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Events in March 2023
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March 17, 2023
“A Chorus Line”: U-M Musket.
Mar. 17–19. Chloe Cuff directs fellow U-M students in Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban’s long-running 1975 Broadway musical about a day in the life of 17 would-be Broadway dancers. The score’s many popular tunes include “What I Did for Love,” “At the Ballet,” “I Can Do That,” and “One.” 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $13 (students $7) available in advance at ummusket.org and at the door. musket.prod@umich.edu.
“Melody on Ice 2023”: Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club.
Mar. 17 & 18. Talented area skaters of all ages perform to music in a variety of genres. Also, performances by national solo dance finalists, and the club’s Hockettes synchronized skating team. 7 p.m. (Fri.) and 2 & 7 p.m. (Sat.), Ann Arbor Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley Dr. Tickets TBA in advance at AnnArborFSC.org & at the door. 213–6768.
Cultivate Workshop Series
A flourishing life is possible. When you take the time to cultivate the life you want through intentions, your possibilities are limitless. Striving for progress over perfection creates a more meaningful life. Join this workshop series to receive seeds of life worth planting and nurturing. Cultivate a life filled with meaning, purpose, and intention.
Through this workshop series, you’ll:
· Pursue progress over perfection
· Embrace the season you are in
· Set boundaries
· Create realistic intentions
· Grow and flourish where you are planted
The virtual workshop is great for college students, young adults, or any person wanting to experience a positive change in school, work, or relationships.
U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
Every Fri.–Sun. 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. 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 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478.
Rise and Shine Exercise: Pittsfield Township Senior Center.
“Building the Modern World: Albert Kahn in Detroit”: U-M Clements Library Bookworm.
Crafting: Pittsfield Township Community Center.
Toddler Time: Launch Trampoline
$15 includes one toddler plus an accompanying adult. Children ages 5 and under only. / / Second Toddler (5 and under) $5
Every Friday from 10:00AM - 12:00PM*
Every Saturday from 9:00am-10:00am*
Toddler Time at Launch in Ann Arbor, MI is a great experience for kids 5 and under. Come jump with Mom or Dad without the big kids around! Improves strength and balance while minimizing strain on growing joints. Age-specific time to enjoy the entire park. Great way to socialize children and teach them how to work well with others.
*Excluding holidays and school vacation weeks
*Launch socks required and not included.
ALL Jumpers MUST wear Launch Safety Grip Socks. These socks may be purchased upon arrival for $3 a pair.
“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History.
Coffee & Conversation: Pittsfield Township Community Center.
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
Every Thurs., Fri., & Tues. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Fri. & Tues.) or a 499er game for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points (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.
Preschool Storytimes: AADL.
Trivia: Pittsfield Township Community Center.
U-M Interdisciplinary Committee on Organizational Studies Speaker Series.
Mar. 10, 17, 24, & 31. Talks by visiting scholars. Mar. 10: University of Arizona management professor Katina Sawyer on “Leader Inclusivity through the Lens of Marginalized Employees: Pathways to Combat Systemic Inequities.” Mar. 17: Northeastern University management professor Jamie Ladge on “Free to Be Me? Evolving Gender Expression and the Dynamic Interplay between Authenticity and the Desire to be Accepted at Work.” Mar. 24: Northern Illinois University organizational psychology professor Lisa Finkelstein on “Nobody Likes You When You’re 23: Our Quest to Understand Age Meta Stereotyping.” Mar. 31: Penn State University organizational psychology professor Alicia Grandey on “Hot Flashes at Work? The Disclosure Dilemma for Menopausal Women.” 1:30–3 p.m., 220 Ross Business School, 701 Tappan. For livestream see events.umich.edu/group/4231. Free. icos.umich.edu.
“Liberal Technologies of Social Interaction”: U-M Anthropology Department Roy A. Rappaport Lecture.
U-M anthropology professor Michael Lempert discusses the challenges faced by social scientists studying small-scale social interactions like face-to-face conversations. Third in a series of 5 monthly lectures on the history of scale in the social sciences. 3–5 p.m., Rackham Assembly Hall, 915 W. Washington. For livestream see bit.ly/marchhistoryofscale. Free. 764–7274.
Lenten Fish Fry: St. Mary’s Manchester.
