Tempo

  As fall arrives, local theaters begin their new seasons, with the Fisher welcoming the tour of the musical comedy “Funny Girl” and Theatre and Dance at Wayne presenting the Lauren Gunderson drama “Silent Sky,” which explores the challenges of a pioneering female astronomer in the early 1900s at Harvard.  ‘FUNNY GIRL’ SET TO DAZZLE IN FISHER SEASON OPENER The musical comedy revival of “Funny Girl,” based on the life of comedian and Broadway star Fanny Brice, popularized by Barbra Streisand in the original Broadway … [Read more...] about Theater seasons begin with ‘Funny Girl’ at the Fisher, ‘Silent Sky’ at WSU

  Whether “Putting’ on the Ritz” or enjoying a roll in the hay, the cast of the musical comedy “Young Frankenstein” are ready to set toes tapping and tickle funny bones Sept. 15 to Oct. 1 at the Players Guild of Dearborn.  A parody of the horror film genre, it is based on the 1974 Mel Brooks movie by the same name. It features a book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, and music and lyrics by Brooks.  Directed by Marc Walentowicz, with musical direction by Kevin Dewey and choreography by Janeen Bodary, the madcap comedy follows … [Read more...] about PGD brings the musical comedy ‘Young Frankenstein’ to life

  The Open Book Theatre Company launches its 10th season with award-winning playwright Heidi Schreck’s “Grand Concourse” Sept. 15 to Oct. 8 at the playhouse, 1621 West Road in Trenton.  When Shelley, a nun who runs a soup kitchen in the Bronx, begins to feel like her efforts have no meaning, she encounters Emma, a young, idealistic college drop-out who comes to volunteer and annoys Shelley to the breaking point.  With a blend of humor and compassion, the show looks at faith, forgiveness and the pursuit of … [Read more...] about Open Book opens 10th season with ‘Grand Concourse’

    When an ugly duckling learns to embrace what makes him unique instead of striving for someone else’s standard of perfection, he makes friends with other eclectic creatures while unwittingly avoiding a hungry cat. The Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center will present “Honk! JR.,” with book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and music by George Stiles, Aug. 25 to 27 at the Trenton Village Theater. Directed by Nathan Vasquez, the show features a cast of child ages 5 to 13 years old.  Vasquez, an experienced youth … [Read more...] about Fair is fowl: DYPAC presents ‘Honk JR.’

  Local summer theater programs are showcasing rising young stars, including the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center’s production of “Catch Me If You Can” in Trenton and Crestwood High School’s student and alumni production of “Matilda the Musical” in Dearborn Heights.  DYPAC PRESENTS ‘CATCH ME IF YOU CAN’ The Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, will perform the musical “Catch Me If You Can” Aug. 11 to 13 at the Trenton Village Theater. The musical features a libretto … [Read more...] about Double delight: DYPAC’s ‘Catch Me If You Can’ and Crestwood’s ‘Matilda’

  Visit Bikini Bottom with the Guildlings as they present the “Spongebob Musical — Youth Edition” Aug. 3 to 6 at the Players Guild of Dearborn.  When a volcano may erupt and destroy Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob and his colorful friends must come together to save their undersea world, using the power of optimism and friendship to defy the odds.  The show is directed by Nathan Vasquez, with assistant direction by Courtney Markham, music direction by Bree Rafferty and choreography by Kayla Coldren.  Vasquez said he has been … [Read more...] about Visit Bikini Bottom as the Guildlings present ‘SpongeBob Musical — Youth Edition’

  Set in the hot summer heat of Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan, the Tony Award-winning musical “In the Heights” offers a glimpse into the colorful and hopeful lives of the people in an immigrant enclave in New York City.  The Dearborn Youth Theatre production, directed by Rashid Baydoun, with musical direction by Vanessa El-Zein, introduces multi-generational families and their respective hopes and dreams. It also explores the sense of community while providing a vibrant celebration of the culture.  The music is a … [Read more...] about Dearborn Youth Theatre breathes life into ‘In the Heights’

  Get set for a double dose of the Bard, as a group of students and alumni from the Melvindale-Northern Allen Park Public Schools presents a comic romp with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and the Motor City Bard Bums, based in Livonia, present “Romeo and Juliet meet the Hatfields and the McCoys.” MELVINDALE’S ‘MIDSUMMER’ IS A SHORTENED, COMIC ROMP A group of students and alumni from Melvindale-Northern Allen Park Public Schools will present a 90-minute version of Shakespeare’s comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with … [Read more...] about Shakespeare double play: Melvindale group presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream;’ Motor City Bard Bums present ‘Romeo and Juliet meet the Hatfields and the McCoys’

  Travel back in time to the 1980s with the teen Guildlings to discover – or rediscover – the music of the decade with “Rock of Ages” July 13 to 16 at the Players Guild of Dearborn. When one of the last of the heavy metal venues on Sunset Boulevard faces demolition for a commercial strip mall, musicians and music lovers fight to save the nightclub before it’s too late. Add some romance and memorable rock anthems and the result is musical magic. The show features the music of Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and other bands … [Read more...] about Flash back to the ‘80s with ‘Rock of Ages’

Shakespeare Royal Oak continues its summer tradition of offering the best of the Bard outdoors with “Love’s Labour’s Lost” July 27 to Aug. 6 at Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak, while instituting its two youth theater programs.   The group will hold a fundraiser, “A Labor of Love,” from 6 to 9 p.m. June 29 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, 315 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak. The event will allow guests to mingle with the company and enjoy food with a cash bar. To reserve a ticket to the fundraiser, go to … [Read more...] about Shakespeare Royal Oak presents ‘Love’s Labor Lost;’ high school and KidsAct programs return