The Rundown | Dec. 19, 2025- Now Playing!
- Dec 19, 2025
- 14 min read
Welcome to THE RUNDOWN, a quick hit highlight of the shows now playing on stage in Michigan. The end of the year is almost here, and stages across the state are sprinting to the finish line. So, dive on in and keep an eye open for special discounts available ONLY to Encore Subscribers! You know what we're gonna say...Get On Up and Go See A Show!
Anyone Can Be Santa
A Tantalizin' Remark
Though His Boots Are Not My Size
With a Twinkle In My Eyes
I Could Be Santa Claus
PLACES PLEASE, THIS IS YOUR PLACES CALL!
Here's THE RUNDOWN for Friday, December 19, 2025.
ENCORE PARTNERS
EM is happy to announce a new program called Encore Partners. This exciting opportunity gives you, our Encore Michigan Subscribers, special discounts with productions across the state.
Look for this badge and check for discounts on tickets for plays, musicals, and productions with our dedicated Encore Partners.
We're thrilled to welcome our first three Encore Partners to this program:
Wayne State University
The Detroit Repertory Theatre
and Detroit Public Theatre!
Visit these amazing producing organizations and get special discounts available ONLY for EM Subscribers.
Interested in becoming an Encore Partner? Email info@encoremichigan.com and join the team!
CLOSING THIS WEEKEND
DPT HOLIDAY CABARET | Detroit Public Theatre | Runs Dec 4 - 21
Detroit Public Theatre (DPT) is thrilled to announce the cast for their 3rd DETROIT PUBLIC THEATRE HOLIDAY CABARET, Directed and co-created by Co-Founder and Co-Producing Artistic Director, Courtney Burkett.
The cast of DPT’S HOLIDAY CABARET includes returning cast members, Eric Gutman and Bryana Hall, plus NEW cast members, Lulu Fall, X. Alexander Durden and Mariah Colby.
What began as a playful end-of-year event has grown into one of DPT’s most anticipated offerings, attracting both returning fans and new audiences eager for a festive, Detroit-forward celebration. This year’s production features all new music, two returning and three new cast members, and DPT’s signature mix of bawdy, beautiful, and heartwarming performances.
Directed by: Courtney Burkett
Music Direction by: Eric Gutman
MACKERS THE ELF | Planet Ant | Runs Dec 12 - 21
Mystic Heroes Theatre in collaboration with Planet Ant Theatre presents the world premiere of Mackers the Elf by local playwright Daniel DeRey.
A young elf named Mackers finds himself at a crossroads when he meets a group of witches who prophesize him to be the North Pole's new leader but in order to do so he must perform the unthinkable! With his conniving wife Susan in his ear, Mackers does the horrid holiday deed only to find the consequences are more treacherous than he could have ever imagined.
Mackers the Elf, a Christmas dark comedy based on Shakespeare's Macbeth, has everything you could want in a Christmas classic; murder, Christmas cookies, candy cane shivs, and of course Tim Burton. This show is Rated R for violence and language.
Written & Directed by: Daniel DeRey
STEEL POINTSETTIAS | The Ringwald | Runs Dec 5 - 21
The Ringwald Theatre’s annual holiday parody has come to town! Steel Poinsettias, the unauthorized parody sequel to Steel Magnolias lands at the Ferndale theatre just in time for the holidays. Performances run December 5–21, 2025, with shows on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 7:00 pm, and matinees on Sundays at 3:00 pm.
The beloved gang from Truvy’s Beauty Spot are back! As the ladies prepare for the holidays, a monkey wrench is thrown into the proceedings as Shelby’s son, Jackson, Jr., announces a life-changing decision that throws M’Lynn for a loop. Truvy, Annelle, Clairee, and Ouiser, along with Annelle’s daughter (also named Shelby), band together to get the holidays back on track and to keep everyone in Chinquapin Parish happy, healthy, and in the pink (well, Blush and Bashful).
