Crestwood High School Theatre presents the teen edition of “Hadestown” at 7 p.m. April 26 and May 2 and 3, and 3 p.m. April 27 at the school auditorium, 1501 N. Beech Daly in Dearborn Heights, with Chris Ashekian (left) as Hades, Sharon Adjanohoun as Persephone, Lydia Smith as Eurydice, Yanjie Zhu as Hermes, Ali Boussi as Orpheus, and Navien Nasser, Hana Nasser and Rokaya Martin as the Fates. For tickets and more information, go to crestwoodtheatre.com.
From musicals to comedies, local theaters offer many chances to enjoy a live show, as Crestwood High School presents the teen edition of “Hadestown,” Dearborn High School offers “Disney’s Newsies,” the Players Guild of Dearborn stages the musical “Ragtime” and the Southgate Community Players perform “Sylvia.”
CRESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS TEEN EDITION OF MUSICAL “HADESTOWN”
Crestwood High School presents the teen edition of the musical “Hadestown” at 7 p.m. April 26 and May 2 and 3, and 3 p.m. April 27 at the school auditorium, 1501 N. Beech Daly in Dearborn Heights.
The show, a reimagining of the Greek myths of Orphus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone, is set in a post-apocalyptic America, and explores themes of love, loss and resilience as it looks at poverty and the conflicts between the natural world and the manufactured one.
Director Cayla Kolbusz said the show makes a powerful statement about the world we live in now and the world we hope to experience in the future.
“I love its themes of hope and doubt, and I am so excited to create a piece that allows the audience to consider what kind of world they want for the people they love,” she said. “I love directing a show that makes people think about it after they have left, and ‘Hadestown’ does just that.”
Kolbusz said the show has 38 musical numbers and is almost fully sung through, which has been a challenge to the cast and crew.
“The students are so excited to get to do this show, and have really dived in to understand the characters and the story,” she said. “It is emotional in a good way.
“This show really makes you think about what it means to be human and how beautiful that is.”
Ali Boussi, who plays Orpheus, said learning to perform the role has been challenging yet rewarding.
“I really want people to take away that regardless of what you’re thinking or whatever doubts you have, keep going and doing what you love,” he said. “Every failure opens many other doors to success.”
Lydia Smith, who plays Eurydice, said this is the most serious role she’s played.
“The show is something that will seem more real and comparable to life,” she said. “It has the same realistic highs and lows that we love, hate and appreciate.”
Smith said she hopes audiences think about the Fates and what the characters represent.
“The voices in one’s own head and how they cause doubt leads to ruin,” she said. “I hope the audience carries that reminder with them and uses it for their own good.”
Yanjie Zhu, who plays Hermes, said his character guides the audiences through the story in a mesmerizing manner.
“This show is magical,” he said. “I hope that after the tale is told, people will be able to look back and reflect on aspects of their lives, whether it be related to world issues, families, or milestones in life, and cherish those moments.”
Chris Ashekian, who plays Hades, said learning to understand his character has been challenging.
“He is very unpredictable and the process of trying to figure him out was difficult,” he said. “Trying to be a god that is so human can be weird to try and perform because they are meant to be two completely opposite things.”
Ashekian said the show is different from other shows that are out there.
He said the amazing music, special effects, characters and plot, in combination with the powerful themes, make for a show people shouldn’t miss.
“I hope that people will talk about the important messages that this show tries to get across,” Ashekian said. “Someone might learn about tough choices and love involving having to make sacrifices, while someone else takes away a message about worldly issues like climate change.”
Sharon Adjanohoun, who plays Persephone, agreed that climate change is an important theme of the show.
“I hope that people are talking about message of climate change, and maybe they can do something to help stop it,” she said.
Adjanohoun said she has enjoyed learning the show’s choreography, and said the show’s music is fun to listen to and is catchy.
“It’s definitely my favorite part of the whole show,” she said.
Hana Nasser, Navien Nasser and Rokaya Martin play the three Fates, who serve as the symbolic conscience of the main characters, and who narrate some of the characters’ thoughts.
The ensemble includes Jad Abdullah, Noor Alabdulrasul, Sophia Beydoun, Allie Fayz, Maliyah Gladney, Amir Hamdan, Dana Abou Hamdan, Samar Hamdan, Robin Kovach, Julianna Rahal, Conner Tomsett and Brenden Young.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students. VIP tickets, which include popcorn and a beverage, are $20 for adults and $18 for students. To order tickets, go to crestwoodtheatre.com.
