‘I’ll believe it when I see it.,’ is a famous phrase. Well, believe me when I say you will want to see Avon Players’ production of Miracle on 34th Street running now through Saturday, December 9, 2023, in Rochester Hills, Mich. Avon Players last staged this show nearly a decade ago and it was refreshing to see the updates made to this production, while still staying true to the spirit of the story so many cherish. For those who may not know, there are two movie versions. The first is the 1947 … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Believe in the Timeless Magic of Avon Players’ ‘Miracle on 34th Street’
November 26, 2023 by Leave a Comment
REVIEW: Huzzah! It’s Time to Celebrate ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Meadow Brook Theatre
November 18, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Every year as the air grows colder, a debate starts heating up – when does the holiday season officially start? Is it when 100.3 WNIC starts playing Christmas music? Or is it when the switch is flipped during Lagniappe and the Big Bright Light Show illuminates downtown Rochester? In my opinion, it is neither. The official holiday season begins when Meadow Brook Theatre (MBT) brings its beloved version of A Christmas Carol to life. And the time to see it is now through Dec. 24, 2023, on the … [Read more...]
REVIEW: Varner Act II Gala Honors Oakland University’s Musical Past While Shining a Bright Spotlight on its Future
November 17, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Varner Hall, on the campus of Oakland University (OU), has spent the last two years going through much-needed renovations and is finally ready for its close-up. To celebrate, the esteemed OU School of Music, Theatre and Dance is staging the Varner Act II Gala — a show-stopping musical revue under the direction of Teri Hansen in the Varner Studio Theatre. Hansen, a visiting assistant professor, brings a wealth of screen (Film/TV) and stage (Broadway/London's West End) experience to this fresh … [Read more...]
Fifty Years of Lagniappe in Downtown Rochester
November 14, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Join the merchants of downtown Rochester on Monday, November 20 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. when they offer their customers Lagniappe (Creole for “a little something extra”) in appreciation for their support throughout the year. In anticipation of celebrating Lagniappe’s 50th anniversary and large crowds, the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and City of Rochester officials have worked with MDOT to close Main Street for the event. Main Street will be closed from Second Street … [Read more...]
The Rochester Symphony Guild Presents a WINTER SLEIGH SOIREE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON GALA
November 12, 2023 by Leave a Comment
The Rochester Symphony Guild members invite you to spend this holiday with them at the WINTER SLEIGH SOIREE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON GALA. The event will be held at the Cherry Creek Golf Club, 52000 Cherry Creek Drive, Shelby Twp., Michigan on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to bring guests to this annual holiday party. Shop for Christmas gifts at the silent auction overflowing with a variety of great items and take a chance on winning one of many … [Read more...]
Greetings and Happy Holidays from the Rochester Symphony Orchestra
November 12, 2023 by Leave a Comment
It is time again to celebrate the Holiday Season with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra (RSO). Join us for Light Up the Night under the direction of Conductor and Music Director, Maestro Zeljko Milicevic on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 8:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Road, Rochester, Michigan. The evening will feature selections from the Stoney Creek High School Choir directed by Dr. Brandon Ulrich, Director of Choral Activities. Guest soloist, Timothy Michling will … [Read more...]
Rochester Community Concert Band presents ‘Ring Them Bells!’
November 12, 2023 by Leave a Comment
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...]
Meadow Brook Theatre celebrates the season with ‘A Christmas Carol’
November 9, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Running Nov. 17 through Dec. 24, 2023, on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Mich Top L to R: Thomas D. Mahard as Ebenezer Scrooge and Stephen Blackwell as Bob Cratchit; Bottom L to R Chase Thomas and Conrad Nichols as Tiny Tim in 'A Christmas Carol' at MBT. Photo courtesy of Sean Carter Photography A favorite holiday tradition returns to southeast Michigan when Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and a handful of ghosts raise your spirits in A Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook Theatre … [Read more...]
Start your Holiday Shopping at the Downtown Rochester Holiday Expo at the Royal Park Hotel
November 8, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Shop local and begin the holiday season at the Downtown Rochester Holiday Expo on Monday, November 13, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Royal Park Hotel. Over 60 businesses will be showcasing their products and services, just in time for the holidays. Attendees are encouraged to shop, discover holiday ideas and inspirations, and explore all that the businesses have to offer. Admission to the Downtown Rochester Holiday Expo is FREE and includes light refreshments and door prize drawings throughout … [Read more...]
Rochester University Presents ‘James and the Giant Peach’
October 30, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Rochester University’s Department of Theatre and Music presents James and the Giant Peach, a musical directed by Robert Arbaugh, MFA. From the songwriting team behind The Greatest Showman and Dear Evan Hansen comes a new musical based on Roald Dahl’s imaginative children’s book. James is sent to chop down an old peach tree by his atrocious aunts when he encounters a strange man offering magic that could change the course of his life. James soon finds himself journeying across the … [Read more...]
