The Rundown | March 5, 2026 - Now Playing!
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Welcome to THE RUNDOWN, a quick hit highlight of the plays, musicals, concerts, and cabarets now playing on stages in Michigan.
Spring is around the corner, and this weekend is JAM-PACKED! Some shows prepare for their final bow, as others get ready to make their debut. Dive in to this week's Rundown and make sure you don't miss a thing! And, as always, we have discounts available ONLY to Encore Subscribers! Come on now, you know what we're gonna say,.. Get On Up and Go See A Show!
Call the Principal and Hand Him the News
We've Got A Holiday That He Can't Refuse
A Day of Harmony,
A Day of Music
PLACES PLEASE, THIS IS YOUR PLACES CALL!
Here's THE RUNDOWN for Thursday, March 5, 2026.
CLOSING THIS WEEKEND
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.
The cast features Brian Sullivan Taylor as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rebecca Rose Mims as Camae.
Use the code ENCORE and receive a $5 discount on all General Admission - Standard tickets.
Written by: Katori Hall
Directed by: Brian Marable
THE HANDMAID'S TALE | Detroit Opera | Runs March 1 - 7
Detroit Opera’s 25/26 opera season continues with three performances of The Handmaid’s Tale, Poul Ruders and Paul Bentley’s operatic adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s chilling, dystopian novel, at the Detroit Opera House on March 1, 5, and 7.
Leading up to the performances, in February Detroit Opera will partner with local organizations for four free community events in Detroit and Ann Arbor. This will be the first time The Handmaid’s Tale has been performed at Detroit Opera. This staging of the opera was first presented in 2025 at Canada’s Opera at Banff Centre, and will be performed in Detroit with an expanded orchestration.
PIPELINE | Flint Community Players | Runs Feb 27 - March 8
Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher, is committed to her students but desperate to give her only son Omari opportunities they’ll never have. When a controversial incident at his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. But will she be able to reach him before a world beyond her control pulls him away?
With profound compassion and lyricism, Pipeline brings an urgent conversation powerfully to the fore. Morisseau pens a deeply moving story of a mother’s fight to give her son a future — without turning her back on the community that made him who he is.
Written by: Dominique Morriseau
Directed by: X. Alexander Durden
BROKE-OLOGY | Tipping Point Theatre | Runs Feb 11 - March 8
A new play currently runs at Tipping Point Theatre through March 8.
BROKE-OLOGY by Nathan Louis Jackson – a
powerful play about two brothers trying to balance their aspirations with the
responsibilities of caring for an aging parent. Leading this production is Jesse Boyd
Williams, a young Metro Detroit native who is not only making his directorial debut at
the professional theatre scene, but as the youngest director in Tipping Point Theatre’s
nearly 20-year history.
Written by award-winning playwright Nathan Louis Jackson, BROKE-OLOGY takes place
during the Great Recession in Kansas City, KS. The play examines the dynamics of the
King family – a family which has weathered life’s hardships.
Written by: Nathan Louis Jackson
Directed by: Jesse Boyd Williams
WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME | Meadow Brook theatre | Feb 11 - March 8
As a teenager, playwright Heidi Schreck travelled the country speaking and debating
about the U.S. Constitution, raising enough money to pay for her college education.
Through the Pulitzer Prize-nominated play What the Constitution Means to Me the
character of Heidi shares the playwright’s story of what she learned—and taught—along the way.
The cast includes Dani Cochrane and Cheryl Turski, alternating the role of Heidi, and is rounded out by Timothy C. Goodwin as the Legionnaire and Gracie Walch as the Debater.
“What the Constitution Means to Me is one of the most meaningful plays I’ve ever seen,” Travis W. Walter, Meadow Brook Theatre artistic director.
Written by: Heidi Schreck
Directed by: Travis W. Walter
DIAL M FOR MURDER | Williamston Theatre | Runs Feb 5 - March 8
Williamston, starts off 2026 with Dial M for Murder adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the original by Frederick Knott.
Do you believe in the perfect murder? When Tony Wendice discovers a love letter meant for his wife, a vengeful obsession takes over. He plots revenge, hires an old friend to do the unthinkable, and sets a meticulous plan in motion — until one mistake sends everything into a spiral.
Dial M for Murder is Jeffrey Hatcher’s sharp adaptation of a classic suspense thriller that gives the iconic story new life.
Written by: Jeffrey Hatcher
Directed by: Jasmine Rivera
THE CLASSIC KING | Purple Rose Theatre Company | Runs Jan 29 - March 8
The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) announces the winter production of their 35th season, The Classic King a world-premiere comedy by Richard Johnson. Tickets are on sale now.
In paying tribute to timeless automobiles, The Classic King paints a comic and heartbreaking portrait of three veteran used-car salesmen at a Metro Detroit dealership, struggling to cope with a changing industry and modern customers. When a sharp Gen Z salesman joins the team, he proposes a daring scheme to save the dealership — and its “dinosaur” salesmen — from extinction.
