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Call it a theatre bucket list — make sure you check out all the new shows opening up this fall

May 31, 2012 by

Recently, a friend gave me some words of wisdom. They went something like this: “Life is short; so try to keep things interesting.” I translated that into the following: You should always have something to look forward to because it helps you get through the slower times.

To that end, I took great pleasure in reading through the latest 2012-2013 calendar of events I received from the Fisher Theatre. There are …more…

Community theater provides low-cost but high-impact performances

May 16, 2012 by

Although Detroit is known for drawing some high-end shows – especially some of the best of Broadway – there also are some amazing community theaters in the area.

One such group is the Grosse Pointe Theatre. Over the past 60 years, the small tribe of thespians who make up this local studio have put on a variety of productions from “Arsenic and Old Lace” to “Kismet” to “Little Shop of Horrors.” …more…

Detroit’s Grand Old Dame glows in appreciative national review

May 1, 2012 by

Every now and again, it’s nice to have some pride in Detroit. And nothing gives me more pride than a national magazine giving some much-needed attention to the city. And that is especially true when it’s good news for the residents and our businesses in terms of bringing far-flung tourists to our beloved municipality.

I was grabbed recently by a heading out of the Atlantic magazine – its web site devoted …more…

Preserving the arts and artistic organizations in Metro Detroit

April 23, 2012 by

For me, being a “patron of the arts” means going out on a regular basis to Metro Detroit’s fine theaters and performance venues. It’s one part selfishness – I love a good play or exhibit as much as the next person – and one part preservation. I want to make sure Detroit’s gems remain relevant and open.

So it was with shock and surprise that I heard about the financial challenges …more…

No matter what the weather, a Detroit puppet show is sure to keep the whole family entertained

March 30, 2012 by

Spring hasn’t sprung the way we all thought it would in Detroit. So with Mother Nature being a bit of a tease, there’s no better time to stay inside and take in a show at the fabulous PuppetART Center.

This gem for all ages is located in Detroit’s Theater District, just a few blocks from the Michigan Opera Theater, Music Hall and the Gem and Century Theaters. And the location is …more…

Q&A: Forget Madonna or Lady Gaga. The incredible Sarah Bernhardt was first — at it all.

March 11, 2012 by

Every once in a while, you come across a show that sounds so divinely different you have to learn more. I feel that way about “Bernhardt on Broadway,” a one-woman musical about the Divine Sarah Bernhardt. The play is set in the late 1890s when Bernhardt was at the height of her career. My new friend, Carol Dunitz, who wrote the music, script, and lyrics for the show, read nearly 100 books as well as countless articles before starting work on “Bernhardt on Broadway.” Her extensive research ensures the audience gains a thorough understanding of this eccentric star and what motivated her to persist against all odds. ...more...

Babes in arms? Maybe a babysitter might be in order, theatre says

February 28, 2012 by

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been to enough movie theaters with crying babies to know not to bring my infant there – even if I’m dying for some time out of the house. ...more...

With events like this, Detroit’s theater scene will never be boring

February 8, 2012 by

Detroit is known for many things: cars, Motown music and its creativity. After all, we are home to the largest population of designers and engineers around. So it should come as no surprise to find that we also have lots of creative ideas – and shows – in our theaters.

Here’s the latest one that amazes me. In April, Detroit’s Opera House will be the last stop on William Shatner’s one-man …more…

Stretch your theater budget with a little couponing

January 30, 2012 by

Pretty much everyone knows about “daily deal” or group coupons sites now. You literally could subscribe to dozens of them, letting your email in box fill up with offers for tanning, restaurants and other offers. But did you know you could get theater coupons as well?

Granted, not every playhouse or live-theater venue is going to show up on these sites. But I’ve noticed a few more here and there. This …more…

Taking photos is still taboo at Detroit-area theaters

January 24, 2012 by

You are welcome in any Detroit-area theater – as long as you leave your camera phone in your pocket.

That’s what a friend of mine recently discovered when he visited The Detroit Opera House. He was there with his wife and friends during the popular run of the punk musical, “American Idiot.” He did what any Detroit-loving guy might do – he felt so inspired by the performance that he decided …more…