Musicals, comedies and drama entertain on local stages

 

Local theaters are bringing up the stage lights on a wide range of theatrical offerings in the coming weeks, offering musicals, comedies and drama. 

Trenton’s Open Book Theater company presents the comedic whodunnit “The 39 Steps,” while Wayne State University presents “Chicken and Biscuits,” a comedy which sees a family reuniting for a funeral while trying to not kill each other. 

Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” offers a rare dramatic treat at the Fisher Theater, followed by “The Cher Show” musical.

In addition, Divine Child High School presents “Shrek – the Musical” and Lincoln Park High School presents “The Addams Family” musical, both about accepting and celebrating differences.  

TRENTON’S OPEN BOOK THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS ‘THE 39 STEPS’

If you mix a touch of Hitchcock with a tempting spy novel and add the irreverence of Monty Python, the result is “The 39 Steps,” a fast-paced whodunnit for those who love the magic of live theatre. 

Director Krista Schafer said the award-winning play is packed with non-stop laughs, dozens of characters played by four people, an onstage plane crash, handcuffs, missing fingers and some “good old-fashioned romance.”

She said that while the play is based on the well-known Hitchcock film and mimics much of its dialogue, the stage play has a very different tone.    

“The main story is still there: Richard Hannay finds himself embroiled in a case of national security when an attractive woman is killed in his London flat,” Schafer said. “As he sets out to discover the secret that got her killed and hopefully save the country, he is accused of murder and meets a large variety of characters.”

She said she has a strong cast that has kept her laughing at each rehearsal. 

“The hardest part is having to tone them down to make sure the story still comes through,” Schafer said. “All of the performers are wonderful at taking risks, playing off of each other, and keeping the story rolling.”

Jeffrey Miller, who plays Richard Hannay, agreed that rehearsals have been fun. 

“Watching my fellow actors play with these wild and wacky characters and seeing their playfulness, creativity and spontaneity is so much fun to witness,” he said. 

Miller said the show provides audiences with a welcome reprieve from life’s worries. 

“All of us have things to do and places to be, and of course the news cycle is filled with awfulness, so I think this play is a wonderful opportunity to take a little break from all that and hopefully laugh until your belly hurts,” he said. 

Richard Payton, who plays Clown 1, concurred with the show’s entertainment value. 

“It’s zany, fast-paced and full of hilarity,” he said. “This cast is so funny and talented, and I love getting a chance to pull out all of the stops and really go over the top. It’s like being in a cartoon.”

He said rehearsals have required active imagination from the show’s team. 

“It’s an actor’s dream when you get to show up and just play,” he said. “And there’s never a bad time to go to the theater and laugh your butt off.”

Stephanie Walters, who plays Annabella, Pamela and Margaret, said the fast pace of the show keeps audiences guessing and intrigued throughout the performance.

“As an actor, the tone shifts and plot twists are challenging in a wildly fun way,” she said. “A particular challenge in this show is the multitude of characters and accents that each of us portray.”

Walters said that while it is a comedy and the characters are allowed to be silly, actors feel better with some grounding in the truth, and finding that while playing multiple characters provides a unique challenge.

“The energy of the team is deeply collaborative, and as an actor, there is no better way to work,” she said. “The amount of time I spend laughing in rehearsals is more than any other production I’ve been a part of, and if things are this hilarious within the confines of rehearsal, the addition of costumes, lights and sound will inevitably add a new level of hilarity.”

Jonathan Davidson, who plays Clown 2, said having fun is an important component for audiences and the actors.

What’s fun for him? 

“When you cross the line but keep going, find the other line, then cross that too,” he said.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. March 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30, and April 4  to 6 and 11 to 13, with 2 p.m. March 17, 24 and 31 and April 7 and 14 matinees. The March 23 and 24 performances require face masks, which are optional at other performances.

The playhouse is located at 1621 West Road in Trenton. 

Opening night tickets are $35 and include an afterglow following the show with the artists. Other performances are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors and $15 for students. 

To order tickets, call 734-288-7753 or order online at openbooktheatrecompany.net.

 

 

DIVINE CHILD HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS ‘SHREK – THE MUSICAL’

“Shrek – the Musical” will take “ogre” the Divine Child High School auditorium March 15 to 17 and March 22 to 24 as the cast lets their freak flag fly and celebrate that it’s great to be unique.

Director Kori Bielaniec said she enjoyed the movie version of “Shrek” growing up and was attracted to the stage musical as an adult. 

“Our DCHS Theater production team thought this would be a great show for our students, between the iconic characters and the really excellent music,” she said. 

Bielaniec said the show’s makeup and costumes presented the biggest production challenge, while watching the students’ character development and choreography during rehearsals has been satisfying.

“I’m so proud when they feel good about what they’re doing,” she said. “It’s hard work, but I want them to have fun and feel accomplished in what they’ve achieved.”

Bielaniec said the show sends a message that celebrates individuality, which the song “Freak Flag” celebrates.

“The whole point of the show is to ‘let your freak flag fly,’ whatever that means to you,” she said. “There’s only one you in the world, and you’re irreplaceable, so be proud of that.”

