Four of Dayton's premier arts organizations, Dayton Live, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, The Human Race Theatre Company, and Dayton Contemporary Dance Company recently announced their upcoming 2024-2025 season lineups. It promises to be another spectacular season for arts lovers, and we've put together a short list of the most-anticipated shows from each organization. Be sure to follow the links and check out the full season lineups for each ... there are SO MANY great shows on tap, and you won't want to miss them. Get your tickets early - we predict many sold-out shows at the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre and The Loft Theatre!
1. Dayton Live: Hamilton
October 1-13, 2024 at the Schuster Center
Dayton Live, which operates the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, The Loft Theatre and PNC Arts Annex, as well as presenting more than 300 performances each year, is gearing up for its 2024-2025 series. The centerpiece of the season is the return of Hamilton, winner of 11 Tony Awards®, a Grammy®, Oliver Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This groundbreaking musical tells the epic saga of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he navigates honor, love, and legacy, profoundly shaping the course of a nation. Visit the Dayton Live website for more information about it, as well as other performances to take place at the Schuster this season!
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) occupies three of the five spots on our list. The DPAA is unique among arts organizations in this country, combining the Dayton Philharmonic, Dayton Ballet and Dayton Opera into one umbrella organization. Collaboratively and individually, they present a wide range of arts performances each year. Here are three highlights for the upcoming season: one show from each of the three arts groups.
2. Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra: Dvořák, Stravinsky, and Brahms
September 13 & 14, 2024 at the Schuster Center
Founded in 1933, the Dayton Philharmonic has a distinguished place in Dayton’s history as one of the Miami Valley’s oldest and longest-standing cultural institutions. We're excited that this program features Antonín Dvořák's bold Carnival Overture, Op. 92, followed by the joyful Violin Concerto in D by Igor Stravinsky, performed by the acclaimed Chad Hoopes, who has captivated DPO audiences since he was just 15. This concert also marks a spectacular start to Neal Gittleman's 30th anniversary season, culminating with the passionate and melodic Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 by Johannes Brahms.
3. Dayton Ballet: Coppélia
October 18-20, 2024 at Victoria Theatre
The second-oldest ballet company in the United States, Dayton Ballet is excited to bring a presentation of Robert Curran’s reimagined version of Coppélia! Set in a charming small Midwestern town, this enchanting ballet tells the whimsical story of a lifelike doll displayed in a storefront, mistaken by the townspeople for a young, mysterious woman. Amidst the backdrop of war, she offers an imaginative escape for the community. With captivating choreography and delightful toy characters, Coppélia promises to be a charming and comical introduction to the ballet season.
4. Dayton Opera: Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific
September 21 & 22, 2024 at the Schuster Center
Dayton Opera has enriched the cultural life of the Miami Valley for more than 60 years, having performed its first season in 1961–1962. In addition, they're looking forward to performing a piece of history for the audience this year. It just so happens to be the 75th anniversary of Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved classic musical, South Pacific! Therefore, the Dayton Opera and Wright State University will come together to present this award-winning masterpiece. Don't miss the opportunity to experience iconic tunes like “Bali Ha’i,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” and “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair.”
5. The Human Race Theatre Company: Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt. 2B
October 9-20, 2024 at The Loft Theatre
For nearly 40 years, Dayton's professional equity theatre company has pushed creative boundaries and brought numerous regional and world premiere productions to the stage of the intimate Loft Theatre. For the upcoming 2024-2025 season, The Human Race Theatre Company delves into "What makes us better humans?" with shows exploring faith, community and service. Their season begins with a murder-mystery comedy, Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B, written by Kate Hamill and directed by Heather Wilson-Bowlby. This fast-paced romp reimagines the iconic detective duo through a bold feminist lens, following the quirky female roommates Sherlock and Joan as they navigate the challenges of life post-pandemic. These two unconventional sleuths will have you on an adventure filled with laughter, suspense and empowerment as they confront a cunning villain who seems to have all the answers.
6. Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC): Remember the Time
October 26 & 27, 2024 at Victoria Theatre
For 56 years, DCDC has been a beacon for contemporary African American dance, continuously uplifting and redefining the art form. This season, they invite you to a mesmerizing exploration of past, present and future with Timeless Grace. Presenting Remember the Time is just the beginning of the season, but it is a captivating showcase of three powerful works in itself. Experience Tommie-Waheed Evans' Home/An Untitled Portrait, which envelops the theatre in brilliant light and evocative imagery of "home" in all its complexity. Stafford C. Berry Jr.'s piece transports audiences to a nostalgic twilight, evoking the spirit of a rain-soaked block party during the Great Migration. Finally, Sets and Chasers by Kevin Ward celebrates the vibrant energy of Duke Ellington's groundbreaking radio broadcasts from the swinging '40s. The performance spans decades but will be delivered with unparalleled artistry!
Get Your Season Tickets Now
This only scratches the tip of the iceberg for the new season's arts performances! We encourage you to visit each organization's website and explore their full season offerings. A variety of season subscription packages are also available to fit different budgets. Season tickets are a great way to alleviate any FOMO on any of these great shows!
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