Category Archives: Season Announcements

Well-known Titles and Playwrights Highlight 29th Season Lineup

(Dayton, OH) — Dayton’s premier professional regional theatre company, The Human Race Theatre Company, announces the lineup of productions and add-ons for its 29th season, filled with titles and authors that are familiar to theatre lovers and general audiences alike. The season begins in September 2015.

The 2015–2016 Eichelberger Loft season opens with Terrence McNally and David Yazbek’s lively musical adaptation of the hit film The Full Monty: The Broadway Musical (September 10 – October 4, 2015); followed by the long-awaited return of Robert Harling’s Southern treasure, Steel Magnolias (November 5 – 29, 2015); The Race’s first Tennessee Williams play, his classic The Glass Menagerie (February 4 – 21, 2016); comedian Lewis Black’s hilarious wedding day farce One Slight Hitch (April 7 – 24, 2016); and wraps up with another McNally play, the Tony Award-winning exposé of opera legend Maria Callas, Master Class (June 9 – 26, 2016).

“I can’t begin to describe how excited we are for our 29th season,” says Human Race Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore. “It’s an amazing combination of warmth and passion, humor and heart, with titles and authors that are known to just about everyone.Though the titles are familiar, it’s rare to see professional productions of Steel Magnolias and The Glass Menagerie. I was blown away by the original Broadway production of The Full Monty, (which should have won numerous Tony Awards – especially for an exceptional musical score by David Yazbek!) and have been wanting to bring it to The Loft for some time. And I look forward to ending the season as we begin, with amazing words by Terrence McNally and the larger-than-life personality of opera diva Maria Calla in Master Class.” Moore lauds the lineup’s appeal, “This season has something for everyone!”

The five plays perform in The Loft Theatre, The Human Race’s intimate 212-seat downtown performance space, located in the Metropolitan Arts Center at 126 North Main Street. Throughout the productions’ scheduled three- and four-week runs are a number of associated special events: a Thursday night preview performance, preceded by the “Inside Track” discussion with the director; Friday Opening Night with a free post-show party with the cast in The Loft Lobby; Lite Fare at The Loft, a Tuesday night pre-show dining in The Loft Lobby, with food items provided by Citilites Restaurant; a “While We’re on the Subject” talkback following a Sunday matinee; and a Saturday night signed and audio-described performance opportunity.

In addition to the five shows on the theatre’s subscription series, The Human Race is producing a pair of special events in the first half of the season – Lewis Black in Concert: A Benefit to The Human Race (Theatre Company) at the Victoria Theatre (October 11, 2015) and a limited-engagement run of David Sedaris’ wildly popular The Santaland Diaries starring Resident Artist Tim Lile in The Loft Theatre (December 10 – 19, 2015). The company is also pleased to offer its subscribers discounted tickets to two additional productions at the Schuster Center on which it is partnering with fellow Dayton area performing arts organizations – American Mosaic, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts (September 19 and 20, 2015), and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Best of Broadway II (May 13 and 14, 2016).

“Last fall,” recounts Moore, “I had the great fortune to meet Lewis Black at our production of Miracle on South Division Street. He introduced me to his recent play One Slight Hitch…and I was sold at ‘hello.’ Presenting him in concert is icing on the cake.” Regarding the return collaboration with the Philharmonic, Moore praises the partnership, “Our first Best of Broadway with the DPO in 2014 was so much fun, it’s a thrill to be back with Neal Gittleman and this amazing group of musicians for what we like to unofficially call ‘Son of Broadway.’” He considers the casting for The Santaland Diaries as an obvious choice. “I also love that every now and then we can tap the individual talents of our Resident Artists – and the idea of Tim Lile as one of Santa’s elves is just too funny to believe.” Moore is incredibly proud to have The Human Race serve as a partner in American Mosaic. “Any event that pulls seven of Dayton’s arts organizations together like this is a once in a lifetime event. We can’t think of a better way to thank the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts for 50 years of outstanding support.”

THE 2015-2016 EICHELBERGER LOFT SERIES SEASON LINEUP

The Full Monty: The Broadway Musical
book by Terrence McNally
music and lyrics by David Yazbek
based on the motion picture released by Fox Searchlight Pictures and written by Simon Beaufoy, produced by Uberto Pasolini and directed by Peter Cattaneo
September 10 – October 4, 2015

In need of quick cash and low on prospects, six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers come up with the outrageous idea to put on a strip act after seeing the local women’s wild enthusiasm for touring Chippendales dancers. Short on time and with little talent or physical appeal, the gang promises their show will be better because they’ll go “the full monty” and bare it all! As they prepare for the big night, they learn to let go of their doubts and insecurities—and their clothes—in this hilarious adaptation of the hit film.

The sassy hit of our 1988–1989 season makes its long-awaited return!
Steel Magnolias
by Robert Harling
November 5 – 29, 2015

Many things beside hair get done at Truvy’s hair salon, and that’s why it is the place to go in Chinquapin Parish, Louisiana. Gossip, revelations and witty Southern banter flow like refreshing sweet tea on a hot summer day. The opinionated Truvy and her new assistant, Annelle, play host to unlikely friends Ouiser and Clairee, the respectable and sociable M’Lynn and her beautiful daughter, Shelby. As the women come face to face with difficult times, they are brought together through strength and love.

