Arts & Entertainment

He Almost Loves Her The Way She Is

February 17, 2011 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

Steve Strawser and Wendi Williams in Fat Pig (photo by Peter Wine)

FAT PIG

Dayton Theatre Guild

By Russell Florence, Jr.

In Neil LaBute’s incredibly thought-provoking 2004 comic drama “Fat Pig,” the second installment in his definitive “image trilogy” which includes “The Shape of Things” and the Tony Award-nominated “reasons to be pretty,” the easygoing Tom, a bachelor with commitment issues, has difficulty assessing his attraction to and future with plus-sized Helen, an amiable librarian who isn’t shy about what she eats or how she feels.

In a perfect world, this engaging couple, who meet casually during lunch and share common interests that fuel their compatibility, would be able to look past concerns of physicality or judgment from colleagues. However, happiness is fleeting in the LaBute universe. The controversial playwright/screenwriter/director doesn’t necessarily care about happily ever after, preferring instead to spotlight the cruel, vindictive ways men and women bruise and destroy relationships. This was powerfully realized in his direction of the underrated 2008 film “Lakeview Terrace,” a tale of interracial suburban hell starring Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington. Although his biting yet casually conversational dialogue caters to a frank, locker room mentality that can be off-putting, his particularly engrossing depictions of young adults adrift in romance or craving peer validation sting with truth.

In the Dayton Theatre Guild’s compelling production of “Fat Pig,” deftly staged with palpable tension by Fran Pesch, leading players Steve Strawser and Wendi Williams form an appealing bond illustrating a natural progression of budding love attempting to endure in spite of superficial obstacles. The understated Strawser isn’t a thirtysomething which makes Tom less hip in LaBute’s contemporary context, but he believably fashions the character as a meek charmer with a flighty personality prone to cowardice and being frozen by his own paranoia. Williams’ wonderfully sharp and ultimately heartbreaking portrayal of Helen radiates with cool self-awareness. Thanks to her unpretentious performance, it is apparent that Helen is a strong woman secure in her body who will confidently face anything with humor and grace no matter what the future holds.

Additionally, Nicolas Bauer as Tom’s annoyingly chauvinistic friend Carter and Amy Askins as Tom’s jealous ex Jeannie are dynamically brutal. The handsome, intimidating Bauer epitomizes masculine tactlessness, and excellently delivers Carter’s gripping monologue detailing his adolescent disgust of being seen in public with his overweight mother. Askins fiercely infuses Jeannie’s prickly persona with scorned, conceited flair, which beautifully evaporates opposite Strawser and Williams in the devastatingly honest final scene solidifying LaBute as one of the finest voices of his generation.

Fat Pig continues through Sunday, February 27 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, Act One: 60 minutes; Act Two: 40 minutes.

Tickets & Performance Information:

Neil LaBute’s FAT PIG – through Sunday, February 27 – Performance Times Vary (click for details)

Tickets Prices: $11 student / $16 senior / $18 adult

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

Contains adult situations and language.

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

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

-RF

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

RABBIT HOLE is Incredible. Don’t Miss It!

February 16, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

While at The Toronto International Film Festival last September, I saw close to 30 films from around the world. Only 2 English-language films made my “Top 5.” One was THE KING’S SPEECH (you loved that, right?)…the other was RABBIT HOLE – starring Nicole Kidman & Aaron Eckhart and directed by John Cameron Mitchell. This film has not been performing very well around the country, so folks don’t have high hopes for it in Dayton…but you can help change the trend by supporting this film opening weekend. It’s true that the subject matter is sad (that’s why people are staying away) – but there’s a great deal of healing in this film…with moments of wonderful laughter and happiness. Please spread the word and support this small, indie film with beautiful, honest performances.

Synopsis for RABBIT HOLE: “RABBIT HOLE is a vivid, hopeful, honest and unexpectedly witty portrait of a family searching for what remains possible in the most impossible of all situations.
Becca and Howie Corbett (NICOLE KIDMAN and AARON ECKHART) are returning to their everyday existence in the wake of a shocking, sudden loss. Just eight months ago, they were a happy suburban family with everything they wanted. Now, they are caught in a maze of memory, longing, guilt, recrimination, sarcasm and tightly controlled rage from which they cannot escape. While Becca finds pain in the familiar, Howie finds comfort…
RABBIT HOLE is directed by John Cameron Mitchell (HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH) from a script by acclaimed playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, adapted from his Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Additional cast includes two-time Oscar winner Dianne Wiest (HANNAH AND HER SISTERS & BULLETS OVER BROADWAY), Tammy Blanchard, Miles Teller, Giancarlo Esposito, Jon Tenney and Sandra Oh.” — (C) Lionsgate
Nicole Kidman has been nominated for “Best Actress” for this role, and Dianne Wiest was robbed for not being nominated. Don’t miss it!

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http://rabbitholefilm.com/index.html

The “D” review for THE ILLUSIONIST in Friday’s Dayton Daily News really hurt at the box office this weekend. Though nominated for “Best Animated Feature” and a darling at film festivals around the world, the paper has told me that the “D” review was the only review available for them to use from their wire service. (Most of you know that no one at Dayton Daily covers film any longer…all reviews are from other papers – and critics change from week to week.) That said, it would be a crime for us not to hold such a charming, magical film. THE ILLUSIONIST will stay for one screening a day for one more week. In addition, we’ll continue Djuna Wahlrab’s lovely stop-action film FALLING UP. Read more about FALLING UP by visiting the official website at – http://fallingupmovie.com/

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Hurry down…as we’re gonna keep moving…Next week, we will open ANOTHER YEAR and BARNEY’S VERSION!

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 website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site by clicking http://www.northdixiedrivemovie.com/

Plan on joining us for our Annual OSCAR Screening Party on Feb. 27. The show starts at 8:00 (doors open at 7:30) – 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!

Both the Dayton Jewish International Film Festival and FilmDayton are gearing up for their annual festivals. 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 they unveil plans for these film fests.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for February 18 – February 24:

RABBIT HOLE (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:10, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:30

BLUE VALENTINE (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:00, 7:20

THE ILLUSIONIST (PG) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday – Thursday: 3:00*
(*denotes preceded by FALLING UP)

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.
Feb. 25 BARNEY’S VERSION
Feb. 25 ANOTHER YEAR
March 11 CEDAR RAPIDS
TBD I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
TBD BIUTIFUL
TBD SOMEWHERE
TBD TINY FURNITURE
TBD CASINO JACK

Mistaken Identity: Classic Farce Opens at Sinclair

February 16, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Foreigner

SINCLAIR THEATRE

Larry Shue loved his comedy. And not just any comedy – but slapstick, drag down, knock out, CLASSIC comedy. Even though The Foreigner opened to sell-out audiences in Milwaukee in 1984, the script feels more like the golden age of comedy a la Sid Caesar. Under the expert direction of Nelson Sheeley, Sinclair Theatre tackles Shue’s classic romp beginning this weekend.

Set in a resort fishing lodge in Georgia, the comedy revolves around two of its guests, Englishman Charlie Baker and Staff Sergeant Froggy LeSueur. Charlie is so painfully shy that he is unable to speak. To explain it away, Froggy claims his companion is the native of an exotic country who does not understand a word of English. Before long, Charlie finds himself privy to assorted secrets and scandals freely discussed in front of him by the other visitors. These include spoiled Southern belle Catherine Simms and the man to whom she is somewhat reluctantly engaged,and impregnated by, the Reverend David Lee, a seemingly humble preacher with a dark underside. Her younger brother, Ellard, a chubby and somewhat “slow” boy is a simpleton who tries to teach Charlie how to speak English. Owen Musser, the racist county property inspector, plans to oust property owner Betty Meeks and convert the lodge into a meeting place for the Ku Klux Klan.

