Virtual productions engage, entertain and provoke thought
Amber J. Smith's “Tired” (Amber J. Smith), Kassahn Johnson's “Pipeline” (Morisseau), Shaun Diggs' “PressUre” (Morisseau), Cormari Pullings' “Wake” (Dave Harris), Livisay and Deangelo Powell's “Survival Code” (Morisseau with choreography by Rodney Veal), and the fabulous Bryana Bentley's doubly dynamic “You Think You Know Us” (Christine Toy Johnson) and “For Black Women Who Experienced Genocide When the Police Murders of Their Sons Was Too Much” (Keith A. Wallace).
Dayton Theatre Guild
Dayton Theatre Guild's participation in Art in the City was evidenced in two short works by Wendy MacLeod: “Bare Stage” and “Slow Food.” The humorous excerpt from “Slow Food,” a story of a romantic dinner plagued by bad service, was the stronger work and featured delightful performances by Rick Flynn (agitated Peter), Sarah Saunders (conflicted Irene) and Jeff Sams (flamboyant waiter Stephen). Both plays were directed by Sams. Heather Atkinson notably joined Saunders in “Bare Stage.”
The Virtual Theatre
Directed by Matt Neal, The Virtual Theatre's energetic, fanciful production of Qui Nguyen's dramedy “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms” vibrantly merged the worlds of reality and gaming. A terrifically expressive, inquisitive and sensitive Julia Gomez excelled as Agnes, an Ohioan who embarks on a “Dungeons and Dragons” adventure that draws her closer to her deceased sister Tilly ( Jamie Binegar). As the story dived deeper into Agnes' acceptance of Tilly's sexuality and the compelling notion they lived not so much as sisters but strangers, the action was heightened by fantastic animation by Jordann William Edwards. The high-spirited cast included comical Scott Christian as Chuck, sassy J Moliere as Vera/Farrah The Faerie, Ivy Moody as Lilith, kooky Cy Wood as Orcus, Andie Angel as Kaliope, Chase Engel as Miles, Zoe Peterson as Evil Tina, Danielle Gallo as Evil Gabbi, Eli Mansfield as Steve, and Jaiya Ma as Goddess Narrator.
Dare to Defy Productions
A church sanctuary – a haven for confession, prayer, reflection, and unity – is the fitting locale for Dare to Defy Productions' earnest, choral-driven presentation of Jason Robert Brown's wonderfully introspective and tuneful “Songs for a New World.” Directed by striking tenor Philip Drennen and accented by Dean Brown's superb piano accompaniment, standout selections include Allie Haines' lovely, confident “I'm Not Afraid of Anything,” Mackensie King's poignant “Stars and the Moon,” Haines and Zach King's tender duet “I'd Give It All For You,” and Lindsay Sherman's defiant “Flagmaker, 1775.” The cohesive cast includes Jamal Caan, Naman Clark, Norman Moxley, Brennan Paulin, Danielle Ruddy, TC Schreier, and Garrett Young. Tickets are $10. The production is available for streaming through Monday, Aug. 31. Visit showtix4u.com/ events/1731.
Contact this contributing writer at 9372329426 or email russellflorencejr@yahoo.com.