​Pride and Prejudice opens THIS FRIDAY — the one featuring ME, my daughter and granddaughter as Lady Catherine, Mrs. Bennet and Lydia! Tech Week! Getting into costumes and set moving… the crazy times and we are excited. Pretty sure tix will be available at the door as well as via the link below.  Jane Z

Alive Theatre is Incandescently Happy to Present: Pride & Prejudice


Join us at the Schmidt Community Center for a nostalgic theatrical experience the last two weekends of June!
Step into the world of Jane Austen’s beloved novel as our talented cast brings the timeless story to life on stage—with all the wit, warmth, and awkward proposals you remember. Watch the clever and spirited Elizabeth Bennet go head-to-head with the famously proud (and secretly smitten) Mr. Darcy. It's a Regency-era rom-com served with a twist of scandal, snobbery, and a whole lot of heart.


 Schmidt Community Center — 5825 Wise Rd, Lansing, MI
• Friday, June 20 @ 7:00 PM
• Saturday, June 21 @ 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• Friday, June 27 @ 7:00 PM
• Saturday, June 28 @ 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Get Your Tickets Today: https://masterarts.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200485595

Visit Alive's Socials for Sneak Peeks & Backstage Moments:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIIv8K8uemv/?igsh=bmttd2VpaG42Mm11
https://www.instagram.com/alive_theatre?igsh=N3ozcnE0azVxMjJn&utm_source=qr
https://www.facebook.com/TheAliveTheatre/


__________________________

Summer Circle! Opening This Thursday! And I can’t attend because of Pride and Prejudice!
Anyone attending Thursday willing/able to email me a review?! Maybe somebody with a kid audience member in tow? Let me know [email protected]

MSU Theatre Presents Mo Willems's Elephant & Piggie's "We Are in a Play!"

MSU Summer Circle Theatre's third and final show is Elephant & Piggie's "We Are in a Play!" by Mo Willems (book and lyrics) and Deborah Wicks La Puma (music), a fun-loving story about best friends Elephant and Piggie playing characters while celebrating friendship and the magic of theater! 
Dates: June 19 – 22, 2025
Location: Summer Circle Courtyard
Admission: Free – No tickets required!
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.
Directed by: Alexis Black
Musical Direction by: Dave Wendelberger
Pre-Show:
Lansing Makers Network will be doing crafts at the Summer Circle Courtyard before all Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” performances for the following times:
• June 19 - 21: approximately 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM
• June 22: approximately  2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
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. Please 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.

The Costume Shop is reducing its inventory in a big “Garage Sale” tomorrow, Saturday June 14. 

Fabric
patterns
costumes
interesting every-day garments and accessories 
will be available at great prices!

This Saturday 6/14 from 10am to 3 pm at Riverwalk’s Costume Shop — 

NOT at Riverwalk Theatre but at THE COSTUME SHOP - 1131 May St, Lansing - one block north of Saginaw, just east of Pennsylvania. 
http://rwtcostumeshop.com - this sale is also a great opportunity to look around the shop and see what’s available for rental.

​Hello! We're a local marketing firm looking for two males to play police officers in a training video we are doing for a client. 


It would entail delivering a few lines while being videotaped on a green screen and recording a few lines on audio. It would take 30 minutes or less. We're looking for men who could plausible look like police officers, age 25-40-ish. Diversity would be welcome. We would provide the costume. 

(The video is about preparedness in the event of an active shooter at a credit union.) We'd pay $50. Taping will be June 19 at the credit union on the west side of Lansing. 

My cell is 517.243.1597 and email is mailto:[email protected]  - Lisa O’Connor

Publicom, Inc.
2175 Commons Pkwy.
Okemos, MI 48864

Ixion Ensemble Celebrates End of Season with a Love Letter to Short Plays Over the Years

Ixion Ensemble Theatre concludes its 2024-25 Season with "Thank You, Ten!",  a collection of short plays chosen from each of the past short play collections highlighting new or unproduced writers, The plays will be performed at Stage One at Sycamore Creek Church, 2200 Lake Lansing Road Lansing, MI June 13-22. Friday and Saturday performances will be at 7 PM and Sunday performances at 3 PM. Tickets are $15 online,https://our.show/thankyouten, or at the door. For more information call 517.775.4246 or mailto:[email protected]. 

