Wed, 02 Sep 2026 19:57:05 -0400WeeblyWed, 02 Sep 2026 23:50:51 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/reefer-madness-coming-to-riverwalk-910​Get ready for a wild ride of jazz, temptation, and musical mayhem! Riverwalk Theatre’s Black Box is going to pot this September as Reefer Madness brings its outrageous brand of camp and comedy to the stage.
The cast and crew of Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney’s irreverent musical comedy Reefer Madness are hard at work preparing to take audiences on a hilariously exaggerated journey into the dangers of marijuana—or, at least, the dangers imagined by the infamous 1936 propaganda film that inspired it. This high-energy production runs September 10–13 and September 17–20, 2026, in the Black Box at Riverwalk Theatre.
Directed by Quinn Kelly with Music Direction by Kait Wilson
Inspired by the cult classic 1936 propaganda film, Reefer Madness is a wild, tongue-in-cheek musical comedy that follows wholesome teenagers as they are lured into the supposedly dangerous world of marijuana. What follows is an over-the-top spiral of jazz, temptation, violence, romance, and chaos, all presented with outrageous satirical flair.
The musical’s addictive score leaps from full Broadway-style blowouts to swing-era charm, with crowd-pleasers including “Down at the Ol’ Five and Dime” and the Vegas-style showstopper “Listen to Jesus, Jimmy,” complete with a heavenly chorus line. Bold, stylized, and wickedly funny, Reefer Madness wraps sharp satire in pure musical mayhem.
For director Quinn Kelly, the production is a particularly fitting project — and a milestone.
Kelly has been performing in the Lansing area for 10 years working with community and collegiate theatres including Peppermint Creek, The Lebowsky Center of Performing Arts, Lansing Community College, Ixion, and Riverwalk Theatre. A cannabis enthusiast and budtender at Pure Options, Kelly says bringing two of his greatest passions together has been a dream come true.
“Theatre and cannabis are among two of the biggest parts of my life,” Kelly says. “Being able to bring those two worlds together has been a dream come true, especially for it to be my musical directorial debut. It’s the cherry on top.”
While the production keeps the spirit of the cult classic intact for longtime fans, Kelly and his creative team have added their own visual style, staging choices, and playful surprises. Audiences familiar with the original film may recognize its heart while discovering plenty of new details and Easter eggs along the way.
“Directing this show has been a completely fulfilling experience,” Kelly says. “This show is campy, off its rocker, and very funny. I hope audiences completely lose themselves in this performance the way I have been at every rehearsal. I’m still laughing about things we’ve created when I leave the building, so it’s going to be great!”
Kelly’s directing team includes longtime Riverwalk Theatre leader Rita Sobish as assistant director, Kait Wilson as music director, and Carmen Zavala, who makes her Riverwalk Theatre choreography debut with the production.
The cast features a talented and diverse ensemble, bringing a contemporary mix of performers to a story rooted in a very different era of American culture. Kelly says that contrast is an important part of the production’s appeal.
“We have a diverse cast of people that reflects what America looks like today rather than what America looked like 100 years ago,” Kelly says. “I think it’s really cool to see this era blended with the talented folks we’ve cultivated from the audition process.”
Among the cast standouts are Sylvia Bunn as Mary, whose vocal talent and dancing bring energy to the role, Jason Durr as Jimmy, who delivers a brilliantly technical performance, Connor Kelly as Jack, a consistently strong Lansing-area performer, and Ny’Kieria Blocker as Mae, whose poise and undeniable stage presence make her a standout.
“The cast is full of talented people from all corners of life,” Kelly says. “Watching these individuals make magic on stage and off is always a pleasure to be a part of.”
The cast is equally enthusiastic about the experience. “Reefer Madness has been such a blast to be a part of,” says Durr. “Everyone’s dedication and ability to have fun with such a wacky show has made it such a great experience.”
Blocker adds, “Working on Reefer Madness has been a great time to reconnect with my friends and be creative with both old and new friends — having fun, chaotic madness.” Bunn agrees, noting that she’s never laughed so much or felt so welcomed.
With its outrageous comedy, high-energy musical numbers, stylized spectacle, and plenty of unexpected surprises, Reefer Madness promises audiences a theatrical experience unlike anything they’ve seen before.
Get ready to see the story of Reefer Madness like never before. Riverwalk Theatre is delivering laughs, shock, awe, and a whole lot of madness. Just make sure you’re ready for the trip!
Cast
LECTURER – Betsy Karinen
JIMMY – Jason Durr
MARY – Sylvia Bunn
JACK – Connor Kelly
MAE – Ny’Kieria Blocker
SALLY – Lizabeth Desmet
RALPH – Evan David
PLACARD GIRL – Ellie Alspaugh
ENSEMBLE – Jordyne Darden, Jillian Gaynett, Kayla Henry, Caleb Liggett, Harvey Rancour, Bria Watkins-Gable, Ian Whipp
Show Dates & Times
September 10–13 & 17–20, 2026
Thursdays – 7:00 PM
Fridays & Saturdays – 8:00 PM
Sundays – 2:00 PM
Location: Riverwalk Theatre Black Box. Note: general seating; arrive early for best seats. Smaller venue, sellouts possible. Purchase tickets in advance to assure admission.
Tickets
Adult – $30
Senior/Student/Military – $23
Seniors age 55 and better are eligible for the Senior ticket. Ticket prices are now a flat rate with no additional fees.
This production is not recommended for children.
Content Notice: Reefer Madness contains strong drug themes, exaggerated violence, sexual situations, implied nudity, and mild to moderate profanity. These themes are presented in a highly stylized, spoof-like manner rather than being entirely realistic.
Reservations may be made by purchasing tickets online, in person at the Riverwalk Theatre Box Office, by emailing RWT@RiverwalkTheatre.com, or by calling (517) 482-5700.
In-person advance ticket sales:
Wednesdays: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
]]>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:57:47 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/glut-calendar-september-2026September 2026
9/1 - 6:30-9:30 pm - AUDITIONS - Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl - Directed by Emma Baker - LCC - Black Box 

