|
 Latest
News & Reviews
Now Playing:
www.MIentertainment.biz
Latest
Michigan Entertainment News:
Monday
Shout Outs
Annie Hits the Target
Mother Maidens and Crones: NOT for Women Only
Save the World from The KILTINATOR
The Yoopers Come to BoarsHead
Iron Man Solid Fun
The New Buffet
*UPDATED w/ EXCLUSIVE PICTURES* Sunsets Announces Summer Show
 Monday
Shout Outs from Jim (posted:5/12/08)
Happy Monday everyone.
What a great weekend, although I am sorry it rained on Mothers Day .
Thursday night I filled in for Jack Ebling and we talked about the "Kiltinator" The story is below with a link to Listen. Help the kids if you can. I caught the new show at Williamston and "Annie Get Your Gun" from LCP. Both were good and worth your time next weekend. I also dropped by the Golf Course in Grand Ledge to say Hi to Brandon Gordon who got a new golf cart to enjoy. There was a golf tourney in his honor to help this remarkable young man who in spite of a long list of medical issues, keeps a smile on his face and invited all his friends for a ride, and speaking of rides. I was at Springport Raceway for the first night of racing. The company that owns this web site "Media Matters of Michigan" is the official photography company for the track and since auto racing is entertaining, click here for some photos. Check out the coming attractions below to see what is coming up this weekend, and drop by Rum Runners friday night after 5 for a special charity event. I will be broadcasting my weekly segment on WILS with Jack Ebling live from the popular nightspot, and Sunday Afternoon I will be judging the Battle of The Bands at The Cadillac Club
Have a great week.
Click Here for Monday Shout Out archives
Click here to See Brandon's Ride and Springport Racing
[back
to top]
.jpg) Annie Get Your Gun Hits the Target
 Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
The Broadway Classic, "Annie Get Your Gun" is the season ender now being presented by the Lansing Civic Players. I admit I love this show. The Irving Berlin songfest is a light fun story based on people who really existed. It is the tale of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show.
It all starts when Annie Oakley, played by LeAnn Dethlefsen beats sharp shooter Frank Butler played by Martin Underhill). Like most musicals of the era, the fall in love, split up, and then reunite. Along the way they sing those wonderful songs and the audience hums along and taps its toes amid some great laughs.
This show a lot of fun, thanks in part to strong direction from Erin Bennett and the great talent of Dethlefsen and Underhill. She IS Annie Oakley and belts out her lines and tunes as well as anyone ever has. Underhill is the perfect partner for her and sings his solos like there is no tomorrow. And when the two pair up for duets, it is magic. Among these treats is a perfect rendition of "An Old fashioned wedding" and a knock out version of "anything You can do I can do Better" Adding to the cast is Mark Boyd as a fabulous Buffalo Bill, Bruce Bennett as Pawnee Bill, and Kate Tykocki as a funny, yet scheming Dolly Tate. The there is gary Mitchell in two roles. He is good in the beginning of the show as the hotel owner, then changes costumes and comes back for a wonderful performance as the legendary Indian Chief Sitting Bull. With a good cast and two strong leads, the flaws in this show are easy to over look. There were a few technical glitches, a couple of missed lines and I was disappointed in the show's signature song "There's No Business Like Show Business". It was performed in lack luster fashion in front of the curtain with a disco light show flashing the stage that was quite annoying. This should be a show stopper that makes the audience applaud wildly, but in this version it is performed like and after thought. This one gets three out of Fordyce and is well worth the price of admission. You will smile and have a nice evening. The show dates are May 9-11 and 16-18 at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing. For curtain times and ticket price information call the Lansing Civic Players box office at 484-9191 or go to the Lansing Civic Players website at www.lansingcivicplayers.org.
Now would be a good time to remind you this is community theater from one of the many groups of dedicate people in mid michigan who volunteer their time and work hard to bring you the show. Their pay comes from your loyalty, smiles and applause. I hope when you go to this show or other local theaters you give them all a generous salary.
[back
to top]
“Maidens, Mothers and Crones” Not For Women Only
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
|
The Williamston Theatre, is now presenting the World
Premiere of Maidens, Mothers and Crones – Voices from
Women of the Midwest a new play created by Tony
Caselli, Annie Martin and Suzi Regan.
While the Official Opening Night is Friday, May 16
with the show scheduled to run through Sunday, June 1,this touching play is now in previews.
