When: Through Jan. 19; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
Details: Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. The six wives of Henry VIII have a lot to say and they tell it like it is with passionately empowered contemporary pizzazz. Songwriters Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss won the 2022 Tony Award for their pop-driven original score recalling the likes of Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Rihanna. “Six,” performed without an intermission and within the context of a singing competition, leaps forth as more of a glorified concert than a traditional musical theater showcase, which is a huge part of its appeal. Powerhouse vocalists Chani Maisonet (Catherine of Aragon), Gaby Albo (Anne Boleyn), Caroline Siegrist (Jane Seymour), Danielle Mendoza (Anna of Cleves), Alizé Cruz (Katherine Howard) and Tasia Jungbauer (Catherine Parr) ignite the stage with harmonic vigor while splendidly bedazzled in Gabriella Slade’s Tony-winning costumes and marvelously bathed in Tim Deiling’s Tony-nominated lighting. Music director/keyboardist Lizzie Webb also leads an awesome female band.
Cost: $69-$209
More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org
2. “Cats”
When: Jan. 16-19; 7 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Victoria Theatre
Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton
Details: The Muse Machine’s 40th student musical is an impressively entertaining display of young talent onstage, backstage and in the orchestra pit. Nearly 130 young people across the Miami Valley are a part of Andrew Lloyd Webber and T.S. Eliot’s iconic, Tony Award-winning account of a group of felines vying to be reborn to a new life.
Cleverly directed by Joe Deer and filled with wonderfully varied choreography by Lula Elzy, “Cats” is notably set for the first time in my decades of theatergoing inside an abandoned amusement park, terrifically designed with personality by Jordan Slusher and provided by Music Theatre Wichita. Moving the action from an overstuffed junkyard to a haven of bygone merriment immediately conjures the essence of fun, mystery and magic that is at the root of the playful if thin story.
In addition to an incredibly committed ensemble handling Elzy’s flavorful routines with intention and vigor and a particularly feisty group of little Kittens (“Pekes and Pollicles” is an adorable hoot), the cast, outstandingly costumed by Traeln Hoover and Erin Rismiller, features numerous noteworthy principals. Emmaline Slauenwhite (Grizabella) is the epitome of dejected heartbreak and authentically delivers “Memory” with yearnful, hopeful gusto (kudos for the signature number extend to lighting designer Matthew Benjamin and music director Jeffrey Powell’s keyboard accompaniment). Sharply expressive Griffin Greear brings charming narrative authority to Munkustrap and is enjoyably joined by the lively Via Mongelli (Coricopat) for the aforementioned “Pekes and Pollicles.” Haylie Chavez (Old Deuteronomy) is a beacon of warmth and respect. Graysen Thompson marvelously embodies the aging Asparagus and is beautifully partnered with Emerson Benbrahim (Jellylorum) in the gently wistful “Gus: The Theatre Cat.” The knockout pairing of Noah Mullen (Mungojerrie) and Elijah Ramos (Rumpleteazer) electrifies with vaudevillian glee. Noah Rutkowski (Mistoffelees) captivates with every move and gesture in the festive “Magical Mr. Mistoffelees,” led with an inspired circus vibe by Parker Kaibas (Pouncival). Aurora Copeland absolutely dazzles as the graceful Victoria. Rogerick Fields Jr. (Rum Tum Tugger), Gavin Poronsky (Skimbleshanks), Houda Loukssi (Demeter), Bombalurina (Caroline Kaibas), Abriella Ruby (Jennyanydots), Noah Seibel (a trench coated Macavity) and Faye Young (strongly contributing to “Memory” as Sillabub) greatly accent the overall dynamics.
Cost: $29-$81
More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org
Credit: MUSE MACHINE
Credit: MUSE MACHINE
3. Young’s Jersey Dairy Birthday Celebration
When: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17 and 18 and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Jan. 19 and 20
Where: Young’s Jersey Dairy, 6880 Springfield Xenia Road, Yellow Springs
Details: Celebrate Young’s Jersey Dairy’s 156th birthday. Celebrate with deals at the Dairy Store or at Udders & Putters. A souvenir mug will be available with the purchase of any burger, kid’s meal, cone or cheese curds, while supplies last.
Cost: Free
More info: youngsdairy.com
4. Opening reception for new exhibits at The Contemporary Dayton
When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17
Where: The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton
Details: A new curatorial project from Dayton-based artist Zachary Armstrong and a new work from Cincinnati-based sculptor and audio producer Susan Byrnes will be displayed Jan. 17-April 12.
Cost: Free
More info: codayton.org
5. Mark Lomax Quartet
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
Where: The Foundry Theater, 920 Corry Street, Yellow Springs
Details: The Mark Lomax Quartet will perform a set of original compositions inspired by John Coltrane and the John Coltrane composition, “A Love Supreme.”
Cost: $5-$30
More info: antiochcollege.edu/event/the-mark-lomax-quartet-at-the-foundry-theater
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
6. Dayton Wedding Show and Expo
When: Jan. 18-19; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton
Details: More than 90 wedding vendors will be on hand to help patrons with flowers, catering and more. There will also be a fashion show and DIY flower demo with The Flowerman.
Cost: $5 for tickets purchased online. $10 at the door. Free for kids 12 and under.
More info: ohioweddingshows.com
7. Black Box improv show
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Where: Black Box Improv Theater, 518 E. Third St., Dayton
Details: The sketch comedy show “What’s the Meta with You?” features the Black Box sketch team performing original sketches.
Cost: $15
More info: daytonblackboximprov.com
8. Flyin’ to the Hoop
When: Beginning at 11:30 a.m. Friday-Monday Jan. 17-20
Where: Trent Arena, 3301 Shroyer Road, Kettering
Details: Watch teams perform in front of sellout crowds of over 20,000 fans, 100-plus members of the media, and 100-plus Division I, II, and III Coaches.
Cost: $10-$20
More info: flyintothehoop.com
Credit: Getty Images
Credit: Getty Images
9. Pete Lee
When: 7:30 Friday, Jan. 17 and 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18
Where: Dayton Funny Bone, 88 Plum St., Beavercreek
Details: Wisconsin native Pete Lee has appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” VH1’s “Best Week Ever” and CBS’s “Late Show with David Letterman” among others. He’s also a regular on TruTV’s Comedy Knockout and Comedy Central’s Roast Battle. He also starred in a documentary titled ”I Need You to Kill” that is now available on iTunes and Amazon.
Cost: $24
More info: dayton.funnybone.com
10. “Snow White and the Seven Endings”
When: Jan. 17-19; 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Town Hall Theatre, 27 N. Main St., Centerville
Details: Happily ever after gets turned on its head in this comedic retelling of Snow White’s classic princess fairy tale.
Cost: $6-$9
More info: washingtontwp.org
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