G.L.U.T. News - Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre

11/14-23 - SEXY FRENCH LESSONS WITH DANGEROUS DESIRES, AND A RAPIER WIT

10/31/2014

Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Tickets are now on sale

Dan Smith directs the final offering of 2014 at the MSU Department of Theatre: a dark comedy with scorching dialogue and steamy encounters, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, which plays in the Arena Theatre from November 14-23, 2014.

Featuring two graduate students in their culminating thesis roles (Carolyn Conover as La Marquise de Merteuil and Kirill Sheynerman as Le Vicomte de Valmont), Les Liaisons Dangereuses is sure to delight audiences with its manipulative characters who use love and passion in a twisted game designed primarily for their own pleasure. Originally a 1784 novel by Choderlos de Laclos, these iconic characters have inspired multiple screen and stage versions including Dangerous Liaisons (1988), Valmont (1989) and Cruel Intentions (1999). This stage adaptation by Christopher Hampton focuses on the romantic and sexual gamesmanship of the libertines and how they use others as pawns.

Speaking of gamesmanship, Smith says, “Our production draws on the idea of games in multiple ways. The designers have incorporated imagery of playing cards, as well as the playful spirit of the rococo. The actors’ rehearsal process included developing moments of game-play within the scenes. In addition to metaphors of games that existed in the 18th century, such as chess and tennis, we incorporated contemporary games like Hearts, ‘Mother, May I,’ and ‘Red Light, Green Light.’” Smith leaves us with this final thought, “Though the story is steeped in the eighteenth century, Hampton’s play uses modern language, encouraging us to think about the destructive qualities of desire as they exist in the world today.”

Performances held in the Arena Theatre at MSU Auditorium from November 14-23.

Friday, November 14, 2014 at 8:00pm
Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 2:00pm
Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 8:00pm
*Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 2:00pm

Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 7:30pm
**Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 7:30pm
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 7:30pm
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 8:00pm
Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 8:00pm
Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 2:00pm

* Pre-Show Director Discussion Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 1:15 PM
** Post-Show Discussion on Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office; 1.800.WHARTON; www.whartoncenter.com.
Box office at Arena Theatre opens 1 hour prior to each performance with house doors opening 30 minutes prior.
General Admission $10.

Arena Theatre at MSU Auditorium
Michigan State University, 542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, 48824.
For more information and the entire 2014-15 season of “Power Plays” visit theatre.msu.edu

11/6-9 - NEW CLASS OF MSU THEATRE STUDENTS TAKE THE STAGE AS AN ENSEMBLE WITH SHADOW WORK, POETRY, SCENE AND SONG

10/31/2014

Freshman Showcase - 8th Annual
Power Plays: MAKE ME FAMOUS

Tickets are now on sale

Michigan State University Department of Theatre is bursting at the seams to introduce the next class of theatre majors, minors and transfers in the 8th Annual Freshman Showcase, which performs in the Studio 60 Theatre from November 6-9, 2014.

Director Dionne O’Dell first met with the incoming class of freshman and transfer students in August to discuss the shape of this project and how it would fit into the main theme of the department season: Power Plays. When the original number of interested students jumped from 17 to 35 after the theatre Open House, O’Dell and her assistant director, Paige Conway, BFA Acting Senior, adapted to the situation. O’Dell remarked, “Imagine my surprise when a whopping 35 [mostly acting] students attended the first meeting! [Paige] and I had an emergency discussion about how we needed to change our plan and create a production that incorporated all of the interests, energy and talent in the room – a room full of not only actors, but seasoned vocalists and musicians.”

The core of Make Me Famous deals with power and fame, ideas that not only fit the theme of the department season, but also get to the heart of what theatre students deal with in their profession. This production is created almost entirely by the students involved, with faculty mentorship and assistance along the way. Out of the new class was found a stage manager, a music director, shadow and movement captains, designers and technicians.
Come meet the next generation of theatre students at MSU!

Performances held in the Studio 60 Theatre at MSU Auditorium from November 6-9.

Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 7:30pm
Friday, November 7, 2014 at 8:00pm
Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 8:00pm
Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 2:00pm

Tickets are available from the Wharton Center Box Office; 1.800.WHARTON; www.whartoncenter.com.
Box office at Studio 60 Theatre opens 1 hour prior to each performance with house doors opening 30 minutes prior.
General Admission $10.

Studio 60 Theatre at MSU Auditorium
Michigan State University, 542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing, 48824.
For more information and the entire 2014-15 season of “Power Plays” visit theatre.msu.edu

11/6-9 & 13-16 - PEPPERMINT CREEK THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES OPENING OF “Parade”

10/31/2014

Peppermint Creek Theatre produces Tony award winning musical

Lansing, MI – Peppermint Creek Theatre Company, with license from Music Theatre International, is proud to announce the two week run of the musical Parade. Amid religious intolerance, political injustice and racial tension, the stirring TONY Award-winning Parade explores the endurance of love and hope against all the odds. With a book by acclaimed playwright Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy) and a rousing, colorful and haunting score by Jason Robert Brown (Songs For A New World, The Last Five Years, Bridges Of Madison County), Parade is a moving examination of the darkest corners of America's history.

