Tag Archives: Human Race Theatre Company

August 10, 2022 · 9:23 am

GROUNDED Runs Sept. 8-25

HRTC_Grounded logoGROUNDED
Human Race Theatre Company
Sept. 8-25
The Loft Theatre [Dayton]

GROUNDED tells the story of a hot-shot F16 fighter pilot whose unexpected pregnancy ends her career in the sky. After maternity leave, she is reassigned as a reluctant operator of remotely piloted aircraft in the Middle East. From an air-conditioned trailer in the desert near Vegas, the Pilot struggles through dreamlike 12-hour shifts hunting terrorists by day and being a wife and mother by night, leading her into a downward spiral. It’s a frightening reflection on war and the controversial wartime use of drones, and demonstrates the psychological effects experienced by a human who has the power of a wrathful deity. Ages 18 and up.

  • Thu-Sat, Sept. 8-10 at 8pm
  • Sun, Sept. 11 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue-Wed, Sept. 13-14 at 7pm
  • Thu-Sat, Sept. 15-17 at 8pm
  • Sun, Sept. 18 at 2pm
  • Tue-Wed, Sept. 20-21 at 7pm
  • Thu-Sat, Sept. 22-24 at 8pm
  • Sun, Sept. 25 at 2pm

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July 1, 2022 · 11:48 am

A Farewell Note from Kevin Moore

HRTC_Kevin Moore Farewell-From Human Race Theatre Company

How do you sum up 36 years of your life? Not just career, but life. Because the lines between the two have always been blurry. Theatre was my life. Our lives. Scott included. Because theatre has been the majority of our lives for the past 36 years. Even more if we include before The Human Race. But, for the sake of sanity, let’s stick with just The Human Race.

If you like numbers, here are a few that sum up our 35 seasons:

  • There have been 355 productions/programs/workshops.
  • I have directed 65 of those.
  • I have performed in 22 of those. Scott has performed in 92.

I can’t even begin to think about how many artists have rehearsed/performed, directed, designed, been traveled, housed & fed, built, sewed, recorded, lighted, composed, wrote, painted, fabricated and struck. And I have had the great pleasure of engaging with each and every one of them at some point, and that has been a major perk of the job. How can you not be inspired every day when you are surrounded by that much creativity?

I have been blessed to be able to do a job that I have loved. I am thankful to so many who made it possible by first, having faith in me and then supporting me.

In 1979, Marsha Hanna, Scott Stoney, and myself founded Illumination Theatre – our first attempt at establishing a professional theatre company in Dayton. In 1982, we met Suzy Bassani, and Illumination Theatre provided the first Muse Machine program to the schools – and continued for four years until Suzy started The Human Race. It was an interesting path, but all good things seem to happen that way.
While in the midst of it all, there is rarely time to look back and see what you have accomplished. Oddly, the pandemic offered that time to reflect and feel proud of the work we have done, the challenges we have surpassed, and the people we have affected. And with the company currently stronger than ever, I can’t imagine a better legacy. And I know the company is in very good hands with Kappy Kilburn, Tara Lail, and your new Artistic Director, Emily N. Wells.

I look forward to seeing you again at the Loft Theatre next season, but just as an audience member for now. No curtain speeches. No “put your phones in pleasure mode.” Just another person ready to be entertained, challenged, uplifted and moved. That is always to be expected at The Human Race Theatre Company.

Thank you!HRTC_Kevin

Click here to view images from Kevin’s Farewell Celebration

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June 28, 2022 · 10:52 am

Remaining Performances of MY 80 YEAR-OLD BOYFRIEND Cancelled at Human Race Theatre Company

HRTC_My 80yo Boyfriend2From Human Race Theatre Company’s Facebook page:

Due to an injury, all further performances of My 80 Year-Old Boyfriend have been cancelled (June 26 – July 3, 2022). The board and staff of The Human Race Theatre Company wish Charissa a swift and full recovery.

We hope that we are able to bring Charissa and this celebrated production back so that our audiences can experience anew her story of unlikely friendship with Milton.

For those who held tickets for the remaining performances, please contact Dayton Live 937-228-3630 for a refund or to make a tax-deductible donation. 

