The shows you shouldn’t miss in January

Happy New Year! Begin 2018 by checking out this slate of shows familiar and new to the area including three symphonic concerts.

Credit: Knack Creative

Credit: Knack Creative

THE TUTORS

Jan. 4-7, Schuster Center

Playground Theatre supplies local premiere of Erica Lipez's dramedy about a group of friends longing to change the world with a social networking site while tutoring to pay the rent. Mathile Theatre of Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton. Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. $15-$20. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

>> Playground Theatre kicks off 2018 with dramedy ‘The Tutors’

HELLO, DOLLY!

Jan. 11-14, Victoria Theatre

Muse Machine presents Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart's classic 1964 musical comedy about a meddlesome New York matchmaker re-evaluating her life in a joyous and hilarious pursuit of love and happiness. Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

THE WHO’S TOMMY

Jan. 12-20, Schuster Center

Dare to Defy Production's takes on the classic 1969 rock opus about an inspirational pinball-playing whiz whose physical limitations do not hinder him from overcoming adversity. Mathile Theatre of Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on Jan. 13. $16.50-$25. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

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ONE SUNDAY IN BIRMINGHAM

Jan. 15, Xenia Area Community Theater

Writer/director Joyce A. Barnes tells the dramatic story of 15-year-old Ruby Watson who joined thousands of other young people in the 1963 Children's March in Birmingham, Alabama. Weaving together historic characters of the time including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bull Connor, this multimedia presentation pinpoints the struggle for equality during the Civil Rights Movement. Monday at 3 and 7 p.m. Xenia Area Community Theater, 45 E. Second St., Xenia. $9-$10. (937) 372-0516 or www.xeniaact.org.

BEEHIVE: THE ‘60S MUSICAL

Jan. 19-Feb. 4, Dayton Playhouse

This musical revue pays tribute to female singers of the 1960s such as Leslie Gore, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and Tina Turner. Songs include "It's My Party," "To Sir With Love," "Proud Mary," and "My Boyfriend's Back." Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. $16-$18. (937) 424-8477 or www.daytonplayhouse.com.

STELLA AND LOU

Jan. 19-Feb. 4, Dayton Theatre Guild

In this local premiere by Bruce Graham, a South Philadelphia bar owner and a regular patron ponder a future together beyond mere friendship. Amy Taint and Geoff Burkman play the titular roles. Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. (with the exception of the Jan. 20 performance at 8 p.m.) and Sundays at 3 p.m. at the Guild, 430 Wayne Ave. $13-$20. (937) 278-5993 or www.daytontheatreguild.org.

BRAHMS: FIRST AND FOREMOST

Jan. 19 and 20, Schuster Center

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra spotlights three of the great first symphonies by Johannes Brahms, Joseph Haydn and Leonard Bernstein. The second movement of Bernstein's biblical-themed work ("Jeremiah") will feature guest soloist Layna Chiankas who has performed many leading roles with Dayton Opera. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton. Tickets are $15.45-$64.30. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

SOPHISTICATED LADIES

Jan. 26 and 27, Schuster Center

Ohio native Steven Reineke, a graduate of Miami University and music director and conductor of the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, guest conducts this Dayton Philharmonic SuperPops concert saluting African-American female jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday. Broadway powerhouses Montego Glover (Tony nominee for "Memphis"), N'Kenge ("Motown") and Capathia Jenkins ("Newsies") serve as guest vocalists. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Tickets are $29-$79. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

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BERNSTEIN SONGFEST

Jan. 28, Dayton Art Institute

2018 marks the 100th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein's birth. Celebrate with the Dayton Philharmonic as selections from "Candide," "West Side Story," "On the Town," and more are featured along with the Dayton Opera's four Artists-in-Residence. Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton. Tickets are $14-$22. (937) 228-3630 or www.ticketcenterstage.com.

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