Epic musical chronicles the life of a political icon Left to right: Daniel Romzek as “Juan Peron“ and Lori Smith as “Eva Peron.” Photo Credit: Bryan Clifford Avon Players’ 75th season closes with the sweeping biographical musical Evita running May 27 through June 11. The Tony Award-winning rock opera Evita dramatizes the true rags-to-riches story of Eva Perón (Lori Smith), who, through an indomitable will, rises from humble beginnings to become the First Lady of Argentina and a de … [Read more...]
Fun and Entertainment at the Rochester Hills State of the City Address with VIDEO
May 9, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Record Crowd of 600 Hears Diverse Stories of Growth and Success Mayor Bryan K. Barnett delivered his 11th State of the City address at Rochester Adams High School on April 10 to a record crowd of over 600. Guests zoomed over the red carpet, past the welcoming Rochester Hills Government Youth Council, and into the auditorium to here about the success of the city, as well as to be entertained by dancing, skits, musical numbers, and pyrotechnics. Inspired by the influence Rochester Hills … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, What’s So Great About Michigan?
April 8, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, I’m planning my summer vacation and want to visit some new places. A friend suggested I look at Michigan, but I recently heard Madonna badmouth her former home state. Is visiting Michigan worth spending my hard-earned money and vacation time? Thanks, Wendy Wanderer Dear Wendy Wanderer, Yep. It’s true. Madonna probably won’t be starring in any Pure Michigan ads in the near future… or ever… but that’s her loss because Michigan is definitely worth visiting. Our state motto … [Read more...]
Rochester Hills mayor’s open reply to Madonna’s hometown jibes goes viral
March 31, 2015 by Leave a Comment
By Kayla Varicalli From writing a letter to Madonna in his bed to landing a five-minute interview on CNN, Rochester Hills mayor Bryan Barnett quickly found himself--and his letter--in the public eye. Shortly after the letter went viral, he visited OU's ethics in the media class on Thursday, March 26. Students took the opportunity to ask Barnett his motives and effects of his come-back letter to Madonna. Madonna bashed her hometown of Rochester Hills over an interview with Howard … [Read more...]
Reader offers ‘smart’ critique of Rochester Hills
March 24, 2015 by Leave a Comment
The Detroit News Re: Bryan K. Barnett’s March 19 letter, “Mayor responds to Madonna”: It was interesting to read Rochester Hills mayor Bryan Barnett’s rebuttal to the recent Madonna comments on her hometown. Respecting what Madonna says about her upbringing in Rochester, circa 1975, let the good mayor not forget the plight of James Robertson, ‘The Walking Man,’ who couldn’t count on SMART bus service to get to work. This is an issue of high importance that Mayor Barnett should be … [Read more...]
Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett Discusses Madonna on CNN
March 18, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Ever since Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett fired off an open letter addressing Madonna's comments regarding her former hometown, the media response has been overwhelming. In addition to being interviewed by local Detroit news stations, the story has also caught the attention of People.com, Billboard.com, and international media outlets. On Wednesday, Barnett was interviewed on CNN by Newsroom anchor Brooke Baldwin where he discussed his retaliatory letter to pop singer Madonna. The mayor … [Read more...]
Candidate questions Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett’s letter to Madonna
March 17, 2015 by 4 Comments
By Paul Kampe, paul.kampe@oakpress.com After his response to entertainer Madonna’s assertions that Rochester Hills is full of narrow-minded people, Rochester Hills Mayor Brian Barnett’s likely opponent in this fall’s election has questioned Barnett’s dedication to protecting all of the city’s residents from unfair treatment. Barnett penned an opinion piece Monday, March 16 which ran in many news outlets, including The Oakland Press, where he boasted of the city’s positive characteristics … [Read more...]
Media Outlets Pick Up Mayor Barnett’s Letter to Madonna
March 16, 2015 by Leave a Comment
UPDATE: Since Mayor Barnett’s letter was published in response to remarks Madonna made on Howard Stern's show recently, it has garnered media attention all over the world. On his personal Facebook page Barnett wrote, "So that's what "going viral" looks like! It's been a crazy last 36 hours. I've done media with Channels 2,4 and 7, was on Paul W Smith, Frank Beckman, NPR, MLive, and an assortment of other radio programs. The story was picked up by People Magazine, Billboard.com, a London … [Read more...]