This production of The Classic King contains adult content and may not be suitable for children under the age of 13.
Written by: Richard Johnson
Directed by: Jeff Daniels
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OPENING THIS WEEKEND
UNSEEN | Teen Hype | Runs March 5-6
Teen HYPE is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated annual theatrical production, Unseen. For just under two decades, Teen HYPE has produced youth-led theatrical productions. This dynamic play will take place at the Heinz C. Prechter Educational and Performing Arts Center (1000 Northline Road, Taylor, MI) on Thursday, March 5, and Friday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. (for students and educators), and Friday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m. (for the general public).
“Unseen” explores the critical issue of missing Black girls through an original youth-created theatrical experience. This powerful production examines how systemic failures make some children invisible to those who should care the most. Through compelling performances, the show challenges our community to embrace collective responsibility for every child’s safety and well-being. This production addresses the themes of community vigilance, systemic accountability, child safety, and the power of collective action. Audiences will leave empowered to be the eyes and ears for children in their communities.
Written by: Mallory Childs
HOME | Inspired Acting Company | Runs March 6 - March 15
The Inspired Acting Company is thrilled to share its upcoming production of Home by Samm-Art Williams, playing February 27 through March 15.
Filled with lyrical poetry, music, and dance, Home is an emotional exploration of resilience and the unyielding hope for redemption and belonging. This intimate, powerful drama is brought to life by just three actors—one man and two women who transform seamlessly into more than 40 characters, ranging from teenagers to adults. First premiering in 1980 and earning Best Play nominations for both the Drama Desk Award and the Tony Award, Samm-Art Williams’ Home feels as resonant and innovative as ever. The play offers a lyrical portrait of a Black Southern farmer navigating war, incarceration, love, and liberation, while centering joy, humor, and humanity.
Written by: Samm-Art Williams
Directed by: Bryana Hall
MISERY | Farmer's Alley Theatre| Runs March 5 - 15
If you’re looking for a night at the theatre that will keep you pinned to the edge of your
seat, look no further - STEPHEN KING’s MISERY is coming to Farmers Alley Theatre this spring. Adapted by William Goldman, this nerve-tingling play stars Paul Stroili and Laura Jordan and will be directed by Kathy Mulay.
Written by: William Goldman
Directed by: Kathy Mulay.
FOLIAS DUO AND HUMMEL TRIO | Chamber Music at the Scarab Club | March 8
Chamber Music at the Scarab Club is thrilled to present the third concert of its 27th season. The program features the Folias Duo performing their complete Great Lakes music set that explores the stunning Great Lakes region, alongside a string trio playing a beautiful work by Hummel.
The concert is Sunday, March 8th, from 3-5 p.m. at The Scarab Club (217 Farnsworth, Detroit 48202).
CMSC is excited to welcome back an audience favorite, the Grand Rapids-based Folias Duo! Flutist Carmen Maret and guitarist Andrew Bergeron, who form this trailblazing composer-performer ensemble, are known for blending classical music with jazz, world music, and improvisation. The duo will perform a brand-new set of music that celebrates the landscapes and stories of the Great Lakes region.
The March 8th program will also feature violists John Madison and Joseph Deller, along with cellist Sarah Cleveland playing a rarely performed string trio by the Austrian composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837).
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK | Birmingham Village Players | Runs March 6-22
The story of 13-year-old Anne Frank who spent two years hiding with her family
from the Nazis during World War II has captivated generations since her diary was discovered and published. This is especially true of the cast members for Birmingham Village Players upcoming production of The Diary of Anne Frank, running March 6-22, 2026.
Although the ensemble cast tells the story, the heart of it is carried by Josephine O’Reilly, the 13-year- old actress from Grosse Pointe who plays Anne.
“I am honored to portray Anne,” said O’Reilly. “Since I have been working on the role, I have really come to understand that Anne’s optimism in parts of her diary was not innocence, but rather her intentional choice not to let hatred and evil define her existence.”
Written by: Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
Directed by: Michael A. Gravame
HOLMES AND WATSON | Avon Players | March 6 - 21
Mystery lovers will have an intriguing puzzle to ponder as Avon Players presents Holmes and Watson by Jeffrey Hatcher, running March 6-21.
Sherlock Holmes is dead…or so it is assumed. But as Holmes’ body was never retrieved, a number of frauds, fakes, and charlatans have come forward to lay claim to his identity. Holmes and Watson is rated PG for adult themes.
Jeffrey Hatcher is a prolific playwright and screenwriter whose work has been performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway and regionally across the US and abroad. In 2023, the magazine American Theatre noted that Hatcher was tied for the fifth most-produced playwright in America with his 2022 Adaptation of Dial M for Murder being one of the top produced plays that year.