The Glass Menagerie
by Tennessee Williams
February 4 – 21, 2016

Memories as fragile as glass are tossed into the air in Tennessee Williams’ first great masterpiece. Dreams meet reality and love becomes desperate in a shimmering drama of a family on the edge. Tom struggles in a modern day world while his mother holds tight to a fantasy of Southern gentility and his sister hides amongst the glistening crystalline creatures she collects. With an edge as sharp as broken glass, it’s a story that cuts deep into the longing of human hearts.

One Slight Hitch
by Lewis Black
April 7 – 24, 2016

Life in suburban Cincinnati is good for Doc and Delia Coleman on the morning they’re about to throw their eldest daughter the perfect wedding they never had, that is until her vagabond ex-boyfriend arrives on their doorstep and wreaks havoc on all of their best laid plans. The result is a zany, door-slamming comedy about stressed-out parents, less-than-helpful siblings and interruptions galore from the mind of comedian Lewis Black. Will their daughter make it down the aisle or will the day end up a perfect disaster?

Master Class
by Terrence McNally
June 9 – 26, 2016

One of the opera world’s greatest legends takes center stage as Maria Callas gives three aspiring singers a rough welcome into the world of performing. During a series of master classes, this controversial personality now in the twilight of her career remains fearless as she looks back upon her life—the triumphs and heartbreaks, the egos and ambitions, the glories and the scandals. This Tony Award-winning drama gives a revealing look at a commanding diva and the sacrifice for art.

ADD-ON PRODUCTIONS
2015-2016 Loft Series subscribers can purchase tickets to these additional offerings at discounted prices and before they go on sale to the general public.

American Mosaic
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts
September 19 and 20, 2015 at the Schuster Center

Celebrate the riches of America’s genius and the breadth of Dayton’s talent in a spectacular mosaic of American music and performance featuring works by Dayton’s leading performing arts organizations. Experience the magic of Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera, Dayton Philharmonic

Orchestra, Bach Society of Dayton, The Human Race Theatre Company, Muse Machine and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company all under one star-studded ceiling.

Lewis Black in Concert
A Benefit to The Human Race (Theatre Company)
October 11, 2015 at the Victoria Theatre

Comedian Lewis Black, the “King of Rant” himself, takes the Victoria Theatre stage in this one-night-only stand up concert benefiting The Human Race Theatre Company. You’ll laugh until you cry as one of the most popular comics of our time skewers the absurdities of life in his trademark finger-wagging finest.

A Special Holiday Extra
The Santaland Diaries
by David Sedaris
adapted by Joe Mantello
starring Tim Lile as “Crumpet”
December 10 – 19, 2015

Meet the quintessential elf gone bad as he relives a series of less-than-merry misadventures in David Sedaris’ hysterical antidote for holiday havoc. Spend some time with the irreverent Crumpet—one of Santa’s little helpers during the Macy’s Christmas shopping rush—as he handles the hordes of insufferable shoppers and their kiddies with whacked out, wicked wit.

Best of Broadway II
Part of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s Kettering Health Network SuperPops Series
May 13 and 14, 2016 at the Schuster Center

It’s the exciting sequel to the 2014 fan favorite Best of Broadway as The Human Race artists return to join Neal Gittleman and the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra onstage for a lively night of more of your favorite show tunes.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND TICKETS
Subscriptions are available in 3-, 4- and 5-show packages, as well as in Flex Pass plans. Package prices range from $102 – $190, and discounted subscriptions are available for students. Current 2014-2015 season subscribers can guarantee their seats by renewing before May 3, and reservations for new subscriptions can be made now to be seated starting May 26. Both renewing and new subscribers may place their orders with Ticket Center Stage by calling (937) 228-3630 or by visiting the Schuster Center Box Office. Subscribers can purchase tickets to American Mosaic, Lewis Black in Concert, The Santaland Diaries and Best of Broadway II in advance when renewing or ordering a new subscription. Productions, performance dates and ticket prices are subject to change. Single tickets to The Full Monty, Lewis Black in Concert and Steel Magnolias go on sale August 4, with tickets to future productions on sale later in the season.

More ticketing and performance information on The Human Race Theatre Company’s 2015-2016 and 2014-2015 Loft seasons are available online at www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.

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The Human Race Theatre Company was founded in 1986 and moved into the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence at the 212-seat Loft Theatre. In addition to the Eichelberger Loft Season, The Human Race produces for the Victoria Theatre’s Broadway Series, the Musical Theatre Workshop series, and special event programming. The Human Race, under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore, also maintains education and outreach programs for children, teens and adults, as well as artist residencies in area schools, The Muse Machine In-School Tour, and summer youth programs. Human Race organizational support is provided by Culture Works, the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, the Shubert Foundation, the Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund, the Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation Fund for the Development of New Works, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, which helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The 2014-2015 season sponsor is the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of the Dayton Foundation, with additional support from Jim and Enid Goubeaux, the Sam Levin Foundation, Premier Health and Morris Home Furnishings.