Best College Productions To See This Year In The Detroit Area
Fall is here, and with that comes the inevitable return into the world of academia, including college. Check this list for the best college theater productions to see this season.
Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov
Arthur Miller Theater, University of Michigan
1226 Murfin Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-2538
www.music.umich.edu
Date: Nov. 21-23, 2013
The University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre and Dance puts on many fine performances each year, and the Department of Theatre and Drama has a full schedule this year. It started with the comedy "Red Noses" in October, and now is moving on to "Three Sisters" by Anton Chekhov for its November play. "Three Sisters" was first produced in 1901 in Moscow, and is one of Chekhov's famous works. The Arthur Miller Theater is located on UM's North Campus, and parking is available in structures nearby.
Carrie the Musical
Varner Studio Theatre
2200 N. Squirrel Road
Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 370-2030
www.oakland.edu
Date: Oct. 16-20, 2013
Oakland University's Department of Music, Theatre and Dance presents an interesting twist on the story "Carrie." "Carrie" is based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King, which was made into a movie (and will be remade this year, too), and it made its debut 25 years ago. Tickets are $18 general and $10 for students, and a late-night performance of 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 19th is also offered in addition to the more "standard" matinee (2 p.m.) and 8 p.m. performances.
Our Town
Bonstelle Theatre
3424 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 577-2972
www.theatre.wayne.edu
Date: Oct. 11-20, 2013
Wayne State's Department of Theatre presents "Our Town," an acclaimed play by Thornton Wilder. The story follows two "normal" families over a few generations in the suburbs of America who observe "life, love, and death" throughout time. Subscriptions, packages and memberships can be bought for the WSU theater series, which takes place at three different theaters in the downtown area, or individual tickets can be purchased through the box office.
Related: Best Community Theaters in Detroit
The Dead Guy
Smith Theatre - Oakland Community College, Orchard Ridge Campus
27055 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(248) 341-2000
www.oaklandcc.edu
Date: Nov. 14-23, 2013
OCC's drama department is back in the swing of things this fall, and its first production will be "The Dead Guy" in November. It's about one man who agrees to be followed around by cameras for seven days, much like a reality series. The man will profit $1 million from this. However, at the end of the week, the man will die. Eldon Phelps agrees to this insane proposition, and then must see how the rest of his life plays out. OCC's drama department performs in the Smith Theatre on its Farmington Hills (Orchard Ridge) campus.
Fiddler on the Roof
Quirk (Sponberg) Theatre, Eastern Michigan University
124 Quirk Building
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-3130
www.emich.edu
Date: Oct. 18-27, 2013
EMU's department of theater will be putting on "Fiddler on the Roof" this October, appropriate for ages 10 and over. If you're not familiar with the story, Tevye, a Jewish man in Anatevka, must choose "between the happiness of his daughters and the strength of his own beliefs," all while dealing with the Russian Revolution that is taking place. Tickets can be bought online or at the box office, which is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5:30 p.m.
Related: Best Theater for Kids in Detroit
Liz Parker is a freelance writer and a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature. Her work can be found at Examiner.com and yesnofilms.com.
