The Ringwald Theatre
Michigan Queer Artists Are Weaponizing Joy Against the Trump Era
Nobody said resistance would be fun — but Michigan's queer artists are making a strong case for it. As federal rollbacks on LGBTQ+ rights, attacks on DEI [...]Read more about Michigan Queer Artists Are Weaponizing Joy Against the Trump Era
How The Ringwald's 'Somewhere' Echoes 1959 Displacement in an Era of ICE Raids
In 1959, a thriving Puerto Rican neighborhood in New York City's San Juan Hill faced demolition to make way for Lincoln Center. The residents were given no [...]Read more about How The Ringwald's 'Somewhere' Echoes 1959 Displacement in an Era of ICE Raids
Ringwald Theatre's 'Silver Foxes' Delivers 'Golden Girls' Vibes — with a Queer, Palm Springs Twist
Picture it: Palm Springs, present day. Three older gay men rescue their best friend from a homophobic assisted living facility, befriend his younger boyfriend [...]Read more about Ringwald Theatre's 'Silver Foxes' Delivers 'Golden Girls' Vibes — with a Queer, Palm Springs Twist
'Gilligan’s Island' Gets Naughty: Queer-Led 'Seven Castaways' Washes Ashore at Planet Ant
After six years in development, Sean Paraventi's musical parody "Seven Castaways" is finally ready for its full theatrical debut at Planet Ant [...]Read more about 'Gilligan’s Island' Gets Naughty: Queer-Led 'Seven Castaways' Washes Ashore at Planet Ant
Bounce into Burlesque, Frolic in the Ferns, Connect with Community, Dance with Dykes
We're here! We're queer! We're weary!It's nearly the official end of Pride Month, so it's somewhat inevitable that some of the glitter [...]Read more about Bounce into Burlesque, Frolic in the Ferns, Connect with Community, Dance with Dykes
Spring Theater in Michigan Celebrates Queer Stories and Bold Premieres
In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, one thing remains in high demand: joy. This spring, Michigan’s theater scene is offering just that — especially [...]Read more about Spring Theater in Michigan Celebrates Queer Stories and Bold Premieres
Finding Joy in the Fight: Jay Kaplan's Decades of LGBTQ+ Advocacy in Michigan
In the darkest days of Michigan's LGBTQ+ history, when marriage equality seemed impossible and discrimination protections were a distant dream, Jay Kaplan [...]Read more about Finding Joy in the Fight: Jay Kaplan's Decades of LGBTQ+ Advocacy in Michigan
As Affirmations Turns 35, Hope and Dynamic Support Remain at the Center
On the bustling corner of Nine Mile and Allen Street in the heart of Ferndale, a block from Woodward, sits the cheerful, brightly lit headquarters of [...]Read more about As Affirmations Turns 35, Hope and Dynamic Support Remain at the Center
See a Horrifyingly Festive Holiday Show, Craft Your Heart Out, Enjoy the '12 Drags of Christmas,' Meet Poet Morgan Parker
Trouble recuperating from Thanksgiving? We all know the holiday season can be stressful, especially when loud-mouthed family members may feel emboldened to let [...]Read more about See a Horrifyingly Festive Holiday Show, Craft Your Heart Out, Enjoy the '12 Drags of Christmas,' Meet Poet Morgan Parker
Meet Detroit Opera Artistic Director Yuval Sharon, Learn About LGBTQ+ Sports, Go to a Queer Live Show
