My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

DPAA Announces Medical Leave For Artistic Director Neal Gittleman

Gittleman is expected to return to the podium in early spring. 

By:

DPAA Announces Medical Leave For Artistic Director Neal Gittleman Image

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance has announced that Neal Gittleman, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, is on medical leave to recuperate from a surgical procedure. Associate Conductor Patrick Reynolds will conduct the orchestra throughout Gittleman's recovery. Gittleman is expected to return to the podium in early spring.

Gittleman was diagnosed with intermediate-stage prostate cancer in late 2022. "The good news is that there's a very high probability of a cure," says Gittleman. "The bad news is that recovering from surgery will keep me off the podium for a while."

"The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance family extends its warmest wishes to Neal as he recovers," says DPAA President & CEO Patrick Nugent and DPAA Board President Ed Tomme in a joint statement. "Neal is a pillar of our organization. His dedication and contributions to the arts and the community are unmatched, and we look forward to his triumphant return to the podium."

Audiences are familiar with Associate Conductor Patrick Reynolds from several SuperPops concerts, Dayton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra's Young People's Concerts, and Magic Carpet programs. Most recently, Reynolds conducted DPAA's Hometown Holiday production featuring the one-act opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. Reynolds is also a professor of Music at the University of Dayton.

Gittleman's procedure went well, and he is resting at home. DPAA asks the public to respect his privacy throughout his recovery. Any cards or words of encouragement can be sent to Neal Gittleman c/o DPAA, 126 N. Main St, Suite 210, Dayton, OH. 45402.

For information about DPAA's 2022-2023 Season, visit daytonperformingarts.org.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Book of a Musical - Top 3
1. David Hornsby, Chris Hoch, David Hornsby, Chris Hoch - The Lost Boys
31.8% of votes
2. Jim Barne, Kit Buchan - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
26.1% of votes
3. Cinco Paul - Schmigadoon!
23.8% of votes

Need more Dayton Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


5 Time Grammy Winning Musician Christopher Cross at The Kent Stage 6/23! in Dayton 5 Time Grammy Winning Musician Christopher Cross at The Kent Stage 6/23!
The Kent Stage (6/23-6/23)
Love Songs and Late Nights The Dave Banks Big Band May 22 Blujazz+ Akron in Dayton Love Songs and Late Nights The Dave Banks Big Band May 22 Blujazz+ Akron
BLU Jazz+ (5/22-5/22)
Santa Claus: The Musical and The Gift of Christmas in Dayton Santa Claus: The Musical and The Gift of Christmas
La Comedia (11/12-12/28)
Stinky Cheese Man in Dayton Stinky Cheese Man
La Comedia (10/13-10/24)
The Wedding Singer in Dayton The Wedding Singer
La Comedia (5/14-6/21)
Something Rotten in Dayton Something Rotten
La Comedia (10/12-11/08)
Come From Away in Dayton Come From Away
La Comedia (8/20-9/27)
Hamilton (Angelica Company) in Dayton Hamilton (Angelica Company)
Schuster Performing Arts Center [Mead Theatre] (3/30-4/11)
Moulin Rouge! in Dayton Moulin Rouge!
Schuster Performing Arts Center [Mead Theatre] (7/22-7/26)
CAMP DNA - Developing New Artists in Dayton CAMP DNA - Developing New Artists
The Human Race Theatre Company (7/06-7/24)