9/10-13 & 17-20 - 7pm Thu; 8pm Fri/Sat; 2pm Sun - Reefer Madness, Book by Kevin Murphy & Dan Studney; Music by Dan Studney; Lyrics by Ken Murphy  - Directed by Quinn Kelly -  Black Box - RWT

9/11-20 - 7:30pm Fri /Sat; 2pm Sun - Come from Away - LEB

9/11–13 & 17–20 - Week 1: Fri-Sat 7pm, Sun 3pm; Week 2: Thur-Sat 7pm, & Sat/Sun 3pm; Ransacking Troy by Erin Shields Directed by Emily Clark - PCTC

9/9 @ 730pm Bare Bones Improv at therobintheatre.com

9/12  - 6pm - 9pm - interactive true crime comedy dinner theatre “The Hollywood Hit” - DD

9/18- 20 -  Fri/Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm - Bad Auditions by Bad Actors by Ian McWethy - Island City Generations, Eaton Rapids, MI - ICG

9/18–20  - 7:30pm Tue-Fri; 2pm & 7:30pm Sat; 1pm & 6:30pm  Sun -  Beetlejuice -WTN
September 2026
9/1 - 6:30-9:30 pm - AUDITIONS - Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl - Directed by Emma Baker - LCC - Black Box

9/10-13 & 17-20 - 7pm Thu; 8pm Fri/Sat; 2pm Sun - Reefer Madness, Book by Kevin Murphy & Dan Studney; Music by Dan Studney; Lyrics by Ken Murphy - Directed by Quinn Kelly - Black Box - RWT

9/11-20 - 7:30pm Fri /Sat; 2pm Sun - Come from Away - LEB

9/11–13 & 17–20 - Week 1: Fri-Sat 7pm, Sun 3pm; Week 2: Thur-Sat 7pm, & Sat/Sun 3pm; Ransacking Troy by Erin Shields Directed by Emily Clark - PCTC

9/9 @ 730pm Bare Bones Improv at therobintheatre.com

9/12 - 6pm - 9pm - interactive true crime comedy dinner theatre “The Hollywood Hit” - DD

9/18- 20 - Fri/Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm - Bad Auditions by Bad Actors by Ian McWethy - Island City Generations, Eaton Rapids, MI - ICG

9/18–20 - 7:30pm Tue-Fri; 2pm & 7:30pm Sat; 1pm & 6:30pm Sun - Beetlejuice -WTN

9/21-22 - 7pm - Auditions for The Maltese Falcon and other shorts for radio show. Auditions and rehearsals at Edgewood United Church on Hagadorn - performance Friday, 10/2 at Riverwalk Black Box - AAF

​9/24-25 - 7:30pm; 9/27 - 2pm - Discovery: A New Musical, music by Dan Gibson and book & lyrics by Alex Higgin-Houser, directed by Shariffa Ali - Pasant Theatre, Wharton Center - in collaboration with New Musical Laboratory and Wharton Center for Performing Arts - MSU