The Foreigner is undoubtedly a great evening of laugh-out-loud antics.

It’s hilarity heaped upon hilarity in a style as old as the Greeks, perfected by Carol Burnett, and still the stuff of television sitcoms. In an unprecedented feat for such a wild farce, Shue won two Obie Awards and two Outer Circle Critics Award for Best New American Play and Outstanding Off-Broadway Production of 1984. The only other major return to New York for the play was the 2004 Roundabout Theatre Production starring the then fresh-off-The Producers Matthew Broderick. However, Shue never saw the success of his work following the Milwaukee original cast as he passed away just one year after its premiere. He was just 39, and still his two major plays – The Foreigner and 1981’s The Nerd are indeed a part of the American Theatre fabric.

The Sinclair cast includes: Chris Hahn, Isaac Hollister, Melissa Kerr Ertsgaard, Nick Moberg, Sarah Parsons, Travis Clyburn and Steven Brotherton.

-DB

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

Larry Schue’s THE FOREIGNER – February 08-26 – Performance Times Vary (click for details)

Tickets Prices: $15 Adult; $10 Students/Seniors/Sinclair Employees

Location: Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, Sinclair Community College – 444 West Third St, Dayton, OH 45402 (MAP)

Tickets are on sale now through Sinclair Theatre’s Online Box Office, or via phone at (937) 512-2808

For more information about Dayton Theatre Guild’s entire 2010-2011 season, visit http://www.sinclair.edu/arts/theatre/season/index.cfm or contact Sinclair Theatre via email at [email protected]

Virtuosos at Home – In South Park

February 14, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 2 Comments

Eileen Whalen

The following was submitted by Galen Wilson

South Park’s own is one of two featured soloists in concert with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra on Friday and Saturday, February 25 and 26, at the Schuster Center, 8:00 p.m. The concert, titled “Virtuosos at Home,” includes solos by Eileen Whalen, the orchestra’s principal oboe, and John Kurokawa, principal clarinet.

Eileen will play Bach’s Concerto in A Major for Oboe d’amore. She describes it as a “happy, joyful piece with an introspective inner movement.” It is not accompanied by the full orchestra but only by strings. She chose this piece in part because she has never played it before.

A surprising detail of this concert is that the orchestra’s principal oboist will not, in fact, be playing the oboe, but rather the “oboe d’amore.” Eileen describes this instrument as the “forgotten middle child” of the oboe family, larger than the oboe but smaller than the English horn. Invented in the mid-17^th century, it was a very popular instrument in the Baroque era but is no longer part of the standard contemporary orchestra. It differs from the oboe in having a bell-shaped rather than a simple flared horn, and is pitched a minor third below the oboe. In other words, the fingering Eileen uses on the oboe to obtain a “C” pitch produces an “A” on the oboe d’amore. Eileen also notes that most oboe players do not own an oboe d’amore, including her. She will be playing a rented instrument on February 25 and 26.

Eileen first heard an oboe in a recording of Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” that her parents played for her when she was only two or three, and she loved the sound of it from the start. She did not start to play the oboe until junior high school. Unlike violins, there is no such thing as oboe “junior” sizes, so most oboists do not start when very young. Although she loved music, she did not decide to make a career of it until the summer before starting college, and gave up a slot in the honors program of one college to enroll in Rice University’s music department. She finished her bachelor’s degree at the University of Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music, and has since earned her Master’s degree at the California Institute of the Arts.

Although it is upwards of 300 years old, the oboe continues to be refined and improved. Minor adjustments to the basic instrument have even come about since Eileen began to play. Ironically, these improvements may actually make it more difficult to play Baroque pieces on instruments of newer design. Continual design changes are possible because unlike many other instruments, particularly strings, oboes do not survive for decades or hundreds of years. Wear and tear, particularly on the “central bore” of the instrument, robs an oboe of projection and eventually of correct pitch as the bore shrinks, enlarges, and warps. A professional needs to replace her oboe every three to five years.

A good oboist is also a good craftsman. Eileen devotes an entire room in her home to making reeds for her instrument. Beginning with pieces of cane grown in France, Eileen uses a series of tools such as the pregouger, gouger, shaper, and—interestingly—guillotine to craft reeds for her instrument. Because it is organic matter, a reed is subject to changes brought about by humidity and even altitude. A reed lasts on the average only 10 to 15 hours of playing.

Eileen moved to Dayton’s Historic South Park neighborhood in 2005, primarily because it was a neighborhood where she could find a house she both liked and could afford. She loves the high ceilings and carved woodwork inside her home, and the rich variety of architecture throughout the neighborhood. But more importantly, she loves the community spirit of South Park and the fact that she has made so many friends here. She says, “I’ve moved around a lot. The older you are, the harder it is to make friends in a new place because people of your own age group are more settled and involved with their own families.” If she had known how many friends awaited her in South Park, she’d have moved here the minute she arrived in Dayton. She has been active in neighborhood activities, most recently in spearheading a morning of “guerilla landscaping” in which neighbors gathered to clean up an abandoned lot.

Eileen has been the principal oboe of the Dayton Philharmonic since 2001. Prior to that, she held that same position at the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra and Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. As a member of the Dayton Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet, Eileen performs 52 concerts that reach over 3,000 school children each year. She says she is fortunate to be able to do what she loves as a full-time job, to have great colleagues to work with in the Dayton Philharmonic, and to play in such a “fantastic” hall as the Schuster Center.

Virtuosos at Home is part of the Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Classical Series and can be seen at the Schuster Center on Friday and Saturday February 25-26. Ticket information can be found at http://www.daytonphilharmonic.com/content.jsp?articleId=1804

Shhhhh….

February 11, 2011 By Shane Anderson 1 Comment

Vincent Holiday

Dirty Little Secret

presented by J.T. Ryder & Vincent Holiday

A while back, while at the DMM contributor holiday party, J.T. Ryder mentioned to me that he was putting together a new kind of show. Now, J.T. Ryder has quite a backstory – he’s a mysterious, intellectual, no-nonsense kind of guy…used to work in the circus (no joke), used to guard diamonds (no joke), seriously loves the Dew (addiction) and passionate about what he does (whatever that is) – I was more than a little bit intrigued about what kind of show this guy might be developing, especially when words like vaudeville and burlesque started creeping into the conversation. A little over a month later, that show is a reality. J.T. Ryder and Vincent Holiday will be presenting A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET next Wednesday night in the Oregon District’s Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub and they’ve got an interesting line-up.

I had a few more questions for J.T. about what exactly this secret is:

onStageDayton: When we first spoke about this new show happening, it was being billed as a burlesque or vaudeville-style show. What exactly are we talking about here?

Geborah

J.T. Ryder: I originally began describing Dirty Little Secret as a burlesque style event, but that was a bit of a misnomer. Although it has elements of burlesque and vaudeville, it has evolved into more of a variety show. I would like to have some true burlesque in the show, but most of what I am seeing is more like plain old stripping. It would be great if I could find something local that was more in the realm of skit comedy, kitsch or a classy portrayal rather than just pasties and panties. I think that the show has evolved into the realm that it needs to be in: a wide ranging variety show of divergent acts that an audience would never really see all in one place.

OSD: When I think “variety show” I think of Rowan & Martin, Sonny & Cher , The Gong Show and all the Late Night programs. Images of stupid human tricks, chimps on tricycles and ukelele-wielding musicians come to mind. What genres of entertainment can audiences expect?

