Dayton937

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

Arts & Entertainment

Hip Hop Showcase at The Brightside on Friday

By

This year marks 50 years since the birth of Hip Hop, and The Brightside is celebrating with a special local showcase put together by up-and-coming musical artist and songwriter, Eman Jones. Last year, Jones won The Brightside’s Dayton Battle of the Band’s Hip Hop round, and went to onto perform at Levitt Pavilion and other local venues.

Putting together these types of showcases is very fulfilling to Jones. “Every year I give artists that are my favorites their flowers,” he shared with us. “I’m just pushing the blessings forward and giving our artists and my friends a voice.”

The showcase features 11 performers, including Jones himself (see full schedule below).

How to Go? 

Friday, February 10, 2023

at The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton)

Free on-site parking!

$10 advance ticket / $15 at the door

Ticket link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/68609/orders/new

Ages: 18+

Doors open 7:30pm

Makkiah malan 8:15- 8:20
Ken dawwg- 8:30-8:40
Vonna – 8:45- 8:55
Racks ima rental – 9:00-9:10
Vader- 9:15-9:25
Tay Dan- 9:30-9:40
Cee – 9:45-9:55
Sgb x Candy – 10:00-10:10
D Knight – 10:15-10:25
Eman Jones x Luther : 10:30-11:00

 

Book a Serenade For Your Sweetheart

By

The Dayton Metro Barbershop Chorus Presents: Sweetheart Serenades.
For $40, a quartet of singers will deliver two songs and a personalized card to your sweetheart.
They are taking orders for Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14.
They’ll deliver anywhere within 20 miles of Dayton (plus a small travel charge for anything farther away).  You can also book a virtual serenade.  Use their online form to book your Serenade.

The Adventure Speaker Series: El Camino de Santiago – Two Styles of Travel

By

The Adventure Speaker Series kicks off this winter and will feature incredible tales of exploration from across the globe. Be inspired by local speakers sharing their adventures – and sometimes misadventures.
El Camino de Santiago – Two Styles of Travel by Diana Glawe and Emily Foubert
El Camino de Santiago is a 1,200-year-old pilgrimage across Europe culminating at the final resting place of the Apostle St. James. Diana Glawe and Emily Foubert will share their distinct experiences on El Camino as they both chose different styles of travel. Glawe stayed in pre-arranged private room lodging, while Foubert stayed in albergues (hostels for pilgrims). Glawe paid for her belongings to be transported, while Foubert carried her belongings in a backpack. They both began their journey in France; hiked over the Pyrenees; wandered the plains of the Meseta; and met incredible people from all around the world. Glawe and Foubert will share their experiences, planning information, and practical tips for an enjoyable Camino adventure – whichever style you choose.
Location: Wright State University Student Union, Endeavour Room
Admission: Free and for all ages.
Additional information: http://theadventuresummit.com/

What’s on Screen at The Neon

By

We had a very solid weekend at THE NEON with nice, steady business for all screenings. Thanks to everyone who came out to support our 2 big Academy Award contenders – LIVING and WOMEN TALKING – as well as CAROLE KING: HOME AGAIN. It felt great to have so many people enjoying films with us. Both films are going to stick around for another week, and you still have a chance to see CAROLE KING this evening if you missed it on Sunday.

“Open Caption Mondays” continue to be well-received. On Monday, Feb. 6, WOMEN TALKING and LIVING will be presented with Open Captions. As a reminder, seating is no longer assigned on Mondays-Thursdays for traditional engagements.

Need a refresher regarding our current engagements? Click the images below to watch each film’s trailer.

LIVING:
WOMEN TALKING:
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:ONE MORE SCREENING TONIGHT! Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 – CAROLE KING: HOME AGAIN – LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK. Tickets $12.50 each – available now!

