concerts and events
December
Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Sunrises & Storms
December 7
The Nutcracker
December 13–22
Handel’s Messiah
December 16
The Nutcracker: Sensory Friendly
December 17
Bach’s Lunch
December 18
January Jurassic Park in Concert
January 17
A Night of Symphonic Rock
January 24
Shostakovich 5 & Festive
January 30 & 31
February
The Cook-Off & Bon Appétit
February 6 & 7
The Sleeping Beauty
February 20–22
Magic Carpet Concerts: Hansel & Gretel
February 24–26
February 28
American Portrait: Gershwin, Barber & Beyond March 6 & 7
Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra: Rhythms of Wonder
March 8
Philharmonic Junior Strings & Youth Strings: American Mosaic March 15
FROM THE LEADERSHIP
Dear Friends
Before anything else: thank you.
Your presence keeps our stages alive, our traditions meaningful, and our artists inspired. Every time you choose to join us—whether for perennial favorites like The Nutcracker or for something entirely new—you help create the sense of connection that defines this season.
At the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance, we’re proud to offer performances that bring families and friends together. These moments of shared listening and wonder remind us why live performance matters, especially in these cold winter months.
And there is so much ahead! From powerful orchestral programs that celebrate Maestro Harada’s musical journey (Shostakovich 5 & Festive, Jan. 30 and 31) to spectacular new opera productions (The Cook-Off & Bon Appétit, Feb. 6 and 7) and timeless ballet classics (The Sleeping Beauty, Feb. 20–22), the coming months are filled with opportunities to experience the beauty and energy of the arts in our community.
Thank you for being here today, and for being part of the DPAA family. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes from the DPAA family for a joyous and prosperous 2026!
Patrick J. Nugent President and CEO
Joseph Zehenny DPAA Board Chair
this is your scene
Is this your first time at a DPAA event? If so, welcome! To ensure your visit is meaningful and enjoyable, we offer the following resources.
Box Office
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance proudly partners with Dayton Live for its box office services. Contact the box office at (937) 228-3630 or visit the office in the Schuster Wintergarden.
Restrooms / Family Restrooms
Restrooms are available on each level of the Schuster Center and Victoria Theatre. An adult changing table is located in the family restroom on the Loge level.
Accessibility
DPAA is committed to providing access to the arts. If you have any specific needs or questions, please contact the box office.
Audio description is available upon request for patrons who have vision loss. Describers provide a live, objective, descriptive delivery of the visual elements of a performance in between the dialogue and/or music via a small receiver. Requests must be received two weeks prior to an event and are subject to the availability of the Describer. Arrange by calling the box office.
Assistive listening devices are available for all performances. Borrow a device from the kiosk in the lobby or from a house manager.
Sign language interpretation is also available upon request for performances at the Schuster Center and Victoria Theatre. Requests for sign language interpretation must be received two weeks prior to the event and are subject to the availability. Call the box office to make a request.
Military Appreciation and Discount Programs
In addition to our standard military discount, DPAA offers a Military Appreciation Program for active-duty military members, retired veterans with ID cards, and WPAFB government civilian employees in the region. Each household may receive four free tickets annually. Contact the box office to redeem.
Local Dining
Make it a night on the town! We recommend the following options: Bistecca, Blind Bob’s, Grist, Joui, Lily’s, Lucho, Meadowlark Restaurant, Mudlick Tap House, Salar Restaurant and Lounge, Sueño, Table 33, and Wheat Penny Oven & Bar.
Group Sales
Groups of 10 or more can save up to 30% on tickets! Contact Engagement & Patron Services Manager, Kate LaFollette, at (937) 535-5443.
Age Recommendation
Our events are recommended for age 6 and up.
Lost and Found / Security
If you lose an item at a performance or need assistance from the security team, call (937) 6377366. For the safety of those in the audience, behind the scenes, and on stage, everyone entering the performance space is required to pass through metal detectors.
Questions?
For additional ticket questions or information, contact our Engagement & Patron Services Manager, Kate LaFollette at (937) 535-5443.
Keitaro Harada’s Inaugural Season
The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance would like to acknowledge Trustee Barbara N. O’Hara for her generosity and vision.
Barbara was the catalyst for bringing Maestro Keitaro Harada to the Dayton Community. We wish to thank her and the following donors for their generosity:
Barbara N. O’Hara
Peter & Patricia Torvik
Tim & Mary Riordan
Grismer Tire Company
Barbara & Leib Lurie
Dr. Michael & Christine Manchester
Dr. Thomas G. Olsen & Mary Boosalis
Kathleen & Joseph Zehenny
Nirmala Abraham & Scotty Blackburn
The Mary H. Kittredge Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Artistic Directors
Kathleen Clawson,
Artistic Director, Opera; Dr. Ron Anderson and Robb Sloan-Anderson Chair
Kathleen Clawson is a distinguished director, performer, and educator whose career has been defined by her deep commitment to opera. Clawson’s extensive directing work includes over 20 productions for the Dayton Opera and a long-standing association with The Santa Fe Opera, where her credits include staging two world premieres, and staging the Apprentice Scenes for over two decades.
Clawson first came to Dayton as a soloist with the Dayton Philharmonic. Now a retired mezzo-soprano, she performed with opera companies and orchestras throughout the country, and performed in musical theatre, including the “Mother Abbess” in an international tour of The Sound of Music.
A passionate advocate for arts education, she served as the Associate Director of The Santa Fe Opera’s Apprentice Singer Program for ten years and mentors the Dayton Opera Artists in Residence.
Keitaro Harada
Music and Artistic Director, Philharmonic; Sponsored by Barbara N. O’Hara
Armed with intensity and depth, Keitaro Harada consistently provides riveting concerts and opera performances in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. As Music and Artistic Director of the Savannah Philharmonic since 2020, Harada has transformed the orchestra and energized its audiences throughout the community with his imaginative programs and charismatic presence.
In 2024, Harada was named Permanent Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor and Artistic Partner for the Aichi Chamber Orchestra, and he begins a five-year tenure as Music and Artistic Director of the Dayton Philharmonic in the 2025–26 season. He has forged a close connection with the NHK Symphony Orchestra with whom he appears frequently and has recorded three albums. Harada is a recipient of the 2023 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award.
Brandon Ragland
Artistic Director, Ballet; Sponsored by Dr. Troy Tyner and Dr. Ingrid Brown
Brandon Ragland has more than a decade of professional experience as a dancer, choreographer, and educator. He trained in Birmingham, AL, and has a bachelor’s degree in Dance-Arts Administration from Butler University. After graduation, Ragland danced with Alabama Ballet, followed by Louisville Ballet in 2010, spending 13 years as a leading artist. A respected choreographer, Ragland choreographed works for Louisville Ballet, Alabama Ballet, Ballet Arkansas, AROVA Contemporary Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, Sedona Chamber Ballet, and The Perla Ballet. In 2017, Ragland was honored to perform with the Black Iris Project at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as part of the Kennedy Center’s Dance Across America Program. He has received numerous awards, including “Best Artist” in Louisville Magazine and The Lift a Life Foundation’s “Emerging Leader in the Arts Award” from The Fund for the Arts.
