Too late for a “review” — so if you missed “Lanstronauts, We Have a Problem” sketch comedy show at Riverwalk, too bad for you. It was a hoot. A fun assortment of skits and bits developed out of improv and honed into prepared sketches under the deft direction of Bruce Rico Wade. Kudos to funny people: Zakiyyah BG, Adam Carlson, John Cox, Joyce Kramer-Cox, Gay Oliver, Scott Pohl, Lauren Spadafora, Aaron Wittbrodt, and Dakota Weathington.
Hoping such a sketch show will become at least an annual “thing” as Riverwalk develops “extras” to go along with its SEASON shows, recently announced. (Did you see the fun season-reveal video?) https://www.facebook.com/riverwalktheatre/videos/517299618003153 The list will be posted on RWT website soon. (And the GLUT Calendar, soon….)


Lanstronauts is NOT the same as the Bare Bones Improv group that meets every Tuesday at Riverwak 7-9pm year ‘round — anyone can join, no auditions required, meeting every Tuesday from 7–9pm at Riverwalk, year-round. First session is free; after that Riverwalk membership required (minimum $15 per year.) As you may know, they had a sold-out hit show in April, performed by folks auditioning within the group — and there will be more to come. https://www.facebook.com/BareBonesLansing

At the Lanstronauts show, I enjoyed an elegant plastic sippy-cup of wine. RWT members have recently voted to begin the process of getting a “club” type liquor license so members can buy beer, wine, and whatever those canned cocktails are, for themselves and guests. 

They also have a wider assortment of SNACKS and now food/drink CAN be brought into the theatre thanks to the Extra Cleaning Power of super Adam Carlson, not only one of the Stars of the Lanstronauts show, but also our devoted custodian at Riverwalk. Yet another reason to become a member https://www.riverwalktheatre.com/membership.html  (Note, probably no “bar” at the upcoming Sponge Bob family show opening May 29. Note that ALL the Sponge evening shows are at 7pm, not just the Thursdays. 

Speaking of membership:

Riverwalk Membership Meeting: Saturday, June 14 beginning at 10:00am in the Black Box

….and I am VERY sorry to report that the Annual Barney Awards has been scheduled for Friday, June 20.  Reception at 6:00pm, awards beginning at 7:00. Sorry BECAUSE I can’t attend these Barneys for the first time in ??? years (maybe since 1972?) because that is also opening night of Pride and Prejudice for Alive Theatre at Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center where I’ll be performing with my talented daughter and granddaughter. https://www.facebook.com/TheAliveTheatre
https://masterarts.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200485595
​

The 63rd Annual Summer Circle Theatre is here!

MSU Department of Theatre is pleased to announce the 63rd Annual Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) season! We have a great line up of shows that are family-friendly and free to the public. We cannot wait to see you at the Summer Circle Courtyard!


Fools
Written by: Neil Simon
Directed by: Brad Willcuts
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours with 15 minute intermission
Rating: Appropriate for ages 10+.
Includes mild romantic themes and humorous depictions of ignorance.
June 5 – 8, 2025
Fools is a comic fable by Neil Simon, set in the small, fictional village of Kulyenchikov in the 1890s. The story follows Leon Steponovich Tolchinsky, a schoolteacher who takes a new job educating Sophia, the daughter of Dr. Zubritsky and his wife, Lenya. Leon soon learns that there is a curse on the village that makes everyone Foolish, but complications ensue when Leon falls in love with his pupil.

I and You
Written by: Lauren Gunderson
Directed by: Ryan Patrick Welsh
Run Time: Approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes with 15 minute intermission
Rating: Appropriate for ages 13+.
Includes mild language, references to illness and death, and depictions of emotional vulnerability. 
June 12 – 15, 2025
I and You centers on Caroline, a sardonic, homebound teenager dealing with a serious illness, and Anthony, a charismatic and enthusiastic classmate who unexpectedly shows up at her house to work on a school project. Their assignment is a presentation about Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, specifically his poem “Song of Myself.” As they work together, their conversations delve into themes of mortality, connection, and the beauty of small moments. Caroline is initially defensive and resistant to Anthony’s cheery demeanor, but their banter soon evolves into meaningful dialogue, revealing their vulnerabilities and personal struggles. Anthony’s passion for life and Whitman’s poetry begins to break through Caroline’s emotional walls.

