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CEDAR RAPIDS Opens + Much More at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

It’s time for the first of this year’s Sundance hits – Ed Helms in CEDAR RAPIDS. This comedy has received numerous raves, and we think our audience might be in the mood for some lighter fare. Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal wrote, “The main thing about Cedar Rapids is that it makes you laugh – often and out loud.” The cast is superb – Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Sigourney Weaver…and we hope you’ll support it.

BARNEY’S VERSION has continued to perform well, and it will stick around. In addition, we will hold BIUTIFUL for one screening a day. That said, both of these films will more than likely only play for one more week – as we plan to open I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS on March 18. If you still need to see RABBIT HOLE, Thursday (3/10) will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON.

Synopsis for CEDAR RAPIDS: “To call insurance agent Tim Lippe, ‘naive’ is a gross understatement. He’s never left his small hometown. He’s never stayed at a hotel. And he’s never experienced anything like Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Sent to represent his company at the annual insurance convention, Tim is soon distracted by three convention veterans who will show him the ropes and push his boundaries. For a guy who plays everything by the book, this convention will be anything but conventional.” – Fox Searchlight Pictures
OFFICIAL SITE

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On Wednesday, March 16 at 7:30pm, Cityfolk’s Culture Builds Community program will present a FREE screening of RIZE – “including a talk session following the film with CBC artists Big Mijo and Hurricane, co-creators of krump dance. David LaChapelle’s spectacular 1995 documentary film captures the emergence of the hip-hop dance style known as krump. In the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles riots, this kinetic, high energy dance emerged as a cathartic release for Tommy “The Clown” Johnson and dozens of his cohorts. As LaChapelle weaves the stories of Johnson and his fellow creators, dancers perform a jaw-dropping array of moves in a delirious mixture of fun, intensity and raw release.” (taken from press notes)

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Last year marked the first time that THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL made a stop in Dayton. Folks loved the show, the fellas are on the road again. On Sunday, March 20 at 7:30, THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL will return to THE NEON with a new batch of material. Visit the official website to find out more about the show . Advanced tickets ($11 each) are only available on-line by visiting this LINK.

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is just around the corner. Screenings at THE NEON begin on Thursday, March 24th…but the festival has even more events and screenings around town. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit this link .
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Thursday, March 24 at 7:10 – AJAMI
Sunday, March 27 at 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday, March 30 at 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HAND GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

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BIG NEWS!!! Tickets for the March 26 screening of the documentary NORTH DIXIE DRIVE have SOLD OUT! That said, THE NEON has booked additional screenings. Advanced tickets are now available for April 1, 2 & 3 at 1pm, and tickets are just $5. “North Dixie Drive is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site by clicking this link.

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We just added a bunch of new titles…and they’re exciting! Check out our list below!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 11 – March 17:

CEDAR RAPIDS (R) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:30

BIUTIFUL (R) 2 Hr 28 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:00

BARNEY’S VERSION (R) 2 Hr 14 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:30, 7:20, 9:50
Monday & Tuesday: 4:50, 7:40
Wednesday: 4:50
Thursday: 4:50, 7:40

RIZE (PG-13) 1 Hr 26 Min + Discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Many of these dates will change.  In some cases, titles may disappear.
March 18 I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
April 8 OF GODS AND MEN
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 or 22 JANE EYRE
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD (**Winner of “Best Foreign Film”**)
TBD POTICHE (One of my “Top 5” from Toronto)
TBD – late March/early April? – SOMEWHERE
TBD – late March/early April? – TINY FURNITURE

Mixed Rep, Mixed Results

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Dance Reviews

Dayton Ballet – Streetcar Named Desire

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company – In The Spirit Of:  The Spirit Within

As a lover of dance in all of its incarnations, my passion for the art will compel me to seek out every performance that I can find, fit into my schedule and afford. I am owning up to my addiction to dance.

When I discovered that both Dayton Ballet and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company were both performing, I felt like I scored the biggest fix of my life. Now after my weekend binge, standing in the light of the rising sun  I realize that it was not a particularly great batch of…

Part of the pleasure of dance addiction is the almost perverse visceral joy you get by parading your addiction in public. The ritualistic anticipation of the heavy velvet curtain rising to  expose a portal to a world of incredible aesthetic beauty inhabited by  beings possessing  an invigorating super human physicality, what a rush.

The captivating elements of theatricality and music combined with choreographed movement that when it works can leave you breathless.  Addiction is about extremes and so I make no apologies for wanting the experience to elevate me.

Dayton Ballet – Streetcar Named Desire

At the Dayton Ballet performance of Streetcar Named Desire and mixed repertory program was the beginning of my “lost” dance weekend, the curtain rose on the first ballet, Freudian Slip. A quartet of ballerinas in gray athletic cut mini dresses with pink  under-skirts was the perfect opening work, a delightful minor ballet that provided just enough of an initial rush for the ballet addiction to kick in.

The crisscrossing patterns accented by losses of ballet decorum, movement hiccups that hinted at a desire to break free, was danced by Erika Cole, Erica Lehman, Halliet Slack and Annalise Woller with a subtle precision. I get the sense that the choreographer Mrs. Russo Burke, wants to not play it so safe. I question what is holding her back, more on that later.

This was followed by a presentation of the centerpiece of the evening, a ballet interpretation of Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams seminal drama of lust, brutality, and madness interpreted by the choreography of Mrs. Russo Burke.

The ballet for the most part contained some interesting choreographic passages that effectively portrayed the relationships of the central characters, Stella, Blanche and Stanley.  But as the ballet progressed I felt as if the underlying salient sexual tension, which is truly integral to Blanche and her falling into the pit of madness had been stripped away and neutered. I felt sorry for the plight of this Blanche but not devastated for her.

Choreographically, the Pas de deux between Stella and Stanley, (beautifully danced by Erika Cole and Justin Michael Koertgen) set us up perfectly for what is the lynch pin of the play, the sexual brutalization of Blanche at the hands of Stanley. And somehow this was woefully underplayed.

Might I suggest that if this is going to be a part of the repertory of Dayton Ballet under Mrs. Russo Burke’s direction that some time is taken to rework this ballet and give it some teeth.  This is one dangerous sexy beast of a story that should make us more than a little uncomfortable.  I know it is possible because Mrs. Russo Burke provided us the underlying reason for Blanche’s descent into madness (husband is a closet case and commits suicide) and to display that choreographically was a bold decision.

This was an intimate chamber drama that played more like a Sophia Coppola film, a drama that skirts around the dark matters of the heart when it should have played like the first “Godfather” film, going straight for the visceral sucker punch.

And then came Five Flights Up, a work whose charms utterly failed to inflict its mojo on me. I desperately wanted to like this ballet. The dancers tirelessly gave an energetic performance of the choreography set to songs by the Squirrel Nut Zippers. I was completely in their corner, yet it did nothing for me.

All of the elements were there like a choreographic shopping list’ Fun music, check, cheeky partnering sections, check, colorful costumes, check. As the ballet progressed I kept waiting for it to get better as if the high would kick in soon.  Wait? Had I gotten a hold of a bag of mediocre dance “chronic”? The choreography played it way too safe. I love repetition and developing a phrase of movement material that resurfaces through out a piece, but to what end if the ballet fails to deliver as a piece of great entertainment?  I just could not get past its lackluster construction.

“Basics” like the other ballets on the program hinted at the possibilities what this ballet company could deliver; strong and committed dancing, they could lose some of the rigidity in their upper backs and necks.

A word of advice to Mrs. Russo Burke, as one of my local dance “dealers” In the future I am looking for the best buzz that I can get from being in the audience for a live dance concert, delight me, scare me and don’t be afraid to turn me on. I will do my job to get others hooked on your artistic stuff.  Quit diluting your stash, The buzz never fully kicked in when it should have.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company – In The Spirit Of : The Spirit within

In The Spirit Of : The Spirit within… A cacophonous celebration of dance and gospel music reminded me of church sermons from when I was growing up. The perfunctory duties were up front, shout out to the infirmed, a few hymns sung, passing the collection plate   and as the service progressed it finally got to the point of why we were there, a reaffirmation of our faith. The big fiery sermon by a dynamic and captivating pastor was the big payoff.  Like the sermons from my childhood we had to witness a lot of  perfunctory stuff to get to the big payoff of this concert as well.

Because of my professed dance addictions, this was the perfect scenario. Contemporary dance and gospel music on a Sunday afternoon; what a way to make up for the mild buzz from the Dayton Ballet performance on Friday and great buzz from the Encore Theatre Company presentation on Saturday, “Hot Mess in Manhattan”, How could one not be elated after that workshop performance.

I walked into the Masonic Temple eager for a fix.  I knew I was in for an ebullient performance from the company, they have reliably delivered that kind of performance every time before.

The first half of the show contained many individual moments from the quiet beauty of Crystal Michelle’s choreography, the unified and beautiful dancing of the second company of DCDC and the strength of  the authoritative choreography of William McClellan Jr. Yet I was left with the sense that this was not the strongest presentation of this dance company’s singular skills.  As the stylish lady who sat next to me tersely asked, “What is this?”

The second half to the show delivered what the first half the show could not; Art that was also entertaining and uplifting.  From the incredible marriage of choreography and music that was The Central State Men’s Choir and Shonna Hickman Matlock and William McClellan Jr. to the soul stirring sound of Shirley Murdoch and the raise the roof finale (Special shout out to our greatest natural resource, Sheri Williams), I felt the salvation of a masterful sermon about the spiritual power of dance. It was worth the wait but waiting for a fix is never the most comfortable situation to be in.

