Apr 11 Friday
Theatre NOVA Presents the World Premiere of Eclipsed: The Sun, The Moon, and Gladys Atkinson Sweet by D.L. Patrick
On the night of September 9, 1925, Gladys Atkinson Sweet was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, along with her husband, Dr. Ossian Sweet, his two brothers and seven other African Americans following the attack on her home. They were well-educated, well-respected, talented people who would have been assets to any community. Although much has been written about Dr. Sweet and the two Sweet trials, litigated by Clarence Darrow, this play imagines the perspective of Gladys Sweet and the women who populated her life. It is about what women do, and have always done, in the shadows.
How I Learned to Drive, sponsored by Children Trust MichiganOn the Black Box stage, April 3-6 & 10-13
The story of a woman who navigates both the rules of the road and the complexities of life from behind the wheel. This poignant, often surprising narrative blends humor and heartbreak, offering a compelling tale of survival through the lens of a troubled relationship between a young girl and her uncle. Nostalgic moments of learning to drive are woven together with hard-hitting lessons about life's darker truths.
This story is told through a woman’s recollections of an inappropriate romantic and sexual relationship she developed with her aunt’s husband during her teenage years. Please be aware of the following content notice: This show contains mature themes, including grooming, sexual abuse, power imbalances, and the long-term impact of trauma. The play also features strong language and discussions of sexual situations. While these themes are handled with care, they may be distressing for some audience members. Viewer discretion is advised.
Tickets available online: https://cur8.com/19228/project/124543
Apr 12 Saturday
CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.
In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses—vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart—become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy.
Broadway’s longest-running musical has been razzle dazzling audiences for 27 years, and after more than 10,000 performances, 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, and a Grammy, we’re just getting started.
Come on, babe! Head to CHICAGO! We’re hotter than ever.
Discover the untold story of Emilia Bassano, a trailblazing poet and feminist voice of the Renaissance, in Morgan Lloyd Malcolm's captivating play, Emilia. Set in Elizabethan England, the play follows Emilia's journey from obscurity to empowerment as she navigates a society dominated by men. With a blend of humor, passion, and raw emotion, Emilia celebrates female resilience and the power of women's voices throughout history. This empowering production sheds light on forgotten heroines and ignites a fiery call for equality and recognition. Join us for an inspiring and exhilarating theatrical experience that will leave you moved and empowered.
Apr 13 Sunday
Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, America’s premier youth fiddling show band from Saline, Michigan, astounds audiences every time the group takes the stage. The musicians, all from Saline High School, present an energetic and polished show that features a diverse range of music from American folk, fiddle, bluegrass, jazz, western swing, and Celtic traditions. Spirited vocals and Appalachian step dancing combine with the instrumentals to create an unforgettable live performance. This fully equipped, amplified, self-contained performance group is highly adaptable; no venue is too small, no stage is too large! Please use the link to their website for videos and music of the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic.
https://salinefiddlers.com/
Sunday Afternoon Live! concerts are free to the public, and include a family friendly reception where patrons can meet the artists and enjoy fellowship with each other.The mission of Sunday Afternoon Live! is to enrich the cultural life of the greater Battle Creek Community and to continue the tradition of the First Congregational Church as a patron of artistic creativity and expression. We endeavor to do this by sponsoring a series of free concerts that present musical artistry that is exciting, beautiful, varied and enjoyable. We will underwrite the concerts by means of donors and sponsors in order to make the concerts available to the entire community. Concerts are sponsored in part by an Arts and Humanities touring grant through a collaboration of the Michigan Humanities and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
Apr 14 Monday
Apr 15 Tuesday