Romance blooms in France when an American soldier falls for a European beauty. That classic plot point for "An American in Paris" was first showcased on celluloid in the 1951 feature film starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron.
The love story was recently adapted for the stage in a Tony Award-winning production by Christopher Wheeldon. Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series presents a touring version of “An American in Paris” at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 7-12.
Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday. Cost: $25-$98. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
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2) AROUND THE KITCHEN
Attention local foodies: if you're looking to jazz up your cooking space at home or pick up some new tasty recipes, Around the Kitchen should have just want you need. The expo is presented at Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton, on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 4 and 5. ThinkTV hosts Around the Kitchen, which features vendors and demos from chefs, caterers and other food experts. Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Call 937-220-1669 or visit www.thinktv.org.
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3) MUSIC OF ELTON JOHN
Singer Michael Cavanaugh, who most recently performed with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra in a musical tribute to Billy Joel, is once again in town to sing songs made famous by a piano-playing rocker. Cavanaugh joins conductor Patrick Reynolds and the DPO for "The Music of Elton John and More." The Rockin' Orchestra Series concert, at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, features sypmhonic presentations of Elton John songs such as "Rocket Man," "Tiny Dancer" and "Your Song" along with classic rock favorites by Don McLean, Paul McCartney and others. Cost: $21-$81. Call 937-228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.
4) DAYTON TRAIN SHOW
Model trains aren't just for kids, which is no secret to area enthusiasts that always make sure to mark their calendar for the return of the Dayton Train Show. The 42nd annual model train event will held inside the vacant Penney's location at the Upper Valley Mall, 1475 Upper Valley Pike, Springfield, on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 4 and 5. This show is organized by Division 3, Mid-Central Region of the National Model Railroad Association. Train show hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $7 adults, $5 active military and spouses, free children 12 and younger with paid adult. Visit www.daytontrainshow.com.
5) DAYTON PLAYHOUSE
Many people know "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" from director Robert Altman's big screen version from 1982 starring Cher, Kathy Bates and Karen Black. However, Ed Graczyk's original play has roots in Ohio. The stage drama had its world premiere at the Players' Theater in Columbus in 1976. Michael Boyd directs a local production of the play, which opens at Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, on Friday, Nov. 3. "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" is presented weekends through Sunday, Nov. 12. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Cost: $16, $18. Call 937-424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org.
6) DAYTON MUSIC FEST
Dayton Music Fest has always been a fluid affair, with several different organizers booking the event since it debuted more than a decade ago. The annual festival of local, original music is now curated by Nathan Peters of Lioness, who has streamlined the multi-venue event to two Dayton clubs: The Yellow Cab Bldg., 700 E. Fourth St., and Blind Bob's, 430 E. Fifth St. DMF, presented on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4, features 1984 Draft, Oh Condor, the Raging Nathans, the Nightbeast and others. Music begins at 7 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday. Cost: $8 per venue or $15 for a weekend pass. Visit www.yellowcabtavern.com and www.blindbobs.com.
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7) ROBERT KAHN
Robert Kahn is 93 years old but he hasn't lost his desire to share his experiences as a Jewish teenager living in Germany under Nazi occupation. The local Holocaust survivor detailed his experiences in the recent book, "The Hard Road of Dreams." Kahn will discuss the book when the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton's Cultural Arts & Book Fest presents a special program in Stivers School for the Arts Auditorium, 1313 E. Fifth St., Dayton, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. Cost: Admission is free but a RSVP is requested. Call 937-610-1555 or visit www.jewishdayton.org.
8) INTERNATIONAL FEST
The University of Dayton is shining a spotlight on global diversity this weekend. Students and members of the community are invited to visit campus to sample world cuisine, culture and live performances during International Fest. The university's Center for International Program hosts this event in UD's RecPlex, 300 College Park, Dayton, at 5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4 Cost: Free. Visit www.udayton.edu.
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9) EKOOSTIK HOOKAH
It has been more than 25 years since pioneering jam band Ekoostik Hookah formed in Columbus. The group has weathered its share of lineup changes over the years but hasn't stopped delivering its original music to the people. Ekoostik Hookah, led by founding members Dave Katz and Steve Sweney, returns to town for a concert at Oddbody's Music Room, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. The Summit will also perform. Doors open at 7 p.m. This show is 18 and older. Cost: $12-$15. Call 937-813-4272 or visit www.oddbodys.com.
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10) ALPHONSE MUCHA LECTURE
In conjunction with its current exhibition, "Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau," the Dayton Art Institute is hosting a lecture on the famed Czech artist and printmaker. Wright State University's Dr. Karla Huebner presents this talk on Mucha's work and how it shaped the Art Nouveau movement. The lecture is presented in DAI's Renaissance Auditorium, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Cost: $5 DAI members, $10 nonmembers. The exhibition is on display through Dec. 31. Call 937-223-4ART (4278) or visit www.daytonartinstitute.org.
Contact contributing writer Don Thrasher at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.
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