Patricia Berg

J.T.: Well, there is Henrique Couto, who is a comedic musician, and he will be opening the show with songs and banter. Geborah will then take the stage and she is a jazz hip-hop dancer, and I’m even intrigued to see what she is going to come up with. Patricia Berg is next up. She is an absolutely phenomenal vocalist. She has performed in such elegant venues that I finally had to ask her what she expected from this show and it came down to the vibe and the creativity that this show offered. Rounding out the show will be Underbelly, which is a comedy/improve troupe out of Cincinnati. Holding the whole thing together will be our emcee, Vincent Holiday, who will introduce and interview the acts as well as doing some of his own monologues. It’s kind of like a Tarantino soundtrack: it is all from different genres and different eras, but it all seems to blend well together.

OSD: This event is taking place in Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District. Is there anything planned to give the experience a different vibe than a night at the comedy club?

Underbelly

J.T.: Yes, there is also going to be a special wait staff in place. I want the whole evening to be an immersive experience from the moment the customer walks through the door. The waitresses will be decked out in their favorite retro/pin-up style outfit and will be a prominent part of the evening. I know one girl has a little 1940’s style outfit prepared, with black fishnet stockings and all the accouterments. I have not been really specific as far as era or anything…I think it will be fun just to see what everyone shows up in.

OSD: J.T. I have a question that you don’t want to answer. It’s regarding teh fishnet stockings that you mentioned in the above answer and Henrico. ((Publishers Note: this question has been removed for public decency reasons. It involved J.T. Ryder’s Dirty Little Secret and fishnet stockings. -B. Pote)

J.T.: My God, Shane! I can’t believe that you would ask me such a question! You should be ashamed! Ashamed I say!

OSD: The show sounds really intriguing and I’m sure other performers in the area might be interested in getting involved in future editions. Will there be more “Dirty Little Secrets” down the road? What other types of acts would you be interested in including?

Henrique Couto

J.T.: We are kind of waiting to see what the outcome of this show is before cementing the next show in place. There has been a lot of interest from various performers and artists that want to be involved. Some of the elements that will be added to future shows will be theatrical groups, storytellers and music from different genres like boogie-woogie and surf music. I am also looking for people with skills for short sets like jugglers, magicians and entertainers such as that. The one thing we do have set in stone is a show coming up on March 23rd which will feature The Invisible Man Corporation, which is a true sideshow out of Austin, Texas.

OSD: Austin, Texas? The city has a motto of “Keep Austin Weird.” I imagine The Invisible Man Corp. Sideshow is pretty entertaining. I’ll have to google them.

J.T.: They have the whole freakshow thing in place. There is a sword swallower, a fire-eater, a glass eater, a glass walker, a human blockhead…they have it all. It should be a very, very interesting evening.

Tickets & Performance Information:

J.T. Ryder and Vincent Holiday Presents A DIRTY LITTLE SECRET

When: Wednesday, February 16th at 8:00 pm.

Where: Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub at 101 Pine St. in the Oregon District.

Who: Vincent Holiday, Henrique Couto, Geborah, Patricia Berg and Underbelly.

How: Admission is $10.00 – Reservations can be made by calling (937) 224-5653.

Booze: Cash Bar with drink specials (credit cards will be accepted, but no tabs will be run).

-SA

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

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre: 02/10 – 02/23

February 10, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

ETC: Cait Doyle's Hot Mess in Manhattan

Thursday, February 10 – Wednesday, February 23

Renowned dancer Twyla Tharp observed that the arts are the only way one can run away without leaving home, and the shows in the greater Miami Valley area these next two weeks reflect that concept well. While there are a couple of deeper shows, there are quite a few comedies and musicals, which range across a spectrum from the witty Twelfth Night to humorous Hello, Dolly! One thing all of these shows have in common, however, is the ability to remove us from the stresses of our daily lives. This is also true of the deeper plays – like Fat Pig – which can provide escape while concurrently challenging us to consider social issues. This can be just an effective a tool for kids busy with school, so be sure to check out the children’s auditions while you’re at it. For those two or two and a half hours, you can step away from whatever occupies your thoughts, relax, and just enjoy a show… “running away” to take a breath, reenergize, and just laugh.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

The Last 5 Years

SPRINGFIELD STAGEWORKS

The Story: Cathy is a struggling actress; Jamie, a rising writer. Over the course of five years, they fall in and out of love, The Last 5 Years chronicling that journey in an emotionally powerful and intimate song cycle.
Dates: February 10 – 13, 2011 One weekend only!
Tickets: $10 at the door
More Information: Springfield StageWorks

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

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Twelfth Night

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: After being shipwrecked, Viola pretends to be her drowned brother. When she falls in love with her employer, for whom she’s delivering love notes to the Lady Olivia, the result is a classic love triangle in this hilarious Shakespearean comedy of mistaken (and disguised) identities. HRTC sets this production in 1927 America, complete with speakeasies, tights, and all the music of the Roaring Twenties!
Dates: January 27 – February 13.
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Human Race Theatre Company: Twelfth Night

Hello, Dolly!

Hello, Dolly! cast (Photo Credit Scott Huck)

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

The Story: Dolly Levi, adored by all (especially the waiters at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant) is a self-termed meddler, but this time, she’s scheming to arrange her own marriage, to the well-known and rich Horace Vandergelder. In this optimistic and fun musical, Dolly charms (and meddles) her way into his heart, setting up a few other matches along the way.
Dates: February 3 – 5, 10 – 12; curtains at 8:00 pm, with additional Saturday performances at 2:00 pm. Call for info on additional student and senior citizen matinees.
Tickets: Cedarville University: Tickets
More Information: Cedarville University: Theatre Season, DMM behind-the-scenes preview

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee cast (Photo Credit John Gebhardt)

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: Six eclectic students in the throes of puberty compete (along with some volunteer audience members) in pursuit of spelling bee fame; the adults and hosts aren’t so far from childhood themselves! In this fun and interactive musical, the students learn where they can stand out and fit in all at the same time.
Dates: January 28 through February 13; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm.
Tickets and More Information: Dayton Playhouse, call the box office at (937) 424-8477, and read my DMM feature, s-y-n-e-r-g-y and spelling .

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

The Phantom Tollbooth

ZOOT THEATRE COMPANY

Auditions: Friday February 11, 2011 – 6 – 8 pm
Performances: April 15 – 30, 2011, at both Town Hall Theatre and the Schuster Center Mathile Theatre
The Story: In this adaptation of the youth classic, after the very bored Milo receives a make-believe tollbooth, he is transported to the Lands Beyond, a fantastic and imaginitive world. He meets Tock the watchdog, the floating Alex Bings (whose legs have not yet grown down to earth), Dynne (a monster made of smoke), and many others, ultimately learning the boundlessness of imagination.
Directed by John Lavarnway
More Information: Actors of all ages will perform a one-minute monologue with a puppet (provided). Zoot Theatre Company

Honk!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

THT: Junie B. Jones (Dec. 2010) (Photo Credit Mike Long)

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

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRE

Auditions: February 22 – 23, 2011, from 7 – 8:30 pm (see contact information below to schedule a 5-minute appointment)
Performances: April 8 – 17, 2011
The Story: Alice falls down a rabbit-hole into “a world of talking animals, comic royalty, and races where the contestants run in circles!” (BCT) This children’s adaptation provides a contemporary view of the Carroll classic, where “nonsense makes quite good sense” and we can believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre, 429-4737, or email [email protected]

