An explosive comedy at FYT

FLINT – Flint Youth Theatre's staged reading of boom will be performed Sunday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. In this explosive comedy about the end of the world written by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, Jo, a journalism student, and Jules, a marine biologist, meet in a subterranean biology lab when she responds to his online personal ad. But when a major global catastrophic event strikes the planet, their date takes on evolutionary significance and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Will they survive? What's going on in the fish tank? And who is that woman, Barbara, pulling levers in the corner?

The New York Times says, "Mr. Nachtrieb has a gift for darkly funny dialogue and an appealing way of approaching big themes sideways. boom winds up speaking, quietly and piquantly, to our enduring fascination with and need for myths about the beginning of life as well as its end."

"boom is one of the most-produced plays in the country this season, and with its intriguing premise and snappy dialogue, it's not hard to understand why," commented Walter Hill, FYT associate artistic director in charge of programming and producing the Off the Press Series. "The playwright was a double major in theater and biology in college, and this unique combination makes for a play taking place where science and theater collide. The result is both hilarious and thought-provoking at the same time."

The cast includes FYT resident artists Dierdre S. Baker as Jo and Kody C. Jones as Jules and guest artist Karla Froehlich as Barbara.

The Off the Press Series includes some of the latest plays from Broadway, off-Broadway and the American Regional Theater. Readings in the Off the Press Series are recommended for adults and older teens. The Off the Press Series is presented by The Flint Journal and sponsored by Fandangles'.

This is a special event staged reading in FYT's 2009-10 Off the Press Series and will be performed at Flint Youth Theatre, 1220 East Kearsley Street. The $5 admission includes the staged reading, a talk-back with the performers and refreshments.

Tickets are available at FYT by calling 810-237-1530 or at the door beginning one hour before the performance. More information is available at www.flintyouththeatre.org.

Special Pre-Sale to Wharton Center eClub members begins Aug. 2

EAST LANSING - A special Wharton Center eClub Pre-Sale begins Monday, Aug. 2 for all attractions in 2010 (September – December), including Disney's Mary Poppins, ABBA Mania, Pat Metheny, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and many others (notable exception of 9 to 5: The Musical). This is an exclusive online purchase opportunity for eClub members only. Membership to Wharton Center's eClub is free and available all times online at www.whartoncenter.com.

This special Wharton Center eClub Pre-Sale continues until Friday, Aug. 13 when tickets to these attractions are offered to the general public. The rest of the season (January through May) will have a separate eClub Pre-Sale and Public On-Sale later this summer.

Wharton Center attractions included in the eClub Pre-Sale include:

September:

• Act One: Aesop Bops (Sunday, Sept. 26)

October:

• Tierney Sutton Band (Friday, Oct. 1)
  
• Detroit Symphony Orchestra with Sarah Chang (Thursday, Oct. 7)
  
• Pat Metheny: The Orchestrion Tour (Sunday, Oct. 17)
  
• Somi (Thursday, Oct. 28)

November:

• Disney's Mary Poppins (Tuesday Nov. 3 – 21)
  
• Bayanihan Phillippine National Dance Company (Thursday, Nov. 4)
  
• ABBA Mania (Sunday, Nov. 28)

December:

• A Chanticleer Christmas (Sunday, Dec. 5)
  
• Act One: Duck for President and Other Stories (Sunday, Dec. 5)
  
• A Christmas Cabaret (Friday, Dec. 10)

Registering for the Wharton Center eClub is free and easy. Just log onto Wharton Center's Web site at www.whartoncenter.com, click on the eClub icon, and enter your name and email address. It's that simple! You will be instantly added to the list of exclusive members. Member privacy is protected and the information collected is used only for Wharton Center promotions.

eClub Benefits

• Priority seating before general public
  
• Advance notice of add-on shows and special promotions
  
• Membership is FREE. Sign-up online at www.whartoncenter.com
  For a complete look at the entire Wharton Center, season log onto www.whartoncenter.com!

The show WILL go on after storm damages outdoor stage

ROYAL OAK - After dodging a series of severe thunderstorms during their opening performances last week, a line of severe storms damaged the outdoor stage for the 10th Anniversary production of Shakespeare In The Park in Royal Oak Wednesday afternoon.

