9 upcoming shows you’ll want to see in August
One of the most hilariously irreverent musicals ever written and a funk-inspired dance concert are among the notable shows you should consider in August.
Sweeney Todd
Aug. 2-4, Dare to Defy Productions
Dare to Defy Productions’ Dare to Inspire Youth Summer Series concludes with Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s 1979 Tony Award-winning musical about murder and vengeance in Victorian London. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Brightside Music and Event Venue, 905 E. Third St., Dayton. Tickets are $18-$30. Visit dare2defy.org.
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka
Aug. 2-11, Springboro Community Theatre
You won’t need a golden ticket to get into this production, the premiere show for the newly formed Springboro Community Theatre. The story of Charlie Bucket and the titular candy manufacturer is being staged for free but patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for their own comfort. 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday at North Park, 195 Tamarack Trail.
Hungry for Laughs: Comedy for a Cause
Aug. 10, Renegade Stage
The Renegade Stage comedians are back for a fundraiser benefitting Gettysburg Gateway for Men. Cast includes Jason Sprinkle, Cassie Sprinkle, Alec Weisbrodt, Cameron T. Meyers, Ben Rhinehart, Rob Morick, and Renegade founder Don Hurst. 8 p.m. Saturday at MJ’s on Jefferson, 20 N. Jefferson St., Dayton. Tickets are $5.
Shrek
Through Aug. 11, La Comedia Dinner Theatre
Based on the Academy Award-winning 2001 DreamWorks Animation film and William Stieg’s 1990 book of the same name, this humorous, upbeat 2008 musical adaptation is a fairy tale extravaganza concerning friendship, adventure, romance, and self-acceptance. Evening performances (arrival times: 5:30-6 p.m.) and matinees (10:30-11 a.m.) 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro. Tickets are $61-$74; Kids 11 and under are $30. Call (937) 7464554 or visit lacomedia.com.
On Golden Pond
Aug. 15-Sept. 8, La Comedia Dinner Theatre
Prepare to laugh and cry as Ernest Thompson’s touching classic chronicles the family of Norman and Ethel Thayer. The play debuted on Broadway 40 years ago and its 1981 Academy Award-winning film famously starred Henry Fonda, Katherine Hepburn and Jane Fonda. Evening performances (arrival times: 5:30-6 p.m.) and matinees (10:30-11 a.m.) 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro. Tickets are $61-$74; Kids 11 and under are $30. Call (937) 7464554 or visit lacomedia.com.
The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940
Aug. 23-Sept. 8. Dayton Theatre Guild
A Broadway creative team, a bumbling detective, a New York estate, a “Stage Door Slasher,” and a blizzard are among the prominent factors in John Bishop’s 1987 play. 8 p.m. Fridays, 5 p.m. Saturdays (with the exception of the Aug. 24 performance at 8 p.m.) and 3 p.m. Sundays at the Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. $12$19. Call (937) 278-5993 or visit daytontheatreguild.org.
Soulfully Funkalicious
Aug. 24, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
DCDC kicks off its 51st season with funky grooves, a soul food buffet and great dancing. The Dayton Funk All-Stars Band will provide live music. 6 p.m. Saturday at Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St., Dayton. General seating: $80; VIP seating: $120. All seating is table seating. Limited seating available. All white attire requested. Call (937) 228-3232 or visit daytoncontemporarydancecompany.eventbrite.com.
The Book of Mormon
Aug. 28-Sept. 1, Victoria Theatre Association
Hello! Robert Lopez, Matt Stone and Trey Parker’s incredibly funny and vulgar 2011 Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical returns to Dayton. Witty songs include “Turn It Off,” “I Believe,” “Spooky Mormon Hell Dream,” and the lost in translation genius of “Joseph Smith American Moses” which must be seen to be believed. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Patrons are advised the show contains strong adult content and language. Tickets are $30$133. Call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.
Freaky Friday
Aug. 30-Sept. 8. Beavercreek Community Theatre
Based on the novel by Mary Rodgers and the Disney films of the same name, this new musical by the creators of “Next to Normal” concerns an overworked mother and her teenage daughter who magically swap bodies. 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays at the Lofino Center, 3868 DaytonXenia Rd., Beavercreek. Tickets are $12 and $15. Call (937) 4294737 or visit bctheatre.org.
Contact this contributing writer at rflorence2@gmail.com.