Packed with razor-sharp humor, outrageous antics, and everyone’s favorite emotion – laughter through tears, Steel Poinsettias is a love letter to its source material and the perfect campy holiday confection!
Written by: Vince Kelley
Directed by: Vince Kelley & Brandy Joe Plambeck
SCROOGE IN ROUGE | The Inspired Acting Company | Runs Dec 5 - 21
The Inspired Acting Company has announced the cast for their upcoming production of “Scrooge in Rouge,” playing December 5-21. A bawdy musical in the British Music Hall style, the show centers on a troupe of actors set to perform the Dickens holiday classic — but 17 of the 20 players fall ill. The remaining three must keep the show going, covering all the parts between them in a flurry of wigs, costume changes, and double-entendres. “Brace yourself for cheeky humor, corsets in chaos, show tunes gone sideways, and a whirlwind of accents that defy both logic and geography,” says director Jeff Thomakos.
Written by: Ricky Graham, Jeffery Roberson, Yvette Hargis, Jefferson Turner
Directed by: Jeff Thomakos
A VERY NORTHVILLE CHRISTMAS | Tipping Point Theatre | Runs Nov 19 - Dec 21
Opening on November 19th, Tipping Point
Theatre (TPT) continues its 18th Season by presenting the return of a Southeast
Michigan favorite, A Very Northville Christmas by Robert Hawlmark.
A Very Northville Christmas is a play that parodies the concept of the “Hallmark Holiday” movie – a genre that features a handful of premieres centered around a busy career-focused woman who temporarily finds herself in her small hometown, where she reconnects with her simpler hometown ways and is caught in the conflict between her career ambitions and her growing love towards a local man.
Written by: Robert Hawlmark
Directed by: Julia Glander
A SHERLOCK CAROL | Williamston Theatre | Runs Nov 13 - Dec 21
Williamston celebrates the holiday season with A Sherlock Carol by Mark
Shanahan. Performances for this heartwarming tale begin Thursday, November 13 and run through Sunday, December 21. Tickets are now on sale.
Two beloved classic tales. One thrilling new mystery! When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his tools of
deduction to get to the bottom of the crime. Reunite with the characters you love from Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, brought together in a story of intrigue and suspense, with a holiday helping of Christmas cheer.
Written by: Mark Shanahan
Directed by: Rob Rosnowski
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NOW PLAYING
PRIMARY TRUST | Detroit Repertory Theatre | Runs Nov 7 - Dec 28
The Detroit Repertory Theatre begins its 69th Season with the Detroit Premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning Primary Trust by Eboni Booth. The production opens on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 8pm, with a Champagne Afterglow, and runs through December 28, 2025, with four shows a week on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Primary Trust is an achingly beautiful tale that celebrates friendship, connection, and small acts of kindness that can change a person’s life—and an entire community.
Use The Code ENCORE for special $25 tickets.
Written by: Eboni Booth
Directed by: Antoine McKay
FROZEN | The Encore Musical Theatre Company | Runs Dec 4 - Jan. 11
This winter, The Encore Musical Theatre Company invites audiences to step into the kingdom of Arendelle with its upcoming production of Disney’s Frozen. The highly anticipated musical marks the first professional regional production of Frozen in Michigan, and early ticket sales are already breaking records. With extra matinees added throughout the limited six-week run, plus an early 7PM curtain time, the show promises to be a centerpiece of the holiday season—and an unforgettable family outing.
““Frozen is a story about connection and love—and in our intimate space, you can feel that in a very real way.” Artistic Director Dan Cooney,
With its stunning visuals, touching story, and timeless message of love and courage, Frozen is
ideal for audiences of all ages.