9/24-10/25 -Thurs 9/24 @ 7:30 Pay-What-You-Wish; Thurs 9/24 & Fri 9/25 @ 7:30, Sat 9/26 & Sun 9/27 @ 2; remaining weeks: Thurs @ 2, Fri @ 7:30, Sat @ 2 & 7:30, Sun @ 2 - The One Good Thing or “Are Ya Patrick Swayze?” by Joe Bravaco, directed by John Lepard. A thoughtful comedy. – WT

9/27 & 9/28 @ 7pm AUDITIONS for A Charlie Brown Christmas directed by Aaron Wittbrodt and music directed by Lizabeth Desmet - RWT

Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theaters
LEB - Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts - 122 E. Main St., Owosso, MI - LebowskyCenter.com - 989-723-4003

MSU - Michigan State University Department of Theatre - www.theatre.msu.edu - 517-432-2000

PCTC - Peppermint Creek Theatre Co. - www.peppermintcreek.org - 517-927-3016

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

9/24-25 - 7:30pm;  9/27 - 2pm - Discovery: A New Musical, music by Dan Gibson and book & lyrics by Alex Higgin-Houser, directed by Shariffa Ali - Pasant Theatre, Wharton Center - in collaboration with New Musical Laboratory and Wharton Center for Performing Arts - MSU

9/24-10/25 -Thurs 9/24 @ 7:30 Pay-What-You-Wish; Thurs 9/24 & Fri 9/25 @ 7:30, Sat 9/26 & Sun 9/27 @ 2; remaining weeks: Thurs @ 2, Fri @ 7:30, Sat @ 2 & 7:30, Sun @ 2 - The One Good Thing or “Are Ya Patrick Swayze?” by Joe Bravaco, directed by John Lepard. A thoughtful comedy. – WT

9/27 & 9/28 @ 7pm  AUDITIONS for A Charlie Brown Christmas directed by Aaron Wittbrodt and music directed by Lizabeth Desmet - RWT

Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theaters
LEB - Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts - 122 E. Main St., Owosso, MI - LebowskyCenter.com - 989-723-4003


MSU - Michigan State University Department of Theatre - www.theatre.msu.edu - 517-432-2000


PCTC - Peppermint Creek Theatre Co. - www.peppermintcreek.org - 517-927-3016

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

​]]>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:57:16 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/the-glut-lady-singsRiverwalk's Hags, Hussies & History - one night only Friday 8/21

Only one more rehearsal for the Hags, Hussies & History special musical event which opens at Riverwalk ONE NIGHT ONLY this Friday, 8/21! (Aaaaaah!)
Remember, it’s an EARLY show (6pm)

Act One will be a tantalizing sneak preview of Riverwalk’s coming season. 

Act TWO will be “my half,” a historic and unique peek into the past, with me performing Hag/Hussy songs between chapters of the Riverwalk “origin story” from beloved elders of our organization: Sue Chmurynsky, Ted Daniel, Tom Ferris, Lee Helder, Bob Mellor, Roger Rochowiak and Rick Wendorf. 

I’m told tickets CAN be purchased at intermission, around 7pm, if 6 is too early for you, or if you just want to catch the Hag/Hussy/History half of the show. (Sorry, not half price! We’re $upporting our theatre here!) Safest to reserve specific seats ahead of time online (or by phoning Abbie & Rita at the office 517-482-5700) We are almost half sold out at this point.

Seniors 55 years+ Senior ticket.
Children under 12 Child ticket.
Ticket prices are now a flate rate, no additional fees.
Musicals:
Adult- $30
Senior/Student/Military- $23
Child- $18 
Reserve tickets at: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=348825]]>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 14:33:40 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/hags-hussies-history-one-night-only-821​It’s rehearsal week for the Hags, Hussies & History special event at Riverwalk This Friday, 8/21! 
A one-night only EARLY show (6pm) 
I’m getting excited/scared/inspired!


Act One will be a tantalizing sneak preview of Riverwalk’s coming season.

Act TWO will be a historic and unique peek into the past...


… featuring ME performing seven Hag/Hussy songs from my 54-year career with Community Circle Players — both at the Okemos Barn and Riverwalk (assisted by Edric Haleen, Stan Gill and Dan Pappas.)


Interspersed will be Stories of The Olden Days — explaining the origins and evolution of what is now Riverwalk — told by beloved Elder Pillars of our organization: Sue Chmurynsky, Ted Daniel, Tom Ferris, Lee Helder, Bob Mellor, Roger Rochowiak and Rick Wendorf. 

This may not be the most stellar show you’ve ever witnessed, but I believe it will be among the most sincere. We hope it will both entertain and inspire us to help Riverwalk evolve into a successful future!