Dearborn High School Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” at 7:30 p.m. April 23 to 26 in the school’s Valentine Auditorium, 19501 Outer Drive in Dearborn, with Gio Bitoniti (left), as Pulitzer, Alex Sassanelli as Davey, Eva Hammoud as Katherine, Adam Makled as Jack Kelly, Nick Calderone (sitting on ground in front) as Les, Julius Owens as Jack Kelly, Jesse Good as Crutchie, Emily Maginity as Medda Larkin, Stefano Ciavaglia as Crutchie, and Carter Coykendall as Pulitzer. For tickets, call 313-827-1647 or go to dearbornbabc.ludus.com.
DEARBORN HIGH SCHOOL OFFERS MUSICAL ‘DISNEY’S NEWSIES’
Dearborn High School Theatre presents “Disney’s Newsies” at 7:30 p.m. April 23 to 26 in the school’s Valentine Auditorium, 19501 Outer Drive in Dearborn.
The story is a fictionalized account of the real-life newsboy strike in 1899 in New York City, when the teens fought for better working conditions after publishing giants Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst increased distribution costs.
The show is directed by Greg Viscomi, with musical direction by Jennifer Pegouske and choreography by Jennifer McPherson and Ava Assenmacher.
Viscomi said he enjoys working with his students and watching them grow as performers and young people.
“I think that the show has a message that really does resonate in the world we live in today,” he said. “I hope audiences see that.”
Stefano Ciavaglia, one of two actors playing Crutchie, said it has been interesting learning how to walk with a crutch.
“I tell people the musical is inspired by real historical events,” he said. “I also tell them about the beautiful music and energetic dancing.”
Eva Hammoud, one of two actresses playing Katherine Plumber, an investigative reporter, said it is challenging to learn how to play a female reporter in 1899, a time when professional women faced many obstacles.
“Katherine is a resilient, strong and independent woman, and it’s an honor to be able to play such a role,” she said.
Alexander Sassanelli, one of two actors playing Davey, said he’s had fun rehearsing the group numbers.
“They are so much fun in this musical,” he said. “This musical is so much fun to see, with amazing music, and the characters and the story are just some of the reasons you should come.”
Julius Owens, one of two actors playing Jack Kelly, who also serves as a dance captain, said he tells people the message of the show is important.
“It’s important not to forget how workplaces have evolved,” he said. “I hope, especially in this day and age, people understand the takeaway of standing up for one’s rights even if it seems impossible.”
Adam Makled, who also plays Jack Kelly, said he has enjoyed learning the dance numbers, especially “King of New York.”
“The tap part is just so much fun, even if it’s difficult, since I don’t have any tap experience,” he said.
Makled said the source material and composer Alan Menken’s music is amazing.
“‘Newsies’ has so many highs and lows,” he said. “There’s ballads like ‘Santa Fe,’ high energy dance numbers like ‘King of New York,’ and love songs like ‘Something to Believe In.’
“I hope this show knocks people’s socks off and causes more people to come to the shows in coming years.”
Over the four-day run, six of the leading roles are double-cast.
On April 23 and 25, Adam Makled plays Jack Kelly, Stefano Ciavaglia plays Crutchie, Hanna Frederick plays Katherine Plumber, Christos Andreou plays Davey, Carter Coykendall plays Joseph Pulitzer and Emily Maginity plays Medda Larkin.
On April 24 and 26, Julius Owens plays Jack Kelly, Jesse Good plays Crutchie, Eva Hammoud plays Katherine Plumber, Alexander Sassanelli plays Davey, Giovanni Bitonti plays Joseph Pulitzer and Ameena Toumi plays Medda Larkin.
On alternate nights, the Jack Kelly actor plays Seitz, Crutchie plays the Mayor of New York City and Darcy Greeley, Katherine plays a nun and a Bowery Beauty, Davey plays Snyder, Pulitzer plays Nunzio the barber, and Medda Larkin plays a Newsie, a Bowery Beauty and Spot Conlon.
Playing Newsies at all performances are: Jack Rutledge as Race, Abdullah Yousif as Albert, Bella Palise as Finch, Shahed Ababneh as Specs, Tristan Lahay as Henry, Sophie Lamb as Mush, Mohamed K. Bazzi as Romeo, Giovanni Bitonti as Elmer and D’Aria Fuller as Jo Jo.
Other Newsies include Julianna Cavillo, Juliette Giedeman and Emmy Lahay, as well as some of the leads on their alternate nights.
