The Rundown | May 29, 2025
- John Sloan III
- May 29
- 13 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Welcome to THE RUNDOWN, a quick hit highlight of what's on stage in Michigan. We're sailing towards the summer, and new shows are popping up across the region. There's plenty for you to see this weekend and beyond. So come on, get out there, see a show, and support your local arts
I Dreamed Last Night I Got on the Boat to Heaven
And By Some Chance I Had Brought My Dice Along
And There I Stood
And I Hollered "Someone SAVE Me!"
But The Passengers, They Knew Right from Wrong
PLACES PLEASE, THIS IS YOUR PLACES CALL!
Here's THE RUNDOWN for Thursday, May 29, 2025.
CLOSING SOON
I'LL BE SEEING YOU | The Michigan Irish Repertory Theatre | Runs May 29-31
I'll Be Seeing You, by Michigan playwright David Kiley, tells the story of WW2 through the eyes, letters and music of his parents, Charles Kiley (a Stars and Stripes war correspondent) and Billee Gray, the woman he met during basic training and proposed to after three dates.
The story culminates with VE Day 1945, the surrender of the Germans to the Allies. Kiley was the only reporter present for the surrender negotiations and for both surrenders in France and Germany. The play, which includes ten songs from the era plucked from the letters between Charles and Billee (performed as if on the radio) that linked the two correspondents across the ocean, also features a multi-media experience that makes the show unforgettable.
“This is a very special story about two people who met...and then got to know one another through wonderfully written letters over three and half years while each experiencing the war in their own ways,” says Artistic Director David Kiley.
Kiley, the previous Encore Michigan publisher, also directs the piece. The play features some past Wilde Award winners, and the Encore Michigan community may avail themselves of the $5 (pay what you wish) reserved seats.
Written & Directed by: David Kiley
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NOW PLAYING
SOFT TARGET | Detroit Public Theatre | Runs April 30 -June 8
Detroit Public Theatre (DPT) is thrilled to announce the cast for SOFT TARGET, a world premiere play written by Emily Kaczmarek, and directed by Jaki Bradley, who comes to DPT fresh from directing the Off-Broadway hit All Nighter.
Soft Target is a new work about childhood, guns, and all the wounds we cannot see. Told from the perspective of a young girl and the toys that love her, this story is deeply imaginative and brimming with humanity, humor and hope while delving into one of the most urgent issues of our time.
“The piece is challenging, healing, moving, and invites us into the belly of a tough and terrifying issue through a profoundly human and non-polarizing lens." - Sarah Clare Corporandy, DPT Co-Producing AD
Written by: Emily Kaczmarek
Directed by: Jaki Bradley
THE LOVE LIST | ThumbCoast Live Theatres | Runs May 3-June 15
Thumbcoast Live Theatres present The Love List, at The Riverbank Theatre May 3 through June 15.
The ideal woman? She does exist!
As a birthday gift, Leon buys Bill a match-making service run by a gypsy woman who guarantees to find the perfect match. The only catch is that Bill has to define his perfect match by writing his top ten desired qualities on a Love List. When the woman of his dreams shows up the next morning Bill is blown away to hilarious effect.
Directed by: Mycah Artis
LUNGS | Tipping Point Theatre | May 7-June 1
Tipping Point Theatre’s (TPT) 17th season closes with Duncan MacMillan’s Lungs.
This smart, funny, thought-provoking play explores the lifecycle of a relationship with all the hope, betrayal, pain and humor that exemplifies our modern-day love.
Written by: Duncan MacMillan
Directed by: Julia Glander
ARTEMISIA | Open Book Theatre | Runs May 16 - June 8
This spring, Open Book Theatre Company brings a remarkable woman out of
the shadows of history and into the spotlight. Running May 16 through June 8, 2025, Artemisia, by Lauren Gunderson tells the powerful story of 17th-century Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi—a woman whose name and artistry were nearly erased but whose spirit could never be silenced.
Directed by OBTC Artistic Director Krista Schafer, Artemisia is both a celebration and a
reckoning. “I am always drawn to stories of strong, creative women,” Schafer says.
“...Gunderson has such a gift for writing about fascinating women of historical significance who have been largely overlooked.”