I hope to see you ALL there! Reserved seat tickets are available at riverwalktheatre.com 
Or phone 517-482-5700.]]>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 19:05:59 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/renegade-fringe-august-7-8Even though this Friday’s Alive Theatrics Anne of Green Gables that I’m reviewing promises to be great (https://alivetheatrics.com/) I am somewhat vexed to miss day one of the two- day Renegade Fringe Festival being held for the first time in Reo Town. (It’s the resurrection and expansion of the beloved Renegade Theatre Festival formerly held in Old Town.)


Lots of theatre, readings, dance and MORE — and  a wonderful opportunity to mingle with our theatre community! 

FREE - donations accepted.
Check out all the details at

http://renegadefringe.org]]>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:03:10 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/august-2026-calendar
August 2026

7/9-8/16 - Thurs 7/9 @ 7:30 Pay-What-You-Wish; Thurs 7/9 & Fri 7/10 @ 7:30, Sat 7/11 & Sun 7/12 @ 2; remaining weeks: Thurs @ 2, Fri @ 7:30, Sat @ 2 & 7:30, Sun @ 2  The 39 Steps adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan. Directed by John Lepard. A zany theatrical who-dun-it. – WT https://www.williamstontheatre.org/shows/2025-2026/39-steps 

7/31-8/9 - 7pm Fridays, 3pm Sat & Sun - Shrek Jr. - at Okemos High School, 2800 Jolly Rd. Okemos, MI - AECT


8/1 - 7pm - The Emerging Playwrights Festival, Directed by Tom Ferris - main stage  -RWT


8/7–8 & 14–15- 7pm (2 & 7 pm Saturdays) at Waverly High School - Anne of Green Gables, musical - ALI


8/7-8 - Friday evening and all day Saturday Renegade Fringe Festival of theatrical and performance art in Lansing’s REO Town. More info at https://www.renegadefringe.org/


8/8 - 7pm & 9:30pm - Bare Bones Improv Show “Get a Clue”- main stage  - RWT

8/15 - 6-9pm - interactive true crime comedy dinner theatre The Holiday Hit - DD


8/21- 6pm - RWT Season Launch with “Hags Hussies & History” Jane Zussman & friends retrospective cabaret - main stage - RWT


8/27-28 - 6:30-8:30pm - AUDITIONS for Emily Brontë, Teenage Necromancer - 3rd-12th grade auditioners - AECT


Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatres:
AECT - All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre - 5206 West Saginaw, facing Elmwood - nina@allofusexpress.org


ALI - Alive Theatre -www.facebook.com/TheAliveTheatre - New Covenant Christian School 4415 W St Joseph Hwy, Lansing - alivetheatrics.com - info@alivetheatrics.com

DD - The Dinner Detective - audience interactive true-crime dinner theatre, DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing, 111 North Grand  - thedinnerdetective.com/lansing


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
​8/15  - 6pm - 9pm - interactive true crime comedy dinner theatre “The Hollywood Hit” - DD

thedinnerdetective.com/lansing
]]>Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:23:15 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/anne-of-green-gables-musical-coming-from-alive-theatricsAnne of Green Gables the Musical opens next week! 
​
Alive Theatre is excited to bring you this uplifting family-friendly musical that all ages can enjoy.
Whether you're a life-long Anne fan, someone who just likes a good musical, or a supportive friend who doesn't know what they're getting into, Alive Theatre cordially invites you to set aside your troubles for a few hours and join us in Avonlea!

Performances:
Friday, August 7th at 7 pm
Saturday, August 8th at 2 pm & 7 pm

Friday, August 14th at 7 pm
Saturday, August 15th at 2 pm & 7 pm

Location: 
Waverly High School Auditorium
160 Snow Rd. Lansing, MI 48917

Adults: $20
Seniors (62 and up): $18
Children (12 and under): $15
Click below to pick out your seat, or buy at the door with cash or card.

https://alivetheatrics.com


Another perk of attending is that you will be among the first to know our next production!
Our spring 2027 title and audition dates will announced live at all Anne performances!]]>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:16:36 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/going-medieval-at-lccLCC Performing Arts presents Going Medieval! Two comedic plays from the 1400s. 

The Second Shepherd’s Play and Mankind represent two of the funniest plays from this period.

The Second Shepherd’s Play is one of the most well-known Mystery Plays from the period which depicts the lives of three shepherds just before the nativity. Known for its blend of religious theme and regional humor, this is one of several plays included in the Wakefield Mystery Cycle. Each play in the cycle depicted a story from the bible and toured through small towns and villages. It was written by the Wakefield Master (identity unknown) between 1475-1500.

