Art
Nov. 17-March 18
Ryan McGinness: Studio Views and Collection Views
A corresponding exhibit to the McGinness and Tony Hawk's Wayfinding skatepark in downtown Detroit, this installation will be based on his studio practice and will include a presentation of drawings and iconography created from artworks in the museum's collection.
Nov. 17-March 11
Basquiat before Basquiat: East 12th Street, 1979-1980
This traveling exhibit curated by the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver will feature the entire cache of works made by Jean-Michel Basquiat during the year he lived with his friend Alexis Adler in a small apartment in the East Village.
Nov. 17-March 11
Maya Stovall: Liquor Store Theatre Performance Films
Considered an innovator in the disciplines of dance, theory, anthropology, ethnography, and contemporary art, Detroit-based Maya Stovall fuses all that work into an engaging film series of site-specific dance interventions that began in 2014. Cranbrook will feature the series and premiere a new film created in summer 2017 for the exhibition.
Nov. 17-March 11
Keith Haring: The End of the Line
Thirty years after he created a landmark temporary mural at Cranbrook, documentation of Keith Haring's pivotal project will be presented alongside two bodies of work anticipated by the mural and made in collaboration with acclaimed beat poet William S. Burroughs — Apocalypse (1988) and The Valley (1989).
Through Oct. 13
The Art of Play: A Legacy Exhibition
Jim Miller-Melberg is best known for creating mid-century modern playground equipment that most adults remember from their youth, and this show will feature his Form, Inc. playscapes, high relief, wall-mounted plaster works, and large-scale floor pieces.
The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; free and open to the public.
Oct. 13-Nov. 12
Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos
In celebration of the Mexican and Latin American celebration of the Day of the Dead, this popular ofrenda exhibit will once again return to the DIA. Traditional ofrendas will honor deceased loved ones with their favorite food, drinks, and mementos, along with photographs, sugar skulls, flowers, and more.
Entry is free with museum admission.
Oct. 22-Mar 4
Monet: Framing Life
This exhibit centered around the DIA's only painting by Claude Monet will feature 10 other visiting works by Monet and his fellow impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
Tickets to this exhibit will be available on Oct. 2.
Oct. 22-Jan. 15
Church: A Painter's Pilgrimage
This exhibition brings together nearly all of Frederic Church's most important paintings of the Middle East, Athens, and Rome to explore what motivated this major shift in his artistic work, which was previously focused on the wilderness of North and South America, the North Atlantic, and the Caribbean.
Through Dec. 30
Size Matters: Big and Small Works from the FIA Collection
An exploration of the museum's most massive and most miniscule works, this exhibit promises to highlight the importance of size in the experience of art.
Through Jan. 7
The Eccentric Vision of William Stolpin
A prolific printmaker who created works for nearly 50 years in Holly, Stolpin himself describes his work as "eccentric." His work revolves mostly around architecture, landscape, fantasy, abstraction, and outer space and this exhibit promises to explore his many passions.
Through March 31
The Art of Containment — Vessels from the Sidney Swidler Collection
Sidney Swidler's work as a modern architect helped train his eye to pick up the essential elements of form, texture, glaze selection, craftsmanship, and artistic intent, which he used to collect nearly 1,000 piece of contemporary ceramic art. In 2010, he donated around 800 of those pieces to California's Crocker Art Museum. Seven years later, he gave 100 pieces to the FIA, a gift that resulted in this exhibit.
Through Oct. 31
The Border, the Ship
This disarming video exhibit by Alex Hubbard is carefully choreographed and dynamically composed, but that doesn't mean a clear narrative will ever emerge or that any of it will make any linear sense.
Sept. 23
Talk: Greg Tate + Arthur Jafa
Artist and filmmaker Arthur Jafa and cultural critic Greg Tate will cover a variety of topics in their discussion, including Jafa's recent work, "Love is the Message, the Message is Death," the 1967 rebellion, and more.
Doors open at 1 p.m.; Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation.
Oct. 8
Workshop: Screen printing with Jimbo Easter
Punk House artist Jimbo Easter will hold a participatory screen printing workshop in the Mobile Homestead. This event is recommended for ages 10 and older.
Doors open at 1 p.m.; Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation.
Oct. 25
Talk: Michael Stone-Richards: Detroit 1967 + the Politics of Pleasure
College of Creative Studies professor, Dr. Michael Stone-Richards will provide perspective and talk about the variables that could have led to the events that transpired in the summer of 1967.
