By Sue Suchyta
The Henry Ford Community College Theater program will present “The Odyssey,” directed by HFCC theater instructor Gerry Dzuiblinski, weekends April 16 to 26 at Adray Auditorium in the Mackenzie Fine Arts Center on HFCC’s main campus, 5101 Evergreen Road in Dearborn.
Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students with identification. For tickets, call (313) 845-9817.
“The Odyssey” is based on the adaptation of Homer’s classic ancient Greek poem by Nobel prize recipient Derek Walcott. The play is quick moving, and glides seamlessly between colloquial speech and poetic verse, according to director Dzuiblinski. While primarily set in ancient Greece, Walcott’s version of “The Odyssey” has scenes that are framed in a more contemporary manner.
HFCC alumnus Anthony Lai created an original score for the production. Janeen Bodary, artistic director of the Pryzm School of the Arts, choreographed the show, and members of her dance company will perform in the production. For more information or ticket reservations, call (313) 845-9817.
DEARBORN HEIGHTS PRESENTS ‘CABARET’ AND ‘FORBIDDEN BROADWAY’
The Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre, which is presenting “Cabaret” April 17, 18, 24, 25, and May 1 and 2 at the Berwyn Center in Dearborn Heights, has announced its next production, “Forbidden Broadway.” The musical review will be performed with the Detroit Together Men’s Chorus. Show dates are May 15 and 16 at the Berwyn Center, 26155 Richardson in Dearborn Heights. For more information go to the Web site dhctstage.org.
SEUSSICAL JR. AUDITIONS AT THE PLAYERS GUILD OF DEARBORN
The Players Guild of Dearborn will hold auditions for its summer youth production, “Seussical Jr.” on May 4 at its theater, at 21730 Madison, southwest of the intersection of Monroe and Outer Drive in Dearborn. Registration begins at 6 p.m., with the auditions beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Children will be asked to perform a vocal audition. While it would be helpful to be familiar with the soundtrack, vocal selections will be taught at the audition. Children also may be required to learn a dance and perform that dance during the auditions.
Character descriptions are listed on the Guild Web site. Children should wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in.
The show will run July 17 to 19 and 24 to 26. All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Ticket are $5, with open seating. For more information, go to the Web site www.playersguildofdearborn.org.
PLAYERS GUILD ANNOUNCES 2009-10 SEASON
The Players Guild of Dearborn has announced its 2009-10 season. The shows include: “Inspecting Carol,” a farce by Daniel Sullivan and the Seattle Repertory Theatre; “Is He Dead?” a comedy adapted by David Ives based on the recently discovered play by Mark Twain; Agatha Christie’s mystery, “The Hollow;” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “Cinderella;” and the Tony Award-winning musical “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” with book by Richard Henry Morris, music by Jeanine Tesori, and new lyrics by Dick Scanlan. For more information, go to the Web site www.playersguildofdearborn.org.
THE COLOR PURPLE at the FOX
“The Color Purple” will be at the Fox Theatre for eight performances April 14 to 19. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “The Color Purple” is based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds the strength to triumph over adversity, and discover her unique voice in the world. With a joyous Grammy-nominated score featuring gospel, jazz, pop and the blues, “The Color Purple” is about hope and the healing power of love. Tickets may be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, and at all Ticketmaster locations, including Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. For additional information, call (313) 471-6611.