As with Dayton Ballet, I am sending you a similar but different message Mrs. Blunden-Diggs, make sure that everything that you send out on stage transports the audience to the next level and I will do everything in my power to help get people hooked, but all your stuff has to truly be world class.



WSU Winter Dance Concert 2011

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WSU Winter Dance Concert 2011How often do you get an opportunity to see the work of locally and nationally renowned Choreographers as danced by young and promising dancers? In Dayton you have the opportunity at least once a year, which is what makes the upcoming Wright State Dance Ensemble concert a must see.

Included in this exciting program are the work of Adam Hougland, chosen by Dance Magazine as one of the 25 artists to watch in 2011, to the works of former Dayton Ballet Dancer, Justin Gibbs and former DCDC dancer Gina Walther, both are now professors at Wright State guiding the next generation of great dancers from our region. Add to this mix is the choreographic work of the amazing Susie Payne, WSU alum and all around terrific lady. This a great chance to see her work before she makes her choreographic debut at Dayton Ballet later in the month for their New Works New Music competition, for which she is a finalist.

WSU Winter Dance Concert 2011

New works performed by Dayton Ballet II & DCDC2,  choreographed by Abigail Beam and Rodney Brown respectively, all add to one of the best dance concert offerings in my opinion.

An added bonus is the piece choreographed by  Gina Walther to excerpts of Leonard Bernstein’s  celebrated Mass. This is a exhilarating collaboration between the Dayton Philharmonic and the Theatre, Dance and Music department of WSU.

All of this for ten dollars makes this is the best artistic bargain in town. It does not get any better than this! This is must see dance programming that you should not miss.  I will be there on Saturday, see if you can spot me, swing by and say hello.

WSU WINTER DANCE CONCERT 2011

March 10-13    Adults/$10, Students/$5

Box Office:  937.775.2500

Film Review – Barney’s Version (A-)

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Barney’s Version
@ The Neon
March 3, 2011
Grade: A-

Of course Paul Giamatti (Sideways, Cinderella Man) plays Barney Panofsky, the hero of Barney’s Version. If you ever find yourself in need of an actor to dominate a role that calls for an insecure, self destructive, witty, snarky, alcoholic, Giamatti should be at the top of your list.

Barney's First Marriage

At first, it seems as though Barney is cursed. The movie begins with an older Barney. Seemingly innocent, lonely and depressed. Shortly thereafter, the audience is surprisingly and refreshingly shown a young, vibrant Barney about to begin his first of three failed marriages. When this first marriage ends tragically, I thought, “Is this just going to be a series of unfortunate events that results in a beaten down man?” As the story progresses, however, it becomes apparent that Barney is a ticking time bomb, too paranoid or drunk to realize that he doesn’t have it half bad. Because his insecurities and paranoia will not allow him to accept his good fortune, Barney inevitably self destructs.

The source of Barney’s neuroses probably stem from the fact that the women and friends with which he surrounds himself are infinitely more beautiful and well-liked than he. A fact that loudly pronounces itself to Barney when his third wife, Miriam (Rosamund Pike), who is the only of his three wives he actually loves, announces that she needs a week to herself. What should have been a harmless week apart for a long-married couple with two grown children plagues Barney. While Miriam is away, Barney’s insecurities come bubbling up as his mind attacks itself with thoughts of losing the best part of his life. In response to imagined dangers, Barney launches a very real preemptive strike that destroys his final marriage.

Barney’s Version is actually quite lighthearted and humorous despite the personal hells that the audience experiences alongside Barney. Much of the humor is provided by Barney’s father, played by Dustin Hoffman. Hoffman is as likable as always and serves as an example to Barney of what life can be like if you allow yourself to enjoy it. The two are more friends than father-son and Barney  seems to be at his happiest when in the company of his dad.

The final tragedy Barney endures, the progression of Alzheimer’s that robs him of his charm and wit, at first seemed like a throw-in to me. Like an unnecessary evil that the audience could have done without. But, as some time has passed since I saw Barney’s Version, I find myself rethinking that stance. I’m wondering now if that terrible disease finally gave Barney’s brain a rest. A chance to let the self-loathing evaporate and to allow Barney to simply observe, rather than destroy.

Whether the Alzheimer’s was relevant or not, Barney’s Version is tremendously entertaining thanks in large part to Giamatti who convincingly conveys decades of a complicated man’s life.

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Silverbacks Season Opener at Hara Arena a Smashing Success

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Dayton SilverbacksThe Dayton Silverbacks where off to a smashing start in their season opener at Hara Arena against the Indianapolis Enforcers, Saturday March 5, 2011. This was also the Silverbacks first game at their new Hara Arena field since moving from Hobart Arena in Troy, OH after three seasons. (see opening game photos here and watch game video at the bottom of this post)

The Dayton Silverbacks are the longest running Professional Indoor Football team in the Midwest and have been a member of the Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL) for the past five years.

The fast pace, high impact, arena style football is sure to keep you on your toes and fully engaged with nonstop action from beginning to end.

Dayton Silverbacks Cheerleader - Natasha Yoho

Natasha Yoho

Natasha Yoho, thirteen year veteran cheerleader, is in her first season with the Silverbacks and could not be happier. Natasha stated, “I am very excited to cheer for the Silverbacks. It’s a new team for me and we [Silverbabes] practice seven hours a week to make sure we are bringing lots of energy and smiles to the fans. We love interacting with them and pumping up the crowd for the team.” The Silverbabes sponsored the raffle prizes, halftime games and activities for the Silverbacks for Saturday night’s game.

Jeff Kolaczkowski, President and Owner of Dayton Silverbacks stated, “The move from Troy to Dayton was a positive one, because it moved a lot of the players closer to their families and we expect to draw larger crowds since there will be less of a commute to see them play.”

Jeff added, “Tonight’s crowd turnout was a bit disappointing, but we will be increasing our marketing efforts to change that around. We are still working out some of the kinks with the move, but tonight was a great game, because whenever you win it’s a good game.” The Silverbacks led the Enforcers 50-13 at the half.

Although the Silverbacks maintained a marginal lead throughout the game, they had a quiet second half until late in the fourth quarter with six minutes and fourteen seconds to go in regulation. Wide Receiver, Marcus Fails, scored a touchdown to get the fans standing to their feet and cheering once again.

Dayton Silverbacks Wide Receiver - Daniel Stover

WR Daniel Stover

All five Wide Receivers for the Silverbacks scored at least one touchdown in the game. Kicker Jeff Hubbard opened the second half of the game with a seamless 21 yard field goal, Defensive Back, Chris Respress had two interceptions, and player of the game and Wide Receiver Daniel Stover scored three touchdowns to crush the Enforcers 69-19.

Stover stated, “We have been working hard and it’s real easy to get open with good players. Everything worked out, no one stood out, and there are no weak links in our chain. Our chain is stronger than ever. The common denominator of this team is that we all want to win.”

Silverbacks Wide Receiver, Mike Brown, who sat out in the season opener due to injury added, “This team has made a complete 180 and I can’t wait to get back out there. Our offense put up points bottom line. Our defense held their offense to less than 20 points and that was a complete team effort.”

Brown is hopeful that he will be well enough to play by next home game.

Dayton Silverbacks Coach Shepard

Coach Shepard

Coach Derrick Shepard, who is in his third season with the Silverbacks, is pleased with the win and the energy of the team; however, Shepard believes there is room for improvement from the players. Shepard commented, “Good job to all that put up points, but we all have room for improvement. A whole bunch of little ME’s makes one big team.”

When Shepard was asked what he expected from the Silverbacks this season he stated, “I expect to go all the way. Every coach would love to go all the way. Realistically, I would like them to walk away being a better player. If they become better players, then it was a successful season and I would be happy with that.”

Kevin Bukvik, Marketing and Community Representative for the Silverbacks, speaks to their community outreach efforts off the field by stating, “When I first came on board with the Silverbacks, I did not know if the guy’s egos would be a problem. But when I was first asked by the players when would we be going out to the schools to read to the kids, I realized there was not a whole lot of convincing I had to do. I guess they just get it. They are an awesome group of guys and are so down to earth. I love working with them.”

You can catch the Dayton Silverbacks in action at their next home game at Hara Arena as they square off against the Cincinnati Commandos Saturday April 2nd at 7:30 pm. For more information on how to obtain tickets visit www.silverbacksfootball.com or call 937-425-8050.

Friends really can drop out of the sky!

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Imagine a warm summer day in July— you are shucking corn on your dairy farm when without warning, an old wood and fabric airplane just misses your silo and lands on your hay field…. followed by yet another antique flying machine.  What do you do?  If you are a young lad, you race toward these colorful contraptions and the brave souls piloting them screaming, “Wow! Cool!”

This scene was a common occurrence thousands of times throughout the Midwest in the 1920s and 30s, but it was not common at all when two such gypsy pilots “dropped in” unannounced on the Dirksen family’s farm in nearby Winchester, Indiana in 1999.

That accidental meeting between those bonded to the earth and those bonded to the sky initiated an annual fly-in that now features nearly a dozen vintage aircraft (plus local vintage automobiles to complete the ambience) and close to 200 neighbors, friends, and family… and as the documentary film Barnstorming celebrates, just showing up makes you part of the family.

