Professional Theater News from Around Town:
Water Works' Edward M. Nahhat honored by State Bar of Michigan
BIRMINGHAM – The Arts, Communication, Entertainment and Sports Section of the State Bar of Michigan proudly announces that Edward M. Nahhat has been honored as the 2006 recipient of the John Hensel Award. The award, named in honor of an ACES Section founder, is given to an attorney who has made an outstanding contribution to the arts in Michigan.
Nahhat, a commercial litigation and entertainment attorney with the Warren firm Caputo Brosnan PC http://www.caputobrosnan.com and a resident of Royal Oak, is the founder and CEO of the non-profit organization Water Works Theatre Company, Inc. http://www.waterworkstheatre.com. He is a graduate of Wayne Law School and Wayne State University (BFA Theatre 1983).
Water Works produces the popular Shakespeare in the Park, a popular Royal Oak summer event, as well as the children's performing arts day camp KidShakespeare!. Since it's founding in 2001 Water Works has provided professional opportunities for the area's actors, directors and other theater professionals and students. Water Works also provides high quality performing arts education programs for performance-minded youngsters. Water Works presents the only professional outdoor Shakespeare production in the state of Michigan.
Jeffery Richardson of ACES said that "ACES is particularly impressed with the consistency of Ed Nahhat's contribution to the long running Shakespeare in the Park in Royal Oak event, produced by Water Works Theatre Company. Ed Nahhat sets an example for other attorneys by giving directly to the community through his talent and dedication to the performing arts."
Jim Ellison, Mayor of Royal Oak, said that "Ed Nahhat and all the Water Works artists, staff and volunteers have brought to Royal Oak a measure of culture that is a significant contribution to the quality of life in the community."
State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) said that "Ed Nahhat is the kind of community minded leader that deserves to be honored. His vision and dedication have added vibrancy to this community."
The ACES Annual Meeting and reception honoring Nahhat will be held on Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Community House, 380 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, Michigan.
BoarsHead Theater & Impression 5 create 'A Night of Art and Science'
LANSING – BoarsHead Theater and Impression 5 have created "A Night of Art and Science," designed for parents attending BoarsHead Theater and their young children.
On Thursday evenings Nov. 2 and 16 (during the BoarsHead world premiere comedy, "Unnecessary Farce") as well as the evenings of Dec. 14 and 28 (during BoarsHead's seasonal production, "Holiday Memories") at 6:30 pm, Impression 5 will welcome children ages five and up to an evening of science while their parents go to the theater. "The children will be served a snack and have structured activities," said Impression 5 Executive Director, Erik Larson. "The science center will remain open until 9:30 pm for the children to be picked up. The cost, per child, will be $10 for members and $12 for not-yet-members."
"This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to have a theater night out and know their children are not only safe but experiencing the wonders of Impression 5," said BoarsHead Theater Managing Director Marlene Shelton. "Erik and I immediately grasped the potential for this partnership to bring families to downtown Lansing for an evening of entertainment and education. BoarsHead theater ticket prices are lower on Thursday evenings than the weekend, so this package is a bargain for the family. Our next show, "Unnecessary Farce," opening on Friday, Oct. 27 will introduce this partnership, and we are already considering expanding it to other performances. My only regret is this wasn't around when my kids were small. I would have loved this opportunity."
BoarsHead Theater tickets may be purchased by calling 517-484-7805 or online at http://www.boarshead.org.
Impression 5 reservations may be made by calling 517-485-8116, ext. 32.
'Boomtown 1925': hot jazz, cold drinks, and women on the verge…
DETROIT – "Boomtown 1925," an original play about Detroit's Jazz Age when it was inventing a whole new way of living, will be performed by Matrix Theatre Company at the YMCA Boll Family Theatre Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 4:00 pm. beginning Oct. 19 and running through Nov. 12.
From 1922 to 1927, Detroit's population grew from 250,000 to one million people. From all over the globe, people came together to create a new city and a new way of life. "Boomtown 1925" is the story of five women from five cultures who come together at Gus' All Night Diner across the street from the Ternstedt plant in Southwest Detroit. There, they share troubles, laughs and food as they invent the city that created the 20th century. This original play, written by Matrix Collective Playwrights Workshop, is being directed by Matrix Theatre Company Executive Director Shaun S. Nethercott.
