Wayne State University’s graduate theater company at the Hilberry will present the sentimental musical favorite “The Fantasticks” weekends through October 24. While it usually does only non-musical shows, the opening Friday performance was romantic and touching in a very human, relatable way.
Christina Flynn as Luisa, the girl, brings her trademark energy and irrepressible charm to the role, making it seem new and fresh. Jason Cabral, as Matt, is well matched as her counterpart, the boy.
Alan Ball, as El Gallo, brings his experienced nuances to the show, as does Brian Sage as Hucklebee. Others in the strong cast include Peter P. Prouty as Bellomy, Jordan Whalen as Henry, Justin Vanden Heuvel as Mortimer and Erman Jones as the Mute.
“Try to Remember” is the gentle ballad that most people remember from the show. El Gallo the narrator sings, “Try to remember when life was so tender that dreams were kept beside your pillow. Try to remember, and if you remember, then follow…”
For ticket information, call the box office at (313) 577-2972. The Hilberry Theatre and box office are at 4743 Cass Ave. at Hancock in Detroit. Performance times and ticket information are also available at www.theatre.wayne.edu and www.wsushows.com.
Remaining performances are at 8 p.m. Oct. 15 to 17 and 22 to 24, with 2 p.m. performances Oct. 14 and 24.
‘Rocky Horror Show’ at Clutch Cargo’s
Do you remember doing the Time Warp? Do you get a vicarious thrill watching the rock musical spoof of horror films that is uniquely “Rocky Horror?” Perhaps you used to go to the late night movie to throw rice and squirt a water pistol. “Rocky Horror” is fun and kinky, but definitely adult – so leave the underage set at home.
The show runs for three weekends, beginning Thursday at Clutch Cargo’s, 65 E. Huron St. in Pontiac. General admission starts at $20, with a $140 charge for a four-person booth for the 8 p.m. shows, and $25 and $145 for the midnight shows. The venue features two bars that will be open during performances. Thursday shows are 18 and over, and Friday and Saturday shows are 21 and over. The show runs Oct. 15 to 17, 22 to 24, and 29 to 31. Audience participation is encouraged.
Two clean cut kids, Brad and Janet, have car trouble, and stumble upon a wild convention party at the home of Dr. Frank N. Furter. The story is a spoof of science fiction movies, classic horror films and gender bender seduction.
For more information, go to the Web site www.showsatfrontrow.com. Tickets are also available through TicketMaster, or call (248) 333-2362.
THE TALENT TENTH at the BONSTELLE
The Bonstelle Theatre Company, Wayne State’s undergraduate theater, will open “The Talented Tenth” at 8 p.m. Friday. The show chronicles the lives of Howard University graduates as they reach middle age and beyond. The play captures the struggle of successful African-Americans as they redefine themselves in a new phase of life. The production runs through Oct. 25. The Bonstelle is at 3424 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. For tickets or more information, call (313) 577-2972 or go to www.bonstelle.com.