We have the added value of witnessing something so special happening here in our own area.  The film features local landmarks and local individuals, and I find it particularly poignant that this annual celebration of flying at its most basic— wind in the wires, leather flying helmets, goggles, and silk scarves trailing in the slipstream— takes place just a short drive from the big iron at USAF Museum and the regular, unremarkable commercial flights in and out of Dayton International Airport.  Flying has long ceased being romantic because there is nothing romantic about being body-searched and crammed into an Airbus like clowns in a circus car.  But to hop into an open-cockpit Waco for a free spin around the patch? Simpler times indeed, and a smile guaranteed.

One of the pilots observes, “flying gives you an entirely different perspective, not only on the world but on life.” From 1,000 feet, the Midwest looks much the same as it did to the original barnstormers nearly 100 years ago.  There are many parts of our collective American mythology that, once we have studied the facts, we should be glad are gone forever.  This documentary, shot in a visually charming unpretentious style with a lovely soundtrack to match, is a timely reminder that there are some parts of Americana past that embody an innocence for which we have every right to wax nostalgic.

The title of the motion picture pays homage to those daring barnstormers of yesteryear—the pilots in this story are even prone to asking “WWWD?” What Would Waldo (Pepper) Do?— but Barnstorming is definitely not just for propeller-heads like this author.

The children in the film are as integral to this story as the pilots because both groups share the wonder of flight.  The sheer joy of the Dirksen kids straining their eyes skyward in unconstrained anticipation of the annual return of the airplanes to their farm is itself worth the price of admission.  As one very young girl asserts matter-of-factly, “I’ll just go in the sky.” And because the sky is so much larger than our television sets, this film demands to be seen on the big screen.

Barnstorming plays at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs at 4:00pm Saturday, March 12.  For those of us without hayfields welcoming the gypsy pilots, this will be as close as we get to experiencing the “Wow! Cool!” of our own private air show.

Thomas Girvin is a local screenwriter and film professor who flies modern day light aircraft in real life and open-cockpit biplanes in his dreams.

God’s War: Bug Punk and Bel Dames

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God’s War starts with an intriguing first line, preparing the reader for a brutal ride:

“Nyx sold her womb somewhere between Punjai and Faleen, on the edge of the desert.”

Local author Kameron Hurley tells a dystopian tale of female assassins set in a terrifyingly harsh world of bugs, magicians and religious wars.

Nyx, a female bounty hunter, finds herself in too deep when she takes an assassination note for a missing alien who might be the key to ending the perpetual war in her land.

The inventive and dark story is Hurley’s first published novel and the first of a planned trilogy.

Bloodlines

Bel dames are the thread for the ambitious story. Most people envision a strikingly beautiful woman, but Hurley borrowed the term from ancient Assyrian/Babylonians, which actually means blood avenger. God’s War follows Nyx unflinching through a world of intense, ongoing religious wars, where bugs are both technology and food.

“A lot of what I researched is driven by fascination. There is some terrifying imagery in the Bible. Those Old Testament Bible stories are utterly violent. Heads are chopped off and they are burning people…and as I’m reading, I’m thinking, this is awesome!”

“I really wanted an Old Testament feel for God’s War. I read a lot of accounts of Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Ancient Babylonia and Assyria—really getting into a different world view than my own,” said Hurley.

The bug research came from real world experience as well, since Hurley lived in South Africa for a year and a half, in a home overrun with bugs.

“I thought, what if this was normal? How could you leverage them? They use hornets to sniff out explosives in some places. What if bugs could be controlled and utilized in otherworld technology? I took these little nuggets of what happened in the real world and extrapolated it out.”

Next Up

Publishers Weekly calls Hurley’s world-building “phenomenal, with casual references to insectile technology and the world’s history that provide atmosphere without info dumps.” As weighty as the book is, the sensory feel is rich, deep, and at times overwhelming. The main characters—deeply scarred and caustic—can be brought to mind long after the book is finished.

Hurley has mentioned Zuleikha Robinson (Ilana in Lost) as an appropriate choice to play Nyx in a movie version of God’s War.

“Then when I saw Isaiah Mustafa [from the Old Spice commercials] I thought, he could play Rhys. Absolutely!”

It would be fascinating to see two traditionally beautiful people abused and scarred as Nyx and Rhys. The entomophobics among us would cringe at the idea of millions of CGI created bugs populating the movie—but using the real thing would both break the bank and freak people out.

With one book under her belt and more slotted, Hurley has three full time jobs—a marketing and advertising writer in Dayton, promoting and marketing God’s War, and writing and editing her next books.

“I’m not a plot person. It’s on my list of things to do. I start with the different characters and settings and the rest is the process of discovery. I also don’t let myself play World of Warcraft online until the draft is done.”

A self-defined late adopter, Hurley doesn’t own an e-reader yet, but her fans clamored for God’s War in a digital format. Sci-fi and fantasy readers are often ahead of the curve in technology, so it’s no surprise that the book is in demand for e-readers.

“I’ll always have printed books. They are definitely a good thing. But digital publishing will be great in the long run.”

Book two and Hurley’s next novel, Infidel, is slated for a December 2011 release. Building on its success, she is hopeful Night Shade Books, her publisher, will pick up the third book, Babylon.

Visit Kameron at www.KameronHurley.com. God’s War can be purchased from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Borders.

Javier Bardem in BIUTIFUL Opens + Our Oscar Success!

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Hello Everyone.

Wow! What a great weekend. On top of our Oscar party seeing its biggest crowd ever (we were at capacity!) BARNEY’S VERSION performed better than the national average. Thanks for your continued support in making THE NEON your destination for great cinema.

On top of holding onto BARNEY’S VERSION, we will hold RABBIT HOLE for one more week. If you haven’t seen this fantastic film, please hurry down. I’ve had a few people tell me that they didn’t intend to see RABBIT HOLE until I urged them to do so…and they’re so glad they saw it.

On Friday we will begin a film that was nominated for 2 major awards at this year’s Oscars. Starring Javier Bardem and directed by Alejandro Gonzelez Inarritu (director of 21 GRAMS and BABEL), BIUTIFUL was nominated for “Best Actor” and “Best Foreign Film.”

Synopsis for BIUTIFUL: “Academy Award winner Javier Bardem plays a man on the wrong side of the law who struggles to provide for his children on the dangerous streets of Barcelona. The latest film from Academy Award nominee Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Biutiful won the award for Best Actor at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” (Roadside Attractions)
I saw BIUTIFUL at the Toronto Film Fest in September, and I think it’s a stunning film. Though certainly of heavy subject matter, it’s quite worth the ride. Bardem is superb!  Visit the official website by clicking HERE.

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Last year marked the first time that THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL made a stop in Dayton. Folks loved the show, the fellas are on the road again. On Sunday, March 20 at 7:30, THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL will return to THE NEON with a new batch of material. Visit the official website to find out more about the show. Advanced tickets ($11 each) are only available on-line by visiting this LINK.

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is just around the corner. Screenings at THE NEON begin on Thursday, March 24th…and I’ll give you even more details in next week’s newsletter. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, click this LINK.

Tickets for the documentary NORTH DIXIE DRIVE are flying from our box office! The film will play on Saturday, March 26 at 5:00pm and tickets are $6 each (and only $4 for members of FilmDayton). “North Dixie Drive is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site.

If you were lucky enough to see Djuna Wahlrab’s short film FALLING UP, don’t miss seeing her set pieces and puppets at the 5th Street Gallery at Stivers School for the Arts. The exhibit is up and running…and it is completely stunning. Call (937)542-7448 for more details.

If you’re in the mood for an escapist, well-reviewed, hysterical, dirty-minded comedy…we’ve got you covered. CEDAR RAPIDS is set to open on March 11.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 4 – March 10:

RABBIT HOLE (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:50
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

BIUTIFUL (R) 2 Hr 28 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:00, 5:00, 8:00

BARNEY’S VERSION (R) 2 Hr 14 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 4:45, 7:20, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Due to Oscar Season, we know that many of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
March 11 CEDAR RAPIDS
TBD I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
TBD SOMEWHERE
TBD TINY FURNITURE
TBD JANE EYRE
TBD WIN WIN

I Don’t Wanna Show Off, No More!

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THE DROWSY CHAPERONE - Victoria Theatre Association / Human Race Theatre Co. - March 8-20, 2011THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

Victoria Theatre Association & The Human Race Theatre Company

Win Tickets to Opening Night & Cast Party!  READ ON!

Five years ago this interesting little musical won five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score.  Whoop-de-doo, you might say, but listen to this…The Drowsy Chaperone had a very humble beginning.  It started out as, get this, a bachelor party gift.  ?  Yes.  The show originated as a boisterous spoof on old-time, pre-golden-age musicals, performed for the bride and groom Bob Martin & Janet Van De Graaff.  Wait…wait, there’s more!  Now, try to follow this…Bob Martin (the groom) went on to star in the show (he was the first Tony nominee for Best Actor, whose character didn’t even have a name…he was simply known as “Man in Chair”) AND the lead female character was named Janet Van De Graaff (the bride….but NOT portrayed by the bride, but rather the stunningly beautiful Sutton Foster) who falls in love with an Oil Tycoon named Robert Martin (aka the groom)….and we haven’t even addressed why the chaperone is “drowsy.”

Confused yet?  Don’t Be!  Just go see this hilarious show!