“CAROLE KING: HOME AGAIN – LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK, which presents musical icon Carole King’s triumphant May 26, 1973 homecoming concert on The Great Lawn of New York City’s Central Park before an estimated audience of 100,000. The complete multi-camera 16mm footage filmed and recorded by Lou Adler in 1973 has never before been released.” Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer!
TICKETS ARE REALLY MOVING NOW! MIDWEST PREMIERE of WRONG REASONSwith visiting director (and Middletown, Ohio native) Josh Roush. “When an ambiguously intentioned masked man kidnaps a drug addicted punk singer, it triggers a police investigation as well as a media circus.” This film was exec-produced by and stars Kevin Smith. It will screen Saturday, February 4 at Noon, and ticket are $12.50 each – available now! Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
“On February 9, 2023, at 6:00 pm, The Miami Valley School will present PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR: BEYOND THE MASK. The filmmaker, Frederick Lewis, a professor at Ohio University, will be on hand to introduce the film and lead a post-screening discussion. The screening, which is presented through The Miami Valley School’s Speaker Series, is free and open to the public. Interested guests may register online at this LINK. BEYOND THE MASK is a feature-length documentary on the life and legacy of the first African American poet/writer to gain international fame. Born to former slaves in Dayton, Ohio, Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) is best remembered for his poem “We Wear The Mask” and for lines from “Sympathy” that became the title of Maya Angelou’s famous autobiography I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS. More than eight years in the making, BEYOND THE MASK received major funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities with additional support from Ohio Humanities.” (taken from press notes)
Among so many surprises with this year’s Academy Award nominations was the inclusion of Andrea Riseborough for “Best Actress” in a film called TO LESLIE. We think this film is worth seeing on the big screen…not only because of Riseborough’s incredible performance, but because it also stars Dayton’s own Allison Janney. TO LESLIE will screen 2 times in February – Sunday, Feb. 12 at 4:00 and Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7:30. Tickets are on sale now! Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
ONLY A COUPLE TICKETS REMAIN! “While there is nothing wrong with the de rigueur heart-shaped box of chocolates or calling in that dedicated love song to Delilah on your way home from work, THE NEON is giving you a chance to change it up this Valentine’s Day with a date night showing of the 25th Anniversary of YOU’VE GOT MAIL. In addition to the movie, the cocktail and desserts will be a nod to NYC’s Café Lalo, an iconic landmark restaurant made popular by the movie in the 90s. Tickets are available now until sold out. $25 includes a movie ticket, an adult beverage (wine, beer, or house cocktail), a small popcorn, and dessert from the former owner of St. Anne the Tart (and current board member at THE NEON), Megan Smith. YOU’VE GOT MAIL has two local ties as well! Dave Chappelle played Kevin Jackson, best friend to Tom Hanks’s character, Joe Fox. Additionally, Mary Beth Kuhn of Germantown was an art director on the film.” (Megan Smith) Tickets are available at our box office or via our official site!
“Homelessness is a Humanitarian Crisis in the United States. Join us for a screening of LEAD ME HOME – Feb. 15 at 4pm. More than 500,000 people experience homelessness every night in America. LEAD ME HOME is a short documentary (40 minutes) that tells these real-life stories giving audiences a rare, in-depth look at the scale, scope and diversity of what it means to be unsheltered and unhoused while calling into question uninformed attitudes and outmoded polices. After watching the film, the audience will hear from members of our community facing housing insecurity and have an opportunity to learn more about what we can do as a community around housing justice. In lieu of an entrance fee, we are collecting donations of socks and toiletries for the unhoused in our community. Donations will be given to St. Vincent Shelter. This screening is part of a week-long focus on housing in our community beginning with the opening of the National Building Association’s Eviction Exhibit on February 13, 2023 at the Dayton Metro Library.” (Sponsored by Kathy Rowell, Professor of Sociology at Sinclair in Support of St. Vincent Shelter System in Dayton.) To reserve your spot, please visit this eventbrite LINK.
“Did you know there are more than 32,000 mothers in America, many from conservative, Christian backgrounds, who fully accept their LGBTQ+ children? They call themselves “mama bears” because while their love is warm and fuzzy, they fight ferociously to make the world kinder and safer for all LGBTQ+ people.” This special, one-time screening of MAMA BEARS, with visiting director Daresha Kyi (who graduated from The Miami Valley School), will take place on Saturday, March 11 at Noon…and tickets are Free due the generosity of The Hope Collective – the church that utilizes our auditoriums for worship on Sunday mornings. (Doors will open on March 11 at 11:15 – tickets will be first-come, first-serve that day.)
National Theatre Live’s presentation of THE CRUCIBLE is heading to our big screen this March.The classic Arthur Miller play is “a five-star scorcher” writes THE SUNDAY TIMES, and TIME OUT writes “It doesn’t get much more spectacular.” “A witch hunt is beginning. Raised to be seen but not heard, a group of young women in Salem suddenly find their words have an almighty power. As a climate of fear, vendetta, and accusation spreads through the community, no one is safe from the trial. Lyndsey Turner (HAMLET) directs this contemporary new staging, designed by Tony Award-winner Es Devlin (THE LEHMAN TRILOGY).” (ByExperience) Tickets are $12.50 each and available now. Wed, March 15, 2023 at 7:00 and Sun, March 19 at 4:00
We were delighted to partner with The Human Race Theatre Company during their 2019/2020 Season – “Women of Influence: Their Power, Passion & Pitfalls.” PNC came on board to sponsor our spectacular line-up of films that spoke to each play in The Human Race’s season – and then the world closed down after our third screening. We are now pleased to announce that we finally have a new date for BE NATURAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF ALICE GUY-BLACHE – Wednesday, March 29 at 7pm. If you purchased a pass for this series, it will still be honored for this screening. Otherwise, tickets will be $10 each – available starting this Friday. Click the image below to watch the film’s trailer.
   

SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, Feb. 1 – Thursday, Feb. 9:

LIVING (PG-13): 1 Hr 42 Min

Wednesday & Thursday (Feb 1 & 2): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

Fri, Sat, Sun (Feb 3-5): 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

Monday-Thursday (Feb 6-9): 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

WOMEN TALKING (PG-13) 1 Hr 44 Min

Wednesday (Feb 1): 3:00, 5:15

Thursday (Feb 2): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40

Friday (Feb 3): 12:40, 3:00, 5:20, 7:40

Saturday (Feb 4): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40

Sunday (Feb 5): 12:40, 3:00, 5:20, 7:40

Monday-Wednesday (Feb 6-8): 3:00, 5:20, 7:40

Thursday (Feb 9): 3:00

CAROLE KING: HOME AGAIN (NR) 1 Hr 20 Min

Wednesday (Feb 1): 7:30

WRONG REASONS (NR) 1 Hr 40 Min

Saturday: 12:00

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR: BEYOND THE MASK (NR) 2 Hrs

Thursday: 6:00

COMING SOON:

(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear)

TBD: TURN EVERY PAGE

Feb 12 & 16 – TO LESLIE (2 screenings only!)

Feb ? – EO

Feb. ? – ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Feb 17 – OSCAR SHORTS

Feb 24 – EMILY

Black History Month Art Exhibition

By

Ed Dixon, owner of the Edward A. Dixon Gallery in Downtown Dayton has curated a Black History Month art exhibition for this February featuring several local artists from the Dayton area.

The artwork featured in the exhibition includes pieces from Clifford Darrett that center on the distinguished military service of Black Americans, artwork from Gregory DeGroat highlighting culturing figures and many other artworks that focus on Black History from the 20th century to present.

They Gave the Supreme Sacrifice by Clifford Darrett

“It’s a great collection of artwork. I not only encourage people to come see the exhibition and read the descriptions, but also take the opportunity to do further research on the people, places and events covered in the show. There are many layers to history beyond the highlights we often receive that can give us a better context and knowledge into who we are, how we got here and where we can go.” ~ Ed Dixon

Ben Carson – by Clarice Moore

This is the first formal exhibition at the gallery since moving to its new location at 222 N. St. Clair Street. The gallery initially moved from its original location next the Dayton Arcade to a small space inside the Talbott Tower when the COVID-19 pandemic started taking its toll on most businesses in 2020. When the country began to recover, a new location was scouted, secured and opened for business in August 2022.

 

Ali – by Gregory DeGroat

The Black History Month art exhibition is slated to open to the public on Thursday, February 2nd and run until February 25th. There will be a public reception and artist talk with light refreshments on Friday, February 17th from 6pm-8pm.

A university student exhibition is also planned for the Spring and the 3rd Annual We’re Doing It All Wrong® art exhibition will open in the Fall.