Elephant & Piggie's "We Are in a Play!"
Book and Lyrics by: Mo Willems
Directed by: Alexis Black
Music Direction by: Dave Wendelberger
Run Time: Approximately 1 hour, 25 minutes with 15 minute intermission
Rating: Appropriate for all ages.
Moments of audience interaction and gentle humor about friendship, sharing, and surprises.
June 19 – 22, 2025
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is a children’s musical based on Mo Willems’ popular book series, where best friends Gerald the elephant and Piggie the pig take to the stage in a vaudevillian-style adventure, singing and dancing through various scenarios that explore their friendship, often dealing with Gerald’s anxieties while Piggie’s optimism shines through, all while engaging the audience with playful antics and catchy tunes.
• Location: The Summer Circle Theatre Courtyard is between the Auditorium Building and Kresge Building on MSU’s campus (542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, MI 48824). 
• Showtimes: Performances are at 7 PM (except Sundays, which start at 4 PM).
• Parking: Free parking is available in Lot 9 across from the Auditorium Building starting at 6 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
• Seating: First come, first serve tiered amphitheater-style seating is provided. But feel free to bring your own blanket or lawn chair for added comfort.
• Food & Concessions: Concessions will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own food.
• Rain Policy: In case of heavy rain, performances will be moved into the MSU Auditorium Building.
• Donations/Support: SCT relies on donations to offer free Summer theatre to the community. Consider donating here!
Looking forward to seeing you at the Summer Circle Courtyard! 😊
Questions? contact: Kath Clark at (517) 884-7796 or [email protected]
https://theatre.msu.edu/sct-2/

​

​2025 Sutton Foster Awards Showcase
Over 70 Michigan schools celebrated for outstanding musical achievement
Date/Time: Sun, May 18, 2025, at 6:30PM
Location: Cobb Great Hall
Tickets: $23, after taxes and fees
Ticket Office:  http://whartoncenter.com
517.432.2000 or 1.800.WHARTON

EAST LANSING, MI — Wharton Center for Performing Arts is proud to host the 13th annual Sutton Foster Awards, where the spotlight will shine on the brightest stars of high school musical theatre from across the state of Michigan. Tickets are available now at the Wharton Center Ticket Office, online at whartoncenter.com, or by calling 517.432.2000 or 1.800.WHARTON.

The Sutton Foster Awards are a celebration of high school musical theatre across the State of Michigan. A program of Wharton Center for Performing Arts, the Sutton Foster Awards is open to all high schools in the state, regardless of location, budget, or school size. This year, more than 150 students from 73 high schools across Michigan have been nominated to participate in the year-end Awards Showcase.  “The Sutton Foster Awards is one of my favorite performances of the season,” said Wharton Center’s Executive Director Eric Olmscheid. “Each year I am stunned by the creativity, talent, and dedication the students demonstrate on stage both on and off stage.”
Leading up to the showcase, three adjudicators comprised of theatre professionals attended each school’s full musical production. They provided feedback directly to the schools and nominated students intended to promote program and performer growth. 


Two students will be selected and announced at the showcase to represent Michigan at The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®), otherwise known as The Jimmy Awards®. For a complete list of participating high schools and their productions, visit whartoncenter.com/sutton-foster-awards.
Please note: reserved seating only. Ticket purchase is required to enter the event. All ages are welcome.  SeatGeek is the only official partner of the Wharton Center Ticket Office.  
# # #

The Sutton Foster Awards is a part of Wharton Center Institute for Arts & Creativity, supported by Michigan Student Aid, with additional support from Nancy Passanante.

Starlight Dinner Theatre presents the family comedy “Over the River and Through the Woods” by Joe DiPietro May 9-18, 2025

Nick has always valued the time spent with his Italian-American grandparents in Hoboken, knowing that each Sunday dinner was an opportunity to connect, to laugh, and to learn from their rich experiences. But Nick has dreams and when he receives the perfect job offer from the west coast, he is determined to take it.  His grandparents - Frank, Aida, Nunzio and Emma are just as determined that he stay put and they begin hatching plots to keep him home, Tengo famiglia! As the weeks pass, Nick feels the weight of his decision pressing down on him, torn between his dreams and the love of his family. With each gathering, he observes the subtle dynamics, the shared memories, and the unspoken bonds that tie him to these four remarkable individuals.

Over the River and Through the Woods is a slice of American life that’s slipping away fast – living close enough to our extended families to gather with them often, each meal blessing the ties that bind. That struggle, between a young man needing to leave and make his own way, and the huge tidal pull of the family who has watched him grow up, is at the heart of this comedy.

Over the River is directed by Linda Granger, the founder of Starlight.  “I have been waiting years (through Covid, school renovations) to put this show on our stage as a tribute to my Italian heritage.  I had been looking forward to sharing it with my Italian mother, who unfortunately has since passed away. This is a tribute to her and all my Italian relatives who have made me who I am.”