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE - Victoria Theatre Association / Human Race Theatre Co. - March 8-20, 2011The show is good-natured fun with lot’s of silly characters and crazy situations.  The idea of the show is that the modern-day “Man in Chair” always chooses to listen to his favorite vinyl original cast album, that of the jazz age hit musical “The Drowsy Chaperone,” whenever he is feeling blue.  The album always lifts his spirits.  We quickly discover why, when the characters from the musical suddenly take over his cramped apartment, transforming his little world into a Broadway spectacle.  Various characters include Janet, a “Zeigfeld Follies”-type of showgirl, a stuffy rich dude, a couple of gangsters disguised as bakers, an over-the-top latin lover and the title character, Janet’s “drowsy chaperone”  (this grand dame is not sleepy, but rather “tipsy.”)

Victoria Theatre Association & The Human Race Theatre Company are teaming up to present a new production of this nostalgic musical comedy March 8 – 20, 2011 in the Victoria Theatre.

“Delightful, Sparkling Entertainment! You’ll be over the moon! We haven’t seen anything quite this original in a long time.” – Associated Press

The Drowsy Chaperone, the 21st show The Human Race Company has produced for the Victoria Theatre Association’s Broadway Series, is directed and choreographed by Kevin Crewell. The cast includes: Wally Dunn (“Man in Chair”); Pat Linhart (“Mrs. Tottendale”); Scott Stoney (“Underling”); Robb Sapp (“Robert Martin”); Christopher Gurr (“Aldopho”); Megan Nicole Arnoldy “(Janet Van de Graaff”); and Jana Robbins (“The Drowsy Chaperone”), to name a few. John Faas is the Music Director and Conductor, with set designs by J. Branson, provided by Music Theatre of Wichita.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE - Victoria Theatre Associaion & The Human Race Theatre Co. - March 8-20, 2011Behind the scenes, Gregg Barnes is Costume Designer, Nathan D. Dean is Sound Designer, and John Rensel is Lighting Designer. Technical crew includes: Technical Director, Scott J. Kimmins; Head Carpenter, D. Tristan Cupp; Production Stage Manager, Heather Jackson; Assistant Choreographer, Megan Nicole Arnoldy; Dance Captain, Eric Byrd; and Properties, Heather Powell.

Now, you might worry, after all that talk about this being a “stag night” show and that you might want to trade in those tickets you bought for your kids or your Mom.  Let me reassure you that this is good, clean fun.  There might be a few comic sexual innuendos thrown in (as there are in most musical comedies) but overall this show would be appropriate for any age.  In 2006 I took my marching band students to NYC, and this was one of the shows we took in.  It was a first true Broadway show for many of the students & it served as a great introduction to NY theatre.  Those kids and the band parents (non-drowsy variety) all seemed to love the humor and the spectacle of this charming show.  I think you will too.

-SA/VTA Press Release

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE - Victoria Theatre Associaion & The Human Race Theatre Co. - March 8-20, 2011THE DROWSY CHAPERONE – March 8-20 – Performance Times Vary (click for details)

Tickets Prices:  range from $39 to $81

Location:  TheVictoria Theatre – 138 N. Main St. Dayton, Ohio  45402 (MAP)

For tickets call Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630, 888-228-3630, online at www.ticketcenterstage.com or visit the Box Office in person, located in the Wintergarden of the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.

For more information about the Victoria Theatre Association, visit VictoriaTheatre.com.  For more information about The Human Race Theatre Company, visit HumanRaceTheatre.org

There will also be an opening night cast party, immediately following the March 8 performance held in the Kettering Reception Room, located on the 3rd floor (Balcony Level) in the Victoria Theatre. The party is free and open to all ticket holders, and includes free hors d’oeuvres and cash bar – plus the possibility of meeting members of the cast.

Audiences are invited to learn more about the show at a free Chase Background on Broadway pre-show talk Saturday, March 12 at 2PM and Thursday, March 17 at 7PM in the Kettering Reception Room. Chase Background on Broadway provides informative and entertaining talks by theatre professionals, focusing on production history, musical highlights, and insider anecdotes. These talks are held prior to the select matinee performances of each show in the Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series. Chase Background on Broadway is free and open to Broadway Series ticket holders, but seating is limited.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE - Victoria Theatre Associaion & The Human Race Theatre Co. - March 8-20, 2011

Sutton Foster as "Janet Van De Graaff" in the Broadway production of The Drowsy Chaperone

Win Free Tickets!

The Victoria Theatre Association, The Human Race Theatre Company & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to the opening night of DROWSY CHAPERONE!

We will be giving away a pair of tickets to the show…BUT…if we get  25 Facebook shares, we’ll double the chances & give away TWO PAIRS OF TICKETS! Additionally, you will get to attend the cast party after the opening night performance! All you need to do is:

  • Share this article on Facebook or Twitter…just click the appropriate button (above or below the article) and if we reach 25 Likes or Tweets we will give away TWO pairs of tickets.
  • Fill out the contest entry form below.
  • Leave a comment in the Speak Your Mind section (below), answering the following question…“The Drowsy Chaperone” is an euphemism for the perpetually drunken state of the character…What is the silliest phrase you use to indicate someone is tipsy? (No Names please…to protect the innocent/guilty).
  • The deadline to enter is NOON on SATURDAY, March 5th.
  • Winners will be selected randomly from all of the entries.

Contest Is Now Closed

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And The Oscar Goes To…

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A meek monarch, a lesbian couple at odds, Beantown boxers and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are among the diverse subjects from 2010 that captured the attention of the 5,755 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who determined nominees for the 83rd annual Academy Awards. “The King’s Speech” leads the pack with 12 nods, but don’t expect a sweep. Tight races lurk in multiple categories so anything is possible when winners are revealed Sunday, February 27 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Here are my predictions in the top six categories.

BEST PICTURE

Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter in The King's Speech

“127 Hours”; “Black Swan,” “The Fighter,” “Inception,” “The Kids Are All Right,” “The King’s Speech,” “The Social Network,” “Toy Story 3,” “True Grit,” “Winter’s Bone”

Will/Should Win: “The King’s Speech”

Overlooked: “Animal Kingdom”; “Blue Valentine”; “Fair Game”; “Get Low”; “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”; “Mother and Child”; “Nowhere Boy”; “Please Give”; “Rabbit Hole”; “The Town”

It’s not an American story, but the crowd-pleasing “King’s Speech” is a triumphant, universal, superbly acted tale appealing to the Academy’s longstanding admiration for wonderfully executed period pieces. The over-praised “Social Network” is the most topical choice and could certainly win, but it lacks warmth and probably failed to connect with older voters. My heart remains with the terrifically contemporary “Kids Are All Right,” one of the finest depictions of marriage and family ever filmed that could have had a fighting chance if the number of nominees returned to the traditional five. Barring a last-minute surge for “Social Network” or an upset from “The Fighter,” “Inception,” “Toy Story 3” or “True Grit,” the “King” will prevail.

BEST DIRECTOR

Darren Aronofsky, “Black Swan”;  Joel and Ethan Coen, “True Grit”; David Fincher, “The Social Network”; Tom Hooper, “The King’s Speech”; David O. Russell, “The Fighter”

Will Win: Fincher

Should Win: Aronofsky

Overlooked: Ben Affleck, “The Town”; Danny Boyle, “127 Hours”; Derek Cianfrance, “Blue Valentine”; Lisa Cholodenko, “The Kids Are All Right”; Rodrigo Garcia, “Mother and Child”; Debra Granik, “Winter’s Bone”; Luca Guadagnino, “I Am Love”; Mike Leigh, “Another Year”; David Michod, “Animal Kingdom”; John Cameron Mitchell, “Rabbit Hole”; Christopher Nolan, “Inception”; Niels Arden Oplev, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”; Roman Polanski, “The Ghost Writer”; Sam Taylor-Wood, “Nowhere Boy”; Peter Weir, “The Way Back”

The Emmy winning Hooper (“Elizabeth I,” “John Adams”) brought grace, intimacy and sophistication to “King’s Speech,” but he’s a relative newcomer in the film world. As so, the Academy’s Directors Branch would seem to favor the more established Fincher who worked wonders with Aaron Sorkin’s fast and furious screenplay. Still, it would be great to see Aronofsky win for masterfully weaving his gripping ballet mind-bender.

BEST ACTOR

Colin Firth - "The King's Speech"

Javier Bardem, “Biutiful”; Jeff Bridges, “True Grit”; Jesse Eisenberg, “The Social Network”; Colin Firth, “The King’s Speech”; James Franco, “127 Hours”

Will/Should Win: Firth

Overlooked: Ben Affleck, “The Company Men”; Jim Carrey, “I Love You Philip Morris”; George Clooney, “The American”; Leonardo DiCaprio, “Shutter Island”; Michael Douglas, “Solitary Man”; Robert Duvall, “Get Low”; Aaron Eckhart, “Rabbit Hole”; Paul Giamatti, “Barney’s Version”; Ryan Gosling, “Blue Valentine”; Aaron Johnson, “Nowhere Boy”; Ewan McGregor, “The Ghost Writer”; Michael Nyqvist, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”; John C. Reilly, “Cyrus”; Ryan Reynolds, “Buried”; Kevin Spacey, “Casino Jack”; Ben Stiller, “Greenberg”; Mark Wahlberg, “The Fighter”; Denzel Washington, “The Book of Eli”

The surest bet of the night. Having unfortunately lost to Bridges last year for his phenomenally subtle work in “A Single Man,” Firth will reign for being equally sublime as the stuttering King George VI.