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Queen Nur’s “Sweet Potato Pie and Such”

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL: “Creative Connections”

The Basics: Using a wide repertoire of folktales, African percussion, song, and dance, the “incomparable and entertaining storyteller” Queen Nur performs and tells stories that originated on the African continent but spread throughout the world. This family-oriented show will sure to keep all audience members clapping, stomping, and celebrating African-American heritage.
Date: Wednesday, February 16, at 7:30 pm
Tickets: Free; seating is first-come, first-served.
More Information: Springfield Arts Council

Cait Doyle’s Hot Mess in Manhattan

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

The Story: Carrie Bradshaw is a Lie. In this stylistically encompassing new musical, we journey through the wilds of New York City life in an honest, hilarious, contemporary, and touching look at one woman’s interaction with the city that never sleeps. Encore Theater Company is pleased to be the host theatre for the out-of-town tryout of this New York bound musical.
Date: Saturday, February 12, 8pm at Sinclair Community College (Building 8 )
Tickets: http://brushfire.e-vent.info/Events/Sinclair/Start.aspx

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

New Oscar Nominee Opens Friday at THE NEON

February 10, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

As many of you already know, we will open THE ILLUSIONIST on Friday (2/11). Oscar-Nominated for “Best Animated Feature,” several of you have expressed a big desire to see this film. Of course we also have the added bonus of checking out a special short film during select screenings. FALLING UP is a beautiful stop-action film made by Dayton native Djuna Wahlrab. This stunning film, with sets based on local architecture (and an opening live/animated scene shot in downtown Dayton), will play before THE ILLUSIONIST during the 3:00 and 7:30 screenings during the week of Friday, February 11 through Thursday, February 17. Read more about FALLING UP by visiting the official website at – http://fallingupmovie.com/

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Falling Up from Djuna Wahlrab on Vimeo.

Synopsis for THE ILLUSIONIST: “THE ILLUSIONIST is a story about two paths that cross. An outdated, aging magician, forced to wander from country to country, city to city and station to station in search of a stage to perform his act meets a young girl at the start of her life’s journey. Alice is a teenage girl with all her capacity for childish wonder still intact. She plays at being a woman without realizing the day to stop pretending is fast approaching. She doesn’t know yet that she loves The Illusionist like she would a father; he already knows that he loves her as he would a daughter. Their destinies will collide, but nothing – not even magic or the power of illusion – can stop the voyage of discovery.
A script for THE ILLUSIONIST was originally written by French comedy genius and cinema legend Jacques Tati as a love letter from a father to his daughter, but never produced.
Sylvain Chomet, the Oscar-nominated and critically acclaimed creator of THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE, adapted the script and brought it to life in his distinctive hand- drawn animated style.” (taken from Sony Classics press notes)

Click here to visit the official website for THE ILLUSIONIST –http://www.sonyclassics.com/theillusionist/

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Plan on joining us for our Annual OSCAR Screening Party on Feb. 27. The show starts at 8:00 (doors open at 7:30) – FREE Party…no tickets required – 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. 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!

Details about the regional premiere of a documentary called NORTH DIXIE DRIVE will be available soon. It is scheduled to play on Saturday, March 26.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for February 11 – February 17:

BLUE VALENTINE (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:20

THE ILLUSIONIST (PG) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00*, 5:10, 7:30*, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00*, 5:10, 7:30*
(*denotes preceded by FALLING UP)

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.
Feb. 18 RABBIT HOLE
March 11 CEDAR RAPIDS
TBD ANOTHER YEAR
TBD I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
TBD BARNEY’S VERSION
TBD BIUTIFUL
TBD SOMEWHERE
TBD TINY FURNITURE
TBD CASINO JACK

Valentine Tip – Take her to the Dayton Ballet’s “A Streetcar Named Desire”

February 10, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Kettering Health Network presents Dayton Ballet’s sizzling, A Streetcar Named Desire along with the very athletic Freudian Slip, Five Flights up and Basics, Valentine’s weekend, Feb. 10-13, 2011 at the historic Victoria Theatre.

Premiered in 2008, Karen Russo Burke’s steamy A Streetcar Named Desire was called “…a triumph…” by Dayton Daily News arts reporter Terry Morris, and includes a hot original score plus stunning choreography. Audiences will delight in the revivals of additional repertory pieces on the program including another Russo Burke favorite, Freudian Slip, a tongue-in-cheek showcase of the athleticism and beauty of the Company’s female dancers. Stephen Mill’s Five Flights Up is a fun and cheeky vaudevillian ballet. The final ballet on the program, Dermot Burke’s Basics, highlights fast-paced physical choreography by the Company’s male dancers and is so intense even the audience is out of breath at the end!

Performances of Dayton Ballet’s A Streetcar Named Desire will play Thursday, Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 11 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now and start at $20! Call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or (888) 228-3630 or visit online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday Noon-4 p.m. and two hours prior to each performance.

Permission to utilize A Streetcar Named Desire material is by arrangement with The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee.

Founded in 1937 by Josephine Schwarz, Dayton Ballet is the second-oldest professional dance company in the United States and holds a unique historical place in the nation and in the Miami Valley. Performing in the state-of-the-art Schuster Center and the historic Victoria Theatre, Dayton Ballet is known as the “Company of Premieres.” Throughout the last decade, Dayton Ballet has been one of the top three dance companies in the nation in the production and presentation of new work.

Under the leadership of Director, Dermot Burke, Dayton Ballet has 15 professional dancers and is supported by the Board of Trustees and the Associate Board. Committed to its mission to “educate, enlighten and entertain,” Dayton Ballet presents new works and traditional American dance classics as well as remaining devoted to its youth education and community outreach programs, including the Dayton Ballet School.

Dayton Ballet is a non-profit organization funded by the Ohio Arts Council, Culture Works, the Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals.

‘Dolly’ Is Back And Looking Swell

February 10, 2011 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

The delightfully meddlesome world of Mrs. Dolly Gallagher Levi, the matchmaking busybody of 1890s New York who can incite applause by her sheer presence and reputation, comes alive with lighthearted warmth and sophisticated finesse in Cedarville University’s exceptional production of Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart’s 1964 musical “Hello, Dolly!,” adapted from Thornton Wilder’s “The Matchmaker” and elegantly directed by Robert and Ruth Clements.

Pleasantly interpreting Herman’s sunny songs along the lines of an actress who sings, Jessica Diane Hickling, a superb Annie Sullivan in Cedarville’s production of “The Miracle Worker” last season, astutely inhabits the title role with a strikingly clear and cunning grasp of Dolly’s meticulous and strategic aims centered on her desire to wed wealthy Yonkers curmudgeon Horace Vandergelder (a believably aggravated Alexander James Mol). Hickling is a knockout whenever Dolly’s mind games take precedence, especially in the hilarious Act 2 dinner scene at the ritzy Harmonia Gardens restaurant, and she expertly builds her funny, sincere and incredibly engaging portrayal to a life-affirming plateau that duly reflects Dolly’s inspirational epiphany of living to the fullest and being willing to love again after years of merely existing in “a personal haze.”

