When: 3-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: Third and Main streets (Grande Illumination at Courthouse Square) and Second and Main Streets (Children’s Parade) in downtown Dayton.
Details: In addition to the 7 p.m. tree lighting ceremony which will be immediately followed by the Children’s Parade, the festival includes live entertainment, two reindeer for pictures, a street fair, horse-drawn wagon rides, a holiday village, gingerbread house content and a train display.
Cost: Free
More info: downtowndayton.org
Credit: JEREMY DANIEL
Credit: JEREMY DANIEL
2. “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical”
When: Through Dec. 1; 2 and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton
Details: Directed by Tony winner Michael Mayer (”Spring Awakening”), this incredibly tuneful and surprisingly poignant jukebox musical, created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself and presented in its local premiere by Dayton Live, chronicles the legendary singer’s rise as a chart-topping pop icon who has sold 120 million albums. “American Idol” winner Nick Fradiani brings suavely understated and dignified charisma to his vocally impressive portrayal of Neil - Then, reprising his role from the Broadway production and passionately delivering the spirited anthem “Holly Holy” in particular. As the narrative-driven Neil - Now, Robert Westenberg, the definitive, Tony-nominated Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s ”Into the Woods,” skillfully interprets the pain, regret and inner turmoil associated with Neil’s childhood, infidelity and ailing health, elements which could benefit from more depth and less speed. The relatable, emotional Westenberg notably joins Fradiani for a powerful, life-affirming rendition of “I Am... I Said.” Elsewhere, Lisa Reneé Pitts exemplifies inquisitive grace as Neil’s Doctor and Hannah Jewel Kohn electrifies as Marcia, Neil’s second wife. Kohn’s sultry, sassy and strutting rendition of ”Forever in Blue Jeans” is a worthy-of-a-commercial knockout, but she also beautifully navigates the elegant sincerity fueling “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” opposite Fradiani. An expressive ensemble (dubbed The Beautiful Noise and particularly dynamic in “Crunchy Granola Suite,” among choreographer Steven Hoggett’s strongest routines) and musical director James Olmstead’s superb band greatly accent this entertaining, crowd-pleasing experience featuring such hits as “America,” “Sweet Caroline” and “I’m A Believer.”
Cost: $40-$145
More info: 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
3. Christkindl Market
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30
Where: Front Street, 1001 E. Second St., Dayton
Details: The market includes selfies with Santa, beer tent, food trucks, activities for all ages and indoor shopping from more than 250 artists and artisans.
Cost: Free
More info: frontstreet.art
4. In the Cut Comedy featuring Vincent Bryant
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: Dayton Funny Bone, 88 Plum St., Suite 200, The Greene, Beavercreek
Details: Vincent Bryant of St. Louis debuted on Comedy Central’s “Hart of The City” by Kevin Hart. He has also appeared on “Don’t Tell” & Chocolate Sundays Comedy. He’s toured with Leonard Outz and Ms. Pat among others and has written for “The Ms. Pat Show.”
Cost: $20
More info: dayton.funnybone.com
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
5. “Maria”
When: Through Dec. 5: 11:40 a.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:50 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1:15 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sunday, and 2:20 p.m., 4:50 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, and 2:20 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. Thursday
Where: The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton
Details: Angelina Jolie stars as iconic opera diva Maria Callas who, in spite of ailing health in the mid-1970s, receives a request to go on tour. Kathleen Clawson, artistic director of the Dayton Opera, will participate in a talkback discussion following the 7 p.m. screening on Dec. 1.
Cost:$8.50-$10.50
More info: neonmovies.com
6. O’Shea the Wicked album release
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29
Where: It Takes a Village Studios, 28 W. 5th St., Dayton
Details: Rapper O’Shea the Wicked, part of Dayton’s underground hip hop scene, will have a release show for his debut record, “Premature,” featuring special guests Tennyson Love, Jeremy Street and Angel.
Cost: $5 pre-sale, $10 at the door
More info: eventbrite.com
SIGN UP FOR ‘GEM CITY LIVING’
Visit daytondailynews.com and click “my account” for a list of our free email newsletters. “Gem City Living” is a weekly newsletter highlighting local things to do, arts and culture, food news and more. It comes to inboxes on Thursdays.
About the Author
