10 great things to do in Dayton this weekend

Credit: FACEBOOK PHOTO

Credit: FACEBOOK PHOTO

The Muse Machine’s annual student musical, the final weekend to catch Dayton Art Institute’s tribute to Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a regional favorite’s birthday celebration, and an assortment of eclectic concerts are among notable options this weekend.

1. “9 to 5: The Musical”

When: Through Jan. 14; 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton

Details: An impressively elevated maturity heightens the Muse Machine’s thoroughly entertaining, incredibly joyful and totally relevant production of “9 to 5: The Musical,” based on the classic 1980 film of the same name. Director Joe Deer, choreographer Lula Elzy, music director Jeffrey Powell, and producer Douglas Merk oversee approximately 110 students from across the Miami Valley, including cast, musicians and production assistants, in this breezy presentation accented by Dolly Parton’s tuneful songs.

Credit: FACEBOOK PHOTO

Credit: FACEBOOK PHOTO

Maggie Weckesser (Violet Newstead), Lucy Dennis (Doralee Rhodes) and Addison Haines (Judy Bernly) winningly shine as three office workers circa 1979 whose bonds of sisterhood are strengthened by a mutual disgust of their terribly sexist boss Franklin Hart, Jr. (Jack Wyant). Musical highlights: Weckesser’s razzle dazzle rendition of “One of the Boys” (among Elzy’s finest routines in her 23 seasons with Muse) featuring strong, physical support from the male company; Dennis’ chipper, personable interpretation of “Backwoods Barbie” simultaneously capturing Doralee’s confidence and Parton’s essence; and Haines’ defiant realization of Judy’s transformative journey in “Get Out and Stay Out.” This delightful trio is also matched to the hilt by wonderful Wyant, whose charmingly funny instincts help dial back Franklin’s off-putting behavior for this Muse-friendly version (he delivers “Here For You” with a playful Elvis vibe).

Notable featured performers include: Ella Sherck as lovestruck secretary Roz (her humorously passionate, gospel-flavored rendition of ”Heart to Hart” is a highlight); Via Mongelli as office drunk Margaret; endearing Griffin Greear as kindhearted accountant Joe (“Let Love Grow,” his Act 2 duet with Weckesser, rises with beautiful tenderness); Casen Kidd as Dick, Judy’s ex-husband; Parker Williams as Josh, Violet’s son; Gavin Poronsky as Dwayne, Doralee’s husband; authoritative, humorous Connor Czapor as board chairman Tinsworthy; and the adorable Young Company showcased at the top of Act 2 in an active sequence of personality and movement set to the title tune. In addition, excellent period attire is courtesy of costume designer Shannon Smith-Regnier with costume coordination by Traeln Hoover and Erin Rismiller.

Cost: $29-$69

More info: 937-228-3630 or visit daytonlive.org

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

2. Kensho Watanabe with DPO

When: Jan. 12-13; 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton

Details: Dayton Performing Arts Alliance welcomes Kensho Watanabe to town this weekend to serve as special guest conductor with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Watanabe, who is also trained violinist, was assistant conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 2016 to 2019. The program, Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony, is a tribute to the sesquicentennial of Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. The concert also features the complimentary pieces “Lohengrin” by Richard Wagner and Claude Debussy’s “Ibéria.” (Don Thrasher)

Cost: $5-$82.50

More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org

3. Young’s Jersey Dairy Birthday Celebration

When: Jan. 12-15; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday, and 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Monday

Where: Young’s Jersey Dairy, 6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs

Details: The dairy’s 155th birthday offers specials on cheeses, food and Udders and Putters.

Cost: Free. $1.55 for miniature golf.

More info: 937-325-0629 or www.youngsdairy.com

4. Photography Boot Camp

When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13

Where: Cox Arboretum MetroPark, 6733 Springboro Pike, Miamisburg

Details: Bring a camera and learn how to use it and how to adjust settings for different shooting situations.

Cost: $40

More info: www.metroparks.org

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

5. Heartsiq

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12

Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton

Details: Gays in Space is the theme of this month’s Heartsiq hosted by Ky Heart and Kacie Clover. The lineup for this installment includes performances by local freak folkies Gran Gran, supporting its debut EP from 2023, and solo artist Debbie DeCasio, who first started performing on the local underground scene in the 1980s. Heavenbound, Etch N Sktch and Jynnlynn are also on the bill. (Don Thrasher)

Cost: $7 in advance, $10 day of show

More info: 937-424-3870 or www.yellowcabtavern.com

6. “Fallen Leaves”

When: Jan. 12-17: 12:50 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:10 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. Fri-Sat; 12:50 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sun; and 3:00 p.m., 5:10 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. Mon-Wed

Where: The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton

Details: Nominated for two Golden Globes, this film tells the story of two people “whose paths have accidentally crossed, and who, despite adversity and misunderstandings, try to build some kind of relationship on the harsher side of state welfare.”

Cost: $6.50-$10.50

More info: 937-222-7469 or neonmovies.com

7. “The Princess Bride” Movie Party

When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14

Where: The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton

Details: Enjoy a screening of the classic movie along with themed food, drinks and attire.

Cost: $35

More info: www.thebrightsidedayton.com

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

8. Americana showcase

When: 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12

Where: Blind Bob’s, 430 E. Fifth St., Dayton

Details: Two local Americana acts California Howdy and Sam King & the Suspects share the stage. California Howdy has been trafficking in a cosmic brand of American roots music since forming in Dayton in 2017. Sam King, who started as an introspective singer-songwriter, has turned into a powerful front person with her band the Suspects. (Don Thrasher)

Cost: $10

More info: 937-938-6405 or blindbobs.com

9. MANIA - The ABBA Tribute

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12

Where: Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W. Riverview Ave., Dayton

Details: Formed in 1999, MANIA - The ABBA Tribute has sold out theaters and concert halls across the globe, bringing the music of the beloved ABBA to more than 3 million people.

Cost: $47-$211

More info: daytonmasoniccenter.org

10. “Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: The Birth of Modern Paris”

When: Through Jan. 14. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12-5 p.m. Sunday

Where: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North

Details: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was a French painter and pioneer of modern poster design and lithograph art. Known internationally as a leading Post-Impressionist, he made art that explores the cabarets, racetracks, music halls, circuses, cafés and brothels of Paris during the late 19th century. Filled with empathy and humor, his images offer a captivating, nearly journalistic view of Paris in la belle époque (the beautiful era).

Cost: $5-$15. Free for children ages 6 and younger.

More info: www.daytonartinstitute.org

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