‘Mean Girls,’ a royal return and a superstar coming soon to Dayton
What to expect with a new arts ticketing website and theater schedule jam-packed with premieres, hits.
Like a mighty roar, the Victoria Theatre Association and Ticket Center Stage are matched in a new tradition of entertainment, officially named and rebranded Dayton Live. And from the looks of its exciting 2020-2021 season, filled with Tony-winning and Tonynominated musicals, everything’s all right because tuneful journeys to Canada, Israel, Russia, Paris, and an Illinois high school are in the diverse mix.
The seven-show Premier Health Broadway in Dayton lineup consists of the local premiere of the 9/11-themed “Come From Away,” the local premiere of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens’ lovely “Anastasia,” the local premiere of the contemporary “Mean Girls,” a 50th-anniversary production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joseph Stein’s “Fiddler on the Roof,” the local premiere of David Yazbek’s captivating “The Band’s Visit,” and Disney’s blockbuster “The Lion King,” returning for its third Dayton appearance following a four-week run in 2016. The Projects Unlimited Star Attractions lineup includes “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” and “STOMP” with additional titles to be revealed at a later date.
ABOUT DAYTON LIVE
“Dayton Live evokes the energy of live events while boldly declaring that our thriving downtown community is the region’s home for arts, culture and entertainment,” said Ty Sutton, VTA President and CEO. “After months of research and conversation with our audience, we found our brand didn’t really reflect the many activities we promote or venues we operate as an organization. Dayton Live is a vibrant brand under which all of our venues and community partners will be able to grow.”
Sutton said the new website DaytonLive.org will better serve patrons in their ticketing needs, particularly for seat selection.
“Dayton Live brings people together as the region’s home for arts, culture and entertainment,” Sutton said. “That’s who we are. That’s what we’re about.”
COMING SOON
2020-2021 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton Lineup:
COME FROM AWAY
Oct. 6-11, 2020 — Schuster Center “This ‘New York Times’ Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town of Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed, and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships… On 9/11 the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.”
Bottom line: A charming story of goodwill boosting spirits in our currently divisive, polarizing climate. Director Christopher Ashley won the Tony for his expertly scaled-down staging, creating an entire landscape with just a few chairs.
ANASTASIA
Nov. 3-8, 2020 – Schuster Center “This dazzling show will transport you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out on a journey to discover the mystery of her past.”
Bottom line: One of the most gorgeous new musicals in recent years complete with fabulous costumes, outstanding projections
(heightening “Journey to the Past” as a breathtaking Act 1 finale), and a striking ballet in Act 2.
MEAN GIRLS
Nov. 24-29, 2020 – Schuster Center
“Featuring a book by Tina Fey, ‘Mean Girls’ tells the story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies.”
Bottom line: It’s just as good as the 2004 movie on which it’s based yet smartly updated as not to feel dated. Remember to wear pink if you see it on Wednesday!
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Jan. 12-17, 2021 – Schuster Center
“A new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.”
Bottom line: This show has had a renaissance in recent years, but no matter how many interpretations it undergoes, Webber and Rice’s iconic rock and roll score remains the true star. Songs include “Heaven on Their Minds,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Hosanna,” “Gethsemane,” and “Superstar.”
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Feb. 9-14, 2021 – Schuster Center
“(A) heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family.”
Bottom line: “Fiddler” has seen a resurgence of late, most notably depicted in Max Lewkowicz’s terrific documentary “Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles,” which played the Neon Movies earlier this year. This luminous production from 2015, splendidly directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher (“The King and I,” “South Pacific,” “My Fair Lady,” “The Light in the Piazza”), emphasizes legacy in profound ways.
THE BAND’S VISIT
March 9-14, 2021 – Schuster Center
“With a score that seduces your soul and sweeps you off your feet, and featuring thrillingly talented onstage musicians, ‘The Band’s Visit’ rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together.”
Bottom line: After three Tony nominations for Best Original Score for “The Full Monty,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” David Yazbek finally took home the prize for composing this quietly compelling account of confusion, connection and romance in a small Israeli town. “The Band’s Visit,” performed without intermission, is a very moody experience but also a gentle reminder of the universal beauty of strangers becoming friends.
Disney’s THE LION KING
May 6-23, 2021 – Schuster Center “More than 100 million people around the world have experienced (this) phenomenon… Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.”
Bottom line: The “Circle of Life” opener in all its grand pageantry and visual splendor will always be worth the price of admission. Don’t miss it!
2020-2021 PROJECTS UNLIMITED STAR ATTRACTIONS
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
December 21-24 & 26-27, 2020 – Victoria Theatre
“Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 astonishing world-class acts… Audiences of all ages will marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity-defying feats, and extravagant theatrical production numbers…”
Bottom line: The Victoria has always favored the Cirque pedigree. A holidaythemed showcase could be a welcomed change of pace to entice new audiences.
STOMP
April 9-11, 2021 – Victoria Theatre
“Explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique… the eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.”
Bottom line: Two new routines are on tap for this latest percussion extravaganza, which still has the power to impress and surprise.