BEST ACTRESS

Natalie Portman - "Black Swan"

Annette Bening, “The Kids Are All Right”; Nicole Kidman, “Rabbit Hole”; Jennifer Lawrence, “Winter’s Bone”; Natalie Portman, “Black Swan”; Michelle Williams, “Blue Valentine”

Will Win: Portman

Should Win: Bening

Overlooked: Anne Hathaway, “Love & Other Drugs”; Sally Hawkins, “Made in Dagenham”; Catherine Keener, “Please Give”; Diane Lane, “Secretariat”; Lesley Manville, “Another Year”; Julianne Moore, “The Kids Are All Right”; Noomi Rapace, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”; Julia Roberts, “Eat Pray Love”; Tilda Swinton, “I Am Love”; Hilary Swank, “Conviction”; Naomi Watts, “Fair Game”

The breadth of Portman’s fearless turn as perfection-obsessed ballerina Nina Sayers makes her the favorite, but she’ll have many more opportunities at Oscar glory. At 52, Bening, previously nominated three times and losing twice to Hilary Swank, gave the performance of her career as Nic, a beautifully complex woman coping with her partner’s infidelity and the unexpected presence of their sperm donor. It would be a thrill to see Bening’s marvelously compelling, less is more achievement duly rewarded.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Christian Bale - "The Fighter"

Christian Bale, “The Fighter”;  John Hawkes, “Winter’s Bone”; Jeremy Renner, “The Town”; Mark Ruffalo, “The Kids Are All Right”; Geoffrey Rush, “The King’s Speech”

Will Win: Bale

Should Win: Rush

Overlooked: David Andrews, “Fair Game”; Lucas Black, “Get Low”; Vincent Cassel, “Black Swan”; Bill Cobbs, “Get Low”; Chris Cooper, “The Company Men”; Matt Damon, “True Grit”; Michael Douglas, “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”; Andrew Garfield, “The Social Network”; Armie Hammer, “The Social Network”;  Josh Hutcherson, “The Kids Are All Right”; Richard Jenkins, “Eat Pray Love”; Tommy Lee Jones, “The Company Men”; Ben Kingsley, “Shutter Island”; Ewan McGregor, “I Love You Philip Morris”; Ben Mendelsohn, “Animal Kingdom”; Bill Murray, “Get Low”; John Ortiz, “Jack Goes Boating”; Sean Penn, “Fair Game”; Pete Postlethwaite, “The Town”; Sam Rockwell, “Conviction”; Michael Shannon, “The Runaways”; Miles Teller, “Rabbit Hole”

In a less competitive year, Rush, who was so formidable and magnetic as speech therapist Lionel Logue, would be a shoo-in, but he already has an Oscar thanks to “Shine.” In an attempt to spread the wealth, the Academy will finally embrace the dynamic Bale, who should have won an Oscar for “American Psycho” and absolutely delivered one of the best performances by a child actor in “Empire of the Sun.” The cinematic chameleon left nothing undone as the larger-than-life Dicky Eklund.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Hailee Steinfeld - "True Grit"

Amy Adams, “The Fighter”;  Helena Bonham Carter, “The King’s Speech”;  Melissa Leo, “The Fighter”;  Hailee Steinfeld, “True Grit;  Jacki Weaver, “Animal Kingdom”

Will Win: Steinfeld

Should Win: Weaver

Overlooked: Annette Bening, “Mother and Child”; Marion Cotillard, “Inception”; Rosemarie DeWitt, “The Company Men”; Dale Dickey, “Winter’s Bone”; Kimberly Elise, “For Colored Girls”; Shareeka Epps, “Mother and Child”; Ann Guilbert, “Please Give”; Rebecca Hall, “Please Give”; Sally Hawkins, “Never Let Me Go”; Barbara Hershey, “Black Swan”; Cherry Jones, “Mother and Child”; Mila Kunis, “Black Swan”; Rooney Mara, “The Social Network”; Miranda Richardson, “Made in Dagenham”; Daphne Rubin-Vega, “Jack Goes Boating”; Sissy Spacek, “Get Low”; Kristin Scott Thomas, “Nowhere Boy”; Marisa Tomei, “Cyrus”; Mia Wasikowska, “The Kids Are All Right”; Kerry Washington, “Mother and Child”; Naomi Watts, “Mother and Child”; Dianne Weist, “Rabbit Hole”; Olivia Williams, “The Ghost Writer”

Extremely close to call. Weaver deserves to win as the cunningly affectionate yet chillingly malevolent matriarch in the little-seen “Animal Kingdom,” but this race is a newcomer/veteran showdown between 14-year-old Steinfeld and 50-year-old Leo. Steinfeld, a firecracker plucked from obscurity out of nearly 15,000 girls who auditioned for the role of Mattie Ross, should have been placed in the Best Actress category, but her sharp, impressively language-driven, wiser-than-her-years portrayal ignited the screen nonetheless. If she takes the prize, she’ll continue the recent trend of actresses winning here on their first nomination (such as Jennifer Hudson, Mo’Nique, Tilda Swinton and Rachel Weisz) and also become the youngest Supporting Actress champ since Anna Paquin (“The Piano”). Leo, a consummate character actress well-suited to play the fiery Alice Ward, might fall victim to her questionably smug Oscar campaign, vote-splitting with Adams and the magnitude of Steinfeld’s distinct work, particularly her screen time.

The 83rd annual Academy Awards, co-hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway, will be telecast live on ABC Sunday, February 27 at 8 p.m. For a complete list of nominees, visit www.oscar.com. In related news, The Neon Movies, 130 E. Fifth St. in downtown Dayton, and The Little Art Theatre, 247 Xenia Ave. in Yellow Springs, will host Oscar parties Sunday evening. For information about The Neon’s festivities, call (937) 222-7469 or visit www.neonmovies.com. For more information about The Little Art’s festivities, call (937) 767-7671 or visit www.littleart.com

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre: 02/24 – 03/09

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2011

“it can be interesting to see if other people – like dead people who wrote books – agree or disagree with what you think… because it makes you – a larger part of the human community.” – Eurydice

I’m currently in the midst of rehearsing to play Eurydice in Sarah Ruhl’s beautiful play of the same title. When asked why she loves books, Eurydice says, “It can be interesting to see if other people – like dead people who wrote books – agree or disagree with what you think… because it makes you – a larger part of the human community.”

Theatre, I believe, does the same. We sit in performance spaces surrounded by other audience members, and all experience a show slightly differently; we perform on stages in front of any number of people, but only focus on the ones in the world of the play; we talk about plays and glance at reviews and comment on upcoming events.

I impulsively went to Chicago this past weekend to see two plays, and was reminded of these concepts as I spent some time in the audience. Seeing shows does bring us closer as human beings, whether with the two people we came with or the 212 in the audience, and that can be incredibly moving. So, these next two weeks, take someone you know to come see one of these shows, and enjoy being a part of that community.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Fat Pig DTG: Fat Pig

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: From the moment they meet, Tom finds Helen witty and charming, and they quickly fall in love. She happens to be quite plus-sized; Tom claims not to mind, but the people around him do. In this daring and provocative play, one of famed and cruelly witty Neil LaBute’s best, we explore societal treatment of the unfit, our despisal in others of what we fear in ourselves, and the ever-relevant question of whether size really matters or not.
Dates: February 11 – 27, 2011
Tickets and More Information: DTG: Fat P ig, DMM preview

Play On

BROOKVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Story: In this behind-the-scenes comedy about an amateur theatre group, novice director Gerry Dunbar deals with a diva actress (supported by her doting husband) and their play’s haughty author (with a plethora of rewrites), rounded out by a cranky stage manager and technician. This riotous comedy exemplifies only too well the old theatre adage – “If it can go wrong… it will.”
Dates: February 17 – 19 & 24 – 26 at 8pm and February 20 & 27 at 3pm
Tickets and More Information: Brookville Flower Shop, (937) 833-3531

The Foreigner

SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Story: Charlie is pathologically shy; staying together at a bed and breakfast, his friend decides telling the other guests he is foreign and speaks no English will be the easiest thing to do… but once alone with the guests, he overhears more than he should – and much more than they want him to. “Based on what the NY Post describes as a “devilishly clever idea,” the play demonstrates what can happen when a group of devious characters must deal with a stranger who (they think) knows no English” (Dramatists).
Dates: Continues through Saturday, February 26
Tickets: (937) 512-2808 or http://www.sinclair.edu/arts
More Information: DMM event page, DMM preview

WSU: Picnic

Picnic

WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

The Story: In a small town in Kansas, everything is going calmly and according to plan for widow Flo Owens and her two daughters. Madge, the oldest, is on her way to being a trophy wife while the younger, more rambunctious daughter Millie is getting ready to go to college on a scholarship. However, Flo starts to worry about their safety when Hal, a handsome but troubled drifter, shows up… (WSU)
Dates: February 17th-19th & 24th-26th at 8:00 PM, February 20th, 26th, & 27th at 2:00 PM, and February 23rd at 7:00 PM.
Tickets and More Information: (937) 775-2500, onStageDayton Review

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Honk!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Auditions: February 23, beginning at 3:45 pm; February 26, beginning at 8:45 am. Register in advance.