The play captures the excitement and transformation that marked the 1920's in Detroit. The Great War was over, the Jazz Age had begun and Prohibition turned ordinary people into criminals. Women were on the forefront of change: Suffragettes had just secured the right to vote and women were in the factories in record numbers, but Flappers were the image of the modern woman. They painted their lips, drank in speakeasies and danced the Charleston. Come join us as we relive "Boomtown 1925" through five women who chose Southwest Detroit to be their home.
All performances are at the YMCA Boll Family Theatre, 1401 Broadway in downtown Detroit.
Tickets are $15 tickets, and they are available at the door or in advance by calling 313-967-0599.
1940s musical features the music that moved the nation's spirit
CLINTON TWP. – "In the Mood," a 1940s musical, will be presented at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. This appearance is part of the show's 2006/2007 national tour.
Much more than a concert, "In the Mood" takes a retro look at the life and time of America's greatest generation, a generation that was listening and dancing to the same kind of music. With music and dance that combined up-tempo big band rhythms to mellow intimate ballads, the mood was set to inspire a future filled with hope, promise and prosperity. This was a time like no other in our nation's history, a time when music moved the nation's spirit. Come experience the swing, rhythm, jazzy, brassy, sentimental and romantic music of this important time.
Bud Forrest Entertainment began touring "In the Mood" in 1994 following an overwhelming response from a performance on the steps of the National Archives in Washington, DC. "In the Mood" continues to impact audiences with sell out performances everywhere. Through its musical influence, it became part of the official entertainment for the World USO's 50th commemoration of WW II events.
Conceived by Forrest, many of the musical arrangements were written by Vic Schoen, the conductor and arranger for The Andrews Sisters and music director for both Universal and Paramount Pictures. The musical features the In the Mood Singers and Dancers and the sensational String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra, with arrangements, costumes and choreography as authentic as it gets.
Ticket prices range from $35-$45 with discounts available for students, senior citizens and groups of 20 or more.
To purchase tickets visit the Star Tickets PLUS office at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts or any Michigan Meijer stores. For additional information call 586-286-2222 or 800-585-3737, or checkout the web at www.MacombCenter.com.
Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean extend their Detroit engagement through Dec. 31
DETROIT – Due to popular demand, Frank, Sammy, Joey and Dean will extend their highly successful run in "The Rat Pack is Back" at The Gem Theatre through December 31, closing with two special shows on New Year's Eve.
"The Rat Pack is Back" is a tribute to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Joey Bishop and Dean Martin featuring a stellar cast of some of the finest performers around the country now performing in Las Vegas. It has been hailed as the next best thing to seeing the Rat Pack themselves. This show is a fast-paced musical play based on a night at the Sand's Hotel in Las Vegas, circa 1961. It is not an impersonator show. The characters in this show are portrayed by actors who have taken great care to study the performers they are portraying and recreate them as you might have seen them years ago when they worked together and ruled show business from a stage in the Copa Room of the now almost long forgotten Sands Hotel. It's as if you turned back the clock half a century to see some of the greatest performers who ever lived take the stage together to laugh, dance and sing their way into your hearts.
"The Rat Pack is Back" is produced by Dick Feeney and Sandy Hackett.
Appearing in the Detroit engagement are Les Lankhorse (Frank Sinatra), Kenny Jones (Sammy Davis, Jr.), Mickey Joseph (Joey Bishop) and Bobby Mayo, Jr. (Dean Martin).
General ticket prices range from $39.50 – $44.50. ickets for the special New Year's Eve performances are priced at $45 for the 6 p.m. show and $70 for the 9:30 p.m. show, which includes a post-show party.
Tickets are now on sale through The Gem Theatre box office at 313-963-9800.
From Our Hallowed Halls of Learning:
The debate continues as the Bonstelle Theatre presents 'Inherit the Wind'
DETROIT – The Bonstelle Theatre opens its 2006-2007 season with the popular classic "Inherit the Wind," written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. Performances begin on Friday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. and run through Sunday, Nov. 5 at 2 p.m.
