I’ve seen “Chicago” dozens of times, including last summer on Broadway featuring Jinkx Monsoon’s impressive take on Matron “Mama” Morton, but it never grows old because everything depends on characterization within the Fosse technique. Yes, the catchy songs are brilliant and timeless (“All That Jazz,” “Mister Cellophane,” “Razzle Dazzle” among others) but each number thrives on skillful choreographic precision (a fling of the wrist here, a limp hand there) that is fascinating to watch.
Credit: submitted
Credit: submitted
Ensemble member Brad Weatherford is a knockout as Fred Casely, showcasing a magnetic physicality that takes the featured role to another level. Also, Ellie Roddy (a vibrant Roxie Hart) and ensemble members Timothy Scott Brausch and Roberto Facchin deliver the breezy “Me and My Baby” with phenomenal pizzazz. Read more about the production.
This week’s edition also spotlights 30 events to enjoy in Dayton throughout February as well as Black Box Improv’s Galentine’s Day comedy show and the unforgettable arrival of “Nickel Boys” at The Neon.
Let us know what you think. If you have thoughts, feedback or news tips, please email me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.
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😊Around Town: 10 things to do in Dayton this weekend
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Dinosaurs of varying sizes, the monthly First Friday art hop featuring dining and entertainment deals, the Dayton Theatre Guild’s excellent local premiere of the ripped-from-the-headlines comedy “The Minutes,” and the music of Queen are among events happening this weekend.
💖Around Town: February events to enjoy across the Dayton region
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
From art shows and diverse concerts to comedy, theater and community dinners, take a look at our list of events happening across the Dayton region in February.
😆Comedy: Downtown Dayton Improv Theater celebrates Galentine’s Day
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Attention ladies! Sisterhood is key when it comes to the celebration of female friendship known as Galentine’s Day. Black Box Improv Theater is preparing another all-women showcase filled with audience participation, a game show and a segment called “Groundhog’s Day.” Read more about the annual event.
😱Around Town: Haunted house, murder mystery the perfect activity for ... Valentine’s Day?
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Looking to put a more ghoulish spin on Valentine’s Day? Hell’s Dungeon “‘Till Death Do Us Part” haunted house is an immersive experience intent to deliver its share of frights. The troupe is also hosting its annual interactive murder mystery dinner next weekend. Read more about the events.
💖Get Active: Local things to do to celebrate Valentine’s Day — while getting a workout
Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to celebrated with candy, flowers or a visit to a fancy restaurant. Yoga and ice skating are a few recreational ways that encourage the gift of exercise. Read more here.
🎬Movie of the Week: “Nickel Boys”
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
I haven’t read Colson Whitehead’s 2020 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Nickel Boys” but after seeing director RaMell Ross' exemplary, kick in the gut film adaptation it’s become a top priority.
Oscar-nominated for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay (and should’ve received more noms from acting and directing to cinematography), “Nickel Boys” is a powerful look at friendship, adversity, discrimination and cruelty set against the Civil Rights-era backdrop of an abusive reform school in 1960s Florida. As idealistic Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse) forms a close bond with the more cynical Turner (Brandon Wilson), situations escalate with heartbreaking results. And perhaps nothing is more heartbreaking than the reoccurring appearance of the remarkable Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Elwood’s devoted grandmother clinging to the hope of a true reunion with her beloved grandson.
“Nickel Boys,” one of the most beautifully expressive yet harrowing films to capture the Black experience in America, is all about perspective, which is why every scene is viewed through the vantage point of either Elwood or Turner. We see what they see. And it’s a singular experience not to be missed.
For more information, visit neonmovies.com.
🎻Music: Sarajevo, Dayton philharmonics to perform during NATO Parliamentary Assembly session in Dayton
Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
Plans for the 2025 NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session happening May 22-26 are growing.
The Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a “Concert for Peace” May 29 at the Schuster Center in conjunction with the session, which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords.