Alex Tar, who plays Shrek, said his character’s prosthetics and bodysuit add humor to the show.

Isabella Pizzo, who plays Fiona, said her character is also quirky and funny. 

“Some scenes will make you laugh your tails off and others will make you tear up,” she said. “I hope audiences take away the message that it’s OK to be different, even behind all the funny scenes.”

Angelina Laframboise, who plays Mama Bear, said the show’s message is that everyone is unique in their own way.

Cassidy Kanclerz, who is part of the ensemble, said the show is filled with a lot of heart. 

“The main message of ‘Shrek’ for the audience to remember is that deep down, we’re all a little weird, but what makes us different is what makes us strong,” she said.   

Others in the cast include Connor Godin as Donkey, Colin Miller as Lord Farquaad, Leah Katers as Pinocchio, Alana Nowlan as Gingy, Penelope Soranno as Dragon and Riley Downey as Teen Fiona.

Also, Allysha Potts as Mama Ogre, Nickolas Lu-Tirador as Papa Ogre, Luke Dajos as Thelonious, Ethan Yanoski as the Captain of the Guard, Liam Godin as King Harold and Katrina Shefferly as Queen Lillian.

Divine Child Elementary School students Anasophie Sabagh and Noah Hebert play Young Fiona and Young Shrek respectively.

Playing Three Blind Mice, the Three Pigs and knights are Jenelle Darwich, Elizabeth Salinas and Ryan Thorp. 

Playing fairy tale creatures are Liam Godin, Katja Honkanen, Angelina Laframboise, Alexandra Marciniak, Aidan Milliken, Lucy Morris, Jillian Oleski, Ethan Perkins, Lauren Postl, Allysha Potts, Katrina Shefferly, Lily Stachowski, Nick Lu-Tirad or, Zeke Vitale and Myreya Zeolla.

Also in the ensemble are Isabella Fernandez, Charlotte Harrison, Cassidy Kanclerz, Paige Mack, Ella Postl, Ellyana Smith and Madeline Varton.

Gail Porada is the assistant director, with Robert Bush as the technical director and orchestra director, and Paul Abbott working with the music and orchestra. Rebekah May is the choreographer. 

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. March 15, 16, 22 and 23, and 2:30 p.m. March 17 and 24 at the DCHS auditorium, 1001 N. Silvery Lane in Dearborn. 

Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for students. Tickets are available online at dchstheater.ludus.com.

 

 

THEATRE AND DANCE AT WAYNE PRESENTS ‘CHICKEN AND BISCUITS’

Theatre and Dance at Wayne presents the Douglas Lyons comedy, “Chicken and Biscuits” March 22 to 30 at the Hilberry Gateway Theater.

The show follows a prominent church family with secrets who nearly come to blows when they gather to eulogize the family patriarch. 

Assistant Director Jo Jackson, a fourth year Bachelor of Fine Arts acting student, said “Chicken and Biscuits” is a funny story that digs deep into the life of a Black family and reminds one that eventually, love conquers all. 

“While this show is a joyous and comedic show, it shows that representation matters,” she said. “Black families matter and the love between them matters even more.”

Jackson said the show is a reminder of the heavy weight shouldered by Black women. 

“It reminds me of the stereotype that Black women always have to be strong and uphold a certain image, when in reality it’s OK to break, and it’s OK to be vulnerable and to share that weight.”

The show is directed by Billicia Charnelle Hines, College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion, co-artistic director of the Black Theatre and Dance Collective, and an associate professor of theatre.

The cast includes Jaela Beeks as Baenetta Mabry, Jesse Boyd-Williams as Reginald Mabry, Taylor Johnson-King as La’Trice Franklin, Mycarra Whorton as Beverly Jenkins, David Grivas as Kenny Mabrey, Connor Currie as Logan Leibowitz, Aniya Lovelace as Simone Mabry and Araja Cherry as Brianna Jenkins. 

The Praise Team includes Geshawna Francis, Faith May, Jenea Johnson and Jordan Patterson. 

Showtimes are 8 p.m. March 22, 23, 29 and 30 and 7 p.m. March 28, with 2 p.m. March 23, 27 and 30 and 3 p.m. March 24 matinees.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and WSU alumni and employees and $15 for students. 

To purchase tickets, call the box office at 313-577-2972 or order online at theatreanddance.wayne.edu/ticket-info.

 

 

LINCOLN PARK HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS ‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’ MUSICAL

“The Addams Family” musical brings its unique and dark charm Downriver March 15 and 16 to the auditorium of Lincoln Park High School.

Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love, and she implores her family provides her with “one normal night” to impress her fiancé’s family. However, all is not as it seems with her fiancé’s parents, and events take several unexpected turns.

Director Geoffry Kopp said the show is about the power of being true to yourself no matter how strange one might appear to others.

“It is a great romantic musical comedy with a dark Addams family twist,” he said. “The show is very accessible for high school actors, and we are presenting the high school edition of the show.”

Kopp said “The Addams Family” is larger and more complex than any of the other shows they have done recently. 