THT: Berenstein Bears (2011)

THT: Berenstein Bears (2011) (Photo Credit Mike Long)

Performances: May 6 – 22, 2011
The Story: “Right from the start, Billy, Beaky, Downy and Fluff start flapping and squawking over their freshly-hatched brother duck. He just doesn’t seem right. His feet are way too big, he’s a lousy quacker and, well, he looks downright ugly! Even his parents are embarrassed to show him to the rest of the barnyard. Feeling miserable and alone, “Ugly” leaves home and begins a dangerous journey that will take him to a place where he, too, can be beautiful.” (THT)
Directed by Brittany Hayden-Hinkle
More Information: (937) 433-8957, Town Hall Theatre


La Cage Aux Folles

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Auditions: February 28 & March 1, 2011 (Callbacks March 3 & 4)
Performances: May 13 – 29, 2011
The Story: George (a glitzy nightclub owner) and his partner Albin (also the glamorous chanteuse Zaza)’s son is getting married… and in this musical, he brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair. “The bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly [in this] tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together… stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to themselves!”
Directed by Doug Lloyd
More Information: Dayton Playhouse: Auditions

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

First Friday

DOWNTOWN DAYTON PARTNERSHIP

The Basics: In this monthly event, Dayton showcases a variety of artistic, creative, and fun events and locations downtown. Gallery exhibits and entertainment provide a great way to discover downtown and have a great time!
Date: Friday, March 4 (and the first Friday of every month!)
More Information and Events Listing: Downtown Dayton partnership: First Friday

~KN

Another Year, Barney’s Version + FREE Oscar Party!

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Hello Everyone.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Though RABBIT HOLE didn’t perform quite like THE KING’S SPEECH, you helped make Dayton look a lot more film savvy than many other similar-sized markets. RABBIT HOLE had a successful weekend, and I’ve heard many, many positive reviews. Therefor, RABBIT HOLE will stick around…and we’ll still manage to open 2 new films – BARNEY’S VERSION and ANOTHER YEAR.

Synopsis for ANOTHER YEAR: “British filmmaker Mike Leigh delivers another emotionally honest portrait of ordinary people trying to make sense of their lives in this comedy drama. Tom (Jim Broadbent) and Gerri (Ruth Sheen) are a couple who are drifting past middle age into their sixties; he’s a geologist and she’s a psychotherapist. Tom and Gerri have a stable and happy marriage and a grown son, Joe (Oliver Maltman), an activist lawyer who hasn’t settled down yet, much to his mother’s chagrin. One of Gerri’s co-workers and close friends is Mary (Lesley Manville), who puts up a facade of desperate good cheer despite the fact she’s been very lonely since her husband left her and has been drowning her anxieties in wine. Another Year received its world premiere at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.” (Mark Deming, ALL MOVIE GUIDE)  OFFICIAL SITE

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Synopsis for BARNEY’S VERSION: “Barney’s Version is the story of Barney Panofsky, a seemingly ordinary man who lives an extraordinary life. A candid confessional, told from Barney’s point of view, the film spans three decades and two continents, taking us through the different acts of his unusual history. There is his first wife, Clara, a flame-haired, flagrantly unfaithful free sprit with whom Barney briefly lives la vie de Boheme in Rome. The Second Mrs. P. is a wealthy Jewish Princess who shops and talks incessantly, barely noticing that Barney is not listening. And it is at their lavish wedding that Barney meets, and starts pursuing, Miriam, his third wife, the mother of his two children, and his true love. With his father, Izzy as his sidekick, Barney takes us through the many highs, and a few too many lows, of his long and colorful life. Not only does Barney turn out to be a true romantic, he is also capable of all kinds of sneaky acts of gallantry, generosity, and goodness when we – and he – least expect it. His is a gloriously full life, played out on a grand scale. And, at its center stands an unlikely hero – the unforgettable Barney Panofsky.”
(Sony Pictures Classics)  OFFICIAL SITE

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This Sunday (Feb. 27) is our Annual OSCAR Screening Party. The show starts at 8:00 (doors open at 7:30) and admission is FREE – first come, first serve. Ballots are now available in our lobby, and prizes are arriving daily (screenplays, soundtracks, dvds, etc.). The big prize – provided by our friends at Square One Salon & Spa – will be a salon gift basket complete with champagne and movie goodies. In addition, our friends at Granola Snacks are donating lots of gourmet granola for the festivities. Join fellow movie lovers as we celebrate the “Cinephile’s Superbowl.” You must be present to win prizes.
Special thanks to the folks at ThinkTV for helping us to get a signal for the telecast!

The International College of Broadcasting & Mike Giannott have rented our theater for a special, one night only screening…complete with multiple shorts, a PSA and their centerpiece film. “ZOMBIE PUNK ATTACK is a short film written, produced and directed by Aaron Cline and Mike Giannott. It’s taken from a comic written by Aaron Cline. It, of course, has a diseased animal, a lab technician that gets bitten and a mad scientist who has the cure – sprinkle that with an all-girl punk band and what could possibly go wrong? Well, a lot. Ride the wave of undead through this tale of death, decay, punk rock and weaponry. It stars Brittany Nagy, Brian Hixon, Paige Beller, Nicki Brooks, Moriah Yux, Sarah Kouse, Nina Lombardo and Marty Velez. Come on out on Tuesday, March 1st 2011, for the World Premier and help support local filmmakers. Tickets are $5.00. There will be a raffle for dvds and the movie poster (signed by the directors and stars).” (taken from press notes)

Tickets for the documentary NORTH DIXIE DRIVE are now on sale. The film will play on Saturday, March 26 at 5:00pm and tickets are $6 each (and only $4 for members of FilmDayton). “North Dixie Drive is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from official website)

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Both the Dayton Jewish International Film Festival and FilmDayton are gearing up for their annual festivals. In addition, several special events have booked screenings at THE NEON. March, April & May will have numerous opportunities for you to catch films that you otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to see. I’ll keep you posted as details are confirmed.

If you were lucky enough to see Djuna Wahlrab’s short film FALLING UP, don’t miss seeing her set pieces and puppets at the 5th Street Gallery at Stivers School for the Arts. The exhibit opens this Thursday and will run for a month. Call (937)542-7448 for more details.

We’re scheduled to open BIUTIFUL on March 4…so titles may come and go quickly.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for February 25 – March 3:

RABBIT HOLE (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday: 3:10, 7:40, 9:40
Sunday: 3:10
Monday: 3:10, 7:40
Tuesday: 3:10
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:10, 7:40

ANOTHER YEAR (PG-13) 2 Hr 09 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

BARNEY’S VERSION (R) 2 Hr 14 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:15, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:10, 7:40

THE OSCARS
Sunday: 7:30 – Seating Begins

ZOMBIE PUNK ATTACK (NR)
Tuesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
March 4 BIUTIFUL
March 11 CEDAR RAPIDS
TBD I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
TBD SOMEWHERE
TBD TINY FURNITURE
TBD CASINO JACK
TBD JANE EYRE

The September Heat Brings Pleasure and Pain

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Wright State University commendably stages William Inge’s 1953 Pulitzer Prize-winning romantic drama “Picnic,” an authentically engaging slice of life about family, friendship, love and regret boiling over on a hot Labor Day weekend in 1950s Kansas.

The tall, lanky and handsome Riley Able is a personable focal point as Hal Carter, a drifter who sets hearts aflutter in the shared backyard of Flo Owens (Tess Talbot, reminiscent of a young Judith Ivey) and Helen Potts (an excellent Kelsey Hopkins). Hal, a former football hero with a troubled past, has grown accustomed to making women swoon, but finally finds what he’s looking for in Flo’s pretty daughter Madge (Stephanie Tucker), the girlfriend of wholesome Alan Seymour (Greg Mallios), Hal’s college friend.

“Picnic,” which opened Thursday, February 17 delicately directed by Marya Spring Cordes, thrives on its central love triangle, and there is palpable chemistry between Able and Tucker, particularly during an impromptu dance that hints at the sexual fireworks to come. Tucker fully conveys Madge’s soul-searching essence and supplies an emotional tug-of-war as her pivotal choice of suitor begins to blur. The moment of truth arises in a flustered frenzy which Tucker wonderfully infuses with touching optimism. The appealing Able, astutely remembering Hal doesn’t feel comfortable being “natural,” exudes a charming, sunny bravado that rarely wanes. Mallios, an effectively straight-laced contrast, is especially strong late in the play when Alan’s aims turn to betrayal.

Along withMallios,  Talbot and Hopkins (who is heartbreaking in the final minutes when Helen recalls her fondness for Hal), fine featured portrayals stem from the delightful Chelsey Cavender as sassy tomboy Millie Owens, Becca Frick and Dani Cox as respective teachers Irma Kronkite and Christine Schoenwalder, Joey Monda as paperboy Bomber and the voice of Helen’s mother, and Valerie Reaper as the opinionated Rosemary Sydney, who fears growing old and is desperate to wed Howard Bevans (Zach Schute). The ladies are particularly clothed in striking period designs by D. Bartlett Blair, and Nicholas Crumbley’s lovely lighting design is also a plus.

Picnic continues through Sunday, February 27 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Performances are Wednesday at 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 80 minutes; Act Two: 38 minutes. Tickets are $17 and $19. For tickets or more information, call (937) 775-2500.

