On Stage Dayton Reviews

Gary Minyard Education & Engagement Director Victoria Theatre Association When I say the word EDUCATION, what is the first thing that pops into your head? I think that it’s safe to say that most of us have taken that long, winding journey through an educational system and emerged with a brain full of “stuff” and a sheet of paper saying, “You Made It!”  Throughout that journey, we played sports, joined the scouts, read countless books, took more tests, performed in plays, served on student councils, watched movies, visited relatives, planned proms, fell in love, fell out of love, fell in love again, learned to [...]

Jekyll/Hyde- TC Shreier Emma Carew- Katlyn Tilt Lucy Harris- Mackensie Vonderbrink John Utterson- Desmond Thomas Sir Danvers- Jim Spencer Simon Stride/Spider- Zach King Bishop- Josh Hughes Savage- Meagan Kuchan Lady Beaconsfield- Angela Riley Proops- Sara Robinson Glossop- Vicki Tuccillo Nellie- Angie Thacker Poole- Kaylei Lowe Bisset- Gabby Farrow Minister- Mike Vanderveen Female Ensemble- Janelle Chamness Male Ensemble- Alex Spencer [...]

Dayton Opera is seeking talented young singers to cast in the title roles of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel as part of their 2013-2014 Artist-In-Residence Program. The singers will also perform in the company’s in-school education programs and possibly be cast in up to two additional main stage productions. Auditions for one soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor and baritone will be held in Dayton on April 27, 2013 and New York City on May 4, 2013. Residency dates are January 3 thru April 10, 2014 with expanded program time if cast in Tosca and/or Aida. Application and more information are available at www.daytonopera.org. “This is [...]

First Nighter: Stephanie Blythe Does the Late, Great Kate Smith Proud By David Finkel, Writer, Drama Critic, The Huffington Post NOTE: Tickets for the May 12 Dayton Opera Star Gala at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 12 — Mother’s Day — are on sale now at Ticket Center Stage (888) 224-3630. During much of the 20th century, mezzo soprano (some say contralto) Kate Smith (1907-1986) had millions of ardent popular music fans.  Two among them were mezzo soprano Stephanie Blythe and myself.  A third was my dad, a Trenton, New Jersey physician, who was wowed by Smith when he was an undergraduate at [...]

There are several opportunities to learn about Richard Wagner and The Glory of Wagner. Art & Arias returns to the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 2:00 pm. This lively hour-long look at opera and art features speakers Dr. Sam Dorf and DAI Docent Karen Long offering their perspectives. Art & Arias is free and open to the public. Also, the free and informative Opera Overture presentations with the opera aficionado and University of Dayton professor Dr. Sam Dorf will be held on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. at Books & Co. at The [...]

On Friday, February 22 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, February 24 at 3 p.m. in the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center, Dayton Opera will present The Glory of Wagner performed in German with English surtitles above the stage. When he was born 200 years ago, no one could ever have predicted that Richard Wagner would become one of the most radical and progressive composers of all time. His style is uniquely complex and rich; his operas are among the most challenging and beloved in the repertory. To add its birthday best wishes, Dayton Opera presents The Glory of Wagner, a [...]

On Saturday, February 16, at 2 p.m. at Magsig Middle School in Centerville and Saturday, March 2, at 1:45 p.m. in the Schuster Center’s Mathile Theatre, Dayton Opera will present its new in-school elementary production. Both family-friendly performances are free and open to the public. Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing, an entertaining and fast-paced 45-minute program appropriate for grades K thru 6, is about Sid, a dancing circus snake who wants to learn to sing more than anything. Accompanied by his circus friends, he travels the world, trying a different style of singing wherever he goes – grand opera [...]

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Tune into Channel 2′s Living Dayton Show on Monday, January 28, at Noon and see Opera Guild of Dayton’s “stars” appearing to announce the kickoff of the Guild’s 50th Anniversary year–1963-2013. President Toni Winger and Susan Herman will provide the details of the upcoming Membership Luncheon at Moraine Country Club on Thursday, February 14, where the golden celebrations will be launched. Co-chair Dr. Ingrid Brown will join them to convey the excitement that is building for Opera Ball The Spice Route which will be held on April 20 at Top of the Market. More details are available at www.operaguildofdayton.org. regarding [...]

If you’re just mad about Richard Wagner — like we are – you’ll be thrilled to learn about all of the events in the area that surround the composer’s 200th anniversary of his birth. Consider  Dayton Opera’s production of The Glory of Wagner on February 22 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 24 at 3 p.m. at the Schuster Center. And for fun and interesting insight into this radical composer, attend a free Opera Overtures at Books and Company at The Greene in Beavercreek on Sunday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. and Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3211 Lakeview Ave. in Dayton on Feb. [...]

The Opera Guild of Dayton is busy with so many activities in support of Dayton Opera and our educational programs and we want to keep you up-to-date. So, look for us on the newly created Boards on Pinterest by going to http://www.pinterest/operaguildofday/. We have Boards for the upcoming 25thAnniversary of the BRAVO! Champagne Brunch and Fashion Show scheduled for October 12. And the Board is evolving already for Opera Ball 2013. Save the Date of April 20. Vocal Competitions are hot news. We will keep you informed on the new Board for these events as well. Don’t forget you can [...]

The arts community of the Miami Valley region was sadden with the passing of Dr. Ben Schuster last Friday, August 24. For those who knew him, Dr. Schuster was a generous, intelligent, and dedicated physician and a true “arts patron.” He loved the arts and he supported them both financially and with his presence and encouragement. I spend a lot of time at the Schuster Center and the Victoria Theatre and I could count on Ben’s attendance in the audience as an almost given. Dr. Schuster’s legacy and leadership will have long term impact in the Miami Valley and especially within [...]