The Players Guild of Dearborn presents its first improv show in three years, “Guild-y by Association,” at 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at the theater, 21730 Madison St. in Dearborn. Tickets are $15 and will help the Guild pay for a new roof. A holiday party follows the show.
From seasonal improv to the classics, to the glittery gift of a Broadway show, there are plenty of presents for audiences to enjoy on local stages, from the Players Guild’s holiday improv party to a new take on the classic Christmas Carol story.
PGD PRESENTS ‘GUILD-Y BY ASSOCIATION,’ A HOLIDAY IMPROV TREAT
“Guild-y by Association,” an ugly sweater, “shingle all the way” improv show and party, will provide fun and food at 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at the theater, 21730 Madison St. in Dearborn.
The fundraiser, part of the capital improvement “Raise the Roof” fundraising drive, includes ugly holiday sweater and outfit contests, as well as a 50/50 raffle.
The show includes 13 improv games which allow the audience to join in on the fun, with a post-show party with food and beverages after the improv.
Admission in $15, with tickets available online, at playersguildofdearborn.org and at the door.
The Motor City Youth Theatre presents “In Search of a Christmas Carol” Dec. 9 to 18 at the Motor City Theater in Livonia, with Dearborn residents Jude Petrie as Tiny Tim and Michael Micheletti as adult Scrooge. Tickets are $12 and are available on Eventbrite.
DEARBORN ACTORS SHINE IN THE MOTOR CITY YOUTH THEATRE’S ‘IN SEARCH OF A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
Two Dearborn actors have key roles in the Motor City Youth Theatre productions of “In Search of a Christmas Carol,” with Jude Petrie playing Tiny Tim and Michael Micheletti playing the adult Scrooge Dec. 9 to 18 at the playhouse.
The show is faithful to the original story but with a twist, as four children visit a museum after hours and, upon finding an original Dickens manuscript, are delighted and amazed when the story comes to life.
Micheletti said that this is the second time he has played Scrooge, and he enjoys playing the bitterest man in Victorian London.
“The challenge in playing Scrooge is being able to make him a cruel and unhappy person while still having hints of hope for his redemption,” he said. “Not forgetting how he became so jaded and isolated is important to making him a real person.”
Micheletti said it is fun making Scrooge’s transition to a kind and thoughtful person, and said he has enjoyed working with the young MCYT company.
“It is great to watch them grow and learn as the show progresses,” he said. “They continually surprise me with the all the great ideas and energy they bring to the show.”
Micheletti said the show is also about carrying the warmth and love generated during the holidays to the rest of the year.
“It’s about self-reflection and making choices that help society and not just yourself,” he said. “I think it is important for stories like, ‘A Christmas Carol’ to be incorporated into our lives.”
The lives of the student actors are guided by Kelly Boczek Petrie of Dearborn, who serves as an acting coach and improv master for the production.
She said the children in the cast are treated like professional actors during the rehearsal process and are expected to respond professionally as well.
“That is not to say we don’t have fun, because we certainly do,” Petrie said. “But at MCYT, we feel these young people can rise to the challenge we put before them, giving them life skills.”
She said although they may not end up as professional actors, they will know how to work with a group of people, think on their feet, be flexible and learn new skills on the spot.
“The students of course learn public speaking skills, like volume and articulation, and how to work with adults, brainstorm and be a part of a process,” Petrie said.
She said she likes to help the young actors overcome their fears and learn to trust themselves onstage and off.
“They can learn hard things if we give them space to do so,” Petrie said. “I hope everyone has fun watching all the hard work that has gone into making this beautiful show.”
Showtimes are 7 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 and 2 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18 at the theater, 27555 Grantland St. in Livonia.
Tickets are $12 and are available on Eventbrite.
“Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” comes to the Detroit Opera House Dec. 6 to 18 with the singer’s comeback story and inspiring journey as a rock and roll legend. For more information, go to broadwayindetroit.com. For tickets, go ticketmaster.com.
‘TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL’ OPENS AT THE OPERA HOUSE
“Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” will fill the Detroit Opera House Dec. 6 to 18 with the comeback story and roll ’n’ roll journey of a legend.
Tina Turner, who, at 83, no longer tours, said she is excited that the show is once again bringing her music to her fans.
“It’s a homecoming and that is very special to me,” she said.
The story follows Turner’s life as she broke barriers and became a queen of roll ’n’ roll, winning 12 Grammys and selling out a record number of concerts.
Songs in the show include, “Shake a Tail Feather,” “A Fool in Love,” “Better Be Good to Me,” “Higher,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” “Proud Mary,” “Disco Inferno,” “Tonight,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero” and “(Simply) The Best.”
Tina Turner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 for her duo work with Ike Turner and was a 2021 nominee for her solo work.
The show contains adult themes and is recommended for ages 12 and older.
The musical runs 8 p.m. Dec. 6 to 10, and 13 to 17; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18; and 2 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at the Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit.
Tickets range from $35 to $140, and are available by phone at 800-982-2787, online at ticketmaster.com or at the Fisher Theater box office. For more information, go to broadwayindetroit.com.