Every Fri., Feb. 24–Mar. 31. Drive-thru takeout orders of beer-battered fried cod, french fries, coleslaw, dinner roll, and a cookie. 3:30–7 p.m., St. Mary Parish Center, 108 Madison Street (behind the Marathon gas station, follow the signs for drive-thru), Manchester. $15 (cash or check only). Stmarymanchester.org.
“Fix-It Friday”: Maker Works.
All invited to bring anything that needs fixing—chairs, sweaters, radios, whatever. Maker Works members and staff on hand to help with repairs. Handy people invited to assist. Repairs not guaranteed. Also: toy adaptations (preregistration required) to make off-the-shelf toys more accessible for people with disabilities. 4–6 p.m., Maker Works, 3765 Plaza Dr. Mask required. Free. frontdesk@maker-works.com, 222–4911.
45th Annual Lenten Fish Fry: Old St. Patrick’s Church.
Every Fri., Feb. 24–Mar. 31. Inside dining or takeout orders include fried Alaskan pollock, salad bar, choice of potato or macaroni & cheese, and beverages. Desserts available for an extra charge. The food is worth the wait. 4:30–7 p.m., Old St. Pat’s parish hall, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. $15 (discounts for seniors and children). stpatricka2.org, 662–8141.
Bartek Koss Exhibit Opening: Chris Nordin Gallery
Opening reception for exhibit of crisp, clean, colorful paintings by Polish-American artist Bartek Koss. Koss grew up in Warsaw and emigrated to Ann Arbor when he was 16. Chris Nordin Gallery, 117 E. Ann St. 5-7 p.m. Gallery hours Thurs. & Fri. 12-4, Sat. 10-4, and by appointment. (313) 683-3363. chrisnordinstudios.com
“Pets and Pajamas Movie Night”: HSHV.
Mar. 17 (5:30–8:30 p.m.): All ages 6–11 invited to watch an animal-themed movie and interact with adoptable pets. Cheese pizza dinner. Wear pajamas and bring a sleeping bag and pillow. $35 each child. Call for movie selection. Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, humaneed@hshv.org, 661–3564.
“Kids Invite Someone Special (KISS) Dance”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation.
Mar. 17 (6-8 p.m.): For families with children ages 4-12. Daddy/daughter, mother/son, or any adult/any child invited to dance to live music (band TBA). Also, a photo booth, refreshments, crafts, and a balloon drop. Pittsfield Twp. Community Center, 701 Ellsworth. $45 per adult/child pair (residents, $40; additional children, $10). Preregistration required by Mar. 10 at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. 822–2120.
EVENT CANCELLED: “Adults-Only Trivia Night: Where the Wildlife Is”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
EVENT CANCELLED: All 21+ welcome for a wildlife trivia competition and hands-on science activities. With drinks and snacks. 6:30–9:30 p.m., AAHOM, 220 E. Ann. $45 (members, $40) includes one alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage (more available for purchase). Preregistration required at bit.ly/aahom-wildlife-trivia or 995–9439.
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory.
Every Mon.-Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play various forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. Wed. 5–8 p.m.: Casual Commander, the most popular form of the game, free. 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. Prizes paid in store credit. Various times. Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. info@sylvanfactory.com, 929–5877.
“Creatures of the Night”: Open Hours for Adults”: The Creature Conservancy.
“Seussical the Musical”: Horizon Performing Arts.
Mar. 16–19. Connor Thomas Rhoades directs local actors in the 2000 Lynn Ahrens–Stephen Flaherty musical comedy based on the children’s books of Dr. Seuss, with a plot that draws mainly from Horton Hears a Who!, Gertrude McFuzz, and Horton Hatches the Egg. The original production was panned by critics, but the show has had a second life as a popular production in regional and school theaters. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 1 p.m. (Sun.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. Tickets $18 ($16 seniors & students) in advance at horizon.booktix.com, and at the door.
“The Devil's Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance”: Literati Bookstore At Home with Literati.
Bestselling nonfiction writer Dan Egan discusses (via Zoom) his new book, an examination of phosphorus, which both plays a critical role in some of the most lethal substances, like rat poison and nerve gas, and functions as a key crop nutrient essential to sustaining current population levels. 7 p.m., for URL see literatibookstore.com/event/2023-03. Free. 585–5567.
Ann Arbor Kirtan.
All invited to try kirtan, an ancient yogic spiritual practice that involves singing and chanting. Accompanied by live music on tabla, harmonium, bass, sarangi, and finger cymbals. The program ends with silent meditation and homemade chai tea. 7 p.m., Stone Chalet, 1917 Washtenaw. Free; donations accepted. 665–0849.