Directed by: Dan Cooney
DJ WHITTINGTON'S KOOL KAT: A HIP-HOP PANTO | Theatre Nova | Runs Dec 5 - Jan 4 | www.theatrenova.org
The holiday hilarity of our annual Panto returns. Bring the whole family to this rollicking all-ages entertainment with a hip-hop twist. Cheer the hero, boo the villain, and enjoy original tunes and kid-friendly parodies of popular hip-hop songs -- set to The Kool Kat’s sick beats.
Directed and music directed by Mike Sandusky, the cast features Nic Folson, Mo Murray, and Alaina Kerr. The production team includes Jade Guerriero (lights), Mary Perrin (costumes/props), and Briana O’Neal (set/stage manager). “DJ WHITTINGTON'S KOOL KAT: A HIP-HOP PANTO” will run December 5, 2025- January 4, 2026 at Theatre NOVA (410 W Huron St, Ann Arbor). Performances are Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm. General admission tickets are $32 for adults, $12 for kids ages 16 and under, $25 for seniors ages 65 and over, and $15 for students with student IDs at the door. Tickets may be purchased online at www.TheatreNOVA.org
LIVE HOLIDAY CONCERT EXPERIENCES | West Michigan Symphony | Various Dates
West Michigan Symphony presents its annual Home for the Holidays concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19 in the inspiring setting of the beautiful, historic Frauenthal Theater, surrounded by a magically decorated downtown Muskegon.
Multifaceted Jazz artist Paul Keller Brings his Celebrated Quintet to The Block for A Jazzy Christmas The Michigan-based Paul Keller Quintet is dedicated to delighting audiences with their unique brand of high-energy, top-shelf jazz and swing. They have recently added a 4 p.m. performance of A Jazzy Christmas at The Block on Saturday, December 13.
Clickity Clack Ho Ho Ho Unique Storybook Series Returns to The Block What would the holidays be without the West Michigan Symphony Brass Quintet “reindeer” performing great seasonal music for youngsters? Based on the book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, Clickity Clack Ho Ho Ho takes the audience on a visit to Farmer Brown’s barn to find out what the animals are up to for Christmas.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL | Meadow Brook Theatre | Runs Nov 21 - Dec 24
One of southeast Michigan’s favorite holiday traditions returns for its 43rd year when
Ebenezer, Tiny Tim and a handful of ghosts raise your spirits in A Christmas Carol at
Meadow Brook Theatre this November and December.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, original adaptation and staging by Charles
Nolte, runs at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester from November 21 through December 24.
Veteran MBT actor Phil Powers returns to the role of Ebenezer Scrooge this year after his spectacular debut in 2024.
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SCREENINGS & STREAMING
BLACK SANTA | Streaming Dec. 13 | The Obsidian Theatre Festival
The Obsidian Theatre Festival releases BLACK SANTS for streaming, this December 13th.
Before Abbott Elementary, there was Patrice at Dartmouth Day School....Shortly before Christmas break, a third grader named Sharifa stands in front of her class and says, “Santa Claus is a black man from Detroit," sending the school into an uproar. To quell the storm, Patrice Patterson, the school's only black teacher, is asked to create an ad campaign within the school to make Santa white again. As events unfold, Sharifa’s enrollment is placed in jeopardy, and Patrice must decide how to protect Sharifa and ultimately herself. This absurdist comedy examines how race and racial bias can have a foothold on one of the most benign figures—Santa Claus.
Written by: Aaron Mays
Directed by: Will Bryson
TI'MON | The Obsidian Theatre Festival
The Obsidian Theatre Festival, the flagship program of the GhostLight Arts Initiative (GLAI), is proud to announce the streaming release TI'MON. Having gained national recognition as a platform for emerging Black voices, OTF continues to break new ground through the streaming of original plays, musicals, music, and conversation.
TI’MON is a bold new musical by Ashlee and Ziyan, centered on the immigrant experience, family, and imagination. What makes this piece truly unique is the accompanying behind-the-scenes documentary following the development process with dramaturg Kanoa Sims. TI’MON premiered on Tuesday, July 22nd on the GhostLight YouTube channel . The full feature piece is now available to stream on obsidianfest.org.
