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...]

REVIEW: Believe in the Timeless Magic of Avon Players’ ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

‘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...]

A holiday classic comes to life as Avon Players presents ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

Rediscover the magic of believing with this holiday play for the whole family Theatergoers can check one thing off their holiday wish list: an enchanting live performance suitable for all ages as Avon Players presents Miracle on 34th Street running November 24-December 9. Kris Kringle (Chris Stepnitz) and Susan Walker (Moxie Dubuc) from MIRACLE ON 34th STREET. Photo Credit: Bryan Clifford Doris (Patty Hegel), a desperate event coordinator, hires a last-minute replacement who calls … [Read more...]

REVIEW: Avon Players’ ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ Inspires and Enthralls on an Epic Scale

At first blush, The Hunchback of Notre Dame seems like an odd choice for a holiday play. Especially when you consider past Avon productions such as A Christmas Story, Forever Christmas, and Miracle on 34th Street have much more overt seasonal messages. However, as the story unfolds it becomes clear that this play is absolutely perfect for this time of year with its message about kindness, love, and the need for refuge in an all too chaotic world. And if that’s not enough to sway you, then … [Read more...]

Lies and Liars Run Rampant in Avon Players Production of ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’

‘Why is it so damn hard for people to talk?’ Tennessee Williams, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof At its heart, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is the story of a family in crisis—a family that chooses to suffer in silence rather than speak their minds. Over the course of a sweltering evening at the family estate in Mississippi, the theme of mendacity (lack of honesty) runs rampant throughout each exchange between the characters and is further complicated by the genteel rules of Southern society. Most are … [Read more...]

Avon Players will make you believe with ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

When you’re putting on a production centered on believing, it’s important that belief translates to every facet of the story; and believability is exactly what the cast of Avon Player’s Miracle on 34th Street delivers. Fans of the movie will not be disappointed – especially with Mike Olsem’s turn as Kris Kringle. From the moment Mike appears onstage there’s no doubt he’s the right man to fill the Santa suit. From there the rest of the actors effortlessly fill their roles; and kudos to … [Read more...]

Holiday classic comes to life as Avon Players presents ‘Miracle on 34th Street’

Rediscover the magic of believing with this holiday play for the whole family. Theater-goers can check one thing off their holiday wish list: an enchanting live performance suitable for all ages as Avon Players presents Miracle on 34th Street based on the beloved holiday motion picture starring Maureen O’ Hara and Natalie Wood. Miracle on 34th Street runs Friday, November 28 through Saturday, December 13. When an old man in a retirement home who calls himself Kris Kringle gets a job … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, What’s There To Do in November?

Dear Crabby, Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. October is all about cider mills, football, and of course, Halloween. November is still fall, but I feel like it gets ignored because people are already focusing on Christmas. Can you give me any ideas of what there is to do around town in November to keep that fun fall feeling going? Thanks, Feeling Fall-bulous Dear Feeling Fall-bulous, Oh, so you’ve noticed that, too? Just last week I was in Rite Aid picking up my bunion cream and … [Read more...]

Avon Players Announces its 2014-2105 Season

Charming contemporary musicals, a holiday favorite, and a classic drama provide something for everyone Avon Players continues its sixty-seven year tradition of offering high quality productions at affordable prices with a season that will delight audiences of all tastes and may evoke some fond memories of favorites from the silver screen. Up first is the family-friendly musical Big, based on the classic 1987 Tom Hanks motion picture fantasy of the same name. When frustrated adolescent Josh … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Should stores be open on Thanksgiving?

Dear Crabby, I am all for a good deal or a door-buster sale, but why are these "big box" stores staying open on Thanksgiving? Don't those employees want to be with their families, and shouldn't the shoppers be with their families too? Sincerely, A. Simpleton Dear A. Simpleton, Ah yes, Thanksgiving Day in the USA. What was at one time a day set aside to appreciate our country, to give thanks for our roots, and to spend relaxing with family has indeed become a commodity to date. Years … [Read more...]