”

The evening of performances is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Dennie Eagleson, creative director of the Herndon Gallery, at 937 768 6462 or e-mail her at [email protected].

Behind the Scenes Tours @ National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

February 4, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Behind the Scenes Tours are regularly scheduled, free guided tours of the museum’s restoration area. Participants are shuttled to the restoration hangars, located about one mile from the main museum complex. Tours are offered every Friday (some exceptions) at 12:15 p.m. Advance registration is required. Sign up early as tours may fill up quickly! To register for tours through May 2014, submit a registration form or call (937) 656-9436. Additional instructions are included on the form.

Although advance registration may be full for a tour, a limited number of ‘stand-by’ registrations are available on the day of each tour. Please check with the information desk upon your arrival at the museum.

The next tour is happening this Friday February 07, 2014 from 12:15 AM – 12:00 PM.

Next tour dates:

Friday February 07, 2014
Friday February 14, 2014
Friday February 21, 2014
Friday February 28, 2014
Friday March 07, 2014

The National Museum of the United States Air Force collects, researches, conserves, interprets and presents the Air Force’s history, heritage and traditions, as well as today’s mission to fly, fight and win … in Air, Space and Cyberspace to a global audience through engaging exhibits, educational outreach, special programs, and the stewardship of the national historic collection. These statutory duties delegated by the Secretary of the Air Force are accomplished on behalf of the American People. We are the keepers of their stories.

Go out this Friday and experience a behind the scene tour of one of Dayton’s historic gems.

‘Working’ Review – Dayton Playhouse – It’s a Living

February 4, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

Suzanne Clabaugh and William “Kip” Moore rehearse a scene from “Working” with director Jim Lockwood (Contributed photo)

The Dayton Playhouse delivers an admirable, often touching production of Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso’s 1978 musical “Working,” based on Studs Terkel’s 1974 book “Working: People Talk About What They Do and How They Feel About What They Do.”

Nearly 30 wide-ranging occupations from a publicist and project manager to a community organizer and fundraiser are the lifeblood of this meaningful, intermissionless outing insightfully conceived from a series of interviews. The allure of the material, including additional contributions by Gordon Greenberg, rests in its endearing simplicity reminding us that every worker contributes to the productivity of our society. Some jobs may seem trivial or underhanded, but all of them undeniably serve a purpose. The dialogue, flowing with smooth transitions by director Jim Lockwood, is peppered with personality and depth by an assortment of terrific songwriters including Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, Mary Rodgers, Micki Grant and James Taylor. The Playhouse uses the revised 2011 version, which particularly trims the cast to six and incorporates new professions (including a Verizon tech support and fast food delivery employee) and two songs from Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (“In the Heights”). Interestingly, the revised script also effectively remembers the unemployed.

A true ensemble showcase, “Working” features enjoyable, entertaining portrayals from a vocally sufficient cast. Matt Poliachik incites laughs and groans as a privileged student who seemingly has his life all planned out. He also offers a sincerely plaintive rendition of Carnelia’s wonderful Billy Joel-esque tune “The Mason.” Matthew Clifton is equally humorous as the aforementioned fast food worker and a crazed ex-newsroom assistant. Lynn Kesson, sweet and grounded, particularly joins Clifton for the impactful duet “A Very Good Day,” which focuses on the joys and concerns of an elder care worker and a nanny. Suzanne Clabaugh gives credence to her earthy assignments as a prostitute and cleaning lady. Tori T. Tuccillo adeptly inhabits an agitated school teacher (“Nobody Tells Me How”) and an energetic waitress (“It’s an Art”). In addition to rendering a tender version of Schwartz’s moving “Fathers and Sons,” William “Kip” Moore, in a welcomed return to the Playhouse, simply mesmerizes as a retiree discussing the monotony of his daily routine (“Joe”).
Scenic designer Chris Newman’s metropolitan backdrop, Allison Eder’s understatedly organic choreography, and musical director Lorri B. Topping’s fine onstage band are added benefits.

“Working” continues through Feb. 16 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The production is performed in 90 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 424-8477 or visit online at www.daytonplayhouse.com

ARMSTRONG LIE & OSCAR SHORTS Open Friday at THE NEON!

