Meadow Brook Hall is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National and State Register of Historic Places. The home was built by Matilda Dodge Wilson and her second husband, Alfred Wilson, between 1926 and 1929. The home represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival architecture in the United States. The group will tour the house and have lunch there.
Meadow Brook Theatre is a unique performing arts theatre almost exclusively showing their own original musicals and plays. The performance on June 2 is Ella, First Lady of Song.
Ella, First Lady of Song traces the 60-year career of the woman Mel Torme called “the best singer on the planet.” From the Apollo Theater to the CÔte d’Azur, this jazz musical covers Ella Fitzgerald’s hardscrabble childhood to her enduring legacy in the music world. Songs include “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “A Tisket-A-Tasket,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)”.
Two MSU theatre faculty have a part in this exciting production.
Kirk Domer, Professor of Scene Design and the Director of Arts, Cultural Management & Museum Studies at Michigan State University is the set designer for this show. As a member of United Scenic Artists, he has designed scenery, projections, and props throughout the country.
Karen Kangas-Preston, Senior Academic Specialist, instructor of costume design and technology, and MFA Design program director at Michigan State University is the costume designer for Ella. She has won numerous awards for her costume designs.
Trip Includes:
Roundtrip transportation by Dean Trailways Motorcoach
1.5 hour tour of Meadow Brook Hall (handicap accessible via elevator)
Lunch at Meadow Brook Hall - Citrus Chicken Pan roasted breast of chicken served with wild rice pilaf and poached French beans with apple pie dessert (coffee, tea and water). Vegetarian and gluten free option available with advance notice on reservation form.
Ticket to Ella, First Lady of Song
Lunch and bus driver tips are included
Cost: $120
Checks should be made out to MSU Retirees Association.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: APRIL 25, 2024
Past trips have filled quickly, so please send in your reservation as soon as possible. This also helps us confirm the number of attendees with our various hosts.
Mail reservations to: MSU Retirees Association, Suite 22, 1407 S. Harrison Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48823-5239. ATT: Meadowbrook Tour
Tentative Schedule
8:30 AM DEPART MEIJER PARKING LOT ON LAKE LANSING
10:30 AM TOUR OF MEADOWBROOK HALL Mansion
NOON LUNCH AT MEADOWBROOK HALL
1:00 PM BUS DEPARTS FOR MEADOWBROOK THEATRE
2:00 PM PERFORMANCE OF ELLA, FIRST LADY OF SONG
5:00 PM BUS DEPARTS BACK TO EAST LANSING
6:30 PM ARRIVAL BACK AT MEIJER PARKING LOT ON LAKE LANSING
LINK TO REGISTRATION:
https://retirees.msu.edu/meadowbrook_trip.pdf