I was in the audience for the first preview and had an
enjoyable evening
Maidens, Mother and Crones is an original new piece
that consists of is several skits, songs and dances that explore the feeling and relationships of women. From funny feminine jokes and a real live croning party to this
show features a wide variety of situations and
scenarios that range from warm and funny to sad and
serious.
The cast consists of the wonderful Sarah Benoit,
the exciting Sandra Birch, and marvelous characters brought to life by Tiffany Denise Mitchenor. Add in one of my favorite local actors Emily Sutton-Smith and the
musical talent of Deborah Solo and you have a very
different evening of theater. While this play has
already gotten the label of a show for women and it
certainly will appeal to them. I was one of the very
few men in the audience and although I don't think I
could empathize with some for it as well as the lady
who was sitting next to me, I did enjoy this show and
give it a good three out of Fordyce. Ladies grab you
friends, sisters, moms and daughters and head out for
this one. If your men want to go with you, bring them
along. Guys you will like it, (especially the cheer
leader scene) and it will help you understand the many
relationships we all deal with as we share this planet
we call home.
Call (517) 655-7469, Monday – Friday from 12 – 6pm
for tickets.
for more info head for www.williamstontheatre.org |
[back
to top]
Watch the Film,
then help the East Lansing Kids save the world from “The Kiltinator”
In order to help raise funds for their up coming trip to the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, students from East Lansing High School’s theater department have taken an innovative approach and have filmed and released a short comedy film. The movie, called “The Kiltinator”, is a parody of the Terminator movies and takes place a year from now in an alternate reality showing what would happen should the students not be able to make it to the Fringe Festival in August.
East Lansing High School’s theater department won the honor of representing Michigan and performing at this summer’s Fringe Festival in Scotland. The Fringe Festival is the world’s largest performing arts festival. In order to attend, approximately $150,000 must be raised to cover the expense of getting the cast and crew overseas.
The video of “The Kiltinator” can be viewed here: www.elderly.com/fringe/kiltinator.htm and it includes information on how to make a tax-deductible donation.
[back
to top]
THIS JUST IN!!!
Escanaba in Love Extended to June 15! (posted:5/9/08 1:30pm)
Due to popular demand, BoarsHead Theater’s production of Escanaba in Love by Jeff Daniels has been extended to June 15, 2008.
For tickets, call the BoarsHead Box Office at 517-484-7805 or visit www.boarshead.org. Information on directions around downtown construction can be found on the website or by calling the Box Office.
A Fun Trip to the Soady Camp, Takes us Back (posted:5/3/08 1:30am)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
Jake Christensen & Charlyn Swarthout
in "Escanaba in Da Moonlight"
(Photos by Danna Segrest, courtesy of Purple Rose Theatre Company) |
I have probably seen half a dozen times. The incredibly funny show about is part of Michigan tradition. Now Jeff Daniels has brought us another chapter in the saga of the the upper peninsula's version of the Ewings: The Soady family. This show now at BoarsHead Theater is a "prequel" set 40 years prior to the original. The play tells the story of how Albert Soady, Jr. meets the love of his life, Big Betty Balou and takes her to the infamous deer camp. So after all these years, we get to meet the woman we only heard about in the original show. Charlyn Swarthout plays the future mother of Reuben and Remnar. She is amazing on stage with great presence, timing and physical comedy. Jake Christensen is young Albert Soady, Jr and does a good job of playing a younger version of a character we already know. Will Young is Grandpa who comes with the required "flatulence" and Wayne Parker rounds out the cast as the very strange "Salty" Jim. |
While this show lacks some of the charm and novelty of "Moonlight" it is very funny and this cast does a great job and is obviously having a good time doing the show. The show also boasts the original set which was brought to Lansing from Jeff Daniels Theater in Chelsea in what I am told was an unusual trip. "Escanaba in Love" gets a good 3 out of Fordyce. Catch it before it closes May 25th.