February 4, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re truckin’ right along with new titles at THE NEON. If you haven’t had a chance to see INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, Thursday will be your last chance to see it with us. On Friday, we will open the new documentary THE ARMSTRONG LIE as well as the Animated Short and Live Action Short Contenders for this year’s OSCAR Race. THE INVISIBLE WOMAN will stick around for another week – though showtimes are limited. Remaining showtimes for this week can be found at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE ARMSTRONG LIE: “In 2009 Alex Gibney was hired to make a film about Lance Armstrong’s comeback to cycling. The project was shelved when the doping scandal erupted, and re-opened after Armstrong’s confession.” (Taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMo78N4BMww’]

Synopsis for THE OSCAR SHORTS: “ShortsHD is once again bringing the wildly popular OSCAR Nominated Short Film programs to theaters around the globe. The theatrical release of The OSCAR Nominated Short Films has met enthusiastic audiences ever since its launch 8 years ago – giving people around the world an opportunity to see the nominated films prior to the OSCAR Awards ceremony on March 2nd.” (taken from press notes) On Feb. 7, THE NEON will open 2 Programs – LIVE ACTION and ANIMATION. (On Feb. 14, THE NEON plans to open the DOCUMENTARY Program.) Click this LINK to visit the official site for these programs.

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“The Miamisburg Malayalee Organization is arranging the screening of the highly acclaimed Indian film DRISHYAM on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11:30am. This drama-thriller was written and directed by Jeethu Joseph and stars Mohanlal and Meena. ‘After his family commits an unexpected crime, a man desperately tries to save them from getting in trouble with the law.’ If you would like more details about reserving a ticket and helping to sponsor this event, please contact the organization at (937)654-7715. Remaining tickets will be available at the door for $10 each.” This just in! This film will unfortunately NOT be subtitled!

“The Junior Leaguers Club of Dayton, an African American based organization, will hold a fundraiser with the film SANKOFA on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Noon. This film is about an African American model on a photo shoot in Africa who has an ancestral experience which transforms her life and consciousness. ‘Sankofa’ is an Akan word that means ‘we must go back and reclaim our past so that we can move forward.’ The profit from this event will fund scholarships to graduating seniors in the Miami Valley. Applications will be available at the event in case you know a worthy student to submit to the organization. Tickets may be purchased at the Neon for $30. (Student tickets are $15 each.) The price includes a movie ticket, popcorn, soda, and a glass of wine for adults.” (Taken from press notes.)

Thanks for your continued support.

Oscar Ballots are now available at our Box Office. Take one home, toil over it, and bring it back on March 2 for your chance to win great prizes!

We hope to see many of you this weekend!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Feb. 7 – Thursday, Feb. 13:

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN (R) 1 hrs 51 min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 7:20
Monday – Wednesday: 5:15
Thursday: 12:15, 5:15

THE ARMSTRONG LIE (R) 2 hr 04 min
Friday: 12:00, 4:50, 9:40
Saturday: 4:50, 9:40
Sunday: 12:00, 4:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 7:40

OSCAR SHORTS – ANIMATED (NR – suggested PG) 1 Hr 42 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:30, 5:10, 9:45
Sunday: 12:30, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:45

OSCAR SHORTS – LIVE ACTION (NR – suggested R) 1 Hr 53 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:45, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

DRISHYAM (NR) 2 Hr 40 Min
Saturday: 11:30am

FACEBOOK DETECTIVE (NR)
Thursday: Noon
(one-time screening of a soon-to-be Lifetime Movie)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
TBD – THE PAST
TBD – GLORIA
March 7 – OMAR
TBD – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
TBD – TIM’S VERMEER
TBD – LE WEEK-END
TBD – THE LUNCHBOX

A New Choreographic Perspective on DCDC Concert Stage

February 4, 2014 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

One of the many pleasures of a mixed repertory concert is the diversity of artistic voices and choreographic invention. You, as an arts patron are privy to work that has not been seen and disseminated by others; part of a special moment that only occurs once, bearing witness to a premiere performance. Who doesn’t want to be an early adopter?

Ray Mercer is the least known choreographer premiering work on the ReVisioning concert, however he brings a unique and never the less impressive biography to the fore. Mr. Mercer, currently starring on Broadway in Walt Disney’s “The Lion King,” has had an eclectic performance career that has taken him from the concert stage to the bright lights of Broadway, having worked with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Rod Stewart and Garth Fagan. His choreographic work has been presented all of over the country on companies such as Philidanco, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and now Dayton Contemporary Dance Company.

Because of Mr. Mercer’s background, I am curious to see how his aesthetic sensibilities meld with the talents of the DCDC dancers. Oh how I love the unpredictability and the visceral experience of the new and so should you.

