Theater

Rochester, MI — Featuring audience favorite shows as well as two Michigan Premieres, Meadow Brook Theatre’s (MBT) 2022-2023 season has something for everyone! “We’re excited to finally be able to produce Little Shop of Horrors, after postponing during the 2020 season. We also greatly look forward to welcoming two fantastic Michigan Premiere plays to our stage” said Cheryl Marshall, MBT managing director. “We’ve got a wonderfully entertaining lineup and, of course, we’re kicking things off with a great event this summer!”

On July 16, 2022 Meadow Brook Theatre will hold a one-night-only concert by Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals (with hits such as “Good Lovin,'” A Beautiful Morning,” and “Groovin'”) at its sixth annual Concert & Cuisine benefit. Featuring a silent auction, live auction, restaurant tasting, and more, Concert & Cuisine has become a favorite of MBT patrons. Tickets are on sale now at the box office.

The regular season kicks off in October and features seven shows that are sure to please.

The season opens with audience favorite musical Little Shop of Horrors running October 5 through October 30, 2022. With book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn, who stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Seymour as long as he keeps feeding it… blood. Will Seymour discover Audrey II’s out-of-this-world origins and plans for global domination?

The regular season then breaks for the special 40th anniversary holiday production of A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, adapted by Charles Nolte, running November 18 – December 24, 2022. Subscribers to the MBT season receive a 20 percent discount for tickets to A Christmas Carol.

The new year kicks off with the Michigan Premiere comedy Birthday Club by Phil Olson. Five women get together for their birthdays to drink, celebrate, commiserate and support each other as they negotiate through marriage, work, divorce, birth and kids, all while solving the problems of the world. When one of the women admits a surprising secret, the vodka hits the fan. The question is: Will Birthday Club survive, or will it end forever? Birthday Club runs January 11 through February 5, 2023.

Next up is a musical featuring the songs from great artists such as Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, and more. Blues in the Night, conceived and originally directed by Sheldon Epps, tells of the sweet, sexy, and sorrowful experiences three women have with the lying, cheating, snake-of-a-man who wrongs them. The soul of the blues wails out full and strong with songs such as “I Gotta Right To Sing the Blues”, “When a Woman Loves a Man”, and “I’ve Got A Date With A Dream”. This Tony nominated musical is sure to bring down the house. Blues in the Night runs February 15 through March 12, 2023.

The Michigan Premiere of Harry Townsends’s Last Stand by George Eastman runs March 22 through April 16, 2023. Sometimes it’s harder to like someone than it is to love them. Meet Harry Townsend, an incurable romantic and irascible charmer whose sharp mind and dry wit is at the center of this new play. As his prodigal son Alan returns home, the visit raises the complexities of their relationship, placing father and son at odds. Harry Townsend’s Last Stand is a must see new play about the inescapable ups and downs of family.

Next is a country jukebox musical that will have you dancing in your seats all show long. Honky Tonk Angels runs April 26 through May 21, 2023. By Ted Swindley, Honky Tonk Angels tells the story of three gutsy gals from different backgrounds who take charge of their lives and decide to follow their honky tonk dreams to the city of Nashville. Combining 30 classic country tunes, including “Stand By Your Man,” “9 to 5,” “Harper Valley PTA,” and more, Honky Tonk Angels is a hilarious, foot-stomping good time from the creator of Always… Patsy Cline.

The season concludes May 31 through June 25, 2023 with a fan favorite comedy farce. Noises Off by Michael Frayn, captures a touring theatre troupe’s production of Nothing On in three stages: dress rehearsal, the opening performance, and a performance towards the end of a debilitating run. Progressing from flubbed lines and missed cues in the dress rehearsal to mounting friction between cast members, slamming doors, falling trousers, and flying sardines in their final performances, audiences are treated to a hilarious behind-the-scenes peek that truly challenges the age-old saying “The show must go on.”

Season tickets are currently available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300. They range from $189 to $234 per seat for the six-play season. When you subscribe to the 2022-2023 season, you may also purchase tickets for A Christmas Carol at a 20% discount before they go on sale to the general public.

