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Best Upcoming Theater Productions In Detroit

It may not seem like it or might come as a surprise to you, but Detroit has America's second-largest theater district. The Motor City has more theaters than Los Angeles and Chicago, and is second only to the top theater destination on the planet: New York City. Since the long-ago days of Vaudeville, theaters have lined the busy streets along Woodward Avenue and major productions made Detroit their second home. These days, the theater district in Detroit is still the second-largest, but truly feels second to no one. Here's a few great shows that will soon be making a Motown run and should surely be seen before they move along!

The historic Fox Theatre along Woodward Ave. in Detroit (Credit, Michael Ferro)

'Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles'
Fox Theatre
2211 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(800) 745-3000
www.raintribute.com

Date: May 17, 2015

Just about everyone out there loves The Beatles. They're arguably the most famous and most well-loved band of all time! "Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles" is more than just a cover band, it's a unique and completely original Beatles experience! Watch as a group of talented musicians recreate the scenes and on-stage personas of America's most treasured musical act. You'll never see the real Beatles ever play again, so you might as well see what The Hollywood Reporter calls "one of the best" out there. The show will take place May 17, 2015 and tickets can be purchased now.

'Wicked'
Detroit Opera House
1526 Broadway St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 237-7464
www.broadwayindetroit.comDate: Now through Jan. 4, 2015

Through the first week of January, Detroiters will have the chance to see one of the most popular shows in recent history. "Wicked" is a Tony Award-winning musical (actually, it's won many Tony Awards) that has taken the country by storm and been a favorite for young and old audiences for over a decade. The staying power of this show is a testament to its lasting message and great musical numbers taking place in the Land of Oz - the setting for the popular film (and book), "The Wizard of Oz." Performances will be at the Detroit Opera House through January 4.

The Palace of Auburn Hills will host Disney's Frozen On Ice in 2015 (Credit, Michael Ferro)

'Disney On Ice: Frozen'
The Palace of Auburn Hills
6 Championship Drive
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
(855) 305-4873
www.detroittheater.org

Date: March 12-15, 2015

Few films have impacted popular culture like the Disney film "Frozen" has. Between older generations and the very young, this animated musical has found a legion of fans. From its breakout song "Let It Go" to its stunning visuals, "Frozen" has now been transformed into a Disney On Ice spectacular event. Fans can fill into The Palace of Auburn Hills and see all of their favorite characters from the hit movie take to the ice and recreate the magic of the film.

Related:  Guide To Ann Arbor's Hands-On Children's Museum

'Once'
Fisher Theatre
3011 W. Grand Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 872-1000
www.broadwayindetroit.comDate: Feb. 3-15, 2015

It's not often that you'll find a Broadway musical based off of a small independent film, but that's just what "Once" is. Taken from the 2006 low-key, Oscar-winning indie film of the same name, "Once" tells the story of lovers in Dublin, and the story has been earning this new musical rave reviews and bringing it to the attention of America's top critics. The show has already won eight Tony Awards, including the award for Best Musical.

'Flashdance'
Fisher Theatre
3011 W. Grand Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48202
(855) 305-4873
www.detroittheater.orgDate: March 10-22, 2015

It's been 30 years since the immensely popular film phenomenon hit the movie theaters and now it has become one of the country's biggest musicals. "Flashdance" changed the culture of dance back when it was first released, and it's doing the same thing all over again with this Broadway revival. All of the original beloved songs from the hit film are back, alongside 10 new original compositions created just for the stage.

Related: Best Dinner Theater In Metro Detroit

Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.
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