Dayton Ballet Company Dancers
Dayton
Artists-In-Residence
Connor Barak Claire Bergman Nicolas Bierwagen
Erin Blair Tomasin Corrente
Emma Duncan
Alyssa Eyster
Hailey Flanagan
Jasmine Getz Katy Gilliam
Isaac Jones Patrick Lennon
Tarique Logan Kyan Park Maxwell Peters
Lukas Pringle Francisco Rivera Belle Urben Catherine Voorhees Christian Chester
Opera
Malone Blaich Isabel Randall Aaron Hill Evan Fleming Clara Passmore
Dayton Ballet Studio Company
Xochitl Atienza Sara Beth Austin Daniela Bennetti Amber Huggett Mollie Juniewicz
Jaiden Morley Ryan Norman Elizabeth Sabol Isabelle Wilwayco
Dara Schlesinger
The Nutcracker
December 13–22, 2025 • Schuster Center
ARTISTS
Brandon Ragland, choreographer
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, composer
Keitaro Harada, conductor (Dec. 13–14)
Isaac Selya, conductor (Dec. 19–22)
FIND TODAY’S CAST
Dayton Ballet
Dayton Ballet Studio Company
Dayton Ballet School
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
Date Page
December 13 at 2:30 ...................................................................................................................... I
December 13 at 7:30 III
December 14 at 2:30 ................................................................................................................... IV
December 19 at 7:30 ................................................................................................................... IV
December 20 at 2:30 III
December 20 at 7:30 ..................................................................................................................... I
December 21 at 2:30 .................................................................................................................... V
December 22 at 2:30 VII
CAST FOR DECEMBER 13 (2:30) AND DECEMBER 20 (7:30)
Act I: Stahlbaum Family Party
Drosselmeyer Isaac Jones
Clara ...................................................................................................................... Amy Grennek Fritz Jack Colbert
Mayor Stahlbaum Nicolas Bierwagen
Mrs. Stahlbaum .................................................................................................. Elizabeth Sabol Cook Claire Bergman
Party Mothers .......... Sara Beth Austin, Alyssa Eyster, Amber Huggett, Jaiden Morley
Party Fathers .............. Connor Barak, Patrick Lennon, Tarique Logan, Maxwell Peters
Party Children Hope Casanova, Ian Egbert, Parker Feltner, Eleanor Henderson, .................................. Harper Henderson, Jaxon Johnson, Poppy Kitchen, Louise O’Brien, ................................................................Addison Stansberry, Zoey Thompson, Lola Zimmer Maids Jenna Mumford and Emma Van Norman
Sugar Plum Doll ............................................................................................... Daniela Bennetti Nutcracker Prince Doll Kyan Park
The Nutcracker is produced with significant support from the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts and the Kettering Family Foundation.
Battle Scene
Rat King ..........................................................................................................
Nicolas Bierwagen
Rats ............................ Connor Barak, Christian Chester, Patrick Lennon, Tarique Logan
Mice Camille Connelly, Margot Connelly, Khari Patterson, Payton Shert
Soldiers ........................ Carolyn Bieryla, Abriella Dennis, Violet Geier, Genevieve Helm, Isla Holbrook, Harper Logan, Claire Murray, Brooklyn Nawroth, Lilyann Robinson, Bella Rowan, Ellis Sanders, Colette Whalen
Land of Snow
Older Clara ............................................................................................................ Xochitl Atienza
Nutcracker Prince Kyan Park
Snow Queen Erin Blair
Snow King .......................................................................................................... Francisco Rivera
Snowflakes
Sara Beth Austin, Daniela Bennetti, Tomasin Corrente, Emma Duncan, Alyssa Eyster, Jasmine Getz, Katy Gilliam, .................................................................... Amber Huggett, Mollie Juniewicz, Ryan Norman, Elizabeth Sabol, Catherine Voorhees
Act II: Land of Time
Clouds .................................................
Audrielle Connelly, Charlotte Duda, Norah Hopper, ....................................................................... Ofelia Mosher, Madeline Susco, Amara Thomas Angels Liliah Burns, Eliana Egbert, Karis Hill, Sophia Krapf, .................................................... Sarah Press, Nora Wagner, Chayse Whitis, Anna Williams
Sugar Plum Fairy .............................................................................................. Hailey Flanagan
Sugar Plum Cavalier Lukas Pringle
King’s Court Jesters ....................................................... Claire Bergman, Christian Chester Emma Duncan, Maxwell Peters
Timeless Scent
Nicolas Bierwagen and Belle Urben
High Seas ..................................... Patrick Lennon and Francisco Rivera with Ella Barron, Jessie Etling, Ava Kitchen, Emma Van Norman
Porcelain Dolls Tomasin Corrente, Alyssa Eyster, Catherine Voorhees
Mother Time .......................... Jasmine Getz with Eden Beert-Nordeen, Hannah Bieryla, Addison Cummings, Layla Espy, Gabrielle Garrett, Sophia Krapf, Jane Middleton, Maci Muster, Anna O’Connor, Rebecca Perry, ............................................................................................ Teagan Reynolds, Charlotte Richard
The Queen’s Garden
Dew Drop Katy Gilliam Flowers ......................... Sara Beth Austin, Daniela Bennetti, Claire Bergman, Erin Blair, ................................................................... Emma Duncan, Amber Huggett, Mollie Juniewicz, Ryan Norman, Elizabeth Sabol, Dara Schlesinger, ......................................................................................
Butterflies ...................................................
Catherine Voorhees, Isabelle Wilwayco
Esther Archer, Elise Huelsman, Grace Oladele, Rose Plue, Adaline Sehrt, Addyson Trefz
CAST FOR DECEMBER 13 (7:30) AND DECEMBER 20 (2:30)
Act I: Stahlbaum Family Party
Drosselmeyer .......................................................................................................... Lukas Pringle
Clara Elaine Gottesman
Fritz Ben Forney
Mayor Stahlbaum ............................................................................................... Maxwell Peters
Mrs. Stahlbaum Catherine Voorhees
Cook ............................................................................................................................. Katy Gilliam
Party Mothers ....................... Claire Bergman, Erin Blair, Emma Duncan, Ryan Norman Party Fathers Nicolas Bierwagen, Christian Chester, Kyan Park, Francisco Rivera
Party Children ......................................... Clark BonDurant, Abigail Briggs, Chiara Carroll,
.......................................
Clementine Combs, Caleb Forney, Beatrice Hart, Theresa Hinkle, Greta Kline, Evelyn Payton, Ellen Smith, Emma Webster
Maids ................................................................... Addison Cummings and Raeanne Richard
Sugar Plum Doll Xochitl Atienza
Nutcracker Prince Doll Connor Barak
Battle Scene
Rat King .............................................................................................................
Christian Chester
Rats Nicolas Bierwagen, Tarique Logan, Kyan Park, Maxwell Peters
Mice Ava Forney, Violet Gural, Annie Kline, Ellie Richards
Soldiers ................................... Leah Ali, Winnie BonDurant, Abigail Briggs, Kate Briggs, Libby Briggs, Savannah Davenport, Ian Egbert, Nora Haas, Adalyn Hash, Vincent Nicolini, Edith Richards, Aralynn Young
Land
of Snow
Older Clara ..........................................................................................................
Mollie Juniewicz
Nutcracker Prince Connor Barak
Snow Queen .................................................................................................... Tomasin Corrente
Snow King ............................................................................................................. Patrick Lennon Snowflakes Xochitl Atienza, Sara Beth Austin, Claire Bergman,
.................................................. Erin Blair, Hailey Flanagan, Amber Huggett, Jaiden Morley, .................................................................... Ryan Norman, Elizabeth Sabol, Dara Schlesinger, Belle Urben, Isabelle Wilwayco
Act II: Land of Time
Clouds .........................................................
