Theater company announces new name and new list of Broadway shows coming to Dayton this year

Dayton’s largest theater organization revealed a new name and logo and announced a 2020-21 lineup that includes Disney’s “The Lion King,” Tina Fey’s “Mean Girls” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” during a special open house on Tuesday, March 10.

The organization known as the Victoria Theatre Association has morphed into Dayton Live.

The functions of the former ticketing site TicketCenterStage and the association's site VictoriaThreatre.com have been merged into the much sleeker looking DaytonLive.org.

>> Major changes announced by 27-year-old downtown arts institution 

Tickets for the following shows to be staged at the Schuster Center are now on sale on DaytonLive.org: "Come From Away,"  Oct. 6 to 11; "Anastasia," Nov.  3 to 8; "Mean Girls," Nov.  24 to 29; "Jesus Christ Superstar," Jan 12 to 17, 2021; "Fiddler on the Roof," Feb. 9 to 14, 2021; "The Band's Visit," March 9 to 14, 2021 and "The Lion King," May 6 to 23, 2021.

Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

The first of the Projects Unlimited Star Attraction productions planned for the Victoria Theatre were also announced: "Cirque Dreams Holidaze," Dec. 14 to 24 and Dec. 26 and 27 and "Stomp," April 9 to 11.

 

>> The ‘kick-ass’ women who gave Dayton Art Institute its shine

In a statement, Ty Sutton,  the organization's president and CEO, said Dayton Live "evokes the energy of live events while boldly declaring that our thriving downtown community is the region's home for arts, culture and entertainment."

Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

After months of research and conversations with audience members, Real Art, a Dayton-based design and marking firm, was selected to develop the brand and new website in May.

>> Blues Traveler teaming up with JJ Grey & Mofro for summer concert

“We found our brand didn't really reflect the many activities we promote or venues we operate as an organization,” Sutton said. “Dayton Live is a vibrant brand under which all of our venues and community partners will be able to grow."

Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

"Ticket buyers can search DaytonLive.org by performance name, art form, date and a list of presenting organizations that includes Dayton Ballet, Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Opera, The Human Race Theatre Company and Muse Machine.

Dayton Live is the only authorized seller for its venues: Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, PNC Arts Annex, and The Loft Theatre.

2020-2021 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton Lineup as provided by Dayton Live

COME FROM AWAY

October 6–11, 2020 – Schuster Center

Broadway's COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics' Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed, and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don't miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein and helmed by this year's Tony®-winning Best Director Christopher Ashley. On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

>> Music legends behind some of the biggest rock anthems of all time to launch U.S. reunion tour here

ANASTASIA

November 3-8, 2020 – Schuster Center

The romantic and adventure-filled new musical ANASTASIA is at home in Dayton at last! This dazzling show will transport you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out on a journey to discover the mystery of her past.

MEAN GIRLS

November 24–29, 2020 – Schuster Center

Featuring a book by Tina Fey, MEAN GIRLS tells the story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies. Entertainment Weekly calls it "A MARVEL: dazzling and hilarious!" and USA Today says, "We'll let you in on a little secret because we're such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!"

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

January 12– 17, 2021 – Schuster Center

Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a worldwide fan base. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London's Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. Featuring award-winning music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this legendary score reflects the rock roots that defined a generation.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

February 9–14, 2021 – Schuster Center

>> TobyMac, Chris Tomlin and Casting Crowns to headline 3-day music fest at Kings Island

Tony®-winning director Bartlett Sher brings his fresh take on a beloved masterpiece to life as FIDDLER ON THE ROOF begins a North American tour direct from Broadway. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. To love! To life.

THE BAND'S VISIT

March 9–14, 2021 – Schuster Center

The critically acclaimed smash-hit Broadway musical THE BAND'S VISIT is the winner of 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, making it one of the most Tony®-winning musicals in history. It is also a Grammy Award® winner for Best Musical Theater Album. With a score that seduces your soul and sweeps you off your feet, and featuring thrillingly talented onstage musicians, THE BAND'S VISIT rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together.

Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

Disney's THE LION KING

May 6–23, 2021 – Schuster Center

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney's THE LION KING, and now you can, too, when Dayton's best-loved musical returns to the Schuster Center. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features some of Broadway's most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.

Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

2020-2021 Projects Unlimited Star Attractions (Additional shows to be added)

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE

December 21-24 & 26-27, 2020 – Victoria Theatre

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the holiday season with its popular and electrifying stage spectacular The New York Daily News proclaims a "delicious confection of charm, sparkle, and talent by the sleigh load." Broadway director Neil Goldberg has searched the world to assemble the unique cast of incomparable cirque artists and theatrical talent to wow audiences nationwide. Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 astonishing world-class acts, the finest singers, original music, and seasonal favorites that celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and the New Year – all in a 2-hour breathtaking spectacle. Audiences of all ages will marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity-defying feats, and extravagant theatrical production numbers the Boston Globe hails as "entrancing… Las Vegas meets family entertainment." Experience this unique multi-million-dollar live stage production that dazzled at the Kennedy Center, sparkled at the Grand Ole Opry House, and BroadwayWorld calls "the perfect holiday gift… a show that everyone will enjoy."

Credit: Submitted

Credit: Submitted

STOMP 

April 9-11, 2021 – Victoria Theatre

STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. As USA Today says, "STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places." STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

About the Author