Single tickets go on sale Monday, September 5, 2022 at 10 a.m. Tickets range from $37 to $46 for individual plays.

For additional information on Meadow Brook Theatre, please visit www.MBTheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a non-profit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 55 years.

The 2022/23 season will have audiences laughing, crying and dancing in the aisles

Houston, TX — Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) recently announced the exciting line-up of musicals for its 2022/23 Season featuring a beloved Disney classic and pre-Broadway co-production with Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre.

“We have a fantastic collection of shows for our 2022/23 Season including a world premiere production that we know our audiences will love, a beloved Disney musical and one of the astounding new classics of the American theatre” said Dan Knechtges, Artistic Director for Theatre Under The Stars. “This season is going to be so much fun, an incredible and amazing journey! I cannot wait to share it with all of Houston.”

The season kicks off in September with a Theatre Under The Stars production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ – the exquisite and exciting jazz musical that takes you inside the Harlem Renaissance and celebrates the music of Fats Waller. Following that is the previously announced world premiere production of the hilarious new show The Griswold’s Broadway Vacation in October. The holiday show for the season is Theatre Under The Stars’ brand-new production of the beloved Disney classic, Mary Poppins. In January 2023, a new national touring production of Dolly Parton’s hysterical musical 9 to 5. Next in March is the national tour of Sara Bareilles’ uplifting musical, Waitress. The season will conclude with the theatre’s brand-new production of the smash Broadway hit Rent.

The Theatre Under the Stars 2022/23 Season

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ — THE FATS WALLER MUSICAL

Sept. 20 – Oct. 2 • The Hobby Center

THIS JOINT IS JUMPIN’ WITH THE MUSIC OF FATS WALLER IN AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’!!!

PROUDLY PRODUCED BY THEATRE UNDER THE STARS – ONLY IN HOUSTON!

Music by Fats Waller • Conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horowitz • Created and Originally Directed by Richard Maltby, Jr. • Original Choreography and Musical Staging by Arthur Faria Musical Adaptations, Orchestrations & Arrangements by Luther Henderson • Vocal & Musical Concepts by Jeffrey Gutcheon • Musical Arrangements by Jeffrey Gutcheon & William Elliott • Originally produced by The Manhattan Theatre Club • Originally produced on Broadway by Emanuel Azenberg, Dasha Epstein, The Shubert Organization, Jane Gaynor & Ron Dante

Directed by Monique Midgette

A hot new production by Theatre Under The Stars of this Tony-Award-winning musical celebrating the music of Fats Waller and the music of the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and 30s. Rousing, heartfelt, and bursting with the wit and energy of one of the most innovative periods in American music, it’s one of the very best ever. Just for you, only from us.

THE GRISWOLDS’ BROADWAY VACATION

Oct. 25 – Nov. 6 • The Hobby Center

VISIT THE BIG APPLE WITH THE GRISWOLDS!

WORLD PREMIERE! PROUDLY CO-PRODUCED BY THEATRE UNDER THE STARS & SEATTLE’S 5TH AVENUE THEATRE

Book, Music and Lyrics by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen  

Directed and Choreographed by Donna Feore

Produced in association with Ken and Sandi Moran

They’ve been to Wally World, they’ve been to Vegas, and now the Griswolds are going to… Broadway! Yes, the characters you know and love from the hit Warner Bros. Vacation movies are back – and they’re taking their biggest vacation yet. So get in your family truckster and join Clark, Ellen, Audrey, and Rusty on their big New York City adventure. Hysterically funny with miles of heart, a laugh-out-loud new musical comedy. A world premiere co-production created by Theatre Under The Stars and The 5th Avenue Theatre that the whole family will love.

Disney’s & Cameron Mackintosh’s MARY POPPINS

Dec. 6 – 24 • The Hobby Center

A PRACTICALLY PERFECT PRODUCTION THAT WILL DELIGHT THE WHOLE FAMILY!

PROUDLY PRODUCED BY THEATRE UNDER THE STARS – ONLY IN HOUSTON!

A musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film

Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman

Book by Julian Fellowes

New Songs and Additional Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe

Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh

Directed & Choreographed by Dan Knechtges

Spend a jolly holiday season with Theatre Under The Stars and this eye-popping, spectacular and wonder-filled production of the Disney classic, Mary Poppins. Based on the Disney film and book by P.L. Travers, this brand-new production of the hit musical is certain to delight the child in all of us. Created especially for you and your family by Theatre Under The Stars. Don’t Miss it!

Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5

Jan. 31 – Feb. 12 • The Hobby Center

TUMBLE OUTTA’ BED AND STUMBLE TO DOLLY PARTON’S RIP-ROARING MUSICAL COMEDY!

PRESENTED IN HOUSTON EXCLUSIVELY BY THEATRE UNDER THE STARS!

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton

Book by Patricia Resnick

The smash-hit musical featuring a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick and an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton. Inspired by the 80’s film and brought to you by Dolly herself. Hilarious and wonderful, a story all about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

WAITRESS

Mar. 28 – Apr. 9 • The Hobby Center

THE UPLIFTING AND INSPIRING MUSICAL CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP, MOTHERHOOD, AND THE MAGIC OF A WELL-MADE PIE.

PRESENTED IN HOUSTON EXCLUSIVELY BY THEATRE UNDER THE STARS

Book by Jessie Nelson

Music and Lyrics by Sara Bareilles

Directed by Diane Paulus

Featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award® winner Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”), Waitress the musical is the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage, Waitress features a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (“I Am Sam”) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Jagged Little Pill, Pippin).

RENT

May 16 – 28, 2023 • The Hobby Center

NO DAY BUT TODAY

PROUDLY PRODUCED BY THEATRE UNDER THE STARS – ONLY IN HOUSTON!

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and Pulitzer Prize for Drama, a magnificent and sensational musical that has captured the hearts of millions of theatre fans around the world. Created for you by Theatre Under The Stars, this brand-new production will inspire you, move you, warm you, and leave you wanting more. A glorious production only at Theatre Under The Stars.

Tickets for Theatre Under The Stars 2022/23 Season are currently available by subscription. Season ticket holders enjoy a variety of perks including first access to seats, complimentary ticket exchanges, and savings on additional seats. Subscriptions for all or part of the six-show season are available now. Visit TUTS.com/subscribe or call 713.558.8887 to learn more.

Subscribers are also encouraged to become Annual Members. Forty percent of Theatre Under The Stars’ annual operating expenses are covered by donors. Learn more about all the exclusive benefits available with an Annual Membership donation at TUTS.com/AnnualMembership! Theatre Under The Stars is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

For more information, visit tuts.com/blog/22-23-season-announcement

Petaluma, CA — As we celebrate our 50th season, we are thrilled to present a series of shows that reflect our passion for bringing the arts to the Petaluma community and beyond. Our upcoming plays and musicals tell their stories through new perspectives and imaginative theater-specific storytelling devices that will transport our audiences across time and space! From the auditorium of a school's spelling competition to exploration on the high seas, our season will explore the human conditions of competition, survival, love, family, adventure, and more. We hope you'll join us!

After being separated for so long we're excited to open our doors to the community once again and connect with each other as we seek to enlighten and entertain. Here's to another 50 years!

Tickets and season subscriptions are now available!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

A Musical Comedy by Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn

September 9 - 25, 2022

This Tony award winning musical comedy takes a hilarious and candid look at the lives of 6 mid-pubescent children as they fight their way through the Spelling Bee Championship of a lifetime.

Misery

Based on Stephen King’s Hit Thriller. By William Goldman

October 14 - 30, 2022

When romance novelist Paul Sheldon is forced to write a new novel by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, he quickly realizes she has no intention of letting him go.

Daddy Long Legs

A Musical Romance by John Caird & Paul Gordon

January 6 - 22, 2023

A heartwarming Cinderella story about a witty young woman and her mysterious benefactor known as “Daddy Long Legs”, who each find love where they least expect it.

Tiger Style!

A Play About Family by Mike Lew

February 3 - 19, 2023

Adult siblings Albert and Jennifer Chen take an “Asian Freedom Tour!” from California to Shenzhen, examining the successes and failures of “tiger parenting” in this comedy. 

