Your source for stories and conversations about making art in greater Detroit.
In honor of the men and women who have given their lives in service to their country, the Birmingham Concert Band will present “Heroes All,” a Memorial Day Band Concert. The program will be held at White Chapel Cemetery on Sunday, May 26 at 3 p.m.
The program is free and open to the public.
White Chapel Cemetery is located at 621 W. Long Lake Road, Troy, Michigan.
Kick off summer and kick out the dub jams at the 2013 Movement Electronic Music Festival. The action happens this weekend at Hart Plaza Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 25.
Tickets are $49 for one day and $99 for the full fest. Click here for details.
Check it out. Your Detroit Institute of Arts is opening up its treasure trove for viewing at a public place near you. Well, almost — the works on display are excellent reproductions of the masterpieces which residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties are invited to see, gratis*, currently on display at the DIA. Even if you buy a ticket, it’s a small price to pay to see the real McGill and VanGoghs.
Details from DIA:
Inside|Out, now in its fourth year, brings nearly 80 reproductions of masterpieces from the DIA’s collection to the streets and parks of metro Detroit, pleasantly surprising and delighting residents of the participating communities. Where possible, the works are clustered within walking or biking distance of each other in a grand, open-air gallery.
The DIA is working with the communities to plan educational opportunities and other fun activities, such as bicycle and walking tours. Residents of participating communities will enjoy a designated weekend to visit the museum for free and see “their” works of art. Visitors will receive a 10-percent discount in Café DIA and the museum shop, $1 off Detroit Film Theatre (DFT) tickets and free admission to showings of the DFT 101 film series.
Stay tuned for updates on the Inside|Out photo contest and geocaching series.
Participating Communities and Community Weekend Dates:
Click here for details on Inside/Out. The DIA itself is open Tuesdays through Sundays.
* DIA admission is free for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, where voters passed a millage to support the acclaimed institution, home to some of the most magnificent works of art in the world. Admission also is free to Members of the DIA. For residents of other Michigan counties, and for visitors from out of state, admission is $8 for adults ($6 for senior citizens), $4 for children (free for kids 5 and under), and $5 for college students with valid ID.
Performance Network Theatre presents a series of community discussions regarding “The Mountaintop,” by Katori Hall – the current Performance Network production that is an imagined portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night on earth.
The discussions will be held on Monday, May 13 at 6 p.m.; Sunday, May 19 at 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 2 at 4:30 p.m. The programs are open to the public to facilitate dialogue about the play’s innovative take on Dr. King’s final hours.
“The Mountaintop” runs on select dates through June 2.
The Baton Passes On: Community Discussion; 6 p.m. on Monday, May 13 at Performance Network Theatre – FREE
Performance Network Theatre invites the acclaimed Civil Rights historian Matthew Countryman and Associate Professor of Theatre and writer-in-residence at the University of Michigan OyamO (a.k.a. Charles F. Gordon) to lead a comprehensive discussion regarding the themes of “The Mountaintop”. Due to the complexity of “The Mountaintop”, Performance Network Theatre offers perspectives from both historical and theatrical sources. This event is perfect for the historic and/or theatre enthusiast who is interested in discussing and analyzing Katori Hall’s unique depiction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night on earth and the tools she used to create the story. It is not a requirement to see the production of “The Mountaintop” before attending the discussion as it may serve as a useful guide during an audience member’s viewing of the show. This event is first come, first serve: General admission.
About the Panel:
Matthew Countryman is faculty director of the University of Michigan’s Arts of Citizenship program and is an associate professor of History and American Culture, where he teaches modern U.S. and African-American history and comparative race relations. Countryman is the author of “Up South: Civil Rights and Black Power in Philadelphia”, which won the 2006 Liberty Legacy Foundation Award from the Organization of American Historians for the best book on the subject of civil rights history. His research interests include African American social and political movements, comparative race and ethnicity, and United States politics.
