Giving thanks: Local volunteers cook and serve Thanksgiving dinner to the inner-city homeless

By SUE SUCHYTA

Sunday Times Newspapers

            DETROIT – For the past four years, Paul Armstrong, 21, of Melvindale, rose early Thanksgiving Day to serve turkey dinner to the homeless from 7 to 11 a.m. at Manna House soup kitchen in Detroit.

            “A lot of people complain about waking up early in the morning, and all that, but… by the time you get here, all the drowsiness goes away,” he said. “Just the joy of seeing a smile on someone’s face, even when you just give them a drink of water – it’s priceless -- it beats sleeping in totally.”

            What started out as a social activity with Dearborn Sacred Heart parish’s youth group when he was a teen has turned into an annual Thanksgiving tradition for him and his 19-year-old brother Mike.

            “I’m helping out people that can’t get a decent meal most of the time,” Paul Armstrong said. “And I’m doing the work that Jesus said. You know, feed the hungry… It really gives me a sense of joy knowing that I’m helping someone to enjoy Thanksgiving as much as I usually would, and to be honest, I actually like this better than having my own Thanksgiving.”

            “There are obviously a lot of people in Detroit that need this,” Mike Armstrong added. 

            He said as much as he dislikes getting out of bed before 7 a.m. on a holiday, when he volunteers at Manna House he leaves feeling thankful for the blessings in his own life.

            “You go away with this really warm feeling,” Mike Armstrong said. “And you know that (this) is what Thanksgiving is about.”  

            Manna House, located at Michigan and Trumbull in the basement of St. Peter Episcopal Church in Detroit, began in 1976, with Father Tom Lumpkin, co-manager of the soup kitchen, arriving two years later.                                                                                                  

            Lumpkin, part of the Catholic Worker Movement, lives at and also runs a shelter for women, Day House, six blocks away at 2640 Trumbull. He shares soup kitchen and shelter duties with Marianne Arbogast, a laic Catholic Worker.

            The Catholic Worker Movement works with very poor people on the fringes of society, addressing social issues and their causes.

            Lumpkin said volunteers from St. Linus parish in Dearborn Heights have been preparing and serving Thanksgiving dinner for the soup kitchen every year since it began. Volunteers from other parishes, like Sacred Heart in Dearborn, began sending volunteers Thanksgiving morning almost ten years ago when former St. Linus member Julie Wieleba-Milkie, a 20-year attendee, became Sacred Heart’s director of faith formation and youth ministry.

            Lumpkin said the Thanksgiving meal is very special to their recipients, who usually dine on soup, sandwiches and day-old doughnuts served by rotating area volunteers. He said they serve 150 to 200 recipients from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Mon, Tue., Wed., Fri. and Saturdays.

            He said he thinks the volunteers are here because it fits with their idea of what Thanksgiving is, and since most have their meal later in the day.

            “Instead of going down to the parade, they can come and do this in the morning. It gives them a way of celebrating Thanksgiving that is appropriate for them, that they want to do, then they can go back and have their own dinner and stuff with their family and friends, so it kind of – it’s just a good day for them… it’s a good way to celebrate Thanksgiving.”

             The teen and adult volunteers have mixed reactions to the homeless population Manna House serves, Lumpkin said.

            “Some… can get turned off by seeing very poor people,” Lumpkin said. “A big chunk of the homeless population has mental illness; (the volunteers) can sort of be frightened by that… they are definitely venturing out of a comfort zone to come down here.” 

            Arbogast said besides serving meals, Manna House provides a place where people can rest and warm up in a safe place for several hours, use a telephone or bathroom, refill a water bottle or get help with referrals to agencies for shelter or mental health needs.

            “I guess to me it’s really at the core of Christian faith,” Arbogast said. “In the Gospel of Matthew, where the question asked everyone is ‘I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’ I think that is what we are trying to live out here, to whatever degree we can.”

            Wieleba-Milkie sees the value of bringing teen volunteers from her youth group to help serve the Thanksgiving meal in at Manna House.         

             “To wake up early on a Thanksgiving morning, on a holiday instead of being able to stay in your jamies and watch the parade, I hope they get a sense of what it really means to be thankful this Thanksgiving Day,” Wieleba-Milkie said. “To give thanks for the fact that they have a roof over their heads, that they have a home, that they have a meal that they can go home to, because of a lot of these people – even though they might have jobs – (might not have) enough income to be able to actually maintain a home.”

            Abigail Burke, 13, of Dearborn and an eighth grader at Sacred Heart School, has been coming to Manna House on Thanksgiving morning for five years.