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June 1, 2022 · 11:33 am

The Story of an Unlikely Friendship Becomes a One-Woman Musical Comedy

HRTC_My 80yo Boyfriend1At one point in our youth, we all had to write one of those “Most Memorable Person I Have Ever Met” essays.  It always described that one person who changed your life.  Now, imagine taking that story and turning it into a musical.  Well, that is exactly what Charissa Bertels did – with the help of some friends – when she created My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend– playing June 16 – July 3, 2022 in the Loft Theatre.

With the assistance of book writer/lyricist Christian Duhamel, and composer/lyricist Ed Bell, Charissa retells, alone on stage, her chance encounter with “Milton,” a spry, quick-witted 80-year-old millionaire who loves Schubert, Shakespeare and Dallas BBQ.  Charissa soon discovers there’s much she can learn from her surprising new companion.  My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend reveals the thrill of chasing a dream, the power of living in the now, and all that can happen when we let ourselves say “yes.”

“This production is also a bit of a homecoming for the book writer/lyricist, Christian Duhamel,” said Artistic Director Kevin Moore. “Christian is a graduate of the theatre program at Wright State, and in 2011, appeared as “Feste” in The Human Race production of The Tempest, where he also composed and performed a song for the show. Since then, he has continued to have success as an actor, writer and composer.  For his work as librettist of My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend, Christian received the prestigious Kleban Award for Musical Theatre.”

This production is in cooperation with the Arizona Theatre Company, where it played last fall, directed by Artistic Director Sean Daniels.  Sean also directed the premiere production at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre.  Following the Dayton production, this show has its sights set on New York City.   Music Director/Pianist Brett Ryback will be Charissa’s silent partner on stage.  Besides being an accomplished musician, Brett is also an actor, composer/lyricist and writer.

The creative team for My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend includes:  Neal Patel, Scenic Designer;  Jen Caprio, Costume Designer;  Brian Lilienthal, Original Lighting Designer;  John Rensel, Human Race Lighting Designer;  Danny Erdberg, Sound Designer;  Alexander Koker, Associate Sound Designer; Ashlee Wasmund, Assistant Director; and Production Stage Manager, Dom Ruggiero.

My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, June 16 – July 3, 2022.  Tickets are on sale through Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org

Special performances: 

  • Pay What You CAN – Wed. June 15 at 8 pm – benefits The Foodbank and the Young at Heart Players.
  • Sawbuck Sunday – Sun. June 19 at 7 pm – $10 tickets available 5:30 pm at the door           
  • While We’re On The Subject – Sun. June 26 – Audience discussion follows 2 pm matinee 

* Production photos courtesy of Arizona Theatre Company.  Photos by Tim Fuller. 

The Human Race acknowledges its gratitude for the public and private support which makes these productions possible:  Loft Season support:  The Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of The Dayton Foundation;  Additional Season support:  Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts;  Organizational support:  Culture Works, Montgomery County, Ohio Arts Council, The Shubert Foundation, Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund, The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation;  Sustainability support:  Anne F. Johnson, Steve and Lou Mason and Morris Home. Production Sponsors:  Marni Flagel, Dr. Robert L. Brandt, Jr.,  Lisa D. Arlt, CPA, and  Milton’s Magnificent Mavens.

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May 27, 2022 · 10:31 am

MY 80-YEAR OLD BOYFRIEND Runs June 16-July 3

HRTC_My 80-yaer old boyfriend logo

6/28 – All remaining performances have been cancelled. Click here for more information.

MY 80-YEAR OLD BOYFRIEND
Human Race Theatre Company
June 16-July 3
Loft Theater [Dayton]

Directed by Sean Daniels

Cast: Charissa Bartels as Charissa

In this delightful new musical, Charissa, a quirky, twenty-something actress, meets Milton, a quick-witted, eighty-something millionaire who loves Schubert, Shakespeare and Dallas BBQ. From a chance encounter to the unlikeliest of friendships, Charissa discovers there’s much she can learn from her surprising new companion. Based on the true story of the performer Charissa Bertels, My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend reveals the thrill of chasing a dream, the power of living in the now, and all that can happen when we let ourselves say “yes.”

  • Thu-Sat, June 16-18 at 8pm
  • Sun, June 19 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue-Wed, June 21-22 at 7pm
  • Thu-Sat, June 23-25 at 8pm
  • Sun, June 26 at 2pm
  • Tue-Wed, June 28-29 at 7pm
  • Thu-Sat, June 30-July 2 at 8pm
  • Sun, July 3 at 2pm

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