“Dolly” has always required a strong leading lady, but stronger featured portrayals as well which is absolutely the case here. The very endearing, brotherly duo of Gabriel Pyle and Josiah Hutchings respectively shine as Vandergelder’s humble, sheltered employees Cornelius Hackl and Barnaby Tucker. Pyle, a charming bundle of nerves and a joy to watch, wonderfully conveys Cornelius’ newfound confidence and rebelliousness, and also crafts an adorable romance with sweet soprano Anna Zavodney as millinery shop owner Irene Molloy. He notably joins Zavodney for a lovely rendition of “It Only Takes a Moment,” poignantly delivering the tune’s terrific monologue with an expressive self-awareness. The energetic, goofy Hutchings provides great comic relief and is perfectly matched with the bubbly Lindsay McGee as Minnie Fay, Irene’s perky assistant. The laughs continue with solid work from Joshua McLeod as Ambrose Kemper, Grace Pilet as Ermengarde, Amy Brown as Ernestina, Benjamin Isaac as Rudolph, Samantha Sumler as Mrs. Rose and Matthew Glenn Scheerschmidt as an overly emotional Judge.

Further, Katy Russell and Alexandra Turner supply flavorful, sharp and unified choreography from the pageantry of “Put On Your Sunday Clothes” and the farcical “Motherhood March” to the waltz-filled “Dancing” and the frenzied “Waiter’s Gallop” that precedes the iconic title number which arises with considerable flair.

In addition to directing, the Clements are respectively responsible for the production’s outstanding set and costume design. Robert supplies a dazzling chandelier for Harmonia Gardens, and Ruth’s marvelously authentic contributions remain eye-catching at every turn. For the ensemble-friendly “Sunday Clothes” she specifically dresses the ladies in a colorful sea of blue, burgundy, green, pink, purple and yellow and places the men in crisp white tuxedos.

In a rare move for a big, brassy show geared toward a large orchestra, Herman’s score, conducted by Beth Cram Porter, is played by only four musicians (two pianos, percussion and bass). Even so, this significant alteration gives each number a surprisingly appealing parlor quality proving how effectively Herman captured the essence of the late 19th century.

A hit from start to finish, Cedarville’s thoroughly entertaining “Dolly” is not only the must-see of the week, but one of the best productions of the season.

Hello, Dolly! continues through Saturday, February 12 in the Stevens Student Center at Cedarville University, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville. Performances are Thursday at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes. Tickets are $10-$15. For tickets or more information, call 1-866-612-0014 or visit www.cedarville.edu. In related news, Cedarville’s 2011-12 season will consist of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None (October 2011), Arthur Miller’s The Crucible (February 2012) and Neil Simon’s A Star-Spangled Girl (April 2012).

An Emerging ‘Hot Mess’ Comes To Town

February 8, 2011 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

Cait Doyle

Cait Doyle’s “Hot Mess in Manhattan”

presented by Encore Theater Co. & Sinclair Theatre

One Night Only! Win Tickets! Read on…

Cait Doyle will bring her award-winning cabaret act-turned-New York-bound musical comedy “Hot Mess in Manhattan” to Dayton courtesy of Encore Theater Company Saturday, February 12 at 8 p.m. in Building 8 of Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St.

Described as “an honest, hilarious, contemporary and touching look at one woman’s interaction with the city that never sleeps,” “Hot Mess” contains songs from 12 burgeoning musical theater composers such as Adam Gwon (“Ordinary Days”) and Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman (“I Love You Because,” “Next Thing You Know”). Doyle, her creative team and fellow cast members will also rehearse the show and partake in a developmental residency February 8-13 at Encore’s artistic home in the Oregon District. Under the direction of David Ruttura, “Hot Mess” will incorporate Jeremy Pasha (“Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Seussical”) and Tim Shelton (“Brigadoon,” “Twelfth Night”) in multiple roles along with music director Vince Peterson and cellist Dan Delaney.

Doyle, a Syracuse University graduate and fan of “Sunday in the Park with George” and “Crazy for You,” received the 2009 MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) Award for “Hot Mess,” which was performed at New York’s Duplex. The New Jersey native recently made her Lincoln Center debut in John Znidarsic’s Songbook Series. In addition to the San Francisco premiere of “The Last 5 Years” and the New Hampshire premiere of “John & Jen,” her eclectic credits include “The Wizard of Oz,” “Underwear: A Space Musical” and “All Men Are Asses, All Women Are Crazy.”

onStageDayton recently caught up with Doyle to discuss her show as she prepared to leave the Big Apple for the Gem City.

onStageDayton: What inspired the creation of “Hot Mess in Manhattan”?

Cait Doyle: The first thing that inspired “Hot Mess in Manhattan” was “Sex and the City.” “Sex and the City” the first movie, to be exact. I believe on opening weekend that movie made a billion dollars. I thought, “My life is more realistic, but just as interesting/funny as ‘Sex and the City.’ I should make a billion dollars!’

OSD: And the show is based on your experiences?

CD: Yes. I once sublet from a global pop star and accidentally almost killed her poodle. I managed Dylan’s Candy Bar and two guys came in (and) convinced me they were Dylan’s brothers so I gave them $80 from the register. I held a dog hostage from a guy I was dating so he would pay attention to me. I’d have these long narrative tales I’d tell at dive bars and everyone would tell me that it had to be a show – that it ‘sounded like a show.’

OSD: Was it difficult choosing the right songs? Did you purposefully select up-and-coming composers?

CD: I was really lucky with how organically the right songs and composers evolved. From the beginning, however, I was committed to (specifically) using only the emerging composers of New York City with the exception of Mike Mahler, but he wrote his contribution ‘Starbucks’ when he was living in the city. I also thought shoving 12 different composers/styles into one show would help musically reflect what is the story of the ‘Mess.’

OSD: What is it about New York City that sparks creativity?

CD: I think it’s true that there are some wildly ridiculous, cinematic moments that happen only in New York. Where else can block by block appear to be a whole different world? As someone who grew up in and around NYC, I didn’t understand the allure of ‘New York’ tales until I started working on ‘Hot Mess in Manhattan.’ People seem to be really fascinated by it.

OSD: Can you describe the challenges inherent to turning what was essentially a cabaret act into a full scale book musical?

CD: I think getting the first draft out and on its feet will be the hardest part. After doing this trial (with) Encore Theater, I think the revisions and future incarnations will be easier. If it’s not I’m going back to managing the candy store.

OSD: You have appeared in such shows as ‘John and Jen’ and ‘The Last 5 Years.’ What is it about musical theater that speaks to you?

CD: I enjoy seeing and performing musical theater because it brings emotion out of me; something about a situation being so important and full that it needs to transcend from speaking to singing. I started doing musical theater in high school because I wasn’t good at anything else. (I) was obsessed with being in clubs for my college applications, and I saw a sign in the hallway that said ‘Spring Musical meeting. No auditions, and free pizza.’

OSD: When did you become familiar with Encore Theater Company?

CD: I learned about Encore Theater when they reached out and had me do a podcast on MusicalWorld. ‘Hot Mess in Manhattan’ involves several composers they are interested in so it was a natural progression.

OSD: What are the future plans for ‘Hot Mess in Manhattan’? More readings and workshops? Perhaps a fully staged presentation in New York?

CD: We absolutely plan on both! This is truly the first incarnation of what the show will be. We’re hoping to see what works in Dayton, what the audience responds to, and then cement in the things that work. Post Dayton there are plans to do a couple other drafts/workshops with the ultimate goal of an off-Broadway run and having it licensed for productions elsewhere. Once the songs are set we are moving on to a cast recording distributed by Sh-K Boom Records.

Tickets & Performance Information:

Cait Doyle’s HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN (One Night Only)

Hot Mess in Manhattan will be performed Saturday, February 12 at 8 p.m. in Building 8 at Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St. Advance tickets are $15 each or $55 to purchase a cabaret table of four. All tickets are $18 on day of show.

Tickets are available at the Sinclair Theatre Box Office by calling (937) 512-2808 or by visiting www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com

For more information about Cait, visit www.hotmessinmanhattan.com

Win Free Tickets!

