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Events in December 2022
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December 2, 2022
“A Christmas Story: The Musical”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Nov. 25–Dec. 18. Dan Cooney directs this local professional theater company in the 2007 musical version of the 1983 movie comedy about a boy living in 1940s Indiana who longs for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Music and lyrics by the songwriting team of U-M alumni Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land). Book by Joseph Robinette. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore Maas Mainstage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $54 (seniors & youth under 18, $52) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. $20 student rush tickets (if available) an hour before showtime. 268–6200.
“A Christmas Story: The Musical”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Nov. 25–Dec. 18. Dan Cooney directs this local professional theater company in the 2007 musical version of the 1983 movie comedy about a boy living in 1940s Indiana who longs for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Music and lyrics by U-M alumni songwriting team Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land). Book by Joseph Robinette. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore Maas Mainstage, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $54 (seniors & youth under 18, $52) in advance at theencoretheatre.org and at the door. $20 student rush tickets (if available) an hour before showtime. 268–6200.
“Christmas at the Mansion”: Dexter Area Historical Society.
Dec. 2–4, 10, 17, & 28. Seasonal events at lavishly decorated Gordon Hall, the 19th-century mansion built by Dexter founder Judge Samuel Dexter. Dec. 2: A fundraiser (6:30 p.m.) for the museum featuring hearty hors d’oeuvres, spirits, and desserts and a look at the Christmas Vintage Collection, Milt Campbell’s huge assemblage of Department 56 collectible holiday houses, buildings, and figures that were once traditionally seen in the windows of Huron Camera in downtown Dexter throughout the holiday season. Dec. 3: Santa (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) is on hand to talk with kids, who also can make their own gingerbread house to take home. Dec. 4: Christmas Tea (1 & 4 p.m.), a light lunch with tea sandwiches and desserts. Also, the museum hosts an open house ($5 per adult) to view the Christmas Vintage Collection, 6–8 p.m. on Dec. 10, 17, & 28. Various, Gordon Hall, 8311 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. $75 on Fri., $5 on Sat., $30 on Sun.; reservations required for Fri. and Sun. by calling 395–4106.
“Midnight/Moonlight Madness”: Main Street Area & State Street District Associations
Many merchants are open late tonight with special sales, and many restaurants offer dining specials. An appearance by Santa and sidewalk entertainment by Voices in Harmony Chorus, Léim Irish Dance Club, Pioneer High School Orchestra & Choir, jazz and pop singer Marsha Mumm, Element 1 breakdancing, and more. The Ann Arbor Police Department hosts a complimentary hot cocoa bar in front of the Jolly Pumpkin (311 S. Main). Also, Santa’s Mailbox is accepting letters (postage to North Pole courtesy of the MSAA), Nov. 30–Dec. 14, in front of Conor O’Neill’s (318 S. Main); include a return address to receive a response from Santa. Santa also makes an appearance at Conor O’Neill’s at 4 p.m. on Dec. 18. 7–9 p.m. (many stores stay open till midnight), Main Street and State Street shopping areas. Free admission. 668–7112.
“Pickleball”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.–Sun., Sept. 30–Dec. 23. Rhiannon Ragland directs the world premiere of actor-playwright (and Purple Rose founder) Jeff Daniels’ comedy about America’s fastest growing sport. Four below-average players try to overcome their own limitations to achieve greatness in a game that has nothing to do with pickles. Cast: Ryan Carlson, Kate Thomsen, Lynch Travis, Jonathan West, and Caitlin Cavannaugh. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $34–$52 in advance at PurpleRoseTheatre.org and by phone, and (if available) at the door. Discounts available for students, seniors, teachers, military personnel, and groups. 433–7673.
“War in Ukraine”: Ann Arbor Coalition Against the War.
