Musicals offer a midwinter escape

 

Whether you’re in the mood for a Broadway touring production or the talents of local thespians, three upcoming shows offer musical delights in the coming weeks, as “Come from Away” lands at the Fisher Theater, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” competes at the Southgate Community Players and the talented children of the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center present “The Diary of a Wimpy Kid.”

‘COME FROM AWAY’ LANDS AT THE FISHER THEATER

When the frightening events of Sept. 11, 2001, unfolded and the U.S. airspace was closed, 38 planes and approximately 7,000 airline passengers unexpectedly landed in Gander, Newfoundland, where the residents of the small town welcomed them during a time of stress and anxiety.

Despite cultural differences and the nervousness of the stranded passengers, relationships were forged between them and the townspeople of Gander who hosted them, which became life-changing friendships.

As everyone learned the extent of the attacks in the United States, new relationships were formed, and some older relationships underwent unexpected changes.

Ten years later, some of the crews and passengers reunited in Gander to celebrate the friendships and connections they formed during their time in Newfoundland, “honoring what was lost and commemorating what was found.”

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 to 15 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16, with 2 p.m. Feb. 15 and 1 p.m. Feb. 16 matinees at the Fisher Theater, 3011 W. Grand Blvd. in Detroit.

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

 

SOUTHGATE COMMUNITY PLAYERS PRESENT ‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’

Six quirky adolescents who compete in a spelling bee, run by three equally unique grownups entertain in the musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” Feb. 21 to March 1 at the Southgate Community Players Corner Playhouse, 12671 Dix-Toledo Road in Southgate.

Directed by Mike Stec, the cast includes, as contestants, Delainey Wyville as Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere, Isaiah Suitor as William Barfee, Lily Gechter as Olive Ostrovsky, Josh Carter as Chip Tolentino, Deg Gretz as Leaf Coneybear and Helena Romano as Marcy Park.

The “adults” in the cast include Katie Pierceall as Moderator Rona Lisa Perretti, Jason Wagner as the judge, Vice Principal Douglas Panch, and Josh Prim as Comfort Counselor Mitch Mahoney.

Stec said he’s wanted to direct the show for a long time, and is a big fan of breaking the fourth wall and including the audience, which happens in “Spelling Bee.”

“This is a really fun show, with great characters,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed watching them become these characters, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

Suitor said he has enjoyed developing his own version of Barfee, an iconic and unique character, who writes out the words using his “magic foot.”

He said he hopes audiences enjoy the fun and entertainment of live theatre.

“Theatre is an escape from the real world, especially considering all of the tension in real life there is currently,” Suitor said.

Carter said tapping into the mind of Chip, a competitive, entitled middle schooler, has been fun.

“‘Spelling Bee’ has an ensemble cast, so everyone gets at least one big moment to shine,” he said. “The show really comes alive after you get to know each of the spellers.”

Gretz said Leaf Coneybear, who is treated like he is dumb and lazy, is actually intelligent but has never had a chance to prove it.

“I understand and relate to this character in so many ways it’s scary,” he said. “Being able to go through the journey again through Leaf is so satisfying and heals a large part of my inner child.”

Prim, who plays the “comfort coach,” said as the show reveals the backstory of each speller, the audience develops empathy for each of them.

“We learn to love them after we learn more about them, but it shouldn’t come to that,” he said. “We should learn to love and have empathy for others as our default.”

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 22 and 28 and March 1, with 2:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and March 1 matinees.

Tickets are $20, with a $2 discount for seniors and students. For more information or to order tickets, go to scponstage.com.

 

DYPAC PRESENTS ‘DIARY OF A WIMPY KID’

Based on the popular book series, the musical “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” takes the audience on a journey to middle school, with its quirky characters and the desperate desire for social acceptance.

Director Nathan Vasquez said he devoured the books when he was in middle school, and found them funny and relatable.

He said when he learned the story had been developed into a musical, he was eager to direct it as soon as it became available.

He said the production is a 60-minute version of the full-length show, and is not a junior or youth edition.

“The material in this musical is actually pretty challenging,” Vasquez said. “I am extremely lucky to have a cast of 5- to 14-year-olds that are extremely talented beyond their years.”

He said it has been a blast revisiting the iconic moments from the books and movie adaptations with his cast during rehearsals.

“The show will keep audiences smiling from beginning to the end and it is exactly what is needed for anyone looking for a good laugh to share with their families and friends,” Vasquez said.

Allison Langlet, 12, of Brownstown Township, who plays Fregley, said it’s been challenging to act like her character would and not how she would.

“It has been fun being crazy onstage and sort of being myself at the same time,” she said.

Alainna Sworst, 14, of Grosse Ile Township, who plays Fregley’s mother, said it’s challenging to learn to play a character older than yourself.

“You have to let go of your young nature, and move and sing as if you have seen things for many years, especially playing a character as frail and creepy as Fregley’s mother,” she said.

Sworst said it has been fun to step outside of her comfort zone to play this role.

“The director has made this a great time to expand our skills,” she said.

Zack Klavinger, 13, of Woodhaven, who plays Rowley, said it has been fun playing a goofy character.

“The books are great and so is the movie,” he said. “The play is just silly and fun to do.”

Nicholas Bond, 11, of Brownstown Township, who plays Chirag, said that while it was challenging to remember all his lines and dance steps, he’s having fun.

“The show is really fun and funny,” he said. “It is going to be great.”

Others in the cast include: Avery Brooks, 9, Chloe Brooks, 12, Josie Floetke, 10, Evan Langlet, 13, Ben Raftery, 12, Braydon Revoir, 9, and Avery Scrivner, 8, of Brownstown Township; Isla Dowhan, 10, of Dearborn; Delia Henderson, 12, Ellie Knapp, 10, Annika Kung, 12, Aurora Mitchell, 8, Leo Safko, 8, and Rory Wallace, 10, of Grosse Ile Township; Brandon Lozowski, 11, Maggie Lozowski, 9, Eliana Searles, 7, and Emeline Searles, 9, of Riverview; Florenz Powers, 12, and Wade Ryan, 12, of Taylor; Layton Gonsalez, 12, Allison Heady, 6, Samantha Heady, 10, Lucia Roberts, 10, Karsyn Smith, 11, Kate Willmuth, 10, and Aurora Zmijewski, 13, of Trenton; Ava Cason, 11, Stella Franklin, 12, Raven Harten, 11, and Brady Pippin, 10, of Woodhaven; and David Davis, 10, Max Pratt, 11, and Will Pratt, 11, of Wyandotte.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and 22, with a 2 p.m. Feb. 23 matinee. Preferred seating, closer to the stage, is $16, with other seats $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. 

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