The Rundown | June 27, 2025
- John Sloan III
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Updated: 21 hours ago
Welcome to THE RUNDOWN: Michigan's Performing Arts Highlights!
This weekend is packed with amazing shows, events, and artistry. It might be a day late, but we have all the content you need. So, get out and see a show!
CLOSING SOON
LIMITLESS: A GHOSTLIGHT GALA
The GhostLight Arts Initiative | June 29
The GhostLight Arts Initiative is excited to announce the first-ever GhostLight Gala on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Garden Theatre. This unique, one-night-only event celebrates the achievements of five seasons of the Obsidian Theatre Festival (OTF). It will honor two artistic legends in Detroit's dynamic arts community. Simultaneously, we launch a bold new chapter in GhostLight’s mission-driven work in the performing arts.
“Limitless: A GhostLight Gala — Ignite the Possibilities” will be hosted by Ben Will. The event features screenings of previously unseen content, along with thrilling performances by Lulu Fall, Bryana Hall, Xavier Durden, and Mike Sandusky.
The gala will also pay tribute to two extraordinary artists. Njia Kai is a legendary Detroit cultural arts producer and curator, while Dr. George Shirley is the first African American tenor to take on a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera. He is also a professor at The University of Michigan and a National Medal of Arts recipient. Both will have awards named after them:
The Njia Kai Award for Arts Activism & Community Engagement
The George Shirley Award for Excellence in Artistic Performance
Proceeds from the gala will support The Obsidian Theatre Festival, Encore Michigan, and the Detroit IMPACT Arts Conference.
Check out Encore Editor-in-Chief and GhostLight Executive Director John Sloan on American Black Journal, where they discuss the gala with our two honorees.
Directed by: John Sloan III
Music Direction by: Brian E. Buckner
NOW PLAYING
THE GIRL WHO SWALLOWED A CACTUS
The Tibbits Opera House | Runs June 27-28
When Sheila and her friends decide to build the ultimate summer fort, they attract the attention of a fancy coyote. Suddenly, they're zooming through a desert filled with talking cacti and howling councils. It’s a wild adventure filled with hilariously strange creatures. Can they save the day, or will they end up in a prickly situation?
Written by: Eric Coble
COVENANT
The Detroit Repertory Theatre | Runs May 16 - July 6
In Covenant, Johnny “Honeycomb” James returns to town two years after vanishing. Now a blues star, rumors swirl about how he gained his musical genius. This Gothic play is inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, exploring the thin line between truth and rumor about the power of belief.
Written by: York Walker
Directed by: Will Bryson
WEST SIDE STORY
The Encore Musical Theatre | Runs June 5-July 6
Catch the magical West Side Story, a Broadway classic inspired by Romeo and Juliet. This production features acclaimed choreography by Deanna Aguinaga-Whyte, along with talented cast members such as Daniela Rodriguez Del Bosque as Maria and Conor Jordan as Tony.
Directed by: Michael Berry
Choreography by: Deanna Aguinaga-Whyte
Music Direction by: R. MackKenzie Lewis
Upcoming Highlights: Personal Experiences
STRATFORD & MICHIGAN: A Cultural Connection Across Borders
Stratford isn’t just a place for theatre; it offers a serene atmosphere along the Avon River. Here, one can grab coffee in a cozy café, see a show, and then discuss it in the park. This calming rhythm makes it a perfect escape.
Such an environment kept drawing me back year after year.
INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCES TO CATCH THIS WEEKEND
INCIDENT OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
Williamston Theatre | Runs June 26-Aug 3
This Michigan premiere follows nineteen-year-old Linda O’Shea, tasked with an awkward conversation she overhears involving her parish priest. This comedic play explores family dynamics with humor and relatability.
Written by: Katie Forgette
Directed by: Karen Sheridan
ACT THREE
The Tibbits Opera House | Runs June 27-July 5
Three legendary actors return to the iconic Barton Playhouse for their greatest residency yet. With a mix of Shakespeare and hilarious antics, can they reconcile their pasts?
Written by: Brenda Sparks
GET INVOLVED
Are you searching for talent, teaching a workshop, or hiring new staff?
Post your audition notice, job, or workshop information through Encore Michigan. Reach thousands of performing arts professionals across the state. It's simple and effective!
COMING SOON TO THEATRES NEAR YOU
NOW. HEAR. THIS.
Inspired Acting Company | Runs July 11-27
A vibrant musical about friends navigating their lives, Now. Hear. This. is set to be inspiring and relatable. The show features the struggles and triumphs of everyday life.
Directed by: Jeff Thomakos
BEAUTIFUL, THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
Farmer's Alley Theatre | Runs July 10-20
Explore the life of Carole King through her music. The tale of a girl who became an American music icon unfolds in this enchanting production featuring classic hits.
Directed by: Kathy Mulay
FINAL THOUGHTS
AND THAT'S THE RUNDOWN! So much is happening across Michigan. Have we missed something important? Please reach out!
Until next time, Break Legs!
Get featured in THE RUNDOWN!
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