Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
1. Dayton Greek Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9 through 11
Where: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 500 Belmonte Park North, Dayton
Details: After being sidelined by the coronavirus pandemic for two years, the Dayton Greek Festival returns to in-person attendance for its 64th year. The long-running event returns with Greek food, craft beer, wine and other beverages, live Greek music, dancing and more.
Cost: Free
More info: 937-224-0601 or www.daytongreekfestival.com
Credit: MACKENSIE KING
Credit: MACKENSIE KING
2. “La Cage aux Folles”
When: 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10
Where: Top of the Market, 32 Webster St., Dayton
Details: The best of times is happening inside The Warehouse at Top of the Market, adopting the seductive allure of a flashy St. Tropez nightclub this weekend. Under the skillful direction of Philip Drennen, TheatreLab Dayton’s entertaining, heartwarming production of Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein’s relevant 1983 gay-themed musical “La Cage aux Folles” delivers joyous escapism with purposeful flair. Joshua Stucky (Georges) and Ben Douglas (Albin/Zaza) are a dynamically compatible duo interpreting a 20-year relationship at a moment of parental crisis. Stucky, conflicted and genuine as a devoted dad torn between issues of love and identity, is an appealing, emcee-ready, marathon-level showman navigating the expansive space with abundant energy and inviting warmth. The vibrant Douglas, a natural, improvisational comedian, brings defiant power to the show’s signature anthem “I Am What I Am,” which transcends the moment as a larger message in today’s uncertain climate. Elsewhere: Alex Everett, as statuesque as ever in high heels and terrifically costumed with personality by Danielle Ruddy, is colorfully sassy as maid Jacob; Tenor Garrett Young is in fine voice as problematic Jean-Michel, engaged to sweet Anne (Alex Muhlenkamp); Allie Haines, gorgeously dressed, is a French jewel as the vivacious Jacqueline; Mark Garner and Amy Askins are appropriately rigid as Anne’s bigoted parents; Scott Winters (marvelously imposing as the whip-slaying Hanna), Jonathan McNeal (Phaedra), Jacob Sams (Chantal), Tim Farquhar (Aimee), Joshua Silver Hughes (an elegant Etienne) and Brooke Cierra (Colette) are among the delightful Cagelles; and strong ensemble work extends to Jamal Cann (Francis), Derick Latimer (M. Renaud), Sam Evans (supplying full-throttle vocals as Mme. Renaud and others), Zach King (Tabarro) and Angie Thacker (Babette). Sight lines are concerning due to the length of the space and seating, but the production overall, featuring music direction by Norman Moxley and expertly evocative lighting by Gabe Reichert, provides endless feel-good vibes. (Russell Florence Jr.)
Cost: $20-$75
More info: theatrelabdayton.org
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
3. Ira Glass
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10
Where: Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton
Details: WYSO-FM (91.3) presents An Evening with Ira Glass. The pioneering broadcaster was the creator of the groundbreaking NPR program, “This American Life,” which has been a huge influence on generations of podcasters. Glass shares his work and life experiences in the program, “Seven Things I’ve Learned.”
Cost: $20
More info: 937-228-3630 or www.daytonlive.org
Credit: Rachel Murray
Credit: Rachel Murray
4. Levitt Pavilion
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10
Where: Levitt Pavilion, 134 S. Main St., Dayton
Details: The 2022 Eichelberger Concert Season continues to showcase its diversity this weekend with two very different acts. New York-based jazz group Burnt Sugar Arkestra returns to Dayton for the first time in a decade on Friday. On Saturday, it’s a concert from country artist Carlene Carter, the daughter of June Carter Cash and granddaughter of Mother Maybelle of the legendary Carter Family.