In 1913, Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jew living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a factory worker under his employ. Already guilty in the eyes of everyone around him, a sensationalist publisher and a janitor's false testimony seal Leo's fate. His only defenders are a governor with a conscience, and, eventually, his assimilated Southern wife who finds the strength and love to become his greatest champion. Daring, innovative and bold, Parade is filled with soaring music and a heart-wrenching story, offering a moral lesson about the dangers of prejudice and ignorance that should not be forgotten.

The Broadway premiere of Parade took place in 1998 and ran for over 100 performances. The play was nominated for thirteen Drama Desk Awards, and nine nominations for the 1999 Tony Awards. The show was Jason Robert Brown's first Broadway production. His music was applauded as having "subtle and appealing melodies that draw on a variety of influences, from pop-rock to folk to rhythm and blues and gospel." The plot of the musical dramatizes the historical story and does not shy away from dark or controversial topics.

Peppermint Creek Guest Director, Jane Falion, had this to say about the show, “This musical has been on my “bucket list” to direct since I first saw it on Broadway in 1999. It’s everything a magnificent production should be: powerful, ironic, truthful, packed with gorgeous music, and asks important questions. And I am always drawn to stories that are based in history. And our cast and crew are top-notch, truly bringing this amazing show to life in the most amazing way”.

The production will take place at Peppermint Creek’s performance venue, the Miller Performing Arts Center, 6025 Curry Lane, Lansing MI 48911. The show will run Thursday, November 6 – Sunday, November 9, and Thursday, November 13 – Sunday, November 16, 2014. Show times are Thursday – Saturday at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets can be ordered online at www.peppermintcreek.org, and are $18 general admission, and $15 for students/seniors 65+.

This production of Parade is being directed by PCTC’s Guest Director, Jane Falion, and stars a cast of 24 local performers from the Greater Lansing area.

To purchase tickets, visit www.peppermintcreek.org. Follow “PCTC” on Twitter: @PeppermintCreek or on Facebook. Press photos are available on request.

Parade Peppermint Creek Theatre Company CAST LIST

LEO FRANK - Adam Woolsey
LUCILLE FRANK - Mary Maurer
MARY PHAGAN - Cami Hancock
FRANKIE EPPS/YOUNG SOLDIER - Ben Cassidy
IOLA STOVER - Rachael Dec
MONTEEN - Marina Threadgould
ESSIE - Kaleel Van Voorhees
BRITT CRAIG - Joe Quick
HUGH DORSEY - Joseph Baumann
GOVERNOR SLATON - Bob Purosky
SALLY SLATON - Alison Grojean
TOM WATSON - Benjamin Knapp
JIM CONLEY - Rachman Shareef
LUTHER ROSSER - Kyle Harwood
MRS. PHAGAN - Racheal Raymer
MINNIE MCKNIGHT/ANGELA - Devaugn Staley
JUDGE ROAN/OLD SOLDIER - Ken Beachler
NEWT LEE/RILEY - Brennan Hattaway
ENSEMBLE - Kelly Stuible, Keenan Kangas, Trevor McNinn, Judith Evans, Katelyn Curtis

www.peppermintcreek.org

GREASE comes to Grand Ledge High School

10/29/2014

Thursday November 13 - 7:30 pm Blue Cast
Friday November 14 - 7:30 pm Gold Cast
Saturday November 15 - 2:30 pm Gold Cast **Sing-along
Saturday November 15 - 7:30 pm Blue Cast
Sunday November 16 - 2:30 pm Blue Cast **Sing-along
Sunday November 16 - 7:30 pm Gold Cast

Love the songs from Grease? Can't stop singing them when you watch the movie? Our sing-along shows are for you! The Saturday and Sunday matinee shows are our special sing-along versions where we invite you, our audience, to sing along with us to your favorite songs - Grease is the Word, Greased Lightning, We Go Together, and You're the One that I Want.

http://www.glmusicals.net/current.html

Mid Michigan Family Theatre has several directing opportunities open.

10/29/2014

They include a major production of Romeo and Juliet and several minor productions of our Actors' Showcases. Actors' Showcases feature actors of all ages in a combination of scenes, poetry, monologues, etc.

For more information, please contact Artistic Director Bill Gordon at mmftlansing@gmail.com.

