10 noteworthy shows to see in September
From classic comedies to the local premiere of one of the most relevant contemporary dramas in recent years, here are notable shows to see on local stages in September.
‘It’s Only a Play’
Through today, Beavercreek Community Theatre
Terrence McNally’s 2014 comedy is a love letter to show business. Inside the posh townhouse (attractively designed by Chris Harmon) of wealthy producer Julia Budder (delightfully ditzy Melissa Ertsgaard), wacky theater insiders await opening night reviews. The admirable cast, fittingly eccentric, self-absorbed and Manhattan-mindful, includes Lynn Vanderpool as washed-up diva Virginia Noyes, Brandon Shockney as kooky British director Frank Finger, and Titus Unger as Gus P. Head, an overeager coat-check boy aspiring to be on Broadway. Showtime is 3 p.m. today at the Lofino Center, 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek. $13-$16. Patrons are advised the show contains adult language and situations. Masks required. 937-4294737 or bctheatre.org.
‘Morning’s at Seven’
Through today, Dayton Theatre Guild
Paul Osborn’s endearing 1939 comedy tells the story of four aging sisters and their long-standing sibling rivalries. The women rule with compatibility and depth (Barbara Jorgensen as Esther Crampton, Cheryl Mellen as Ida Bolton and Tori Tuccillo as Aaronetta Gibbs, among others) but Jeff Sams’ portrayal of socially awkward bachelor Homer Bolton is particularly terrific. 3 p.m. today at the Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. $14-$21. Masks required. 937-278-5993 or daytontheatreguild.org.
‘Blithe Spirit’
Sept. 9-19, Brookville Community Theatre
Noel Coward’s classic 1941 comedy concerns novelist Charles Condomine, who is haunted by the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, following a séance overseen by Madame Arcati. Hilarity ensues when Elvira wreaks havoc in an attempt to disrupt Charles’ marriage to his second wife, Ruth, who cannot see or hear her. 8 p.m.
Thursdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays at Brookville Community Theatre, 770 Arlington Road. $17. 937-833-6790 or brookvillecommunitytheatre.com.
‘Puffs’
Sept. 10-19, Springboro Community Theatre
Matt Cox’s 2016 comedy is an irreverent spin on the wizarding world of Harry Potter. The play spotlights life at Hogwarts through the lens of its “well-meaning loyal rejects” of the house of Hufflepuff. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at Springboro Performing Arts Center, 115 Wright State Way. $18-$20. Masks required. 937-203-0927 or borotheatre.org.
‘American Son’
Sept. 17-26, Dayton Playhouse Dayton Playhouse offers the local premiere of Christopher Demos-Brown’s 2018 race relations drama about an interracial family in crisis. Inside a police station, a mother fears for her only child’s safety, having heard news of his involvement in a latenight traffic stop. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. $18-$20. Masks required. 937-4248477 or daytonplayhouse.com.
‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’
Through Sept. 19, La Comedia Dinner Theatre
Winner of four 2014 Tony Awards including Best Musical, this clever, humorous and sophisticatedly British tale centers on Monty Navvaro (charming David Thomas), who finds out he’s ninth in line for an earldom in the lofty D’Ysquith family (eight members, all winningly portrayed by Chris Beiser). In order to advance, Monty seeks to kill his unsuspecting relatives without being caught. The melodic, operatic, English music hall score includes “I’ve Decided to Marry You,” “Sibella” and “Why Are All the D’Ysquiths Dying?” Thursdays through Sundays at La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro. $65$76; $35 for kids 11 and younger. 1-800-677-9505 or 937-746-4554 or lacomedia.com.
Heart to Heart featuring Amy Grant
Sept. 21, Schuster Center Six-time Grammy winner Amy Grant headlines the 32nd annual Heart to Heart Gala. Grant notably became the first artist in Christian music to have a platinum record and go on to crossover success with such hits as “Baby Baby” and “Every Heartbeat.” 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. $53-$93. Masks required. 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org.
‘Lend Me a Tenor’
Sept. 23-Oct. 3, Wright State University
Ken Ludwig’s 1989 Tony Award-nominated farce is filled with “slamming doors, mistaken identities, high-stakes hijinks and a touch of opera.” 7 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays in the Festival Playhouse of WSU’s Creative Arts Center, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Dayton. $15-$25. Masks required. 937-775-2500 or 937-775-3789 or wright.edu/ tdmp.
‘Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got the Will?’
Sept. 24-Oct. 3, Troy Civic Theatre
Set in mid-1980s Texas, this play by Del Shores (“Sordid Lives”) is described as a “sometimes hysterically funny, sometimes poignantly touching dramatic comedy.” 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays at the Barn in the Park, Adams Street, across from Hobart Arena, in Troy. $14. 937-337-7700 or troycivictheatre.com.
‘An Evening with C.S. Lewis’
Sept. 26, Victoria Theatre In 1963 London, British author C.S. Lewis reflects on the people and events that inspired his life, particularly his thoughts about Christianity and his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien. 2 p.m. Sunday at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. $60. Masks required. 937-228-3630 or daytonlive.org.