Wright State opens season with ‘Curious Incident’
Simon Stephens’ critically acclaimed drama “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” receives its regional collegiate premiere at Wright State University Sept. 27-Oct. 7 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center.
Set in London and based on the 2003 novel by Mark Haddons, the thought-provoking play concerns autistic 15-year-old Christopher Boone, who is determined to solve the mystery behind the death of his neighbor’s dog, Wellington.
Finding himself under suspicion, he records each fact of the crime, venturing beyond his comfort zone for the first time in his life. Considering Christopher doesn’t like to be touched and also distrusts strangers, his bold and brave mission ultimately transforms into a fascinating and inspirational journey.
“This story resonates for me because it shows a person exceeding their own expectations as well as societal expectations of them,” said director Marya Spring Cordes, whose WSU credits include “The Grapes of Wrath,” “Grand Hotel,” “The Children’s Hour,” and “The Music Man.” “Everyone has challenges to overcome whatever those might be, especially if we were born with them. But it’s important never to underestimate the power of the human will.”
As WSU enters its 39th season, “Curious Incident,” winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards including Best New Play and five 2015 Tony Awards including Best Play, symbolizes a significant evolution in the organization’s programming. There still will be lighter fare sprinkled throughout any given season, but at the same rate, there will also be a shift regarding dramatic fare.
“We want to start bringing more cutting edge productions to our public,” Cordes explained. “‘Curious Incident’ represents the move to a different direction, a direction that will be new and fresh. The fact that we are the first college in this region to be granted the rights to produce this challenging play speaks volumes for the reputation of our department.”
The principal cast includes Colin Hodgkin as Christopher, Justin Mathews as Ed Boone, Katie Sinicki as Judy Boone, and Kaitlyn Campbell as Siobhan. Ensemble members include MacKenzie Kasbaum, Josh Beasley, Eric Thompson, Mark Antony Howard, Hailey Marshall, and Isabella Andrews. The artistic team includes fight choreographer Bruce Cromer, set designer David J. Castellano, costumer Courtney Michele, lighting designer Matthew Benjamin, properties by Terry Webb, sound designer James Dunlap, and dialect coach Deborah Thomas.
Performances are Sept. 27, Oct. 3 and 4 at 7 p.m., Sept. 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 30, Oct. 6 and 7 at 2 p.m. There will be a special talkback following the Sept. 30 matinee. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $15 for students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 775-2500 or visit www. wright.edu/theatre-danceand-motion-pictures/performances/ticket-information.
In addition, WSU is partnering with SICSA to promote animal adoption in the Dayton region. If you are interested in adopting the dog featured in the production, or any pet, please contact the SICSA Pet Adoption Center at (937) 294-6505.
WSU selects Beachler, Schmenk for alumni awards
The Wright State Alumni Association selected Emmy nominee Hannah Beachler as the recipient of its 2018 Alumna of the Year Award and Jasmine Easler Schmenk as the recipient of its 2018 Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
Beachler, a 2005 graduate of WSU’s Motion Pictures Program, served as production designer on the Academy Award-winning drama “Moonlight” and pop culture phenomenon “Black Panther.” She received her Emmy nomination for Beyonce’s “Lemonade.” Beachler will receive her award Friday, Oct. 5 in conjunction with WSU’s homecoming weekend.
Schmenk, a 2016 graduate of WSU’s Musical Theatre Program, recently appeared as Joanne Jefferson in the national tour of “Rent.” Her WSU credits include “Fences,” “Hot Mikado,” “The Magic Fire,” and “1913: The Great Dayton Flood.” She also appeared in the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “Crowns.”
DPO Choir Auditions
Auditions for new members of the 2018-2019 Choirs of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will be held Monday, Oct. 1 beginning at 5 p.m. in the Creative Arts Center of Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway.
The choirs of the DPO include the Orchestra Chorus, Chamber Choir, and Festival Chorus and comprise the choral performance ensembles of the DPO. Hank Dahlman, university professor of music and director of choral studies at WSU, has served as the Dayton Philharmonic choral director for 20 years.
“I have sung with the Dayton Philharmonic choruses under every director, beginning with Paul Katz,” said longtime chorus member Effie Sue Kemerley. “What a continuing thrill it is to perform the great choral literature with an orchestra as professional as the DPO under the baton of Maestro Neal Gittleman. The DPO Chorus quality has grown immensely under Hank Dahlman’s guidance, and now, with the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, we have the opportunity to perform with Dayton Opera and Dayton Ballet. Truly the best volunteer musical experience in town!”
To schedule an audition time, contact Amy Vaubel by e-mail at amy@vaubel.net or by phone at (937) 554-2986. Complete audition information, including free music score downloads, is available at www.daytonphilchoirs. org. Click on “auditions” in the middle of the page to find music and instructions for each specific voice part.