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Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Arts & Entertainment

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas and We’re HOME ALONE!

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‘Twas The Night Before Christmas And We’re HOME ALONE! by Patti Frankhouser Celek, mashes two holiday favorites into a delightful “tail” of pets discovering the many different ways humans celebrate the holidays including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Las Posadas. Directed by Gina Kleesattel and presented December 14-17, 2023 in Blair Hall Theatre.

Geared toward children of all ages, this one-act comedy promotes “rescuing” each other and being kind ALL YEAR THROUGH! Families and groups can celebrate together with lively special effects, music,
and perhaps a visitor in red!

All performances are ASL shadow interpreted offering a unique experience to all audiences! 

All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket and an assigned seat (including infants).

Reindeer Sessions Dec 13 -23 at The Loft

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After a fight that left history’s most famous reindeer with a broken red nose, Blitzen is forced into a series of anger management therapy sessions by Kringle Enterprises. Tasked with finding the cause of this violent outburst, his therapist Dr. Arbor hopes to help him understand what led to this moment and if he can save his job on the reindeer squad. Instead, she hears what really happened on that foggy Christmas Eve. You won’t look at The North Pole the same way again in this hilarious and unexpected ride!

Season’s Greetings: A Holiday Cabaret

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SEASON’S GREETINGS once again brings together the amazing voices of Gina Handy and Philip Drennen, with Deron Bell and his Merry Melody Makers, for another festive cabaret experience! Relax with friends, laugh with family, grab a seasonal cocktail, and most importantly, “mail” your song requests to Santa! You never know what surprises are in store when the spirit of the holidays takes over!

Dayton Dinner Theater presents Holiday Movie Classics

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Are you looking for fun holiday events to do this month? Dayton Dinner Theater is presenting three Christmas themed movie parties that are great for date nights, or small groups of friends & family: Elf, A Christmas Story, and Christmas Vacation.  See these classic holiday fils on the big screen in a fun group, interactive setting at The Brightside Music & Event Venue.
Before the movie starts enjoy live music and food that is directly inspired by the movie. The Brightside bar is open, and features themed drinks as well! During the movie, Dayton Dinner Theater features their famous interactive quote contest, fun facts, theme spotting, and a trivia contest during intermission. Although the movie parties are geared more towards adults, they are family-friendly. Costumes are encouraged!
Schedule: Doors open at 5:45pm. Food and live music are available from 6-7pm, the movie starts at 7pm,  a short intermission for dessert and trivia will start at 8pm. The movie ends around 9 pm.
When: Elf – Sunday, Dec 3, 2023
             A Christmas Story – Sunday, Dec 17, 2023
             Christmas Vacation – Friday, Dec 22, 2023
Where? The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402
Note: Table reservations only for parties of 6 or more, otherwise, we have open seating.
Cost: $35 tickets available at daytondinnertheater.com. Advance tickets are required.

Actor’s Theatre Fairborn presents: The Christmas Tonight Show

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Come and visit us for our first “Tonight Show” at Actors Theatre Fairborn

This Christmas addition will include a
“Jolly” Ed McMahon, (Dino @Dinos Coffee Shop Yellow Springs) Mike DiCuirci and his five piece band, Christmas music Leah Landis Hawthorn, skits and more.
Come and help us navigate through our first (hopefully more to come) variety show December 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 2023. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinee at 2pm.
Tickets are priced for Christmas at $15.00.
“And now, heeeeeress…………

The Contemporary Dayton presents CoSHOP Holiday 2023

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The Contemporary Dayton presents CoSHOP Holiday 2023, a curated collection of over 500 holiday and winter-themed fine art and fine craft from select community-driven artists and benefitting the arts community and The Co. CoSHOP Holiday runs through Sat, Dec 23, 2023.

Delight in the creative wonderland of CoSHOP Holiday. This holiday season the CoSHOP theme is CO, WHAT FUN! and features a curated selection of  holiday “giftables.” These unique, handmade pieces reflect our talented local and regional artists, all of whom contribute to our vibrant arts community every day. With over 500 unique items, we are proud to present this dazzling destination for unique, one-of-a-kind gift hunting this festive season.