Despite the damage, the outdoor theater was cleaned up in time for Wednesday night's performance of their daylight family show, The Commedia Tales of King Arthur, and the set will be fully repaired for this weekend's performances of The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Since 2001, Water Works Theatre Company has produced eight Shakespeare plays, one Neil Simon comedy, an award-winning drama about the plight and story of Iraqi women, a commedia show for kids, and eight summers of KidsAct! outdoor performance workshops.

Water Works Theatre Company, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theater company that provides professional caliber experience to the emerging professional theater artist. The company is proud to be presenting its 10th annual Shakespeare in the Park in Royal Oak without the aid of local tax payer dollars.

For more information log on to www.waterworkstheatre.com or call 248-399-3727.

HSRT opens special event for a limited run

HOLLAND – The final opening for the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre is A Year with Frog and Toad based on Arnold Lobel's collection of children's stories on Monday, Aug. 2 at the Knickerbocker Theatre at 8 p.m. Book and lyrics are by Willie Reale and music is by Robert Reale.

A Year with Frog and Toad is a special end-of-season event for the whole family. Nominated for three Tony Awards, including best Broadway musical, these two well-loved characters from Arnold Lobel's books will take you on a musical journey through the joy and sharing of the simple pleasures of friendship such as gardening, making cookies and sharing ice tea and sandwiches. This show is sure to warm your heart, make you laugh, and leave you smiling. It's a limited run, so make your reservations early — and, if you can't bring a friend, bring a kid and make a friend.

Jonathan Spivey, playing Toad, is returning to HSRT for his fifth summer. Previous HSRT credits include The Cmplt Wrks of Wm Shkspr... Abrdgd (Hamlet, et al), Room Service (Joe Gribble), Forever Plaid (Smudge), and Kiss Me Kate. In New York City he has been seen in The Last Chanukah, The Naked Side of Grace and improv with Epione. Spivey is a Second City-trained improv artist, a jazz pianist, co-author of the musical comedy Murphy's Law, and a proud member of Actors' Equity Association. He begins work on his M.F.A. at the Old Globe in San Diego this fall.

Noah Putterman is joining HRST for his first season playing Frog, the Baker in Into the Woods and Beauperthuis in An Italian Straw Hat. In 2005, he was named a United States Presidential Scholar in the Arts and is a National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts Young Arts winner in musical theater. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in May with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.F.A. in Acting from the U of Minn. / Guthrie Theater B.F.A. Actor Training Program. In September, he'll be returning home to play Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at the North Carolina Theatre.

Directing A Year With Frog and Toad as well as both Children's Performance Troupe shows is James Saba, an HSRT favorite, hailing from New York City. Past HSRT shows as director include The Cmplt Wks of Wm Shkspr... Abrdgd, Click, Clack, Moo, Forever Plaid, Lost In Yonkers and over 25 productions for the Children's Performance Troupe. As an actor, he recently appeared in the premiere stage production of Kite Runner at San Jose Repertory Theatre and Centennial Casting at Virginia Stage Company.

Performances continue on August 3, 6, 9, 11 and 13.

And while at the ticket office, make sure to check out HSRT's other productions, such as Into the Woods and I Do! I Do! at the Knickerbocker, and An Italian Straw Hat and The Last Night of Ballyhoo at the Dewitt Theatre.

Tickets are now on sale through the DeVos Fieldhouse and DeWitt ticket offices. Prices range from $10-$26 for musicals and $8-$19 for plays. A Family Four Pack including tickets for two adults and two children is available this year for $55. The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturdays open at noon. On performance dates, the DeWitt Ticket Office will be open through intermission. The ticket office is located in DeWitt Cultural Center at 12th Street and Columbia Avenue.

For tickets call the ticket office at 616-395-7890. For more information visit the HSRT website at www.hope.edu/hsrt.

The DeWitt Theatre is located at 141 East 12th street. The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in Holland's downtown on 8th street.

Governor’s Council encourages community participation at MBT's 'Feet for Seats' event

ROCHESTER - The second annual Feet for Seats 5K Fun Run/Walk to benefit Meadow Brook Theatre has been recognized as a quality physical activity event by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness.

The event will take place Sunday, Aug. 22. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University with the 5K run/walk to start at 9 a.m. Information and sign up for Feet for Seats can be found at www.mbtheatre.com under the "Feet for Seats" tab.

The Governor's Council endorses local, regional and state events to acknowledge an organization's ability to plan and carry out a quality event that significantly contributes to the health and well-being of Michigan residents. Feet for Seats exemplifies this core value and is endorsed by the Governor's Council.

"By endorsing local events all across the state, we hope to bring attention to the importance of physical activity and encourage our citizens to take responsibility for their health," said Marilyn Lieber, president and CEO of the Governor's Council. "These local events can have a tremendous impact on health care costs that present a significant challenge for our state’s economy."

"We are honored to have been selected as an endorsed event," said Meadow Brook Theatre Artistic Director Travis Walter. "Feet for Seats started as a small spark of an idea and quickly turned into a fascinating community event. We thank the Governor's Council for acknowledging our efforts."

In order to become an endorsed event, an organization must complete an application form for review. Some criteria that is taken into consideration includes providing a positive, safe physical activity experience using qualified officials and benefiting a nonprofit or charitable organization.

For more information about the Governor's Council's endorsement program, please visit www.michiganfitness.org/endorsements/index.php.

For additional information on Meadow Brook Theatre, please visit www.mbtheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a non-profit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for over 40 years.

'Boeing-Boeing' extended through Sept. 11

CHELSEA — The Purple Rose Theatre Company is pleased to announce a two-week performance extension of the French farce Boeing-Boeing by Marc Camoletti. Originally scheduled to close Aug. 28, Boeing-Boeing will now run until Saturday, Sept. 11.

The English adaptation of this French farce features Bernard, a self-styled Parisian lothario juggling three fiancees, each a beautiful airline hostess with frequent layovers in Paris. Bernard's carefully constructed timetable runs like clockwork until unexpected schedule changes bring all three to his apartment at the same time, and his "ideal life" unravels all in one nonstop night.

Boeing-Boeing originally premiered in Paris in 1960. The English language adaptation translated by Beverley Cross was first staged in London in 1962. The play was first produced on Broadway in 1965. In 1991, the play was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most-performed French play throughout the world. Boeing-Boeing was revived in London in 2007. It once again proved to be a hit with critics and audiences alike and received two Olivier Award nominations. The 2008 Broadway revival won both the Tony and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play.

PRTC associate artist Nathan Mitchell makes his professional directing debut with Boeing-Boeing. The cast will include Jeff Thomakos as Bernard, Matthew David as his friend Robert, Stacie Hadgikosti, Rhiannon Ragland and Charlyn Swarthout as the fiancees, and Michelle Mountain as Berthe, Bernard's long-suffering maid.

Design for this production includes set by Bartley H. Bauer, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Christianne Myers, lighting by Reid G. Johnson and sound by Quintessa Gallinat. Stephanie Buck stage manages with Jessica Garrett as assistant stage manager.

Founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea-native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a leading American theater dedicated to producing the new American play and creating opportunities for Midwest theater professionals. The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit theater operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors' Equity Association. The PRTC promotes the development of new American theater and its practitioners, provides valuable educational opportunities for young artists, and, through consistently high quality production values, has earned the respect of both local and national theater communities.

Performances for the remainder of the engagement will be Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. and added performances on select days.

All performances are at the Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park Street, Chelsea.

Tickets for the extension of Boeing-Boeing will go on sale Monday, Aug. 2. Reservations can be made by calling the Box Office at 734-433-7673; Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Single tickets are also for purchase at www.purplerosetheatre.org.

Abracadabra! Magic appears on stage at Tibbits

COLDWATER - Magic takes center stage as Tibbits Popcorn Theatre opens the Abracadabra Magic Show this week and running for four different performances, each featuring different magicians. The show celebrates magic and is presented in conjunction with the Colon Magic Festival in Colon, Michigan — the Magic Capital of the World.

Performances begin Friday, July 30 with Rick Fisher and Riley Rabbit. Fisher has performed for nearly four decades presenting a unique blend of comedy, magic and ventriloquism. He has performed with Riley at private and public functions across the United States and Canada, including the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. He hosted his own television special on PBS and has written two books on magic, the latest one Percy Abbott: Magical Years to be released Aug. 6th. Fisher is president of FAB Magic Manufacturing Company in Colon and plays an active role coordinating events for the Annual Colon Magic Festival.

Illusionist, close-up magician, accomplished musician and recording artist, Christian Paul Hill presents his style of pure and classic magical entertainment on Saturday, July 31. Hill has performed and entertained audiences all over the United States since the age of 7 after his grandparents took him on his first trip to Colon. From there, he was hooked! Elaborate magic shows in the basement for the neighborhood kids, fully equipped with bed sheet backdrops and black lights, not to mention the girl next door assistant, turned into a lifetime dedicated to the performing arts, a never ending love for the stage, and a deep passion for the magical arts. Inspired and taught by some of the most famous magicians and illusionists the world over, Hill performs with plenty of comedy, wonder and audience participation, guaranteeing a splendid time for all!

Returning from last year, Justin Holbrook will perform Friday, Aug. 6. Although comparatively new in the business, his career is off to a great start. He has performed his unique show all across the United States, most recently with Impossible the Magic Show, a traveling magic show based in Las Vegas featuring headliner Mark Bennick of Las Vegas and Bruce Block of America's Got Talent. Holbrook studied under some of the most elite of his peers, including Lance Burton, Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Kevin James and many. He has been a consultant for magic effects and a creator himself, most recently co-creating and developing new ideas alongside Michael and Steven Pignataro of the Mirror Images. He describes his magic show as "imagination becoming reality!"

Alan Kazam and Rodney Palmer perform together for the final Popcorn performance on Saturday, Aug. 7. With an appreciation of magic as powerful drama and the world as its stage, Palmer strives to create magic people will not forget for the rest of their lives. He says, "Magic strips away logic, it confronts fears, and brings us to a place of constant wonder and enchantment."

Palmer has over 25 years experience, performing over 200 family shows per year. He has entertained thousands with his unique cutting edge shows. An accomplished, award-winning magician, he was voted Magician of the Year in 2006. Part of Palmer's love for magic is about the mystery and science behind it. He strives not to have his audience get into magic, but to have the magic get into them.

Kazam has been performing magic shows for children all over the country for over 20 years. Well known throughout Michigan, he has tailored his performances and presented to a range of audiences. He says his specialty is making special events unforgettable. He presents adult shows, corporate events, children's performances, school assemblies and even motivational presentations. He amazes audiences as birdcages vanish, silver balls float and many volunteers from the audience get to help with the magic. Someone may even get chosen to float in mid-air!

Abracadabra Popcorn Magic Show is sponsored by the Coldwater Exchange Club. Popcorn Theatre is perfect entertainment for the entire family and a great introduction to live theater. The series is also made possible with support from Dr. Jon and Seibra Herbener as well as the Branch County Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council.

All Popcorn Theatre shows begin at 10 a.m.

Tickets are $7 and include free popcorn and juice at intermission. Juice is graciously provided by McDonald's of Branch and Hillsdale counties; the Capri Drive In assists with popcorn.

Tibbits Opera House offers an intimate historic setting, air conditioning, handicap accessibility and hearing assistance devices. The theater is located at 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater.

Call 517-278-6029 or visit www.Tibbits.org for tickets and information.

A 'Super Happy' night at The Acorn Theater

THREE OAKS - West Michigan's Super Happy Funtime Burlesque troupe makes its first stop on its massive US tour with an unforgettable night of sexy, bawdy, musical comedy at The Acorn Theater July 31 at 8 p.m.

In an unprecedented act, SHFB is taking its 20-member band, cast and crew from Michigan to California and back for the month of August. After five years selling out theaters and entertaining crowds all over Michigan, it's time to branch out! SHFB is making sure to make a special stop at the Acorn Theater, its home away from home, to put on a stellar show of striptease, comedy and original music. This will be the debut of a show that will be playing on stages in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Fransisco, Seattle and Reno as SHFB preaches the word of their staunchly radical burlesque theater. Fans of the Acorn and of SHFB will not want to miss this night as it will be their only show at the Acorn for the summer/fall season!

Tickets are $15.

The Acorn Theater is located at 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks. A full-service bar and other refreshments are available.

For tickets and information, call 269-756-3879 or log on to www.acorntheater.com.

King Arthur rides into Starr Jaycee Park

ROYAL OAK – Water Works Theatre Company is excited to announce that Lane Riosley's The Commedia Tales of King Arthur will be its second annual daytime family show as part of the 10th Annual Shakespeare In The Park in Royal Oak.

Riosley's campy adventure is a slapstick comedy guaranteed to tickle the whole gang on a fun day in the park. Families will enjoy this commedia dell'arte style show where the kids can laugh as loud as they like! Directed by Frannie Shepherd-Bates, The Commedia Tales of King Arthur is a one-hour production and features Jonathan Davidson, Kirsten Knisely, Rob Pantano and Jaye Stellini.

Tickets ($6) are available one hour prior to each performancen or online at www.waterworkstheatre.com. The family oriented comedy, perfect for children of all ages, will be performed Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. July 27 – Aug. 8 in Starr Jaycee Park, 1101 West 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak.

In addition, Water Works Theatre Company will also present Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona in Starr Jaycee Park through Aug. 8.

About Water Works Theatre Company:
Water Works Theatre Company, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theater company that provides professional caliber experience to the emerging professional theater artist. The company is proud to be presenting its 10th annual Shakespeare in the Park in Royal Oak without the aid of local tax payer dollars. For more information log on to www.waterworkstheatre.comwww.waterworkstheatre.com.

Travel 'Around the World With Jeffrey & Jay'

ANN ARBOR - Join Jeffrey Willets and Jay Kaplan for Around the World With Jeffrey & Jay, a theme cabaret scheduled for 8 p.m. July 29 on the Braun Court patio outside the \aut\ BAR in Ann Arbor's Kerrytown District.

The evening features a collection of Broadway songs and arias about places one could visit around the world, with a "travelogue" by Jeffrey and Jay that explains where one is going next and a bit of history about where the song/aria comes from.

Songs along the route are from such shows as Zorba the Greek, New Faces of 1952, Finnian's Rainbow, Rigoletto, Carmen and many more.

Willets has been teaching for the Ann Arbor Public Schools for 18 years and has been singing even longer. A tenor who has studied and trained at Eastern Michigan University and the New England Conservatory of Music, Jeffrey has tackled a variety of roles ranging from opera and operetta to musical theater, cabaret and everything in between. He can be seen this August in the title role of , produced by 8th Wonder Theatre at The Village Theatre at Cherry Hill in Canton.

Kaplan is staff attorney for the LGBT Legal Project of the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. A graduate of Wayne State Law School, Jay's passion is musical theater, and he can be seen on stages throughout Southeast Michigan.

Admission to Around the World With Jeffrey & Jay is free. Seating is limited; early arrival is recommended, as reservations will not be accepted. Food and drinks are available.

The \aut\ BAR is located at 315 Braun Court, Ann Arbor.

For more information, call 734-330-0552.

Blackbird Theatre finds its new home

ANN ARBOR - After a year-long property search, the Blackbird Theatre will settle into its new home in Ann Arbor's Kerrytown District. The visionary company will share its new home with the SH\aut\ Gallery at 325 Braun Court. The lively, intimate venue is located near Kerrytown Market & Shops and Ann Arbor's Farmer's Market. After a recent run of Patty Hearst: The New Musical in the space in June, the Blackbird negotiated a deal to create a permanent residence there. Owners Keith Orr and Martin Contreras also operate the /aut/ BAR and Common Language Bookstore, located directly across the courtyard.

After a seven-year residence at The Children's Creative Center on Ann Arbor's West Side, the Blackbird Theatre began searching for a new home in a more convenient location. The Blackbird suspended its 2009-10 season to make this transition. "It was a long, hard search, and it's a huge relief," says Founding Artistic Director Barton Bund. "We love the new venue, and the atmosphere and culture of Kerrytown. It's a real locals' hangout, and the new venue opens us up for a lot of new possibilities. The last few years have been the most creative in our company's history, and the new venue gives us better access to the Ann Arbor community as a whole. This is a chance to share what we do with more people, in a comfortable new location."

"We have a home base now, and we couldn't be more pleased," says co-founder and Managing Director Dana Sutton. "We have done a lot of events at the \SH\aut over the years, which helped us to develop a real vision for the space. We have already been pushing the boundaries. After doing a full musical like Patty Hearst in that space, we know we can do just about anything."

The theater company plans to continue its mission to produce new and innovative works for the stage. "The new space means we can take different risks," adds Bund. "The work is more intimate, more immediate, more total-environmental. You're close to the action, and it's a wonderful experience for the actors and the audience. We're ready to take on new challenges, and try some things we've never done. And we'll stick to what we do best, too. This venue will be great for new plays, for classics, for concerts, all kinds of things."

The Blackbird Theatre Academy for teens will continue its free drama programs, and the company plans to teach acting classes for all ages.

Other plans include outdoor performances in and around the area, development of new plays and community events. "This company has always reflected the flavor and the free spirit of Ann Arbor. The new Blackbird is going to be very Ann Arbor. For us, that means theater that is fun, smart, edgy and fearless. This next year is going to be huge for us, and great for the community around us, too."

OTHER VOICES - NEWS & PREVIEWS: July 23, 2010

Popular children's book inspires manic musical about a mouse – The Detroit News (July 22, 2010)

Flint Youth Theatre presents 'The Neverending Story' – The Flint Journal (July 22, 2010)

Sally Pesetsky returns to stage with title role in 'Driving Miss Daisy' for Michigan Shakespeare Festival – Jackson Citizen Patriot (July 22, 2010)

Acorn Theater homebrew competition winners announced, event may expand to twice a year – Kalamazoo Gazette (July 21, 2010)

Actress Suzanne LaRusch stars in 'An Evening With Lucille Ball: Thank You For Asking' – The Oakland Press (July 23, 2010)

Live family–friendly theater returns to the Michigan Theater

ANN ARBOR – Families will find lots of fun and entertainment at the Michigan Theater this fall and winter with the return of the popular Not Just For Kids series.

The Benard L. Maas Foundation Not Just For Kids series presented by Toyota begins Sunday, Oct. 17 with Amber Brown is Not a Crayon and wraps up with Stuart Little on May 1, 2011. Standard series subscriptions include a choice of five or six performances. The Premium Series includes two additional family performances by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.

The Not Just For Kids schedule includes:

• Sunday, Oct. 17, 1:30 p.m. – Amber Brown is Not a Crayon – Laugh and cry with Amber as she learns some valuable lessons about the virtues of patience and the meaning of friendship. Sponsored by Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry and Emerson School.
• Sunday, Dec. 12, 1:30 p.m. – Duck for President, Fancy Nancy and Other Story Books – An all-new musical revue featuring mini-musicals based on best-selling children's books. Sponsored by Blue Care Network of Michigan.
• Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011 1:30 p.m. – Rob the Drummer – This unique program uses music as a motivator to inspire children to become active in the arts and sports. Sponsored by the Esperance Family Foundation.
• Sunday, Feb. 6, 1:30 p.m. – Junie B. Jones – Grab your Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal and join Junie in this colorful, funny, fast-paced musical which takes the audience into the life of the lovable heroine of the same name. Sponsored by Clonlara School.
• Sunday, March 20, 1:30 p.m. – Jigsaw Jones: The Case of the Class Clown – Someone in Ms. Gleason's class is playing practical jokes. It's up to Theodore "Jigsaw" Jones to investigate the sliming and track down the class clown.
• Sunday, May 1, 1:30 p.m. – Stuart Little – When Stuart's dear friend Margolo the bird is frightened away, he sets out on an adventure to find her. Based on E.B. White's classic children's tale.
• Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra concerts included in the premium season package:

  • Sunday, Nov. 14, 4 p.m. – Peter & the Wolf/Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
  • Sunday, March 13, 4 p.m. – Sea to Shining Sea

Subscriptions offer both the best seating and significant savings over the single show prices. Subscriptions prices are very affordable, starting at only $9 per show for a five-show package to $10 per show for an eight show-package.

All seats are reserved. Series tickets are on sale now through Thursday, Oct. 14 through the following channels:

• By mail to 603 E. Liberty St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
  
• By phone at 734-668-8397 ext. 27
  
• By fax at 734-668-7136
  
• The six-show Not Just For Kids series can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

An order form can be downloaded at http://michtheater.org/series_njfk.php

Please visit the Michigan Theater web site at http://michtheater.org for more information:

Single show tickets are not yet on sale. They will go on sale Friday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $14 and $12 for Michigan Theater members, available online at Ticketmaster.com and at all Ticketmaster outlets including Macy's and the Michigan Union Ticket Office. To charge by phone, call 800-345-3000. Service charges apply. Save on groups of 10 or more by calling 734-668-8397, ext. 27.

The series is made possible in part through the generosity of the Benard L. Maas Foundation and Toyota, with additional support from DTE GreenCurrents, AT&T Real Yellow Pages, Blue Care Network of Michigan and AnnArbor.com.

About the Michigan Theater
The Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor's historic center for fine film and performing arts. Winner of the 2006 Outstanding Historic Theatre Award from the League of Historic American Theatres, it is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street, across the street from Borders Books and Music. Regular movie prices are $9, $7 for students, seniors and US veterans, $6.50 for Michigan Theater members, $6 for all Wednesday screenings. Please visit the theater's Web site at http://michtheater.org. The 24-hour information line is (734) 668-TIME.

Water Works and Terp Theatre bring Shakespeare’s words to life for hearing and deaf audiences

ROYAL OAK – Water Works Theatre Company and Terp Theatre have partnered to bring Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona to life for hearing and deaf audiences. The two organizations will present fully interpreted performances of the play in Royal Oak's Starr Jaycee Park (1101 West 13 Mile Road) on Sunday, July 25 at 3 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 6 at 8 p.m.

In The Two Gentlemen of Verona, two best pals give the word "gentlemen" a bad name in Water Works, hilariously slick, '60s-styled comedy. These guys chase the same woman around Italy, while the gal they left behind puts on a man's suit and chases the truth!

Terp Theatre's team of sign language interpreters specialize in shadowing – instead of interpreting off to the side of the stage, they're included on-stage and move throughout the actors. The interpreters are costumed and blend into the cast. The result is that they become a part of the stage picture. Deaf patrons are able to truly enjoy the performance and many hearing people report finding shadowing less distracting than when interpreters appear to the side or even in the audience. Combined with Water Works unique outdoor setting, these performances will be a rewarding experiences for hearing and deaf audiences in Starr Jaycee Park.

"Shakespeare productions are rarely shadow-interpreted,” stated Dan McDougal of Terp Theatre. "Water Works has completely opened up the production to us ensuring that we can rehearse with the cast - which has been extremely open to the process of working with interpreters. We hope this is the beginning of an ongoing summer tradition for Michigan's deaf community."

More information on Terp Theatre is available at www.terptheatre.com.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona will cap Water Works Theatre Company’s 10th annual production in Starr Jaycee Park and the theatre's ninth Shakespeare play. The milestone production will be directed by Barton Bund, the founding artistic director of Ann Arbor's award-winning Blackbird Theatre. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Bart is also a nominee for the Williamstown Theatre Festival's L. Arnold Weissberger Award for excellence in playwriting, former staff writer for Mosaic Youth Theatre, and a Purple Rose Theatre Playmaker Playwright. He currently lives in Ann Arbor with his family and their menagerie.

Water Works Theatre Company will also present its second annual daylight family show production, Lane Riosley's The Commedia Tales of King Arthur Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. in Starr Jaycee Park.

Tickets ($18) are available now at www.waterworkstheatre.com and one hour prior to performances at the Starr Jaycee Park box office.

About Water Works Theatre Company:
Water Works Theatre Company, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theater company that provides professional caliber experience to the emerging professional theater artist. The company is proud to be presenting its 10th annual Shakespeare in the Park in Royal Oak without the aid of local tax payer dollars. For more information log on to www.waterworkstheatre.com.

Performance Network halfway to summer challenge

ANN ARBOR – Performance Network Theatre has received great support from the community: Donations totaling more than $22,000 have come in within the past two weeks towards its 20/10 matching challenge. However, PNT still needs to raise $18,000 before July 31 to maximize the matching funds potential.

The PNT board of directors, with the staff, has assembled a matching fund of $20,000 and now through July 31, for every $20 donated it will match $10 – a 50-percent match, up to $40,000. Its goal: to match every last penny and raise $60,000 by the end of the month, while raising awareness about the ongoing financial needs of the organization.

Development Associate Heather Meixler said, "I really want to thank people for their gifts so far. We are seeing a lot of new donors give small gifts - and it really adds up! We are a little more than halfway to our goal with 10 days remaining in the challenge. If you haven't given to PNT, now is the time to do so."

For a non-profit arts organization, sustaining operations can be a tricky business. Ticket sales only cover a portion of the operating costs, about 50 percent each year. For most organizations, like Ann Arbor's Performance Network, the other half comes from a variety of funding sources, with individual donations playing a prominent role.

Executive Director Carla Milarch said, "Ticket sales pay for the shows; the actors, directors, costumes, etc., but that leaves about $400,000 each year that we still need to raise to keep the building open, pay staff salaries and keep the lights on. I often tell people that the tickets pay for the shows, but their donations pay for the institution itself."

The theater's fiscal year closes Sept. 30, when it must have the funds secured to produce its upcoming season and navigate another difficult year in the Michigan economy. PNT is currently accepting donations of any size over the phone at 734-663-0681 and on the Web site at www.performancenetwork.org.

OTHER VOICES - NEWS & PREVIEWS: July 21, 2010

Small talk with Travis Walter – The Detroit News (July 19, 2010)

Michigan Actors Studio keeps it real. And successful – Detroit Theater Examiner (July 19, 2010)

Former Grand Rapids-area actors wrote, appear in show at Chicago's Apollo Theatre – The Grand Rapids Press (July 18, 2010)

Jackson theater mainstay Roxanne Bruner nominated for statewide acting award, appearing in 'American Dreams' at The Bon Ton Room – Jackson Citizen Patriot (July 21, 2010)

It's 'Dixie's Tupperware Party' and she'll shine if she wants to – Kalamazoo Gazette (July 18, 2010)

Shakespeare gets groovy in Royal Oak – The Oakland Press (July 17, 2010)

Stratford announces additional play for 2011

STRATFORD, Ontario - The Stratford Shakespeare Festival has added a 12th production to its 2011 playbill. Seana McKenna will present her one-woman show Shakespeare's Will at the Studio Theatre.

The production, which had a limited and very successful run in 2007, will be directed by Miles Potter, who will also be directing McKenna in Richard III, as previously announced.

Written by Vern Thiessen, the play is set just after the death of William Shakespeare. It is a fictional story in which Shakespeare's widow, Anne Hathaway, looks back on life with her brilliant but enigmatic husband.

"I am very pleased to be featuring Shakespeare's Will in 2011, a play Richard Monette first presented here during his final year as artistic director," says Artistic Director Des McAnuff. "This solo production provides us with an opportunity to showcase Seana McKenna, as we have featured other leading members of our company over the years, including Geraint Wyn Davies in Do Not Go Gentle this season, Brian Dennehy in Krapp's Last Tape, Brian Bedford in Ever Yours, Oscar, Lucy Peacock in The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead, Domini Blythe in Fanny Kemble and, to look further back, Christopher Plummer in Barrymore in 1996."

"Shakespeare's Will was an engrossing night in the theater when we presented it in 2007,” says General Director Antoni Cimolino. "It has great appeal for those who are interested in Shakespeare – and our audience is composed of people who are – and quickly became one of the season's hot tickets. I am delighted that those who were unable to see it then will have an opportunity to see this gem of a production next season. And I'm sure there will be many who are eager to renew their acquaintance with Seana McKenna's Anne Hathaway, as well."

McKenna has been dazzling Stratford audiences for 19 seasons, most recently as Paulina in this season's production of The Winter's Tale. She is also playing la Marquise de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons, which opens Aug. 12.

With more than 100 productions to her credit in Canada and the U.S., McKenna has played 20 of Shakespeare's leading ladies, and in Shakespeare's Will takes on the role of his wife. She has appeared in 38 Stratford productions. A multiple Dora Award winner, McKenna was recently awarded an honorary Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.

Potter returns to the Festival for his 11th season. An award-winning artist, Potter has acted and directed at virtually every major Canadian theater. His Stratford credits include the classics Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew, as well as Medea and Orpheus Descending, which were remounted by Mirvish Productions to further critical acclaim. He was the dramaturge and original director of the hit Canadian play The Drawer Boy, for which he received a Dora Award. He won a Jessie Award for his 2007 production of The Taming of the Shrew for Bard on the Beach in Vancouver.

For tickets or information about the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, call 1-800-567-1600 or log on to www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com.

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