Check out the work of Mr. Ray Mercer.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abb8CmmcNT4′]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUyTwPlh3Ts

ReVisioning 45: New Works Unveiled
Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 7:30pm and Sunday, February 9, 2014 at 3:00pm
Victoria Theatre, 138 North Main Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
For tickets to ReVisioning 45: New Works Unveiled please contact Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630 or 888-228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com

See The Vision, Feel The Funk Ticket Contest

February 4, 2014 By Nikki Nett 6 Comments

Most Metro is giving away tickets to see The Ohio Players

Get Funky

The arctic temperatures have us all in a bit of a funk. The best way to warm your weekend up is with some fire. Fiiiire. It’s in your head now. Don’t be ashamed to stand up and sing it. Pay no attention to your co-workers staring at you awkwardly. They want to sing, too. Invite them to come along to the Love Rollercoaster (unless that violates your company’s HR policy, of course).

This weekend, funk is alive right here in Dayton, where it all started. Our very own, Ohio Players will take the stage at The Schuster Center to kick off the interactive Visual Voices art exhibit.

A collaborative effort between The Victoria Theatre Association and EboNia Gallery, Visual Voices: Visions of Dayton Funk tasked artists to create visual art pieces that reflect the feel of the “Dayton Sound”. To further examine that sound, students from Dayton Public Schools at the Ponitz Career Technology Center have interviewed the artists to provide the history which will allow the funk sound to move into the future with younger generations.

The night begins with The Dayton Funk All Stars bringing the Dayton sound to the stage. A brief intermission will allow more time to take in the art exhibit before the Ohio Players close out the evening as only they can.

Tickets for the event on Sunday, February 9th are on sale at ticketcenterstage.com.

The Ohio Players will perform Feb 9 at the Schuster Center

“Upside down on the big dip dipper

1,2, 1,2,3 I´ve got a ticket come ride with me…”

DMM has your ticket to see the Ohio Players, if you’re our lucky winner! Just like this story and fill out the form below, winner will be posted Wed night. [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

‘Torch Song Trilogy’ Review – Human Race Theatre Company – Who Will Love Me As I Am?

February 3, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

Jamison Stern as Arnold in “Torch Song Trilogy”

Harvey Fierstein’s groundbreaking 1983 Tony Award-winning dramedy “Torch Song Trilogy” captivates with delightful humor and poignant heartbreak in its outstanding Human Race Theatre Company debut.
Skillfully directed by Scott Stoney and intimately transpiring on a revolving set by Scott J. Kimmins, “Torch Song Trilogy” predates AIDS in its blunt, colorful, sexually charged account of larger-than-life Arnold Beckoff, a funny, flamboyant, torch song-adoring Jewish drag queen longing to find Mr. Right in New York City. As the title suggests, Arnold’s saga occurs in three segments spanning seven years. “International Stud,” the boldest portion, launches the show in 1978 centered on Arnold’s attraction to bisexual Ed Reese, a choice that holds immense ramifications. A year later, in “Fugue in a Nursery,” Arnold and his new partner Alan, a young model/hustler, are invited to the country home of Ed and his fiancée Laurel only to have their burgeoning relationship put to the test. Five years later, in “Widows and Children First!,” Arnold, still mourning Alan’s untimely death as a victim of a hate crime, seeks to adopt a gay teenager, which infuriates his intolerant mother. Stoney, avoiding the temptation to go broad or melodramatic, expertly grasps the play’s clever intricacies and varying shifts in tone, particularly providing excellent blocking for Act 2 which symbolically takes place on a large bed with the aforementioned foursome continuously altering positions in bedrooms and other locations.

Jamison Stern as Arnold and Jon Hacker as Alan in “Torch Song Trilogy”

The fantastic Jamison Stern, a sharp comedian and find singer dives into Arnold’s vivid evolution from independence to fatherhood with great vulnerability. Exposing a gamut of emotions over the course of three and a half hours encompassing racy comic relief and tear-jerking defiance with a terrific rendition of “The Man That Got Away” thrown in for good measure, Stern fuels Arnold’s desire for connection and companionship with sincerity and passion. He has a winning rapport with all of his fellow actors, but his dynamically dramatic work in Act 3 opposite a brutally stern Patricia Linhart as Mrs. Beckoff provides significant sparks that cut deep.

Jamie Cordes, typically seen in musicals, commendably delivers one of his most complex portrayals as the hopelessly mysterious and perturbing Ed. Lisa Ann Goldsmith is an engaging open book as the forgiving and understanding Laurel, who has a history of attracting bisexual men. The endlessly charming Jon Hacker, a Wright State University standout, appealingly embodies Alan as a carefree romantic. As David, a damaged product of foster care who finally finds solace and meaning with Arnold, Philip Thomas Stock, a senior at Stivers School for the Arts, enjoyably fits the mold of a wisecracking teen. In addition to portraying Mrs. Beckoff, Linhart amplifies the potency of Act 1 in Janet G. Powell’s lovely gowns as torch singer Lady Blues, particularly shining with “I Don’t Care Much.”