The Encore Theater Company, Sinclair Theatre & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN!

We will be giving away a pair of tickets to the show…BUT…if we get 25 Facebook shares, we’ll make it a TABLE OF FOUR! If we get to 50 FB shares, we’ll throw in a $25 gift certificate for an Oregon District Restaurant for food/drinks after the show! All you need to do is:

Share this article on Facebook or Twitter…just click the appropriate button at the top of this page (The more shares, the better the prize).
Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this post.
Leave a comment below, answering the following question…Cait Doyle’s show is about all the crazy things that happen to her while living in the Big Apple…Tell us the craziest thing you’ve ever experienced in the Gem City (No Names please…to protect the innocent/guilty).
The deadline to enter is NOON on THURSDAY, February 10th.
Winners will be selected randomly from all of the entries.

Error: Contact form not found.

Stage & Screen: WSU Grad to Present Concert at The Neon

February 6, 2011 By Shane Anderson Leave a Comment

HERE WITH ME:

CHRISTIAN DUHAMEL LIVE IN CONCERT

The Neon Movies & The Human Race Theatre Company

Regional Premiere!

I had a meeting down at the DMM clubhouse (office) yesterday. The conversation kept coming back to how frustrating it is to hear people say things like “there’s nothing to do in Dayton,” and “nothing happens here, I can’t wait to move to_______________.” PEOPLE! – THE MOST AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN RIGHT HERE! IN DAYTON! You’ve just got to pay attention!

Of course, if you are reading this article on DaytonMostMetro.com, I’m probably just preaching to choir. So, please, share it.

Our downtown gems of theater, THE NEON (movies) and THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE CO. (live) are teaming up to present a concert. ? A concert at a movie theater? You gotta hand it to both organizations, both are willing to take chances on something new, both embrace innovation. Tuesday night they will try something new, together….present a concert of music by an up & coming new musical theatre composer!

The setting is a terrific idea! I’m actually a little bit miffed that I didn’t think of it first for the organization I work with. The Neon has a terrific set-up for an event that will feature live song and stories. Grab a beer, glass of wine or even a cup of coffee to go along with those junior mints and settle in for an evening of new musical theatre songs by Christian Duhamel.

Duhamel is in town working on Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT at “the Race.” He portrays Feste, the clown (and musician) in the unique production which has been reset in Jazz-Age America. Besides acting, Christian is also a composer. He has composed for theater, including several original musicals and a songbook. Tuesday evening’s concert will feature Christian, and a few guests, singing songs (& telling stories) from his repertoire.

CHRISTIAN DUHAMEL was named one of Seattle BroadwayWorld.com’s Top 10 People to Watch in 2011. He is a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Award-winning composer, lyricist, playwright, director and musical director and was the inaugural recipient of the Young Creator’s Award from Music Theatre Ventures. His musicals and songs have been performed on stages and at cabarets across the nation. In 2009 he published his first songbook, “Here With Me: A Collection of Songs by Christian Duhamel.” Mr. Duhamel earned his BFA in Acting-Musical Theatre from Ohio’s Wright State University. www.christianduhamel.org.

onStageDayton had a few questions for Christian about his career, his music & returning to Dayton:

onStageDayton: For our readers who don’t know you, how did you first end up in Dayton? Where are you based currently? How has it felt to return to Dayton as an actor & musician in The Human Race Theatre Company’s production of Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT?

WSU Theatre

Christian Duhamel: I first came to Dayton as a transfer into the acting-musical theatre program at Wright State. I grew up in a suburb of Seattle, Washington, and after graduating from WSU and working around the country for a bit, I moved back to Seattle and have lived there the last 4 and a half years, working as an actor, writer, composer, musical director, director, coach and educator.

The Loft Theatre

Returning to the Race has been a huge honor and joy. From previous involvement in Race productions and also from being an audience member, I know the Race puts on high-quality productions. When I received the offer to play this amazing role (Feste) at this amazing theatre and additionally, to compose music for two of Shakespeare’s lyrics, I knew could not pass up the opportunity.

OSD: Besides being an actor and musician, it seems that you are also a musical theatre composer. At what point did you decide to put pen to paper to write a musical? What was that first musical and have you written any since?

Christian Duhamel

CD: In high school I was highly involved in choir and drama, and here I got my first taste of creating new works: writing plays, arranging vocal jazz charts and writing choral and jazz music. When I began college, writing was placed on a back burner as I focused on my acting training. After I transferred to Wright State, I rediscovered my passion for writing, and wrote my first musical, REINVENTING ROMANCE, which was produced at Wright State, went to the regional level of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and I went on to the national level with awards for playwriting, music, lyrics and direction. Since then I’ve written several new musical theatre pieces: THE WAR CYCLE, which looks at American involvement in the many wars of the 20th Century; ICARUS ASCENDING uses the mythological characters Icarus and Daedalus to examine the relationship between fathers and sons; RED, a contemporary retelling of Little Red Riding Hood; and A BEAUTIFUL END, which is the story of two real women who worked the western burlesque circuit in the late 1800’s. I have also self-published my own songbook called HERE WITH ME: A Collection of Songs by Christian Duhamel.

OSD: Do you collaborate with other writers in your musical theatre writing?

CD: I write cabaret material on my own and with another Wright State graduate, Kristina Wilson. I am currently working with several new collaborators on the development of several new musicals. Hopefully you’ll hear more about those pieces soon!

OSD: It seems that there is a bit of a resurgence of of musical theatre writing happening in America…a whole new generation of new musical theatre writers are creating very personal, emotional works (instead of the song & dance spectacles of the past). What do you think is the impetus of this new movement? What do you think the next few years holds for new musicals in the American theatre landscape?

CD: I think musical theatre, like all art forms, is following a natural ebb and flow: Mozart wanted to write operas about real, contemporary situations, and in Chekhov’s The Seagull, Trigorin craves “new forms.”

Concert Guest Aaron Vega with wife Claire Kennedy

If I had to take a stab, I’d attribute the current shift to a generation of minds who experienced 9-11, can learn from a seasoned Sondheim, and who are growing up dealing with the “relationship disconnection” caused by that wonderful invention: the internet.

In the next few years, as we see 65 million dollar spectacles taking stage, I imagine more writers will strive to bring the focus of the musical back to the emotional spectacle of a character’s internal life, and then we’ll shift the other way again.

OSD: What should audience members expect when they come to The Neon on Tuesday night? What should they NOT expect as well?

Darian Taschner

CD: Tuesday night will be a relaxed evening filled with music I’ve written, including a couple of songs with collaborator Kristina Wilson. The Neon has the perfect atmosphere (and open bar) for an evening of something a little different. I’ll be telling stories about the origins of the music and the impact particular pieces or being a writer has had on myself and my family.

Alexandra Sunderhaus

I’ll be joined by guest artists Aaron Vega (WSU grad, actor and director of Twelfth Night), and Alexandra Sunderhaus and Darian Taschner (the female leads from WSU’s Jekyll and Hyde). There won’t be any production numbers, just me behind a piano with some outstanding voices singing new music for the people who join us.

Tickets & Performance Information:

HERE WITH ME: The Music of Christian Duhamel

One Night Only. Tuesday, February 8th, 9:30 pm

THE NEON, 130 E. Fifth Street, Dayton, OH

(937) 222-8452

Tickets ($5) are available presale at The Neon.

Concessions will be available at the event, including beer, wine & coffee beverages.