Written by: Lauren Gunderson
Directed by: Krista Schafer
HAMILTON | The Wharton Center | May 21 - June 1
Producer Jeffrey Seller and Wharton Center are thrilled to host the Tony Award® winning musical HAMILTON for its return to East Lansing.
There is a maximum purchase limit of nine tickets per account for the engagement. To purchase 10 or more tickets, call 517.884.3130 for group orders. Premium seating is available for select performances. A digital lottery will take place for each performance. Details will be announced closer to performance dates.
COVENANT | The Detroit Repertory Theatre | Runs May 16 - July 6
Two years after his sudden disappearance, struggling guitarist Johnny “Honeycomb” James returns to his small town a blues star, sparking rumors that he may have made a deal with the devil to attain his musical genius. Inspired by the myth of Robert Johnson, this haunting, Gothic play explores the power of belief and tests the thin veil between rumor and truth.
Written by: York Walker
Directed by: Will Bryson
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OPENING THIS WEEKEND
THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL | www.stratfordfestival.ca
ANNIE | Runs May 27 - Nov. 2
The sun will come out tomorrow when the Stratford Festival begins its 2025 season with the fabulous musical Annie.
Ever-optimistic Annie makes it her job to improve the lives of everyone around her – except maybe Miss Hannigan, who has made life a misery for all the little girls in her care at the New York Municipal Orphanage.
Annieofficially opens on May 27 and runs until November 2 at the Festival Theatre.
“Where we came from and where we want to go define who and what we aspire to be – our vision shapes us,” says director Donna Feore.
“Annie... embodies the best of every human reaction to adversity and she speaks to us in a language so simple and clear that it’s hard to deny her power.”
Directed & Choreographed by: Donna Feore
Musical Direction by: Laura Burton
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS | Runs May 29 - Oct 25
Prepare for the Avon Theatre to be transformed into the glamorous French Riviera as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels hits the stage tomorrow, offering huge laughs and high energy. It showcases exhilarating performances by Shakura Dickson as Christine Colgate, Jonathan Goad as Lawrence Jameson, Liam Tobin as Freddy Benson, Sara-Jeanne Hosie as Muriel Eubanks, Derek Kwan as Andre Thibault, and Michele Shuster as Jolene Oakes.
Shakura Dickson ("Christine") sat down recently for an interview with Encore's John Sloan III. Stay tuned for the piece dropping soon!
THE WINTER'S TALE | Runs May 30 - September 27
Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino’s production of The Winter’s Tale starts performances today, opening the Tom Patterson Theatre for the 2025 season. Filled with sprightly comedy, heartwarming serendipity and fantastical surprises, this beautiful play features a stellar cast led by Graham Abbey as Leontes, Yanna McIntosh as Paulina and Sara Topham as Paulina.
Blinded by jealousy, King Leontes falsely accuses his pregnant wife of infidelity, setting into motion a series of catastrophes that will destroy his wife and son and leave his infant daughter abandoned to the elements on a distant island. Seeing the folly of his ways, Leontes vows to live out his days atoning for his actions. Sixteen years later, the king is offered an unlikely chance at redemption.
SHEAR MADNESS | Meadow Brook Theatre | Runs May 28 - June 22
Shear Madness gives audiences a chance to help figure out “whodunit” and determine the direction the show will take each night.
This unique comedy-whodunit takes place today in the Shear Madness hair salon and is chock full of up-to-the minute spontaneous humor. During the course of the action, a murder is committed and the audience gets to spot the clues, question the suspects, and solve the funniest mystery in the annals of crime. The outcome is never the same, which is why many audience members return again and again to the scene of the mayhem.
Written by: Paul Portner
Directed by: Travis W. Walter
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW | Brevity Shakespeare | Runs May 30 - June 8
The rocky courtship of two handsome young men is at the center of Brevity Shakespeare's gender-reversed version of The Taming of the Shrew. Three women gadding about Italy are taken with the lovely and charming Bianco. They resort to a variety of disguises and farcical strategies to win his sweet heart. Another young woman, Petruchia, aims to win the hand of Bianco’s older, angrier brother, Nataniele, through a campaign of misdirection and gaslighting. Two attentive parents try to advocate for their children, and two attentive servants try to advocate for their bosses, with varying degrees of success.
Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Veronica Long
Get A Gig!
