Winter warm-ups: Cozy up in a local theater to escape life for a while

 

Whether you love Broadway musicals, the engaging genius of Shakespeare or a compelling contemporary drama, there’s something for everyone on local stages, so find a cozy seat to escape the cold and warm up to the magic of theater for a few hours.

The Detroit Opera House welcomes “Phantom of the Opera,” while “Kinky Boots” boldly struts onstage at the Fisher.

Nearby, at Wayne State University, Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” comes to life on the Hilberry Gateway Theater stage. 

Dearborn Heights Crestwood High School presents “Every Brilliant Thing,” while the Ringwald performs “Somewhere” and Off the Cuff presents “Complicated Women.” 

OFF THE CUFF THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS ‘COMPLICATED WOMEN’

Local playwright Margaret Berger’s “Complicated Women,” which runs Jan. 23 to Feb. 1, focuses on four women whose lives intertwine amid love, loss, humor and heartbreak while bringing their complexity and resiliency to the forefront of their lives.

Directed by Thomas Mattison Jr. of Inkster, with creative director Wendy Peets of Wayne, the cast includes: Courtney Gillis of Livonia as Anna Kramer, Bethany Wagner of Farmington Hills as Jillian Walsh, Erin Gensterblum of Trenton as Sarah Dylan-Walsh, Jennifer Watkins-Davis of Westland as Phoebe Dylan-Walsh, Thomas Mattison Jr. of Inkster as Marcus Delgado, Scott Peets of Wayne as Henry Garrison, Steven Gensterblum of Trenton as Karl Walsh, and Diane Wozniak of White Lake as Aunt Mary.

Mattison said he is drawn to shows that stay with one long after leaving the theater, which “Complicated Women” does.

“It follows a lesbian couple as they navigate personal and family challenges, but at its core, it is a very human story,” he said. “The characters feel real, like people you might know or recognize in your own family.”

Mattison said many of the moments in the show reflect conversations, conflicts and emotions that audience members may be experiencing in their own lives, which makes the story both powerful and relatable.

He said he hopes the show reminds people that love is love, no matter whom it connects.

“There is so much division and hate in the world right now,” Mattison said. “I want audiences to walk away with a deeper sense of empathy and understanding.

“Rather than judging others for their differences, I hope this production encourages people to support their neighbors, listen to one another and recognize the shared humanity that connects us all.”

Gillis said the show has many take-aways and post-show discussion topics, including the importance of autonomy.

“Autonomy in loving who you love, marrying who you love, reproductive and family planning autonomy, finding yourself and being authentic to your wants and needs, and building a family and community that love you, support you, and encourage growth,” she said. “I hope people talk about accountability after the show, especially the balance between ‘choosing your battles’ and holding people accountable for their words and actions.”

Gillis said personal beliefs do not excuse harm.

“I also hope audiences are inspired to live authentically, build chosen family, celebrate the wins, and remember that love, hope, and change still exist, even in dark and politically volatile times,” she said. “No matter your circumstances, there is a character in this show you will recognize in your own life.”

Off the Cuff Theatre Company Marketing Director Brianna Kemerer of Garden City said the show reminds people to do the best with what they have been given in life.

“The characters aren’t meant to be tidy or easily understood,” she said. “They’re flawed, contradictory, loving, defensive and deeply human.

“Working on this piece has reinforced my belief that empathy grows when we stop trying to label or fix people and instead take the time to listen.”

Kemerer said one doesn’t have to agree with every choice a character makes to recognize their humanity.

“I hope audiences leave talking about acceptance in a deeper way, not just tolerance, but what it truly means to allow people to exist as they are,” she said. “I hope the show sparks conversations about how quickly we judge, how often we misunderstand one another, and how powerful it can be to see ourselves reflected onstage.

“If people walk away with more empathy and curiosity for the lives around them, then the show has done what it set out to do.”

Scott Peets said love can take many different paths, and all of them can be valid. 

“I also hope people are discussing the real harm that can come from the paradox of tolerance when they leave the show,” he said.

Wozniak said in today’s world, family dynamics are more complex than ever.

“While there is growing acceptance of alternative lifestyles, there will always be people with opposing views,” she said. “How those views are handled, expressed and challenged is an important topic for discussion.”

Off The Cuff Theatre Company was formed in 2025 as a community-based theater company by a group of passionate artists who share a deep love for live performance and storytelling.

Their goal was to make theater accessible, engaging and flexible, and it operates as a “theater on the go,” traveling to different venues and spaces to bring performances to the community.

Off the Cuff is best known for its interactive murder mystery dinner theater events, which combine performance, audience engagement and entertainment in unique settings. The group also produces shows and programming for audiences of all ages, with a strong focus on inclusion, creativity and meaningful storytelling.

The company recently expanded its work to include fully-scripted theatrical productions, with “Complicated Women” being its first full-length, non-musical play, representing an important step in the company’s artistic growth.

“Complicated Women” runs 7 p.m. Jan. 23, 24, 30 and 31, with 2 p.m. Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 matinees at the Hook and Ladder Theater, 35255 Goddard Road in Romulus. The Sunday shows will feature a talkback session with the cast and playwright after the performance.

For tickets and more information, go to the Off the Cuff Theatre Company Facebook page.  Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

CRESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS ‘EVERY BRILLIANT THING’

Crestwood High School Theatre presents Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe’s “Every Brilliant Thing,” an emotional and inspiring one-person, double-cast show exploring mental health issues through humor, honesty and audience connection.