Dec. 1–3. Talk by Scott Ritter, the UN chief weapons inspector in Iraq, 1991-1998. He decried the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and believes the war in Ukraine is a dangerous proxy war. 6:30 p.m. (Dec. 1), Cottage Inn, 512 E William; 6 p.m. (Dec. 2), Journey of Faith Church, 1900 Manchester; & noon (Dec. 3), AADL Downtown. AnnArborCoalitionAgainstTheWar@proton.me.
“Yule Log Making”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.
All people age 10 & up invited to make a non-edible decorative yule log using provided greenery, pinecones, and ribbon. Bring additional materials if you like. 5:45–6:45 & 7–8 p.m., Independence Lake County Park Beach Center Pavilion, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $10 per household (up to 4 people). Preregistration required (registration #IL461100) at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. 449–4437.
"Root3": CultureVerse
A show of three artists (and friends), each inspired in different ways by the word ‘root’. Root is source and it is connection. It is associated with nature, mathematics and language - all of which play important roles in each of our works. This multi-media exhibition is in collaboration with artists Candace Compton Pappas, Graceann Warn, Ruth Crowe and Ann Arbor-based non-profit CultureVerse. It features paintings, collage, sculpture, installation and virtual experiences. Experience it in-person at CultureVerse Gallery throughout the months of December and January and digitally here, at cultureverse.org
309 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Ann Arbor. Free. info@cultureverse.org. CultureVerse.org.Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
Every Fri., Sat., & Mon.–Wed. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. Fri. 6:30–10 p.m.: Magic rotating draft, cost varies. Sat. noon–3 p.m.: Intro to Magic: The Gathering, free. Sat. 6–10 p.m.: Commander Pods, casual groups of 4 players, free. Mon. 6:30–10 p.m.: Power Cards, $10. Tues. 6–9 p.m.: MTG Pauper, a fun and fast format for all skill levels, $5. Wed. 5–8 p.m.: Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game, free. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Every Mon.–Fri. & Dec. 11. Half hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver). Mon. 10:30 a.m. (Pittsfield), Tues. 11 a.m. (Downtown), Wed. 10:30 a.m. (Malletts Creek), Thurs. 11 a.m. (Traverwood), Fri. 1 p.m. (Westgate), and Dec. 11 1 p.m. (Pittsfield).
Santa: Briarwood Mall.
Daily Nov. 23–Dec. 24 (Mon.–Sat. noon–8 p.m. & Sun. noon–6 p.m.). All kids invited to sit with Santa; photos available for purchase. Dec. 11 is “Pet Photo Night” (6–8 p.m.) for 4-legged, leashed, friendly pets that weigh less than 60 lbs. A session for kids with special needs is held before the mall opens on Dec. 4, 9–10:30 a.m. Note: Santa takes breaks 3–4 p.m. Briarwood Von Maur court. Appointments encouraged at simon.com/santa. 769–9610.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Daily, except Dec. 3, 23–26, 31, Jan. 1. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (11:30 a.m.) follows a curious dolichorhynchops (an extinct species of marine reptile) as she travels through the most dangerous oceans in history, meeting long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles and fish, sharks, and the most dangerous sea monster of all, the mosasaur. The Sky Tonight (12:30 & 2:30 p.m.) is an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own. Mars: One Thousand One (1:30 p.m.) tells the story of what humans might face with the first manned journey to Mars. Various times, MNH, 1105 North University. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
Annual Holiday Sale: Kiwanis Center.
Every Fri. & Sat. Dec. 2–23. Sale of used seasonal gifts and decorations, sporting goods, kitchen items, collectables, books, jewelry, office supplies, furniture, and more. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Fri.) & 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sat.), Kiwanis Center West, 100 N. Staebler. Free admission. 368–9738.
“Christmas Crèche Exhibit”: Holy Faith Episcopal Church/ELCA Lutheran Church.
Dec. 2 & 3. Indoor display of more than 300 nativities from around the world. Cookies & activities for kids. Live music at various times TBA includes piano duets by Joy Morin and Susan Holtzer, the Horizon string duo, the Dexter Community Orchestra Dexter Brass Quintet, the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, the First Presbyterian Church of Saline bell choir, the Third Street Band, and more. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Holy Faith Church, 6299 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Saline. Free. 429–2991.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Natural History Museum.