Giedman also plays the Mother Superior, and Cavillo and Emmy Lahay play nuns. Cavillo and Giedeman also play Bowery Beauties.
Abdullah Yousif plays Oscar Delancey and a policeman; Mohamed K. Bazzi plays Morris Delancy; Robert Milligan plays Wiesel and William Randolph Hearst, Jr.; Layla Salmassi plays Pulitzer’s secretary, Hannah; Jack Rutledge plays Bunsen’s, Pulitzer’s accountant; and D’Aria Fuller plays Mrs. Jacobi.
Bryant Middle School students playing Newsies in the cast include Nick Calderona as Les, Hadi Bazzi as Buttons, Lillyan Schroeder as Tommy Boy and Dominque Williams as Splasher.
Tickets are $14 for general admission, $12 for college students, and $10 for seniors and children. To order tickets, call 313-827-1647 or go to dearbornbabc.ludus.com.
The Players Guild of Dearborn presents the musical “Ragtime” at 8 p.m. May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, and 2:30 p.m. May 4, 11 and 18 at the theater, 21730 Madison St. in Dearborn, with Justin Digue (left) as Tateh, Christopher Wright, Jr. as Coalhouse Walker, Jr. and Randi Hamilton as Mother. For tickets or more information, call 313-561-TKTS or go to playersguildofdearborn.org.
PLAYERS GUILD OF DEARBORN BRINGS MUSICAL ‘RAGTIME’ TO THE STAGE
The Players Guild of Dearborn presents the musical “Ragtime” at 8 p.m. May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, and 2:30 p.m. May 4, 11 and 18 at the theater, 21730 Madison in Dearborn.
The musical, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and a book by Terrence McNally, is based on the 1975 novel by E. L. Doctorow.
Set in the early 20th century, the story focuses on three groups of people in the United States: African Americans, upper-class whites, and European immigrants, with historical figures like Henry Ford and Harry Houdini added to the tale.
The story focuses on a wealthy white family in New Rochelle, a Black musician and the woman he loves in Harlem, and a Jewish artist from Latvia and his young daughter, whose lives become intertwined as the narrative unfolds.
Director Jerry Haines the musical’s message is the most important element of “Ragtime.”
“I would argue that ‘Ragtime’ the story has existed for 119 years,” he said. “As America has evolved and modernized, the issues with which ‘Ragtime’ is based have changed very little, and that is the tragedy.”
Haines said the beauty of the musical is that it shines a light on a great nation that can’t get beyond its racism, misogyny, sexism, antisemitism and anti-immigration mindset.
“PGD is meeting the moment by having the courage to tell this story at a time when there are people trying to erase histories that show a darker America,” he said.
Music Director Beth Wondolowski said that “Ragtime” revisits and reframes history by asking the cast, crew and audiences how far the country has come in more than a century.
“By holding a mirror to America’s ongoing struggles with identity, equity and belonging, I believe ‘Ragtime’ resonates just as urgently in 2025 as it did 50 years ago,” she said, referring to the novel’s debut.
Matt Ripper, who portrays J. P. Morgan and Admiral Perry, said the show “addresses the timeliness of diversity and coming together for a common cause,” while Jacob Gilman, who plays Younger Brother, said the show shines a truthful and uncomfortable light on the plight of the disenfranchised.
“The themes that ‘Ragtime’ explores are timeless,” Gilman said. “Now, more than ever, conversations of racism, inequality and social justice must be told.”
Russell Boyle, who plays Father, said that even though the story is set a century ago, the stories are still relevant today.
“Societal norms, classism, racism and xenophobia doesn’t seem to go away – it just evolves into something more or less subtly insidious,” he said. “‘Ragtime’ sheds a light on the dangers of ignorance and the power of acceptance.”
Josh Beurer, who plays Henry Ford, said that while America has changed a lot in the past 120 years, the core of what has come to define the American spirit has remained constant: our capacity to hope and dream and believe in the potential of tomorrow.
“‘Ragtime’ is all about celebrating that spirit,” he said. “The world today is so polarizing, and ‘Ragtime’ is the perfect opportunity to be reminded that what unites us as a nation will always transcend the forces that seek to divide us.”
Viletta Green, who plays Sarah’s friend, said the story sheds light on what the country and Dearborn were like more than a century ago, which in some ways are still reflected today.
“Dearborn is not only the birthplace of Henry Ford but home to one of the nation’s largest immigrant communities,” she said. “From my perspective, it feels incredibly relevant to the day-to-day reality in America today.
“I still look to reach that day when our hearts are at peace and our souls are free, experiencing true justice here on earth.”