Mark Polzin plays Nick, a young man struggling to tell his grandparents heartbreaking news. His grandmother, Aida, who prepares Italian home-cooked meals for her guests is played by Sandra Thomasson.  Her feisty husband, Frank, who is dealing with his declining driving skills, is played by Chris Klaver.  Nick's other set of grandparents portrayed with animation and humor are Ruth Neumann Howard and Mike Shalley.  Playing the sweet young lady the grandparents recruit as an incentive to keep Nick in New Jersey is Stephanie Vosburgh (Spagnuolo).  
 
What is our obligation to those who provide care for us? How do we balance the need to leave home with the comfort of staying? Is it possible to find equilibrium between these opposing forces? Each character presents their perspective, and playwright DiPietro highlights how the priorities of youth—such as career, adventure, and romance—change into the simpler values recognized in old age. This transition occasionally leads to sentimentality, but not frequently.

This production has been generously underwritten by Dr. Julie A. Dodds
Dates and Times:  Dinner 6:30 Show 7:30 Friday and Saturday May 9, 10, 17
Dessert Sunday: 1:30 Show 2:00 pm Sunday, May 18
Location: Waverly East Intermediate School, 3131 W. Michigan Ave 48917
Prices:  Show and Dinner: $33-$36.  $20 children 12 and under.
Show Only:  $17-$15.  $10 children 12 and under
Sunday Dessert Matinee $20.  $13 children 12 and under


Reservations:  517 599-2779 or email [email protected]
Dinner and dessert reservations must be made 3 days before desired performance date and payment is required to hold any reservations, (check or credit card). Show-only tickets can be purchased at the door.
Menu:  Beef or Vegetarian Lasagna – (choice must be made when making reservation), Green Beans with Olive Oil, Garlic and Oregano, Italian Salad with Dressings on the side, Garlic Bread, Cherry Cheesecake Squares

​Laughter:

No “review” possible for the new-and-different-every-time Bare Bones improv show. Besides, you already missed its two-day run. Suffice it to say it was a hilarious hit with two packed houses in Riverwalk’s Black Box. Kudos to JT Tosolt, Mani Collazo, Zane Miller, Oskar Milton, Tatum Cho, Michael Stokes, TJ Kelly and Ian Whipp — amazing imaginations at work. Stay tuned for future shows! 

Note that Bare Bones is an open-practice improv group — anyone can join, no auditions required. They meet every Tuesday from 7–9pm at Riverwalk, year-round. It’s super casual: come when you can, and newcomers are always welcome. First session is free; after that, they just ask folks to sign up for a Riverwalk membership (donation based, a minimum of $15/person for the whole year. Hardship scholarships are available!) Their goal is to be a fun, welcoming space where people can try improv, meet new people, and have a good time.

JT says, “We’ve grown through social media, word of mouth, and events like The Poetry Room and Fortnight Film Fest. Our shows feature a few members chosen through auditions, and we’ll be holding more soon to keep offering performance opportunities. For example, we will be the opening act for The Odyssey by Ants on the Hill improv taking place at the Robin Theatre on May 15th.”

More Laughter:

A SKETCH comedy show (not improv)  “Lanstronauts, We Have a Problem,” directed by Rico Bruce Wade, is coming to Riverwalk’s Black Box May 15,16,17 at 8pm, $10/$5 for RWT members - 517-482-5700 

www.riverewalktheatre.com

Tears:

As many of you know, unforgettable character and Riverwalk pillar Jan Lockwood, who acted and volunteered with this theatre since Community Circle Players’ Okemos Barn days, passed away December 30. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 3 from 2-5 pm at Riverwalk Theatre. Consider a donation to Riverwalk in Jan's memory. Full obituary at https://estesleadley.com/obituaries/janet-j-lockwood/ 

Experience the Magic of Theatre with Puffs

The LCC Performing Arts Theatre program wraps up its 2024-25 Season with Puffs OR; Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic by Matt Cox, directed by Blake Bowen. The play, a parody about young wizarding students in the “Puff” house, opened off-Broadway in 2017. It’s considered one of the most produced plays in the United States, according to the theatre magazine, Playbill.

Synopsis: For seven years a certain boy wizard went to Wizard School. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of The Puffs… who just happened to be there too. This is a play for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. 

Puffs, OR; Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic is a comedy for anyone who has ever felt like a secondary character in someone else’s story. The play gives you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three new heroes just trying to make it through magic school.