Every Tues.–Sun., (except Dec. 3) through Dec. 23. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. Schedule subject to change. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.
Holiday Artist Market: The Guild of Artists & Artisans.
Every Tues.–Sat., Nov. 25–Dec. 22. Juried show & sale of works in various media and styles by over 50 area artists. Featuring jewelry, functional and decorative ceramics, small and large paintings, prints, fiber art, wood carvings, and more. Also, every Fri. & Sat., artist trunk shows. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., The Gutman Gallery, 118 N. Fourth Ave. Free admission. 662–3382.
FBI Director Christoper Wray: U-M Ford School of Public Policy Josh Rosenthal Lecture.
Wray gives brief remarks, via Zoom, followed by faculty and student experts posing questions to him on cybersecurity, civil liberties, domestic violent extremism, and more. 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., live-streamed at bit.ly/wray-ford. Free. 764–3490, fspp-events@umich.edu.
“Investigating the Production Choices of Ancient Potters in Southeast Italy and Albania”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Flash Talk.
Talk (via Zoom) by U-M classical art and archaeology grad student Leah Bernardo-Ciddio. Noon–12:30 p.m., for URL see bit.ly/decemberflashtalk. Free. 764–9304.
“Making Life in the Aftermath of War in Lao PDR”: U-M Center for Southeast Asian Studies Lecture Series.
Talk by Cal State-Fullerton Asian American studies professor Davorn Sisavath. Noon, 110 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. For livestream preregister at myumi.ch/pZ48k. Free. 615–4059.
Chanukah Bazaar: Women of Temple Beth Emeth
Everything you need for a beautiful and meaningful Chanukah from Ann Arbor's only Judaica shop. Women of Temple Beth Emeth Gift Shop (inside Temple Beth Emeth building), 2309 Packard St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Contact: Ava Adler avadee2@yahoo.com.
2309 Packard St., Ann Arbor. n/a. Free admission. avadee2@yahoo.com.Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Every Fri., Sat., & Wed. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Fri. & Wed.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofGlobal@aol.com.
FWW - Meditation Virtual Workshop with Jen Sprague: Foundations of Wellness for Women
Join us as we learn how to slow down and start a restorative practice of meditation from FWW's own Jen Sprague, Certified Transformational Life Coach and owner of Best Self with Jen Sprague. Whether you are just starting out or re-establishing your meditation practice, Jen will show us the way.
Feelings of stress and anxiety plaguing your sleep?
Feeling overtired and fatigued?
Does your mind race with too many thoughts?
Are you constantly thinking about the past?
Are your shoulders up around your earlobes?
If you answered yes to any of these, establishing a practice of regular meditation might be a restorative, healing change for you. Regular meditation calms the nervous system and may be an effective tool against stress-related illness and disease. Join us on Friday, December 2 as we learn together from Jen how to slow down, refocus, and meditate.
https://bit.ly/FWWMeditation. $18. DrTewari@a2hg.net. https://foundations-of-wellness-for-women.mailchimpsites.com/. 734-418-2188.Tai Chi: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. No meetings Nov. 24 & 25.
Today:
Tai Chi (Mon., Wed., & Fri. noon-12:30 p.m.) via Zoom.
Walking Group: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. No meetings Nov. 24 & 25.
Today:
Walking Group (Mon., Wed., & Fri. 12:30–1 p.m.) via Zoom.
Bridge: U-M Turner Senior Wellness Program.
Events are either in person at 2401 Plymouth Rd., or via Zoom. For Zoom links see calendar at bit.ly/UMTurnerCal. 998–9353. No meetings Nov. 24 & 25.
Today:
Bridge (Fri. 1–4 p.m.) in person, no partner needed, call if interested.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) or a 499er game (Thurs.). 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $6 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email kahanae@yahoo.net or ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand.