Randi Hamilton, who plays Mother, said the intimate staging of the Players Guild of Dearborn production allows the audience to form a deeper emotional connection with the characters as they tell a powerful, complex story.
“It’s a poignant reminder that the questions ‘Ragtime’ asks are still being answered,” she said. “Theatre has a way of holding up a mirror to our present while honoring our past.”
Hamilton said that while we may feel progress has been made, we often realize that not enough has changed.
“There is still so much more to gain by embracing acceptance, celebrating our differences and respecting one another for who we are,” she said.
Others in the cast include: Christopher Wright Jr. as Coalhouse Walker, Jr.; Aaliyah Flint as Sarah; Justin Digue as Tateh; Jair Alexander as Booker T. Washington; Leah Paige Cooley as Emma Goldman; Dylan Hart as Harry Houdini; Lillith Tack as Evelyn Nesbit; Noah DeRae as Willie Conklin; Liam Hamilton as the Little Boy; Lylah Espinoza as the Little Girl; Austin Henry as Young Coalhouse Walker, Jr., and Tim Carney as the grandfather.
The immigrant ensemble includes Allison Brenner, Rose Panyek, Sam Volpe, Sydney Assalley and Tyler Singelyn.
The New Rochelle ensemble includes Samantha Reams, Lark Haunert, Sarah Kornacki and Jeff Graham.
The Harlem ensemble includes Larry Santi Barker, Louis Diaz, Branden Omoregie, Odera Office, N’Jeri Nicholson, Aria Wells and Mo Thomas.
Please be advised that the show contains offensive language, including racial epithets, simulated violence, gun violence, gunshots and sexual references, and is recommended for mature audiences only.
Tickets are $26, and may be ordered by calling 313-561-TKTS or going to playersguildofdearborn.org.
Southgate Community Players present “Sylvia” at 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 26 and May 2 and 3, and 2:30 p.m. April 27 at the SCP Corner Playhouse, 12671 Dix Toledo Road in Southgate, with Sydnee Corbin (left) as Kate, Dani Wright as Sylvia and Kenny Konaszewski as Greg. To order tickets, go to scponstage.ludus.com.
SOUTHGATE COMMUNITY PLAYERS PERFORM COMEDY ‘SYLVIA’
Southgate Community Players present “Sylvia” at 7:30 p.m. April 25 and 26 and May 2 and 3, and 2:30 p.m. April 27 at the SCP Corner Playhouse, 12671 Dix Toledo Road in Southgate.
When Greg, a middle-aged man and an empty-nester, finds a stray dog (who is played by a woman) in the park, he brings her home, much to his wife’s chagrin. As Greg and the dog, Sylvia, begin to spend more time together, Kate, his wife, becomes increasingly frustrated and jealous.
Friends and a therapist weigh in, until the couple must make a decision about their three-way relationship.
The cast includes Dani Wright as Sylvia, Kenny Konaszewski as Greg, Sydnee Corbin as Kate and Mattie Raybaud as Tom, Phyllis and Leslie.
Director Josie Stec said the script is silly on the surface, while also an exploration of growth, relationships and love.
“These actors have worked so hard to make these characters multi-dimensional and fully fleshed out, and the chemistry between this cast just sizzles,” she said.
Corbin said that while she relates to Kate in many ways, it’s been challenging for her to pretend she doesn’t like dogs.
She said that while the show’s premise is a bit odd, people can relate to feelings of insecurity and the need for connection.
Corbin said the show is about “navigating the ups and downs of marriage after raising children and trying to find the people you were before kids.”
She said the story also stresses the importance of good communication between partners, as well as finding compromise in the face of conflict.
“Talk to your loved ones, be up front, be loving and communicate clearly,” she said. “Put aside your pride and let yourself be happy and enjoy life, and most importantly, adopt, don’t shop.”
Raybaud said the show is funny.
“A good comedy show is funny for its actors from the first read-through until the final performance,” she said. “We’re still cracking up at rehearsals.”
Raybaud said “Sylvia” strikes a good balance between being ridiculous and believable.
“Aside from there being a talking dog in the show, the personalities and events in the show are going to be familiar to the audience,” she said. “Owning a dog, or arguing with a spouse or loved one, the show captures a very human experience and tells it in a beautiful and silly way.”
Please be advised that the show contains strong language and adult content, and is recommended for mature audiences only.
Tickets are $18 for general admission, and $16 for seniors and students. To order tickets, go to scponstage.ludus.com.