THE GOLDEN LOC | The Obsidian Theatre Festival | Premiering August 19
Prentiss Matthew III's award-winning play for young audiences, The Golden Loc, is set to premiere on August 19th. The piece, which was presented as part of The Obsidian Theatre Festival's 4th Season, was directed by Asia Mark and starred local actors Khalia Damali, Jarquita Evans, DeNitria Gibson, Tayler Jones, Princess Beyonce Jones, Chelsea King, and QueenMakeeda Taylor as "Zia".
The show received the "Best Play" award in 2024 from BroadwayWorld Michigan and recently became available for production through Plays For New Audiences.
Written by: Prentiss Matthews III
Directed by: Asia Mark
COMING SOON
THE MOUNTAINTOP | Detroit Public Theatre | Runs Feb 4 - March 8
The Mountaintop is a gripping re-imagining of events the night before the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Taking place on April 3, 1968, after the legendary civil right leader delivers one of his most memorable speeches, the exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel while a storm rages outside. When a mysterious stranger arrives and reveals a secret, Dr. King is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people.
Use the code ENCORE and receive a $5 discount on all General Admission - Standard tickets.
Written by: Katori Hall
Directed by: Brian Marable
JULIUS CAESAR | Wayne State University | Runs Feb 6 - 15
William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar is a gripping political drama about power, ambition, and betrayal. When the beloved Roman leader Julius Caesar’s rise sparks fear of tyranny, his closest allies conspire against him, leading to one of history’s most infamous assassinations. As Rome plunges into chaos, Mark Antony’s impassioned rhetoric turns the tide, setting the stage for war and tragedy. A timeless exploration of political intrigue and moral dilemmas, Julius Caesar remains a compelling reflection on leadership, loyalty, and the consequences of ambition.
Use the code ENCORE25 and receive a $5 discount.
Directed by: Karen Sheridan
THE PIANO LESSON | Detroit Repertory Theatre | Runs Jan 9 - March 15
The Detroit Repertory Theatre continues its 69th Season and the production of the American Century Cycle with August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, winner of the 1990 Pulitzer Prize. The production opens on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 8pm.
August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson is the fourth installment of the American Century Cycle and a haunting play about legacy. Berniece and her brother Boy Willie fight over the fate of the family piano; she treasures it as a precious connection to their ancestors, and he sees it as the means to a more prosperous future.
Use The Code ENCORE for special $25 tickets.
Written by: August Wilson
Directed by: Janai Lashon
FOR COLORED GIRLS... | The Cholate Box Theatre Company (at Planet Ant) | Runs Jan 9-17
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf is a powerful choreopoem that weaves together poetry, music, dance, and storytelling to illuminate the emotional journeys of women of color. Through deeply personal and collective narratives, the cast explores love, betrayal, abandonment, trauma, joy, and healing with unapologetic truth.
Each piece reflects both the pain and power of survival, giving voice to stories too often silenced. This production serves as both a mirror and a balm—confronting darkness while celebrating resilience, sisterhood, and self-worth. Audiences will laugh, cry, reflect, and ultimately leave uplifted.
Written by: Ntozake Shange
Directed by: CJ Williams
A SMALL FAMILY BUSINESS | Avon Players | Runs Jan 9- 24
One well-meaning family man will learn just how quickly compromising one’s principles can lead to calamity as Avon Players Theatre presents A Small Family Business,
running January 9-24.
Jack McCracken (Ryan Gigliotti) has the opportunity of a lifetime: he is the new head of a family furniture business and believes he will initiate a new age of honesty and integrity within the company. He quickly learns that all others involved in the enterprise—namely his own relations and their associates—have a vested interest
in maintaining business as usual, rife with dishonesty and deceit. From a master of satire comes a darkly comic play that asks just how long a person’s good intentions can stand up to a system in which blackmail, adultery, drug use, and even murder are the status quo.