            “I just like coming down here because I like serving the poor and homeless,” Burke said. It makes me feel better – showing that I’ve done something… giving them a better Thanksgiving.”

            Emma Andrus, 13, an eighth grader at Sacred Heart School and a Dearborn Heights resident, has also been coming to Manna House for five Thanksgivings.

            “There are other people besides me that should be fed today,” Andrus said. “I come here over again because other people also need a good meal on Thanksgiving… and every single time I walk out I always feel good about helping others.”                                                                                                                                        

            Les Osenkowski, St. Linus parish member and a 30-year Thanksgiving volunteer, continues even after moving to Northville.

            “I’m rewarded to see all these beautiful people get a satisfying meal out of this,” he said.

             St. Linus Deacon Jerry Schiffer, director of Christian service said this has become a Thanksgiving tradition for many families in the parish.

            “Some people will go down to the football game today; some people go to the parade – those are great things,” Schiffer said. “We’re blessed to be able to see these people as our guests, people who are in need, and to have an opportunity to serve them… it’s an opportunity for us to live our faith by helping others.”

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Photos by Sue Suchyta

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Dearborn Sacred Heart parish volunteer Abigail Burke (front left), 13, of Dearborn, waits for a Thanksgiving dinner plate to serve from plate preparers Andrea Robinson (second from left) and Gregory Robinson of Westland, a Dearborn Heights St. Linus parishioner. Members of both parishes served a Thanksgiving meal to those in need at Manna House soup kitchen, located in the basement of St. Peter Episcopal Church at Michigan and Trumbull in Detroit on Thanksgiving morning.

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Dearborn Sacred Heart parish volunteers Paul Armstrong (left), 21, of Melvindale, and Danielle Barum, 18, of Dearborn, waits for a Thanksgiving dinner plate to serve from plate preparers Andrea Robinson and Gregory Robinson of Westland, a Dearborn Heights St. Linus parishioner. Members of both parishes served a Thanksgiving meal to those in need at Manna House soup kitchen, located in the basement of St. Peter Episcopal Church at Michigan and Trumbull in Detroit on Thanksgiving morning.

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Dearborn Heights St. Linus parishioner Ed Robinson said he has been volunteering at Manna House soup kitchen, located in the basement of St. Peter Episcopal Church at Michigan and Trumbull in Detroit, on Thanksgiving Day for 19 years, and his family now joins him.

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Dearborn Sacred Heart parish volunteer Danielle Barum (left), 18, of Dearborn serves a Thanksgiving dinner plate to a recipient at Manna House soup kitchen, located in the basement of St. Peter Episcopal Church at Michigan and Trumbull in Detroit on Thanksgiving morning.

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Members of Dearborn Heights St. Linus and Dearborn Sacred Heart parishes prepared and served a Thanksgiving meal to those in need at Manna House soup kitchen, located in the basement of St. Peter Episcopal Church at Michigan and Trumbull in Detroit on Thanksgiving morning.

Lies and ruined lives: Bonstelle’s “The Crucible” mirrors modern media mudslinging

Aeisha Reese (left) of Flint as Mary Warren, Malvina Mirowski of Sterling Heights as Betty Parris and Mackenzie Conn of Walled Lake as Abigail Williams perform in the Wayne State University Bonstelle Theatre production of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible."   Photo by Patrick Pozezinski

Lies and ruined lives: Bonstelle’s “The Crucible” mirrors modern media mudslinging

By SUE SUCHYTA

           

            Wayne State University presents Arthur Miller’s powerful 1953 Tony Award-winning play, “The Crucible” for two more performances, at 8 p.m. Oct. 20 and 2 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Bonstelle Theatre, 4743 Cass Avenue in Detroit.

For more information call the Bonstelle box office at (313) 577-2960 or go to www.bonstelle.com.

            The show, known as a drama about the Salem witch trials and an allegory of McCarthyism and the Communist witch-hunts of the 1950s, resonates eerily during the current presidential campaign. In each scenario, opportunists blur the line between truth and falsehood unfettered by a moral conscience.  

            Directed by Lavinia Hart, The Bonstelle Company delivers a masterful piece of theatre that draws one in and leaves its audience emotionally drained with its intensity and powerful message. Self-serving lies destroy innocent lives, and paralyze a community with fear in its deadly aftermath.

            Anthony Karpinski’s set is stunning and versatile. From a stark leafless tree dominating the wall upstage, grow branches that resemble headless bodies running frantically in space but getting nowhere. Rough-hewn wooden fencelike backdrops paired with platforms serve as many different locations, transformed by splashes or absence of color created by lighting designer Gabriel Rice.