Written by: Jeffrey Hatcher
Directed by: Lori Smith
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!
NOW PLAYING
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
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SCREENINGS & STREAMING
THE WINTER'S TALE | Stratfest@Home | The Stratford Festival | Now Streaming
The Stratford Festival’s acclaimed 2025 production of The Winter’s Tale is now available to audiences worldwide on the Festival’s exclusive streaming platform Stratfest@Home. Directed for the stage by Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino and for film by Nicholas Shields, this visually stunning adaptation reveals new emotional depths in Shakespeare’s enduring tale of atonement, forgiveness and renewal.
The Winter’s Tale is now available on Stratfest@Home, the Stratford Festival’s subscription streaming service. Subscribe to Stratfest@Home for just $7.99 a month and gain access to the best in Canadian digital theatrical productions, including the Stratford Festival’s acclaimed Shakespeare films, selected productions from our past seasons, exclusive behind-the-scenes videos and podcasts and original, award-winning digital content from around the world.
(TITLE PENDING) | The Obsidian Theatre Festival | Now Streaming
Watch the hilarious comedy title pending, now streaming.
Featured during The Obsidian Theatre Festival's 2023 season, this raucous new play features several amazing Detroit artists and is written by New York playwright, April Amara.
A small, black theatre company in Poughkeepsie, New York, is deep in the rehearsal process when suddenly, they receive word that the estate of the play’s legendary playwright has revoked their rights to the script. To save the already flailing company, artistic director Tommy enlists the help of world-renowned famous playwright, Marcel Lamareaux, to premiere his new play, launching the theatre (and its actors) into stardom. But everything comes to head when Marcel sustains a possibly life-threatening injury in the midst of a tense workshop process. Do they call an ambulance to save his life, damning the company in the process? Or can they come together to find a way to ensure all their big plans come to fruition… with or without Marcel Lamareaux?
Written by: April Amara
Directed by: Asia Mark
BLACK SANTA | The Obsidian Theatre Festival | Now Streaming
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 | Now Streaming
TI’MON is a bold new musical centered on the immigrant experience, family, and imagination.
With an incredible score and amazing heart, this piece was featured as part of The Obsidian Theatre Festival's 2024 season.
What makes this piece truly unique is the accompanying behind-the-scenes documentary following the development process with dramaturg Kanoa Sims. The documentary is available on the GhostLight YouTube channel . The full feature piece is now available to stream on obsidianfest.org.
Written by: Ashlee K. Tomas & Ziyan Yang
Directed by: Rueben Echols
THE GOLDEN LOC | The Obsidian Theatre Festival | Now Streaming
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
HOW WE GOT ON | Open Book Theatre Company | Runs March 13 - April 4
This March, Open Book Theatre Company (OBTC) invites audiences to rewind to
the 1980s for a story about big dreams, fresh beats, and the power of art. Running from March 13 through April 4, 2026, Idris Goodwin’s How We Got On is a rhythmic, uplifting theatrical mixtape that celebrates the origins of hip-hop through the eyes of three suburban teenagers.
The play follows Hank, Julian, and Luann as they navigate the hurdles of adolescence while trying to find their "flow." Guided by a mysterious DJ known as The Selector, played by LaShannette Harrison, these young artists discover that their voices matter—even in a world that hasn't started listening yet.
How We Got On is a 90-minute experience (performed without intermission) that promises to be one of the most unique and inspirational productions of the season. True to Open Book's mission of providing an intimate and engaging theatrical experience, this production invites audiences of all ages to remember what it felt like to be young, hungry, and full of music.
Written by: Idris Goodwin
Directed by: Shardai R. Davis
THE DANGER OF HOPE | Shakespeare in Detroit | March 13-21
Shakespeare in Detroit (SiD) has announced The Danger of Hope, running March 13 through March 21 at the Marlene Boll Family YMCA.
The production launches the company’s 2026 Griot Season – a new chapter featuring original, one-person shows that center on the storyteller exploring personal truths and community. Inspired by West African traditions, it marks a departure from the traditional Shakespearean canon, though will feature some adjacent work.
Set inside a Detroit high school, The Danger of Hope is a one woman play drawing from Breon’s own experiences as a behavioral specialist navigating rumor, fear, care and belief in young people’s futures. Tickets for the show, written and performed by Morgan Broen and directed by Sam White, are on sale now.
Written by: Morgan Breon
Directed by: Sam White
LUCKY STIFF | Flint Repertory Theatre | Runs March 20 - April 4
Flint Repertory Theatre and University of Michigan Flint’s Program of Theatre & Dance are combining forces for this first-ever co-production, featuring a cast composed of both professional and student actors along with a professional creative team of UMF faculty and Flint Rep artists.
