10 noteworthy shows to see on area stages in March
A pair of Tony-winning musicals, a Tony-winning comedy, a musical comedy classic and a beautiful choral work honoring the life of the late Matthew Shepard are among notable shows to consider in March.
‘Rent' March 3-12, Springboro Community Theatre
Based loosely on Puccini’s “La Boheme,” Jonathan Larson’s Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at Springboro Performing Arts Center, 115 Wright Station Way, Springboro. $18-$20. 937-203-0927 or borotheatre.org.
‘Urinetown' March 9-18, TheatreLab Dayton
This Tony-winning satire, poking fun at such musicals as “The Threepenny Opera,” “West Side Story” and “Les Misérables,” concerns a community in crisis dealing with such themes as corruption, politics and the environment. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays. PNC Arts Annex, 4 W. Second St., Dayton. $28-$43. 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org.
‘God of Carnage' March 10-19, Dayton Playhouse
Yasmina Reza’s Tony-winning comedy concerns two sets of parents meeting to discuss a playground fight between their two sons. Ultimately, the parents lose control. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. $18-$20. 937-4248477 or daytonplayhouse.com.
Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra March 11, Arbogast Performing Arts Center
The MVSO salutes some of the most iconic music of the movies. The program is slated to feature “Jurassic Park,” “Schindler’s List,” “Forrest Gump,” “Batman” and “Gladiator,” among others. Gem City Ballet will also participate. 7 p.m. at Arbogast Performing Arts Center, 500 S. Dorset Rd., Troy. Tickets start at $15. 937-418-8392 or arbogastpac.com.
‘The Crucible' March 15 and 19, The Neon
The Neon continues its screenings of productions staged by London’s esteemed National Theatre. Lyndsey Turner directs Arthur Miller’s timeless tale of accusation, betrayal and hysteria wreaking havoc in Salem, Massachusetts. 7 p.m. Wednesday and 4 p.m. Sunday at The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton. $12.50. 937222-7469 or neonmovies.com.
‘On the Town' March 17-April 8, Wright State University
Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden and Adolph Green’s classic 1944 musical about three sailors on 24-hour shore leave in World War II-era New York City features such tunes as “Come Up to My Place,” “Lonely Town,” “I Can Cook Too” and “Some Other Time.” 8 p.m. March 17, 18, 24, 25, April 7 and April 8; 2 p.m. March 19, 25, 26 and April 8; and 7 p.m. April 6 in the Festival Playhouse of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. $15-$25. 937-775-2500 or https:// liberal-arts.wright.edu/fine-andperforming-arts/box-office-andcurrent-season
‘Relativity' March 17-April 2, Dayton Theatre Guild
Mark St. Germain’s play concerns the mysterious family history of Albert Einstein. 8 p.m. Fridays, 5 p.m. Saturdays (with the exception of March 18 at 8 p.m.) and 3 p.m. Sundays at the Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. $14-$21. 937-278-5993 or daytontheatreguild.org.
‘Anastasia' March 21-26, Dayton Live
Created by the Tony-winning collaborators of “Ragtime,” “Anastasia” is an account of a brave young woman setting out to discover the mystery of her past. Songs include “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December.” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton. $26-$109. 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org.
‘Considering Matthew Shepard' March 26, Wright State University
In commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the death of gay college student Matthew Shepard, Wright State’s Choral Music Program presents Craig Hella Johnson’s gorgeous, Grammy-nominated oratorio honoring Shepard. 4 p.m. in Schuster Hall of the WSU Creative Arts Center, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn. Free admission.
‘Little Women: The Musical' Through March 26, La Comedia Dinner Theatre
This 2005 musical version of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of the adventures of the four March sisters features such tunes as “Astonishing,” “The Fire Within Me” and “Days of Plenty.” Matinées are held Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays; Evening performances are held Thursdays through Sundays at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro. $37-$78. 937-746-4554 or lacomedia.com.