            Rice also creates both a blood red sky and spooky jack-o-lantern lighting against the austere gray set, adding a passionate contrast to a rigid, repressive society that eschewed indulgence.

            Sound designer Mike Thomas sets the mood before any dialogue is spoken with eerie rumbling techno-music and the rustle of skirts amplified to sound like thunder before even the first line of dialogue is uttered.

            Once the words begin to flow, though, they capture the audience with a cavalcade of lies spilling uncontrolled out of the floodgates. Some lies begin out of jealousy; others are merely to hide personal transgressions. However, in the rigid, judgmental society of 1692 Salem, words used to save ones’ life turn on others to condemn them to death.

Technical director Fred Florkowski helps makes the stage magic come to life, while costume designer Donna Buckley clothed the cast in the era.

            Mackenzie Conn of Walled Lake turns in a riveting performance as Abigail Williams, the 17-year-old antagonist who, spurned by John Proctor after an affair when she was a household servant, accuses his wife Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft, hoping to see her hang so she can win back John Proctor.

            Young girls, caught in the woods without alibis, start accusing others of witchcraft to explain their transgressions.  As the group feeds on the power of their lies and hysteria builds in the community, fear encircles the town, where they begin to kill those pleading innocent to the crime of witchcraft.

            Other outstanding performers include Ivy Haralson of Belleville as Tituba, Michael Meike of Clinton Township as Judge Danforth and Aeisha Reese of Flint as Mary Warren.

            Others in the strong cast include Jacqueline Fenton of Allen Park as Susanna Walcott, Daniel Finn of Armada as Ezekiel Cheever, Jordan Fritz of River Rouge as Giles Corey, Amber Gale of Detroit as Girl 1 and Robert J. Hammond of Troy as Willard.

Shannon Hurst of Warren plays Girl 4, Sharayah Johnson of Birch Run portrays Ann Putnam, Sara Kline of Royal Oak is Rebecca Nurse and Kelly Klopocinski of Sterling Heights embodies the role of Elizabeth Proctor.

Other cast members include Alyssa Lucas of Garden City as Mercy Lewis, Colin Mallory of East Lansing as Reverend Parris, Jackson McLaskey of Mt Clemens as John Proctor and Matthew Miazgowicz of Dearborn as Thomas Putnam.

Yesmeen Mikhail of Wyandotte plays Sarah Good, with Malvina Mirowski of Sterling Heights as Betty Parris, Hope Morawa of Lincoln Park as Girl 3, Bryauna Perkins of Chesterfield as Hopkins and Girl 2 and Aeisha Reese of Flint as Mary Warren.

Laith Salim of Dearborn plays Francis Nurse, Stuart Sturton of Dexter portrays Judge Hathorne and Nicholas Yocum of Royal Oak is Reverend Hale.

             For tickets or more information, call (313) 577-2960 or go to www.bonstelle.com. 

Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre presents one more performance of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"

Photos and review by Sue Suchyta

The Dearborn Heights Civic Theatre presents one more performance of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" at 8 p.m. April 27 in the Berwyn Center, 26155 Richardson in Dearborn Heights.

For move information, go to www.dhctstage.org.

Children and adults will enjoy the the Peanuts characters in the musical based on Charle's Schulz's much-love characters.

From the excellent opening number, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" to the closing number "Happiness" you'll find yourself reliving memories from your youth as you see a favorite comic strip come to life on the DHCT stage.

Director Marc Walentowicz has brought together a strong cast.

Ron Williams brings out the kid in all of us with his trusting, optimistic Charlie Brown, who manages to stay hopeful despite the curveballs life throws his way.

Emily Gedert is entertaining as Lucy, the bossy big sister who does a very good job of getting her way most of the time.  Her song "Little Known Facts" is very funny.

Brian Welch shines as Snoopy, whether he's waiting for supper or stalking the Red Baron as he flies his dog house.

Sara Mayne is funny and full of childish joy as Sally.  Resplendent in a pink dress any little girl would love, she  hunts rabbits with Snoopy, expresses righteous indignation about her "C" grade on a coat hanger sculpture, and practices her "new philosophy" -- "Why are you telling me?!"  -- to the amusement of all.

James Mayne has fun with Linus, Lucy's little brother who survives her bossiness with his clever comebacks. He has fun with his blanket dance, with Clara Albright (who also plays Peppermint Patti) bringing the dancing comfort object skillfully and enthusiastically to life.

Others in the strong supporting cast include Cory Chambless as Schroeder, Marissa Campitelle as Marcie, Dustin Hanson as Roy, Sean Randolph as Pig-Pen, and Sophia Tyler in a delightful cameo role as Woodstock. 

