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Detroit Performing Arts Calendar

Richard III by William Shakespeare

Now thru February 25, 2011  |  Call for Ticket Prices  |  The Hilberry Theatre at Wayne State University  | Website

Challenged by life's obstacles that have left him disfigured, Richard weaves a fiery web of intrigue, removing all obstacles, and all people, that stand between him and his passion for the throne of England. An atmosphere of insecurity pervades, no one dares reveal their thoughts and danger lurks in the shadows. Battles of wits and clashes with swords scorch the life of this political genius.

Corktown by Michael Brian Ogden

Now thru March 5, 2011  |  Call for Ticket Prices  |  Purple Rose Theatre Company  | Website

From the creator of Bleeding Red, a heartbreaking and hopeful dark comedy about an extraordinary day in the life of a Detroit mobster who finds love under the most violent and dangerous circumstances.

The Misanthrope by Jean-Baptist Moliere

Now thru March 5, 2011  |  Call for Ticket Prices  |  The Hilberry Theatre at Wayne State University  | Website

The misanthrope is a man who seems passionate in his comic detestation of humankind - its foibles and hypocrisy. Yet the woman he desperately loves stokes his flames of ire and desire as she courts him while simultaneously promising her love to many other suitors. Life unravels beautifully in this comic masterpiece about men, women, passions and protestations.

A Lesson Before Dying by Romulus Linney

Now thru March 20, 2011  |  $17.00 - $20.00  |  Detroit Repertory Theatre  | Website

In Romulus Linney’s powerful adaptation of Ernest J. Gaines prize-winning novel, a young man, Jefferson, is about to be executed for a murder he probably didn’t commit. At the trial his lawyer, trying to save his life, called him no more a human being than a hog. In prison, he acts like one, insisting he will be dragged like that hog to his death in the electric chair. His Godmother asks a schoolteacher to teach him to die like a man. The teacher faces both Jefferson and himself as execution day arrives. In 1948 Louisiana, the question is not whether or not young Jefferson will be executed, but how he will face his fate.

Ernest J. Gaines’ celebrated novel makes an engrossing, moving and finally devastating play for the stage.

In the Heights by Quiara Alegria Hudes

February 1 - 13, 2011  |  Call for Ticket Prices  |  Fisher Theatre  | Website

This 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical is a moving, funny, and uplifting new show about a community of hard-working immigrants seeking a better life and trying to find their place – their home – in their new country.  With a remarkable young cast, thrilling Tony® Award-winning dancing and a dynamic Tony® Award-winning score, In the Heights is an exhilarating journey into a vibrant Manhattan community – a place where the coffee is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music.   Experience the next chapter of the classic American story at the most joyous and exciting musical on Broadway.

Showtimes Tuesday - Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday Evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM.

Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionesco

February 3 - 21, 2011  |  Call for Ticket Prices  |  The Studio Theatre at Wayne State University  | Website

Over the course of three acts, the inhabitants of a small, provincial French town turn into rhinoceroses; ultimately the only human who does not succumb to this mass metamorphosis is the central character, Bérenger, a flustered everyman figure who is often criticized throughout the play for his drinking and tardiness. The play is often read as a response to the sudden upsurge of Communism, Fascism and Nazism during the events preceding World War II, and explores the themes of conformity, culture, philosophy, and morality.

Proof by David Auburn

February 3 - March 5, 2011  |  Call for Ticket Prices  |  Tipping Point Theatre  |  www.tippingpointtheatre.com 

Set in Chicago, this winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play looks at the loyalty and devotion of fathers and daughters even in the toughest of times. Catherine, the daughter of mentally-ill Robert, a recently deceased mathematical genius, is struggling with her fears of following in her father’s footsteps mathematically and mentally. Struggling to find her own way in the world and searching for faith, hope and love leads her to Hal, one of her father’s former students, and the realization that while life is often based on provable facts, a leap of faith is also often a necessity.

The Abreact Performance Space presents La Ronde

February 4 - 26, 2011  |  8:00 PM  |  Admission by Donation  |  The Abreact Performance Space  |  313.285.0217

Boasting a salacious history, La Ronde provides a frank, unflinching window into the psychology of human sexuality. Written in 1897, published in 1903 and first performed in 1920, it caused riots and was censored. Playwright Arthur Schnitzler came under vicious attack and was put on trial for obscenity, a charge of which he was barely acquitted.

The play is no less effective today as it uncovers the hidden motivations and desires that drive people to couple with one another, regardless of social class. Schnitzler’s work was so accurate and probing, in fact, that contemporary Sigmund Freud wrote that he had “gained the impression that [Schnitzler had] learned through intuition — though actually as a result of sensitive introspection — everything that I have had to unearth by laborious work on other persons." 

La Ronde, or Reigen in German, means “round dance.” Ten dialogues form a cycle as characters of varying social classes rotate from scene to scene, engaging in sex and conversation, alternately ignoring and obsessing about the consequences of their actions. By the play’s end we realize that mankind’s collective obsession with sex and death ties us together inexorably; that it transcends class and gender, rendering us all equals.