Performance dates:

April 11-12, 18-19 @ 7 p.m.
April 13 @ 2 p.m.
Location:
Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave.
Free parking is available on the streets around campus, LCC lots and in the Gannon Ramp.
Admission and Audience:
Free. Guests should visit the box office to receive a seat voucher to gain entry into the auditorium. Reservations will not be accepted. Family-friendly, appropriate for age 8 and older.

PS: Jane adds:
The cast features: Caleb Tracy as Wayne, Jonathan Riley as Oliver Rivers, Olivia Challa as the Narrator and Keara Hayes as Megan Jones. (GLUTsters may remember Keara from her recent Riverwalk standout roles in Rocky Horror, Pickleball and Lustful Youth.)

Saturday is Sci Fi Night for Audio Air Force!

There’ll be e a couple of our trademark silly commercials along with two Sci Fi shows: The ORIGINAL FIRST EPISODE of SUPERMAN, and an intriguing NEW Sci Fi script: CIPHER by Audio Airforce stalwart, Patti Spinner.
Performers include: Frank Boston, Maria Cook, Lee Helder, Jeff Kennedy, Debbie Lundeen, Kallie Morrison, Steve Ledyard, Matt Ottinger, Maddy Smith, Patti Spinner, Lauren Warner, Jane Zussman, Mark Zussman

Sound Effects Coordinator: Hollie Lane
Director: Jim Coyer
ONE NIGHT ONLY - Saturday, April 5, 7pm - Hannah Center, 189 Abbot in E. Lansing. General Seating $10 at the door. or at: https://audioairforce.ludus.com/index.php

​Opening at Riverwalk tomorrow, Thursday 4/3: "How I Learned to Drive" on the Black Box Stage! This Pulitzer Prize-winning story explores control and manipulation through metaphors of driving. 

SYNOPSIS: A wildly funny, surprising, and devastating tale of survival as seen through the lens of a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man. "How I Learned to Drive" is the story of a woman who learns the rules of the road and life from behind the wheel.

CONTENT NOTICE: 
Viewer discretion is advised.
This poignant, often surprising narrative blends humor and heartbreak while telling the story through a woman’s recollections of an inappropriate romantic and sexual relationship she developed with her aunt’s husband during her teenage years. Please be aware this show contains sensitive content, including grooming, sexual abuse, power imbalances, and the long-term impact of trauma. The play also features strong language and discussions of sexual situations. While these themes are handled with care, they may be distressing for some audience members. 


*There will be resources in the lobby for any individuals needing them.


Director Diane Cooke returns to the Riverwalk Theatre with an important story to tell! When asked why she wanted to direct this show, Cooke had this to say, " It is important - both for awareness and discussion. It came to me (7 years ago) at a time when I was involved with a survivors group as a volunteer and saw firsthand how these situations, while often preventable with the right conditions, are also very much NOT seen and cause so much damage - both psychologically and physically.” 

This is Cooke's third time directing at Riverwalk, and she brings with her a production team of familiar faces to Riverwalk, including her own daughter, Liz Cooke. It is important to note that Riverwalk is putting this production on in April, which is National Sexual Assault Awareness AND Child Abuse Prevention Month.

While this show has some intense themes and heavy content, the cast and crew want people to know that this story has just enough humor (and even a little music) to make it a fully enjoyable piece of theatre—even with the uncomfortable moments. Cassie Little, who plays Li'l Bit in the show, thinks that "this is a story that people will connect with on different levels. It deals with topics of trauma, abuse and family dynamics, but with sincerity and some humor. It represents some of the best parts of theatre: an opportunity to reflect, laugh and cry, and to examine parts of life from a different perspective, sometimes through a rearview mirror."
Cast
Li’l Bit - Cassie Little
Uncle Peck - Steven Neal
Male Greek Chorus (Various) - Ayden Soupal
Female Greek Chorus (Mother, others) - Holly Kay-Cannon
Female Greek Chorus (Aunt Mary, others) - Anna Hill
Grandmother - Elizabeth Sauter
Grandfather - Charles Hoogstraten


SHOW DATES:
Thursday, April 3rd, 7:00 P.M. 
Friday, April 4th, 8:00 P.M. 
Saturday, April 5th, 8:00 P.M. 
Sunday, April 6th, 2:00 P.M. 
Thursday, April 10th, 7:00 P.M. 
Friday, April 11th, 8:00 P.M. 
Saturday, April 12th, 8:00 P.M. 
Sunday, April 13th, 2:00 P.M.

Ticket Information:
Standard tickets for this performance are $15.
Senior/Student/Military tickets are available for $12
Tickets can be purchased both at the box office and on our website:
https://www.riverwalktheatre.com 
Seating is general admission; arrive early for best seats.