Laura Tyler's choreography is fun and whimsical, and works well with the theatre-in-the-round seating.

For fun for all ages, take a trip down memory lane and spend some time with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang.

For more information, go to www.dhctstaage.org.

Marissa Campitelle (left) as Marcie, Sara Mayne as Sally and Emily Gedert as Lucy.

Ron Williams (left) as Charlie Brown and Emily Gedert as Lucy.

James Mayne (left) as Linus and Ron Williams as Charlie Brown.

James Mayne (left) as Linus, Sean Randolph as Pig-Pen, Marissa Campitelle as Marcie and Ron Williams as Charlie Brown.

"The Producers" opens April 27 at the Players Guild of Dearborn

Photos by:  Sue Suchyta

Dearborn residents Dan Hartley as Leo Bloom (left) and Brian Townsend as Max Bialystock rehearse a scene Wednesday from the Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan musical comedy “The Producers.” The show runs for four weekends, April 27 to May 20 at the Players Guild of Dearborn. For more information call (313) 561-TKTS or go to www.playersguildofdearborn.org.

Dearborn residents Dan Hartley (left) as Leo Bloom, Brian Townsend as Max Bialystock and Mike Falzon as Franz rehearse a scene from the Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan musical comedy “The Producers.” The show runs for four weekends, April 27 to May 20 at the theater, located at 21730 Madison in Dearborn. For more information, call (313) 561-TKTS or go to www.playersguildofdearborn.org.

The cast rehearse a scene Wednesday from the Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan musical comedy “The Producers.” The show runs for four weekends, April 27 to May 20 at the Players Guild of Dearborn, located at 21730 Madison in Dearborn. For more information, call (313) 561-TKTS or go to www.playersguildofdearborn.org.

"Grease" cast fills HFCC stage with energy and enthusiasm

Photos by: Sue Suchyta

Shauna Rae Hazime (left) as Sandy rehearses “Summer Loving” from “Grease” March 27 at Henry Ford Community College. The musical runs for two weekends, April 13 to 22, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Also shown are Danya Talab (second from left) as Jan, Megan Oliver as Marty, chorus members LaToya Letman, Danielle Addington, Amanda Pierce and Courtney Butterfield, Samantha York as Patty Simcox, chorus member Brittany Lowrey, Judo Manko as Frenchy, Samantha Hales as Betty Rizzo, and chorus members Andrea Wells-Preister, Ellen Neiman, Khadijah Carr and Zena Elayan.

Raymond Filipek (fifth from left on pedestal) as Danny Zuko rehearses “Summer Loving” from “Grease” March 27 at Henry Ford Community College. The musical runs for two weekends, April 13 to 22, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Also shown are chorus members Miekyle Turner (left), Maurice Whitsett, Bowen Underwood and Brent Baldridge Jr., Marcellus Hogan (sixth from left) as Roger, Corey Allen as Kenickie, Joey Kulza as Doody, Eric Vega as Sonny and London Johnson as Johnny Casino.

Corey Allen (fourth from left) as Kenickie rehearses “Greased Lightning” from “Grease” March 27 at Henry Ford Community College. The musical runs for two weekends, April 13 to 22, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Also shown are Marcellus Hogan (left) as Roger, chorus members Randall Nicholls (who also plays Teen Angel), London Johnson (who also plays Johnny Casino), VicAngelo Offutt (fifth from left) as Eugene, Raymond Filipek as Danny Zuko and chorus member Bowen Underwood.

By SUE SUCHYTA

            Henry Ford Community College continues a run of “Grease” through April 22 with 8 p.m. performances on Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee.

GREASE IS THE WORD

            Highlights of the 29-member cast include strong male dancers in the “Greased Lightning” number, a fun-to-watch high school dance with the full ensemble, and strong vocals in the production numbers.

SANDY AND DANNY

            Shauna Rae Hazime as Sandy and Raymond Filipek as Danny Zuko lead the cast with strong vocals and acting.

            Some of the character roles provide some of the most interesting and memorable performances.

BUTTERFIELD AS LYNCH

            Courtney Butterfield is entertaining as Miss Lynch, the all-knowing principal, who is wise to the tricks of Eric Vega’s Sonny, who talks a good game but can’t escape class or detention time.

YORK PLAYS PATTY

            Samantha York is a natural as Patty Simcox, the perky cheerleader you love to hate, and VicAngelo Offutt makes nerdish Eugene out to be much more human than the usual simplistic stereotype.

TWINKIES AND DESSERT WINE

            Danya Talab is entertaining as the always munching Jan (who wisely knows that Twinkies go well with dessert wines), while Judo Manko’s Frenchy is warm, welcoming and innocently funny.