Shipwrecked! An Entertainment

An Adventure Tale For All Ages by Donald Margulies

April 7 - 23, 2023

Inspired by the true story of the unlikely hero, bombastic adventurer Louis de Rougemont, Shipwrecked! is a fun-filled production with a wealth of fantastic characters.

OPERA TO BE ANNOUNCED

June 9 - 25, 2023

Stay tuned to find out which opera will be gracing our 50th anniversary season!

For more information, visit cinnabartheater.org/2022-2023-season-announcement.

Season subscriptions on sale now! Single tickets on sale August 2022.

Red Bank, NJ — Two River Theater is proud to announce an exciting, thought-provoking theatrical season, featuring world premiere work as well as plays by some of American theater’s most lauded talents. Each of these plays centers an artwork: painting, sculpture, poetry, or music and celebrates the transformative power of art to provoke and stimulate, to make us laugh and rejoice, to help us grieve and heal, but mostly to bring us together to affirm our common humanity.

WINE IN THE WILDERNESS

OCT 15 – NOV 6 / 2022

By Alice Childress
Directed by Brandon J. Dirden

As an uprising rocks his Harlem neighborhood on a hot summer night, artist Bill Jameson is more focused on finishing his latest work: three paintings representing three types of Black womanhood. More than his artistic vision is challenged by the arrival of an unexpected muse, who refuses to be bound by his shallow assumptions of all that Black womanhood can be. This reflection on how art truly reflects life is directed by Obie Award winner Brandon J. Dirden (Director of August Wilson’s Radio Golf and King Hedley II) and features Crystal Dickinson (A Raisin in the Sun, August Wilson’s Seven Guitars).

LIVING AND BREATHING

Jan 28 – Feb 26 / 2023
Rechnitz Theater

By Mando Alvarado
Directed by Rebecca Martinez

The impulsive purchase of some provocative art – a living Latino man who is paid to behave as a statue – shatters a multi-ethnic friend group by sparking questions of commodification, stereotypes, and complacency. While the validity of the artist’s vision might be up for debate, one thing is undeniable: the friendship between these three men is much more fragile than they had realized. Complex, darkly funny, and thought-provoking, this play by Mando Alvorado was read as a part of the 2019 Two River Theater Crossing Borders Festival.

ROMEO AND JULIET

Apr 8 – 30 / 2023
Rechnitz Theater

By William Shakespeare
In a modern verse translation by Hansol Jung

The classic tale of star-crossed love is infused with contemporary vitality by playwright Hansol Jung (Wolf Play, Wild Goose Dreams, Cardboard Piano). Seen in 2020 as part of Two River Theater’s Two River Rising online reading series, this new take on Shakespeare’s ode to young love was originally commissioned by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Play On! project. It is produced as part of the NAATCO (National Asian American Theatre Company) National Partnership Project.

TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO

June 3 – 25 / 2023
Rechnitz Theater

By Nilo Cruz

Although trapped under house arrest, novelist Maria Celia and her sister Sofia can still hear the rumors of shifting global politics growing in 1990s Havana. As they await changes for Cuba as well as changes to their situation, it’s uncertain whether freedom will come through government regime change, Maria Celia’s far-off husband, or the charismatic military officer who has begun insinuating himself into the sisters’ lives. A passionate tale of revolution, art, and manipulation written by Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz (Anna in the Tropics).

RADIANT BABY UPDATE

Two River Theater has decided not to move forward with the planned production of Radiant Baby. It has been our great pleasure to participate in this work honoring artist and activist Keith Haring, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the artists and creative team who joined us throughout the development process.

THEATER EDUCATION

A LITTLE SHAKESPEARE: ROMEO AND JULIET

Dec 3 – 11 / 2022
Marion Huber Theater

By William Shakespeare

Celebrating ten years of engaging young theater artists with the work of the Bard! Each season, Two River Theater produces a 75-minute adaptation of a Shakespeare play—directed and designed by theater professionals, and performed and supported backstage by high school students.

Tickets: $15 (not included in subscription series)

For more information, visit tworivertheater.org/2022-23-season-announcement.