Doors open at 6 p.m.; Admission is free with a $5 suggested donation.
Nov. 11
Film+Music: The Dramastics Are Loud
Nathan Carter breathes life into his dioramas in a short film. The film, created, written, and directed by Carter, tells the story of four women who start a punk band after high school. There will also be a live performance following the film.
Doors open at 8 p.m.; Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5.
Nov. 25
Suzy Poling and Special Guests
Former Detroit resident and multi-media artist, Suzy Poling, will put on a special performance for the Punk House exhibition. Her work has been published in The New York Times, Harper's Magazine, and Metropolitan Museum of Art Books.
Doors open at 3 p.m.; Admission is free.
Dec. 15
Monster Drawing Rally
The live drawing and fundraiser event is returning this December. The Monster Drawing Rally consists of about 30 artists creating original work, which will be available for immediate purchase upon completion. Each work of art is $40.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; Admission is $10 or $7 for MOCAD members.
Sept. 22
New Wave
This group show organized by Ben Venom will feature works by Rose Eken, Bob Gorman, Laurel Roth Hope, Dennis McNett, Erin M. Riley, Lucien Shapiro, Truth Never Told, Meghan McAleavy, and Venom, all of whom have created pieces that will help the viewer redefine the way they view contemporary craft.
The opening reception runs from 7 to 10 p.m.; Admission is free.
Nov. 17
Lucien Shapiro, Judith Supine, and Julie Schenkelberg residency exhibition
Red Bull House of Art's third and final residency exhibition of 2017 will feature mixed media sculpture, collage, and installations that promise to transform the gallery into an interactive and immersive space. HoA director Matt Eaton curated the exhibit based on the artists' similar affinity for using found materials to transform a space.
Through Oct. 14
Vital Signs for a New America + The Unfinished Conversation: Encoding/Decoding
The University of Michigan's Stamps Gallery has been open since March, but these simultaneously running exhibits are the space's first non-student affairs. The Unfinished Conversation will feature video and image works by Terry Adkins, John Akomfrah, Shelagh Keeley, and Zineb Sedira. As for Vital Signs for a New America, another group exhibition, the Srimoyee Mitra-curated show will include work by Dylan Miner, Sheryl Oring, and the performance collective the Hinterlands. The show promises to use meaningful and compelling community-engaged approaches to invite people to speak out and share stories.
Oct. 20-Nov. 3
Process of Making: Undergraduate Work from Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design
The student group exhibit will feature works in a variety of media.
Opening reception, Friday, Oct. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.; Admission is free and open to the public.
Nov. 10-Dec. 16
2017 Undergraduate Juried Exhibition
This showcase will feature the best work produced by Stamps undergraduate students. During the opening reception, a juried panel will award students with cash prizes for their work.
Exhibition reception, Friday, Nov. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
Sept. 22-Dec. 16
Homemade Ice Cream: Jason Yates + Friends
Detroit-born, Los Angeles-based artist Jason Yates will return to his hometown with his largest scale project to date. The exhibit will feature fully outfitted domestic spaces constructed inside the gallery, many of which were inspired by his childhood. Works by locals such as Martha Mysko, Jonathan Baker, Alexander Buzzalini, John Charnota, Leslie Rogers, and Victoria Shaheen will also be featured.
The opening reception is Sept. 22 from 6 to 10 p.m.
The Detroit Diaspora
Featuring the art of Detroiters whose work has been featured internationally, this exhibit was co-curated by native Detroiter, Cass Tech graduate, and Carr Center resident artist Michael Kelly Williams and Dr. Cledie Taylor.
Through Jan. 7
Gloss: Modeling Beauty
Exploring the mainstream notion of female beauty through the lense of fashion photography, this exhibition of iconic images includes works by Edward Steichen, Philippe Halsman, Helmut Newton, Andy Warhol, and Guy Bourdin. There will be curator talks on Sunday, Oct. 15, Sunday, Nov. 5, and Sunday Nov. 19.
Through Nov. 26
Moving Image: Portraiture
The final exhibition in a three-part series, this show addresses formal concerns and conceptual topics of portraiture and landscape.
