MONA LISA TODAY
Sept. 21, 2019-Jan. 12, 2020, Dayton Art Institute
In celebration of the Dayton Art Institute’s centennial as well as the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death in 1519, this presentation offers a modern reproduction of da Vinci’s masterpiece created in 1503. Artist Jenness Cortez was commissioned to paint the reproduction using expert data from the Louvre in Paris as well as her own research. Her work is expected to showcase the colorful vibrancy and fresh details of the original. If your upcoming travel plans do not include the Louvre or the Prado Museum in Madrid, stop by the DAI and bask in the beauty of da Vinci’s composition envisioned within a new perspective.
BYRD’S EYE VIEW
Oct. 5-6, 2019, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
The legendary work of Tony Award-nominated choreographer Donald Byrd (“The Color Purple”) comes to the Victoria Theatre by way of DCDC. The company will present two classic routines from Byrd’s spirited canon: “Harriet Tubman Remix” and particularly extraordinary “The Geography of the Cotton Field.” Interested in a sneak peek? DCDC Artistic Director Debbie Blunden-Diggs will discuss these works in an “Up Close and Personal” informative session Friday, Sept. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the DCDC Studios, 840 Germantown St., Dayton.
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ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
Oct. 22-27, 2019, Victoria Theatre Association
Recipient of the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, “Once On This Island” is a touching, humorous and exhilarating Caribbean-infused universal story of family, race, survival, love, and legacy written by Tony winners Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (“Ragtime”). This national tour and Ohio premiere will feature “American Idol” alumna Tamyra Gray as the villainous Papa Ge.
STAINED GLASS
Oct. 24-27, 2019, Playground Theatre and University of Dayton
Having successfully collaborated last season on a riveting production of “The Library,” the Playground and UD reunite to produce another regional premiere. Written by Ingrid DeSanctis, “Stained Glass” is an O’Neill National Playwrights Contest semi-finalist. It is a dramatic, whimsical story based in magical realism concerning a young woman returning home to New Jersey following her father’s death. DeSanctis will be in residency during the show’s run, discussing her work at select performances which will be held at the PNC Arts Annex.
THE CAKE
Oct. 31-Nov. 17, 2019, Human Race Theatre Company
Previously seen off-Broadway as well as the Contemporary American Theater Festival, Bekah Brunstetter’s gay-themed dramedy chronicles the crucial decision Della Brady faces when her best friend’s daughter returns home to North Carolina to marry a woman. Should Della bake her wedding cake despite her own beliefs? Come and find out. Added bonus: Brunstetter, a Winston-Salem native, is Supervising Producer of NBC’s marvelous Emmy-winning drama “This Is Us” so trust me when I say this play has the potential to strike an emotional chord.
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TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Nov. 1-17, 2019, Dayton Playhouse
Following a highly publicized and controversial fallout last season in which the Playhouse and other troupes across the country were denied the rights to stage this Harper Lee classic adapted by Christopher Sergel, you’ll finally be able to see Academy and Emmy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s refreshing adaptation. It is currently taking Broadway by storm. In a progressive departure from Lee’s 1960 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the African-American viewpoint is more distinct in this version as lawyer Atticus Finch attempts to seek justice on behalf of wrongly accused Tom Robinson. Lee’s tale is set in 1930s Alabama, but it’s clear that Sorkin set his sights on boldly reshaping her foundation, creating dialogue addressing the divisions threatening to destroy the American fabric in 2019.
SLUT
Nov. 13-16, 2019, Sinclair Community College
Sexual violence brought about by slut shaming is the focus of Katie Cappiello’s edgy 2013 drama, which will be presented as part of Sinclair’s Free Expression Theatre Series. “We were awarded a grant to bring in the playwright for two visits,” said Gina Neuerer, Chair of Sinclair’s Department of Theatre and Dance. “The first will be right after auditions to workshop with the cast and the second will be after we open to have a public discussion about sexual violence. …. This Free Expression Theatre Series is one way for us to bring the arts to our community and give back to our community.”
STILL ALICE
Nov. 22-Dec. 1, 2019, Young at Heart Players
In this local premiere produced by YAHP and slated at the Dayton Playhouse, Cassandra Engber will star in the plum dramatic role of linguistics professor Alice Howland, diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Engber’s consistently engaging work has primarily been seen at the Dayton Theatre Guild over the years. Julianne Moore received the Academy Award for her portrayal of Alice in the 2014 film adaptation, also based on the book by Lisa Genova.
THE WOLVES
Feb. 6-16, 2020, Wright State University
Sarah DeLappe’s 2017 Pulitzer Prize finalist concerns the sportsmanship, friendships, personalities, and insightful conversation surrounding a high school girls soccer team. As the team routinely warms up for each game, DeLappe vividly examines the depths of communication between these young women and how they are ultimately affected by experiences expected and unexpected.
A NIGHT OF SYMPHONIC HIP-HOP WITH WYCLEF JEAN
Feb. 8, 2020, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
The title says it all. DPO Artistic Director and Conductor Neal Gittleman takes the DPO into an intriguing new realm of broad-based programming with this Rockin’ Orchestra Series concert featuring singer/activist/actor Wyclef Jean, who has received three Grammys including two with the hip-hop/reggae-influenced group the Fugees. Jean has also worked with Whitney Houston, Shakira, Lil Wayne, Akon, will.i.am, Mary J. Blige, and Dave Chappelle among others.
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