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
March 14, 2023 by Leave a Comment
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
January 14, 2023 by Leave a Comment
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’
July 18, 2022 by Leave a Comment
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?
April 28, 2021 by Leave a Comment
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...]
Dear Crabby, How Can I Entertain My Kids This Summer?
June 10, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, Every summer I brace for the chorus of “We’re bored!” from my children. But since they’ve been home the last three months with online schooling, I feel extra pressure this year. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks, Serenity Now Dear Serenity Now, I have been waiting for someone to ask me this question. It seems like I get a frazzled parent such as yourself every two years or so wondering what can be done to keep the kids from becoming one with the sofa. In the past, … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Where Are the Community Gardens?
April 15, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, Does Rochester Hills have any community gardens? It seems like with what is happening in the world right now, they sure would come in handy as the victory gardens did during the World Wars. Thanks! George Greenthumbs Dear Mr. Greenthumbs, I remember victory gardens! Let me tell you, it was quite the sight to see all these mini gardens sprout up all over the urban landscape of Detroit. Up until then, the only ‘gardens’ I’d seen where when we traveled to Oakland county … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Can a City Have Too Much Growth?
October 30, 2019 by 1 Comment
Dear Crabby, By far my favorite season is fall! The crisp air, cozy fires, and the annual trip to the cider mill. But what I especially love is looking at the color on the trees. But lately, as I’ve driven around Rochester and Rochester Hills, I’ve noticed a lot of have been cut down for development projects. And I’m wondering, do you think there can be too much growth in a city? Thanks! Fran Foliage Dear Fran Foliage, I agree with you about the fall. Too many people these days are … [Read more...]
Dear Crabby, Why Did My Trash Pick-Up Fees Increase So Much?
May 16, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Dear Crabby, Why Did My Trash Pick-Up Fees Increase So Much in Rochester Hills? Sincerely, Carrie McCann Dear Carrie, Well, well, well ... are you really surprised the cost of trash removal went up? All prices go up. But to better answer your question, I dug up the dirt on the new Green for Life deal. You may remember that our previous solid waste removal company sold the contract to GFL Environmental (Green for Life) in 2017. They took over the remainder of the contract. So, this … [Read more...]
The Strand Theatre in Downtown Pontiac Hosted L. Brooks Patterson’s 2018 State of the County
February 9, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Highlights and Rochester Area Mentions Oakland County’s economic strength was front and center in L. Brooks Patterson’s 2018 State of the County speech Wednesday night at the Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Pontiac. Patterson began the speech announcing record investment in the county this past year. "Well, let’s talk about a record number, $1.2 billion – that’s "B" as in Brooks. That’s the amount 62 companies invested in Oakland County in 2017, setting a … [Read more...]
