As part of our ongoing series Theater Talk, David Kiley from Encore Michigan joined Stateside for a look at what's on stage from professional theater companies around Michigan right now.
The Monster Box Theatre in Waterford Township is putting on a romantic comedy by David Lindsay-Abaire that revolves around Claire, a woman who has wakes up each morning with no memory of anything that happened the previous day. Throughout the play, her husband takes care of her while also trying to jog her memory. According to Kiley, Fuddy Meers is a play that could remind some people of a 2004 Hollywood movie.
"It sounds a bit like a movie with Drew Barrymore called 50 First Dates," Kiley said. "They don't admit to this play inspiring the movie, but it's kind of hard to believe that it didn't."
When the Detroit Repertory Theatre opened, Dwight D. Eisenhower was in the White House. The Rep will wrap up its 60th year with a world premiere of Countdown to the Happy Day by Thomas W. Stephens. Kiley said the play about the relationship between a troubled army veteran and a "hulking 7th grade dropout" is worth seeing, but the venue itself is an experience to be had.
"It's in a part of Detroit that has seen far better days on Woodrow Wilson Street, but the Rep stands in this neighborhood like a beacon," Kiley said. "And the patrons are so wonderful that have supported the Rep over the years. I always meet new people when I go there."
The biggest name of the group is one of the all-time greats: Lerner and Loewe's Camelot, which is coming to the Encore Musical Theatre in Dexter. It runs from June 8 until July 2.
Listen to the full interview above to hear about the talented actor playing King Arthur in Camelot, and more about these productions, including a scene from Taking Shakespeare by John Murrell. That's playing at the Williamston Theatre near East Lansing.
Support for arts and culture coverage comes in part from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
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