--
Bill Gordon
Mid Michigan Family Theatre at Schmidt Community Center
5825 Wise Road
Lansing, MI 48911
(517) 339-2145 business

Remember, BLITHE SPIRIT has one more weekend at Riverwalk Theatre

10/29/2014

Remember, BLITHE SPIRIT has one more weekend at Riverwalk Theatre
(Bargain Thursday $10/$8 at 7 pm) 8pm Fri/Sat *& 2pm Sun $15//$12

Great review in the Pulse:
http://npaper-wehaa.com/citypulse#2014/10/29/?article=2366423

November CTAM Newsletter

10/28/2014

11/7-16 - LCC Performing Arts presents A Room With a View

10/23/2014

11/7-16 - Lansing Community College Performing Arts presents
A Room With a View By Christina Calvit
Based on the novel by E.M. Forster

8 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2014
8 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2014
8 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2014
8 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2014
2 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2014 (sign interpreted)

Dart Auditorium
500 N. Capitol Ave.
Lansing, MI 48933

Lucy Honeychurch takes her first trip to Florence, Italy, and finds adventure in beauty, nature and romance, all starting with a room: a room without a view. Accompanied by chaperone Charlotte to be sure everything is as proper as at home in upper middle-class Edwardian England, Lucy meets young George Emerson and his father when the gentlemen offer their rooms so the ladies will indeed have a view. Lucy's world opens wide in the passionate gardens, streets and countryside of Italy, and a romance soon buds with the intellectually challenging but socially unacceptable George. A passionate kiss is shared, but Charlotte crushes the affair and when Lucy returns to England, she becomes engaged to the proper and priggish Cecil Vyse. Coincidences bring George back into Lucy's world. Is it too late for courage to prevail over convention, truth over propriety, and for love to shine through?

Director Andy Callis said, "The choices the characters face are about what is real and natural versus what is artificial and pretended. These choices exist on many levels, dealing with issues of class, art, family, and most importantly: love. When a natural and open choice is made, the view opens up to something both real and beautiful."

The large cast features LCC students, alumni and several actors from the community including Sally Hecksel as Lucy, Michael Boxleitner as George, Kelley McNabb as Charlotte, Rick M. Dethlefsen as Mr. Emerson, Devin Faught as Cecil Vyse, with Boris Nikolovski (Mr. Beebe), Danica O'Neill (Eleanor Lavish), Cassie Little (Mrs. Honeychurch), Jesse Frawley (Rev. Eager), Sandy Hudson Thomasson (Miss Catherine Alan), Becca Williams (Miss Teresa Alan), Ian Whipp (Freddy Honeychurch), T.E. Klunzinger (Sir Harry Otway), Shelby Parker (Minnie Beebe), Zachary Riley (Italian Driver), Anna Szabo (Italian Driver’s Sister), and the ensemble including Nick Lemmer, Diana Benson, Charlsie Cole, Connor Kelly, Shannon Johnston Roper, Hunter Folleth, Patrick Foster, Joshua Ellison, Dakota Jarrod, and Sarah Wilke.

This production contains nudity.

$5 students, $10 seniors, LCC faculty/staff, $15 general public
Purchase at the door ½ hour before curtain, or in advance at LCC’s Hole in the Hall book shop, Room 133 Gannon Building between 10am-6pm Monday, Tuesday & Thursday; 10a-4pm Wednesday.

LCC Performing Arts Production Office, 517-483-1488
lcc.edu/showinfo

Stratford Shakespeare Festival Immersion Recital featuring scenes from Julius Caesar

10/23/2014

11/1 - MSUFCU Institute for Arts & Creativity Presents
Date/Time: Saturday, November 1, 20147:00-8:00pm
Q & A session immediately following
Location: Pasant Stage inside the Wharton Center at MSU
EAST LANSING, Mich. –Twenty-eight selected high school students from local area schools will spend October 27 –November 1 immersed in Shakespeare with the extraordinary actor/teaching artists from the Stratford Festival. This is a rare and unique opportunity for students to gain tremendous insight into Shakespeare by working with members of the best classical theatre company in North America for six hours each day. Saturday evening’s recital is a culmination of the week’s activities, where the students will perform a 45-minute version of Julius Caesarfor a live audience, showcasing their skills.Now in its fifth year, this residency is an enormous success from the viewpoint of the students, teachers, the Stratford staff and the institute.
We hope you will join us for a FREE evening of Shakespeare! Light refreshments to follow recital.There will be a $5.00 parking fee upon entrance to the parking ramp.
The Stratford Residency is generously supported by the Honors College and Residential College in the Arts and Humanities.

Williamston Theatre

10/22/2014

Final two weekends to see the critically acclaimed GRAVEDIGGER, newest from Michigan playwright Joseph Zettelmaier, directed by John Lepard, starring Mark Colson.
Performances now through November 2
Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm
Saturday at 3pm
Sunday at 2pm

Dark Nights in Billtown
November 13 - 15, 2014

Our stage may be "dark" but there is lots going on at the Williamston Theatre. Come to a staged reading of one of these new plays and tell us what you think.

Cottage Friends
By Annie Martin
Thursday, November 13 at 8pm

Okay, Bye
By Joshua Conkel
Friday, November 14 at 8pm

The Road to Appomattox
By Catherine Bush
Saturday, November 15 at 8pm

Seating is limited to 25 for each reading.Recommended donation of $10 at the door. Box office phone number: (517) 655-7469. To reserve a seat, call starting Tuesday, November 4.
williamstontheatre.com for more info.