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Professional Theater News from Around Town:

'BREAK! the Urban Funk Spectacular' comes to Music Hall

DETROIT – "BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular," a high-energy tribute to Hip-Hop dancing will take Detroit by storm March 10 and 11 at Detroit's Music Hall Center for Performing Arts.
"BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular" traces the history of hip hop dancing over the last 30 years. Cast members are supremely talented artists from the world of break dancing, locking, electric boogaloo or popping, as well as DJ-ing and bucket drumming. Many have been featured soloists in performances with such show-business legends as Madonna, Janet Jackson, B2K, 50 Cents, Ringo Star, Whitney Houston, Puff Daddy and Luther Vandross. The company was presented at the 2000 Edinburgh Festival in Scotland and has gone on to tour performing arts centers throughout the United States.
Although the exact beginning of break dance is unclear, it seems to have emerged as a style of street dance during the 70s. Involving a variety of footwork patterns, spinning and various gymnastic-like actions, it was heavily influenced by a number of sources. Most critics agree on the African influence of the dance. Among the theories of the origins of break dance, many consider James Brown and the 1969 hit "Get on the Good Foot" as one of its starting points. Inspired by his energetic and almost acrobatic dance on stage, many people began dancing on the "Good Foot," often incorporating moves that involved drops or spins.
The term "break dancing" actually arose with the growing recognition of this art form in the media. The early 80s battles between dance crews attracted the attention of the public and breaking or "break dance" became associated with other street dance styles such as locking and popping.
Tickets for "BREAK! The Urban Funk Spectacular," priced from $25 to $35, are available now at all Ticketmaster locations, http://www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 248-645-6666.
For information on this or other Music Hall presentations call 313-887-8501 or log on to http://www.musichall.org

March IMPROV Madness returns to Improv Inferno

ANN ARBOR — Improv Inferno, Ann Arbor's Hotspot for Comedy, presents the other March Madness tournament that everyone will be talking about: The Second Annual March Improv Madness Invitational (MIMI) Tournament.
Last year, 10 teams competed. This year the field has increased to 16 of the funniest and most entertaining local improv troupes competing in a month long single elimination tournament to determine who will be the 2006 MIMI Champion.
The March Improv Madness Invitational runs Thursdays at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. starting March 2, with Playoff rounds Fridays at 8 p.m.
The 16 teams that will be competing include two groups from the University of Michigan (Witt's End and ComCo). The remaining groups have all been champions of Improv Inferno's "Catfight," our ongoing Tournament of Funny which pits two groups in head-to-head comedy competition. Each night will feature an opening act improv group, and then each of the MIMI groups will be given a half hour to perform. After their sets, the audience votes on who should progress to the next round.
The MIMI Finals will be held on Friday, March 31 at 8 p.m.
"I'm really excited about how much the tournament has grown since last year," said Dan Izzo, artistic director of Improv Inferno. "We had nearly 25 teams that wanted into the tournament, so we've got the funniest of the funny. Last year's Champion, Eye Candy, entered the tournament unheralded and swept the whole thing. Winning the tournament really helped solidify their reputation. Shortly after winning the tournament, Eye Candy starting performing weekly on Sundays and filmed a pilot for a television series for Castle Creek Productions in Los Angeles. Who knows what feats of greatness and comedy await this year's champion."
The participants agree. "This event is the big one for improvisers," said Mike Tracy, competing as a member of The Short Bus, one of the new teams in this year's tournament. "We've been itching to get into the tournament since we started playing. Now that we've made it, we want to get in there and kick some butt and wrack up some victories."
Tickets are $5 ($10 for Friday), and reservations can be made at 734-214-7080.
Improv Inferno is located at 309 S. Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor.
For reservations or information call 734-214-7080 or visit http://www.improvinferno.com.