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Check out the Encore Michigan jobs board to find opportunities across the state.
COMING SOON
LIMITLESS: A GHOSTLIGHT GALA | The GhostLight Arts Initiative | June 29
The GhostLight Arts Initiative (GLAI) is proud to announce the inaugural GhostLight Gala, taking place on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Garden Theatre. This unique, one-night-only event will celebrate five seasons of the Obsidian Theatre Festival (OTF), recognize two legendary figures in Detroit’s arts community, and launch a bold new chapter for GhostLight’s mission-driven work in the performing arts.
“Limitless: A GhostLight Gala — Ignite the Possibilities,” will feature screenings of never-before seen content (Obsidian Theatre Festival) along with several incredible theatrical performances.
The event will also honor two legendary artists with local roots and international acclaim. Njia Kai – Legendary Detroit cultural arts producer and curator is the founder of NKSK Events + Production, and Dr. George Shirley – The first African American tenor to perform a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera, professor at The University of Michigan, and a National Medal of Arts recipient. Both awards will bear the names of their inaugural recipients, as future honorees will receive The Njia Kai Award for Arts Activism & Community Engagement and The George Shirley Award for Excellence in Artistic Performance.
GhostLight is the parent organization for Encore Michigan. Proceeds will benefit The Obsidian Theatre Festival, Encore Michigan, Detroit IMPACT Arts Conference, and more.
Directed by: John Sloan III
Music Direction by: Brian E. Buckner
HEISENBERG | The Detroit Theatre Collective | Runs June 6-7
Detroit Theatre Collective is thrilled to present Heisenberg, fresh from a New York run produced by New Music Theatre Project & Rapeteta Theatre Company. The sure-to-be-provocative two-night fundraising event for DTC will be held at Matrix Theatre in southwest Detroit. The intimate performance will feature Detroit native T.M. Rawlins as Georgie Burns and Michael S. Horowitz as Alex Priest.
Doors will open at 7pm on Friday, June 6th and Saturday, June 7th. Wine, cheese, and mingling from 7:00pm — 7:45pm; performance begins at 8:00pm.
Written by: Simon Stephens
Directed by: Mercedes Ruehl
RIDE THE CYCLONE | Farmer's Alley Theatre | Runs May 29 - June 15
Put on your safety belt and keep your hands and legs inside the vehicle at all times, as Farmers Alley Theatre presents a delightfully weird musical that’s just plain delightful.
The Kalamazoo premiere of Ride the Cyclone, is a 90-minute thrill ride of a musical, running May 29th through June 15th.
In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived.
Directed & Choreographed by: Leonard E. Sullivan
Music Direction by: Brendan Hollins
JORGE LUIS BORGES GIVES A LECTURE ON ANATOMY | Theatre Nova
Runs June 6 - 29
Theatre NOVA presents the World Premiere of Jorge Borges Gives a Lecture on Anatomy by Carla Milarch, with music by Michael Riccinto, June 6 -29, 2025.
In a magical reality, inside a labyrinth, the famed Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges gives a lecture. Inspired by Borges’ short stories, and featuring his poetry set to music, this dreamlike play takes us into the fantastical world of one of literature’s most outrageous imaginations.
"I’ve been fascinated by Borges for years — his stories are full of hidden worlds, heartbreak, and wonder. " - Carla Milarch, Playwright
Written by: Carla Milarch
Directed by: Kat Walsh
HAROLD'S BIG BREAK | Planet Ant | Runs June 6 - 21
Enter a world of absurdist comedy. Harold’s Big Break takes aim at Hollywood and corporations all while bringing big laughs to its audience.
Brewligan's Coffee has a PR crisis on its hands. They look to create a groundbreaking commercial to distract the public from their evil scandal. Enter Harold, a no name actor looking for his big break. As the commercial shoot progresses, hell on earth unfolds.
Harold’s Big Break contains over the top ridiculousness guaranteed to make the audience crack up. It could be seen as a fun comedy but after closer inspection, the show explores themes of fame, greed, and bravery.
Written & Directed by:
Randall Floyd Cooper
FOOL FOR LOVE | Teatro Di Vita | Runs June 6-8
Teatro di Vita, meaning "Theatre of Life " in Italian, was created in the winter of 2022 with the intention of bringing a diverse group of artists together to perform as nomads, ushering meaningful theatrical experiences into a variety of community settings. It is owned and operated by Lucie Gillespie, a professional actor and writer from St. Clair County.
