Photo by Kevin Replinger
Brent Griffith (left) as Podkoliosin and Ty Mitchell as Kochkariev appear in Gogol’s “Marriage” at Wayne State University’s graduate Hilberry Theatre through April 6 in rotating repertory. For more information go to www.Hilberry.com.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Southgate Community Players announced its 2013-14 season shows, and local thespians are excited to hear that the group will start out the year with production of Schonberg and Boublil’s musical “Les Miserables” in November.
The group also plans to produce the third show in the Neil Simon “Eugene” trilogy, “Broadway Bound,” which is loosely based on Simon’s life. Lerner and Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” is slated as the May spring musical main stage production.
Summer show plans include Agatha Christie’s “Ten Little Indians” in July and Moises Kaufman’s “The Laramie Project” in August.
SCP also announced the cast of the Kander and Ebb musical “Chicago,” which runs May 3, 4, 10 and 11 at Davidson Middle School Auditorium, 15800 Trenton Road in Southgate.
The cast includes Kelly R. Lomas as Velma Kelly, Jema McCardell as Matron Mama Morton and Leo McMaster as Billy Flynn. Z. Morgan is Mary Sunshine, Megan Robertson will play Roxie Hart and Bill Spurlin will portray Amos Hart. The ensemble includes: Alan Demorow, Chris Gawel, Spencer Genrich (as Mona), Larry Hubbard, Patty Hubbard (as Go to Hell Kitty), Kelly Klug, Catherine Long, Monica Luckwald, Rian McDonald (as Fred Casely), Alexis Mosley (as Liz), Marie Olsen, Danae Pawlak, Stephen Phillips, Jessica Pusino, Stephanie Shulte, Victoria Schulte, Erika Sterling, Sarah Stonebralher (as Annie), Kevin Talanges (as the Master of Ceremonies) and Sydney Villanueva (as Hunyak).
The group also will present “Charlotte’s Web” at 7 p.m. March 15, 16, 22 and 23 at the Corner Playhouse, 12671 Dix-Toledo Road in Southgate. Based on the E.B. White novel, the youth arm of SCP will bring to life the story of a loyal pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte.
OUT OF THE BOX PRESENTS STEAMPUNK VERSION OF ‘INTO THE WOODS’
Wyandotte’s Out-of-the-Box Theatre, 1165 Ford Ave., will present a steampunk version of Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” at 7:30 p.m. March 8, 9, 15 and 16, with 3 p.m. matinees March 10 and 17.
Directed by Carol-Ann Black, with vocals by Sarah Leonard, the group will offer a special $8 “child friendly” 2 p.m. matinee March 16 which will end with Act I, with all the characters living “happily ever after.”
Tickets are available by phone, at 313-303-5269, or at the door. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, with group discounts available.
Out-of-the-Box also will present “Drop Dead,” a murder comedy at 7:30 p.m. April 12, 13, 19 and 20, with a 3 p.m. matinee April 14.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students, with group rates available. To order, call 313-303-5269 or go to www.downriveractorsguild.net.
The story begins when has-been actors hope to revive their careers with a potboiler murder mystery directed by Victor Le Pewe, a psychotic eye-twitching megalomaniac. However, murder is in the spotlight at the dress rehearsal and opening night. The surviving cast then try to save their lives, careers, solve the mystery and make it to curtain call.
DOWNRIVER ACTORS GUILD HOLDS ‘PIPPIN’ AUDITIONS
The Downriver Actors Guild will hold auditions for “Pippin” from 7 to 10 p.m. March 18 and 19, with March 21 callbacks at Out-of-the-Box Theatre, 1165 Ford Ave. in Wyandotte.
The show opens May 10 and run through May 19, with direction by Nick Beasanski, music direction by Dave Waggoner and choreography by Jane Beier.
Those auditioning should be dressed for a dance audition, and prepare a song from the show to sing; the group will provide an accompanist. Those auditioning should be ready to list rehearsal conflicts on their audition forms. Minors must have written parental permission to audition.
For more information, call the Downriver Actors Guild at 313-303-5269 or go to www.downriveractorsguild.net.
‘A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC’ AUDITIONS AT THE PLAYERS GUILD OF DEARBORN
The Players Guild of Dearborn will hold auditions for Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” March 4 and 5, with registration beginning at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. start of auditions. The theater is at 21730 Madison in Dearborn.
Those auditioning should dress nicely and avoid wearing jeans.
Harold Jurkiewicz will direct the show, with Paul Abbott as musical director.
The show runs for four weekends, opening April 26 and running through May 19, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinees.
In addition to readings from the script, those auditioning should be prepared to sing a selection from the show for the role for which they audition. Actors should expect a voice vocal range test as well.
For a character list and vocal selection descriptions, go to www.playersguildofdearborn.org/the-season/a-little-night-music.
Jurkiewicz said opera companies worldwide have performed the demanding and sophisticated musical.
For more information, call 313-561-TKTS or go to www.playersguildofdearborn.org.