WSU Theater Arcadia Feb 3 – 12

By

Wright State Theatre will present Tom Stoppard’s romantic play of ideas, ARCADIA at Wright State University’s Creative Arts Center from February 3-12. Stoppard is widely considered one of the greatest playwrights of the English language, and ARCADIA one of his most impressive works. Many audiences know Stoppard for his early play, ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, or his screenplay for SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE. First produced in 1993, ARCADIA leaps artfully between the past and present, certainty and confusion, genius and unexpressed passion in what one critic called “Tom Stoppard’s richest, most ravishing comedy to date”.  The play explores the possibilities life offers as we make seemingly minor, but irreversible choices.

 

ARCADIA is directed by Marya Spring Cordes (Associate Chair of the School of Fine and Performing Arts), whose recent works at Wright State include SWEET CHARITY, THE WOLVES and THE CURIOUS INCEDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. She is also a regular contributor at The Human Race Theatre Company, among other professional theatres. About ARCADIA she says, “Arcadia is a witty and thoughtful comedy that strikes you immediately with the beauty of the language and complexity of the relationships.  The audience moves between real time (of 1809) and a future reality decidedly set on exhuming the mysteries of the past. The play is emotionally riveting, Stoppard’s mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat and the payoff is stunning”. Set in a classic British manor home called Sidley Park, Stoppard has created a dual world of both the present day and 1809, which alternate and eventually overlap with each other in a theatrical experience that will leave audiences enraptured. Stoppard has the rare ability to make complex ideas of physics, philosophy, higher math and even chaos theory accessible and powerfully dramatic to all of us.

 

ARCADIA has scenic design by Michael Brewer (Wright State’s SWEAT, 9 TO 5 and others), costume design by senior Design/Technology major Sean Hannah, lighting design by Prof. Matthew Benjamin, properties design by John Lavarnway, sound design by James Dunlap, technical direction by Kevin Nedberg, and stage management by Isabella Myers.

 

Arcadia runs from February 3 – 12 in Wright State’s Creative Arts Center Festival Playhouse. For tickets, www.wright.edu/theatre or Box Office (937) 775-2500.

BCT presents The Wolves

By

Left quad. Right quad. Lunge. A girls indoor soccer team warms up. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. A portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals.

A Truly A’MIZ’ING Performance! A Winter’tainment MUST!

By

‘Les Miserables‘ is back…and this time it deserves an ovation. For most theater goers, Les Miz is a staple….the Chicago Tribune stating ‘One of the greatest musicals ever created!’ But with that kind of accolade comes expectation!  This version, Cameron Mackintosh‘s production, hits the mark! Where many productions lag, this Les Miz is alive and laudable.

The story, mired in misery (hence the name), takes us from the ache of hunger and crimes, to the ideals of Revolution and redemption. This is my 5th visit to Les Miz. This time, I felt part of it, deep in the desire for Valjean‘s vindication; hopelessly rooting for Eponine‘s happiness and oddly caring about Javert‘s dilemma.  Why? What made this Les Miz so unique….outside of the keen direction of Connor and Powell….in a word…a hugely talented cast! The best I’ve seen…frankly, ever!

From the rise of the curtain, the bellowing male voices capture you on a ride you will not leave until the company’s finale. The quintessential ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ is when the audience sits up, knowing the tune and respecting the incredible voice of Haley Dortch (@haleydortch) who simply takes Fantine to a place of believability. In Fantine‘s inevitable passing (there were tears) you were part off her pain. SO WELL DONE! (And it’s her national debut – WHAT?)

From there, Valjean‘s ‘Who Am I‘ sets us up for one of the strongest Valjean performances on record. It is Nick Cartell‘s (@nickcartell.com) blend of smooth vocals, and deep emotion….capped off with a heart-wrenching ‘Bring Him Home‘ ( A BIG WOW!)…that sustains throughout.

 

Of course, audiences fall in love with Thenardier and his wife in ‘Master of the House‘, providing the much needed comic relief….played by Matt Crowle (mattcrowle.com) and Christina Rose Hall…in all their goofy, giddy glory.

And, it is in that Broadway moment…the one we all know and love….’One Day More’ when you are convinced…this cast is magical! Their voices, their message in the Act One closer is riveting! Curtain closes, it’s been over 90 minutes…(Wait What?) In previous Les Miz performances, I have felt, like, ‘thats not the end?’ Not this time around. You are stoked for more!

