Encore Michigan

Hope Rep’s dynamic ‘Doll People’ great new musical for kids

Review July 10, 2014
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre's Children's Performance Troupe has discovered a delightful new children's musical, "The Doll People," which opened July 9 for a packed house... Continue Reading

Musical revue revs up ’60s jukebox numbers

Review June 28, 2014
It's clean and wholesome – a place where dirt gets washed away and a kiss can change a life. "Suds," now playing at Cornwell's Dinner... Continue Reading

Mason Street sizzles with Fosse moves

Review June 28, 2014
Just when you thought the summer was finally getting warm enough, Mason Street Warehouse in Saugatuck cranks it up a few degrees with a sizzling... Continue Reading

Nothing held back in this fun parody

Review June 26, 2014
What does it take to succeed in show business? Talent, hard work, connections? Or just some good old-fashioned ruthlessness? The title of this musical parody... Continue Reading

‘Very Bad Day’ good for kids, parents

Review June 25, 2014
Alexander may be having a lousy day, but it was a great morning for about 100 kids attending the season opener for Hope Summer Repertory's... Continue Reading

Strong characters, big secrets in appealing ‘Last Romance’

Review June 21, 2014
Much of "The Last Romance" takes place in a dog park, a setting that reflects the dogged nature of its main character, 80-year-old widower Ralph... Continue Reading

Ensemble cast brings strength to American classic

Review June 20, 2014
It takes an ensemble to pull off a classic such as Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun," and Hope Summer Rep provides its production... Continue Reading

Storms and darkness haunt ‘Detroit’

Review June 19, 2014
No one can question the dedication or commitment of the actors and stage crew in "Detroit." Not when they persist through two hours of rain... Continue Reading

Playful and poignant, premiere works on every level

Review June 14, 2014
Sometimes the more specific something is, the more its themes become universal. Playwright and director Rob Roznowski premiered "The Summer Circle" at Michigan State University's... Continue Reading

Hope’s ‘Music’ brings the stage alive

Review June 14, 2014
By Carolyn Hayes How do you solve a problem like "The Sound of Music" (music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by... Continue Reading