Afternoon Carillon Concert: U-M Music School.
Every Mon.–Fri. Dec. 1–9. A U-M student or faculty carillonist, and occasional guest performers, play Lurie Tower’s prized set of 60 Dutch bells. 1:30–2 p.m., Lurie Tower, 1230 Murfin, North Campus. Free. 764–0583.
“The Future of the Queer City”: U-M Anthropology Department Roy A. Rappaport Lecture.
U-M anthropology professor Gayle Rubin discusses her study of gay leathermen in San Francisco. 4th in a series of 4 monthly talks. 3–5 p.m., Rackham Assembly Hall. For livestream see lsa.umich.edu/anthro. Free. 764–7274.
“Winter Sing!”: The Neutral Zone.
All teens invited to sing along to carols and other holiday favorites. Light refreshments. 3:30–6 p.m., Neutral Zone, 310 E. Washington. Free. 214–9995.
“‘Bazaar Rumors’ or ‘All Facts?’: Film Sound Debates and the Transition to Sound in Indian Cinema”: U-M Center for South Asian Studies.
Talk by University of Pittsburgh film & media studies professor Neepa Majumdar. 4:30–6 p.m., 110 Weiser Hall, 500 Church. Free. 615–4059.
“Annual KindleFest”: Kerrytown District Association.
Holiday festival with traditional s’mores and other treats around fire pits. Also, German Glühwein (mulled wine). Live music from the Ann Arbor Concert Band, Ann Arbor Civic Chorus, Pioneer High School Choir, and other TBA. Tonight is also Midnight Madness, with Kerrytown businesses open until 11 p.m. with holiday bargains. 5–9 p.m., Farmers Market, Kerrytown & TeaHaus, 204 N. Fourth Ave. Free admission. 662–5008.
“Fourth Avenue Midnight Madness”: Bløm Meadworks/Cahoots/Gutman Gallery.
Live music by Mercury Salad (7–9 p.m.), the local roots music quartet led by singer-songwriter Brooke Ratliff and guitarist Kurt Bonnell that describes its music as “acoustafunk with some bluegrass thrown in.” Also, artist markets at all three Fourth Avenue locations, a scavenger hunt, and a raffle. 5–11 p.m., various locations along S. Fourth Ave., downtown. Free admission.
“The Fording Tiger: Two Painting Colophons by Yang Weizhen in the Lo Chia-Lun Collection of Chinese Calligraphy”: UMMA.
Talk by University of Kansas Chinese art history professor Amy McNair. Preceded at 4 & 4:30 p.m. by a chance to see works from the Lo Chia-Lun collection in UMMA’s object study rooms (preregistration required). Followed by refreshments. 5–6 p.m. UMMA Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St. Also livestreamed; for URL and to preregister for a study session, go to bit.ly/yangweizhen. Free.
Midnight Madness Holiday Party + Market: Bløm Meadworks
Join us on the first Friday in December for our Midnight Madness holiday festivities! We’ll be celebrating with lots of specials, gift ideas and a cozy patio with hot mulled mead ...
Free Mindo chocolate flight for purchases over $50
Free Bløm t-shirt for purchases over $100
Free mixed 4-pack if you sign up for a Bløm growler or howler club subscription. These make great gifts!
This year, we’re joining up with Cahoots Cafe and Gutman Gallery to offer a Makers Market! There will be several artists and artisans in our spaces showcasing their art + goods. Plus Ellen’s Fine Goods will be popping up with baked goods to nibble on, and local band Mercury Salad will be serenading us with live tunes
100 S 4th Ave Suite 110, Ann Arbor. FREE. hello@drinkblom.com. https://www.drinkblom.com/events/midnight-madness-2022. 7345489729.“Annual Dr. Porter Synchronized Skating Classic”: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club.
Dec. 2–4. The nation’s largest synchronized skating competition, featuring over 200 teams of all levels from across the U.S. 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Fri.), 8 a.m.–9 p.m. (Sat.), & 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sun.), Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley Dr. 1-day pass: $15 (students & seniors, $10). Weekend pass: $25. 213–6768.