Now, personally, I have to admit I have a love affair with the character of Eponine. We’ve all been there…unrequited love…but when I tell you that the vocals of Christine Heesun Hwang (chiseoni.com) are idyllic…I mean it. SHE WAS THE EPONINE I’ve waited for! ‘On My Own,’ the heart-ache  put to music, garnered a palpable applause.

I could highlight each and every performer…even the kids are amazing! But I save one for last! Preston Truman Boyd (@prestonboyd)…yep,Javert! (Huh? JAVERT?) As my husband put it, “I never cared about Javert until this production.” Yep, that’s it. You care because his voice…so deep, rich and commanding… demands your attention and understanding. He is the villain that transcends his character.

I mean, on and on I go! But, I’m impressed this time. around! It’s easy to say, ‘Les Miz, yeah, I’ve seen it before….um…no you haven’t…not this Les Miz! The show is tighter, more cohesive and the cast much stronger! Get to it Dayton…’Do You Hear the People Sing?‘ You really should!!

You can catch one of the remaining performances at 7:30 pm, Thursday; 8 pm, Friday; 2 and 8 pm. Saturday; and 1 and 6:30 pm Sunday.

For tickets: daytonlive.org/

 

Bohemian Funk releases “Roots” album with party at The Brightside

By

The acclaimed local band Bohemian Funk releases their  “Roots” album with an epic party at The Brightside Music and Event Venue on Saturday, January 28th. This band makes Dayton proud, and everyone is invited to join in the celebration!

Bohemian Funk hit many people’s radars last spring when they won the Dayton Battle of the Bands competition. They were electrifying live and seemed to come out of nowhere. Who are these guys? the audience asked themselves. They formed in 2019, shortly before the pandemic hit, so they didn’t get the opportunity to play out much. What they did have time for was lots of practice and time to refine their signature look and sound. They were preparing for that kind of opportunity!

Bohemian Funk’s style is best categorized as Rock’n’Soul since they combine a contemporary interpretation of traditional rock’n’roll with nuances of gospel, alternative, southern rock, reggae, and blues. They have created a rich and diverse music collection with more than 40 unique songs they wrote and performed.

Since their big win at the Battle of the Bands, the 4-piece has been touring the Midwest extensively. While touring, the band was discovered by a talent scout while visiting Nashville, who introduced them to the Grammy award-winning producer and engineer Jeffrey Thomas. Working with musicians like Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones, Toto, Metallica, and many more, Jeff has a resume that is miles long. He became interested in the band right away. Jeff’s industry knowledge and rock music experience made the two an ideal match. The band started working with him to make their first debut album in June 2021 in his Nashville, Tennessee, facility, Stormbringer Sound. They released “Back Home,” the first song they had made with Jeff, in December 2021.

Bohemian Funk is comprised of Rocko Dalian (lead vocalist, guitarist), Patrick Arnold (lead guitar), and Graham Werts (drums). Casey Beasley (bass) is the newest member of the band, who joined in late 2021. They deliver a fantastic live experience with their stage presence, contagious energy, and expert musicianship at every performance.

“I am excited and proud to share this record with the world for many reasons but most of all I just want to give people a glimpse of light in their darkness because music has always been my light, my church, and my therapy,” Dalian shared with us. Drummer, Werts, continued, “You can expect greatness from us, and greatness is what we will give! I’m extremely thankful for the help we had throughout this whole experience and the love Dayton has shown in the process. This album release party is going to be one for the books!”

Join in the album release celebration – get all the details on how to go below!


HOW TO GO?

Event Name: “Roots” Album Release Party

Venue: The Brightside Music & Event Venue

Address: 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, Ohio

Date: Sat, January 28, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM Doors, 8:00 PM Show

Tickets Available at: https://bit.ly/3iyt4B3

Ticket Price: $15 advance which comes with an event poster! Or $25 at the door.

All ages welcome! No outside beverages, weapons or backpacks allowed in.

Les Misérables Plays Through Sunday at the Schuster

By

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history.

Clairvoyance: Intentional Camera Movement Photography

By

“Intentional Camera Movement” (ICM) is digital photography that combines color, texture, and form to create swirling and dizzying abstracts from out in nature. The subject matter captures tree foliage, water movements, and reflections as the camera is purposely moved around to achieve different results. Having the images printed on canvas further gives a painterly look and feel to the work.