Based on the Scopes "Monkey Trial" of 1925, the play tells the story of two great lawyers as they debate the place of Evolution and Creationism in the classroom – a debate that continues in today's society.
As the play begins, we learn that Bertram Cates, a local high school science teacher, is set to stand trial for teaching the theory of evolution to his students. Matthew Harrison Brady, a charismatic man with political aspirations and a self-proclaimed authority on the Holy Bible, represents the prosecution. Cates is represented by Henry Drummond, a skilled attorney who valiantly defends free thought in a town ruled by traditional values.
While "Inherit the Wind" was written in the 1950s and based upon events from the 1920s, the central argument of the play is very much alive today. Across the nation, proponents of Intelligent Design are seeking to have its concepts presented alongside Evolution. States Dr. Blair Anderson, chair of the Department of Theatre and director of "Inherit the Wind," "The concept of Intelligent Design being taught in schools as an alternative theory and the continuous social debate make this play very topical and timely."
Inherit the Wind is stage managed by Adam Kurtz and includes the following cast: A. Mikel Allan, E.J. Assi, William E. Bryson, Jessica Cermak, Jozefa Chmielewski, Branden Chowen, Justin Dejuan Crutchfield, Jonathan Davidson, Ian Pikula Gallagher, Nicole Michelle Haskins, Murphy M.M. Hendy, Alex D. Hill, Kenny Konaszewski, Frank Leone, Jasmine S. McCord, Ryan J. McGillen, Brishen Miller, Damon Moore, Pete Podolski, John Nicholas Rattray, Shane Reinhard, Adam Schrader, Cal Schwartz, Lauren Mae Shafer, Jaclyn Strez, George Thorvald Wagner, Steven West, Alex Wisz, Dave Woitulewicz, Brian Yacoo and Bill Zimmerman.
Designers for the production include WSU's Hilberry graduate theatre members Sarah N. Tanner and Christina Tomlinson, and WSU's Bonstelle undergraduate company members Cory Johnson, Neil E. Koivu Jr. and Rahme Rayes.
"Inherit the Wind" plays at the Bonstelle Theatre on Oct. 27 and 28 and Nov. 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. The opening night performance will feature a complimentary afterglow in honor of Bonstelle Parents' Night.
Tickets are available for $14, with $11 discount tickets available for students with ID, seniors 62+, and Wayne State University faculty, staff and Alumni Association Members.
Advance tickets are available in person through the Wayne State Theatre Box Office, located at 4743 Cass Ave., on the corner of Cass and Hancock, or by phone at 313-577-2960. Tickets may also be purchased at the door of the Bonstelle Theatre, 3424 Woodward Ave., beginning one hour prior to each performance. For more information, please visit the theater's website at http://www.bonstelle.com.
Theater for Young Audiences:
K'zoo Civic Youth Theatre to present 'Charlotte's Web'
KALAMAZOO – The Kalamazoo Civic Youth Theatre will present the beloved children's classic "Charlotte's Web," (based on the book by E.B. White and adapted by Joseph Robinette), Oct. 27 – Nov. 4 in the Civic Auditorium, 329 South Park, Kalamazoo.
Beloved for generations, this classic tale of friendship, loyalty and trust is one of the most cherished stories of all time. As this enchanting stage adaptation unfolds, Fern raises Wilbur – the runt of the litter – into a terrific and radiant pig. When Wilbur moves into a new barn, he begins a second profound friendship with the most unlikely of creatures – a spider named Charlotte, and their bond inspires the animals around them to come together as a family. When the word gets out that Wilbur's days are numbered, it seems that only a miracle will save his life.
Directed by Zac Thompson, the cast and crew features over 50 students from the Kalamazoo area.
Order tickets today by calling the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre Box Office at 269-343-1313 or visit http://www.kazoocivic.com.
Thebes Players presents 'Alice in Wonderland'
LOWELL – Lewis Carroll first published "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" over 141 years ago. Since then, the madcap nonsense has delighted audiences both young and old. Now the Thebes Players, a theater group based out of Lowell, will bring a theatrical version of that story to audiences starting Oct. 20 and playing two weekends at the Lowell Performing Arts Center.
