Tempo

  Whether you prefer the rock musical “Rent” or Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” – or both – there’s an exciting round of shows ahead as Wayne State University launches its new season in anticipation of the opening of its new Hilberry Gateway Theater in late winter.  Department Chair Mary Anderson said she is both proud and humbled by the tenacity and creativity of the faculty, staff and students who have weathered the COVID-19 pandemic and developed a vision for the department’s upcoming season.  “The 2022-23 … [Read more...] about From Shakespeare to modern musicals: WSU offers a diverse theatre season

  Otis Williams, the sole surviving original Temptations member; “Ain’t Too Proud” playwright Dominque Morrisseau; and longtime Temptations manager Shelly Berger came onstage at the Detroit Opera House and spoke to the audience July 10 following the curtain call.  The show, which runs through Aug. 28, tells the story of The Temptations singing group, which began in Detroit.  Morrisseau said they had wanted to bring the show to Detroit sooner, but the pandemic delayed its Detroit debut.  She said that when she was … [Read more...] about Temptations’ Williams, playwright Morrisseau speak after ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ performance

  Whether it’s the evil Miss Hannigan or the King of England, there will always be stage villains the audience loves to hate, and “Annie” and “The Lion in Winter” are no exceptions.  DEARBORN CHILDREN’S THEATER PRESENTS ‘ANNIE KIDS’ It may be a hard-knock life for Annie and her orphan counterparts, but the upbeat musical score is anything but a hardship for audiences at “Annie Kids,” an adaptation of the musical for younger companies.  The Dearborn Children’s Theatre presents “Annie Kids” at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 and 2 p.m. … [Read more...] about From Miss Hannigan to Henry II: The villains you love to hate

  The musical “Madagascar Jr.” comes to life Aug. 11 to 14 at the Players Guild of Dearborn as the preteen Guildlings go wild and bring out their inner animal to tell a laughter-filled tale of friendship and discovery.  When four animals from New York’s Central Park Zoo escape to the real world, they discover it really is a jungle out there, as they end up on the island of Madagascar and must work together to survive.  The DreamWorks stage musical “Madagascar Jr.” features a book by Kevin Del Aguila and original music … [Read more...] about Preteen Guildlings bring musical ‘Madagascar Jr.’ to the PGD stage

  Whether one is seeing a professional Broadway touring company or enthusiastic high school students honing their craft, the magic of theater takes audiences away from the cares of life, sweeping attendees into a story while tugging on emotions and providing joy.  And whether the nominations and awards are Tonys for Broadway shows or recognitions from the Dearborn Area Theatre Association for high school performances, the honors are just as sweet and inspires artists to grow and shine.  ‘AIN’T TOO PROUD – THE LIFE AND … [Read more...] about ‘Ain’t Too Proud’ makes Detroit premiere; Dearborn Area Theatre Association recognizes high school thespians

  Set at Enrico Fermi High School, the nuclear-powered musical comedy “Zombie Prom,” presented by the teen Guildlings July 21 to 24 at the Players Guild of Dearborn, is sure to set audiences aglow with pleasure.  Set in the 1950s, with music by Dana P. Rowe and book and lyrics by John Dempsey, “Zombie Prom” takes place in a high school next to an unstable nuclear power plant.  The principal is on a power trip, and the school’s bad boy, Jonny, and good girl, Toffee, fall in love. However, parental and peer pressure forces … [Read more...] about PGD’s teen Guildlings are ready to go nuclear in musical comedy ‘Zombie Prom’

  Audiences will get more than “the bare necessities” and will “forget about their worries and their strife” while enjoying “Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids” at the Southgate Community Players’ Young People’s Theater production July 14 to 17 at the SCP Corner Playhouse.  Director Makena Shell said “Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids” tells the classic story that families know and love.  “The show is heartwarming and energetic, making it perfect for everyone from young children to adults,” she said. “It’s great that we have been … [Read more...] about SCP’s Young People’s Theater presents ‘Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids’

  Local thespians have produced double delights on local stages, with the Detroit Mercy Theatre Company garnering national honors in May from the Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival’s National Competition, for its fall 2021 production of “Antigone,” and the Ringwald Theatre premiering its original romantic comedy musical parody “You’ve Got Male.” DETROIT MERCY EARNS HONORS The University of Detroit Mercy Department of Performing Arts announced June 14 that the theater department’s fall 2021 production of Sophocle’s … [Read more...] about Detroit Mercy Theatre Company earns national honors; Ringwald debuts ‘You’ve Got Male’

  The much-loved Lerner and Loewe musical “My Fair Lady” arrives at the Detroit Opera House July 12 to 24 with a modern spin on the ultimate makeover story. Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion,” the original show won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and, at the time, became the longest running musical in Broadway history. The Lincoln Center Theater’s revival was itself nominated for 10 Tonys, including Best Musical Revival. The show is filled with sumptuous sets, beautiful costumes and the songs … [Read more...] about ‘My Fair Lady’ arrives at the Opera House with a modern makeover