In related news, Wright State is in need of storage space for sets and props. “We want  and need to recycle our sets, reuse major portions in future shows, as a major way of economizing and being more green,” said W. Stuart McDowell, chair and artistic director of WSU’s Department of Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures. McDowell, who will stage WSU’s Ohio collegiate premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera in spring 2012, can be reached by phone at (937) 775-3784 or by e-mail at [email protected]

The Reluctant Communicator

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Despite the fact that Larry Shue decided to use the Ku Klux Klan as the momentum-killing dark underbelly of his 1983 Southern fried farce “The Foreigner,” it doesn’t deter the amusement of Sinclair Community College’s entertaining presentation, which opened Friday, February 18 nimbly directed by Nelson Sheely.

The charming Isaac Hollister is perfectly cast as Charlie, the unassuming titular Englishman who visits a quaint fishing lodge (rustically designed by Terry Stump) to escape the worry of his wife’s ailing health. The opening minutes are slow, but the comedy kicks into gear once the colorfully unsuspecting folks at the rural Georgia lodge are told Charlie is from a faraway country and doesn’t speak English. It’s a treat to see Hollister exude a sense of timid bewilderment, particularly in moments of eavesdropping, that delightfully evolves into sly confidence as Charlie settles into his surroundings and ultimately becomes an unlikely hero. He is particularly terrific uttering gibberish in Act 2.

Melissa Kerr Ertsgaard, one of Sinclair’s most versatile performers, returns with another strong turn as Betty, the hospitable lodge owner who wants nothing more than to ensure Charlie’s comfort even while screaming in his face. Steven Brotherton, a standout in Sinclair’s marvelous production of “Dog Sees God” last season, is likeable once more as the dim-witted Ellard, who humorously becomes Charlie’s English teacher. As Ellard’s sister Catherine, Sarah Parsons forms a pleasant rapport with Hollister and is well-matched with Nicklaus Moberg as David, a minister with evil on his mind. Travis Clyburn energetically tackles the stereotypical Owen, David’s redneck partner in crime. Chris Hahn has fun as Froggy, Charlie’s British confidant. Aisha Ahmed, Nicole Dine, Lyrit Ertsgaard, Katie Kluck, Rebecca Knowles and Josh Smith complete the cast.

The Foreigner continues through Saturday, February 26 in Blair Hall Theatre, Building 10, at Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes. Act Two: 60 minutes. All seats are reserved and cost $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. All Thursday tickets cost an additional $5 and includes pre-show appetizers and cash bar. For tickets or more information, call (937) 512-2808 or visit www.sinclair.edu/arts

Victoria Theatre Association Reveals 2011-12 Season

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Victoria Theatre Association announces 2011-2012 season line upVICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

2011-2012 Season Announcement

The Victoria Theatre Association hosted a special event Tuesday evening to announce their upcoming season to a Wintergarden-packed collection of special guests, subscribers and donors.  The event had a theatrical flair complete with special lighting, dramatically unfurled banners, a prop or two and even a cash bar.  The focus of the event was to build a buzz for the upcoming productions that will be included on the various series offered by the organization for the 2011-12 season.

The line up includes many titles that will be familiar to Dayton audiences.  The biggest surprise of the evening was the announcement that Wicked would make a return trip to the Gem City.  The musical broke VTA box office records just a year ago.  The witches will return to the Schuster Center in Spring 2012.  The big questions will be whether or not the Dayton market will be able to support another 3 1/2 week run of the mega-musical, and whether the VTA staff will ever be willing to voluntarily wear green again.

Some promising moments in the Broadway series include the first visit of Jersey Boys, the 2006 Tony Award winning musical and Wishful Drinking starring Carrie Fisher, the one woman Broadway show starring everyone’s favorite inter-galactic princess.

The Human Race Theatre Company’s contribution to the 2011-12 Broadway series will be the world premiere production of Tenderly:  The Rosemary Clooney Musical. This musical about the legendary stage & screen star from the Cincinnati area was developed by area writers Janet Yates Vogt & Mark Friedman.  The show received a developmental workshop in the Human Race Theatre Co. 2010 summer Musical Theatre Workshop.

There are additional local ties in at least two of the productions on the schedule.  1986 Wright State University alum Brad Sherwood, mostly widely recognized from his appearances on the TV program Whose Line Is It Anyways? will return to Dayton in Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood:  Two Man Group. Muse Machine alum Benjamin Magnuson will appear in the cast of the 25th anniversary production of Les Miserables. Ben has  a couple major Broadway credits under his belt, most notably his performance as Anthony in the recent John Doyle revival of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, alongside Patti Lupone & Michael Cerveris.

Besides a few questionable selections, the 2011-2012 line up of VTA performances should prove to be fairly well received, yet it still seems like very safe programming.  I can understand the desire to play it safe in the current economic climate, but I was really hoping that there would be at least a couple of envelope pushing titles (similar to the inclusion of Spring Awakening & Avenue Q on this season’s Star Attractions…perhaps Next To Normal or even the recent revival of Hair).  It sounds as if the upcoming Avenue Q is selling quite well, so I hope that there are a couple of additional Star Attractions, yet to be named, even if only one-night-only affairs.

Below is the official press information for each of the shows listed in four of the major series offered.  The VTA offers additional programs such as The Discovery Series for kids, the Mid-Day Arts Cafe, the ImPACT series and other educational opportunities.  Read about these other offerings and more information about the organization at www.VictoriaTheatre.com.

Season subscriptions for the 2011-2012 Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series are on sale now via Ticket Center Stage and may be purchased at the Box Office, online at www.ticketcenterstage.com or by phone 937/228-3630 or toll free at 888/228-3630. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday noon – 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance.

Victoria Theatre Association 2011-2012 Selections:

Victoria Theatre Association announces 2011-2012 Broadway Series

Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN October 4 – 9, 2011– Schuster CenterMel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

October 4 – 9, 2011– Schuster Center

The classic Mel Brooks movie is ALIVE…and it’s headed to Dayton! This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Fronkensteen) as he attempts to create a monster — but not without scary and hilarious complications. The brains behind the laughter is mad genius and three-time Tony® winner Mel Brooks himself — who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book along with his record-breaking, award-winning team from The Producers.

Adult situations and language.

TRACES December 6 - 18, 2011 – Victoria TheatreTRACES

December 6 – 18, 2011 – Victoria Theatre

TRACES combines awe-inspiring acrobatics with infectious urban energy. With versatile artists who deliver dazzling, gravity-defying displays of skill, dance, and acrobatic brilliance. Created by 7 Fingers, an astonishingly talented company that has pioneered a whole new brand of theatrical entertainment, this unique new show is described as “Family Friendly and Urban Date Night Cool!” by Chris Jones of The Chicago Tribune.

JERSEY BOYS January 17 – February 5, 2012 – Schuster CenterJERSEY BOYS

January 17 – February 5, 2012 – Schuster Center

Too Good to Be True!,” raves the New York Post for JERSEY BOYS, the 2006 Tony Award®-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, The Four Seasons:  Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30! JERSEY BOYS, winner of the 2006 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album and most recently, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

Authentic, profane Jersey language and adult situations.

Tenderly: the Rosemary Clooney musical - February 21 – March 4, 2012 – Victoria TheatreTENDERLY: The Rosemary Clooney Musical
By Janet Yates Vogt & Mark Friedman
produced by The Human Race Theatre Company

February 21 – March 4, 2012 – Victoria Theatre

The story of film actress and legendary singer Rosemary Clooney comes to life on stage in TENDERLY, an engaging new musical that captures the highlights of her amazing career and the challenges she faced as wife, mother and performer.  Hear her beloved and classic songs, meet the characters who touched her life, and follow this remarkable woman on a journey that leads to ultimate triumph.

WISHFUL DRINKING starring Carrie Fisher April 10 – 22, 2012 – Victoria TheatreWISHFUL DRINKING starring Carrie Fisher

April 10 – 22, 2012 – Victoria Theatre

The daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher became a cultural icon when she starred as “Princess Leia” in the first Star Wars trilogy at 19 years old. Forever changed, Carrie’s life did not stay picture perfect. Fisher is the life of the party in this uproarious and sobering look at her Hollywood hangover. A colorful evening of what Fisher calls “talking about myself behind my back,” Wishful Drinking is a breezy combination of one-liners and behind-the-Hollywood-scenes-gossip, all relayed with Fisher’s withering, dry humor.

Adult language and situations.

WICKED May 30 – June 24, 2012 – Schuster CenterWICKED

May 30 – June 24, 2012 – Schuster Center

Entertainment Weekly calls WICKED “the best musical of the decade,” and when it first played Dayton in 2010, it broke box office records and sold out in record time. Winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, WICKED is Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, a cultural phenomenon and was just named “the defining musical of the decade” by The New York Times.

VTA - Victoria Theatre Association VARIETY SERIES logo

THE FLYING KARAMAZOV BROTHERS October 7, 2011 – Victoria TheatreTHE FLYING KARAMAZOV BROTHERS

October 7, 2011 – Victoria Theatre

Four times triumphant on Broadway, the award-winning Flying Karamazov Brothers are back with an unforgettable spectacle of music, comedy, dance, theatre and juggling. “100 minutes of cleverness and comedy go by in a flash,” “It’s the Julliard String Quartet meets Monty Python,” and “as close to a sure thing as can be found on stage.”  “It’s unleashed fun!” Come join the Flying K’s in proving with each unique performance, that the unexpected events in our lives are the best part of being human.