“D & D Adventures”: Sylvan Factory.
Every Thurs., Fri., Mon., & Tues. All age 16+ invited to play Dungeons and Dragons role-playing games. 6–8 p.m. (Thurs.), 6–10 p.m. (Fri.), & 5–8 p.m. (Mon. & Tues.), Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium Blvd. $10. Preregistration recommended. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
Is/Land Open Studio Rehearsal: Ann Arbor District Library.
All invited to watch this local Asian American and Pacific Islander performance collaborative work on its new multimedia movement-based performance, which will be previewed at the Downtown Library this spring. 6–7:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. 327–4200.
First Friday Shabbat: Jewish Cultural Society.
All invited for a dinner from a local restaurant, preceded by a brief secular Shabbat observance with songs, candle lighting, challah and wine rituals. Children welcome. 6:30–8 p.m., JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow. $10 (family, $25; members, free). Preregistration required at JewishCulturalSociety.org. 975–9872.
“First Fridays: Open Hours for Adults”: The Creature Conservancy.
All age 18 & up invited to see a display of animals native to Eurasia, including a reindeer, a wolf hybrid, and a shire horse. Also, a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals, including sloths, muntjacs, and more. 7–9 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $12 in advance at thecreatureconservancy.org, $13 at the door. 929–9324.
“I Heard the Bells”: Fathom Events.
Fathom Events. 973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $11.50–$12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomevents.com/events and at the door. Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter), & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline), different times.
Dec. 1-4: (Joshua Enck, 2022). Drama chronicling Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s composition of the beloved Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” 7 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) & 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.).
“Moana Jr.”: Saline Varsity Blues.
Dec. 2 & 3. Pat Douglas directs this chorus of singers ages 7-18 in a 60-minute revue based on the 2016 Disney animated film following the heroic adventures of young Moana in the South Pacific village of Motunui. Music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina. 7 p.m., Saline High School, 1300 Campus Pkwy., Saline. Tickets $15 in advance at SalineVarsityBlues.com or at the door.
“Peter and the Starcatcher”: EMU Theatre Department.
Dec. 2–4 & Dec. 9–11. EMU theater professor Meriah Sage directs EMU students in Rick Elice’s 2009 Tony Award-winning musical. Adapted from Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson’s 2004 novel which gives a backstory to Peter Pan, the narrative follows the nautical adventures of pirates, spies, island natives, crocodiles, and three orphan boys. Aimed at theatergoers age 10 & up. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), EMU Legacy Theater, 124 Judy Sturgis Hill Bldg., Ford St. (off Lowell from Huron River Dr.), Ypsilanti. Tickets $7–$18 in advance at emich.ludus.com & at the door. 487–2282.
“Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”: Saline Area Players.
Dec. 1–4. Debra Nichols directs local actors in North Carolina playwright Jamie Gorski’s recent heartwarming play based on the famous 1897 newspaper editorial answering an 8-year-old’s question. 7 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), The 5th Corner, 211 Willis Rd., Saline. $10 in advance & at the door (3 and under free). Venue has some stairs; masks recommended. SalineAreaPlayers.org. 730–1055.
Ashley Pyle: Robin Hills Farm.
Dec. 2 & 17. Melodic acoustic folk-rock singer-songwriter. Alcohol is served. 7–9 p.m. (Dec. 2) & 8-10 p.m. (Dec. 17), RHF Nest bar, 20390 M-52, Chelsea. Free admission, drink purchase encouraged. robinhillsfarm.com, 536–6576.
Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Trail Blazers ft. Peter Madcat Ruth: North Star Lounge
Peter Madcat Ruth is a Grammy Award-winning virtuoso harmonica player based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has established an international reputation through his exhilarating, riveting virtuosity on the harmonica. His expertise on this instrument has amazed audiences world-wide. Performance Magazine refers to him as "A harmonica virtuoso who is rapidly approaching legend status."