OyamO’s plays have been performed in theatres across the country, including the Yale Repertory Theatre, the Manhattan Theatre Club, the Working Theatre, the Public Theatre, Negro Ensemble Company, the Arena Stage Theatre, the Goodman Theatre of Chicago, the Kennedy Center in D.C., and many more. He is also a past member of the NEA Professional Nonprofit Theatre Panel and was a 1998 panelist for the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund of San Francisco. He has received fellowships from the Berrilla Kerr, Guggenheim, Rockefeller and McKnight Foundations, as well as grants from the Ohio and New York State Arts Councils and three NEA fellowships. OyamO received his MFA in playwriting from the Yale School of Drama and is a member of PEN, Dramatistis Guild, New Dramatists (alumni), the Ensemble Studio Theatre, Writers Guild East, the O’Neill Playwrights Center, and the Black Theatre Network. With HBO, he has written an episode for the “Famous Black American Anthology” and a TV adaptation of “I Am a Man”. He was a site monitor for the NEA and is a former vice president of the board of directors of The Theatre Communications Group. He wrote a musical based on the history of Detroit, the research funds for which were provided by UM’s OVPR through its Arts For Citizenship program. The Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit commissioned him to write two plays, one on the Civil Rights Movement in Detroit, “City in a Strait”, produced May 2007, the other on the Fisk Jubilee Singers, “Sing Jubilee”, for a May 2008 production at the Detroit Institute for the Arts. Join Performance Network Theatre to explore “The Mountaintop” with these fascinating individuals.
Backstage Cafe: Where Artists Share Their Creative Caffeine; 4:30pm on Sunday, May 19 at Performance Network Theatre – $10/$5 for students and seniors
Join us in the Performance Network Theatre’s lobby for an in-depth conversation exploring the nuances of making theatre from the artist’s perspective while sipping complimentary coffee from Mighty Good Coffee and Roastery. Associate Artistic Director Carla Milarch interviews Brian Marable on portraying the historical icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Brian Marable does not imitate Martin Luther King, and thereby creates a solid, real character. In a final speech we hear the fiery skills that marked the career of, arguably, the greatest orator of the 20th century, but Marable has made it all his own,” John Quinn of Encore Michigan. Backstage Cafe is the perfect event for cultural gurus and aspiring theatre professionals. Only 20 seats! Reservations suggested.
About the Artist
A native Detroiter, born and raised, Brian Marable is a graduate of Cass Technical High School’s Performing Arts Department, and attended Wayne State University as a theater major. Marable has appeared in productions such as “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Old Settler” with Plowshares Theatre Company, “Take Me Out” and “Piano Lesson” at Performance Network Theatre, “Superior Donuts” at the Purple Rose Theatre, and the award-winning Best Play of the Year (2003) “Jesus Hopped the A Train” with African Renaissance Theatre Company. Join Milarch and Marable to discover the genius behind his original portrayal of one of the greatest figures in American history.
The Baton Passes On: Community Discussion; 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 2 (after the final performance of “The Mountaintop”) at Performance Network Theatre – FREE
Join diversity-centric children’s theatre personality, LaRon Williams, for the final community discussion for “The Mountaintop” at Performance Network Theatre. Williams will offer his extensive experience as a nationally acclaimed African American theatre professional to examine the play’s unusual plot devices and complex characters and how they affect the depiction of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night on earth. This event is first come, first serve: General admission.
About the Speaker:
LaRon Williams is a nationally acclaimed, award winning storyteller who has toured the country with his highly participatory music-spiced program of traditional and original tales crafted to improve literacy, foster cooperation, build self-esteem, and deepen our understanding of the ideal of American democratic inclusion.
Reservations are not necessary for the Baton Passes On: Community Discussions on May 13 and June 2. Backstage Cafe reservations can be made at the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681, by email at boxoffice@performancenetwork.org, or at Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104) Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor’s resident professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and the Children’s Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside New Play Festival and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.
The Children’s Theatre Network of Performance Network Theatre invites audiences to gather at the theater on Saturday, May 25 at 1 p.m. for the perfect family summer kickoff, “Jamie and Jordan,” a baseball-themed musical about health and friendships with book and lyrics by Kim Carney and music by Gene Gaunt.
Tickets are $7 for children, $10 for adults, and $20 for a family package of four. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at performancenetwork.org, by calling (734) 663-0681.
Details from Performance Network:
This hilarious musical tale teaches children about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and healthy friendships. Born in the same hospital on the same day, neighbors Jamie and Jordan are lifelong best friends. When a twist of fate (and an ankle!) separates them, they learn that healthy choices are worth the extra effort. Parents and guardians will love the educational content and the positive message, and kids will love the entertaining songs and humor, as well as the free milk and snack reception in the lobby after the show.