Cora Bartone, Shannon Carroll, Elliotte Center, Portia Durocher, Finley Nichols, Jenna Zhang Angels Abigail Burke, Isabel Costa, Macy Davenport, Gabrielle Garrett, .......................... Juliette Moreland, Jenna Mumford, Rebecca Perry, Emma Van Norman
Sugar Plum Fairy Jasmine Getz
Sugar Plum Cavalier Isaac Jones King’s Court Jesters ..........................................................
Daniela Bennetti, Tarique Logan
Ryan Norman, Francisco Rivera
Timeless Scent Emma Duncan and Maxwell Peters
High Seas ...................................... Nicolas Bierwagen and Kyan Park with Eliana Egbert, Sophia Krapf, Jane Middleton, Raeanne Richard
Porcelain Dolls ................................... Amber Huggett, Belle Urben, Catherine Voorhees
Mother Time
Hailey Flanagan with Ella Barron, Ashley Carroll, .................................................. Erin Gerherty, Clara Griffin, Isabella Hartman, Ava Kitchen, Sofia Kitchen, Sophia Krapf, Maci Muster, Anna O’Connor, Sarah Press, Anna Williams
The Queen’s Garden
Dew Drop .......................................................................................................................... Erin Blair
Flowers
Xochitl Atienza, Sara Beth Austin, Daniela Bennetti, ................................................ Tomasin Corrente, Jessie Etling, Alyssa Eyster, Katy Gilliam,
.......................................................................... Jaiden Morley, Ryan Norman, Elizabeth Sabol, Dara Schlesinger, Belle Urben
Butterflies ................................................................ Ashlyn Holp, Lucy Kline, Adalae Lunne,
......................................................................... Jade Moreland, Amelia Smerbeck, Jodi Zhang
CAST FOR DECEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 19
Act I: Stahlbaum Family Party
Drosselmeyer .............................................................................................................. Isaac Jones
Clara Amy Grennek
Fritz ............................................................................................................................. Jack Colbert
Mayor Stahlbaum ........................................................................................ Nicolas Bierwagen
Mrs. Stahlbaum Elizabeth Sabol
Cook ...................................................................................................................... Claire Bergman
Party Mothers Sara Beth Austin, Alyssa Eyster, Amber Huggett, Jaiden Morley Party Fathers Connor Barak, Patrick Lennon, Tarique Logan, Maxwell Peters Party Children .......... Hope Casanova, Ian Egbert, Parker Feltner, Eleanor Henderson, Harper Henderson, Jaxon Johnson, Poppy Kitchen, Louise O’Brien, Addison Stansberry, Zoey Thompson, Lola Zimmer
Maids ...................................................................... Jenna Mumford and Emma Van Norman
Sugar Plum Doll Daniela Bennetti
Nutcracker Prince Doll ................................................................................................ Kyan Park
Battle Scene
Rat King .......................................................................................................... Nicolas Bierwagen
Rats
Connor Barak, Christian Chester, Patrick Lennon, Tarique Logan
Mice ............................................. Veda Gonsalves, Adelay Inman, Izzy Lins, Nora Russell
Soldiers ........................ Carolyn Bieryla, Abriella Dennis, Violet Geier, Genevieve Helm, Isla Holbrook, Harper Logan, Claire Murray, Brooklyn Nawroth, ............................................Lilyann Robinson, Bella Rowan, Ellis Sanders, Colette Whalen
Land of Snow
Older Clara ............................................................................................................ Xochitl Atienza
Nutcracker Prince Kyan Park
Snow Queen ..................................................................................................................... Erin Blair
Snow King Francisco Rivera
Snowflakes
Sara Beth Austin, Daniela Bennetti, Tomasin Corrente,
.................................................... Emma Duncan, Alyssa Eyster, Jasmine Getz, Katy Gilliam, Amber Huggett, Mollie Juniewicz, Ryan Norman, Elizabeth Sabol, Catherine Voorhees
Act
II: Land of Time
Clouds ...................................................
Katy Benjamin, Makynzee Glover, Evelyn Nyholm, Zenyatta Sams, Gracelyn Tignor, Eleanor Walters
Angels ................................................ Liliah Burns, Eliana Egbert, Karis Hill, Sophia Krapf,
.................................................... Sarah Press, Nora Wagner, Chayse Whitis, Anna Williams
Sugar Plum Fairy Hailey Flanagan
Sugar Plum Cavalier ............................................................................................. Lukas Pringle
King’s Court Jesters .......................................................
Timeless Scent ..............................................................
High Seas
Porcelain Dolls ............................
Claire Bergman, Christian Chester
Emma Duncan, Maxwell Peters
Nicolas Bierwagen and Belle Urben
Patrick Lennon and Francisco Rivera with Ella Barron, Jessie Etling, Ava Kitchen, Emma Van Norman
Tomasin Corrente, Alyssa Eyster, Catherine Voorhees
Mother Time Jasmine Getz with Ella Barron, Ashley Carroll, Erin Gerherty, Clara Griffin, Isabella Hartman, Ava Kitchen, .................................................... Sofia Kitchen, Sophia Krapf, Maci Muster, Anna O’Connor, Sarah Press, Anna Williams
The Queen’s Garden
Dew Drop Katy Gilliam
Flowers ......................... Sara Beth Austin, Daniela Bennetti, Claire Bergman, Erin Blair, Emma Duncan, Amber Huggett, Mollie Juniewicz,
.................................................................... Ryan Norman, Elizabeth Sabol, Dara Schlesinger,
Catherine Voorhees, Isabelle Wilwayco
......................................................................................
Butterflies
Lola Andrejcio, Joey Jahn, Isabella Lenzo, ............................................................... Mallory Martin, Vivian Weidman, Hannah Zorbaugh
CAST FOR DECEMBER 21
Act I: Stahlbaum Family Party
Drosselmeyer .......................................................................................................... Lukas Pringle
Clara ...................................................................................................................... Amy Grennek Fritz Ben Forney
Mayor Stahlbaum ............................................................................................... Maxwell Peters
Mrs. Stahlbaum ..........................................................................................
Catherine Voorhees
Cook Katy Gilliam
Party Mothers ....................... Claire Bergman, Erin Blair, Emma Duncan, Ryan Norman Party Fathers Nicolas Bierwagen, Christian Chester, Kyan Park, Francisco Rivera Party Children Hope Casanova, Ian Egbert, Parker Feltner, Eleanor Henderson, .................................. Harper Henderson, Jaxon Johnson, Poppy Kitchen, Louise O’Brien, Addison Stansberry, Zoey Thompson, Lola Zimmer Maids Jenna Mumford and Emma Van Norman
Sugar Plum Doll Xochitl Atienza
Nutcracker Prince Doll ......................................................................................... Connor Barak
Battle Scene
Rat King
Rats
Christian Chester
Nicolas Bierwagen, Tarique Logan, Kyan Park, Maxwell Peters
Mice ............................................. Veda Gonsalves, Adelay Inman, Izzy Lins, Nora Russell
Soldiers
Carolyn Bieryla, Abriella Dennis, Violet Geier, Genevieve Helm, .......................................... Isla Holbrook, Harper Logan, Claire Murray, Brooklyn Nawroth, ............................................Lilyann Robinson, Bella Rowan, Ellis Sanders, Colette Whalen
Land of Snow
Older Clara Mollie Juniewicz
Nutcracker Prince .................................................................................................. Connor Barak
Snow Queen .................................................................................................... Tomasin Corrente
Snow King Patrick Lennon
Snowflakes .........................................