 

 

 

Clairvoyance is defined as “the supposed power to see objects or events that cannot be perceived by the senses.” Village Artisan photographer Ryan Taylor uses the camera as his paintbrush and the landscape as his canvas to “bring the viewer closer to seeing something entirely new.”

Ryan’s solo show can be seen in the Village Artisan’s Lobby Gallery  through February 28, 2023, during regular gallery hours. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

 

All Laughs for Oakwood Junior High Thespians!

By

For Director Amy Askins, theater is part of her blood. The beloved local actress/director has taken on a new task…bringing fun theater to junior high students!

Askins, who has a rich history with dramatics, brings her experience, which stretches from Dallas to Dayton, to OAKWOOD Junior High!

‘There are 2 one-act comedies being performed by this really dedicated group of students. The first show, The Internet Is Distract…OH LOOK A KITTEN! By Ian McWethy, is funny but may hit close to home for parents of teens who battle the screen time epidemic-Zombie apps! Instagram break-ups! Micah is trying to finish her paper on The Great Gatsby but these darn devices are FULL of distractions – Amazon wants to sell all the things! Taylor wants her to play Knock Grandma On Her Butt! Can Micah overcome the struggle and make it to school on time?” (Sounds like something all parents know and can totally appreciate. UGH!)

‘The second show, All I Really Need To Know I Learned By Being In A Bad Murder Mystery by Werner Trieschmann, focuses on a hapless crew of actors just want to put on a show but must contend with an over-caffeinated director, a crazed accent coach, and nachos!’ (I think I have performed for that director!)

‘They have put so much time and love into these shorts and I cannot wait for the public to see just how amazing they are!’ Askins goes on.’All plays get to a point where they are ready for an audience…we are READY!’

BREAK A LEG KIDS! Thanks Amy!

What: Oakwood Junior High Theatre presents two short comedies tonight Saturday, 1/21  at 7:00 in the OHS auditorium.  80 minutes.

Tickets ($8/$5) are available at the door or ahead of time at oakwood.hometownticketing.com/embed/all

 

 

Winter’Tainment: Allie Haines is ‘In the Green’ at PNC.

By

‘In the Green’ a modern retelling of the Hildegard von Bingen story, is at the PNC Arts Annex this weekend. A forceful cast with a strong message, brings the deep and bold tale to life. One of the stars of the show ALLIE HAINES met with me to talk about the play….and the interview went something like this!

‘In The Green’ local premiere at PNC Arts Annex.

JS: Thanks for meeting with me to talk about this undertaking at PNC! Tell me about ‘In the Green!’

AH: It’s an enigma really. It’s a trip inward. You meet some very strong women faced with some deep traumatic experiences. But rather than searching somewhere around them, the search within themselves for strength and answers. It’s a fantastic musical by Grace McLean! And we are premiering in this region.

JS: So I understand it focuses on Saint Hildegard’s story. So it’s a religious tale? Or….

AH: Not really…no. It’s a spiritual journey. It’s a journey to healing and it’s a relevant tale even today. It focuses on women in a patriarchal world, finding their voice. Their inner-peace.

JS: And it takes place in the medieval time frame? 

AH: I think it is devoid of time. It’s really beyond the typical why, what and when of musical retellings. I don’t feel this show spoon feeds any particular emotion…rather it lets you unwind your own insights through it’s widely arrayed songs and visual lessons.

JS: So, I know a bit about the Catholic religion. I understand the plight of Saint Hildegard (viewed as the founder of scientific natural history) and her mentor of sorts, Jutta von Sponheim. Are they the focus of the show itself.

Allie Haines stars in ‘In the Green.’

AH: Yes, and no. I mean many know of the story and the Hildegard and Jutta…their bond as those who truly sought a community of  women who were musical, artistic and free to express themselves. Along this journey, each has to find a way to deal with their own personal trauma. (PSA-there is reference to sexual assault in the show.) You see this healing through music and puppetry. It’s beautiful. It’s unique. It’s timeless.

JS: And you have a great cast to work with…and a new director?