The plays featured in "Thank You, Ten" were curated by Associate Artistic Producer and show director, Heath Sartorius. Featured scripts are:
• "Icarus Flying" by A.S. Freeman
• "Family Tradition" by O.G. Ueberoth
• "Pumps" by Brett Hursey
• "Guess" by J. Bader
• "Betrayal Among the Grinning Gators" by J. Weagley
• "Legs" by Kathleen Barber
• "Scripted" by Mark Levine
• "The Monster Inside" by Adam Carlson
• "Misfortune" by Mark Levine

Sartortius, with the help of Assistant Director Cole Bennett, has assembled an ensemble of actors to tackle this tribute to some of the best short plays over the years. Ensemble members for "Thank You, Ten!" are:
• Alan Greenberg
• Amy Jo Brown
• Kelsey Renfro
• M.D. Nelson
• Miranda Sue Hartmann
• Savanna Adams
• Sierra Barrix
• Tresor Sylla 

"We're excited to get reacquainted with these scripts combined in a new way," notes Ixion Artistic Director jeff croff. "Heath and his team have put together a love letter for short plays and writers that have made the shows possible. The name is in reference to a traditional behind the scenes interaction: stage manager, “Ten minutes to show!’” actors, “Thank you, ten!"

The scripts were each originally produced with others around a particular theme ranging from Greek mythology, mothers and fears to secrets and geek themes. Each season the short play theme is put out and has received scripts from three continents and hundreds of playwrights. 

www.ixiontheatre.com
https://www.facebook.com/IxionEnsemble
​

The film, “Clay" is currently being shot in the Detroit area starring Alexander Wraith (Orange is the New Black, The Mandalorian, the CW tv series Naomi) and Francesca Eastwood (Clint’s daughter). Alex is also the Director.

The producers are looking for extras (over age 50) for a scene that takes place outside of a Deli (in Detroit) on June 13th. They would be playing chess outside and watching tv. They need about 8 to 10 older gentlemen, diverse in ethnicity. A couple of them will have lines. Looking for scruffy looking, unpolished men, since the men are homeless.
Anyone interested, please text Jesi Jensen (Associate Producer), along with your contact info, a resume (if you have one) and a picture of yourself, ASAP: (757) 339-6315. 
​

June 2025
5/30-31 & 6/6-7 - 7pm Fri; 2 & 7pm Sat - Into the Woods, musical, by Midway Theater at Everett High School; tickets at midwaytheatercompany.org - MTC
6/5-8 - 7pm; 4pm Sun. Fools by  Neil Simon, Directed by Brad Willcuts - MSUSC
5/29-6/1 & 6/5-8 - 7pm Thur/Fri/Sat; 2pm Sat/Sun - (Sensory-Friendly Performances on Saturdays at 2pm) The Spongebob Musical, family musical directed by Marcus Fields - main stage - RWT

6/7 - 6:30pm - Dirty Money audience participation dinner theatre https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/lansing/ - DD
6/12-15 - 7pm; 4pm Sun. - I and You by Lauren Gunderson; Directed by Ryan Welsh - MSUSC

6/13-15 & 20-22 - 7pm - 3pm Sundays - Thank You, Ten!,  a collection of short plays chosen from Ixion’s  past short play collections highlighting new or unproduced writers Tickets are $15 online, https://our.show/thankyouten, or at the door. For more information call 517.775.4246 or email [email protected] - IX
6/13-22 - 7:30pm Fri & Sat; 2pm Sat & Sun - School of Rock. musical - LEB 
6/15 & 16 - 7pm - AUDITIONS for Legally Blonde, musical directed by Brian Farnham. Walk-ins accepted however auditioners are encouraged to fill out this survey to indicate your interest and schedule your audition time: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NNP8XJM  𝘊𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴 invitation-only basis on: Tuesday, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏𝟕⁣ - RWT

6/19 - 22- 7pm; 4pm Sun. - Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play! Book and Lyrics by Mo Willems, Directed by Alexis Black.Musical Direction by Dave Wendelberger - MSUSC
6/19-22 - 7:30pm Thur-Fri; 2pm & 7:30pm Sat; 1pm & 6:30pm Sun - Book of Mormon - Great Hall - WTN
6/20-21 & 27-28 - 7pm (2 & 7 pm Saturdays) - Pride and Prejudice - Alfreda Schmidt Community Center, 5825 Wise Rd, Lansing - ALI
6/20 - 6pm - Barney Awards Riverwalk Theatre’s annual celebration/awards/reception/entertainment, free of charge - RWT
6/25-29 - 7 pm -  A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Mary Job in  LCC’s outdoor amphitheater behind Dart Auditorium.  Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets, free of charge; donations accepted - LCC
6/26 - 8/3 Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Directed by Karen Sheridan - Thurs 7:30 is pay-what-you-can; first weekend:Thurs & Fri @ 7:30, Sat & Sun @ 2; remaining weeks: Thurs @ 2, Fri @ 7:30, Sat @ 2 & 7:30, Sun @ 2 - WT

Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theaters:

ALI - Alive Theatre - [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAliveTheatre
DD - The Dinner Detective - AC Hotel Lansing University Area 3160 East Michigan Avenue, 48912  https://www.thedinnerdetective.com/lansing/
IX - Ixion - ixiontheatre.com, [email protected], 517-775-4246 * Performs at Stage One, 2200 Lake Lansing Rd., Lansing, MI 48912
LCC - Lansing Community College Arts - www.lcc.edu/showinfo, 517-483-1122 
LEB - Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts - 122 E. Main St., Owosso, MI - LebowskyCenter.com - 989-723-4003
MTC - Midway Theater Company - midwaytheatercompany.org - 517-316-5272
MSUSC - Michigan State University Department of Theatre Summer Circle outdoor stage - www.theatre.msu.edu - 517-432-2000
RWT - Community Circle Players at Riverwalk Theatre, www.RiverwalkTheatre.com, 228 Museum Drive 517-482-5700
WT - Williamston Theatre - 122 S. Putnam St. Williamston 48895 - 517-655-SHOW (7469) www.williamstontheatre.org 
WTN - Wharton Center for Performing Arts at MSU - 517-432-2000 or 1-800-Wharton or www.whartoncenter.com
​

Ixion Ensemble Celebrates End of Season with a Love Letter to Short Plays Over the Years

Ixion Ensemble Theatre concludes its 2024-25 Season with "Thank You, Ten!",  a collection of short plays chosen from each of the past short play collections highlighting new or unproduced writers, The plays will be performed at Stage One at Sycamore Creek Church, 2200 Lake Lansing Road Lansing, MI June 13-22. Friday and Saturday performances will be at 7 PM and Sunday performances at 3 PM. Tickets are $15 online,https://our.show/thankyouten, or at the door. For more information call 517.775.4246 or mailto:[email protected]. 

The plays featured in "Thank You, Ten" were curated by Associate Artistic Producer and show director, Heath Sartorius. Featured scripts are:
• "Icarus Flying" by A.S. Freeman
• "Family Tradition" by O.G. Ueberoth
• "Pumps" by Brett Hursey
• "Guess" by J. Bader
• "Betrayal Among the Grinning Gators" by J. Weagley
• "Legs" by Kathleen Barber
• "Scripted" by Mark Levine
• "The Monster Inside" by Adam Carlson
• "Misfortune" by Mark Levine

Sartortius, with the help of Assistant Director Cole Bennett, has assembled an ensemble of actors to tackle this tribute to some of the best short plays over the years. Ensemble members for "Thank You, Ten!" are:
• Alan Greenberg
• Amy Jo Brown
• Kelsey Renfro
• M.D. Nelson
• Miranda Sue Hartmann
• Savanna Adams
• Sierra Barrix
• Tresor Sylla 

"We're excited to get reacquainted with these scripts combined in a new way," notes Ixion Artistic Director jeff croff. "Heath and his team have put together a love letter for short plays and writers that have made the shows possible. The name is in reference to a traditional behind the scenes interaction: stage manager, “Ten minutes to show!’” actors, “Thank you, ten!"

The scripts were each originally produced with others around a particular theme ranging from Greek mythology, mothers and fears to secrets and geek themes. Each season the short play theme is put out and has received scripts from three continents and hundreds of playwrights. 

www.ixiontheatre.com
https://www.facebook.com/IxionEnsemble


​

Midway Theater Company opens Into The Woods at Everett High School May 30

An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood-thirsty Little Red Riding Hood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch...who raps? They're all characters in James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim's fractured fairy tale. When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest to break the spell). Everyone's wish is granted at the end of Act One, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. 


Though Midway mostly rehearses and performs at Grace Bible Church on the west side, they’ve been exploring larger venues to accommodate larger audiences. This time it’s Everett High School auditorium, 3900 Stabler Street between south MLK and Cedar, just north of Cavanaugh.

Though Midway specializes in youth productions and theatre camps (http://midwaytheatercompany.org) this will be one of their All Ages shows, with many adult performers. Woods is a “fairy tale” show, however some themes and scenes may not be suitable for children. Recommended for age 8 and older.

Pix and further info: https://www.facebook.com/MidwayTheaterCompany
Tickets:
https://cur8.com/40462/project/131277

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/

​