Through Dec. 10
In Focus: Sam Nhlengethwa
For his Tribute series, Nhlengethwa created a range of prints that pay homage to several artists that have "paved the way for South African art." These include South African artists such as David Goldblatt, William Kentridge, and Gerard Sekoto, but also international artists such as Romare Bearden, Henri Matisse, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. By recognizing their influences upon his own work, Nhlengethwa shows an exchange of ideas within and across borders that moves past the oft-stated influence of African artworks on avant-garde European artists. His Tribute Series confirms that African artists are by no means working in an isolated context, but are active participants in a global art world.
Theater
Dec. 1-17
A Christmas Carol
The adaptations of this classic Charles Dickens play seem innumerable, but this production won't be starring puppets or computer-generated cartoons. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his supernatural redemption will have you in the Christmas spirit.
Show times vary; Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for WSU faculty, alumni, and senior citizens, and $10 for students.
In Detroit for the first time, this traveling show follows an American soldier and a mysterious French girl, but the star of the show is definitely that enigmatic European city. The show won more awards in 2015 than any other musical and has earned rave review from the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
Shows are at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
Sept. 28-Oct. 29
Skeleton Crew
The Detroit premiere of Dominique Morisseau's acclaimed Detroit trilogy, this show follows a makeshift family of workers at the last exporting auto plant in the city during the 2008 recession. With tensions running high, they're pushed to the limit in order to survive.
Shows start at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday; Tickets are $35 Thursday-Friday, $45 on Saturdays ($40 matinees), and $40 on Sundays.
Nov. 11-19
No Child
This one-woman show created and performed by Nilaja Sun explores the lives of teachers, students, parents, and janitors at one New York City school.
Shows at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday with a 2 p.m. Wednesday matinee on Nov. 15; Tickets are $35 Wednesday-Friday, $45 on Saturdays, and $40 on Sundays.
Nov. 24-Dec. 3
Pike Street
This two-weekend limited engagement is another one-woman show created and performed by Nilaja Sun. This time she'll play a mother and her respirator-bound daughter as they prepare for a looming hurricane.
Shows start at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays; Tickets are $35 on Fridays, $45 on Saturdays, and $40 on Sundays.
Nov. 2-Dec. 23
Swimming Upstream
A modern tale of love and science, marine biologist Jennifer studies the effects of climate change on salmon spawning. The problem? Her boss won't let her report her findings. Meanwhile, her sex-crazed mother can't stop quoting Ronald Reagan and her boyfriend keeps likening salmon to Superman.
Shows 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on 7:30 p.m. on Sundays; Tickets are $20.
An under-celebrated sequel to Andrew Lloyd Weber's seminal Phantom of the Opera, this musical finds a beleaguered Christine Daaé and her wino husband (yes, Raoul de Chagny, who we always knew was a tosser) seeking fame and fortune in New York. Little do they know, the Opera Ghost isn't far away. Will Team Phantom's dreams finally come true?
Shows at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, and matinees at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; Tickets start at $39.
Sept. 29-Oct. 15
The Underpants
The Underpants is adapted from the German farce Die Hose by the playwright Carl Sternheim, though this screenplay was written by the silver-haired comic Steve Martin. It's about a housewife who finds herself in a precarious position when multiple suitors vie for her affection.
Show times vary; Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for WSU faculty, alumni, and senior citizens, and $10 for students.
Nov. 3-19
A Streetcar Named Desire
Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski struggle through the dark side of their relationship in this classic Tennessee Williams drama.
Show times vary; Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for WSU faculty, alumni, and senior citizens, and $10 for students.
Oct. 12-28
A Midsummer Night's Dream
This popular Shakespeare play may come mid-autumn, but the timeless comedy is sure to entertain and delight as the impish fairy Puck attempts to confuse and bewilder a cast of couples who enter a magical forest on midsummer's night.
Show times vary; Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for WSU faculty, alumni, and senior citizens, and $10 for students.
Dec. 7-16
Stop Kiss
Billed as a funny, yet poignant play by Diana Son, Stop Kiss is a relevant narrative that explore the complexity of romantic, personal, and social relationships for LGBT people.
Show times vary; Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for WSU faculty, alumni, and senior citizens, and $10 for students.
Through Sept. 30
Amazing Dave
Part of Planet Ant's One Act Series, this stage show by Shawn Handlon tells the story of a doomsday cult started by a con man and the group of followers who are gullible enough to believe him.
Shows are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; Tickets are $11.
Nov. 22-Dec. 16
25
A holiday classic of sorts, this popular Planet Ant stage show returns with direction by Dave Davies.
Showtimes and ticket prices not yet available.