Children’s Theatre Network is committed to providing education and entertainment to children and families in a safe environment. Although the Children’s Theatre Network Saturday Series is coming to a close over the summer, the learning will continue with the Build-A-Play two week workshop from July 8-18. Suited for children ages seven to 11, students will learn improvisation, movement, and storytelling from Children’s Theatre Network Director Becky Fox and Writer/Actor Anne Rhoades.
In addition to its Saturday Series, the Children’s Theatre Network provides classes and workshops, engages in school outreach with the revolutionary “Get in the Game” program, and tours its shows to area schools and communities. For more information or to sign up, call (734) 663-0681.
Further information and ticket reservations can be found online at www.performancenetwork.org or by calling (734) 663-0681 during box office hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.
Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor’s only resident professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through its year-round Professional Series and its Children’s Theatre Network.
The Matrix Theatre Company’s School of Theatre presents The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone. Written by Timothy Basil Ering, the story follows the adventures of a little boy who takes a journey to discover a very special treasure which ends with new friends and a colorful, joyous world.
Told through puppetry, The Story of Frog Belly Rat Bone runs from Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2. All Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 3 p.m. Adult tickets are priced at $8. Students, seniors, and children are $5.
All performances are held at Matrix Theatre, 2730 Bagley in the heart of Detroit’s Mexicantown. Visit www.matrixtheatre.org to register online, or call (313) 967-0599. Call (313) 967-0999 for detailed information.
Frog Belly Rat Bone is a delightful fantasy about a very special boy who lived in a dull, gray endless place called Cementland. After much searching among piles of greasy toaster ovens and wet, smelly socks, he spies a box filled with hundreds of “tiny grey specks” and a wrinkled note that says: “Put these wondrous riches in the earth and enjoy.”
Horrified to learn that thieves are after his treasure, the boy scrounges the junkyard and creates a creature to stand guard – a scarecrow-like gardener with crooked bony arms, a giant belly, a jaunty crown, and preternatural wisdom: Frog Belly Rat Bone, king and protector of the specks. The story is full of surprises and an ending with an inspiring message on world beautification.
The Matrix Theatre Company’s School of Theatre, challenges and encourages students to become creators of their own work by writing and performing original works. They believe that everyone has a story to tell and that the best way to learn is by doing. Therefore, the School of Theatre at Matrix has its own season where students perform shows they have, in most cases, authored themselves.
Matrix Theatre Company
Celebrating 22 years as a non-profit community-based theatre, Matrix Theatre Company is located in southwest Detroit. By using the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community and foster social justice, Matrix creates everything from scratch, from puppets of all sizes to more than 130 original plays. It provides creative opportunities for children, youth, adults and elders, especially those in isolated or challenged communities, to become creators, producers, and audiences of original and heritage theatre. For further information or to follow Matrix on Facebook, Twitter and Blogger, go to matrixtheatre.org.
Matrix’s Inclusive Theatre Initiative (ITI) strives to offer the transformative power of theatre to all. It aims to build a community for those with and without disabilities. It is a model of relating to people, rooted in the essential dignity and value of each person, offering ways to build deeper connections between people, places, and institutions.
Jewish Ensemble Theatre and Performance Network Theatre present the story of Asher Lev. Based on a novel by Chaim Potok and adapted for stage by Aaron Posner, “My Name is Asher Lev” tells the story of a talented painter in New York City challenged to find balance in his life and satisfaction in his work.
The drama is directed by David Magidson, artistic director of Jewish Ensemble Theatre. The production features performances by Mitchell A. Koory as Asher Lev, John Seibert as The Men, and Naz Edwards as The Women.
Performances run through May 25. Tickets are $38 to $45. For reservations, please call (248) 788-2900. For details, click here.
Aaron DeRoy Theatre is located on the West Bloomfield Hills campus of the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322.
Performance Dates and Show Times:
Thursday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 18 at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 25 at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, June 22, the River Raisin Centre for the Arts will present Echoes of War. An evening of history and beauty, the multimedia event celebrates the rich history of Monroe and the region’s pivotal role in the history of the United States of America.
Echoes of War will approach the pivotal battle during the War of 1812 from both a literary and an historical standpoint, in grateful remembrance of the toils and risks of those who made possible our freedom today. The conflict will be remembered with exhilarating performances by dance companies, musicians, choral groups, poetry and spoken word.