Sam Shepard's Fool For Love explores the tumultuous relationship of two former lovers, Eddie and May, who reunite in a dismal motel room after a significant time apart. Fool For Love is one of Shepard's only works that examines the intricacies of the male-female relationship, diving deep into themes of love, desire, codependency, generational trauma, addiction, and unresolved conflict set against the backdrop of the American West.
Fool for Love, running June 6-8th, is approximately 65 minutes without an intermission. Audiences are invited to join in a talk back following each performance giving them the opportunity to ask questions of the artists.
Written by: Sam Shepard
Directed by: Callie Bussell
FORGIVENESS | June 18 - Sept 27
Forgiveness, the story of two families profoundly affected by the events of the Second World War, starts performances at the Stratford Festival today. This deeply moving stage adaptation, written by Hiro Kanagawa and directed by Stafford Arima, is based on the Canada Reads-winning memoir Forgiveness: A Gift From My Grandparents by Mark Sakamoto.
Led by Yoshie Bancroft and Jeff Lillico, the play spans two generations and two families who in their union live as a testament to the power of choosing forgiveness over hatred.
Written by: Hiro Kanagawa
Directed by: Stafford Arima
SENSE & SENSIBILITY | June 19 - Oct 20
Mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen with a trip to the Stratford Festival for a beautiful and captivating production of Sense and Sensibility. Filled with simmering gossip, swooning assemblies and fierce wit, Kate Hamill’s stage adaptation of the classic novel hits the stage today. Directed by Daryl Cloran and led by Jessica B. Hill and Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane, this tale of sisters bound by love is a pure Regency Period delight.
“This is a story about love in its many forms. Romantic love. Love between sisters. Love between a mother and her daughters,” says Cloran
MY SUMMER AT CAMP | July 17-19
Buckham Alley Theatre is excited to announce a special stage reading of the original play My Summer at Camp-O-CHE-MO. The performances will take place at the Hospitality House at McLaren Flint (G-3170 Beecher Road) on July 17th and 18th at 7 PM, and July 19th at 2 PM. The piece tells the poignant story of a retired schoolteacher and her diverse group of fellow patients navigating the challenges of chemotherapy treatments with humor, hope, and camaraderie.
Written by: Carol Kushion and Richard W. Hingst
LOVE, WAR AND JAZZ | Aux Media | June 14 2025
Michigan composers will be in concert on a national touring show in Detroit on June 14, 2025. Love, War and Jazz is based on the true story of soldier-musicians who served in WWI Paris, bringing jazz for the first time. The composers are Heather Buchanan and Detroit Music Awards winner Tracy Kash, Best Jazz Vocalist.
The show is at the acclaimed Marygrove Theatre, where premiere shows take place. The cast features world-class vocalists Angela Celeste May and Smada Adams. The emcee is Detroit film awards winner Grover McCants.
BERT & TRIXIE VISIT THE VET | The Purple Rose Theatre | Runs June 20 - Aug. 31
The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) announces the final production of their 34th season, Bert & Trixie Visit the Vet a World Premiere comedy written by Matt Letscher.
Four pets in a veterinarian’s waiting room plan an escape when they suspect one of them is in danger. A comedy about what it means to truly be free. This production of “Bert & Trixie Visit the Vet” contains adult content and may not be suitable for children under the age of 13.
Written by: Matt Letscher
Directed by: Rhiannon Ragland
NEW SUMMER LINEUP | Tipping Point Theatre | Beginning July 17
Tipping Point Theatre (TPT) announces a brand-new collection of summer performances beginning on July 17, 2025. “You can count on Detroit talent to bring the fun” states TPT Artistic Director Julia Glander. “We are excited to kick back with the Planet Ant Home Team led by Tipping Point Theatre favorite, Dave Davies, for three nights of improv comedy to lead off our Summer Sessions. Then, returning Detroiter Michelle Murphy transports audiences back to her 13-year-old self at summer camp in her critically-acclaimed one person show, Keeper. Plus, audiences can enjoy our outdoor patio and courtyard with a beer or a glass of wine before each show—a true Michigan summer treat!”
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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