Xochitl Atienza, Sara Beth Austin, Claire Bergman, Erin Blair, Hailey Flanagan, Amber Huggett, Jaiden Morley, Ryan Norman, Elizabeth Sabol, Dara Schlesinger, ...................................................................................................... Belle Urben, Isabelle Wilwayco
Act II: Land of Time
Clouds
Katy Benjamin, Makynzee Glover, Evelyn Nyholm, Zenyatta Sams, Gracelyn Tignor, Eleanor Walters
Angels ................................................ Liliah Burns, Eliana Egbert, Karis Hill, Sophia Krapf, Sarah Press, Nora Wagner, Chayse Whitis, Anna Williams
Sugar Plum Fairy Jasmine Getz
Sugar Plum Cavalier ................................................................................................. Isaac Jones
King’s Court Jesters
Daniela Bennetti, Tarique Logan
..................................................................................................... Ryan Norman, Francisco Rivera
Timeless Scent ...............................................................
Emma Duncan and Maxwell Peters
High Seas
Nicolas Bierwagen and Kyan Park with Ella Barron, ........................................................................ Jessie Etling, Ava Kitchen, Emma Van Norman
Porcelain Dolls ................................... Amber Huggett, Belle Urben, Catherine Voorhees
Mother Time
Hailey Flanagan with Eden Beert-Nordeen, Hannah Bieryla, ....................................... Addison Cummings, Layla Espy, Gabrielle Garrett, Sophia Krapf, Jane Middleton, Maci Muster, Anna O’Connor, Rebecca Perry, Teagan Reynolds, Charlotte Richard
The Queen’s Garden
Dew Drop .......................................................................................................................... Erin Blair
Flowers
Xochitl Atienza, Sara Beth Austin, Daniela Bennetti, Tomasin Corrente, Jessie Etling, Alyssa Eyster, Katy Gilliam, .......................................................................... Jaiden Morley, Ryan Norman, Elizabeth Sabol, Dara Schlesinger, Belle Urben
Butterflies
Lola Andrejcio, Joey Jahn, Isabella Lenzo, ...............................................................
Mallory Martin, Vivian Weidman, Hannah Zorbaugh
CAST FOR DECEMBER 22
Act
I: Stahlbaum Family Party
Drosselmeyer .............................................................................................................. Isaac Jones
Clara Elaine Gottesman
Fritz Ben Forney
Mayor Stahlbaum ........................................................................................ Nicolas Bierwagen
Mrs. Stahlbaum Elizabeth Sabol
Cook ...................................................................................................................... Claire Bergman
Party Mothers ..........
Sara Beth Austin, Alyssa Eyster, Amber Huggett, Jaiden Morley Party Fathers Connor Barak, Patrick Lennon, Tarique Logan, Maxwell Peters
Party Children ......................................... Clark BonDurant, Abigail Briggs, Chiara Carroll, ....................................... Clementine Combs, Caleb Forney, Beatrice Hart, Theresa Hinkle, Greta Kline, Evelyn Payton, Ellen Smith, Emma Webster
Maids ................................................................... Addison Cummings and Raeanne Richard
Sugar Plum Doll Daniela Bennetti
Nutcracker Prince Doll Kyan Park
Battle Scene
Rat King .......................................................................................................... Nicolas Bierwagen
Rats Connor Barak, Christian Chester, Patrick Lennon, Tarique Logan
Mice Ava Forney, Violet Gural, Annie Kline, Ellie Richards
Soldiers ................................... Leah Ali, Winnie BonDurant, Abigail Briggs, Kate Briggs, Libby Briggs, Savannah Davenport, Ian Egbert, Nora Haas, Adalyn Hash, Vincent Nicolini, Edith Richards, Aralynn Young
Land of Snow
Older Clara ............................................................................................................
Xochitl Atienza
Nutcracker Prince Kyan Park
Snow Queen ..................................................................................................................... Erin Blair
Snow King .......................................................................................................... Francisco Rivera Snowflakes
Sara Beth Austin, Daniela Bennetti, Tomasin Corrente, .................................................... Emma Duncan, Alyssa Eyster, Jasmine Getz, Katy Gilliam, .................................................................... Amber Huggett, Mollie Juniewicz, Ryan Norman, Elizabeth Sabol, Catherine Voorhees
Act II: Land of Time
Clouds .........................................................
Cora Bartone, Shannon Carroll, Elliotte Center, Portia Durocher, Finley Nichols, Jenna Zhang Angels Abigail Burke, Isabel Costa, Macy Davenport, Gabrielle Garrett, .......................... Juliette Moreland, Jenna Mumford, Rebecca Perry, Emma Van Norman
Sugar Plum Fairy Hailey Flanagan
Sugar Plum Cavalier Lukas Pringle King’s Court Jesters .......................................................
Claire Bergman, Christian Chester Emma Duncan, Maxwell Peters
Timeless Scent Nicolas Bierwagen and Belle Urben
High Seas ................................ Patrick Lennon and Francisco Rivera with Eliana Egbert, Sophia Krapf, Jane Middleton, Raeanne Richard Porcelain Dolls ............................ Tomasin Corrente, Alyssa Eyster, Catherine Voorhees
Mother Time Jasmine Getz with Ella Barron, Ashley Carroll, ................................................. Erin Gerherty, Clara Griffin, Isabella Hartman, Ava Kitchen, Sofia Kitchen, Sophia Krapf, Maci Muster, Anna O’Connor, Sarah Press, Anna Williams
The Queen’s Garden
Dew Drop .................................................................................................................... Katy Gilliam Flowers Sara Beth Austin, Daniela Bennetti, Claire Bergman, Erin Blair, ................................................................... Emma Duncan, Amber Huggett, Mollie Juniewicz, .................................................................... Ryan Norman, Elizabeth Sabol, Dara Schlesinger, Catherine Voorhees, Isabelle Wilwayco Butterflies ................................................................. Ashlyn Holp, Lucy Kline, Adalae Lunne, ......................................................................... Jade Moreland, Amelia Smerbeck, Jodi Zhang
PRODUCTION/ARTISTIC STAFF
Rachel Cahayla Wynne, rehearsal director and Studio Company manager
Sharon Neumeister, rehearsal assistant and company teacher
Megan Forney, Dayton Ballet School Education Manager and Dayton Ballet School Ensemble Co-Director
Gabrielle Sharp, Dayton Ballet School Ensemble Co-Director
Synopsis
Act I
(Early 1900s) It’s Christmas Eve in Downtown Dayton, and Clara Stahlbaum, her brother Fritz, and their father visit Drosselmeyer’s toy store for holiday shopping. Clara is captivated by a Nutcracker figurine but decides on a beautiful new doll instead. Empathetic to her desire for both, her father secretly asks Drosselmeyer to bring the Nutcracker and other toys to their Christmas party that evening.
Later, at the Stahlbaum family home, preparations are underway for the Christmas celebration. As guests arrive, the children excitedly admire the gifts
Ray Zupp, scenic designer
Daniel B. Chapman, projection designer
Lyn Baudendistel, costume designer
Matthew P. Benjamin, lighting designer
Patrick Lee Johnson, production stage manager
Kay O’Conner, assistant stage manager
Dylan Serrano, assistant stage manager
under the tree. Drosselmeyer arrives and enchants the partygoers with magic before introducing two life-sized dolls that dance to everyone’s delight. Among his gifts, he presents Clara with the Nutcracker. Fritz, overcome with jealousy, breaks the doll, but Drosselmeyer repairs it, much to Clara’s relief.