Sept. 28-Dec. 16
God of Carnage
Despite the rather foreboding name, this stage production promises to be hilarious. As the winner of the 2009 Tony Award for best play, we'll take their word for it.
Show times vary; Tickets are $41 for adults, $38 for veterans, senior citizens, and teachers, and $20.50 for students.
Sept. 29-Oct. 30
The Rocky Horror Show
A classic tale of sexual awakening and lowkey cannibalism, The Rocky Horror Show follows engaged couple Brad Majors and Janet Weiss as they enter the macabre lair of Dr. Frank N. Furter and his creepy constituents.
Shows at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Mondays, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturdays except Oct. 28 when shows are at 7 p.m. and midnight. Tickets are $10 to Monday night shows and $25 for Friday and Saturday night shows.
Nov. 10-Dec. 4
Life Sucks
Never has unhappiness been so much fun. Written by Aaron Posner, this production binds together an assortment of estranged aquintances and makes them grapple with life and each other.
Shows start at 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays, and at 5 p.m. on Sundays; Tickets are $25 on Fridays and Saturdays, $20 on Sundays, and $10 on Mondays.
Dec. 14-18
The SantaLand Diaries & Season's Greetings
David Sedaris, author of hilarious autobiographical tomes like Me Talk Pretty One Day, penned these spectacularly anti-holiday stories, which Joe Mantello later adapted for the stage.
Shows at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday, and 5 p.m. on Sunday; Tickets are $25 Friday and Saturday, $20 Sunday, and $10 Monday.
Oct. 13-22
Detroit '67
This two-hour production by Dominique Morisseau dives into the dealings of a brother-and-sister run basement blind pig during the infamous 1967 rebellion in Detroit.
Shows are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday; Tickets to all shows are $20.
Nov. 3-18
A Raisin in the Sun
Based on the classic poem by Langston Hughes, this stage production follows the Younger family as it fights inner discord and a mounting societal pressure.
Shows are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday; Tickets are $20 on Thursdays and $23.50 Friday-Sunday.
Through Nov. 5
Guys and Dolls
Known for seminal numbers like “Luck be a Lady” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” this classic production is considered by some to be the perfect musical comedy. This show is accented by over-the-top costumes and feats of athleticism.
Shows start at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on select dates; Tickets are $12.50 to $98.58.
Through Oct. 21
The School for Scandal
A faced-paced comedy set during heyday of enormous powdered wigs, The School of Scandal follows an uncle as he tests the trustworthiness of his nephews. There’s gossip, rumors, backbiting, and a lot of over-the-top satin getups.
Shows start at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on select dates; Tickets are $42.95-$111.78.
Through Oct. 6
The Breathing Hole
A new production that saw its world premier at the Stratford Festival, this show, set in Canada, follows the mythic adventures of a polar bear. Employing Canadian history juxtaposed against a future ravaged by climate change, the show comes to a profound and moving conclusion.
Shows at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on select dates; Tickets are $83.95-$122.50.
Through Oct. 13
Tartuffe
Main character Orgon is willing to put his family and estate at risk after falling under the spell of a religious con artist. A classic dark comedy by Moliere, this show is an exploration of power and hypocrisy.
Shows start at 8 p.m.; Tickets are $45-$116.25.
Through Oct. 21
Romeo & Juliet
William Shakespeare’s classic tale of two teenaged star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet is a cautionary tale for both young lovers and their families.
Shows at 8 p.m. with matinees on select dates; Tickets start at $25.
Through Oct. 21
HMS Pinafore
With witty dialogue, endearing characters, memorable tunes and a hilariously happy ending, these are the silliest shenanigans ever seen aboard a ship! Since its première in 1878, Gilbert and Sullivan’s wildly popular operetta has delighted audiences with its nautical tale of love across class divides.
Shows at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on select dates; Tickets start at $25.
Through Oct. 1
The Madwoman of Chaillot
A quirky and flamboyant woman — and our titular character — provides the quirky spirit that informs this classic 20th-century comedy about the discovery of oil beneath the streets of Paris and ensuing corporate greed.
Shows at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on select dates; Tickets start at $25.
Through Oct. 8
The Virgin Trial
A thriller of Elizabethan proportions, this show follows a young princess and her dealings in both political and sexual intrigue in the Tudor court. During this companion piece to The Last Wife, Princess Elizabeth finds her freedom and life threatened.
Shows at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on select dates; Tickets start at $73.
