10 noteworthy shows to see around Dayton in April
An epic opera debut, an insightful look at a couple navigating the journey of Parkinson’s disease, a Tony Award-winning and Oscar-nominated mystery and a Pulitzer Prize-winning play inspired by “A Raisin in the Sun” are among notable offerings on area stages in April.
‘Swing is the Thing’ Through April 1, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
Associate conductor Patrick Reynolds leads the Dayton Philharmonic in an evening of ’40s and ’50s swing and dance. This SuperPops concert features vocalist Miche Braden, clarinetist Dave Bennett and four world-champion swing dancers for a night of hits from Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller to Bill Haley and the Comets and Jerry Lee Lewis. Swing hits like “Pennsylvania 5-6000,” “St. Louis Blues,” “Fever” and “Swing That Music,” accompanied by the Dayton Philharmonic, will be a part of the program. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton. $5-$85. 937-228-3630 or daytonperformingarts.org.
‘Relativity’ Through April 2, Dayton Theatre Guild
Debra Kent fluidly directs Mark St. Germain’s quietly engrossing play concerning the mysterious family history of Albert Einstein. Jim Walker, an outstanding, fully realized Einstein, receives heartfelt support from Peggy McDonald-Allen as Margaret Harding, Einstein’s daughter, searching for answers, and Rachel Oprea as Helen Dukas, Einstein’s dutiful, headstrong maid. 8 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday at Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. $14$21. 937-278-5993 or daytontheatreguild.org.
‘On the Town’ Through 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.” Choreographer Josh Walden’s stunning ballets are a signature of this stellar production staged by Joe Deer. 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday 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-and-performing-arts/ box-office-and-current-season.
‘What I Didn’t Say: A Journey Through Parkinson’s’ April 11, Sinclair Community College
Based on actual interviews, this play by actor/playwright Matthew Moore focuses on Paul and Marty, a couple going through the highs and lows related to Parkinson’s disease. “Patients, caregivers, medical professionals and everyone in between will relate to this profoundly honest story about the staying power of true love,” according to press materials. Moore, portraying Paul, has more than 20 years of experience in acting, directing, writing and teaching. Krista Stauffer will portray Marty, among other roles. She is an award-winning actress and head of Boxland Academy in Columbus, Ohio. 2 p.m. in the Smith Auditorium of the Sinclair Conference Center, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. A post-show discussion will follow the 45-minute play. To register for this free performance, visit www.sinclair. edu/diversity.
‘Barbecue’ April 13-30, Human Race Theatre Company
In this hilarious and devastating comedy by Robert O’Hara, the four O’Mallery siblings have planned a barbecue picnic for their youngest sister, Barbara, but it is more of an intervention to confront her outrageous behavior and reckless drug and alcohol use. We soon learn that the entire family is a mess, and each sibling is in need of their own intervention. During the course of the show, the siblings switch from black to white, offering a completely new perspective on the same story. $10-$53. 937-2283630 or visit humanracetheatre. org. The Human Race performs in the Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., Dayton.
‘Clybourne Park’ April 14-23, Clark State College
Bruce Norris’ acclaimed play, produced by Theresa Lauricella, directed by Chelsea Jenkins and inspired by Lorraine Hansberry’s classic drama “A Raisin in the Sun,” explodes in two outrageous acts set 50 years apart. Act One takes place in 1959, as white community leaders anxiously try to stop the sale of a home to a black family. Act Two is set in the same house in the present day, as the now predominantly African American neighborhood battles to hold its ground in the face of gentrification. $15. 937-328-3874 or pac.clarkstate.edu/theatre_ arts.php. Turner Studio Theatre of Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield.
‘Das Rheingold’ April 14 and 16, Dayton Opera
Wagner’s epic opus, spotlighting a world of gods, dwarves and giants, will be performed for the first time in the history of Dayton Opera. The inspiration for modern-day fantasy tales such as “The Lord of the Rings,” the opera concerns the dwarf Alberich, who renounces love and steals the magical gold guarded by three Rhine nymphs. Alberich ultimately finds a ring craved by Wotan, the ruler of the gods. 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton. $5-$100. 937-228-3630 or daytonperformingarts.org.
‘Peter Pan’ April 21-23, Dayton Ballet
The charming, family-friendly tale, choreographed by Septime Webre, marks the farewell of Karen Russo Burke, who is retiring as artistic director of Dayton Ballet at the end of this season. Composer Carmen DeLeone’s score will be performed by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by DPO music director/artistic director Neal Gittleman. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton. $18-$80. 937228-3630 or daytonperformingarts.org.
‘Hamlet’ April 30, The Neon
Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the title role in Shakespeare’s classic tragedy concerning family, legacy and war in a presentation by London’s National Theatre that has been seen by more than 900,000 people worldwide. 4 p.m. at The Neon, 130 E. Fifth St., Dayton. $12.50. Call 937-2227469 or neonmovies.com.
‘Sleuth’ Through May 7, La Comedia Dinner Theatre
The ultimate game of cat and mouse is played out in an English country house owned by celebrated mystery writer Andrew Wyke. Invited guest Milo Tindle, a young rival who shares Wyke’s love for games, declares his intention to run off with Wyke’s wife. The two men devise an elaborate revenge/power game. Through their style and cunning, the stakes continue to rise, leading to the play’s inevitable, heart-stopping finish. “Sleuth” premiered on Broadway in 1970 and received the Tony Award for Best Play. The 1972 film adaptation starring Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine earned four Academy Award nominations. $70-$79. 937-746-4554 or visit lacomedia.org. La Comedia is located at 765 W Central Ave., Springboro.