Hailing from the Ann Arbor area, the Pontiac Trail Blazers have been the house bluegrass band for Detroit Street Filling Station since 2017. They are often joined by a bevy of special guests and focus on the beautiful harmonies and acoustic prowess that are unique to their Bluegrass roots. $10 Cover
301 N. Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor. northstarloungea2@gmail.com.Fall Show 2022: U-M Impact Dance.
This all-female student company presents an energetic, family-friendly program of original dances that range from lyrical jazz to hip-hop and tap. Although the students aren’t dance majors, Impact’s quality of dance is quite high. 7 p.m., Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Tickets $9 (students, $5) in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office (muto.umich.edu) & at the door. impactdance@umich.edu.
Father Gabriel Richard High School Drama Program.
Dec. 1, 2, & 4. Elizabeth Champion directs high schoolers in a student-written Christmas mystery drama (title TBA) which puts the audience in the midst of a Christmas Eve party where murder is afoot, accompanying detectives through a series of interrogations to compile clues and catch the culprit. 7 p.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), FGRHS Auditorium. Tickets $5 at the door only. echampion@fgrhs.org.
Housewarming Party: Insight Meditation Ann Arbor.
New meditation center opening party, with a short meditation sit, a short yoga session, followed by tea and snacks. 7 p.m., 180 Little Lake Dr., Suite 1. Free; $15 suggested donation for yoga and food. info@insightmeditationannarbor.org.
New Meditation Center welcoming: Insight Meditation Ann Arbor
New meditation center housewarming party!! Come see the new space. Sit a little. Enjoy ‘Moving into Stillness’ with Julie Woodward. Share some refreshments.
180 Little Lake Dr. Suite 1, Ann Arbor. donations gratefully accepted. info@insightmeditationannarbor.org. https://insightmeditationannarbor.org/.Billy Ray Bauer: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Dec. 2 & 3. This dynamic Detroit comic uses a fine repertoire of voices and dialects to deliver funny one-liners and lively stories, often drawn from his experiences raising 4 sons. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $16 reserved seating in advance at etix.com and $18 general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Groove Gets Audited by the IRS”: U-M Groove Performance Group.
High-energy performance by this U-M student percussion-and-dance ensemble, which uses both traditional and nontraditional instruments (trash cans, propane tanks, toothbrushes, and more). 7:30 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $8 (students, $5) in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office (muto.umich.edu), and (if available) at the door. Facebook.com/umGroove.
44th Annual Boar’s Head Festival: Concordia University.
Dec. 2–4. Elegantly elaborate medieval English pageant celebrating Christ’s birth with a blend of religious pageantry and secular pomp. Maggie Rhodes directs a large cast of Concordia students, faculty, and staff as Beefeaters, hunters, jesters, and other court characters, as well as traditional Christmas shepherds and Magi. With musical narration, congregational singing, and a full orchestra. This hugely popular event sells out in advance every year. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 4 p.m. (Sun.), Concordia University Chapel of the Holy Trinity, 4090 Geddes at Earhart. Tickets $10–$16 in advance at the Kreft Center Box Office and online at cuaa.edu/KreftArts-Tickets. 995–7537.
Fall Concert 2022: Amazin’ Blue.
This popular co-ed student a cappella ensemble performs the music of ABBA as well as other pop songs. 7:30 p.m., Rackham Auditorium. Tickets $7 (students, $5) in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office (muto.umich.edu) & at the door. 763-8587.
“AfteRparTy”: U-M Dance Department BFA Concert.
Dec. 1–3. U-M dance seniors Lindsey Kamyszek, Grace Mahalick, Mikaela Meyer, and Payal Parida perform their solo choreography and lead fellow dance majors in their group pieces. 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.), U-M Dance Bldg. Performance Studio Theatre, 1000 Baits Drive. Tickets free, at the door only. 763–5460.