Written by: Alan Ayckbourn
Directed by: Kelly Miller
MARIACHI VARGAS de TECALITLAN | Detroit Opera | May 9
Detroit Opera House presents Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán for a special performance on May 9 at 7:30pm, the day before Mother’s Day, which is celebrated in the U.S. and in Mexico on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Mariachi Vargas has performed internationally for six generations and is widely recognized as “El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo” (the best mariachi in the world). The legendary Mariachi Vargas ensemble brings more than a century of tradition, virtuosity, and passion to the performance. The musicians perform with tight ensemble precision, featuring polished arrangements that often include vocal solos, duets, or trios. Sets span a variety of mariachi styles: sones, rancheras, huapangos, polkas, valses, and more, with singers joined by violins, trumpets, harp, guitarron, vilhuera, and guitar.
Tickets for Mariachi Vargas go on pre-sale Monday, November 3 at 12pmET at Ticketmaster, detroitopera.org, and in person at the Detroit Opera House. The public on-sale date is Thursday, November 6 at 12pmET. Tickets start at $39. Special VIP seating with beverage service is available.
A WALK IN THE PARK | Buckham Alley Theatre | Runs Jan 23-25, 2026
Join us for A Walk in the Park, an original play written by local playwright, Steven Shelton. As we stroll through this lovely park setting, we encounter characters in the Buckham Bistro, witness meet-ups in the Wiggly Field dog park, and get to know two old friends playing their usual game of chess. There is much laughter, surprise encounters, and some sweet moments that will have you saying "Awww!" A visit to this sunny city park will make you forget all the snow outside!
In Act II, the laughter continues, with four short original vignettes, creating zany situations with surprise endings. You will think you are on the set of Saturday Night Live.
Written by: Steven Shelton
Directed by: Matthew Osterberg
HADESTOWN | The Wharton Center | Runs Jan 30 - Feb 1
Hadestown, the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards®, including Best New Musical and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will arrive in East Lansing in 2026. As part of the 2025 26 Broadway Season, the show will play at Wharton Center from January 30 to February 1, 2026.
Hadestown is the most honored show of the 2018-2019 Broadway season. In addition to the show’s eight Tony Awards®, it has been honored with four Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical.
Following two intertwining love stories—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone—Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, Hadestown delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.
HANDEL'S ALCINA | Oakland University School of Music | Runs Jan 15 - 18
Oakland Opera proudly announces its upcoming production of G.F. Handel’s Alcina, presented January 15–18, 2026. Performed by Oakland Opera’s talented students, this reimagined staging places Handel’s exquisite music within a contemporary influencer-house setting, blending classical artistry with modern visual culture.
The production incorporates live image capture, immersive projection design, and an entirely
re-envisioned script developed with the support of artificial intelligence. The result is a bold,
innovative interpretation that promises to both captivate and challenge audiences, offering a
fresh perspective on one of Handel’s most beloved operas.
EIMEAR NOONE IN GAMESYMPHONIC | Detroit Opera Orchestra | June 13
Detroit will be home to magical worlds, post-apocalyptic wastelands, Godly labyrinths, and more, when GameSymphonic comes to the Detroit Opera House on June 13, 2026 at 7:30pm. GameSymphonic will feature iconic music from some of the world’s best-loved videogames, performed live by the Detroit Opera Orchestra and award-winning videogame conductor/composer Eímear Noone. Ticket presale begins on December 16 at 12pmET and continues through December 18 at 11:59pmET. Public tickets go on sale on December 19 at 10amET. Tickets start at $39 (plus fees), and available at the Detroit Opera box office and Ticketmaster.
AND THAT'S THE RUNDOWN! There is so much going on across the state, and WE KNOW this isn't a comprehensive list. So, if you think there's something we missed, please reach out.
Until Next Time. Break Legs!
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