Encore Michigan

Unique and unconventional, ‘Tongues’ stays one step ahead of its audience

Review January 13, 2015
by John Quinn Posted: Jan. 13, 2015 at 2:20 p.m. When Bailey Boudreau welcomes his patrons to the “unconventional performance space” now housing Slipstream Theatre... Continue Reading

Things My Mother Taught Me: One ‘Mother’ of an ensemble makes comedy to savor

Review January 11, 2015
by Carolyn Hayes Harmer Posted: Jan. 11, 2015 at 6:13 p.m. Theater satisfies different tastes and appetites in the same way that food does. Just... Continue Reading

In ‘Helen & Edgar,’ memories of the ‘best, funnest, most beautiful (and maddest) mother’

Review January 09, 2015
by John Quinn Posted: Jan. 9, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. The French have a word for it, and the word is “raconteur.” If that word... Continue Reading

Detroit Rep’s ‘Sweet Pea’s Mama’ plays on familiar types

Review January 09, 2015
by Jenn McKee Posted: Jan. 09, 2015 at 4:45 p.m. In Robert Lawrence Nelson’s play “Sweet Pea’s Mama” – set near the end of Martin... Continue Reading

‘Little Girls’ still rule ‘Annie’

Review December 17, 2014
There's much about Annie that is hard to resist: kids, dogs, memorable music, political jokes, and amusing bad guys who get it in the end.... Continue Reading

A circus takes the stage

Review December 17, 2014
I'm imagining "Cirque Dreams Holidaze" creator Neil Goldberg asking young Kristine Hakobyan when she might be able to join the troupe and hearing her answer,... Continue Reading

Beck bubbles as Avonlea’s Anne

Review December 13, 2014
When you have a strong asset, you're going to use it. Especially when that asset has proved repeatedly she's up to whatever is asked of... Continue Reading

Strong talent spins ’round Farmer’s Alley

Review December 07, 2014
For Broadway divas Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera, the song-writing duo of John Kander and Fred Ebb were their go-to guys for music that would... Continue Reading

Williamston welcomes the holidays with heartwarming comedy

Review December 06, 2014
Every family has its secrets – some more than others. "Miracle on South Division Street," now playing at Williamston Theater, reminds one a little of... Continue Reading

Great Escape charms with holiday classic

Review December 05, 2014
When it comes to heartwarming and uplifting, few stories can compete with "It's a Wonderful Life." It's one of the reasons it has been adapted... Continue Reading