[back
to top]
"Iron Man" is Solid Fun (posted:5/2/08 1:30am)
Rating: 3 out of Fordyce
After a long dry spell at the movies, the first of the “summer blockbusters” has made its debut. I was among the first in line Thursday night to see “Iron Man”. Finally, we are back to fun at the movies! Based on Marvel's comic book Super Hero, Robert Downey, Jr stars in the story of Tony Stark, the genius inventor who is taken prisoner in a war zone and forced to build a weapon. But our hero builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes. When he returns to America, he uncovers a sinister plot and launches into the air as Iron Man doing what any good superhero would do: Save the world, himself and the pretty girl. The first good thing about this movie is the producers resisted the temptation to overdo the story and the special effects. That made for believable fun if you just suspend a little bit of reality. Downey is perfect in the role. He plays his character as warm and charming, with a lot of bad boy attitude and genius thrown in. Gwyneth Paltrow plays Tony’s ever loyal assistant, Pepper Potts. As in all good superhero movies, she is in love with him and watches while he heads off with the other babes, but does what she must to help save the day. This film has a bevy of villains all out for themselves. But the one you love to hate the most is Obadiah Stane. Jeff Bridges has fun being one of the most evil men on the planet and it shows in his performance. The plot is a little predictable and the men in the opening night crowd seemed to like this more than the ladies. It is two hours of movie fun that gets a good three out of Fordyce. Grab the popcorn and enjoy!
[back
to top]
At the Cadillac Club..
That's Chef Brett next to the new buffet at the club. The Classic Caddy made its debut recently. It will be full of delicious food Thursday, Friday and Saturday Night and it will open Sunday for a great Brunch! and yes the lunch buffet is still being served Tuesday through Friday. Click on the Cadillac below for the details, and click on Chef Brett to see more pictures of the buffet. |
|
[back
to top]
Sunsets Announces Summer Show 4-20-08
Sunsets with Shakespeare will bring a classic to park this summer
“ Romeo and Juliet," by William Shakespeare will be performed in Hunter Park in Lansing for 3 weekends beginning August 1, 2008. . Artistic Director Todd A. Heywood will direct this production; John Lennox will direct the fight scenes. Choreography will be by Roberta Otten-Mason, costumes and wigs by Julie Powers, set design by Rita Deibler and Michael Mahoney, and Jim Fordyce and Lindsay Palinsky.
See exclusive MIentertainment.biz pictures and an interview with the of R & J by clicking here.
[back
to top]
[back
to top]
Coming
Attractions:
[back
to top]
"Parallel Lives" is Back from IF
From Jeff Croff:
Icarus Falling (IF) is pleased to announce the return of "Parallel Lives" by Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimy. This exploration of life also marks the return of local favorites Laura Croff and Sara Frank playing 18 different roles in fifteen scenes. Performances are May 22, 23, 29 & 30 at 8 p.m. in the future Michigan Brewing Co. store front, 402 S. Washington Square Lansing, MI. Tickets are $10 per person or $5 for IF Virgins. Reservations are encouraged for this critically acclaimed show. Tickets can be reserved by calling 517.290.4375 or emailing tickets@icarusfalling.com.
"Parallel Lives" launched the careers of its creators, Kathy Najimy and Mo Gaffney. It was performed off-Broadway and on HBO in the eighties as the "Kathy and Mo Show". Since then it has been renamed and made available to performance troupes around the country. They have gone on to roles in film and television as well as numerous writing credits.
This open-minded sketch comedy takes aim at everything from bigoted, clueless frat boys to seniors exploring a Women's Studies course at a Vegan, Womyn's restaurant. With minimal props and sets, the show careens from the heartfelt acceptance of an aunt for gay nephew to an exploration of whether the taboo of menstruation would disappear if men had to endure it.
Laura Croff and Sara Frank, both Icarus Falling ensemble members, first performed "Parallel Lives" in October of 2002 and were immediately greeted with critical and public praise and excitement. "...Frank & Croff 'bleed' every nuance of laughs out of each skit..." proclaimed one critic. Since then they have reprised the roles a number of times to raise funds for local charities. They now revisit the characters of Parallel Lives and have added three new scenes to entertain returning audiences.
"We're thrilled to bring the roller caster back," observes IF Artistic Director jeff croff. "It's always so much fun to wind up the energy and connect with the audiences through these slices of life. The new scenes are sure to catch our returning fans and keep them laughing even more."
[back
to top]
Ready to Rumble For The Red Cross!
BATTLE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL BANDS!...
At The Cadillac Club Sunday, May 18th, 2008, 3pm - 8pm
8 Greater Lansing High School Rock Bands will perform on both stages at the Cadillac Club, and the Audience and the Judges will decide who wins the prizes! The Biggest winner though, will be the Mid Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross…This event is part of the "Heroes" Campaign, and will raise funds for that organization, which helps people in their time of greatest need right here in our own community. These Celebrity MC's will Host the Night:
Rally & Strickland of 97.5 FM
Also these Celebrity Judges will weigh in with their ballots, and their votes combined with audience votes will determine which 3 bands will win the Prizes!