“First Snow”: Penny Seats Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun. (except Dec. 10 & 17), Dec. 2–18. Amanda Buchalter directs the premiere of veteran local playwright Joseph Zettelmaier’s comic play about a man who returns to his hometown for a Christmas party after having disappeared for 10 years. Amidst spiked eggnog, snowstorms, and power outages, his old high school friends demand answers. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.). Stone Chalet Inn, 1917 Washtenaw Ave. $15 (seniors 60+ $12). pennyseats.org, 926–5346.
“Seeing in Depth: Henry Fitz”: U-M Detroit Observatory.
Observatory staff discuss the development of its historic 17-foot refractor telescope, constructed for the U-M in 1857 by noted New York telescope maker Fitz. Followed by the chance to peer through the observatory and rooftop telescopes (weather permitting) and to view planetarium shows. 8–10 p.m., Detroit Observatory, 1398 Ann. Preregistration required at bit.ly/umfitztelescope. Free. 764–3482.
“Sounds of the Season”: Measure for Measure.
Pioneer High choir director Steven Lorenz leads this popular local men’s chorus in carol arrangements & classic holiday songs. Also, a guest set by the U-M Women’s Glee Club, who join the chorus to close the concert. 8 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2250 E. Stadium. $20 in advance at Measure-For-Measure.org, and (if available) at the door. 649-7664.
“Spring Awakening”: U-M In the Round Productions.
Dec. 2–4. Jack Rosenberg directs this new U-M student ensemble in its debut production, Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater’s Tony-winning 2007 rock musical. A brutally honest depiction of teen angst, rebellion, and budding sexual passion, it’s adapted from Frank Wedekind’s 1891 drama about a group of German adolescents whose sexual awakening is warped and thwarted by bourgeois adult society. One of the seminal works of modern theater, Wedekind’s play was banned as pornographic and not produced in full until the 1960s. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat & Sun.), U-M Walgreen Drama Center Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Tickets $10 (students, $6) at the Michigan League Box Office (muto.umich.edu) & at the door. 763–8587.
Contemporary Directions Ensemble: U-M Music School.
Jayce Ogren conducts this music student ensemble in 3 works by contemporary Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra, a student of György Ligeti whose music incorporates Latin rhythms and melodic sensibility. The program includes his small chamber piece Octeto En Cuatro Tiempos, the quiet yet rhythmically intricate Güell Concert, and I Am Carmen Miranda, a haunting, dramatic piece for soprano and large chamber ensemble. Sierra is in attendance as part of his residency working with U-M composition students. 8 p.m., U-M Moore Bldg. Hankinson Rehearsal Hall, 1100 Baits. Livestream available at myumi.ch/HankinsonWatch. Free. 615-3204.
Don White in Concert: Green Wood Coffee House Series (First United Methodist Church).
Veteran singer-songwriter from Lynn, Massachusetts, whose sharp-witted songs about everyday life blend pathos, humor, and biting satire. His fun live shows feature a lot of impromptu storytelling and comedy. 8 p.m., FUMC Green Wood Church, 1001 Green Rd. at Glazier Way. Tickets $20 in advance at greenwoodcoffeehouse.org and at the door. 665-8558.
“Batman Returns”: State Theatre.
State Theatre. Film screenings every Tues. & Thurs.–Sun. Mask required. Tickets $10.50 (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8; matinee $7.50) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
Dec. 2. (Tim Burton, 1992). The dark, German Expressionist-inspired second installment to this well-regarded 1990s take on the Caped Crusader. Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito. 9:15 p.m.
“Love Actually”: State Theatre.
State Theatre. Film screenings every Tues. & Thurs.–Sun. Mask required. Tickets $10.50 (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8:50; MTF members, $8; matinee $7.50) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org.
Dec. 2 & 3. (Richard Curtis, 2003). Christmas-themed rom-com with an ensemble cast and multiple storylines that was a bigger hit with audiences than with critics. Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley. 9:30 p.m. (Fri.) & 7:30 p.m. (Sat.).