'Imagine Their Next Stage': Mosaic launches capital campaign

DETROIT – Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit, a nationally-acclaimed, award-winning model for youth development, announces a $3.5 million capital campaign entitled "Imagine Their Next Stage," designed to ensure the future of the organization for generations to come.
The multi-year effort, co-chaired by Dennis W. Archer and Dennis Archer, Jr., has crossed the $2.4 million mark and includes commitments of $250,000 each from General Motor Corporation, Ford Motor Company Fund, The Skillman Foundation and a partnership of United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Nonprofit Finance Fund; $400,000 from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; and $150,000 each from Hudson-Webber Foundation and McGregor Fund among others. A prestigious Kresge Foundation challenge grant in the amount of $500,000 has also been awarded in support of the initiative.
Members of Mosaic's Capital Campaign Committee include Reuben Munday from Lewis and Munday, Linda Gillum from University of Michigan Medical School, Matthew P. Cullen from General Motors and Robert G. Riney, from Henry Ford Health System and Chair of the Mosaic Board of Directors.
In its first ten years of existence, Mosaic established an impressive track record as a nationally and internationally acclaimed model for youth development through the arts with more than 95% of members going to college. As Mosaic embarked upon its second ten years, it faced two main challenges to achieving stability for generations to come: First, it was essential that Mosaic establish a central home for its award-winning training programs; and second, identify and partner with consistent and appropriate local venues for Mosaic's critically-acclaimed performances.
After two years of identifying the best potential partnerships, Mosaic chose to move its training programs and offices to the new University Prep High School, and to move its major theatrical production to the main auditorium of the Detroit Institute of the Arts. In addition, it seeks to establish a Fund for Mosaic's Future that will provide a stable source of revenue for facilities and performance venues, not simply for the next ten years, but for many years beyond. An Exceptional Opportunities Fund will also be established ensuring that Mosaic can respond quickly and in a positive manner to the numerous national and international invitations received each year for the young artists without adding undue burden on the organization's operating budget.
University Prep and the DIA have both agreed to 10-year partnerships with Mosaic.

"The impact that Mosaic has had has truly been astonishing, and very humbling for me," says Rick Sperling, founder and CEO of Mosaic. "Most of all, it has been and continues to be incredibly inspiring to see what these young Detroit artists have accomplished all over the world. But we know we cannot rest on our laurels. These young artists are the heart, the spirit and the future of this city. With this capital campaign, we intend to make the future of Detroit even brighter. Our goal with this campaign is to create a Mosaic that will be there for the grandchildren of our current members."
For further information regarding Mosaic's 2006 Capital Campaign, please contact Margaret Smith at 313-872-6910 x4004.


From Our Hallowed Halls of Learning:

Hilberry Theatre presents an evening for singles

DETROIT – The Hilberry Theatre announces "Rush Dates," an evening for singles, on Friday, March 24 from 5-7 p.m. in the Hilberry Theatre lobby. "Rush Dates" is an event that helps men and women meet in a comfortable, safe and fun environment to find Mr. or Ms. Right.
During "Rush Dates," 40 male and female Wayne State University students will have the opportunity to meet each other through a series of mini-dates. Couples are given a table at which they have five minutes to get to know one another. If a participant decides they would like to learn more about their new friend, they write their name on a match sheet. Each person will have the opportunity to have a mini-date with everyone at the event. At the end of the evening, match sheets are paired and if two participants make a match, the host of the event will let the pair know within 48 hours.
If two participants would like to start getting to know one another sooner, the Hilberry Theatre will supply Two for One Tickets to that evening's performance of the comedy "Sly Fox" by Larry Gelbart at 8 p.m. Cass Cafe will also offer a candlelit dinner in their intimate upstairs lounge the evening of the event. Participants will have access to a full bar, wine specials and a free dessert for two with the purchase of two meals.
The Hilberry Theatre and Blimpie will provide snacks and refreshments for the event. Admission is FREE.
When participants receive their matches 48 hours later, they will also receive a coupon for the Bonstelle Theatre's production of "Little Shop of Horrors," playing April 21 – 30.
To attend "Rush Dates," simply RSVP to Nicole Young at [email protected] or call 313-577-6798 by Monday, March 20. RSVP early because there are openings for only 20 men and 20 women.


Community Theater Corner:

Players Guild of Dearborn presents urban mystery 'Laura'

DEARBORN- The Players Guild of Dearborn presents the popular Broadway mystery and successful movie, "Laura," an elegant, urban mystery/thriller, set in 1940's Manhattan.
Detective Mark McPherson (played by Marc Rosati) thinks staring at the portrait of Laura (Maria Kovac), an ambitious, successful and beautiful advertising executive, will solve the mystery of her murder, but what's really happening is that he's falling in love with a corpse. There are three main suspects: Laura's fiancee, Shelby Carpenter (Adam Bright), something of the Old South's last gasp; Laura's patron and guide to New York society, Waldo Lydecker (Bill Premin); and a young jazz nut, Danny Dorgan (Curtis Castanenda), whose interest in Laura's record collection may not be limited to music. However, everything is thrown up in the air when Laura suddenly appears very much alive. The mystery remains: who, then, was the victim, who was the murderer and will the murderer return to finish the job?
The Players Guild of Dearborn will present eight performances of "Laura," March 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m.
The Players Guild of Dearborn is located at 21730 Madison, southeast of Monroe and Outer Drive.
Tickets are $13. Student and group rates are also available.
To purchase tickets or further information about tickets and availability, please call the ticket line at 313-561-TKTS. For more information about the Players Guild of Dearborn, visit http://playersguildofdearborn.org.