After the party, the family goes to bed. Unable to resist checking on her Nutcracker, Clara sneaks back to the living room. As the clock strikes midnight, strange things begin to happen. Mice scurry about, and under Drosselmeyer’s magical influence, the Christmas tree, fireplace, presents, and
the Nutcracker grow to enormous sizes. Clara finds herself face-to-face with an army of rats led by the fearsome Rat King. The Nutcracker, now life-sized, leads an army of toy soldiers into battle. The fight reaches a critical point, but Clara’s courage helps the Nutcracker defeat the Rat King.
As a reward, Drosselmeyer transforms the Nutcracker into a prince, and Clara magically becomes older. Together, they journey to an enchanted snow forest, where snowflakes dance around them. The beautiful Snow King and Queen greet them warmly.
Act II
Their adventure continues into the Land of Time, a magical realm in which the
Apair explore history through dance. Clara and the Nutcracker Prince are greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy, her Cavalier, angels, and clouds. After recounting their victory over the Rat King, Clara and the Prince are honored with a spectacular celebration. Court Jesters, Pirates, Porcelain Dolls, Mother Time, Dew Drop, and others perform dazzling dances, representing various moments in history.
As the celebration concludes, Drosselmeyer escorts Clara home. She wakes up on Christmas morning, once again her young self, unsure if her magical adventure was a dream or a gift of Drosselmeyer’s Christmas magic.
Note from the Choreographer
Welcome to this season’s production of Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker! This cherished holiday tradition has brought joy to so many over the years, and I couldn’t be more excited to share this refreshed version with you that honors the classic tale, but also introduces exciting new elements and creative interpretations. This production breathes new life into the beloved story of Clara and her enchanting journey. Thanks to the incredible talents of the creative team of scenic, costume, lighting, and projection designers, we’ve reimagined the visual world of Clara’s journey to create an experience that’s vibrant, immersive, and truly unforgettable. And of course, all of this comes to life against Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, performed live by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Our production features over 125 young artists from Dayton Ballet School and other area ballet schools; this production is as much a celebration of local talent as it is a holiday tradition. Their excitement and dedication renew the experience for all of us, reminding me how magical this ballet can be through a child’s eyes.
So, join us on the journey from Clara’s home to the Land of Time. I hope you’ll find yourself captivated by the same wonder and joy that inspired us to create this production. Whether this is your first Nutcracker or your fiftieth, I believe there’s something here to surprise and delight everyone. Thank you for your continued support of the arts in Dayton. I look forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you.
— Brandon Ragland, Artistic Director, Dayton Ballet
About the Artists
Ray Zupp
Scenic Designer
Ray Zupp has designed sets for Dayton Ballet’s Cinderella, Dracula: Bloodlines, and The Nutcracker (both Karen Russo Burke’s version and Brandon Ragland’s version). Always calling Dayton his home away from home, Zupp is a regular designer with the Human Race Theatre Company, having previously designed One Slight Hitch, The House, Lizzie: The Rock Musical, The Revolutionists, Deadline, and Peerless. Zupp has been designing for over a decade, working in theatres across the United States as well as television and film, working on projects for Netflix, HBO, Peacock, ABC, Amazon, and Disney+. A recent Masters graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, Zupp has spent the last two years designing immersive attractions for major theme parks in the United States and abroad in the UK, Saudi Arabia, and China.
Lyn
Baudendistel
Costume Designer
Lyn Petry
Baudendistel has over 40 years of experience designing and constructing clothing and costumes. She has served as DPAA’s Costume Director and Resident Designer for over 10 years. Baudendistel’s portfolio showcases her versatility and reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and artistry. Select credits
include the design and construction of The Nutcracker, The Great Gatsby, Sleepy Hollow, Beethoven’s Ninth, Don Quixote, Dia De Los Muertos, Farandole, In Pieces, Isle of the Dead, I’ll Meet You There, Masquerade, No Strings Attached, Prelude, Allegro, Still Water is No Drink, and Zero Impact (Dayton Ballet); Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Elixir of Love, The Pearl Fishers, and Carmen (Dayton Opera); Into the Woods, Wizard of Oz, Hello Dolly, Mary Poppins, Hairspray, and Mamma Mia (Muse Machine).
In 2023, Baudendistel was selected to design Dayton Ballet’s new production of The Nutcracker. Baudendistel spent two years and countless hours bringing Brandon Ragland’s artistic vision to life through her innovative designs. Baudendistel transports us from 1910s Art Nouveau era of Dayton, Ohio, to the whimsical Land of Time where her creativity shines. Fabrics were sourced from Istanbul, Turkey, Chicago, and New York City. Swarovski crystals, beaded embellishments, and way too much glitter bring our Nutcracker to life!
Baudendistel would like to thank her husband Tommy for his love and support throughout her career.
Matthew P. Benjamin
Lighting Designer
Matthew P. Benjamin is a lighting designer with over thirty years of experience, having designed professionally in the areas of dance, opera, concerts, corporate events, theatre, musicals, casinos, theme parks, and trade shows.
He a proud member of the United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829.
Benjamin is also a professor of theater and the resident lighting designer for Wright States University’s Theatre and Dance Programs. He also serves as the Head of the Theatre Design and Technology Program. In addition to his tenure at Wright State, he has taught at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, the Interlochen Center for the Arts, the University of Cincinnati, and the New Jersey Governor’s School for the Arts.
Benjamin has designed lighting for a wide variety of genres, as well as concert lighting for The Doobie Brothers and other national recording artists. He is also a theatrical consultant to educational programs and professional organizations, having recently designed lighting systems for a tap room, a municipal library, and a new performing arts center. He is an active freelance designer whose professional credits include seven seasons as the resident lighting designer for the Opera Theater of Lucca, Italy, along with design work for Luna Negra Dance Theatre, the Alley Theatre, Human Race Theatre Company, Aspen Music Festival, TriCities Opera, Muse Machine, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Opera at Florham, New Horizon Theater Company, South Jersey Regional Theater, Little Theater of the Rockies, Children’s Ballet Theater of New Jersey, Taj Mahal Casino, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Opera, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences-Eastern Regional Emmy Awards, among others.
Benjamin received his MFA in theatrical design and production from the University of Cincinnati (College Conservatory of Music). His BFA in lighting design is from the North Carolina School of the Arts.
Daniel B. Chapman Projection Designer
Daniel B. Chapman is a freelance designer, software engineer, educator, and the author of Motion. He is a member of United Scenic Artists and has worked extensively as a production manager and technical director. He received his MFA in Lighting Design from Carnegie Mellon and his BA from The University of New Mexico. He was an Associate Professor of Theater at University of Montana Western and has taught previously at Western Illinois University and Berea College.