La Ronde will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, with one Sunday matinee at 4:00 PM on February 20.

Reunion: A Music Epic by Jack Kyrieleison

February 9 - March 6, 2011  |  Call for Ticket Prices  |  Meadow Brook Theatre at Oakland University  | Website

This retelling of the Civil War was adapted from letters, diaries, memoirs and newspapers, all written by the men and women who were there.  It deals with the struggle of the North to mobolize politically, militarily and emotionally, to decide, even as soldiers are dying, just what it is fighting for and against.  The whole story is set to the music that was popular during the war.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hayden & Dvorak

February 11 & 12, 2011  |  $19.00 - $123.00  |  Orchestra Hall  | www.detroitsymphony.com

Arild Remmereit, Conductor

Lynn Harrell, Cello

Showtimes: Fri 8:00 PM, Sat 8:30 PM

Al Jarreau Valentine's Concert with the DSO

February 13, 2011  |  7:00 PM  |  $15.00 - $105.00  |  Orchestra Hall  | www.detroitsymphony.com

Bring that special someone to Orchestra Hall this Valentine’s weekend for the smooth voice that is unmistakably Al Jarreau. In concert with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Al Jarreau sings all your silky favorites, from “Mornin” to “Moonlighting.” He’s the only artist ever to win Grammys in three categories: Jazz, Pop and R & B. It’s the perfect way to romance your sweetheart!

Cirque du Soleil: Dralion

February 16 - 20, 2011  |  $31.00 - $103.00  |  Joe Louis Arena  |  313.396.7901

Thrilling more than 8 million people worldwide since the show premiered in 1999, Dralion is the fusion of ancient Chinese circus traditions and the avant-garde style of Cirque du Soleil. In Fall 2010, Dralion will embark on a new journey, performing the same captivating production, but now in arenas throughout North America, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own town.

The name Dralion (pronounced "Dra-lee-on") is drawn from its two main symbols: the dragon, representing the East, and the lion, representing the West. Dralion derives much of its inspiration from Eastern philosophy with its perpetual quest for harmony between humankind and nature. The international cast features 52 world-class acrobats, gymnasts, musicians, singers and comedic characters.

Showtimes Wed-Thu 7:30 PM, Fri-Sat 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM, Sun 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Camillo Returns

February 17 & 19, 2011  |  $19.00 - $123.00  |  Orchestra Hall  | www.detroitsymphony.com

Leonard Slatkin, Conductor

Michel Camilo, Piano

Showtimes: Thu 7:30 PM, Fri 8:00 PM, Sat 8:30 PM

Flow by Will Power

February 18 - 27, 2011  |  Call for Ticket Prices  |  The Bonstelle Theatre at Wayne State University  | Website

In the Michigan premier of this acclaimed 2003 Off-Broadway show, the oral tradition of American storytelling will be turned on its head!  Broadway veteran and Detroit native Aku Kadogo will direct an ensemble cast (a new spin to this previously performed solo work), to create a new-age tribe of American griots.  This production is sure to be heartening and high-energy with six significant life lessons intertwined with cultural and social commentary.

Burn The Floor

February 22 - March 6, 2011  |  Call for Ticket Prices  |  Fisher Theatre  | Website

The international dance sensation Burn the Floor visits the Detroit direct from its record-breaking run on Broadway! You've seen Ballroom dance on shows like "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance." Now, with Burn the Floor, you will feel, live on stage, all the passion, the drama and the sizzling excitement of 20 gorgeous champion dancers, featuring Anya Garnis, Pasha Kovalev, Robbie Kmetoni, Janette Manrara and Karen Hauer from TV's "So You Think You Can Dance" and Vonzell Solomon from "American Idol" in a true theatrical experience, a performance with a grace and athleticism that The New York Times calls, "Dazzling!"
 
From Harlem's hot nights at The Savoy, where dances such as the Lindy, Foxtrot and Charleston were born, to the Latin Quarter where the Cha-Cha, Rumba and Salsa steamed up the stage, Burn the Floor takes audiences on a journey through the passionate drama of dance. The elegance of the Viennese Waltz, the exuberance of the Jive, the intensity of the Paso Doble - audiences will experience them all, as well as the Tango, Samba, Mambo, Quickstep and Swing.

Showtimes Tuesday - Saturday at 8:00 PM, Sunday Evenings at 7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM.

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Gershwin & The American Songbook

February 24 - 27, 2011  |  $19.00 - $70.00  |  Orchestra Hall  | www.detroitsymphony.com

The "Fascinatin' Rhythms" of George Gershwin will fill Orchestra Hall as Ann Hampton Callaway sings the very best from the Gershwin songbook. The New York Times declares, "For sheer vocal beauty, no contemporary singer matches Ms. Callaway." Hear her sing all your favorites. 'S Wonderful…'S Marvelous.

Steve Reineke, Conductor

Showtimes: Thu 10:45 AM & 8:00 PM, Fri-Sat 8:30 PM, Sun 3:00 PM

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