The concert will be led by internationally renown conductor Marin Alsop, considered by many as an inspiration for Todd Field’s Oscar-nominated drama “Tár.” Read more about this special collaboration between the orchestras.
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
Credit: CONTRIBUTED
🩰Dance: Kettering native returns to create ballet honoring Dayton Ballet legend
Gem City Ballet’s Winter Repertory concert, slated Feb. 7-9 at the Stuart Sebastian Performance Space in Springboro, will feature Kettering native Adam Hundt’s “Imber,” a commissioned work created in memory of legendary Dayton Ballet instructor and mentor Bess Saylor Imber.
Hundt began his ballet studies at Pontecorvo Ballet Studios with Barbara Pontecorvo and Imber. His ballet and choreography career has taken him to BalletMet Columbus, Ballet Pacifica, American Repertory Ballet, Hubbard Street 2, BalletX, and rehearsal choreographer/director of the DreamWorks Character Program for Royal Caribbean Productions.
“Miss Bess provided me, as she did for countless others, with the foundation of choreography and contemporary dance,” Hundt said in a news release. “She granted me the freedom to twist and shape my body into forms and movements that weren’t always graceful or comfortable. She taught us that everything is a dance — whether it’s a piece of fabric, a facial expression, or the very essence of who we are. We create, teach, and dance in her honor.”
For tickets or more information, visit gemcityballet.org.
🌊Around Town: Air Force Museum invites guests to explore ocean-going exhibit
There’s an immersive opportunity to enjoy ocean and space exploration happening at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. In addition to hands-on activities, the 8,000 square feet of the OceanXperience exhibit offers guests a chance to explore shipboard laboratories or follow the ocean journey of a humpback whale using an RFID (radio frequency identification) wristband. Read more about the exhibit, which continues through April 27.
🎬Film: The Neon plans to bring Edwin C. Moses documentary to Dayton
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
The Neon in downtown Dayton is planning to screen “Moses — 13 Steps,” a new documentary about Daytonian and Olympian Edwin C. Moses, on March 29 and 30.
“This new documentary about Daytonian Edwin C. Moses has been winning awards on the festival circuit since it premiered at Moorehouse College Human Rights Film Festival back in September,” said Jonathan McNeal, manager of The Neon, in a news release.
Tickets are tentatively planned to go on sale Feb. 14. More details are forthcoming. Stay tuned.
⭐A Day in the Life: Elyssa Wortzman
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
Elyssa Wortzman of Oakwood is an artist, spiritual director and educator whose prime medium is painting. She’s also conducting a series of collaborative spiritual workshops between the University of Dayton and The Contemporary Dayton. Read more about her artistry and passions.
📷Photos: Ohayocon 25 at the Dayton Convention Center, Dayton Silent Disco Cosplay Party at The Brightside and Hedgehog Day 2025 at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Ohayocon, the largest anime convention in the Midwest, celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Dayton Convention Center Jan. 31-Feb. 2.
The Dayton Silent Disco Cosplay Party happened at The Brightside Music & Event Venue on Jan. 31.
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery hosted its annual Hedgehog Day on Feb. 2.
📺ICYMI: HBO Max true crime show spotlights Dayton sex offender Nicholas Rossi, who allegedly faked his own death
The unnerving and ongoing saga of international fugitive Nicholas Rossi, a registered Dayton sex offender whose numerous aliases include Arthur Knight, is featured on HBO Max’s true crime docuseries “The Curious Case of...”
The Jan. 27 episode titled “The Orphan Impostor” covered Rossi’s exploits including his appearance at a Dayton City Commission meeting. The series regards him as a “shape-shifting charlatan,” “master manipulator” and “con man.” Read more about the episode and Rossi’s criminal history.
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Thanks for taking the time to read this newsletter. I encourage you to keep in touch. Share story tips or feedback about this newsletter by emailing me at Russell.Florence@coxinc.com.
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