RIZZO'S SHOW STOPPER: SAMANTHA HALE HOLDS HER OWN

            Samantha Hale’s Rizzo nails her part excellently, and her number “There are Worse Things I Could Do” is one of the best in the show.

SNYDER's KENICKIE

            Corey Allen Snyder, as Kenickie, is a strong dancer, and he leads a fast paced show-stopper in the first act’s “Greased Lightning.”

MARTY, DOODY AND ROGER

            Megan Oliver as Marty, Joey Kulza as Doody and Marcellus Hogan as Roger are also strong in their supporting roles.

BROTHERS IN DIFFERENT SHOWS SAME NIGHTS

                        Talent runs in the Hogan family: while Marcellus is playing Roger in “Grease” at HFCC, his brother Tauren is playing Seaweed, one of the leads in “Hairspray” at the Bonstelle, Wayne State University’s undergraduate theatre.  Both shows run for two weekends at the exact same times, so neither brother will be able to see the other perform live.

FLETCHER DIRECTS, DZUIBLINSKI TECHS

            Judy Fletcher directed the show, with musical direction by G. Kevin Dewey, choreography by Barbara Selinger and technical direction and scenic design by Gerry Dzublinski.

RICH IN COLOR AND LORE

            The show is rich in color, and features fun set pieces and clever costuming.  It includes many authentic-looking late fifties era props, and entertaining high school dance moves.

SILVER SPRAYED SPARKLIES

            The “Beauty School Drop Out” dream sequence features some fun sparkly silver hair roller headpieces cleverly created from hundreds of carefully hoarded and repurposed spray-painted cardboard tubes.

HIGHLIGHTS TO SEE

            Things to watch and listen for:  The “Teenage Werewolf” drive-in movie segment; Dewey’s amazing closing trumpet solo; Sandy Dumbrowski and Patty Simcox’s delightful period outfits, and Dzuiblinski’s giant high heel shoe bed.

            For more information call (313) 845-9817 or go to theatre.hfcc.edu.

More than a movie: Beauty and the Beast at the Fisher

Photos by: Joan Marcus

The Disney Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast,” with Emily Behny (left) as Belle and Dane Agostinis as the Beast runs through April 22 at the Fisher Theater in Detroit. For tickets or more information call 1-800-982-2787 or go to www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayindetroit.com.

The Disney Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast,” runs through April 22 at the Fisher Theater in Detroit. The enchanted objects include James May (left) as Cogsworth, Jen Bechter as Madame de la Grande Bouche, Michael Haller as Lumiere, Chandon Jones as Babbette and Julia Hosack as Mrs. Potts. The role of Chip (in tea cart) is played by Noah Jones and Jordan Moore. For tickets or more information call 1-800-982-2787 or go to www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayindetroit.com.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST:  MORE THAN A MOVIE

            The Fisher Theatre’s touring Broadway musical “Beauty and the Beast” is not a remake of the Disney movie. It features new songs, beautiful sets and big song and dance numbers that go beyond enchanted dancing silverware.

TOO LONG FOR TOTS

            However, be forewarned: young children – even those who enjoy the movie – may become bored. If a youngster can’t sit through live entertainment or religious services, don’t expect them to last for a musical.

            Even from mid-house it is difficult even for early elementary children to remain focused, especially during the soft ballads.  There are also frightening fight scenes that can scare little ones. During Act II one of the two youngsters seated in front of us fell asleep while the other retreated to the lobby with his father. A word to the wise: spend money on a sitter instead of tickets for preschoolers. They aren’t ready for a large professional venue, even if they do keep quiet like the two children in front of us did.

A SMALL PROVINCIAL TOWN

            “Beauty and the Beast” (if you’ve been in isolation for the last twenty years) is the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and a once arrogant prince trapped in the body of a beast until he can learn that love is more than skin deep. Throw in a lively chorus of villagers and enchanted objects, and you have a fun show to savor.

SETTING THE TONE

            The sets are rich in jewel tone colors, with tapestry-like designs. The tavern scene actually features a Latvian needle point star pattern in the design. While the original touring company sets brought the movie to life, the latest version incorporates eastern European wood carvings and gilded manuscripts, giving the production a rich visual appeal.

FROM ASHMAN TO RICE

            Several new songs were written in 1994 when the story took to the stage. While Alan Menkin wrote the music and the late Howard Ashman wrote the lyrics for the movie, Tim Rice wrote the lyrics for the additional songs created for the stage version.