Selected design credits include On the Verge, Restoration Comedy, Construction of the Human Heart, (The Acting Company) Of Mice and Men, and Damascus in New York; West Side Story, Legally Blonde, Hairspray, and Twelfth Night with Summer Theater of New Canaan; Beowulf, Troubled Water, Pedr Solis, and No Exit with Guerilla Opera; Pagliacci, Tancredi, Aida, Il Turco in Italia, La Boheme, Don Giovanni, and Il barbiere di Siviglia with Opera Southwest; The Wizard of Oz with New Mexico Ballet Co; Susannah with Ash Lawn Opera; Cymbeline Lifeboat and The Snow Queen in Chicago; and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast Southwest Folktales, Beyond the Classics, and Mythical Wonders with Ballet Repertory Theater of New Mexico.
park
Jurassic Park In Concert
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Musicians
Zulfiya Bashirova Concertmaster1
Aurelian Oprea Associate Concertmaster2
Youjin Na, Acting Assistant Concertmaster3
Elizabeth Hofeldt
David Goist Mikhail Baranovsky Louis Proske Sean Klopfenstein*
John Lardinois
Philip Enzweiler*
Kirstin Greenlaw, Principal4
Kara Camfield, Assistant Principal
Ann Linn Baer
Photo to come
VIOLIN I
Scott Moore Gloria Fiore Maggie Niekamp Yoshiko Kunimitsu Bill Slusser
Yein Jin*
Sheridan Currie, Principal5
Colleen Braid, Assistant Principal
Karen Johnson6
VIOLIN II
VIOLA
Scott Schilling Lori LaMattina
Mark D. Reis Leslie Dragan Belinda Burge
Mark Hofeldt Nadine Monchecourt
Oleg Babkov* Zoë Moskalew
Bleda Elibal
Elvin Schlanger, Principal11
Jennifer Northcut Janet van Graas
Eileen Whalen, Principal12
Robyn Dixon Costa
John Kurokawa, Principal13
Jonathan Lee, Principal Christina Coletta, Assistant Principal7
Molly Castrucci8 Lucas Song9
CELLO
Deborah Taylor, Principal10
Jon Pascolini, Assistant Principal
Stephen Ullery
Christopher Roberts James Faulkner
FLUTE AND PICCOLO
BASS
OBOE AND ENGLISH HORN CLARINET
PERCUSSION
TROMBONE
Rachael Young, Principal14
Kristen Smith
Aaron Brant, Principal15
Amy Lassiter Todd Fitter
Andrew Bass Sean Vore, Assistant Principal
BASSOON HORN
Charles Pagnard, Principal16
Eric Knorr
Christian Pagnard
Tyler Bentley, Acting Principal17
TRUMPET
Richard Begel Chad Arnow18
Timothy Northcut, Principal19
TUBA
TIMPANI
Hamza Able Principal20
Michael LaMattina, Principal21 Davi Martinelli de Lira22
Jerry Noble
Leslie Stratton, Principal23
Joshua Nemith, Principal24
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra
Endowed Chairs
* Denotes leave of absence
1 J. Ralph Corbett Chair
2 Huffy Foundation Chair
3 Sherman Standard Register Foundation Chair
4 Jesse Philips Chair
5 F. Dean Schnacke Chair
6 Grace Counts Finch Chair
7 Edward L. Kohnle Chair in Memory of Andra Lunde Padrichelli, Principal Cellist 2003–2018
8 Gilbert and Patricia Templeton Chair
9 Paul and Susanne Weaver Chair
10 Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association/C. David Horine Memorial Chair
11 Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association Chair
12 Catharine French Bieser Chair
13 Rhea Beerman Peal Chair
14 Robert and Elaine Stein Chair
15 Frank M. Tait Memorial Chair
16 John W. Berry Family Chair
17 John Reger Memorial Chair
18 Bill and Wanda Lukens Chair
19 Zachary, Rachel and Natalie Denka Chair
20 Rosenthal Family Chair in Memory of Miriam Rosenthal, In Honor of Donald Donnett, Principal Timpani 1966–2023
21 Miriam Rosenthal Chair
22 Richard A. and Mary T. Whitney Chair
23 Daisy Talbott Green Chair
24 Demirjian Family Chair
Our Members Make the Magic!
Special thanks to all our DPAA Members who keep the classical arts thriving in Dayton with their annual donation.
VISIONARY
IMPRESARIO ($100,000+)
Anonymous
Paul & Dolores Anderson
Steve & Lou Mason
Barbara N. O’Hara
Peter & Patricia Torvik
Dr. Troy Tyner & Dr. Ingrid Brown
AFICIONADO ($50,000+)
Kate & Steve Hone
ELM Foundation
Linda W. Lombard & Paul W. Marshall
VIRTUOSO ($25,000+)
John & Kathleen Beran
Thomas & Frances Bankston
David & Maria Berry
Neal Gittleman & Lisa M. Fry
Luke & Juanita Lovell
Raymond & Sue Merz
Cathy Ponitz
Dr. David H. Ponitz
Tim & Mary Riordan
Miles & Linda Schmidt
Bill & Dianne Schneider
Larry & Abbie Trittschuh
Betsy B. Whitney
Walter & Marcia Wood
LUMINARY ($10,000+)
Anonymous (3)
Nirmala Abraham & Scotty Blackburn
Dr. Ron Anderson & Robb Sloan-Anderson
Drs. Charles & Mary Bane
Ann Barr
Thomas E. Bettcher
Catherine Clark
Jim Crosset
Janice Culver & Eugene Kurtz
John & Allyson Danis
Richard M. DeLon
Dr. Charles & Patricia Demirjian
Dr. Grace L. DeVelbiss
Jane A. Dunwoodie
Debra Edelman*
Vernon & Janet Fernandes
Stanley C. & Ann* Herr
Lesley & Chris Hopkins
Michael A. Houser
Karen Duguid & Wally Johnson
Michael & Judith Kreutzer
William* & Wanda Lukens
Barbara & Leib Lurie
Dr. Michael & Christine Manchester
Kenneth & Darrell May
Mike & Peggie McQuiston
Dr. Jeffrey & Susan Mikutis
Dr. Thomas G. Olsen & Mary Boosalis
Milt & Dawn Ross
Jonah Sandler
Matthew J. Scarr
Marcy Schade
Pamela & Andrew Schwartz
Richard & Jane Schwartz
David Strohscher
William* & Cynthia Uhl
Dr. Byron & Theresa Wade
William & Carolyn* Winger
Mr. Philip G. Wise & Dr. Joe Law
Brian & Sandra Woodruff
Kathleen & Joseph Zehenny
CENTER STAGE ($5,000+)
Anonymous
Margy Anderson
Mary L. Arnett
David & Esther Battle
Thomas & Suzanne Brown
Dr. Gwen L. Brubaker
Thomas & Joan Burkhardt
Kathleen Clawson
Daniel & Linda Deitz
William DeVenzio* & Linda Short
Pat & Dave Diven
Thomas P. Gratto & Dr. Sharon D. Gratto
Jonas & Susan Gruenberg
Charlie Hardwick
Kathy Harper
Constance A. McKale*
Dale & Karen Medford
Anna Jones Monnett
Kenneth Quinter
Dr. C. Daniel & Kathy Raisch
Colleen M. Ryan
William & Diane Schaff
Barbara Schmider
Thomas F. Skelley & Sharon Lindquist-Skelley
Michael Suhar
Tony Talbot & Mark Duffy
Bill & Penny Wolff
Dr. Daniel Zehringer & Justin Mohler
OVATION! ($2,500+)
Anonymous (3)
Mr. Joshua E. Adams
Dr. Walter & Martha Adams
Dan & Vicky Archibald
Karl & Sandy Ayers
Ronald Bernard & Dr. Judith E. Woll M.D.
Dr. Bob Brandt, Jr.
Charles & Susan Bridgman
Janet & Joseph Burke
Michelle Bryant & Alek Kohut
Barbara J. Campbell
Chris & Barbara Coombs
John & Martha Culp
Dr. Robert & Lisa Custer
Bryan & Susan Daly
David & Charlene Dutton
Sue Falter
Marilyn R. Fischer
Thomas & Nancy Gaudion
John & Andrea Gillespie
Mrs. Carol Graff
Mr. Donald & Mrs. Janet Grieshop
Dr. David & Pamela Griffith
Keitaro Harada
Mr. Anthony L. Haugrud
Jon & Marge Hazelton
Donald & Lori Heinrich
Jessica & Derek Huggett
Dr. Michael A. Jaffe M.D.