From the Tony Award-winning writing team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Once on This Island, Anastasia), Lucky Stiff is an offbeat, hilarious murder mystery farce, complete with mistaken identities, six million bucks in diamonds and a corpse in a wheelchair.
Directed by: Stephanie Dean
Musid Direction by: Eric Shorey
Choreography by: Molly Garner
BOEING, BOEING | Thumbcoast Theaters | Runs March 14 - 29
ThumbCoast Theaters is bringing the high-flying, farcical comedy Boeing Boeing to The Riverbank Theatre stage this spring, running March 14 – March 29, 2026. This production follows the winter hit Groundhog Day
the Musical and promises a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud experience for audiences.
Set in the 1960s, the story follows Bernard, a Parisian womanizer who has cleverly juggled three different fiancées, all flight attendants, by carefully tracking their flight schedules. However, his perfectly timed system hits a "turbulent" patch when a new, faster Boeing jet is introduced, and weather delays bring all three women to his apartment at the same time.
Written by: Marc Camoletti
Directed by: Brittany Everitt Smith
THE DOG DOESN'T DIE | Planet Ant Theatre | Runs March 13 - 28
Planet Ant invites audiences to experience a bold, riotous, and deeply touching theatrical event with The Dog Doesn’t Die, an original zombie dramedy written and directed by Ariel Everitt.
Control freak Will and his loyal, goofy dog have been through a lot together. Breakups. Tampon-related digestive fiascos. Oh, yeah – and four years of the zombie apocalypse. What Will isn’t prepared to confront are the mistakes of his past and another survivor who won’t let any bullcrap slide.
Written & Directed by: Ariel Everitt
TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE CONCERT | The Encore Musical Theatre Company | March 12-15
The Encore Musical Theatre Company continues its popular tribute concert series with an electrifying celebration of global superstar Taylor Swift, running March 12–15. This high-energy concert event stars Broadway’s Chelsea Packard alongside Encore favorite Ash Moran and newcomer Kaylin Gines. Directed by Geoff Packard, with music direction by Jon Ophoff leading a live band, the concert promises four unforgettable performances honoring one of the most influential artists of our time.
The Encore’s tribute concerts have become a signature offering—blending world-class vocal talent with dynamic staging and a live band for an experience that feels both personal and arena-worthy. Performances run March 12–15 at The Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter. Tickets are expected to go quickly.
COME FROM AWAY | Meadow Brook Theatre | Runs March 18 - April 12
What happened when the skies emptied on September 11, 2001? In Gander,
Newfoundland, Canada, 38 jets holding nearly 7,000 people from around the world
came to town.
Come From Away runs March 18 through April 12, 2026, at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester.
“Come From Away tells the story of a community that pulled together with no notice or planning to help thousands of strangers,” said Travis Walter, Meadow Brook Theatre Artistic Director. “The actors each play multiple roles, but you always know exactly who they are, and the music just wraps around it all in a beautiful way.”
Directed by: Travis Walter
Choreography by: Tyrick Wiltez Jones
Music Direction by: Matthew Croft
“This month at The Block starts with these two very distinctive programs,” said West Michigan Symphony CEO Andy Buelow. “Aesthetically it would be hard to get further apart than mid-20th century jazz and 18th century Baroque. But what they have in common is the focus on great past artists, from Couperin to Coltrane. This is what The Block is made for.”
Located in downtown Muskegon, the 120-seat venue is known for its elegant but casual atmosphere, excellent acoustics, and intimate ambiance. Patron seating is a mixture of rows and grouped cocktail tables. Audience members enjoy sipping their favorite beverage while experiencing live music with exceptionally close proximity to the artists.
Fri 03.13.26 | 7:30 pm
The Block
Fri 03.20.26 | 7:30 pm
Frauenthal Center
Experience Wharton Center’s 2026 Show Lineup |
Wharton Center’s must-see 2025-2026 season are on sale!
KIMBERLY AKIMBO Mar 10–15, 2026 HARE & TORTOISE Sat, Mar 21, 2026, at 1:30PM & 4PM THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY Sun, Mar 22, 2026, at 3PM UNLIMITED MILES: MILES DAVIS AT 100 Thurs, Mar 26, 2026, at 7:30PM DIRTY DANCING IN CONCERT Sat, Mar 28, 2026, at 8PM CLUE LIVE ON STAGE April 7 - 12 |
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.
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.
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.
THE VOICE OF WHITNEY | Detroit Opera | October 10, 8pm
Audiences will experience Whitney Houston’s astounding musical legacy, when The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration comes to the Detroit Opera House for one night only, Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration concert tribute will feature original master and remastered recordings of Whitney’s actual vocals, set to new orchestral arrangements of her classic hits and landmark songs, backed by the powerhouse Detroit Opera Orchestra, led by Sean Mayes.
Tickets start at $39 (plus fees) and go on pre-sale January 21 at 12:00 p.m.
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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