“Our Town”
Sept. 27-Oct. 7, 2024
Festival Playhouse
Director: Artistic Director Marya Spring Cordes
Thornton Wilder’s deeply moving and thought-provoking play about life in Grover’s Corners holds a mirror to all of humanity.
“Carrie: The Musical”
Oct. 31-Nov. 17, 2024
Festival Playhouse
Director: Jamie Cordes
Inspired by the Stephen King novel of the same name and featuring music direction by Matt Ebright, this musical about teens and terror features music by Academy Award winner Michael Gore (”Fame”), lyrics by Academy Award winner Dean Pitchford (”Fame,” “Footloose”), and a book by Lawrence D. Cohen, screenwriter of the film. Cordes serves as a WSU senior lecturer.
“The Apple Tree”
Nov. 15-24, 2024
Herbst Studio Theatre
Guest director/choreographer: Leslie Goddard-Baum
Composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick, the songwriting team behind “Fiddler on the Roof” and “She Loves Me,” wrote this witty, tuneful, and charming 1966 show comprised of three musical miniatures: “The Diary of Adam and Eve”, “The Lady or the Tiger?” and “Passionella.” Goddard-Baum notably appeared on Broadway in “Hairspray,” and Wright State’s resident music director Wade Russo will provide music direction.
“Much Ado About Nothing”
Feb. 14-23, 2025
Festival Playhouse
Director: Josh Aaron McCabe
William Shakespeare’s comedic romp revels in mistaken identity, witty banter and romance. McCabe serves as Head of Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting Program.
“Everybody”
Feb. 21-March 2, 2025
Herbst Studio Theatre
Guest director: Gregory Mallios
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ modern adaptation on “Everyman,” a 15th century morality play, centers on the meaning of living. At each performance the actors’ roles are selected by lottery, requiring each actor to know and perform all the roles. Mallios, a WSU alum, is an adjunct instructor.
“Alice By Heart”
March 14-30, 2025
Festival Playhouse
Director/choreographer: Greg Hellems
This new musical inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is from Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning songwriting team behind “Spring Awakening.” Co-written by Jessie Nelson (”Waitress”), the show “celebrates the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.” Hellems serves as Head of Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre Program. Wade Russo will provide music direction.
Spring Dance Concert
April 24-27, 2025
Festival Playhouse
The Wright State University Dance Ensemble will offer diverse works. Featuring choreography by Wright State’s faculty Gina Walther (Head of Dance), Ashley Pabst and guest artists, the evening will include WSU’s community education partners Dayton Ballet II and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company II.
Season tickets can be purchased starting in July through the Wright State School of Fine and Performing Arts Box Office by calling 937-775-2500 or visiting wright.edu/theatre.
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Straight superiors for Miami East Jr. High choirs
The Miami East Sixth Grade Choir and 7–8 Honor Choir performed at the OMEA Junior High Large Group adjudicated event on Friday, May 10.
The competition was hosted by Laura Conrad at Beavercreek High School. Both groups received straight superior ratings from all three judges. The 7–8 choir was the only group at the adjudicated event to receive the highest rating in OMEA Class A. Both groups were commended by the adjudicators on their stage presence, attention to fine details and musicality. One judge in particular commented on how well prepared the 7–8 choir was for high school.
The choirs were directed by Omar Lozano and accompanied by Melissa Lozano.
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Edward A. Dixon Gallery participated in New York’s Art Expo
The Edward A. Dixon Gallery, located in downtown Dayton, participated in the Art Expo in New York City April 4-7.
The gallery chose to participate in New York’s largest fine art trade fair in order to expand its national customer base. The annual fine art destination at Pier 36 celebrated its 47th year and hosted more than 200 exhibiting galleries, art publishers and dealers, as well as artists from around the world.
Dixon showcased four artists in the gallery’s exhibitor booth. Cynthia Kukla of Cincinnati and Marilynn Page of Dayton have shown their work frequently at Dixon’s gallery and often use a figurative style of artwork. Cedric Michael Cox of Cincinnati and Juko of Santa Cruz, California are newer to the gallery and adhere to a more abstract aesthetic. Juko, a former Daytonian, is a graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.
About the Author