With all eyes on the election (and the associated politically driven stress slated to drag on for the next few weeks), it can be a relief to turn to [...]Read more about Meet Detroit Opera Artistic Director Yuval Sharon, Learn About LGBTQ+ Sports, Go to a Queer Live Show
Michigan Fall Theater Is Upon Us: 7 Queer Shows You Won't Want to Miss
Your season has arrived, theater lovers! Is there anything more satisfying than filling up your upcoming fall calendar with plans to see all the exciting new [...]Read more about Michigan Fall Theater Is Upon Us: 7 Queer Shows You Won't Want to Miss
See Chasten Buttigieg, Grab Kathy Griffin Tickets, Attend a 'Beautiful Thing' at The Ringwald Theatre
With the promise of spring just around the corner, it’s an ideal time to nourish your mind by joining a banned books club or hearing author Chasten Buttigieg [...]Read more about See Chasten Buttigieg, Grab Kathy Griffin Tickets, Attend a 'Beautiful Thing' at The Ringwald Theatre
Why the Ringwald Theatre’s Vince Kelley Wrote a Christmas Show About Barbra Streisand
When the curtain rises on the Ringwald Theatre’s latest production, “Jingle Babs,” audiences will be transported to 1967 New York City. Amongst the glitz and [...]Read more about Why the Ringwald Theatre’s Vince Kelley Wrote a Christmas Show About Barbra Streisand
How to Give Back to Local LGBTQ+ Non-Profits on Giving Tuesday and Beyond
The annual arrival of Giving Tuesday is a welcome time of year for non-profits that rely on donations and other acts of giving to drive their charitable [...]Read more about How to Give Back to Local LGBTQ+ Non-Profits on Giving Tuesday and Beyond
See Mariah Belt a Modern Christmas Classic in Detroit, Commemorate World AIDS Day, Get Your PRISM Chorus Holiday Show Tickets
Whether you’re planning to bathe yourself in every drop of holiday splendor you can squeeze out of the 2023 holiday season or just hoping it will go quickly, [...]Read more about See Mariah Belt a Modern Christmas Classic in Detroit, Commemorate World AIDS Day, Get Your PRISM Chorus Holiday Show Tickets
A Play About Jesus — With Jesus Seen Through the Eyes of an LGBTQ+ Activist
The show’s writer, Antonio David Garcia, wrote the play before becoming an atheist.
Passing the Torch: Having Learned From the Past, Affirmations Plans a Seamless Transition of Executive Directors
Although Antonio Dave Garcia is stepping down from his post as executive director of Affirmations at the end of the year, he’s not exactly leaving. Rather, he’s [...]Read more about Passing the Torch: Having Learned From the Past, Affirmations Plans a Seamless Transition of Executive Directors
LGBTQ+ Advocate Jay Kaplan Set to Perform Onstage in Michigan Premiere of 'The Inheritance' at The Ringwald
By day, he is best known in Michigan’s queer circles as a tireless advocate for the community and the staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBT Project. [...]Read more about LGBTQ+ Advocate Jay Kaplan Set to Perform Onstage in Michigan Premiere of 'The Inheritance' at The Ringwald
Vince Kelley Left Michigan. When He Came Back, He Found a Family Who Changed Everything.
When the Ringwald Theatre’s “Who’s Holiday” star Vince Kelley took his first steps into the big wide world after high school nearly 20 years ago, he couldn’t [...]Read more about Vince Kelley Left Michigan. When He Came Back, He Found a Family Who Changed Everything.