Jasmion Stern as Arnold and Patricia Linhart as Mrs. Beckoff in “Torch Song Trilogy”

“Torch Song Trilogy” transcends sexuality in its pursuit of happiness, but bittersweet feelings remain when you consider what the future held for Arnold as AIDS devastatingly transformed the community he treasured so dearly. But I prefer to believe Arnold is currently supporting the wave of marriage equality and feverishly anticipating the upcoming season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” And above all, I hope he’s truly content with someone special who absolutely accepts everything about him – his faults, his goodness, his insecurities, his preferences, his eccentricities, his past – in genuine love.

“Torch Song Trilogy” continues through Feb. 16 at the Loft Theatre of the Metropolitan Arts Center, 126 N. Main St., Dayton. Performances are Wednesdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is also a 7 p.m. performance Feb. 4. Act One: 55 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes; Act Three: 80 minutes. There are two intermissions. Tickets are $31-$40 for adults, $29-$38 for seniors and $16.50-$20.50 for students. Discounts are available. For tickets, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com or www.humanracetheatre.org. Patrons are advised the show contains adult language and content. There is also a special talkback scheduled following the Feb. 9 performance. The Greater Dayton LGBT Center has partnered with the Race to present LGBT Pride Night for the Feb. 11 performance.

Courteous Mass Ride @ Fifth Third Field

February 3, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Trying to stick to that New Year’s resolution to get healthy and fit? Here’s an opportunity!

Come see the city from your bike! Courteous Mass Dayton is a community of bike minded individuals who gather on the first Fridays of the month and take a street ride tour of the city. We do this to raise awareness of bikes as transportation and to raise visibility of cyclist on our streets. Courteous Mass is a bit different from other groups that call themselves Critical Mass. Courteous Mass is dedicated to following the rules of the road to set a rider standard. Courteous Mass is a great way to get yourself familiar with riding your bicycle in the streets. Dayton is recognized as a Bronze-level Bike Friendly City by the League of American Bicyclists for its bicycle friendly infrastructure. Dayton is making it easier for the citizens to use the bicycle as a viable means of transportation. No matter if you’re just starting out riding or if you’ve been riding for years, Courteous Mass is the event for you!

When: Friday February 07, 2014 at 5:30 pm and Every First Friday of the Month at 5:30 pm
Where: Fifth Third Field, 220 N. Patterson Blvd., Dayton, OH
Parking: Metered parking is free after 6pm. There are various free parking spots along Monument. There is always the option of parking at 2nd Street Market and the Oregon District then ride your bike to the event.
Email: [email protected]

This month’s route will go through the main streets of downtown and will be shorter in length to accommodate the weather. All tours are free and they welcome any skill level.

Visit their website for more details! www.courteousmassdayton.com

Food & Beer Pairings Announced for Moose & the Goose Dinner Event, Feb. 22

February 3, 2014 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Dont Miss the ‘Moose and The Goose’ event on Sat Feb 22

BULLWINKLE’S TOP HAT BISTRO and GOOSE ISLAND BREWING CO. have announced the 5 courses to be paired with 5 beers at the one-night-only Food Adventure event on Saturday Feb 22nd called “The MOOSE AND THE GOOSE.” The extravaganza will be held at Bullwinkle’s in Miamisburg at 7pm (tickets are pre-pay only).

Dayton Most Metro’s own THE BIG RAGU & The Crew are helping sponsor the event with the help of Heidelberg Distributing, Dayton Dining, Goose Island Brewery, and of course Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro.

The Food Adventure courses are as follows (subject to change):

Course #1: HOUSE SALAD with homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing paired with Goose Island’s TEN HILLS PALE ALE

Course #2: Homemade CLAM CHOWDER paired with Goose Island’s Beer called ‘SOFIE’

Course #3: REUBEN DIP / MOOSE TATERS CASSEROLE paired with Goose Island’s HONKER’S ALE

Course #4: BABY BACK PORK RIBS, PULLED PORK, GREEN BEANS, RED SKIN POTATOES paired with Goose Island’s beer called ‘MATILDA’

Course #5: BANANAS FOSTER prepared table side, with an option for CARROT CAKE substitute paired with Goose Island’s ‘PERE JACQUES’ Beer

Ribs are one of the featured courses

TICKET COST IS $30 and that INCLUDES GRATUITY !

****Please note: Tickets for this event are PRE-PAY ONLY and can be purchased only through THIS LINK at DAYTON MOST METRO.