Hannah Nasser and Yanjie Zhu share the role of the narrator, with Nasser performing at 8 p.m. Feb. 5 and 6 p.m. Feb. 7, and Zhu performing at 8 p.m. Feb. 6 and 7 in the high school auditorium, 1501 N. Beech Daly in Dearborn Heights.

The protagonist decides to make a list of everything that makes life worth living to help their mother with her depression, while reminding the audience of the importance of compassion, resilience and finding joy in everyday moments.

Director Cayla Kolbusz said she has wanted to direct the show for many years, but a one-person show is not always a good fit for a high school theater program. However, with the group doing two large musicals this school year it was possible to add a third small scale show to the roster.

“I love that it is in a different format than most people see in theater,” she said. “The fact that it is in the round, audience-interactive and by one actor makes the production really intimate and funny at the same time.”

Kolbusz said the show’s theme of the importance of mental health support, as well as remembering what makes life worth living is a beautiful thing to honor.

She said that while it is challenging to memorize so many lines, her actors are rising to the challenge.

“It’s exciting to give them that opportunity,” Kolbusz said. “An additional challenge is the fact that it is seated on stage and in the round, and blocking looks very different when we are performing to all four sides, but that has been a really fun challenge.”

She hopes audiences recognize that while life can be challenging, frustrating and sad, it is also filled with beauty and specific small moments,  and “brilliant things” that makes life worth living.

For more information, go to Crestwoodtheatre.com.

 

‘PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’ COMES TO THE DETROIT OPERA HOUSE

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera” returns to Detroit Feb. 4 to 15 at the Detroit Opera House.

Since its debut in 1986, “Phantom of the Opera” has been considered one of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular musicals, reaching millions.

Webber’s memorable music includes, “The Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again,” “Masquerade” and the iconic title song.

A disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Drawn by the talent and beauty of Christine, a young soprano, The Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide.

Cameron Mackintosh said the beating heart of “Phantom” has always been the love triangle entwining The Phantom, Christine and Raoul.

“I am thrilled to announce that we have found three exciting and contemporary new stars to rekindle the flames of our phantastic love story: Isaiah Bailey as The Phantom, Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine and Daniel Lopez as Raoul, ensuring your fantasies unwind as they unleash the power of the music of the night once again,” he said.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said love, passion and live theatre are what “The Phantom of the Opera” is all about.

“I still get goosebumps every time that chandelier comes alive and infuses the theatre with something that only happens when design, direction and music are completely as one,” he said. “I am absolutely delighted that we are bringing this very special production back to audiences.”

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 to 7 and Feb. 10 to 14, and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 and 15, with 1 p.m. Feb. 5, 8 and 15, and 2 p.m. Feb. 7 and 14 matinees.

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

 

‘KINKY BOOTS’ COMES TO THE FISHER

The Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical returns to Detroit Feb. 5 to 8 at the Fisher Theater.

“Kinky Boots” features a score by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright Harvey Fierstein.

When Charlie Price reluctantly inherits his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy, he works with confident Lola to save the family business by designing and making high-heeled boots for drag queens.

As Charlie and Lola revitalize the factory, they discover that they have more in common than they initially realized.

Lola also teaches Charlie about self-acceptance and challenging stereotypes, while Lola also demonstrates the courage to live life authentically.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 6 and 7, with 2 p.m. Feb. 7 and 1 p.m. Feb. 8 matinees. Tickets start at $30 and are available at BroadwayInDetroit.com.

 

RINGWALD PRESENTS ‘SOMEWHERE’

The Ringwald Theatre presents the Michigan premiere of playwright Matthew López’s “Somewhere” Feb. 6 to 22 at the playhouse, located inside Affirmations Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale.

Set New York City in 1959, “Somewhere” follows the Candelarias, a Puerto Rican family dreaming big in a neighborhood on the brink of demolition.

As the new Lincoln Center construction and urban renewal plan threatens their home, the family clings to the thing that has always carried them through: the unshakable belief in the magic of Broadway. With auditions for “West Side Story” about to occur, they chase hopes, confront harsh realities and depend on each other in a world that forces them to fight to be recognized.

Director Jay Kaplan said “Somewhere” is “a love letter to chosen family, to the people who save us, challenge us and remind us who we are when the world around us starts to disappear.”

He said playwright López “captures that fragile moment when youth, art, and hope collide, and it feels deeply personal and urgently human.”

The cast includes Latress London as Alejandro, Airia Ramirez-Blair as Inez, Ysa Velez as Rebecca, Alexis Morales as Francisco and Jonas Annear as Jamie. 

Show times are 7 p.m. Feb. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, with 3 p.m. Feb. 8, 15 and 22 matinees.

Tickets for “Somewhere” are $30 and are available online at theRingwald.com. The Ringwald is a cashless venue, but credit cards will be accepted at the door.

THEATRE AND DANCE AT WAYNE PRESENTS ‘JULIUS CAESAR’

Theatre and Dance at Wayne presents William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” Feb. 6 to 15 at the Hilberry Gateway Theater.

The show is touted as a “gripping political drama about power, ambition, and betrayal.”

When popular Roman leader Julius Caesar’s rise sparks fear of tyranny, his closest allies conspire against him, leading to one of history’s most infamous assassinations.

In the unrest that follows, Mark Antony’s speech influences key players, setting the stage for war and tragedy.

The play explores the consequences of political intrigue and moral dilemmas, and remains a compelling reflection on leadership, loyalty and the results of unchecked ambition.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, 7, 12 to 14, with a 10 a.m. Feb. 13 student matinee, and 2 p.m. Feb. 7, 11, and 14, and 3 p.m. Feb. 15 matinees at the Hilberry Gateway stage, 4715 Cass Avenue in Detroit.