GONE MADIGAN with KATHLEEN MADIGAN February 3, 2012 – Victoria TheatreGONE MADIGAN with KATHLEEN MADIGAN

February 3, 2012 – Victoria Theatre

“One of America’s funniest female comics” (Jay Leno), “The funniest woman in America” (Lewis Black) and “One of my favorite comedians” (Bob Costas), comedienne Kathleen Madigan has made a name for herself around the globe since her winning bout on the 2004 “Last Comic Standing.” In addition to three CDs and now four DVDs of her hilarious work, she has been seen extensively on TV including E!, CNN, “The Tonight Show” (10 appearances), “The Late Show with David Letterman” (5 appearances), “The Conan O’Brien Show,” HBO, Comedy Central, and ESPN.

COLIN MOCHRIE & BRAD SHERWOOD: TWO MAN GROUP April 28, 2012 – Victoria TheatreCOLIN MOCHRIE & BRAD SHERWOOD: TWO MAN GROUP

April 28, 2012 – Victoria Theatre

Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, stars of the EmmyR-nominated “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” have teamed up to present an evening of extraordinary improvisational comedy.  Using their quick wit, Colin and Brad take contributions from the audience to create hilarious and original scenes — just like a live version of “Whose Line”!  Their high-profile presentations have played to sold-out venues all over the country. “A two-hour laugh riot!” – Springfield Sun News


VTA - Victoria Theatre Association STAR ATTRACTIONS logo

Star Attractions appeal to the cultural and ethnic variety of our community and may include blockbuster Broadway hits, cutting-edge off-Broadway theatre, family-friendly shows and concerts. Ranging from one-week runs to single-evening events, Victoria Theatre Association’s Star Attractions are presented to appeal to a variety of different audiences and guaranteed to provide you with the finest entertainment.

DAVID SEDARIS October 27, 2011 – Victoria TheatreDAVID SEDARIS

October 27, 2011 – Victoria Theatre

The celebrated NPR humorist comes to the Victoria Theatre for an evening of cutting wit, social satire, and riveting conversation, including a question and answer session! Experience live, the hilarious brilliance that created the national bestsellers: Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, and his latest best-seller, Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk. “One of America’s most prickly and most delicious, young comic talents.” – The Washington Post

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT October 30, 2011 – Schuster CenterMONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT

October 30, 2011 – Schuster Center

Winner of the 2005 Tony® Award for Best Musical, Monty Python’s SPAMALOT is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and The Holy Grail. Directed by Tony® Award-winner Mike Nichols, with a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy® Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez, SPAMALOT tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail.  Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up SPAMALOT.

Adult content.

LES MISÉRABLES November 22 – 27, 2011 – Schuster CenterLES MISÉRABLES

November 22 – 27, 2011 – Schuster Center

DREAM THE DREAM. 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.”  NY1-TV proclaims “musical theatre fans can rejoice: ‘Les Miz’ is born again.”

VTA - Victoria Theatre Association PNC FAMILY SERIES logo

BAM PERCUSSION: THE BLUE BARREL SHOW November 5 & 6, 2011BAM PERCUSSION: THE BLUE BARREL SHOW

November 5 & 6, 2011

Meet three completely odd characters who will have you rolling – and dancing! – in the aisles: BAM!  Fabulous drumming is mixed with zany, slide-splitting humor, and the results are contagious. With audience participation, quick-witted humor and impeccable timing, BAM has performed for thousands all around the world, including  extensive tours of Europe, Canada, Asia, South America, Africa and more, making it clear we all laugh in the same language.

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS December 3 & 4, 2011GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS

December 3 & 4, 2011

Exponents of the 25-century-old tradition of Chinese acrobatics, the Golden Dragon Acrobats defeat gravity and fear with feats of balancing, tumbling and startling gymnastic wizardry. They captivate audiences everywhere with the charm and swashbuckling showmanship of ancient skills, such as the Dancing Plates, the Diablo Yo-Yo, and The Tower of Chairs. Don’t miss this thrilling parade of contortionists, jugglers and dizzying, seat-wiggling entertainment.

STINKY CHEESE MAN & OTHER FAIRLY STUPID TALES February 4 & 5, 2012STINKY CHEESE MAN & OTHER FAIRLY STUPID TALES

Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

February 4 & 5, 2012


Poor Jack. He’s got to use his wits to save himself from the terrible Giant, but a host of familiar fairytale characters keep messing up his plans – and then there’s that annoying Stinky Cheese Man! The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales deconstructs the tradition of the fairy tale. Characters slide in and out of tales, Cinderella rebuffs Rumpelstiltskin, and Goldilocks meets the Three Elephants. Nothing is quite the same as you remember it, but all is hilariously fun!

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS LIVE! March 24 & 25, 2012THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS LIVE

March 24 & 25, 2012

Seatbelts everyone! The Magic School Bus® celebrates its 25th anniversary with an all-new musical adventure.  Ms. Frizzle’s students are putting on a play about global warming, and they need some cold, hard facts. The Friz and her reptilian sidekick, Liz, know just where to find them!  This is no ordinary field trip, as a hop on the Magic School Bus takes the class and the audience on a whirlwind tour. From the Arctic to the Equator, they see telltale signs of climate change and learn how conservation, recycling and alternative energy can make a positive difference.

Tickets & Performance Information:

WHY SUBSCRIBE?

Series subscribers receive many perks, including VIP service and the chance to purchase single tickets to shows before tickets go on sale to the general public.

  • GUARANTEED SEATS & THE BEST SEATS.

By the time tickets go on sale, the best seats will be snatched up by our series subscribers.  Sometimes just getting a seat at all is a challenge! Buy the series of your choice and get the best seats for every show!

  • SAVINGS.

With the Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Broadway Series, you’re getting six shows for the price of five– and saving as much as 15 percent over buying single tickets. Subscribe to all six Broadway shows for as little as $244, the three-show Variety series for as little as $83, and our five-show Family series for just $52!

  • ADVANCE SALE OPPORTUNITIES.

All series subscribers or season ticket holders can buy extra tickets to series shows–including JERSEY BOYS and WICKED–before they go on sale to the general public. Plus, you get the first crack at tickets to new shows as they’re added to our calendar!

  • FLEXIBILITY.

With subscriber exchange privileges, you can change your plans and change your seats for another performance time–no problem! A small up-charge fee will be applied if you switch into a more expensive performance.

  • TICKET INSURANCE.

If you misplace your tickets, just call Ticket Center Stage and we’ll reprint them for you.

  • DISCOUNTED PARKING.

Only series subscribers can purchase prepaid parking at the Arts Garage at Second and Ludlow Streets (to the west of the Schuster Center) at a discount! You’ll pay only $5 a park–instead of $7 for event parking. Parking packages are available for all three series.

  • GREAT ENTERTAINMENT.

Mark your calendar now with as many great performances as you like. We all need to relax and recharge, and there’s nothing like a fabulous performance to do just that!

SEASON TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!

To become a Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series subscriber, call Ticket Center Stage, at (937) 228-3630 (toll free (888) 228-3630), or subscribe online.

Not a subscriber? Call 937/228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com and purchase your subscription today!

Please note: New subscribers will be seated per their requests once renewing subscriber’s requests have been handled.

-SA/VTA Press Release

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

New Minor League Basketball Team Looking to Shoot Down Competition

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There may not be a new sheriff in town, but there is definitely a new professional basketball team in our midst, the Dayton Air Strikers, a Premier Basketball League (PBL) team.  The Air Strikers may be new to the Dayton-area and the PBL, but are looking to fly high in their first season.

The Air Strikers have been in existence for about three months and despite a 2-9 start the team is optimistic it can turn its season around.

Don Allen Sellers, Head Coach and General Manager for the Air Strikers, believes that he has a great group of talented men and makes it clear that he will not make any excuses for their slow start this season.

Don Allen Sellers

Sellers stated, “I want people to know the Premier Basketball League that we [Dayton Air Strikers] are a part of is not a semi-pro basketball league, it’s a professional basketball league. If you compared it to baseball it would be the Double-A of the Minor Leagues. These men are professionals and they get paid to play and I expect them to play as such. In spite of personnel changes and being a new team I won’t make any excuses for our guys. We have the talent. We just need to play like we have it.”

Sellers is a former NBA scout for the Memphis Grizzles and has coached overseas in developmental leagues, including ones in China, Dubai and Lebanon. Don brings tenure and tenacity to the Dayton Air Striker team.

Phillip "Mickey" Perry

University of Dayton graduate and 2010 NIT Championship winner Mickey Perry is among the talent Sellers speaks so passionately about. Perry, a guard for the Air Strikers, averages 11.5 points per game, shooting 41.3 percent from behind the arc and 71.4 percent from behind the free throw line according to the most recent PBL statistics.

Mickey added, “Even though we have lost some tough games, we are getting better every day. We just have to make sure we show up to play every night. It’s been hard with the constant shuffling of players and it makes it kind of hard to come together as a team, but I still won’t make any excuses. We just have to get out there and go hard.”

The PBL was formed in 2008 as a developmental basketball league and gained momentum in its first season, while TV Basketball Analyst Kenny Smith was Commissioner. The PBL is presently comprised of nine teams from Canada and the United States.

Air Striker games take place at Fairmont High School’s James S. Trent Arena in Kettering, Ohio. Be sure to support the Air Strikers as they take on Kentucky’s Bluegrass Stallions on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 7pm at Trent Arena.

For ticket information, schedule, team appearances, game stats and more, visit their website www.daytonairstrikers.com or contact them 937-410-4694.