Best Upcoming Theater Events In Detroit
"Ernie" at the City Theatre
2301 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 471-3200
olympiaentertainment.com
Dates: Through July 29
The City Theatre presents "Ernie." Returning for its second season, this is a story about the true life of Ernie Harwell, former Detroit Tigers announcer. The story takes place on his last night in Comerica Park in 2009, before he thanks the city of Detroit for a great run. He meets a young boy who is very interested in him, and Ernie tells him his story. Stick around to see how Ernie's story unfolds. The theater is located inside the Hockeytown Cafe building, next to the Fox Theatre, and can seat 500. Theater patrons who attend "Ernie" can bring their ticket stubs to the Fox Theatre or City Theater box offices and receive $5 off on select Tigers seating and regular home games.
"Avenue Q" at The Farmington Players
32332 W 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
(248) 553-2955
farmingtonplayers.org
Dates: August 10 through August 25
The Farmington Players will be performing the famous musical "Avenue Q" to open its new season, starting in August. "Avenue Q" was one of the longest running shows in New York City Broadway history, and can still be seen Off-Broadway as well. Even if you have never heard of the musical, you've undoubtedly heard some of the songs from it, as they are very popular. "Avenue Q" is about adults who were always assured when they were children that they could do anything they set their minds to. Now, when they are older, they realize that in the real world they don't have as many choices. Puppets are also used in conjunction with human actors in the show.
"Cool Hand Luke" at the Redford Theater
17360 Lahser Road
Redford, MI 48219
(313) 537-2560
redfordtheatre.com
Dates: July 20 and July 21
The Redford Theater is one of the last theaters around the Detroit area that still plays classic movies, and "Cool Hand Luke," from 1967, is not to be missed. It stars a young Paul Newman, along with George Kennedy, as a man who doesn't want to adapt to prison life. The Redford will also be showing "North by Northwest," the classic Hitchcock film, on August 24 and 25. All tickets are only $4 a piece and the theater provides parking free of charge near the building.
Related: Best Detroit Movie Theaters
"Burn This" at the Performance Network Theater
120 E Huron St
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 663-0681
performancenetwork.org
Dates: August 2 to September 2
The Performance Network Theater continues its summer season with "Burn This," a play about the romance of Anna, a choreographer, and Pale, a restaurant manager in New Jersey who does drugs. Taking place in 1986 Manhattan, their romance takes a turn for the worse as Pale's true personality emerges. About a 45-minute drive from downtown Detroit, this play is worth the trip. Children, ages four and younger, are not permitted for Performance Network shows, and tickets can be bought online, over the phone or in-person at the Box Office. The theater only has 139 seats, so buying tickets ahead of time is encouraged. The theater also has a no late seating policy. Theater-goers can ask to be put on the wait list for those performances that are sold out.
Related: Best Community Theaters in Detroit
"Willy Wonka Jr." at the Players Guild of Dearborn
21730 Madison St
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 561-8587
playersguildofdearborn.org
Dates: July 20 through July 29
The Guildings bring to life the stage adaptation of one of the world's most beloved children's books, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," starting on July 20 and continuing through July 29. See how this classic can be interpreted in new ways by budding actors. This is the Guilding youth theatre production that has been a work in progress since the start of summer. Tickets are $5 for general seating and can be purchased at the Players Guild website, by phone or through the box office. The Guild has a rich history, and was started in 1927 by members of a University of Michigan alumnae group and the Men's Club of Christ Episcopal Church. Although its location has changed over time, it has been a part of the Dearborn community for the past 85 years.