QUIET BALLADS DON'T CAPTURE ATTENTION QUICKLY ENOUGH

            However, some of the new songs are too quiet in the beginning, and they lose the attention of the audience – especially the children.  The Beast’s song “If I Can’t Love Her” at the end of Act 1, and its reprise in Act 2, are not good showcases for Dane Agostinis, who plays the Beast. His belting voice is strong, but his soft voice is weak, and just barely stays on key. His acting is wonderful. However, when he finally becomes a prince again (when the mask comes off) he looks plain and tired – he reminded me of Luke’s father (Darth Vader) in Star Wars when the scary black face shield came off at the end of the battle – he’s pale and sweaty. Audiences expect a handsome prince, and one would think a Broadway tour could make any actor look good.

BEHNY AS BELLE

            Emily Behny as Belle is all around wonderful – a marvelous actress, vocally strong and sincere and she effortlessly make the part hers.

WHEN GARGOLES CAN'T WALTZ

            The chorus is a lot of fun, even if some of the male chorus were weak dancers. During “To Be Human Again” some of the female chorus dragged some of the male ensemble through a brief waltz segment. However, the kids won’t notice that, and most grownups won’t either.

MUGGING FOR THE HOUSE

            There is a delightful percussive pewter tavern mug scene that is original and fun, and the show-stopping enchanted servants’ “Be Our Guest” is fun and uplifting.

DISNEY RAIN

            The special effects are neat – including the illusion of rain generated through the use of a scrim and superb lighting effects. Be advised, though, that a strobe is used when the beast turns back into human form if you are suseptible to seizures.

VIOLENT END

            One other warning – Gaston stabs the Beast in the back after the Beast spares him – which is very frightening for children. The other scary stuff – wild wolves and fist fights – aren’t too terrible.

SHOW CLOSES APRIL 22

            The show closes Sunday, April 22, so if you’re a fan of the tale old as time, catch it while you can.  Tickets are available at the Fisher Theatre box office and through TicketMaster.

AKT Theatre Company to hold "Into the Woods" auditions

By SUE SUCHYTA

            The AKT Theatre Company will hold auditions for “Into the Woods” at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 25 at the Wyandotte Art Center at 81 Chestnut St. in Wyandotte.

            Those auditioning should prepare 16 measures of a song that best displays their vocal ability. The auditions will also include movement, cold readings and improvisation.

            The show will run Aug. 2 to 11 at the Wyandotte Art Center. For more information, go to www.AKTtheatre.com or send an email to Angie Kane Ferrante, Angie@AKTtheatre.com.

Allen Park H.S. Senior Katie Weiss honored at April 3 Pistons game

Allen Park HS senior Katie Weiss was honored at the April 3 Piston game at the Palace during halftime. She started a group at her high school to stop the use of the R word (retarded). — at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Photos by:  SUE SUCHYTA

Katie Weiss (second from left), 17, a senior at Allen Park High School, enjoys a Pistons game April 3 at the Palace in Auburn Hills with her boyfriend Trevor Stier (left),17, a senior at Allen Park High School, her father Michael Weiss (third from left) and her sister Kelsey Weiss, 13, an eighth grader at Allen Park Middle School. Katie launched a presentation at her high school to get people to stop using "the R word"(retarded).

Katie Weiss (right), 17, a senior at Allen Park High School, received a jersey from Detroit Piston
basketball player Jason Maxiell, number 54, on April 3 during half-time at the Palace in Auburn Hills.

Katie Weiss displays the jersey presented to her and autographed by Detroit Piston Jason Maxiell, number 54 on April 3 during half-time at the Palace in Auburn Hills.

Katie Weiss (third from left), 17, a senior at Allen Park High School, displays the jersey presented to her and autographed by Jason Maxiell at the April 3 Pistons game  during half-time at the Palace in Auburn Hills. Shown with Katie Weiss is her mother Veronica Weiss (left), her sister Kelsey Weiss, 13, an eighth grader at Allen Park Middle School and her father Michael Weiss (right).

Polish Night at the Palace in Auburn Hills

Select members of POLANIE and DUNAJEC performed during the pregame show April 3 at the Palace in Auburn Hills, MI. They must have brought the Detroit Pistons good luck, since they beat the Orlando Magic 102 to 95!

Photos by:  SUE SUCHYTA

Grease is the word: HFCC stages fifties musical

Photos by: Sue Suchyta

Shauna Rae Hazime (left) as Sandy rehearses “Summer Loving” from “Grease” March 27 at Henry Ford Community College. The musical runs for two weekends, April 13 to 22, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Also shown are Danya Talab (second from left) as Jan, Megan Oliver as Marty, chorus members LaToya Letman, Danielle Addington, Amanda Pierce and Courtney Butterfield, Samantha York as Patty Simcox, chorus member Brittany Lowrey, Judo Manko as Frenchy, Samantha Hales as Betty Rizzo, and chorus members Andrea Wells-Preister, Ellen Neiman, Khadijah Carr and Zena Elayan.

