When: Through Jan. 29; 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: Lyricist/librettist Alan Boublil and composer Claude-Michel Schönberg’s iconic, three-hour epic musical set against the backdrop of 19th century France is back in outstanding fashion courtesy of Dayton Live. This top-notch, superbly designed tour is once again led by Nick Cartell, reprising his remarkable portrayal of escaped convict Jean Valjean that wowed Dayton audiences in 2019. Cartell, a vocal knockout, meticulously interprets “Bring Him Home” as a meditative, introspective and yearnful plea that will leave you breathless. Preston Truman Boyd is equally strong as the imposing, unyielding policeman Javert, delivering “Stars” with resounding force. In notable featured roles: Haley Dortch (Fantine) is a lovely storyteller, conveying the beautiful poetry within “I Dreamed a Dream” with heartbreaking, unrushed gusto thanks to musical director Brian Eads; Scrappy yet sincere Christine Heesun Hwang (Eponine) excellently reiterates the passionate despair within “On My Own”; Devin Archer (Enjolras) leads a rousing “Do You Hear The People Sing?”; The charming Gregory Lee Rodriguez (Marius) and fine soprano Addie Morales (Cosette) playfully and tenderly confess “A Heart Full of Love,” nicely accented by Hwang in its gorgeously harmonic final moments; and surefire comic relief is provided by Matt Crowle and Christina Rose Hall as the kooky, treacherous Thénardiers in “Master of the House.”
Cost: $49-$179
More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org
Credit: RICK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
Credit: RICK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
2. “For the Loyal”
When: Through Jan. 29; 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton
Details: Lee Blessing’s thought-provoking one-act drama receives a quietly compelling presentation under Doug Lloyd’s swift, steady direction. Set in the early 1990s and inspired by the Penn State University sex scandal, “For the Loyal” is a cautionary tale centered on Toby (amiable George Merusi) and Mia (heartbreaking Heather Atkinson), a couple shaken to the core by the startling revelations surrounding Coach Mitch Carleson (Robert Brumberg, oozing creepy arrogance). As Carleson’s predatory behavior is examined, Coach Tanner Hale (enjoyably understated John S. Kasper, who also portrays multiple roles) and The Boy (Casen Kidd in a breakthrough portrayal molded with anger, grit and nuance) add layers of disturbing depth. Patrons are reminded the play contains mature subject matter and discussions of sexual abuse.
Cost: $14-$21
More info: 937-278-5993 or daytontheatreguild.org
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
3. Bohemian Funk
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28; doors open at 7 p.m.
Where: The Brightside, 905 E. Third St., Dayton
Details: Dayton-based rockers Bohemian Funk came out of nowhere to take the top prize at The Brightside’s Battle of the Bands in early 2022. The band, which spent much of last year performing in new markets outside the area, returns to the local venue to celebrate the release of its debut album, “Roots.” (Don Thrasher)
Cost: $15 in advance, $25 day of show
More info: 937-410-0450 or www.thebrightsidedayton.com
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Credit: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
4. Silent Disco
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27
Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton
Details: The super popular monthly dance night returns to Yellow Cab Tavern with three different DJs pumping out tunes. The twist at Silent Disco is the dancers are all wearing headphones and can alternate between the three channels to keep them moving on the dance floor throughout the night. (Don Thrasher)
Cost: $10 in advance, $15 day of event
More info: 937-424-3870 or yellowcabtavern.com
Credit: RICK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
Credit: RICK FLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY
5. “Once On This Island”
When: Through Jan. 29; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton
Details: Director/choreographer Aaron Washington helms a lovely, unified, technically sound and culturally resonant production of this charming, Caribbean-flavored one-act musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (“Ragtime”). Evette Nicole Willamson, singing delicately and sweetly, leads the cast as Ti Moune, a headstrong peasant girl who falls in love with the wealthy Daniel (Naman Clark). In addition to Washington’s fluid and flavorful contributions, including choreographing the spirited “Ti Moune’s Dance,” principal standouts include sassy Roniece Hutchins as Asaka (“Mama Will Provide”), the elegant Jovoné Lewis as Erzulie (a vision in soft pink and gold while rendering the beautiful ballad “The Human Heart”), the imposing, vocally strong Jarrod Davis Jr as Papa Ge, and the terrifically firm, compassionate duo of Alexandra Leigh (Euralie) and Antwan Terrell (TonTon), Ti Moune’s adopted parents.
Cost: $18-$20
More info: 937-424-8477 or daytonplayhouse.com
6. St. Helen Fish Fry
When: Saturday, Jan. 28; 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: St. Helen Catholic School, 5086 Burkhardt Rd, Riverside
Details: Menu will consist of a variety of options such as fish, chicken, sausage and homemade hush puppies along with other snacks and beverages. Try your luck at Blackjack or 7 Card Stud among other games as well. Door prizes will also be awarded.
Cost: Pre-sale tickets are $20; $25 at the door; Carry out dinners are $15
More info: Facebook
7. Winter Restaurant Week
When: Through Sunday, Jan. 29
Where: Various locations
Details: Attention foodies! The Miami Valley Restaurant Association’s Winter Restaurant Week promises another round of tasty dishes and special deals.
Cost: Meals range in price from $20.23-$50.23
More info: 937-437-461-6872 (MVRA) or dineoutdayton.com
8. Oscar nominees at The Neon
Where: The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St. Dayton
Details: Welcome to Oscar season! The Neon is screening Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay nominee “Women Talking” as well as Best Actor (Bill Nighy) and Adapted Screenplay nominee “Living.” The 95th annual Academy Awards will be held Sunday, March 12.
When: “Women Talking” screens Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28 at 12:40, 3:00, 5:20 and 7:40, and Sunday, Jan. 29 at 1:00, 5:10 and 7:00; “Living” screens Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28 at 12:30, 2:50, 5:10 and 7:30, and Sunday, Jan. 29 at 12:30, 2:50 and 7:30.
Cost: $8.50-$10.50
More info: 937-222-8452 or visit neonmovies.com
9. “Steeple People”
When: Jan. 26-Feb. 12. Matinees are held Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays; Evening performances are held Thursdays through Sundays
Where: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro
Details: La Comedia opens its 2023 season with this musical comedy about a gospel quartet preparing for a national tour of Ghana. New arrangements of more than 15 hymns include “Down By The Riverside,” “Standing On The Promises” and “It Is Well With My Soul.”
Cost: 37-$78
More info: 937-746-4554 or lacomedia.com
10. Cold and Crafted
When: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28
Where: Bock Family Brewing, 8150 Washington Village Dr., Dayton
Details: This celebration of locally crafted winter artisan ales features more than 15 Dayton-area breweries.
Cost: $30
More info: https://bockfamilybrewing.com/
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