Christian Czerwinski-Noise
Anne Erickson-LSJ What's On?
Eric Gallippo-City Pulse
Jim Fordyce - MIEntertainment.biz
Joanie Daniels - Representing Marshall Music Co. (Major Sponsor)
These Bands from 8 Area High School will compete for the prizes:
3:00 Stage A Bath Daily Disruption
3:30 Stage B Dansville Feedback
4:00 Stage A Grand Ledge HYLAS
4:30 Stage B Waverly Minority Funk
5:00 Stage A East Lansing Search the Sky
5:30 Stage B Okemos Johnny Cut Corners
6:00 Stage A Laingsburg Via Stereo
6:30 Stage B Holt Open Late Thursdays
The day of the event there are two options for entry:
Option 1. $10.00 cover charge at door includes entry plus:
*One vote
($5.00/Red Cross, 2.50/Band Prize, $2.50/facility expenses)
Option 2. $20.00 cover charge at door includes entry plus:
*Two votes and
*CC Gourmet Sandwich Basket with Fries (several choices)
($5.00/ American Red Cross, $5.00/ Prize, $10.00/Food and Facility)
When the Votes are counted and tallied, Three Bands will win: 1st place 70% of Prize money collected, plus an interview on NEW 97.5FM, plus a Highlight in NOISE!
2nd place wins 20% of Prize money, 3rd place will win 10% of the prize money collected. Additional prizes, provided by our generous sponsor, Marshall Music Co., will also be distributed at the event!
[back
to top]
"Full Monty" Returns to RWT This Summer!
 |
Back by popular demand with your six favorite stripper hunks from last fall! Tickets are now on sale for the return of the Full Monty, July 10-20 at the Riverwalk Theater This bare-all musical garnered rave reviews and sold out last September — so ticket sales are open NOW. Don’t be turned away; call today: 482-5700! Tickets On Line
Warning: Adult Language & Nudity |
[back
to top]
In Old Town:
Festival of the Sun…Bigger and Better in ‘08
The Old Town Commercial Association (OTCA) is excited to announce that this year the Festival of the Sun, one of the OTCA’s most popular events, is doubling in size to include more food and drink vendors, as well as two entertainment stages. The Festival of the Sun, a wine, beer and gourmet food tasting festival celebrating the summer solstice, will be Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 2-10p.m.
This year, the festival is expanding from the parking lot at the corner of Turner Street and Grand River Avenue to include a portion in Burchard Park. The main entertainment stage will be located in Burchard Park, in front of the Fish Ladder, where patrons can eat, drink and relax while listening to live music. In addition to the main stage, an acoustic stage will be located inside the festival tent. Performers at Festival of the Sun include The Pantones, The Lash, Root Doctor and Ritmo on the Clark Hill Main Stage. Musical acts Blue Jello, The Flatbellys and The Edward Groves Band will perform on the acoustic stage.
The Festival of the Sun is also becoming more family-friendly with a Kids’ Corner, sponsored by Impression 5 Science Center. Staff from Impression 5 will entertain the kids by providing fun and educational craft activities from 2-6p.m. Kids under the age of 12 are granted free admission into the festival, so bring the little ones along!
“We’re very excited to be expanding the Festival,” said Jamie Schriner-Hooper, Executive Director of the OTCA. “The event has become so popular, we simply needed more space. Now with room for two stages and more vendors, the 9th annual event should be the best yet.”
That weekend, patrons can enjoy a not one, but two festivals in Old Town starting with Festival of the Moon, held the night before Festival of the Sun, on Friday, June 20 from 6-11p.m. At the Festival of the Moon, patrons can drink craft-brewed beer while listening to rockin’ musical performances by Sam Corbin and Hukster.
Tickets for the festivals will be on sale soon! Festival of the Moon tickets are $10 each and Festival of the Sun tickets are $17 in advance or $20 at the door. Patrons also have the option of purchasing a combined weekend pass for $25. This pass includes admission into both Festival of the Moon and Festival of the Sun.
Additional festival information and updates can be found by visiting the festival website at www.festivalofthesun.com or by contacting the OTCA office at 517.485.4283.
[back
to top]
Help Wanted:
MIentertainment.biz is looking for a part time, free lance sales person who would be interested in selling on line advertising for this web site. You would be an independent contractor working for a generous commission. You would also be able to sell other products and services offered by Media Matters of Michigan, LLC If you are interested e mail your qualifications and resume to MIentertment@comcast.net
[back
to top]
|