Dr. R. Alan Kimbrough
Leora K. Kline
The Mark Andrew Kreusch
Memorial Fund
Paul & Carol Lamberger
Mark Levy & Lisa Becker
Dr. William & Kathy Lindahl
Drs. Jerry Clark & Barry McCorkle
Judy D. McCormick
Susan B. McCoy & Allen Kennedy
James& Deborah McCutcheon
Pat & David McDonald
David McElwee
William Mitchel
Mark Olson & Barbara FurykOlson
Dr. Gary B. Pacernick & Ms. Peggy Weller
Bill & Carmen Perry
Dr. Robert & Anita Rankin
Dominick & Margaret Rinaldi
Greg & Kimberly Robinson
Bill & Ann Schuerman
Richard & June Smythe
John & Susan Spacht
Lois & Roger Sutherland
Jeri & John Tate
Fred & Chris Tokarz
Dr. Edward & Tracey Tomme
Sharon A. Tschudin
Michael Tyrchniewicz & Dr. Rachael Courtney
Paul & Susie Weaver
James & Tami Whalen
Lt. Col Robert* & Nancy Wilda
Thomas & Sharon Williamson
Tim & Miriam Wood
BRAVO! ($1,000+)
Anonymous (12)
The Albert & Nancy Freudenberger Fund
Bruce & Karen Anderson
Matt & Jo Anderson
Shirley Ark
Ellen Bagley
Zachary Beck
Lois & Donald* Bigler
Jon Blunt & Rodney Veal
Dan & Mary Bowman
Mr. Ronald F. Budzik* & Ms. Barbara A. Hayde
Patrick Martin & Eva Buttacavoli
Musicians of the DPO & Staff of DPAA, in memory of C. Donald Compton
Charles & Claudia Cornett
Rebecca & Lawrence* Corson
Karen & Gary Crim
Kelly H. Dalton
Kathleen Daly
Sharon J. Danosky
Joyce E. Dean & Mary Ellen Batiuk
Susan DeLuca
Rosario & Helen Demers
Rebecca Dianis
Mark Dlott & Dale Goldberg
Mr. C. Bruce Driver
Mrs. Sue Dugan
Dr. Margaret M. Dunn & Dr. William A. Spohn
Susan & Robert Ellefson
The Fraze Family Fund
Marcia Frank* (2025 Bequest on behalf of Delta Omicron Foundation)
Joseph & Martha Gardner
Lt. Col. Frank & Diane Gentner, USAF Ret.
Garry & Mindy Greene
Douglas Hahn & Melody Goodwin
Terri & John
Dr. Bruce & Mayumi Hall
John C. Halpin* & Dorothy B. Dick
Thomas Hanley
Bob Hanna
Richard & Mary Harstad
Mr. Anthony Haugrud
Delbert & Virginia Herbeck
William & Carol Herrick
The Holland Family Trust
Ellen Holroyd
Jeffrey Huntington
Tyron & Frances Inbody
Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates
Craig & Margarete Jennings
Sandi Simmons & Tom Jonak
Norma Keefer
Robyn Lightcap
Dr. Brian & Linda Kent
Robert & Jennifer Kitchen
Chuck Knickerbocker
Jon & Susan Kreusch
James Kurek & Linda Black-Kurek
Kathryn Lamme
Wayne & Mary Jo Langguth
Susan J. Lauf
Dr. James T. Lehner & Hon. Peggy Lehner
Franklin & Cheryl Lewis
Kathryn MacVeigh
Amy Radachi & Tom Maher
Moni & George Malacos
Frank & Linda Mannarino
Joyce McDonald
Kevin & Mary McDonald
Marc & Melissa McNulty
Thom & Penni Meyer
Arthur D. Mills Jr.
Helen C. Potter
Shannon Joyce Neal & Philip Neal
Shaun & Susan Nicholson
John & Ruth Neely
Dianne & Les Niemi
John Phillips
Todd Press
Robert & Cynthia Puskar
Mary Yerina & Bob Redfield
Charles & Alice Roedersheimer
David Rohlfing
Patricia Roth
Donald & Julia Routson
Thomas & Lisa Routsong
Richard & Katharine Schaefer
Alan & Beth Schaeffer
Amy Askins & Jon Schairbaum
Winnie Scholl
Bill & Ann Schuerman
Catherine J. Skardon
Stephanie Skelley
Gaynelle M. Spiegel
Toni Sprinkel
Joan Stonitsch
Rick & Tawnya Stover
Phyllis Strayer
Dr. Charles Taylor & Kim E. Iconis
Ms. Ruth Templeton
Mary T. Tymeson
Sharon Vander Gheynst, D.M.E.
Jud & Julie Wallner
K Wiedeman & L Elliott-Sowers
Merle Wilberding & Susan Elliott
Janice Finch Willhelm
John & Jane Winch
Mary & Niels M Winther
David & Sarah Wrazen
Dr. David Zelmon & Dr. Mojgan
Samardar
FELLOW* ($750+)
Anonymous
Michael & Karen Armstrong
Michael Bachmann & Mary Combs
Martha L. Bell
Dr. Charles & Mrs. Barbara Cerny
Richard E. Considine & Stanley Dixon
Jill & Dale Courte
Carl & Barbara Denison
Carol & Don Erwine
Pam & Ron Eyink
Elizabeth Frye
Jon & April Hale
Barbara & Edward Hennessey
Fred & Sharon Hill
Patricia Horvath
Jean Kessel
Kenji & Misao Kurokawa
Amelia Lombardo
Perry Nystrom & Susan K. Henry
Greg & Michele Palmer
Harold Poppe & Dale Schmidt
Carolyn J. Ray
Mrs. Frances S. Repperger
David A. Saelens, Ph.D.
Terry & Diane Torbeck
Dr. Virginia Wood
Susan & Randy Woods
Carol Jean Yegerlehner
Neal Gittleman conducts the final Masterworks concert of his 30th Season in June 2025.
Neal Gittleman’s 30th Anniversary as Artistic Director and Conductor
To celebrate Neal Gittleman’s 30th Masterworks season (2024–25) and his farewell concerts in October 2025, these generous friends have contributed in his honor.
Anonymous (1)
Patricia & Peter Torvik
Harry A. Toulmin, Jr. and Virginia B. Toulmin Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Dr. David Ponitz & Cathy Ponitz
Drs. Mary & Charles Bane
Ann Barr
Kathleen L. Clawson
Janice Culver & Eugene Kurtz
Dr. Charles & Patricia Demirjian
Grismer Tire Company
Karen Duguid & Wally Johnson in honor of the friendship between Anne Johnson and Neal Gittleman
LION
Barbara & Leib Lurie
Christy & Michael Manchester
Kathy & John Beran
Mary Boosalis & Thomas Olsen
Rochester Community Foundation
Pamela & Andrew Schwartz
Cynthia Uhl
Betsy B. Whitney
Sandra & Brian Woodruff
Matthew J. Scarr
Judy D. McCormick
The Mary H. Kittredge Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Linda & Miles Schmidt
Dianne & Bill Schneider
Marcia & Walter Wood
Colleen M. Ryan
Frances & Thomas Bankston
Linda & Daniel Deitz
Richard M. DeLon
Marge & Jon Hazelton
Darrell & Kenneth May
Carolyn & Paul Flanagan
Leora K. Kline
Haley-Sibbing Family
Tina & Mike Spaulding
Linda Bales Todd & Richard Todd
Dr. Hans & Cheryl Zwart
Meet the (New!) Artists of DPAA
Go behind the scenes with the artists whose passion drives every performance.
