REVIEW: Misery Loves Company in Avon Players’ Clever Comedy ‘Drinking Alone’

Drinking Alone centers around a family reunion no one wants to attend, but you should snag a seat for this must-see production running at Avon Players in Rochester Hills, Mich., now through March 23, 2024. Written by Canadian playwright Norman Foster, Drinking Alone combines hilarity and insight into the tribulations of everyday life. Similar to the style American playwright Neil Simon is known for. The plot centers on the Todd family whose dysfunctional dynamics offer up plenty of humor and … [Read more...]

Michigan premiere of ‘A Little More Alive’ at Meadow Brook Theatre

Folk-pop musical runs February 14 – March 10 on the campus of Oakland University In this heartfelt and original folk-pop musical, two estranged brothers reunite at theirchildhood home after their mother’s funeral. An unexpected revelation distorts everymemory they have, and as they uncover secrets that had been hiding in plain sighttheir whole lives, Nate and Jeremy find that no one is exempt from the gray areabetween right and wrong. A Little More Alive runs February 14 through March 10, … [Read more...]

Rochester Community Concert Band presents ‘Musician’s Favorites’

In its third concert of the season, the Rochester Community Concert Band (RCCB), conducted by Paul F. DeRubeis, will present ‘Musician’s Favorites’ on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the Stoney Creek High School Auditorium located at 6755 Sheldon Road in Rochester Hills, Mich. The concert is open to the public and admission is free. Donations are gratefully accepted and appreciated.  The concert will feature Dr. Amanda Ross, Visiting Professor of Trumpet, Oakland University … [Read more...]

Rochester Community Concert Band presents ‘Ring Them Bells!’

The Rochester Community Concert Band (RCCB) will present their ‘Ring Them Bells’ concert on Tuesday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Stoney Creek High School Auditorium, 6755 Sheldon Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48306. The concert is open to the public and free to attend. Donations are gratefully accepted and appreciated.   The RCCB will be joined by the handbell choirs “Reveille Ringers” from St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Church, directed by Bob Sheldrick, and the “Wesley Ringers” … [Read more...]

REVIEW: ‘Noises Off’ Brings Down the House at Meadow Brook Theatre with Hijinks and Hilarity

This season, Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT) has taken audiences on a journey that has included the blues (Blues in the Night), honky tonk (Honky Tonk Angels), complex relationships (Birthday Club, Harry Townsend’s Last Stand), and a killer plant (Little Shop of Horrors). However, they may have saved the best for last with Noises Off, which runs until June 25, 2023, at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester Hills, Mich. Written by English playwright Michael Frayn in … [Read more...]

‘Honky Tonk’ Angels at Meadow Brook Theatre

Country hit-filled musical runs April 26 through May 21, 2023, on the campus of Oakland University. Country hits like “Stand By Your Man,” “9 to 5” and “Harper Valley PTA” tell the tale of three gutsy gals who follow their dreams of being country music stars. They may come from different backgrounds, but all roads to stardom lead to Nashville. Honky Tonk Angels, by Ted Swindley, runs from April 26 through May 21, 2023, at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in … [Read more...]

‘Harry Townsend’s Last Stand’ at Meadow Brook Theatre

Touching drama runs March 22 through April 16, 2023, on the campus of Oakland University. Harry Townsend likes his life just the way it is and doesn’t see any need for things to change. When his son, Alan, comes to visit, that’s all he seems to want to do. Harry Townsend’s Last Stand explores the relationship between father and son, displaying the complexities of family life with wit and wisdom to make the audience feel that they’re part of the relationship. Harry Townsend’s Last Stand, … [Read more...]

REVIEW: Make a Date to See the Fearless and Funny ‘Calendar Girls’ at Avon Players

Singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka was right on the money when he sang, “I love, I love, I love my calendar girl.” Or in this case, I loved the opening night of Avon Players’ spirited production of Calendar Girls, running now until Saturday, January 28 in Rochester Hills, MI. If the name of this play sounds familiar, chances are you may have seen the 2003 movie starring Dames Helen Mirren and Julie Walters. Inspired by real-life events, the action mainly takes place in the quaint village of … [Read more...]

Rochester Community Schools Summer Music Theatre presents ‘Anastasia, The New Broadway Musical’

Following a two-year hiatus, the highly acclaimed Rochester Community Schools (RCS) Summer Music Theatre (SMT) program has returned with the presentation of Anastasia, The New Broadway Musical. Performances are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. from July 21 – 23, 2022, with an 11:00 a.m. matinee on Saturday, July 23. All performances will be held at the Stoney Creek High School Performing Arts Center, 6755 Sheldon Road, Rochester Hills, MI. Tickets are available online for purchase at … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Are Retirement Communities Really That Great?

Dear Crabby, As spring (finally) starts blooming, I start thinking of all the yard work that will take up my precious weekends. Sometimes, I think I should just sell my house, downsize, and move to one of those swanky retirement communities I see popping up everywhere. What do you think? Would you ever move to one of those places? Thanks!Lee Zure Dear Lee Zure, Retirement can be a tricky thing. A lot of people, wives especially, worry that they’ll have to keep their husbands … [Read more...]