The performance is based upon the poems, not of great poets, but upon “the simple, home-spun effusions of the American Muse breathing the spirit of time: contributions to contemporary papers by subscribers, who in most cases, would not even sign their names.”
The poetry used in this production are taken from a collection of poems relating to evens of our last war with England entitled: “War: Echoes of 1812-13,” found in the Published Quarterly by St. John’s University, Toledo, Ohio.
Echoes of War is produced by the River Raisin Centre for the Performing Arts and the Monroe County Historical Museum. You can enjoy a preview video on YouTube.
“Dance and the performing arts have the power to not only encode memory, but also evoke it.” — Lora Wilson Mau
The paradisal spring gardens behind a stately Palmer Woods Mansion will be swaying with the hot rhythms of Orquesta La Inspiracion’s horns, percussion and vocals for the upcoming Palmer Woods Music in Homes concert on Saturday, May 25 at 8 p.m. A delicious Mexican feast will be served during intermission, and the main floor of the home will be open for a tour prior to the concert.
Orquesta La Inspiracion is led by award-winning jazz pianist and music director Bill Meyer. Bringing together veterans of Detroit’s Latin and jazz scenes, his ear respects and his hand reveals these distinct traditions to produce authentic music derived from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. Meyer’s new musical structures also include elements of Yoruban, Congolese, and Dahomean traditions.
This is a concert where the audience is encouraged to not keep still. Propelled by the rhythms and tones of Afro-Cuban pop and salsa, those within earshot instantly become part of the unique Latin pulse and are often up on their feet dancing.
The Palmer Woods Music in Homes series presents outstanding live music set in the magnificent homes of one of the City of Detroit’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. The 2012-2013 season launched in December, followed by a jazz, classical or world music concert each month in a different magnificent home. The spring-summer concerts are held in beautiful gardens, shelter by a spacious tent.
Tickets, $40 each or $35 for groups of 10 or more, can be purchased at palmerwoods.org or by calling (313) 891-2514. The address of the concert home in Palmer Woods is revealed when tickets are purchased. The concerts are special opportunities to hear world-class musicians who have Detroit-area roots. Included is a reception with delicious food, beverages and desserts (often related to the musical style).
Long considered to be one of Michigan’s premiere communities, Palmer Woods actively works to preserve and enrich the quality of life in Detroit. The concerts help raise funds for neighborhood preservation and improvements, as well as support the arts and project a positive and creative image about Detroit. Performances are held in different historic Palmer Woods mansions and cool homes.
The “concert halls” have included homes designed by legendary architects Minoru Yamasaki, Albert Kahn, Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Marr and others. Concerts are produced by the Creative Arts Collective. The Palmer Woods Association and Creative Arts Collective present Palmer Woods Music in Homes to strengthen our neighborhood and Detroit’s image, showcase Palmer Woods as a wonderful place to live and visit, and enrich the quality of life and cultural environment in our city. Concerts are supported in part by Be Well Medical Center in Berkley, Barefield DesignWorks, Blossoms in Birmingham, City Living Detroit, DMC-Sinai Grace Hospital and WRCJ 90.9 FM.
The 50th Hilberry Season concludes with The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton Under the Direction of the Marquis de Sade, or simply, Marat/Sade by Peter Weiss. The drama opens Friday at the Hilberry Theatre, located on the campus of Wayne State University. The drama runs on select dates through May 11.
From the Hilberry Theatre Company:
While an inmate at France’s infamous insane asylum, Charenton, the libertine and seductive author the Marquis de Sade directs fellow inmates in an intense re-creation of the breathtaking murder of Jean-Paul Marat. This fact-based play-within-a-play is total theatre. Philosophically problematic, it engages the eye, the ear and the mind with every imaginable dramatic device, technique and stage picture.
For tickets, call (313) 577-2972 or visit the Wayne State University Theatre Box Office at 4743 Cass Avenue on the corner of Hancock. Click here for tickets online.
About the Hilberry Theatre Company
The Hilberry Company is unique in that it is the nation’s only graduate theatre company staffed by young up-and-coming professionals that also runs on a rotating repertory schedule. About forty graduate students are selected in national competition to receive fellowships to work in this theatre and study for advanced degrees. The company performs an annual season of six plays, including high school matinees for nearly 6,000 students. Through the years four Hilberry productions have been selected to appear at the American College Theatre Festival.
Performance Times: