Catch a little local theater

Ever hear about a school production after the event and wish you had gone?  There are many productions that feature kids from 4^th grade through high school coming up in the local towns outside of Ann Arbor that you might enjoy.  I happen to know the directors of all of them so thought it would be a good idea to share the information. Attending them is a great way to experience a little local culture, see a play you aren’t familiar with, and support our kids in their thespian pursuits.  Coming up:  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Man who Came to Dinner, Father of the Bride, How to Succeed in Business WIthout Really Trying, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

In Saline, Community Education’s Youth Theater Guild, a class in its second year, created for student in grades 4-8 who want to learn more about acting and non-musical play productions, is presenting The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on November 9 & 10 at 7:30 PM at Liberty School Auditorium, 7265 N. Ann Arbor St., Saline. Tickets are $5 general admission at the door.  The play by Joseph Robinette, based on the C.S. Lewis book of the same name, is a beloved fantasy about children who escape through a wardrobe into a fabulous world that’s in the grip of an evil ruler.  The show is directed by Kristen Glatz. Cast members include: Megan Bankowski, Tricia Becker, Jeff Blair, Karolina Burtell, Gillian Cain, Alyssa Dawson, Sydney Friedman, Hana Hughes, Kai Jackson, Arianna Jenks, Leah Keller, Ella Marsh, Lydia Mitchell, Tori Monge, Marcela Passos, Allie Pataro, Courtney Pellerin, Maddeline Ringe, Robin Sibo, Collin Wagner, Jared Webb, Karsten Whitley, and Collin Williams.

Kristen also works with the Saline High School Drama Club. She directs, along with Hannah Burke as assistant director, their fall production, The Man Who Came to Dinner, on November 16 and 17 at 7:30 PM and November 18 at 2 PM in the Ellen A Ewing Performing Arts Center at Saline High School.  Seating is general admission and tickets are available at the door ($7.00 for adults and $5.00 for students and seniors). Written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, this classic in American comedy, that premiered in 1939 and has enjoyed several revivals in both New York and London, is considered to be a staple of high school and community theaters. 

The Man Who Came to Dinner is set in the small town of Mesalia, Ohio, in the weeks before Christmas.  Sheridan Whiteside, a radio celebrity known for his quick wit and large personality, has been invited to have dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Stanley.  When Whiteside slips on the icy steps outside the house and injures his hip, he is forced to convalesce in the family’s library.  The Stanley’s are soon host to an eclectic mix of odd Hollywood and New York celebrities, as Whiteside’s friends descend on Mesalia to visit.  Throw in an absent-minded local doctor and a romance between Whiteside’s long-time secretary and the town newspaperman, and you have a perfect set-up for zany comedy.

The cast includes Ellen Adle, Sushrut Athavale, Kevin Bolanos,  Delaney Brewer, Matt Burtell, Joshua Carmen, Abby Dester, Brenna Hines, Daniel Hochrein, Alexandra Konwinski, Ariana Lapine, Nathaniel Mack, Maddie Montambault, Ryan Neet, Paul Popa, Isabella Procassini, Eric Redfern, Chris Seeman, and Lindsey Zinbarg.

This weekend in Milan, Lisa Goerlitz, who grew up in Saline will be directing Father of the Bride at Milan High School, 200 Big Red Dr., Milan, MI. Shows are November 9-11 and November 16-18. All Friday and Saturday shows are at 7pm. Sunday shows are at 2pm. Tickets are available at the door for $7 each, or you can order them online at www.showtix4u.com

The play, written by Edward Streeter, shares the hilarious antics of Stanley Banks as he and his wife cope with the wedding planning for the marriage of their daughter, Kay, to Buckley. Mr. Banks feels like his life has been turned upside down as the preparations begin.

And, if you want to drive a little farther and enjoy a musical, Chelsea High School Theater Guild, under the direction of Carrie Jay Sayer (who recently directed Saline Area Players’ The Sound of Music) will be presenting How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.  Show dates are November 16 & 17 at 7 PM and November 18 at 3 PM This is a comedy, set in the 1960's office world of big business. It's one ambitious young man's triumph in climbing the corporate ladder of the World Wide Wicket Company from window washer to chairman of the board in the most hilarious and unorthodox ways. The characters will keep you laughing and entertained throughout the performance.

And finally, MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Saline Area Players’ upcoming presentation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson November 29 & 30 at 7 PM and Dec 1 & 2 at 1 & 3:30 PM at Stone Arch Arts and Events, 117 S. Ann Arbor St., Saline.  More information to come about that, but check out the website for details now: www.salineareaplayers.org

Treat yourself to a play in the coming weeks!