Best 2014-2015 College Productions In Metro Detroit
University of Michigan
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre
911 N. University Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
(734) 764-2538
www.music.umich.edu
Date: Feb. 19 – 22, 2015
The title of this performance is definitely intriguing, and the play is a modern take on Anton Checkov's "The Seagull." A wannabe playwright wants love, acceptance and success; his girlfriend also desires success, and makes a play for his mother's famous boyfriend. The performance also includes an aging Hollywood star, who tries to beat getting older by using her wit as a weapon. "Stupid F###ing Bird" is written by Aaron Posner, who has written and adapted over 20 plays, and it premiered in 2013. It contains profanity/adult content and is recommended for "mature audiences." Tickets range from $22-28 and can be bought online or at the box office.
Oakland University
Varner Studio Theatre
2200 N. Squirrel Road
Rochester, MI 48309
(248) 370-2030
www.oakland.edu
Date: Feb. 5 – 15, 2015
Oakland University's Department of Theater presents "A Doll's House," by Henrik Ibsen. Nora Helmer (Torvald's wife and mother of three) likes living the indulgent life. However, as her dependence on him becomes clearer, her "acceptance of the status quo" starts to change, and Nora starts to think that the only way to feel herself again is to leave her family. They also live in a conservative society which "demands that he exert strict control," and Nora does not like this. Tickets range from $8 (students) to $14 (adults) and can be bought online or at the OU box office.
Wayne State University
Hilberry Theatre
4743 Cass Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 577-2972
www.theatre.wayne.edu
Date: Oct. 24 – Dec. 13, 2014
Wayne State Theater presents William Shakespeare's classic tragedy of "Romeo and Juliet," which opens on October 24 and closes on December 13. October 29 (2 p.m.) is the Talkback Series, and October 30 and December 11 (8 p.m.) feature a Preshow Discussion. Student matinee performances include October 28, November 4 and December 9, among others. The play focuses on two houses divided, and when the house's youngest members (Romeo and Juliet) fall in love, chaos ensues.
Oakland Community College
27055 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(248) 341-2000
www.oaklandcc.edu
Date: Nov. 13 – 22, 2014
Oakland Community College will feature "Godspell" this November on its Orchard Ridge Campus in Farmington Hills. The musical is written by Stephen Schwartz, and originally opened off-Broadway in May 1971. The musical is structured like parables, based on the Gospel of Matthew, and has modern music set to lyrics from traditional hymns. The passion of Christ is addressed briefly near the end, as well. "Godspell" originally started as a college project by Carnegie Mellon University students, and shortly afterwards moved to a theater club in Greenwich Village.
Quirk Theatre, Eastern Michigan University
124 Quirk Building
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-3130
www.emich.edu
Date: April 10 – 19, 2015
"Legally Blonde" is based on the book by Amanda Brown and also the movie, and is sure to be a good time. Elle Woods loves California, the color pink and her dog Bruiser, but when she gets dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Warner, she decides to apply to Harvard Law School and follow him there. Miraculously, she gets accepted and drops everything to move to Massachusetts. Soon, however, she learns that there may be more to life than pursuing Warner.
Related: Best Community Theaters in Detroit
