Tidbits: News from Around Town
New home and season for Sunsets; more theatre in Royal Oak; the Players' barn door is open
ITEM: Some snowbirds head south for the winter, but not Lansing-based Sunsets with Shakespeare. Instead, the non-profit summer theater company packed its bags and moved a few miles to the Woldumar Nature Center where it opens this weekend with "O Jerusalem," the first show of its inaugural, year-round schedule.
"This is an exciting move for Sunsets," Artistic Director Todd Heywood said. "We can now continue our process of artistic and powerful theater through the entire year, building each year to our summer seasons. Additionally, this partnership brings two well known community groups together to provide live theater in a new and innovative theater space."
Performances will be held at the fully accessible, recently renovated RE Olds Anderson Rotary Barn, located on the campus of the Nature Center at 5739 Old Lansing Rd.
An eight-show season is planned, including its popular summertime production of a classic Shakespeare tale at the Nancy L. Moore Park in Okemos.
For complete information on its upcoming season, e-mail Heywood at [email protected].
ITEM: Professional theater returns to Royal Oak this season when the newly renamed Royal Oak Theatre (formerly the Royal Oak Music Theatre) brings "Tap Dogs Rebooted" to the stage for eight performances beginning Oct. 12.
That's just the beginning, Worldwide Entertainment, LLC promises. Expanded programming at the theater is expected to include eclectic off-Broadway and dance productions.
"Worldwide Entertainment, LLC is deeply committed to the city of Royal Oak and to preserving the Royal Oak Theatre," says Greg Young, vice president of Worldwide Entertainment, LLC. "Adding theatrical events to the venue's extensive comedian and concert line up allows us to give the community a taste of all types of entertainment."
Tickets for all events at the Royal Oak Theatre can be purchased online at www.tickets.com or by phone at 800-919-6272.
ITEM: What is that attracts people to a community theater? For some it's the entertaining shows at cheap prices. For many, however, it's the sense of camaraderie one feels when they join together to – as Mickey Rooney and the Little Rascals might say – "put on a play."
One longtime favorite community theater is the Farmington Players, and the 130-plus member group is holding an open house Sept. 18 for those interested in learning more about membership opportunities and what's in store for its upcoming season.
"We want the Farmington Hills and surrounding communities to be a part of our 2004/2005 season which promises to be just as entertaining as last year's run of shows," said Brian Tupper, the group's Board president. "Every production last year of the musical 'Fiddler on the Roof' was sold out. And our comedy, 'Noises Off,' was the most sold-out, non-musical show in the 50-year history of the Barn."
Plus, Tupper added, "For those people who always drive by our theater and wonder what that big, white barn on 12 Mile Road is all about – well, the open house is a great time to find out more!"
The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. and will feature a tour of the one-year-old barn theater, refreshments and the chance to watch members of the group perform a workshop of the comedy/drama, "Belles."
The Farmington Players is located at 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. For more information about the troupe, log onto www.farmingtonplayers.org.
