Visit Bikini Bottom with the Guildlings as they present the “Spongebob Musical — Youth Edition” Aug. 3 to 6 at the Players Guild of Dearborn. When a volcano may erupt and destroy Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob and his colorful friends must come together to save their undersea world, using the power of optimism and friendship to defy the odds. The show is directed by Nathan Vasquez, with assistant direction by Courtney Markham, music direction by Bree Rafferty and choreography by Kayla Coldren. Vasquez said he has been … [Read more...] about Visit Bikini Bottom as the Guildlings present ‘SpongeBob Musical — Youth Edition’
Tempo
Dearborn Youth Theatre breathes life into ‘In the Heights’
Set in the hot summer heat of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, the Tony Award-winning musical “In the Heights” offers a glimpse into the colorful and hopeful lives of the people in an immigrant enclave in New York City. The Dearborn Youth Theatre production, directed by Rashid Baydoun, with musical direction by Vanessa El-Zein, introduces multi-generational families and their respective hopes and dreams. It also explores the sense of community while providing a vibrant celebration of the culture. The music is a … [Read more...] about Dearborn Youth Theatre breathes life into ‘In the Heights’
Shakespeare double play: Melvindale group presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream;’ Motor City Bard Bums present ‘Romeo and Juliet meet the Hatfields and the McCoys’
Get set for a double dose of the Bard, as a group of students and alumni from the Melvindale-Northern Allen Park Public Schools presents a comic romp with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and the Motor City Bard Bums, based in Livonia, present “Romeo and Juliet meet the Hatfields and the McCoys.” MELVINDALE’S ‘MIDSUMMER’ IS A SHORTENED, COMIC ROMP A group of students and alumni from Melvindale-Northern Allen Park Public Schools will present a 90-minute version of Shakespeare’s comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with … [Read more...] about Shakespeare double play: Melvindale group presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream;’ Motor City Bard Bums present ‘Romeo and Juliet meet the Hatfields and the McCoys’
Flash back to the ‘80s with ‘Rock of Ages’
Travel back in time to the 1980s with the teen Guildlings to discover – or rediscover – the music of the decade with “Rock of Ages” July 13 to 16 at the Players Guild of Dearborn. When one of the last of the heavy metal venues on Sunset Boulevard faces demolition for a commercial strip mall, musicians and music lovers fight to save the nightclub before it’s too late. Add some romance and memorable rock anthems and the result is musical magic. The show features the music of Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and other bands … [Read more...] about Flash back to the ‘80s with ‘Rock of Ages’
Shakespeare Royal Oak presents ‘Love’s Labor Lost;’ high school and KidsAct programs return
Shakespeare Royal Oak continues its summer tradition of offering the best of the Bard outdoors with “Love’s Labour’s Lost” July 27 to Aug. 6 at Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak, while instituting its two youth theater programs. The group will hold a fundraiser, “A Labor of Love,” from 6 to 9 p.m. June 29 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, 315 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak. The event will allow guests to mingle with the company and enjoy food with a cash bar. To reserve a ticket to the fundraiser, go to … [Read more...] about Shakespeare Royal Oak presents ‘Love’s Labor Lost;’ high school and KidsAct programs return
Open Book Driveway Theater returns for summer fun
Whether you enjoy improv or a quick, light-hearted comedy, Trenton’s Open Book Theatre Company is returning with its popular Driveway Theatre offerings this summer. Available to come to an outdoor location of your choice are Jennifer Ward’s 30-minute play “Driveway Dating” and “Off Book Improv,” a show which uses input from the audience to make up material on-the-spot. “Driveway Dating” will be booking performances weekends July 7 to Aug. 27, while the Improv troupe is available weekends from June through the end of … [Read more...] about Open Book Driveway Theater returns for summer fun
Upcoming Players Guild season blends classics with contemporary favorites
From timeless tales to contemporary favorites, the Players Guild of Dearborn has announced a 2023-24 season that includes upbeat musicals and classic plays. The season includes the Mel Brooks musical “Young Frankenstein,” Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit,” Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” and the Stephen Sondheim musical “Into the Woods.” “Young Frankenstein,” with music and lyrics by Mel Brooks and book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, will be directed by Marc Walentowicz, with auditions … [Read more...] about Upcoming Players Guild season blends classics with contemporary favorites
37th Annual DATA Awards honor high school thespians
Local theater lovers gathered May 23 for the Dearborn Area Theater Association’s 37th annual DATA Awards, which honored achievement in high school theater and recognized area adult thespians with induction into the Theatre Hall of Fame. Held in Dearborn High School’s Valentine Auditorium, Greg Viscomi and Graham Dallas served as co-hosts. The show featured scenes of each of the participating high schools’ recent musicals, including “I See Stars” from Dearborn High’s production of “Mean Girls;” “Bikini Bottom Day” from … [Read more...] about 37th Annual DATA Awards honor high school thespians
Southgate Community Players present Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Crimes of the Heart’
Southgate Community Players present Beth Henley’s tragicomedy “Crimes of the Heart” June 2, 3, 9 and 10 at the SCP Corner Playhouse, 12671 Dix-Toledo Road in Southgate. The show received the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for a 1982 Tony Award for Best Play. Directed by Josie Stec and assistant directed by Mike Stec, both of Wyandotte, the cast includes: Cortney Markham of Trenton as Babe Magrath Botrelle; Wyandotte residents Kristi Ball as Meg Magrath, Isabella Kroczaleski as Lenny Magrath, Nathan … [Read more...] about Southgate Community Players present Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Crimes of the Heart’
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons: Tony Award-winning musical ‘Six’ celebrates diva destiny at the Fisher
The “Six” singing sensations with a royal range comes to the Fisher Theater May 23 through June 11 with the Tony Award-winning musical which audiences are reputedly “losing their heads” over. The British musical, with music, book and lyrics by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, weaves a musical tale with the first-person accounts of the six wives of Henry VIII, set in the framework of a pop concert. The wives – Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr – create a … [Read more...] about From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons: Tony Award-winning musical ‘Six’ celebrates diva destiny at the Fisher