Mankind was written around 1470. This morality play is often considered one of the most humorous and controversial plays to have survived the period. The story follows the character of Mankind and his temptation into sin by characters representing four worldly vices.

These performances are recommended for adult audiences.

Admission is free. 
Audience members should visit the box office to pick up a seat voucher for entry into the theater. 
The box office will open ½ hour before curtain. 
Reservations will not be taken.

WHO: Lansing Community College Performing Arts
WHAT: Going Medieval! Two Comedic Plays from the 1400s
WHEN: July 22-26 @ 7 p.m.
WHERE: Dart Auditorium – 500 N. Capitol Ave.
Free parking is available on Capitol Ave., the second floor of the Gannon Parking Ramp and in nearby LCC parking lots.]]>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 23:41:26 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/little-shop-of-horrors-in-fenton-mi
The Fenton Village Players Invites Audiences to Make the Trip for a Killer Production of Little Shop of Horrors

Fenton, Michigan — This season, Fenton Village Players (FVP) is bringing the beloved cult classic Little Shop of Horrors to life with a production audiences won't want to miss! Even if it means a drive to get here.

Running July 10th through the 26th, this exciting production promises an unforgettable evening of laughter, incredible music, outrageous comedy, and one very hungry plant.

Featuring favorite songs including "Suddenly Seymour, " "Somewhere That's Green, " and “Skid Row, " Little Shop of Horrors has delighted audiences for decades with its blend of Motown-inspired music, quirky characters, and delightfully dark humor. FVP’s production brings fresh energy to the iconic show with a talented cast, imaginative staging, and a larger-than-life Audrey II that audiences have to see to believe.

For theatre lovers across the region, this production offers more than just a night at the theatre. It's the perfect excuse for a road trip and a memorable evening out in Fenton. Whether audiences choose to enjoy dinner at one of our amazing local restaurants before the show,
explore the community, or simply make an evening of it, Little Shop of Horrors is worth the journey.
"This is one of those shows that audiences love introducing to friends and revisiting again and again, " said Shannon Emmons, Producer.
"We're creating an experience that celebrates everything people love about live theatre: great music, huge laughs, memorable performances,
and a little bit of mayhem.”
 
In keeping with FVP's commitment to making live theatre accessible to all audiences, the production will feature a special American Sign Language (ASL)-interpreted performance on Friday, July 17. This performance will allow Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons to fully experience
the music, humor, and heart of Little Shop of Horrors, and audiences from across the region are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity.


Content Advisory: This campy sci-fi production contains comic horror violence, depictions of domestic abuse, the consumption of characters by a man-eating plant, and the abuse of laughing gas.
Performance dates are July 10th through the 26th . Tickets are available now and advance reservations are encouraged.
Tickets and additional information can be found at FentonTheatre.org or by calling 810-750-7700.


Performance Information
Little Shop of HorrorsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10-26th, 2027
Fenton Village Playhouse
14197 Torrey Rd.
Fenton, MI 48430
Tickets: $20 Adult, $17 Student, $15 Child
Information: http://FentonTheatre.org

​]]>Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:29:08 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/williamston-flex-pass-deal​Season 20 Flex Pass for Williamston Theatre! 
Any of you who have never been to this gem of a theatre, here’s a great deal to give it a try! Up-close-and-personal professional theatre! - Jane

Flex Passes for Season 20 are now on sale! Enjoy the WT experience at your convenience. Our unique WT Flex Pass entitles you to all the benefits of a traditional theatre subscription in a completely flexible way. 
• For $215 you get 5 Flex Passes that can be used in any combination for any performance! Seriously, in any combination.

• Preferred seating! Sit right down front if that’s your desire! (Subject to availability.)

• Early reservation opportunities for all productions. Jump to the head of the line.

• Changes to reservations up to 24 hours before the show without penalty. Change in plans? It’s flexible!

• More tickets! Up to 6 additional tickets can be purchased per production at the discounted price of $3 off per ticket.

• No ticket fees when using your Flex Passes to reserve your tickets.

• A Share the Love coupon! When you bring two friends who have not been to the WT before, their tickets are on us! All we ask is that you provide contact information for your guest. Valid for any performance in the season.

Season 20 Flex Passes are valid on all regular performances from September 24, 2026 - August 15, 2027.

Purchase Williamston Flex Passes here: https://purchase.williamstontheatre.org/TicketSubscriptions?dm_i=7R8A,4MML,B7L0R,NS97,1,0,0,0


Not on the Williamston Theatre mailing list? Please call our box office at (517) 655-7469 to be added!

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