Raymond Filipek (fifth from left on pedestal) as Danny Zuko rehearses “Summer Loving” from “Grease” March 27 at Henry Ford Community College. The musical runs for two weekends, April 13 to 22, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Also shown are chorus members Miekyle Turner (left), Maurice Whitsett, Bowen Underwood and Brent Baldridge Jr., Marcellus Hogan (sixth from left) as Roger, Corey Allen as Kenickie, Joey Kulza as Doody, Eric Vega as Sonny and London Johnson as Johnny Casino.

Corey Allen (fourth from left) as Kenickie rehearses “Greased Lightning” from “Grease” March 27 at Henry Ford Community College. The musical runs for two weekends, April 13 to 22, with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Also shown are Marcellus Hogan (left) as Roger, chorus members Randall Nicholls (who also plays Teen Angel), London Johnson (who also plays Johnny Casino), VicAngelo Offutt (fifth from left) as Eugene, Raymond Filipek as Danny Zuko and chorus member Bowen Underwood.

By SUE SUCHYTA

            “Grease” is the word as Henry Ford Community College theatre students bring the blast from the past to the stage of Adray Auditorium in the MacKenzie Fine Arts Center April 13 to 22 for a two weekend run.

            “Grease,” created in 1971 by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, will feature 8 p.m. performances on Fridays and Saturdays with 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. For more information call (313) 845-9817 or go to theatre.hfcc.edu.

FLETCHER DIRECTS, COSTUMES

            Directed and costumed by Judith Fletcher, with musical direction by G. Kevin Dewey, the show features the choreography by Barbara Selinger of the Detroit Dance Collective. Gerry Dzuiblinski is the project’s technical director as well as scenic and properties designer.

STRONG SINGERS, DANCERS

            Fletcher said that the show has many strong singers, and that G. Kevin Dewey encouraged people from his chorale groups to audition. She said the show also has many strong dancers, especially male dancers for the “Greased Lightning” number.

            She’s also trying for authenticity in the show’s costuming.

NO POODLES

            “There are no poodles on my poodle skirts – they really didn’t wear that many poodles,” Fletcher said.

FIFTIES HAIRCUTS

            She said they have arranged for the men in the cast to go to a barber who specialize in fifties haircuts as well.

SELINGER STEPS

            In addition to Selinger’s choreography, three women in the cast with dance and cheer experience are choreographing some of the side numbers and cheers.

PUMP IT UP

            She said that Dzuiblinski’s set design also has some unique elements. Marty’s bedroom has a high-heel pump bed design, which Fletcher said transforms it into every little girl’s “dream bedroom.”

GREASED LIGHTNING

            She said the crew built an actual car shell, sturdy enough to dance on top of for the “Greased Lightning” scene and they have another front end of a car just for the drive-in movie scene.

DRIVE-IN WITH  A TEENAGE WEREWOLF    

            “The drive-in is going to be interesting because we’re doing an actual drop-down screen with a rear projection of “I was a Teenage Werewolf.” The 1957 comedy horror film starred Michael Landon in the title role.

            She said the large number of vintage props needed for the show have presented a unique challenge.

VIEWMASTERS, SMOKES, FAN MAGS

            “Props have been interesting – I have never seen so many props in my life for a show,” Fletcher said. “I didn’t dream it was going to be this complicated but we have gotten loans of vintage items for the different scenes and we have real food, and we have a surprise hopefully at the end – I’m not going to reveal it, but if it works out it should be really cool.”

            The challenging props have included a View-Master, a device for viewing 3-D images on a paper disc, fake cigarettes with authentic looking packs, reproductions of fan magazines as well as movie star photos of celebrities mentioned during the show, such as Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Sal Mineo and Troy Donohue.

MADE IN THE MOTOR CITY

            She also said that they are highlighting local brands like Better Made Potato Chips, Faygo pop and Vernors.

DETROIT DRIVEN

            Fletcher said they are setting their production of “Grease” in the Detroit area.

            “We have the Dream Cruise, we have this history of cruisers and the cars and the drive-ins,” Fletcher said. “That whole era is still very prominent in people’s minds.”

SANDRA DEE

            Shauna Rae Hazime, who plays Sandy, said she is drawing on the era to help her develop her character.

            “I see Sandy personally as me when I was sixteen, before I grew up and saw the world for actually what it was and the world kind of corrupted as it does for everyone,” Hazime said. “But just going back to a more simple time for me and being under the protection of my parents and not having to do so many things on my own.”