The CoSHOP is The Co’s lively, year-round marketplace that features a rotating selection of home decor, personal care products, greeting cards, books, ceramic and glass art, limited edition art prints, and more curated by our team of art lovers, historians, book nerds, and decor enthusiasts. Art-lovers can visit The CoSHOP for FREE or Shop online. Online items are available for pick up Wednesday-Sunday. Select items are available to ship for a modest charge. 

THE CONTEMPORARY DAYTON
GALLERY & CoSHOP HOURS

The Dayton Arcade
On 4th St, between Main & Ludlow  

Wednesday–Saturday 11 am–6 pm
Sunday 11 am–4 pm

Special Hours: Holly Days at The Dayton Arcade
December 6, 7 ‘til 8 pm; December 9 ‘til 9 pm

Magnolia Theatre Company presents “The Moors”

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Two sisters and a dog live out their lives on the bleak English moors, dreaming of love and power. The arrival of a hapless governess and a moorhen set all three on a strange and dangerous path. The Moors is a dark comedy that explores feminism, visibility and disruption in a pulp-Victorian-goth-satire. Featuring professionals from Magnolia Theatre Company with UD student actors, this collaboration is a romp, upending the gender and class norms of Charlotte Bronte’s era with contemporary comedic thrills.

November Story Slam Takes on Traditions

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Inspired by “The Moth”, an inclusive performance event that builds community!
This open mic event hosts some of Dayton’s best tellers.
Doors at 6:30
Stories start at 7:00
Storytellers are encouraged to prepare a 5-minute story relating to the theme and place their name in the hat. Tellers are drawn at random.
Bring a story and bring a friend. Best story of the night wins $50 and a guaranteed spot at the next month’s $5.00 in advance.
Tickets will be $10 at the door if available and there is a 2 item minimum for all guests in the showroom.

LaComedia Dinner Theatre Has New Owners

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Dave and Sherry Gabert posted this announcement on their Facebook page:

“For almost 50 years, LaComedia Dinner Theatre has been an iconic entertainment venue in the Miami Valley providing guests with Broadway-style shows combined with a delicious dinner. For over two decades our family has visited the establishment and was treated to a unique dining and theatrical experience we came to enjoy year after year. We applauded the Adkins family for their focus on providing such an amazing experience.

The last several years, as a family, we have become involved in various aspects of LaComedia combining this with previous years of restaurant, theater, and business experience.

So, it is an honor and privilege that the Adkins family have entrusted us to continue their legacy and become the new owners of LaComedia Dinner Theatre. As the Adkins depart from their almost 30-year ownership, we will continue to follow in the tradition of customer satisfaction as our family strives to deliver an amazing dining and theatrical experience to new and long-time patrons. We will ensure that the delicious signature menu items will continue to adorn the buffet such as the famous sweet potato soufflé, beer-battered fish, and signature salad. We promise to continue to offer professional theatrical productions created by a seasoned production team and talented cast members. Furthermore, we are ever so blessed to inherit such an amazing, dedicated, and hardworking crew and staff that continues to join us in offering every customer an unforgettable experience.
We are so excited to meet all of our guests, season ticket holders, and first timers, and welcome them into our family.”

BAN THIS! The RubiGirls ready for the 26th ‘Show Must Go On!’

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RubiGirls Getting Ready for the BIG SHOW!

There is a lot of talk these days about drag shows…ban them, see them, boycott them, applaud them. In Dayton, none compare to the powerhouse of the RubiGirls’ ‘The Show Must Go On!’ The stage is being set for this tradition, and even in these strange times for drag, the RubiGirls stand united.

Bringing their 26th Annual Holiday Show to Dayton’s Arcade, the RubiGirls look to provide funds for charities here, there and everywhere…and beyond that, educate people on the power of Drag Shows! It’s very easy to stand on the sidelines and decide what is and isn’t good about drag….but when it comes to what drag can do for a community, the Girls have it in the bag!