-SA/Press Release

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

VIDEOS:

Invisible Woman by Christian Duhamel

Performed by Ashley Fitzsimmons
Produced by CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS
Presented by ACT’s Central Heating Lab

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m69lGIoykA
Couldn’t You Stay By Michael Mahler
Performed by Christian Duhamel & Jenny Shotwell
Produced by Contemporary Classics

In the Company of Helen

February 6, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

FAT PIG

Dayton Theatre Guild

Neil LaBute’s dark comedy premieres at downtown theatre.

For his entire career, playwright/film director Neil LaBute has explored a wide variety of genres. Consider his film work like In The Company of Men, dark comedies Nurse Betty and Death at a Funeral, and even bona fide horror films The Wicker Man and Lakeview Terrace. LaBute has mastered the art of the dark comedy – exploring the darker side of the human psyche in ways that make us oddly uncomfortable and questioning our own darkness.

Neil LaBute, playwright

What I think strikes most people as fascinating is that LaBute’s language always feels ‘real’, colloquial and in turn, honest. One really feels as if they are listening to REAL people having REAL dialogue (sometimes TOO real). One of the best examples of LaBute’s influence on American theater and cinema opens February 11 at Dayton Theatre Guild.

Fat Pig tells the story of Tom – a well built attractive man who meets and falls in love with the quite plus-sized but ever-charming Helen. When people in Tom’s life begin to discuss why he is dating such a large woman, Tom must decide where HE stands. It is a fascinating exploration into society’s treatment of those we deem unfit, in this case, plus-sized. Neil’s language is smart and engaging and provides a great “what would you do?” discussion starter. If you want to see what the contemporary American theatre sounds and looks like, LaBute’s Fat Pig is great choice. Dayton Theatre Guild is to be applauded for producing this daring and important play and I, for one, was thrilled to see it on their season. It is also quite timely as a Broadway production of Fat Pig (directed by LaBute himself) is headed to Broadway this spring starring Dane Cook and Julia Stiles.

Here in Dayton, the Guild production features Amy Askins (Jeannie), Nicolas Bauer (Carter), Steve Strawser (Tom), and Wendi Williams (Helen). The production is under the direction of Dayton Theatre Hall Of Fame inductee Fran Pesch. There is honestly no better place for LaBute’s work than the Guild (with the exception of the Human Race). DTG has a track record of choosing daring titles by contemporary exciting playwrights and Fat Pig, to me, is a harbinger of good things to come. Later this year, the Guild will present the local premiere of the one-woman tour-de-force Golda’s Balcony (about Israeli Prime Minster Golda Meir) as well as Theresa Rebeck’s acclaimed Mauritius.

Neil LaBute's FAT PIG at Dayton Theatre Guild - February 11-17, 2011

The cast of Dayton Theatre Guild's FAT PIG. L to R: Nicolas Bauer, Steve Strawser, Wendi Williams, Amy Askins

-DB

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

Neil LaBute’s FAT PIG – February 11-17 – Performance Times Vary (click for details)

Tickets Prices: $11 student / $16 senior / $18 adult

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

Contains adult situations and language.

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

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

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

FALLING UP…A Dayton-Native’s Labor of Love To Make Its Local Premiere

February 5, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

FALLING UP, the beautiful stop-action short film made by Dayton native Djuna Wahlrab, is coming to THE NEON in downtown Dayton. This stunning film, with sets based on local architecture (and an opening live/animated scene shot in downtown Dayton), will play with select screenings of THE ILLUSIONIST (one of this year’s Academy Award nominated films for “Best Animated Film Feature”).

Wahlrab, a working filmmaker and graduate of Stivers School for the Arts, now resides in New York City. She will be opening a gallery exhibit of sets and puppets from her film later this month at Stivers….You’ll want to see her short film THEN see how she made it.

Stop-action animation is shot one frame at a time – a pain-staking process with gorgeous, magical results. To see more about her film and see the trailer, visit the official website at www.fallingupmovie.com.

FALLING UP will only play before THE ILLUSIONIST during the 3:00 and 7:30 screenings during the week of Friday, February 11 through Thursday, February 17.

Falling Up from Djuna Wahlrab on Vimeo.

‘9 to 5’ Thrives On Nostalgia

February 5, 2011 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

9 to 5: The Musical

presented by the Victoria Theatre Association

“9 to 5: The Musical,” Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick’s shaky adaptation of the 1980 workplace revenge film of the same name, struggles to overcome its dated discrimination premise and an assortment of hit and miss tunes, but there are commendable elements nonetheless in its reconceived, well cast national tour, which began its regional premiere Tuesday, February 1 at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Miami Valley and Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series.

A greater sense of nostalgia in the form of a terrific pop culture-inspired show curtain as well as Parton’s warm, folksy introduction and closing commentary (including a sing-a-long) effectively distinguishes the tour from its unnecessarily flashy, vocally erratic and unsurprisingly short-lived 2009 Broadway counterpart. There is also a sharper character-driven focus and tighter pace that director/choreographer Jeff Calhoun establishes that keeps the show entertaining and engaging even when three labored fantasy sequences and a swarm of bad jokes and crude lyrics become cringe-inducing.

The core trio of Mamie Parris as ditzy divorcee Judy Bernly, “American Idol” runner-up Diana DeGarmo as voluptuous Doralee Rhodes, and three-time Tony Award nominee Dee Hoty as no-nonsense Violet Newstead form a compatible bond. Each character exudes a genuine, down to earth sensibility so it’s easy to empathize with the torment they endure at the hand of their bigoted boss Franklin Hart, Jr. (Joseph Mahowald in a terribly one-dimensional role). The endearing Parris actually finds depth in what could easily be perceived as a thankless part. Her belting soprano absolutely sparkles in “Get Out and Stay Out,” which powerfully culminates in a “Wicked” style reminiscent of “Defying Gravity” or “No Good Deed.” The naturally perky DeGarmo remains a vocal knockout and couldn’t be more charming. Her poignant rendition of “Backwoods Barbie” is a meaningful highlight, but she’s also great leading the rousing ensemble number “Change It.” Hoty, a wonderful authoritarian, particularly makes the most of Act 2 opener “One of the Boys,” Parton’s meager attempt at writing a razzle-dazzle show tune.

Enjoyable featured turns are given by the very funny, spontaneous Kristine Zbornick as Hart’s infatuated secretary Roz Keith, Gregg Goodbrod as Joe, Wayne Schroeder as the Colonel Sanders-esque Tinsworthy, and scene-stealer Jane Blass as the boozy Margaret.

Although there’s no escaping the fact that the best number in the show was written over 30 years ago, “9 to 5” is better here than in New York with an intent to please Parton admirers as well as fans of the film and its era.

9 to 5: The Musical presented by The Victoria Theatre Association at the Schuster Center

(L to R) Diana DeGarmo, Dee Hoty and Mamie Parris in '9 to 5'

9 to 5: The Musical continues through Sunday, February 6 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets. Remaining performances will be held today at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes. Act Two: 45 minutes. Tickets are $36-$90. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

In addition, the show notably contains two Wright State University alums: swing K.J. Hippensteel and stage manager E. Cameron Holsinger.

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

Arts and Entertainment on a Budget – Feb. 4th Edition

February 4, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The ice is finally melting, so cure that cabin fever and check out these wallet-friendly entertainment options:

The Super Bowl is sure to be a weekend highlight for many, but if football isn’t your thing, go see “9 to 5: The Musical” this Sunday instead! Get 4 tickets for just $90 or 2 tickets for just $50! Call 228-3630 or visit http://ticketcenterstage.com and use the code FOOTBALL.

Join JumpstART on Feb. 10th for Jump Into Theatre. This young-professional branch of Culture Works is offering half-price tickets to “Twelfth Night,” plus a backstage tour. Tickets are going fast, so reserve yours now!

Riverscape Ice Rink offers free skating on Tuesdays and Wednesdays ($3 to rent skates), and only costs $5 (including skate rental) the rest of the week. You can even celebrate Valentine’s Day early at the Saturday Night Sweetheart Skate from 7 to 10 p.m. on February 12.; the first 100 couples will receive a free flower from the Flowerman!

Encore Theater Company will host the New York bound musical “Hot Mess in Manhattan” on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 8 pm at Sinclair Community College, Building 8. Tickets will be $18 at the door, but reserve your table of 4 now and pay only $12.15 per person! Visit http://www.encoretheatercompany.com/ to order your tickets; just select “reserved table of 4” and enter the code “hotmess” to receive the discount.

Student and community theatre productions always make a great date night at a great price. The University of Dayton Theatre Program is presenting Sam Shepard’s “True West” Feb. 4-6 and 10-12; tickets are only $12. Centerville High School will present “Crimes of the Heart” on Feb. 11 and 12; admission is free, but donations will benefit the CHS Drama Club. These are just a few of the upcoming (and affordable) theatre performances in Dayton; visit onStageDayton for many more.

Don’t forget to start your night out off right with a great meal! Dayton Dining offers lots of tips and discounts for local restaurants; just “like” their Facebook page for the inside scoop.

Finally, buy your tickets now for “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and save 35%! This Broadway Series production will be at the Victoria Theatre from March 8-20. Visit http://ticketcenterstage.com before Feb. 18th and use the code JANET.

Splendid ‘Night’ at Loft Theatre

February 2, 2011 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

The Human Race Theatre Company offers an effortlessly enchanting, stunningly designed presentation of William Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night,” a multilayered tale of gender reversal, mistaken identity, mismatched romance and unabashed silliness that opened Friday, January 28 at the Loft Theatre.

Aaron Vega, a Wright State University musical theater graduate and, at 28, the youngest director to stage a Human Race production, elegantly helms with a fresh and impressive awareness of the play’s conceptual intricacies and sparkling language. His decision to transport the setting from traditional Illyria to America during the Roaring Twenties is certainly a clever choice strikingly conveyed throughout the action by the cool, suave presence of pianist-vocalist-composer Christian Duhamel as witty clown Feste. Still, his astute attention to establishing the various pursuits of the Bard’s appealing characters, inhabited by a stellar cast, elevates the material beyond the unique era presented.

Claire Kennedy, who proved her worth as an expressive Bard interpreter in Wright State’s 2006 production of “As You Like It,” was born to play lovestruck intermediary Viola, who is separated from her presumably dead twin brother Sebastian (the amiably unassuming Justin Flagg) and ultimately develops feelings for Duke Orsino (an earnestly understated David Dortch) while disguising herself as his devoted pageboy Cesario. Kennedy, whose plaintive rendition of “Danny Boy” is an emotional highpoint, looks perfect in the role (gender bending was a signature fad of the ‘20s after all) and assumes a charming, adaptable masculinity (notice her uncertainty as to how she should hold a cigar) that grows more endearing when Cesario is wooed by the formidable Lady Olivia (a feisty Sara Mackie), Orsino’s object of affection.

Wonderfully cohesive comic relief, occasionally delivered in the audience, is supplied by the uninhibited Tim Lile as Olivia’s loutish and unapologetically flatulent uncle Sir Toby Belch, Josh Stamoolis as goofy Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Jennifer Johansen (a remarkable Lady Capulet in the 2008 Human Race production of “Romeo and Juliet”) as Olivia’s cunning maid Maria, and Scott Stoney as the humble Malvolio, who is humorously tricked into thinking Olivia is in love with him. Kevin Malarkey as Valentine and Matthew M. Moore (who directed an excellent “Much Ado About Nothing” last season at Cedarville University) as Sea Captain/Anthonio complete the cast.

Additionally, scenic designer Dick Block, costumer Lowell A. Mathwich and lighting designer John Rensel beautifully evoke the look and feel of the 1920s.

“Twelfth Night” is a lighthearted escape from the winter doldrums that clearly suggests Vega’s first attempt at Shakespeare for the Human Race will not be his last.

Twelfth Night continues through Sunday, February 13 at the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St. Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15.50-$39. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. A special open forum discussion will be held following the Sunday, February 6 performance. For tickets, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.humanracetheatre.org. Also, Christian Duhamel will perform a concert of his original songs entitled Here With Me Tuesday, February 8 at 9:30 p.m. at the Neon Movies, 130 E. Fifth St. For more information, visit www.neonmovies.com.

In related news, the Human Race’s 25th anniversary/2011-12 season, an entire slate of local premieres that have collected nearly 25 Tony Award nominations, will consist of Yasmina Reza’s 2009 Tony Award-winning dramatic comedy God of Carnage (Sept. 8-25, 2011), Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s 2004 Tony Award-nominated musical Caroline, or Change (Nov. 3-20, 2011; directed by Scott Stoney), John Logan’s 2010 Tony Award-winning Mark Rothko-themed drama Red (Jan. 19-Feb. 5, 2012; a partnership with the Dayton Art Institute who will present a Rothko exhibition during the run), August Wilson’s 2005 Tony Award-nominated drama Gem of the Ocean (March 28-April 15, 2012); and Mark Allen, Gaby Alter, Gordon Greenberg and Tommy Newman’s musical Band Geeks (May 31-June 17, 2012; directed by Kevin Moore).

Arts & Entertainment

Steve Strawser and Wendi Williams in Fat Pig (photo by Peter Wine) FAT PIG

Dayton Theatre Guild

SINCLAIR THEATRE

The Foreigner is undoubtedly a great evening of laugh-out-loud antics.

Tickets & Performance Information:

Vincent Holiday Dirty Little Secret

presented by J.T. Ryder & Vincent Holiday

Tickets & Performance Information:

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

The Last 5 Years

SPRINGFIELD STAGEWORKS

Fat Pig

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

Play On

BROOKVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Twelfth Night

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

Hello, Dolly!

Hello, Dolly! cast (Photo Credit Scott Huck)

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee cast (Photo Credit John Gebhardt) DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

The Phantom Tollbooth

ZOOT THEATRE COMPANY

Honk!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE THT: Junie B. Jones (Dec. 2010) (Photo Credit Mike Long)

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRE

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Queen Nur’s “Sweet Potato Pie and Such”

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL: “Creative Connections”

Cait Doyle’s Hot Mess in Manhattan

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

Cait Doyle Cait Doyle’s “Hot Mess in Manhattan”

presented by Encore Theater Co. & Sinclair Theatre

One Night Only! Win Tickets! Read on…

Win Free Tickets!

HERE WITH ME:

CHRISTIAN DUHAMEL LIVE IN CONCERT

The Neon Movies & The Human Race Theatre Company

Regional Premiere!

Tickets & Performance Information:

Dayton Theatre Guild

Neil LaBute’s dark comedy premieres at downtown theatre.

Tickets & Performance Information:

9 to 5: The Musical

presented by the Victoria Theatre Association

Steve Strawser and Wendi Williams in Fat Pig (photo by Peter Wine)

FAT PIG

Vincent Holiday

Dirty Little Secret

Spelling Bee cast (Photo Credit John Gebhardt)

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

THT: Junie B. Jones (Dec. 2010) (Photo Credit Mike Long)

Cait Doyle

Cait Doyle’s “Hot Mess in Manhattan”