Christian Chester Dayton Ballet Dancer
I trained with the BalletMet’s Academy in Columbus, Ohio, in my early dance career. In 2020, I joined Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company and danced for three years before I was hired into Louisville Ballet as a professional dancer. This is my first season as an artist with Dayton Ballet.
I knew Dayton Ballet was the right fit for me because I was so excited for the opportunity to work under Artistic Director, Brandon Ragland. We had worked together in Louisville and I know how much Brandon truly cares for this art form and his dancers, so it was an easy decision to come to Dayton!
I am very excited to get to perform with the Dayton Orchestra. It has been awhile since I’ve gotten to perform with live music, and it is such a privilege to work with such talented musicians.
Being on stage is such a beautiful feeling. We work so hard to create something together that is so fleeting and can’t be taken for granted. This is what makes me so passionate about being a dancer
Elvin Schlanger
Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Principal Flute
I’m Elvin Schlanger and I am thrilled to serve as the Principal Flute of DPAA. I always play my best in a collaborative environment of like-minded colleagues and thoughtful music making. I feel fortunate to be part of an ensemble that provides this type of experience and camaraderie. I’ve had the opportunity to study at the Colburn School, Yale School of Music, and CSU Long Beach, which gave me the tools I needed to strengthen my playing and shape my artistry. I am excited to share my passion with this community and to help create performances that are uplifting and inspiring.
Elvin and Keitaro after a performance
Christian shines in Giselle
Corporate and Foundation Partners
We thank our corporate and foundation partners for supporting DPAA’s mission, programs, and artists.
IMPRESARIO
AES Ohio Foundation
Virginia W. Kettering Foundation
Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts
Jesse and Caryl Philips Foundation
Schiewetz Foundation
Harry A. Toulmin, Jr. and Virginia B. Toulmin Fund of The Dayton Foundation
MAESTRO
The Charles D. Berry Foundation
The Berry Family Foundation
VIRTUOSO
Dayton Freight
Bill and Jackie Lockwood Fund to Support Opera
LEGATO
All The Best Delicatessen
Dayton Aerospace
Dayton Daily News/Cox First Media
Kettering Health
The Mary H. Kittredge Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Marriott University of Dayton
The Shubert Foundation
The Troy Foundation
The Nick and Edna Weller Charities, Inc.
CONCERTO
Bob Ross Auto Group
Cox Media Group/WHIO
Discover Classical 88.1 WDPR/89.1 WUSO/89.9 WDPG
Jack and Debra Edelman Foundation
Grismer Tire Company
Hotel Ardent and Bistecca
iHeartMedia
Mathile Family Foundation
WYSO Public Radio
ARIA
The Disability Foundation
Houser Asphalt and Concrete
The Iddings Foundation
LION
Lockwood Family Foundation
ThinkTV
Thompson Hine
Victory Wholesale Group and the Kantor Family
SONATA
The Allegro Fund of The Dayton Foundation
Centerville-Washington Foundation
Crown Equipment Corporation
Johnson Investment Counsel
The Charles F. Kettering Foundation
The Kuntz Foundation
Nova Creative
PNC
Sinclair Broadcast Group
University of Dayton
INTERMEZZO
AES Ohio
Appliance Gallery Dayton
Coolidge Wall
The Dayton Hydraulic Co.
Enterprise Roofing
Harlamert Foundation
Henny Penny
KeyBank
Knack Video + Photo
League of American Orchestras
Sam Levin Foundation
LexisNexis
McCutcheon Music
Merrill Lynch
Morris Home
Opera America
Pickrel, Schaeffer and Ebeling
Square One Salon and Spa
The Synergy Schade Team
Taylor Corporation
OVERTURE
The African-American Community Fund
M&M Title Co.
Requarth Lumber Company
Sinclair Broadcast Group/FOX/ABC
The Rubi Girls
Taft
Voss Auto Network
ADDITIONAL MAJOR SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:
Ohio Arts Council
Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District
Culture Works
The Dayton Foundation
Board of Trustees and Staff
OFFICERS
Joseph Zehenny, Chair
Patricia McDonald, Vice Chair
Rev. Joshua Ward, Secretary
Rodney Veal, Assistant Secretary
Timothy Riordan, Treasurer
Patrick Martin, Assistant Treasurer
Ed Tomme, Chair Emeritus
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dr. Nirmala Abraham
Dr. Ron Anderson
Libby Ballengee
Dr. Zachary Beck
Ashley Bethard
Sarah Burns
Jim Butler
Christopher Coombs
Allyson Danis
Dr. Samuel Dorf
Mary-Kathryn Haddad
Kathy Harper
Michael Howard
Dr. Xavier L. Johnson
Scott Jones
Robyn Lightcap
Peggie McQuiston
Shannon Joyce Neal
Barbara N. O’Hara
Sharon Schroder
Dori Spaulding
John Tate
Rick Thie
Abbie Trittschuh
Dr. Daniel Zehringer
ARTISTIC DIRECTORS EMERITUS
Thomas Bankston, Opera
Neal Gittleman, Philharmonic
ADMINISTRATION
Patrick J. Nugent, President and CEO
Teri Warwick, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer
Michael Sieveking, Chief Information Officer
Milena Treer, Chief of Staff
ARTISTIC
Kathleen Clawson, Artistic Director, Opera
Keitaro Harada, Music and Artistic Director, Philharmonic
Brandon Ragland, Artistic Director, Ballet
Isaac Selya, Interim Staff Conductor
Steven Hankle, Director, Philharmonic Chorus
Carolyn Sweezy, Manager, Philharmonic Chorus
Maureen Hickey Haitch, Conductor, Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Youth Strings
Michelle Mastin, Conductor, Philharmonic Junior Strings
Sharon Neumeister, Company Teacher and Rehearsal Assistant
Rachel Cahayla Wynne, Rehearsal Director and Dayton Ballet Studio Company Manager
DEVELOPMENT
Elaine Gounaris, Vice President for Philanthropy
Allie Haines, Director of Philanthropy
Lynnette Ivey, Director of Institutional Giving
Anne O’Hara, Development Operations Manager
LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Jeaunita Ìféwándé Château Olówè, Vice President for Learning and Community Engagement
Jacqueline Griffin, Learning Programs Manager
Melissa McCoy, Engagement Programs Manager
Megan Forney, Dayton Ballet School Education Manager; Co-Director of Dayton Ballet School Ensemble
Gabrielle Sharp, Co-Director of Dayton Ballet School Ensemble
Elizabeth Sabol, Ballet School Registrar
Vicky Archibald, Ballet School Receptionist
MARKETING
Brittany Laughlin, Vice President for Marketing and Audience Development
James Mikolajewski, Marketing and Patron Acquisition Manager
Kate LaFollette, Engagement and Patron Services Manager
OPERATIONS
Chris Brislin, General Manager
Lyn Baudendistel, Wardrobe Supervisor
Josephine Baudendistel, Costume Assistant
Kelly DeLisle, Artistic Administrator
Maureen Hickey Haitch, Librarian
Kay O’Connor, Assistant Production Manager/ Resident Stage Manager
Sean Vore, Orchestra Personnel Manager
Katie West, Production Coordinator/ Assistant Librarian
The stagehands of IATSE Local 66
The wardrobe members of IATSE Local 886
HARRY A. TOULMIN JR. AND VIRGINIA B. TOULMIN FUND OF THE DAYTON FOUNDATION
BILL AND JACKIE LOCKWOOD FUND TO SUPPORT OPERA
MARY H. KITTREDGE FUND OF THE DAYTON FOUNDATION