AH: Adelyn Helms, Danielle Ruddy, Melissa Hall and Rachel Hertenstein are the other 4 women who make up the 5 woman cast. They are so strong and we have forged a sisterhood that has been the core energy of this piece. They are amazing! As for our director, Garret Young, he knocked it out of the park. Interestingly, he was the ‘male’ on set, and everyday he listened to us as we explained how these things feel to us as women. He would encourage us to go with those feelings.

Garret Young Directorial Debut!

JS: That’s what a great director does!! And this is no easy piece to direct….

AH: No, not at all. This is the kind of show that lends itself to personal insight and reflection. It may be one of the most important pieces we have done at TheaterLab. The feel is collaborative and intimate. It’s cutting-edge and yet, relatable.

JS: I am so intrigued by this!! I love when theater gets ‘artsy.’ Y’ know?

AH: Yes. Exactly. We poured our time and energy into this production. More-so, we poured our hearts and our souls into it as well. It’s really an important piece.

JS: I just love talking to you Allie! Y’know to this day, whenever we talk about La Cage people still say ‘the girl that played Jacqueline stole the show!’ It kind of makes me mad….BUT, it shows you have a range! And you are truly a gift to Dayton’s theater community!

AH: Awww….thanks Josh! Can’t wait to work in a play with you again soon! Now, get your tickets to ‘In The Green!’

JS: Got ’em!

***The Director’s Note About ‘In the Green’ follows below. 

For tickets and more information got to https://www.daytonlive.org/events/in-the-green/

Showtimes at the Arts Annex are:

Friday 1/20 at 8pm.

Saturday 1/21 at 2pm and 8pm. 

 

Director’s note: In late Fall of 2020, I became aware of a curious new musical. It was written by and starred Grace McLean, who delivered a jaw-dropping performance in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 just a few years prior. It recounted a story about a woman who locked herself away because the world became a place where she could no longer thrive and grow. The traumas that were visited upon Jutta von Sponheim by the world of men grew too much to bear, and she was no longer safe in the world outside. The only possible answer to her problems was isolation.

Jutta’s hard-nosed piety serves as the perfect obstacle to our central character, Hildegard von Bingen, as she seeks to unpack her own trauma while being locked away against her will for 30 years. History remembers Hildegard fondly as a patron saint of music, literature, and medicine in the Catholic tradition. Even in her fractured mental state, we see her natural curiosity about connecting in harmony with the world around her, despite being trapped inside a sparse prison cell. The central action of the play becomes thus: what happens when an unstoppable force, divinely attuned to the natural world, meets an immovable object in one Jutta von Sponheim?

We cannot know what these two visionary women actually discussed or endured during their years locked away together, but McLean has imagined a world that is both wildly fantastical and blisteringly real. Our characters explore and celebrate the power of the divine feminine apart from patriarchal society. Their delicate harmonies are juxtaposed with primal, guttural grunts as the women confront the harsh realities of their pain.

This play serves as an important reminder of the healing power of connection, which remains as important as ever in our world today. Throughout our characters’ healing conversations, I hope audiences can gain some perspective about their own difficult situations. After all, as Hildegard von Bingen herself once wrote:

“We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.”

No matter where you are on your own journey, even if you are terrified of the monumental task set out before you, I hope you feel emboldened to seek out your own light.

For the Loyal

By

Toby and Mia are graduate students with a bright future ahead of them: a baby on the way and a college coaching job for Toby. But when Toby stumbles across a secret that threatens to derail their future, he and Mia must decide between honesty and loyalty, and whether doing something wrong is the only way to do what’s right. Inspired by the Penn State sexual abuse scandal, For the Loyal is an emotional and thought-provoking play.

Friday, Jan. 20 and Saturday, Jan. 21 at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. The show runs through Jan. 29.

Some of Dayton’s Best Storytellers

By

This open mic event hosts some of Dayton’s best tellers.
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.
Doors at 6:30
Stories start at 7:00
$5.00 in advance. Bring a story and bring a friend. Best story of the night wins $50 and a guaranteed spot at the next month’s Slam .
The theme for January is Secrets!

The Blue Man Group at The Schuster

By

More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon that is BLUE MAN GROUP and now it’s your turn! BLUE MAN GROUP returns to Dayton for a limited engagement on their new North American tour. It’s everything you know and love about BLUE MAN GROUP — signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy — the men are still blue but the rest is all new! Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction and hilarious absurdity, join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages.