Act I: Summer Circle’s 64th season launches in June
One of mid-Michigan’s longest-standing theater traditions opens its 64th season next week on the campus of Michigan State University.
Summer Circle Theatre, a professional theater offering free shows to the community for three weekends in June, opens its season with the adaptation of a children’s book, moves to Regency England and the ends the run with a honky-tonk musical.
The shows run Thursdays through Sundays with shows beginning at 7 p.m. on all days except Sundays, which begin at 4 p.m. The shows are performed in the courtyard between the MSU Auditorium and the Kresge Art Building. Audiences are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair. Concessions are available before the show and during intermission.
If the rains blow in, the performances are moved to the MSU Auditorium.
Raffle tickets are sold each night and the first people to arrive (it’s an honor system) are awarded season tickets to MSU’s regular theater season.
This year’s season is:
The engagement doesn’t stop with the mainstage show. Events surrounding the performances include a kids camp, a cabaret and an after-school improv.
The kids camp runs June 15-19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and June 19 from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. It is making its first post-pandemic return with a free camp led by MSU actors, designers, directors and faculty. Campers get to act, dance, design and explore magical theater and then perform in a public showcase on the final day.
“Summer Circle Sings Cabaret” takes place from 9:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. on June 6, 11, 12 and 13. After School Special Improv takes place in the same time slot on June 5, 18, 19 and 20.
In mid-May, Summer Circle awarded its Friends of Theater Award. For the first time ever, it went to an organization rather than a person — Williamston Theatre. It recognizes the longstanding partnership between Williamston Theatre and the MSU Department of Theatre.
“As Williamston Theatre approaches its 20th season, this recognition honors a partnership that has helped shape and strengthen our department over many years,” said Kirk Domer, Interim Chairperson of the MSU Department of Theatre. “Through this collaboration, our department was accepted into the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA), expanding opportunities for our students through national exposure, professional training connections and clearer career pathways. Most recently, Williamston Theatre played a key role in our 10-year URTA renewal, reaffirming the strength of our program on a national level.”
Williamston Theatre has offered students internships, mentorship, shadowing and professional employment.
“Having such a committed partner has been truly transformative for our program,” Domer added. “Williamston Theatre exemplifies what it means to be a true Friend of Theatre.”
Act II: Ixion and Riverwalk present short plays, musical
Two other local theater companies will be closing out their seasons in the coming weeks.
Ixion continues the tradition they began in 2013 of closing their season with a series of short, original plays. This year’s work is called “Defiance: A Collection of Short Plays” that is directed by Jordan Taylor.
Shows will be presented at Sycamore Creek Stage One on Lake Lansing from May 29-31 and June 5-7. Show times are 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays.
The collection of shorts are:
Riverwalk travels to the fantastical world springing from the imagination of Dr. Seuss with the beloved musical, “Seussical” by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. They’ll follow the trevails of Horton the Elephant in the Jungle of Nool from June 4-7 and 11-14.
With direction by Tom Ferris and Marcus Fields, music direction by Lizabeth Desmet and choreography by Colorgio Romello and Sylvia Bunn, the musical mixes in several Dr. Seuss stories in a whimsical, charming musical with a lot of heart.
“Seussical is unlike any show we’ve worked on before,” says Ferris. “It’s a fast-paced adventure, almost entirely told through song and dance. Fortunately, we have a fantastic pool of top-notch music directors and choreographers helping us create the magic of this production.”
The two lead roles — Jojo and Horton — are played by River Whitwam and Brian Farham. Whitwam, a freshman, is taking the stage for the first time while Farham is a familiar regular on local stages. Taren Going plays the Cat in the Hat and Kaitlyn Bess Riel is the Sour Kangaroo.
“I am very excited about this show — it has it all! Not only is it great for kids, but the works of Dr. Seuss have always had a bit of an edge and a lot of moral clarity that can be enjoyed by all,” Farnham said. “This fantastic production team and cast have created something truly magical — it feels like you’re being transported to a different world the minute you enter the theatre!”
Encore!
Sistrum is inviting back four decades of directors to celebrate its 40th anniversary June 5 at 7 pm. and June 6 at 3 p.m. at DeWitt High School. Founding director Rachel Alexander will be joined by Meredith Bowen and Meghan Eldred-Woolsey for “We are Timeless.” This concert will be Eldred-Woolsey’s final concert leading the choir. Bowen will return to the role of artistic director in the fall. Each director will reprise their favorite songs.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Summer Circle Theatre’s 64th season will include free shows 3 weekends in June
Reporting by Bridgette M. Redman, For the Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