Cost: Free
More info: www.levittdayton.org
Credit: RICK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
Credit: RICK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
5. “The Lifespan of a Fact”
When: 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9 through Sept. 11
Where: Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave, Dayton
Details: What is truth? Are facts negotiable? Should ethics be curtailed for the sake of a juicier story? These questions and more fuel intriguing debate as journalistic integrity and creative essaying collide in Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell’s 2018 one-act comedy “The Lifespan of a Fact.” Terrifically presented at the Dayton Theatre Guild under the direction of Tim Rezash, the breezy play, featuring excellently compartmentalized scenic design by Red Newman, centers on New York magazine intern Jim Fingal (Brandon Shockney in an outstanding Guild debut). The ambitious Jim, a Harvard-educated fact-checker, is determined to bring authenticity to the moving yet problematic work of celebrated Las Vegas-based author John D’Agata (a delightfully perturbed Jared Mola in a welcomed Guild return). As Jim and John spar over details large, small and miniscule, Jim’s editor Emily Penrose (a multi-layered Jennifer Lockwood) attempts to balance authority and diplomacy to ensure the final product is worthy of publication. The energetic and expressive Shockney, whose quick-witted comedic nuances recall Jesse Tyler Ferguson, marvelously interprets Jim’s unrelenting quest for accuracy, which goes too far and pushes the trio to the breaking point. Even so, Jim’s actions have merit, allowing this cautionary tale to sting with relevancy in light of today’s media and political climate. (Russell Florence Jr.)
Cost: $14-$21
More info: 937-278-5993 or daytontheatreguild.org
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
6. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10; doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights
Details: Frankie Valli sang for a decade before his fortunes changed forever with “Sherry” in 1962. It was the first No. 1 single from the Four Seasons, which went on to be one of most successful vocal groups of all time. Sixty years later, Valli is still on the road singing hits from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
Cost: $23.50-$103
More info: 513-232-6220 or www.rosemusiccenter.com
Credit: Sarah Franks
Credit: Sarah Franks
7. Beavercreek Popcorn Festival
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11
Where: Dayton-Xenia Road, between Fairfield and Meadow Bridge Roads, Beavercreek
Details: Arts and crafts booths, live music, festival food and plenty of popcorn-related treats are just some of the attractions at Beavercreek Popcorn Festival. Performers include Ryan Roth & the Comeback Special, Doug Hart Band and Ludlow Creek on Saturday and the Hathaways, Rock It 88 and the Beavercreek High School Marching Band on Sunday.
Cost: Free
More info: 937-602-CORN or beavercreekpopcornfestival.org
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
8. Ginuwine
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10; doors at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Caesar Ford Park, 520 S. Stringtown Road, Xenia
Details: R&B artist Ginuwine burst out of the gates with debut solo single, “Pony,” which hit No. 1 in 1996. He scored another No. 1 and five other Top 10 hits. Greene County Parks & Trails presents the singer at the Caesar Ford Summer Fest with special guest Case and opener Jon B.
Cost: $25 general admission, $40 stage front
More info: gcparkstrails.com
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
9. “Pizza Bandit: The Musical”
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9 through 11
Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton
Details: Sarah Caplan directs “Pizza Bandit: The Musical,” an original work with book by Jenna Gomes, music and lyrics by Brennan Paulin and music production by Rich Reuter. The cast includes Mike Beerbower as Mr. Pizza, Skyler McNeely as Big Tasty, Heather Martin as Mama Joan, Jeff Sams as Pizza Bandit and Addie Immundo as Lil Bandit.
Cost: $13 in advance, $18 day of show
More info: 937-424-3870 or yellowcabtavern.com
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
10. GuitarFest
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11
Where: The Hidden Gem Music Club, 507 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, Centerville
Details: The Dayton Guitar Society presents the 41st GuitarFest with performances by solo artists such as Jim McCutcheon, Eric Loy and Chris Yakopcic, duos such as Tom Wittberg & Raul Ordenez and Lee Ann Kinner & Vinnie Marshall, and groups such as Dayton Guitars 4 Heroes Band, Kosmic Messengers and the Vanderburghs.
Cost: Free but donations are being accepted for The Foodbank.
More info: 937-829-4874 or www.hiddengemdayton.com
Contact this contributing writer at 937-287-6139 or e-mail at donthrasher100@gmail.com.
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