We were lucky enough to catch up with 3 of the famed ladies  (Minnie Skirt, Alex; Fonda Peters, Tim; and Dana Sintell, Josh)…fresh from rehearsal in their studio.

                    Fonda Peters.

D9: The 3 of you are icons in the RubiGirls. What does ‘The Show Must Go On’ Mean to you?

DS: For me, especially now, it means no matter the obstacles, we have a job to do…drag bans, HIV, COVID…raising funds for groups and folks who need it happens no matter what. We have to move forward…regardless.

MS: Knowing why we call it ‘The Show Must Go On’ is important. Rubi was born at a time of death…the AIDS crisis was taking lives left and right and many were friends of the original four members. When they aligned themselves charitably to see an end to HIV/AIDS, that was a saying that stuck

                Minne Skirt.

D9: It’s been around a long time. Next year is year 40 for you ladies as an organization….to what do you attribute the longevity?

FP: We keep it relevant as well as we aren’t afraid to make fun of ourselves and each other as well as never losing focus on what matters.

MS: Right Fonda….and so much is serious and we just wish to make people laugh! ‘Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion!’ Dolly Parton.

D9: What drag numbers define ‘The Show Must Go On?’

FP:  The one from ‘Rent’ definitely.

DS: Yep, ‘Seasons of Love.’ People sign our banners during that number. Those remain in our Clubhouse forever. We have signatures dating back to ‘To Care is to Cure’ which was the predecessor to the ‘Show Must Go On’….mid-90s.

MS: And ‘The Year in Review’ is an absolute must and is different every year because we poke fun at all the events that have happened. Taj and Dana do a fantastic mocking Entertainment Tonight and every segment is of course based in humor!

                         Dana Sintell.

D9: Your work assisted 70 Non-profits last year. WOW girls…wow! What about this year?

DS: Maybe a few more…like 75 or so. We are having a huge sponsorship year! That helps us help those organizations.

MS: The amazing thing is that while it is work it doesn’t truly feel as if it is. It’s natural to our group to want to continue to add to our portfolio of recipients as long as it aligns with our mission statement and bettering our community.

D9: And your scholarships? After 3 years you got the fund to perpetuity?? Ummmmm, that’s amazing as well.

FP: I believe in the butterfly effect so I am not sure we can ever know what the effect of these scholarships can have on the people’s lives that have received them or the lives of the people that they touch through the education they have received.

MS: We solidified our place even further in the Dayton community as a group who cares about education and the recipients who are part of the queer community.  Showing that kindness love and respect truly paid off. People love that piece.

D9: Next year is 40 years…..and in the anniversary world, that is Ruby!  RUBY! How cool! What will the year hold for all of you!!

MS: Red everywhere darling…RED!!! The fun part of it is being the Ruby Anniversary of Rubi and being in the Gem City the titles of shows is basically written for us. I hope we have a show that rivals all shows, at the Victoria, to sold out fans…a gal can dream. But think of it really…we started in bedsheets and now we are here 40 years later, assisting in raising over 2 million, let’s just pull the machine and keep struttin’.

DS: Minnie, I Love It. And I’m working on the Victoria! I will say, nothing lasts 40 years anymore….so we have to to make this more than just an anniversary….more of an homage to all we have lost, all we gained and ALL WE HAVE to be thankful for. Everyone, gay , straight, bi, trans, Republican must be acutely aware that we are ALL in this together….and 40 years later, much has changed, but much has not!

D9: So true. Proud of all of you, you are great Daytonians! Any parting words?

FP: I just want all the present and past Rubi Girls to know how much of an honor it is and pleasure to be a part of this amazing family.

MS: Ditto.

DS: Yep!!

INFO: tickets at therubigirls.com

The RubiGirls in “The Show Must Go On: A Night To Remember.” 

Saturday, November 25,  at the beautiful Dayton Arcade. Show Starts at 8pm.