Through Oct. 21
The Twelfth Night
William Shakespeare’s comedy about love and its uncanny ability to throw everyone for a loop returns. Starring, as ever, a set of shipwrecked twins, a lovesick duke and a self-important servant who becomes the ultimate fashion victim.
Shows at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on select dates; Tickets start at $25.
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 13-14
L’Etat de siège (State of Siege) Théâtre de la Ville
@ Power Center
Set in a horrifying dystopian future, the French stage production see a pair of bureaucrats — Plague and Death — assume governmental power. That is, until a brave young man named Diego organized a revolt. Performed in French with English subtitles.
Shows start at 8 p.m.; 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor; tickets are $28-$54.
Oct. 20
Ragamala Dance Company: Written in Water
@ Power Center
This live music and dance experience created by Ranee and Aparna Ramaswamy is based on a second century Indian board game called Paramapadam and and the 12th century Persian epic The Conference of the Birds. In addition, the whole thing is about spiritual accession, so admittedly, there is a lot going on. The whole thing is rooted in South Indian Bharatanatyam classical dance and will employ paintings by Chennai-based visual artist Keshav projected on the stage floor.
Starts at 8 p.m.; 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor; tickets are $26-$52.
Oct. 5-Oct. 15
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
@ Arthur Miller Theatre
Set in Chicago during the Great Depression, this parable play follows small town thug Arturo Ui — a character created as an analogy of Hitler’s rise to power.
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays; general admission tickets are $30, students are $12.
Oct. 12-Oct. 22
One Hit Wonder
@ Mendelssohn Theatre
Featuring music from the 1980s to present day, this new musical is al about love, rock ‘n’ roll, and second chances.
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays; Tickets are $24 and $30, $12 for students.
Nov. 9-12
Dinner at Eight
@ Power Center
With equal parts satiric wit and emotional resonance, Dinner at Eight captures an elite group struggling to keep up appearances as their world crumbles around them.
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays; Tickets are $24 and $30, $12 for students.
Nov. 11
Men's Glee Club Bicentennial Guest Concerts
@ Hill Auditorium
This three concert series: The first will feature the Baldwin Wallace University Men's Chorus, the Viking Chorus of St. Olaf College, and the Miami University Men's Glee Club. The second brings the Notre Dame University Glee Club, Measure for Measure, and the Ohio State Men's Glee Club. The third will feature U-M’s Men’s Glee Club and Ambassadors in Song Alumni Chorus at their culminating performance.
Shows at noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.; Tickets are $5-$20.
Nov. 16-19
Blood at the Root
@ Arthur Miller Theatre
A bold 2014 work by the award-winning U-M alumna, loosely based on the Jena Six and accompanying racial tensions.
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays; General admission tickets are $30, students are $12.
Dec. 7-10
The Merry Wives of Windsor
@ Power Center
When a couple of rash, jealous husbands and two sweet young lovers join the imbroglio, calamity is inevitable.
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays; Tickets are $24 and $30, $12 for students.
Dec. 7-10
Violet
@ Arthur Miller Theatre
This musical by Jeanine Tesori will be directed by Mark Madama with music direction by Jason DeBord.
Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday and Sunday; Tickets are $20, and $12 for students.
Misc.
Sept. 22-24
Strange Beautiful Music
New Music Detroit celebrates their decade milestone this year with a celebration at MOCAD.
Doors open at 5 p.m.; Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Oct. 13
11th Annual Gala + Art Auction and Afterglow
Handcrafted cocktails, entertainment, curated art auction items, and more — plus all proceeds support MOCAD. The Afterglow will feature New York-based model and rapper Chynna Rogers, and Detroit-based Frankie Banks.
Doors for the gala open at 6 p.m. and tickets start at $1,000. Afterglow starts at 10 p.m.; Tickets start at $15 for members, $20 for non-members.
Oct. 27
The Black Opera
After performing for MOCAD's Winter 2017 opening event, the Black Opera is back. Rap's first ever performance art group fuses traditional art and video installation with political commentary into a hip-hop mix. This time around their themes will tie to the 1967 rebellion.
Doors open at 8 p.m.; Admission is $7 for members, $12 for non-members.
Dec. 8
Xenia Rubinos
Vocalist and Composer Xenia Rubinos will be performing at MOCAD. Her music contains many influences from other genres like R&B and Caribbean rhythms. Rubinos describes her work as "rhythmically fierce."
Doors open at 8 p.m.; Admission is $12 for members, $15 for non-members.
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