Gem City Living | La Comedia turns 50 and other arts news from around Dayton 🎭

The organization has also been a professional launching pad for future stars of stage and screen, including Emmy winner John Goodman, who appeared in La Comedia’s productions of “1776″ and “Godspell” long before he made his Broadway debut in “Big River” and became a sitcom sensation as Dan Conner in “Roseanne.” Take a deeper dive into La Comedia’s history and impact.

Credit: JUSTIN WALTON

Credit: JUSTIN WALTON

La Comedia kicks off its 50th anniversary season with an emotional, humorous local premiere of “Ghost: The Musical” bolstered by real-life couple Montana Iverson and Charmien Byrd in roles made famous by Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the Oscar-winning 1990 film. Read more about the show.

This week’s newsletter also spotlights a Dayton artist and author known for textiles and quiltmaking, a Dayton native’s timely debut feature film, a historic home in the Dayton View neighborhood, and a double dose of horror both theatrical (“Insidious: The Further You Fear”) and cinematic (“The Substance”).

Let us know what you think. If you have thoughts, feedback or news tips, please email me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.

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😊Around Town: 10 things to do in Dayton this weekend

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

The Gem City will feel more like Music City this weekend as the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra prepares “Country Hits: Songs From Nashville” but if you’re a classic rock fan, there are tributes to Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead to enjoy. Beavercreek Community Theatre’s kooky production of “Die Mommie Die!” is a naughty good time too. Read our list of weekend events.

🦖Around Town: Jurassic Quest returns to Dayton in February

Credit: Alex Cutler

Credit: Alex Cutler

Family-friendly dinosaur fun is coming back to Dayton next month as Jurassic Quest returns to the Dayton Convention Center. This mega-experience is complete with a variety of animatronics of famous dinosaurs such as Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. Kids can discover more about dinosaurs through interactive activities as well. Read more about the event and how to get tickets.

🎵Music: Natalie Cressman & Ian Faquni bring intimate jazz duo to Dayton

Trombonist Natalie Cressman and guitarist/vocalist Ian Faquini will bring their unique blend of jazz, improvisation, samba and bossa nova to the Brightside on Jan 31. Cressman has previously collaborated with Carlos Santana and Phish’s Trey Anastasio. Read more about their intimate collaboration.

🎬Movie of the Week: “The Substance”

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee Demi Moore gives the performance of her career in this contemporary horror flick, nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture, about ageism, sexism and the costly pursuit of beauty in Hollywood. Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a once-beloved actress-turned-aerobics show host suddenly washed-up at 50. Everything goes to hell when Elisabeth decides to try a substance that transforms her into a younger, enhanced version of herself (played with seductive magnetism by Margaret Qualley). There are many unforgettable scenes including Elisabeth preparing for a date night with a high school classmate that falls apart due to her inability to love the woman she sees in the mirror. “The Substance” has its share of squeamish moments that reach “Carrie” proportions and goes off the rails toward the end but it is an eerie cautionary tale that deserves your attention. As of this writing the film is only playing at Regal Fairfield Commons in Beavercreek but could expand based on its Oscar nominations.

🎵Music: Underground sounds: DIY punk, grunge and more at upcoming Yellow Cab show

Dayton bands the Dust Hares, Good Soup and Bone House, and Cincinnati’s Purple Ambrosia are bringing DIY punk, grunge and other sounds from the underground to Yellow Cab Tavern on Jan. 25. Read more about these bands and their authentic aesthetic.

💻Film: Alter HS grad’s film on Apple TV examines friction between religion and identity

Credit: CAROLINE STUCKY

Credit: CAROLINE STUCKY

Dayton native and Alter High School graduate David Beck’s love of the arts was born at kid-friendly venues such as Rosewood Arts Centre in Kettering and Town Hall Theatre in Centerville. He’s currently addressing the emotional tug of war that comes with faith and identity in his debut feature film, “Regarding Us,” a bold dramatic comedy partly inspired by his English teacher being ousted from Alter in 2020 for being gay. Through the lens of a transgender woman’s journey of acceptance and perseverance, the film explores how love, understanding and listening can change hearts and minds. The story is also fueled by multiple hymns, including “How Great Thou Art,” and a powerful sermon centered on John 13. Read more about Beck and the film, which is available for pre order on Apple TV and Amazon Prime before streaming on multiple platforms beginning Jan 28.

⭐A Day in the Life: Heather Jones balances career and motherhood

Credit: Hannah Kasper

Credit: Hannah Kasper

Front Street artist Heather Jones has a passion for textiles and quiltmaking that’s rooted in geometric abstraction. Her large scale works have been seen at The Contemporary Dayton and she also runs the project space gallery Divisible with her husband and fellow artist Jeffrey Cortland Jones. Read more about her artistic journey, how she balances career and motherhood, and her upcoming exhibits.

🎵Music: Troubadour Bryan Bielanksi brings ‘Super Happy Fun’ tour to Dayton

North Carolina-based singer/songwriter Bryan Bielanksi is bringing his trademark eclectic sound with nods to parody and acoustic-punk to Blind Bob’s on Jan. 30. He’s also performed in 26 countries and 49 states over the years. Read more about his music and current tour.

🎭Theater: Immersive ‘Insidious’ coming to Schuster Center

Credit: TIMOTHY NORRIS

Credit: TIMOTHY NORRIS

Ready for a fright night? Dayton Live’s quest to shake up the theatrical landscape is evident once again as the national tour of “Insidious: The Further You Fear” heads to the Schuster Center on Jan. 30. Expect familiar characters from the horror film franchise to make an appearance in this spooky, immersive experience, which promises 80 minutes of terror complete with video and special effects. Read more about the show.

🏠Timeless Dayton: Preserved historical home was considered upscale when it was built - it had electricity

Chad Wyckoff, vice president and acting president for the Dayton View Historic Association, shares insights into his historic abode located at 122 Lexington Avenue in the Dayton View Historic District. Read more about the home, which was featured in the Wall Street Journal in 2023.

📷Photos: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Memorial March in Dayton, Huber Heights MLK Unity Program at Wayne High School and What food to expect at Winter Restaurant Week in Dayton

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Dayton’s annual MLK Day Memorial March took place Jan. 20.

The City of Huber Heights Culture and Diversity Citizen Action Commission hosted its sixth annual MLK Unity Program at Wayne High School on Jan. 20.

Sneak Peek to Winter Restaurant Week took place at the Steam Plant on Jan. 22.

🎢ICYMI: Kings Island 2025 opening date announced

Mark your calendars! Kings Island will open for the 2025 season at 10 a.m. on April 19. Read more about the season opening plans and a new attraction.

TELL US

Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I encourage you to keep in touch. Share story tips or feedback about this newsletter by emailing me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.