Merchandise is available on-site. The show is a RubiGirl show, and is recommended for adults.

You can always SPONSOR the GIRLS at therubigirls.com.

 

 

 

 

Cirque du Soleil: Corteo at Nutter Center

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The clown Mauro envisions that his own burial will take place amid a carnival atmosphere and be attended by tender angels. The show contrasts the grand with the intimate, the silly with the tragic, and the beauty of perfection with the appeal of imperfection. It also emphasizes the strength and vulnerability of the clown as well as his knowledge and generosity to represent the aspect of humanity that exists in each of us. Corteo is guided through a timeless ceremony in which fantasy teases reality with music, which is both poetic and mischievous.

Dayton Theatre Guild presents WEDNESDAY’S CHILD

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WEDNESDAY’S CHILD is a fast-paced thriller, murder mystery, and more. Susan and Martin Merrit are unable to have a child on their own, so they hire Becca Connor to serve as a surrogate. When Becca is found dead, a police investigation explodes the lives of everyone who knew her. As Detectives Valez and Dixon begin to put the pieces together, secrets surface, alibis weaken, and lies are uncovered. This dramatic play explores motherhood, passion, and that thin line between right and wrong.
Directed by K.L.Storer
Produced by Scott Madden

Enjoy A Free Day At DAI

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The DAI is hosting a FREE Community Day in honor of Veterans Day and the many brave individuals who have served our country. All guests attending the museum on Friday will receive free admission.

For non-members, this is a special opportunity to see our newest Special Exhibition, “Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: The Birth of Modern Paris” for free.

Auditions for TRUE WEST

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Open audition notice for TRUE WEST by Sam Shepard
Auditions will be held Mon & Tue, Nov 6 & 7, 2023, starting at 7:00 pm both nights.
Production dates: Jan 12-28, 2024
The Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philip TheatreScape
430 Wayne Ave, Dayton OH, 45410
937-278-5993 — www.daytontheatreguild.org
Directed by Doug Lloyd
Produced by K.L.Storer
This Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony-nominated play examines the relationship between two estranged brothers. It is set in the kitchen of their mother’s home in the desert, 40 miles east of Los Angeles. Austin, a screenwriter and achiever, is working on a script he has sold to producer Saul Kimmer. Lee is a demented petty thief who drops in and pitches his own idea for a movie to the producer. Sal then wants Austin to junk his bleak, modern love story and write Lee’s trashy Western tale.
Casting Requirements:
• Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
• A résumé and headshot are not required but are appreciated.
• Please provide a list of all known conflicts between Nov 8, 2023 and Jan 28, 2024
Masks are welcomed for everyone auditioning or otherwise involved.
All cast and crew are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19
3 males. 1 female
-) Austin:
(Male), early 30s, a screen writer
-) Lee:
(Male), 30s-early 40s, Austin’s older brother, somewhat of a drifter and petty criminal
-) Saul Kimmer:
(Male), late 40s, a Hollywood producer
-) Mom:
(Female), early 60s, mother to Austin and Lee
For more information please contact Producer K.L.Storer
[email protected]
The show runs weekends January 12-28, 2024
First Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm
Second & Third Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 5pm, Sunday 3pm
*Children under seven will not be admitted
Individual tickets on sale now
Adult: $20
Senior (60 or older): $18
Student: $13
To purchase:
– https://daytontheatreguild.thundertix.com/
– or call 937-278-5993
– or at the box office day of the show
* All individual tickets purchased in advance via our on-line ticket system or by telephone will also include a $1 convenience fee.
for more information, including auditions, see http://www.daytontheatreguild.org/

Dayton Poetry Slam

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Dayton’s longest running poetry show is celebrating it’s 24th year.  Open mics, competitions, and featured poets await you twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, at Yellow Cab Tavern.  The show is open to all ages and poetic styles.  Great food, wonderful poetry, and a great environment make this the perfect show for you to get out and enjoy the words of others all for only $3.  More information on our website daytonpoetryslam.com and on all social media platforms.