Particularly motivated by inclusivity and diversity, the troupe, which will split future productions between Dayton and Cincinnati, prides itself as a “place where artists are free to take artistic risks to create work that is cutting edge and made accessible to everyone.”
“Whether it be race, weight, gender, sex or disability, INNOVA is to be a safe space which doesn’t play it safe and where all dreams can be realized,” said president and founder Richard Lee Waldeck, an actor and director with numerous credits in the Cincinnati area who recently returned to the Dayton theater scene with performances in Dayton Playhouse’s productions of “Fiddler on the Roof’” and “Xanadu.”
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“INNOVA aims to join the movement of increasing representation in art and to be an organization which gives back to the community alongside our fellow theater groups as we all continue to change the world one stage at a time together.”
“We’ve made a conscious decision to go outside of what is normally seen on stage and outside what people think they need to see,” echoed Dayton Publicity Division Coordinator Jamie Pavlofsky, recently seen in Harmony Creek Theatre’s production of “The Laramie Project. “Theater is a very visual medium. Things that are different or not typically seen can make people uncomfortable. INNOVA exists to push boundaries, change people’s perceptions and open people’s minds. We want to help people understand that if you’re talented, passionate and driven there is a home for you here.”
In addition to Pavlofsky, the cast of “Unveiled,” a conglomeration of Dayton and Cincinnati actors, includes Maddy Fessler, Tamar Fishbein, Chris Koonce, Rae Krull, Jeff Murphy, Liz Graves Olekas, Alex Ross, Denise Schnieders, Thomas Schoen, Jacqlyn Schott, T.C. Schreier, Christina Siciliano, Tori T. Tuccillo, Mary Vosseberg, Jeff Weinkam and Faith Whitt.
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Directed by Waldeck, the program of traditional and contemporary Broadway favorites includes “Seasons of Love” from “Rent,” “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music,” “Skid Row” from “Little Shop of Horrors,” “If He Walked Into My Life” from “Mame,” and “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” from “Evita” among others. Brennan Paulin provides piano accompaniment.
In addition, the troupe will reveal its 2017-2018 season during the program. There will also be a silent auction with a retail value of $500 featuring items from sponsors Square One Salon and Spa, The Winds Café and Massages by Michael.
“We really hope people come out and support new theater and new art,” Pavlofsky said. “We are excited to offer opportunities to people who may not always get the opportunity they deserve. ‘Unveiled’ will be as equally representative of as many walks of life we could possibly be. INNOVA is still a process but is a vehicle in live theater to really effect social change.”
WANT TO GO?
What: "Unveiled: A Cabaret"
Where: MJ's on Jefferson, 20 North Jefferson St., Dayton
When: Saturday; 6 p.m. Doors Open; 7 p.m. Entertainment begins
Cost: $10
More info: Visit www.INNOVAtheatre.com
FYI: "Unveiled" will also be performed with a slightly altered cast Friday, April 28 at Cincinnati's Below 0 Longue
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