SEATING IS LIMITED, get your tickets to this event before it SELLS OUT !

**There will be DOOR PRIZES, GIVEAWAYS, SOUVENIRS, SURPRISES, and an appearance by the GOOSE ISLAND GIRLS !

We may have some Goose Island 312 URBAN WHEAT Beer samples floating around and an AFTER PARTY Keg Tapping with Beer Specials.

This promises to be once heck of a FOOD ADVENTURE EVENT !! This is a one-time-only gig, so take advantage of this incredible deal !

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Skyline Chili Celebrates 30th Anniversary

February 2, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Millions of coneys and thirty years later, we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary of serving the south suburbs. While it certainly has had its ups and downs, it has been a great ride thanks to all of your loyal support. To thank you for that support, we are setting aside two days of celebration. On Monday, February 3, you can buy a regular 3, 4 or 5 Way at the regular price and get a second 3, 4 or 5 Way for just $.30! Then, on Wednesday, February 5, you can purchase a cheese coney at the regular price and get a second for just $.30! There will be FREE cupcakes both days too! Make it a point to stop one, or both, of these days to help us celebrate! DINE IN only. Limit 5 “deals” per person per visit per check. No coupon necessary. Not valid with other discounts or offers. Offers are valid during open hours on the above dates only. Mark your calendars.
Valid ONLY at the Dayton Mall Location.

Restaurant Week Extended at 30 Locations

February 2, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

It happened once before in 2009, when the weather was so bad that the turnout for restaurant week wasn’t what was expected, so they added a second week. For years a handful of the participating eateries have carried their dining deals over, so their regulars can enjoy without the crowds. This winters frigid weather seems to have affected the early week of 3 course meal deals enough that 30 area dining establishments have committed to carry the $20.14, $25.14 and $30.14 specials for one more week.

Enjoy another week of Pre Fixe Meals at:

Amber Rose, 1400 Valley St., Dayton, (937) 228-2511

Agnes All Natural Grill, 6 North Main St., Dayton, (937) 368-8787

Amelia’s Bistro, 129 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook, (937) 310-3040

Anticoli’s Guiliano Tavern, 67 S. Main St., Miamisburg, (937) 859-3000

The Barnsider, 5202 N. Main St., Dayton, (937) 277-1332

Brixx Ice Company, 500 E. First St., Dayton, (937) 222-2257

Buckhorn Tavern, 8800 Meeker Road, Butler Twp., (937) 890-3261

Bunker’s Bar & Grill, 893 E. National Road, Vandalia, (937) 890-8899

The Caroline on the Square, 5 S Market St, Troy,(937) 552-7676

Carver’s, 1535 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville, (937) 433-7099

C’est Tout, 2600 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood, (937) 298-0022

Coco’s Bistro, 250 Warren St.., Dayton, (937) 228-2626

Crazy Mango Bar and Bistro, 81 Magnolia Dr., Beavercreek (937) 431-3822

The Deli, 32 Webster St., Dayton (937) 224-3663

The Dock, 250 W. Main St., Enon, (937) 864-5011

Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., Dayton, (937) 224-7822

El Meson, 903 E. Dixie Drive, West Carrollton, (937) 859-8229

Franco’s Ristorante Italiano, 824 E. Fifth St., Dayton, (937) 222-0204

Jay’s Restaurant, 225 E. Sixth St., Dayton, (937) 222-2892

Kabuki, 848 S. Main St., Centerville, (937) 435-9500

La Piazza, 2 N. Market St., Troy, (937) 339-5553

Lily’s Bistro, 329 East Fifth St., Dayton (937) 723-7637

McGillicutty’s Pub, 1980 E. Whipp Road, Kettering, (937) 436-0057

Pasha Grill, 72 Plum St., The Greene, Beavercreek, (937) 429-9000

Salar Restaurant and Lounge, 400 East Fifth St., Dayton (937) 203-3999

Serendipity Bistro, 25 St Clair St., Dayton (937) 760-5380

Sweeney’s Seafood, 28 W. Franklin St., Dayton, (937) 291-3474

The Tropics, 580 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, (937) 293-8800

TJ Chumps, 12 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg, (937) 859-4000

TJ Chumps, 559 S. Main St., Englewood, (937) 836-4300

TJ Chumps, 1100 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Yellow Springs, (937) 318-1250

Wellington Grille, 2450 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, (937) 426-4600

Please call for reservations and remember many restaurants are closed on Sunday or Monday, sometimes both! Bon Appetite!

Library Seeks Entries in Teen Photography Contest