When: Jan. 13-15; 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, Second and Main Streets, Dayton
Details: The Blue Man Group returns to Dayton. The unique, international sensation, currently out on a new North American tour, is presented at the Schuster Center courtesy of Dayton Live. (Don Thrasher)
Cost: $26-$109
More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
2. Disney’s ”The Little Mermaid”
When: Jan. 12-15; 7 p.m. Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton
Details: Incredible joy awaits under the sea! Breezily directed by Joe Deer, the Muse Machine’s outstanding 38th student musical is filled with fully committed enchantment from an entertaining cast of 130 students from across the Miami Valley. This familiar familial tale about growing up and letting go is centered in the luminously expressive believability of Maggie Weckesser as Ariel, who desires to become human no matter the consequence. Playing to every corner of the Victoria Theatre from the middle of the orchestra to the back row of the balcony, Weckesser sets the tone near the outset with a splendidly inquisitive rendition of “Part Of Your World.” On the darker side of the kingdom, the marvelous Isabel Rawlins delivers a deliciously crazed, evil and comedically savvy portrayal of Ursula, filling “Poor Unfortunate Souls” with treacherous finesse while flanked by dastardly duo Eli Ramos (Flotsam) and Elie Hoover (Jetsam). The production is also accented with flavorfully atmospheric choreography by Lula Elzy, providing a variety of routines encompassing vaudeville, Motown, Caribbean influences, a waltz, a can-can and more. Equally notable: Griffin Greear’s charming and humble Prince Eric (”Her Voice” is a reflective standout); Noah Mullen’s adorably smitten Flounder; Ben Anticoli’s kooky Scuttle (”Positoovity” is an Act 2 highlight); Ben Locke’s authoritatively regal King Triton; Mason Melvin’s delightful Sebastian; Jack Wyant’s devoted Grimsby; Gavin Poronsky’s enthusiastic Chef Louis (”Les Poissons”); Cooper Schairbaum and Elias Stienecker as the dutiful Windward and Leeward; Lucy Dennis, Caroline Kaibas, Houda Loukssi, Isabella Olivas, Kara Silver and Amaria Wallace as the bubbly Mersisters (”She’s In Love”); Maggie Arnett, Mallory Branek, Haylie Chavez, Reese Hornick, Via Mongelli, Ella Sherck and Abriella Ruby as vocally competitive Princesses (“The Contest”); Nikki Sherck and Alisa Vukasinovich’s expert costume coordination; music director Jeffrey Powell’s firm orchestra; and J. Branson’s grand set design and Leon Dobkowski’s colorful costumes courtesy of Music Theatre Wichita.
Cost: $23-$67
More info: 937-228-3630 or visit daytonlive.org
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
3. “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
When: Jan. 12-14; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: PNC Arts Annex, 46 W. Second St., Dayton
Details: TheatreLab Dayton presents a terrific production of librettist John Cameron Mitchell and composer/lyricist Steven Trask’s raw, edgy musical about acceptance, forgiveness and liberation concerning an East German punk-rock transgender singer. Matthew Brennan, skillfully directed by Ryan Scarlata without an ounce of over-the-top mania, portrays the flashy, opinionated and sarcastic Hedwig with clever wit, emotional yearning (his stellar rendition of the beautiful rock ballad “Wicked Little Town” becomes a seductive invitation) and a refreshingly introspective essence. In addition: Nicolette Montana shines with passionate intensity as Yitzak, Hedwig’s sidekick and chief back-up singer; Philip Drennen and Lindsay Sherman winningly complement Brennan and Montana as Angry Inch vocalists; and musical director/drummer Jeremy King leads an impressively balanced band. Patrons are reminded the show is intended for mature audiences due to strong language, adult themes and trigger warnings such as discussion of sexual assault, transphobia and substance abuse.
Cost: $28-$43
More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org.
Credit: SirChopin - stock.adobe.com
Credit: SirChopin - stock.adobe.com
4. DPO String Quartet
When: Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m.
Where: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton
Details: Dayton Philharmonic String Quartet presents an intimate afternoon of chamber music in DAI’s Mimi and Stuart Rose Auditorium. The program features Johannes Brahms’ “Piano Trio Op. 114″ and “String Quintet in C Major” by Franz Schubert. (Don Thrasher)
Cost: $25
More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org
5. Dayton Wedding Expo and Experience
When: Saturday, Jan. 14 and Sunday, Jan. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Wright State University’s Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton
Details: Over 100 local wedding vendors are expected at this event, which includes a runway fashion show. Engaged couples who register to attend can win door prizes, discounts and a dream vacation.
Cost: $6 in advance; $10 at the door
More info: ohioweddingshows.com
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
6. The Contemporary Dayton
When: Jan. 13-March 26
Where: 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton
Details: Three new exhibitions open at The Contemporary Dayton beginning this weekend: “Becky Suss: Home,” “Carmen Winant: The neighbor, the friend, the lover,” and “Yael Bartana: The Undertaker.” Each feature an emerging female artist exploring feminist themes, history, identity and heritage. The exhibit is curated by Michael Goodson with guest curator Greer Pagano, a Philadelphia-based art historian.
Cost: Free
More info: 937-224-3822 or codayton.org
7. Frozen the 13th
When: Friday, Jan. 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Main Street Commons, 103 W. Main St., Fairborn
Details: Let it go! Fairborn’s winter-themed Friday the 13th event encourages you to come dressed as your favorite character from Disney’s Academy Award-winning film “Frozen.” Activities include a costume contest and ice carving demonstration. Hot chocolate and cookies, a photo booth and a DJ will also be a part of the fun.
Cost: Free
More info: Facebook
8. HEARTSIQ - Queer Art and Music
When: Friday, Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. Performances begin at 9 p.m.
Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton
Details: Yellow Cab’s queer-focused art, music and performance party is expected to feature a mix of visual artists, drag queens, musicians, spoken word and more. All ages are welcomed with a guardian.
Cost: $7 in advance; $10 at the door
More info: 937-424-3870 or yellowcabtavern.com
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
9. “Llama Llama Live”
When: Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m.
Where: Arbogast Performing Arts Center, 500 S. Dorset, Troy
Details: Find out why bedtime has never been so exciting in this family-friendly musical based on the bestselling books by Anna Dewdney.
Cost: $15-$20
More info: 937-418-8392 or arbogastpac.com
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
10. Winterfolk Fest
When: Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton
Details: Harold Hensley, organizer of Winterfolk Fest, is back with a diverse bill of Americana music. In addition to Hensley performing with his new band, this year’s lineup features the Shady Pine, Honey & Houston, Cory Breth, Kyleen Downes and Derek Gooley. (Don Thrasher)
Cost: $12 in advance; $15 day of show
More info: 937-424-3870 or yellowcabtavern.com
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