Avon Players presents 'Love, Sex and the I.R.S.'

ROCHESTER – Avon Players presents the fourth show of its 2005-2006 season, the comedy "Love, Sex and the I.R.S."
Mr. Spinner from the IRS is coming to New York City to audit Jon Trachtman and his wife, Leslie Arthur. Just one problem – they're not married. And here's one more – Leslie's a man! To save money, these out-of-work musicians have been masquerading as husband and wife on their tax forms. With the help of Jon's fiancee, Leslie tries to make a convincing housewife, but with the unexpected arrivals of Jon's mother and Leslie's ex-girlfriend, there's a lot more to explain than just a 1040!
The show features Tom Shilakes as Jon Trachtman, Ben Feliciano as Leslie Arthur, Lauren Goodvich as Kate Dennis, Tracy Parent as Connie, John Isenberg as Mr. Jansen, Todd Lipphardt as Floyd Spinner, Jean Garringer as Vivian Trachtman and John Piekutowski as Arnold Grunion. The comedy is under the direction of Ericka Mann
Show dates are March 3-5, 10-12, and 17-18. Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.
Avon Players is located at 1185 Washington Road, one mile east of the intersection of Tienken and Rochester Roads in Rochester Hills.
Tickets for the show are $14, with a discount rate for students and seniors for Sunday matinees.
For tickets and information, call 248-608-9077 or log on to http://www.avonplayers.org.

A2CT announces stellar season

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor Civic Theatre is pleased to announce its 2006-07 season.
Once again, A2CT will stage three musicals at UM's historic Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre and three non-musicals at WCC's beautiful Towsley Auditorium.
A2CT kicks off the season with the new, smash-hit Broadway musical, "The Full Monty," directed by Wendy Sielaff (Sept. 14-17). Next up is the classic comedy "Tom Jones," directed by Jimmy Dee Arnold (Nov. 9-12). Civic rings in the New Year with the frothy musical comedy "Sweet Charity," directed by Edmond Reynolds (Jan. 11-14, 2007). Shakespeare's romance, "The Tempest," directed by David Andrews, warms the last days of winter (March 15-18, 2007). A2CT ushers in spring with a riotous comedy from the early 1960s, "Cactus Flower," directed by Cassie Mann (April 19-22, 2007). Flash-forward to the late 1960s for Civic's final musical, "Hair," directed by Caitlin Frankel (June 7-10, 2007).
"This season is lighter than recent seasons," said Rachel Francisco, play selection committee chair. "There's lots of comedy and romance, but it's not frivolous. 'Tom Jones' and 'The Tempest' are two of the most venerable comedies of the British stage, and 'Cactus Flower' was a wildly successful play and movie, and launched Goldie Hawn's career back in the 60s. We're thrilled to begin our season with 'The Full Monty,' which was a popular British movie turned smash-hit musical, and has just been released for regional theater. Both 'Sweet Charity' and 'Hair' are classic American musicals that audiences young and old still respond to and enjoy. We couldn't be happier with the variety and quality of the productions we've chosen."
Season tickets for the 06-07 season go on sale June 5, and will be available through the A2CT office, 322 W. Ann St., in Ann Arbor.
For a season brochure – available in May – or to order season tickets, call 734- 971-2228 or visit http://www.a2ct.org.


Theater for Young Audiences:

It's 'Stinky' fun with Flint Youth Theatre

FLINT – Flint Youth Theatre welcomes Dallas Children's Theater of Dallas, Texas in "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fair(l)y (Stoopid) Tales," based on the book by Flint native Jon Sciezka and adapted for the stage by Kent Stephens with music by Gary Rue.
"The Stinky Cheese Man," an FYT 2005-2006 Special Event, will be performed Friday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at The Whiting, 1241 East Kearsley Street, Flint, Michigan. This production is recommended for ages 5 and up.
Hold your noses and hang on to your hats for it's "happily-ever-laughter" when this immensely popular children's book of fairy tales hits the stage. An assortment of the usual fairy tale suspects – Cinderella, Rumplestiltskin, the Little Red Hen, Foxy Loxy, the Ugly Stepmother and Stepsister – combine forces to produce preposterous vignettes like "Chicken Licken," "Cinderumplestiltskin," "The Other Frog Prince," "The REALLY Ugly Duckling" and, of course, "Stinky Cheese Man" — all told with an offbeat, irreverent and zany flair. Don't miss this whirlwind of wacky, whimsical wisecrackers — a hilarious, stinky treat for the whole family.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children.
For complete information, call Flint Youth Theatre at 810-237-1530 or log on to http://www.flintyouththeatre.org.


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