DANNY ZUKO

            Raymond Filipek, who plays Danny Zuko, said that people may be surprised that the stage production has many elements true to the era, but it does not mirror the movie.

            “A lot of people when they think of ‘Grease’ they think of the movie ‘Grease’ and that’s not what we’re doing; we’re doing the original stage production, which is different --- it’s almost a different show, with the same undertones and aspects,” Fillipek said. “So when people come see the show they’re going to see a whole new version ‘Grease’ and it’s going to be one that’s just as good, just as great, if not better, and people are going to be blown away.”

DZUIBLINSKI BLENDS REALISM WITH IMPRESSIONISM

            In addition to seeing a different version of ‘Grease,’ technical director Gerry Dzuiblinski said that audiences will see a mixture of realism and impressionism in the design. He said that since the car, ‘Greased Lightning’ wasn’t real, the crew decided to exaggerate some of the other details.

SCOTT ROSS’ LIGHTING DESIGN

            “Scott Ross’ lighting design is a really great addition to the music spectacle,” Dzuiblinski said, “He’s got a really nice color pallet and some really nice looks.”

MIKE THAT

            He added that they also have some new microphones to enhance the sound of both the soloists and chorus.

SHOE ROOM

            “There are some really nice realistic moments and then there are some nice impressionistic design elements like the shoe bedroom,” Dzuiblinski said. “The bed in the shoe bedroom is a 6-foot high, 8-foot long high heel shoe.”

            The bedroom is Marty’s and is used during the girls’ sleepover scene.

            Dzuiblinski said he wanted to do some exaggeration in the set because he couldn’t do everything realistically. Since they couldn’t get a car on stage they decided to do some other stylized moments that exaggerated the mood of particular scenes.

FLY THE CLOUDS

            He said for “Beauty School Drop-Out” they fly in some clouds and the vocalist is “up in the heavens.”

            “We’ve tried to put a few little comic touches into the scenery without being too overdone,” Dzuiblinski said. “So we hope the audience enjoys them.”

TEEN SPIRIT

            Judo Mako, who plays Frenchie, said the show is also unique because of the youthful energy of their cast.

TEEN ANGST

            “I really feel that we captured the feeling of being teenagers and being confused and this whole mess, and friendships and coming back together and having fights,” Mako said.

FIFTIES ROCK AND ROLL

            Dewey agreed that the show captures a youthful energy and has a rock and roll feel that make it an audience favorite. He said this is one of the most talented casts he has had to work with at HFCC and one of the largest auditions that he has ever experienced here.

DEWEY NOTES

            “A lot of people know ‘Grease’ already because it’s rock and roll; it’s fun,” Dewey said. “It’s a bunch of kids having a good time on stage is what it really is. So if you like seeing youthful exuberance and you like fifties rock and roll then you’re all set.”       

CAST MEMBERS:   

DEARBORN

            The cast includes Dearborn residents Samantha York, 21, as Patty Simcox, Danya Talab, 18, as Jan, Eric Vega, 19, as Sonny, Judo Manko, 20, as Frenchy and Amanda Pierce, 20, and Zena Elayan, 18, in the chorus.

HEIGHTS

            Dearborn Heights cast members include Shauna Rae Hazime, 20, as Sandy and Samantha Hales, 19, as Rizzo.

DETROIT

            Also in the cast are Detroit residents VicAngelo Offutt, 20, as Eugene, Marcellus Hogan, 22, as Roger, London Johnson, 29, as Johnny Casino, and Drake Highgate, 20, and Khadijah Carr, 18, in the chorus.

REDFORD TOWNSHIP

            Redford Township residents in the show include Courtney Butterfield, 22, as Miss Lynch and Brent Baldridge Jr., 21, Bowen Underwood, 22, and Ellen Neiman, 20, in the chorus.

ALLEN PARK

            Allen Park residents in the cast include Randall Nicholls, 19, as Teen Angel and Andrea Wells-Preister, 19, in the chorus.

OTHERS

            Others in the cast include Megan Oliver, 20, of Royal Oak as Marty; Joey Kulza, 20, of Brownstown Township as Doody; Corey Allen, 19, of Livonia as Kenickie; Raymond Filipek, 22, of St. Clair Shores as Danny Zuko; Tim Pollack, 20, of Wyandotte as Vince Fontaine and Danielle Addington, 37, as Cha-Cha.

            Other chorus members include Miekyle Turner, 21, of Romulus, Maurice Whitsett, 21, of Inkster, LaToya Letman, 22, of Southfield and Brittany Lowrey, 20, of Westland.