Performed without intermission, “Six” is basically a glorified rock concert that playfully examines the historic wives of Henry VIII (divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived) through the humorously contemporary and competitive lens of a singing competition. The ladies throw a lot of shade but the bonds of sisterhood prevail in empowering fashion. And they look fabulous doing it in Gabriella Slade’s bedazzled, Tony Award-winning outfits.
Credit: Photo by Joan Marcus.
Credit: Photo by Joan Marcus.
Songwriters Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss also won the 2022 Tony for their catchy original score recalling the likes of Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Rihanna. Chani Maisonet (Catherine of Aragon), Gaby Albo (Anne Boleyn), Caroline Siegrist (Jane Seymour), Danielle Mendoza (Anna of Cleves), Alizé Cruz (Katherine Howard) and Tasia Jungbauer (Catherine Parr) deliver spectacularly tight harmonies backed by an all-female band. Jungbauer’s soulful, radio-ready rendition of “I Don’t Need Your Love,” inspired by the R&B groove of Alicia Keys, is among the many standout numbers. Read more about the production.
This week’s edition also spotlights MLK Day observances, a preview of Dayton Battle of the Bands and an overview of the exhibits that will be on display throughout 2025 at the Dayton Art Institute.
Let us know what you think. If you have thoughts, feedback or news tips, please email me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.
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😊Around Town: 10 things to do in Dayton this weekend
Credit: Getty Images
Credit: Getty Images
From bridal gowns and comedy shows to ice cream and basketball, there’s a lot to enjoy around Dayton this weekend. Take a look at our list of top events.
🕊️Around Town: MLK Day events slated for Monday
Numerous events will take place Monday around the region in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In addition to Dayton’s annual memorial march (be sure to bundle up!), The Neon is offering a free screening of “The Six Triple Eight” particularly intended for young people. Here is a list of events.
🎵Music: Dayton Battle of the Bands begins this week: Competition highlights local talent
Credit: Jordan Lynn Freshour
Credit: Jordan Lynn Freshour
Dayton Battle of the Bands is back! The weekly competition, entering its fifth season and running every Thursday through Feb. 27 with the exception of Feb. 20, begins Jan. 16 at the Brightside. A different musical style will be heard every week. Week 1 begins with the Alternative/Rock category featuring Bomb Bunny, Dracmina, Dr Cycle and Imagine Me King. Read more about this year’s event.
🖼️Visual arts: Dayton Art Institute reveals what it will exhibit in 2025
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
An exclusive look at the works of Jamie Wyeth and a tribute to Dayton’s own Curtis Barnes, Sr., educator and co-founder of the African American Visual Arts Guild, are among the exhibits slated at the Dayton Art Institute this year. Read the full overview.
🎭Theater: Muse Machine presents ‘Cats’
Credit: MUSE MACHINE
Credit: MUSE MACHINE
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic “Cats” serves as Muse Machine’s 40th student musical. The entertaining show, featuring nearly 130 young people, takes place Jan. 16-19 at the Victoria Theatre. Read more about the production and how it has been tailored to fit the Muse mold.
😊Around Town: A recap of Brick Fest Live at Dayton Convention Center
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Did you miss Brick Fest Live last weekend? No worries. Here’s a recap of the family-friendly event that featured hands-on activities and displays catering to all things LEGO.
⭐ A Day in the Life: Casey Nickole
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Casey Nickole, owner of SHAG Studios, a mixed-use salon, is an entrepreneur who embraces Dayton’s DIY essence, her passion for design and the joy of connection. Read more about her journey.
🎬Movie of the Week: ‘The Room Next Door’
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Academy Award-winning writer/director Pedro Almodóvar returns with his first English language film. In his latest feature, Academy Award winners Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton play childhood friends who reunite years later “in an extreme but strangely sweet situation.”
“It’s a gorgeous film — from story to production design to performance — and it shouldn’t be missed on the big screen," said Jonathan McNeal, Neon manager.
“The Room Next Door” notably won the Golden Lion, the top prize, at the 2024 Venice International Film Festival.
For more information, visit neonmovies.com.
🚶Get Active: Couple to lead outdoors series, wants public to learn to love it with them
Outdoors enthusiasts Michelle and Brian Coleman have spoken at the Adventure Summit and they’ve also encouraged the public in their creation of the Every Trail MetroPark Challenge. They will soon host the monthly Cruisin’ with the Colemans Speaker Series at Base Camp Outdoors Co. in downtown Dayton. The series will kick off with their origin story on Jan. 23. Read more about this free series.
🛍️Around Town: Anthropologie to open its doors at The Greene
The Greene Town Center’s newest retail offering, Anthropologie, is now open. Billed as a “unique, full-lifestyle shopping experience,” the store boasts an exclusive assortment of clothing, accessories, beauty products, furniture, home décor, and bridal collections. Another new retailer is on the way as well. Read the full story.
📷Photos: Buckeye Wedding Expo & Bridal Show at Dayton Arcade and Brick Fest Live at Dayton Convention Center
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Brick Fest Live took place at the Dayton Convention Center Jan. 11-12.
The Buckeye Wedding Expo and Bridal Show took place at the Dayton Arcade Jan. 11-12.
📺ICYMI: Dayton native appeared on ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ for teaching karate to seniors
Credit: Chris Haston/WBTV
Credit: Chris Haston/WBTV
Dayton native and 2023 Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School graduate Jeffrey Wall, the founder of Golden Age Karate, appeared on the Jan. 15 episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” Read more about Wall’s nonprofit intended to empower seniors mentally and physically.
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Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I encourage you to keep in touch. Share story tips or feedback about this newsletter by emailing me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.
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