Queer Things to Do: Put on Your Slutty Gay Costume, Go See a Scary Show, Watch Shudder's New Queer Horror Series
As we near the end of a year that has already been chock-full of horror thanks to the general state of, well, nearly everything, lean in to the abject terror of [...]Read more about Queer Things to Do: Put on Your Slutty Gay Costume, Go See a Scary Show, Watch Shudder's New Queer Horror Series
Queer Things to Do: Join the Roller Skating Trend, Volunteer Your Heart Out, Enjoy Late Summer Pride Fest
With pumpkin spice (aka “basic bitch”) season just over the horizon, it’s time to cram in as much summer fun as you can manage. Keep it chill with a live stage [...]Read more about Queer Things to Do: Join the Roller Skating Trend, Volunteer Your Heart Out, Enjoy Late Summer Pride Fest
Queer Things To Do: See a (Very) Gay Play, Build a Sex Room, Attend a Gender Embodiment Workshop
Ah, summer. So hot. So fast. Before you can blink, we’ll be cruising right into fall. For now, there’s plenty of time to dive into one (or all) of these things [...]Read more about Queer Things To Do: See a (Very) Gay Play, Build a Sex Room, Attend a Gender Embodiment Workshop
Michigan's Diverse LGBTQ+ Community Inspired This Stunning New Mural at The Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations
The Ringwald Theatre, now operating inside Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center in Ferndale, has unveiled a new mural by local artist detroit_baklava, aka Brian [...]Read more about Michigan's Diverse LGBTQ+ Community Inspired This Stunning New Mural at The Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations
5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now-ish: Join LGBTQ+ Softball, Attend a Pride Prom, See BenDeLaCreme
It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of April and rounding the corner for May already, but here we are! As you fill in your busy spring calendar, be sure [...]Read more about 5 Queer Things You Can Do Right Now-ish: Join LGBTQ+ Softball, Attend a Pride Prom, See BenDeLaCreme
The Ringwald Announces Its Second Season at Affirmations and, Naturally, It Features The Golden Girls
Theater lovers, get out your calendars. Live entertainment is back in full swing at Ferndale’s The Ringwald Theatre, whichwill feature all-new shows, a musical [...]Read more about The Ringwald Announces Its Second Season at Affirmations and, Naturally, It Features The Golden Girls
The Ultimate Holigay Gift Guide: 14 Ideas To Make the Season Bright
Let's face it, two things are true: most of us don't need more stuff, and it's fun to give and receive presents. So shop smart and support local artists, small [...]Read more about The Ultimate Holigay Gift Guide: 14 Ideas To Make the Season Bright
FBI Leads Active Shooter Training at Affirmations After Its Executive Director Received a Threatening Letter
Affirmations hosted an active shooter training on Monday, Sept. 27. The training, which aimed to teach staff and volunteers at the center how to respond to [...]Read more about FBI Leads Active Shooter Training at Affirmations After Its Executive Director Received a Threatening Letter
Church, Outside the Box: MCC-D Will Celebrate 49 Years at First Affirmations Service
September brings with it a new season and a new day for Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit (MCC-D). The congregation, which has been sharing space with [...]Read more about Church, Outside the Box: MCC-D Will Celebrate 49 Years at First Affirmations Service
Affirmations Could've Saved My Sister's Life. Now That They've Fully Reopened, They Can Still Save Others.
While most open spaces exude an emptiness, Affirmations' 17,000-square feet in Ferndale doesn't feel like that at all. It feels like a safe space the moment I [...]Read more about Affirmations Could've Saved My Sister's Life. Now That They've Fully Reopened, They Can Still Save Others.
Pop That Cork! The Ringwald Theatre's First Season at Affirmations Just Might Be Their Queerest Yet
The Ringwald Theatre has announced its much-anticipated 2021-2022 season, the first in their new performance space at Affirmations LGBTQ+ community [...]Read more about Pop That Cork! The Ringwald Theatre's First Season at Affirmations Just Might Be Their Queerest Yet
Affirmations Telethon and Funding Campaign Raises $115,000, Jay Kaplan Wins Jan Stevenson Award
In just two months, Affirmations, the LGBTQ+ community center based in Ferndale, raised $115,000 during its annual Affirmation Pride Fundraising Campaign. The [...]Read more about Affirmations Telethon and Funding Campaign Raises $115,000, Jay Kaplan Wins Jan Stevenson Award
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Center to Call Ringwald Theatre and MCC Detroit Home, Among Other Updates
