In A Grove by Eric Cable presents some very OLD traditional tales, that are “new” to most of us, who have been overexposed to the more common European fairy tales. These "Ghost Stories" entertain the whole family at LCC's Summer Stage behind Dart Auditorium.

Imaginatively directed by Paige Dunckel and well narrated by Cassie Little, the four stories are a little spooky, a little funny, with a graceful Eastern charm and grace - and a few fun contemporary references. Each story was intriguing and the actors portrayed their characters well. Our favorite story was "The Oni Dilemma" where Michael Samhat as the "vegetarian demon" stole the show.

Kudos to Jeff Boerger for a fine, two story set, beautifully painted in Asian style by Kim Lennox. The costumes properties and puppets were creatively designed by Kate Hudson Koskinen.

The whole show is only about 75 minutes, with no intermission - just right for young attention spans.  Shows start at 7pm Saturday and Sunday. Free of charge, but it's nice to bring a little cash for the "offering" bucket to support LCC students.

www.lcc.edu/cma/events/

Riverwalk's Young Artisan Workshop entertained a nearly full house of appreciative believers in fairies as PETER PAN graced the main stage. Director, Sadonna Croff, has bravely led a large and enthusiastic cast of 33 as well as approximately 18 young (10-18) "artisans" on costume/set/tech crews, led by adults.

All worked together to bring this 1904 script to 2014 Riverwalk, using a simple but versatile set, enhanced by creative lighting effects (Ted Daniel). Costumes were a motley assortment of creative "steam punk" pirate/lost boy attire, plus exotic Indians and Mermaids (Kati Kettles & Josh Golden). Miranda Hartmann, Brett Allen Eckhart, and Tom Ferris each contributed to dance/fight choreography.

I enjoyed nostalgic lines recalled from the Mary Martin/Cyril Ritchard musical version of this story that was a must-see on TV in my distant childhood. Christian Thompson channeled a dash of Cyril in his paternalistic and elegantly exasperated Mr. Darling/Captain Hook. "A little less noise there..." This was not a musical, but included two songs, for the Indians and for the Mermaids.

Emilio Pido was a dashing and athletic Peter Pan, resolved to never grow up. Samantha White, as Wendy, gets high points for articulation and projection, sweetly playing the motherly Wendy, object of jealousy from the adorable Tinkerbell (Fiona Colson) expressing more withOUT words than others did verbally. Pirates Smee and Starkey (John Henrikson and Kyle Sodman) were fun in their bungled kidnapping of Tiger Lily (Megan VanZwoll).

Kudos to Sadonna for not only this show, but her dedication to the concept of the Young Artisan Workshop, where youth can have an educational, fun, cooperative, character-building experience, free of charge, working on and offstage at Riverwalk. This is her third successful season. Thanks to all the adults who helped out.

Remember, this show is  — for ONE WEEKEND ONLY— and, as I said, quite full on this Thursday opening. You can make reservations to assure admission in case of a sellout, but it's "general seating" so come early for the best seats (and parking; there is overflow parking behind R.E. Olds Museum.) The show continues at 7pm Friday and Saturday, with a 2pm matinee on Sunday. $7/$5 for kids 16 and under.www.riverwalktheatre.com517-482-5700

The Big Bang at Williamston Theatre Is a whirlwind of hilarity. This two-man extravaganza will tire you out just being in the audience. Under the guise of a backer's audition, Zev Steinberg and Matthew Gwynn "boil down" a proposed 12 hour marathon show into 90 minutes of nonstop comedy, singing, costume changing, madly caricaturing historic moments from the Big Bang to the 60's when....  ;-}

The talent and comedic timing are amazing, as are the enunciation, energy, and choreography of props/costumes improvising with tchotchkes from the home of the Lipbaums (Lipbalms?) where this "backer's audition" is staged. Music Director, Jeff English, is more than just an excellent accompanist; he's also another fun character in his own right. All this feels very spontaneous, but it is a masterful clockwork of chaos.

Kudos to Zev, Matt and Jeff, Director Rob Roznowski, and authors - music by Jed Feuer; witty fun book and lyrics by Boyd Graham. The set (Kirk Domer) encompasses the entire theatre. We ARE the guests of the Lipbaums in their living room full of endless props and multi-use decor (Bruce Bennett) enhanced by sponsor-logo-filled slides as "visual aids" to history (Shannon T. Schweitzer) Lighting by Alex Gay, and wild, impromptu costumes by Karen Kangas-Preston - artfully juggled into and out of by Zev and Matt.

Our audience gave a well-deserved standing ovation. Don't miss this fun summer musical madness!Runs through August 17www.williamstontheatre.com