“We have more scenery, more actors, more costumes and more props than we have ever had before,” he said. “Without the support of our talented staff, it would be impossible to pull off a show of this scale.”

Kopp said the show is about the power of being true to oneself.

“Love can be found in the most unexpected places,” he said. “I hope audiences leave with a new definition of just what ‘normal’ is, and with an appreciation of the hard work of our talented LPHS students both onstage and behind the scenes.”

Yarelie Hernandez, who plays Morticia Addams, said the musical comedy sheds new light on Addams family life. 

“There is no such thing as being ‘normal,’” she said. “Everyone is unique in their own way.”

Royce Withrow, who plays Uncle Fester, said the show has catchy tunes, witty humor and romance. 

“LP Theatre’s production of ‘The Addams Family’ musical promises a ghoulish good time for all,” he said.

Withrow said it’s challenging to maintain his character’s energy while singing in character. 

“It is difficult to keep up with a high energy, overly extroverted character, and it has been quite the learning curve to sing in a high, nasally voice, but both difficulties have really helped me bring Uncle Fester to life,” he said. “The weirder the character, the more fun I can have with it.”

Kit Pilon, who plays an ancestor, has also enjoyed developing her character. 

“The greatest challenge has been creating a personality to follow through the entire show,” she said. “There are unlimited options of how you want your character to come off or how you want their story to be, and this musical really lets each person in the production show their greatest potential.”

Others in the cast include Gianni Espinoza as Gomez Addams, Giselle Salcido as Wednesday Addams, Xavier Gaines as Pugsley Addams, Samaria Monroe as Grandma Addams, Malachi Miles as Lurch, Kenye Taylor as Mal Beinecke, Sha’Niah Marsh as Alice Beinecke and Demecio Gray-Jones as Lucas Beinecke.

The Ancestor ensemble is made up of: Rose Panyek, Joshua Kotarski, Asher Vasquez, Alex Gray, Adrianna Winn-Williams, Gabby Tuttle, Mikaela  Higgins, Destinee Pree, Emma Cromwell, Jessica Locklear, Tyler Beaton, Ali Robinson, Lily Cromwell, Oakley Frost, Emily Clark, Edward Regul, Malakai Cano, Mariah Blevins, Destiny Galarza, Mia Clayton, Isabelle Goddard, Ruqaya Lami, Airy Adams, Maddie Edwards and Demecio Gray-Jones.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. March 15 and 16 at LPHS, 1701 Champaign Road in Lincoln Park. Tickets are $12 and will be available at the door. 

 

 

‘TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD’ ARRIVES AT THE FISHER

A new play version of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” written in 2018 by playwright Aaron Sorkin, runs through March 17 at the Fisher Theater.

It differs from the Christopher Sergel play, which has been performed by community theaters and schools for decades, by telling the story more from Atticus Fitch’s point of view, providing a quicker pace and featuring the Black characters more prominently than the earlier version of the play. 

Set in a small Southern town during the Great Depression, the story follows a Black man falsely accuse of rape by a white teen, and a small-town lawyer’s defense of the man to an all-white male jury deeply rooted in racial prejudice. 

The lawyer, Atticus Fitch, a widower with two children, Scout and Jem, teaches them important life lessons as the trial progresses, providing them with a simple yet crucial blueprint for their lives. 

The first national tour of Sorkin’s play features Richard Thomas in the pivotal role of Atticus Fitch. Those of a certain age will remember Thomas fondly as John Boy in the TV series “The Waltons.”

The show has another celebrity as well: Mary Badham, the Academy Award nominated actress who played Scout in the 1962 film version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” opposite Gregory Peck. She plays the role of Mrs. Henry Dubose, a cranky elderly neighbor in poor health.

The show’s “children” are played by adults, but, aside from their height, it is something audiences quickly come to overlook because of the strength of their acting. 

The show is definitely worth seeing, and offers a fresh and insightful perspective into the story. It also shocks one to realize that less than a hundred years ago in the United States such racism was so widespread and commonplace. Unfortunately, similar racism still exists today, cloaked in subtler forms.

The show runs 7:30 p.m. March 5 to 9, and 12 to 16; 6:30 p.m. March 10 and 17; 2 p.m. March 9 and 16, and 1 p.m. March 10 and 17 at the Fisher Theater, 3011 W. Grand Blvd. 

Tickets start at $43 and are available online at BroadwayInDetroit.com.

 

 

‘THE CHER SHOW’ MUSICAL TO PERFORM AT THE FISHER

The Tony Award-winning musical “The Cher Show,” a jukebox musical, runs March 19 to 24 at the Fisher Theater. 

The show tells the story of Cher’s life using the songs she performed during her career.

Three actresses play the singer, portraying her from the 1950s to the 1960s, during the 1970s, and in the in 1980 to 1990 era.  

Musical numbers include “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “Half-Breed,” “I Got You Babe” and “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves.” 

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. March 19 to 23 and 6:30 p.m. March 24, with 2 p.m. March 23 and 1 p.m. March 24 matinees.

For tickets and more information, go to BroadwayInDetroit.com.