Its doors haven't been opened back up to the public yet, but big things are happening at Affirmations. In a virtual town hall meeting Tuesday, Affirmations [...]Read more about Affirmations LGBTQ+ Center to Call Ringwald Theatre and MCC Detroit Home, Among Other Updates
The State of Local Theater Amidst COVID-19
While it will be impossible to tell the full impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic on the arts until it is over, it has been almost a year since most [...]Read more about The State of Local Theater Amidst COVID-19
Tiny Beautiful Things' Oct. 11
Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed, "Tiny Beautiful Things" is now playing at The Ringwald Theatre through Nov. 4. It follows anonymous online columnist [...]Read more about Tiny Beautiful Things' Oct. 11
Firsts, Classics and Future Projects: An Overview of The Ringwald Theater's Upcoming Shows
Now steadily into the start of its second decade in existence, fans of Ferndale's Ringwald Theatre will know it for its seasons of uncharacteristic takes on [...]Read more about Firsts, Classics and Future Projects: An Overview of The Ringwald Theater's Upcoming Shows
Preview: The Ringwald Does 'Debbie' to Debut July 12
By Anne Kiley FERNDALE — Opening July 12 at The Ringwald Theatre is "Debbie Does Dallas: The Musical" that tells the famous rags-to-riches story. Debbie Benton [...]Read more about Preview: The Ringwald Does 'Debbie' to Debut July 12
The House' at The Ringwald Theatre Through April 22
"The House" follows the story of Martyn and Shanny, a couple looking to downsize, who strike a deal with a couple looking for a bigger place to stay, Lindsay [...]Read more about The House' at The Ringwald Theatre Through April 22
The Cake' Runs at Ringwald Theatre Through Dec. 10
Running Nov. 16 through Dec. 10, The Ringwald Theatre is "The Cake," a topical story about two worlds colliding and the choice to accept or reject change. The [...]Read more about The Cake' Runs at Ringwald Theatre Through Dec. 10
The Ringwald Offers 'Clue' Through Nov. 5
FERNDALE – The Ringwald Theatre offers a production of "Clue," adapted from the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn with additional material by Hunter Foster, Eric [...]Read more about The Ringwald Offers 'Clue' Through Nov. 5
Pride Events: Featured events
MAY 31-JUNE 11 "Company" 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays & Mondays; 5 p.m. on June 3 & 10 The Ringwald Theatre 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale Tickets: $25 on [...]Read more about Pride Events: Featured events
Casa Valentina' Comes to JET
West Bloomfield's Jewish Ensemble Theatre will be putting on a production of Harvey Fierstein's Tony Award-Winning 'Casa Valentina'. The play opens on May 24 [...]Read more about Casa Valentina' Comes to JET
The Ringwald Theatre Performs 'Merrily We Roll Along' Through Mid-March
In 1981 George Furth and Stephen Sondheim collaborated to refresh a classic 1934 play "Merrily We Roll Along" by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The '80s [...]Read more about The Ringwald Theatre Performs 'Merrily We Roll Along' Through Mid-March
Ringwald Opens Their Sondheim Spring Season with 'Merrily We Roll Along'
FERNDALE — The Ringwald Theatre's Sondheim Spring begins with a five-week run of Merrily We Roll Along on Feb. 16, playing through March 19. Merrily—aka the [...]Read more about Ringwald Opens Their Sondheim Spring Season with 'Merrily We Roll Along'
The Ringwald Theatre Presents Midwestern Debut of 'Let the Right One In'
Usually horror and romance don't mix, but they blend perfectly in the classic Swedish story, "Let the Right One In." Originally a novel, the story has been [...]Read more about The Ringwald Theatre Presents Midwestern Debut of 'Let the Right One In'
The Santaland Diaries' and 'Season's Greetings' Come back for 11th Run at the Ringwald Theatre
BY ENCORE MICHIGAN STAFF FERNDALE – David Sedaris' delightful anti-holiday double feature The SantaLand Diaries & Season's Greetings makes its annual return to [...]Read more about The Santaland Diaries' and 'Season's Greetings' Come back for 11th Run at the Ringwald Theatre
A dangerous game at The Ringwald
FERNDALE – What happens when a has-been playwright's protege comes up with a new play that's good enough to kill for? Find out when Who Wants Cake? presents [...]Read more about A dangerous game at The Ringwald
Camp until it hurts, then gender-bend
By Robert Bethune I think the Who Wants Cake? guys at The Ringwald Theatre took an oath for their current show, "The Facts of Life: The Lost Episode." I think [...]Read more about Camp until it hurts, then gender-bend