Director Brent Alles, a self-professed film, television and theater geek, knows that there have been around 30 different versions of "Alice" brought to cinema or television, and that most people are perhaps most familiar with the Walt Disney 1951 animated version. That adaptation was a combination of Carroll's "Wonderland" and its "sequel," Through the Looking Glass," and the theatrical version Thebes will present is a combination of those two stories. The play is actually 14 individual "adventures" that do a great job of capturing the essence of Carroll's work, while keeping the narrative exciting and fast-moving.
Alles is a bit notorious for working with large casts in his productions – he had over 60 in last year's "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" – and this year is no exception. The cast numbers 61 adults and children, and although some would be considered "main" characters, everybody gets a chance to shine through the main narrative or short skits that connect the adventures together.
Even the part of Alice gets split up amongst three talented young girls (Shelby Antel, Erin Bajema, and Rachel Wold), "to mess with the audience's mind just a bit," the director said with a grin.
Some may wonder if Carroll's story can still find an audience almost 150 years later. "I know the book is perhaps a bit dated," says Alles, "and even the Disney film is over 50 years old, and not many probably remember the recent television version, so we've taken some liberties and put some modern jokes and references in our version. We even start out the play by establishing THIS Alice as a 13-year-old girl in middle school who has to READ the story of 'Wonderland' in order to write a book report about it. Needless to say, she thinks it's a bit boring until she falls asleep and gets the chance to live out the story that she has been reading, although some of her modern sensibilities have crept in."
The audience will still get to witness all the fantastical creatures of Carroll's stories brought to life, from the curmudgeonly Caterpillar (Doug Halbeisen) to the Mad Hatter (Dave Huffman) and the Queen of Hearts (Nancy Huhn). "We have a fantastic committee of volunteers making our set and costumes, and we truly believe that this show can be appealing to all ages. There's really something in there for everyone, and even a few surprises or two. We can't wait to take people down that rabbit hole," Alles said.
Thebes Players will present "Alice in Wonderland" Oct. 20-22 and 28-29 at the Lowell High School Performing Arts Center, 11700 Vergennes St., SE, in Lowell.
Tickets are $12, with discounts for students, seniors and groups of 10 or more.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Lowell Area Arts Council at 149 S. Hudson, Lowell; call 616-897-8545 or log on to http://www.lowellartscouncil.org.
Community Theater Corner:
Whole Art Theatre presents 'Debbie Does Dallas'
KALAMAZOO – The Whole Art Theatre will present the rollicking musical-comedy "Debbie Does Dallas," adapted by Erica Schmidt, composed by Andrew Sherman and conceived by Susan L. Schwartz. Based on the 1978 coming of age movie, "Debbie Does Dallas" captures the innocence and frivolity of the original film. The result is a vibrant, colorful piece, steeped in irony and symbolism that enjoys pleasing itself while it pleases the audience. The New York Times called it "shamelessly silly, shrewdly self aware and proud of being naughty. Great fun!"
Directed by Randy Wolfe, the production features Jana DeBusk, Jen Lindsay, Kelly Dominique, Melissa Leininger, Emily Iaquinta, Michael P. Martin, Topher Nuccio, and Zach Martens.
"Debbie Does Dallas" will be performed at the Epic Theatre, Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Oct. 20- Nov. 4.
Ticket prices are $22 for General Admission, $18 for seniors, and $14 for students. Seating is limited; reservations are suggested.
Please call 269-345-7529 for information and reservations, or visit http://www.wholeart.org.
Avon Players Presents "Proof"
ROCHESTER – Avon Players continues its 2006-2007 season with David Auburn's "Proof," the 2001 Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama. On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions, the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire, the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's, and the question of how much of her father's madness – or genius – she will inherit.
The show features Meagan Evanoff as Catherine, Audrey Lee as Claire, Kim Monterosso as Robert and Mike Kunc as Hal.
The directors are Mary Whiting and Michele Peters, and the producer is Becky Padfield.
Show dates are Oct. 27, 28, 29 and Nov. 3, 4, 5, 10, and 11. 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 and can be reserved by calling 248-608-9077.