Bluegrass Friday: Pontiac Blazers: North Star Lounge
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
North Star Lounge, 301 N. Fifth Ave. ,Ann Arbor. $10. nstarlounge.comDrag Shows: Boylesque.
Mar. 17-19 (different Ypsilanti locations). Multiple daily performances by this popular Ypsilanti drag troupe. Also, bingo on Mar. 17 & 18 and brunch on Mar. 19. 7 p.m. (Mar. 17), Tap Room, 201 W. Michigan; 6:30 p.m. (Mar. 18), Stick’s, 39 E. Cross; 12:30 p.m. (Mar. 19), Sidetrack, 56 E. Cross. $20 (Mar. 17 & 18) & $12 (Mar. 19) in advance & (if available) at the door. Preregistration recommended at bit.ly/boylesque-tix.
Game Night: Sweetwaters Cafe Downtown.
Mar. 3, 17 & 31. All invited to play any type of tabletop game, including board games, role-playing, and card games. Bring your own game, or use one provided. 7–9 p.m., Sweetwaters back room, 123 W. Washington St. Free, but food & drink purchases required for table use. Preregistration requested at meetup.com/aagame (space limited).
Mark Webster Reading Series: U-M English Department.
Matthew Broussard: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
Mar. 16–18. Self-effacing and cerebral Atlanta-bred comic who was named Houston’s Funniest Person in 2012 for his playful humor directed at unlikely topics like physics and grammar, Broussard has appeared on the Tonight Show and Conan. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) reserved seating in advance at etix.com before 6 p.m. the night of the show; $22 (Thurs., $20) general admission at the door. 996–9080.
“Once on This Island”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
Every Thurs.–Sun., Feb. 23–Mar. 12. Natalie Kaye Clater directs this local professional theater company in a production of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s 1990 calypso-flavored coming-of-age 1-act pop-rock musical about a rich boy and the peasant girl who rescues him from peril. Adapted from Rosa Guy’s 1985 novel My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl, a retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale The Little Mermaid. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Encore Maas Main Stage, 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.
“Parker Solar Probe: Mission Design and Scientific Discoveries”: University Lowbrow Astronomers.
“Prometheus. Beginnings”: U-M Dance Department.
Mar. 16 & 17. Tzveta Kassabova directs dance students in their collaborative piece that mixes movement with spoken word inspired by the work of German playwright Kevin Rittberger. U-M composition grad Steve Hilmy accompanies live with his improvisational electronic score. 7:30 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center Newman Studio, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Free. 615–3204.
“Ghostland Blues”: U-M Residential College Players.
“Human Error”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.–Sun., Feb. 3–Mar. 18. Lynch Travis directs the Michigan premiere of Ohio-based playwright Eric Pfeffinger’s political comedy about a liberal couple trying to start a family whose fertilized embryo is accidentally implanted in the uterus of a small-government-supporting NRA cardholder. Cast: Henrí Franklin, Alex Leydenfrost, Kristin Shields, Kevin Theis, and Meghan VanArsdalen. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat., except Feb. 9), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $21–$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.
“Human Error”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
Every Wed.–Sun., Feb. 3–Mar. 18. Lynch Travis directs the Michigan premiere of Ohio-based playwright Eric Pfeffinger’s political comedy about a liberal couple trying to start a family whose fertilized embryo is accidentally implanted in the uterus of a small-government-supporting NRA cardholder. Cast: Henrí Franklin, Alex Leydenfrost, Kristin Shields, Kevin Theis, and Meghan VanArsdalen. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat., except Feb. 9), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $21–$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.
Daniel Hope with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra: University Musical Society.
South African-born English violinist Daniel Hope appears with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra in a concert that explores the roots and distinctive qualities of American music. With arrangements by Paul Bateman for solo violin with various classical and jazz ensembles, the program ranges from Aaron Copland’s “Hoe-Down” and Duke Ellington’s “Come Sunday” to pioneering early 20th-century African American composer Florence Price’s Adoration and Philip Glass’s Echorus. Preceded at 5:30 p.m. by a prelude dinner ($75) in the Michigan League with remarks by U-M musicology professor Mark Clague. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Tickets $12–$66 in advance at ums.org, by phone, and (if available) at the door. 764–2538.
John Ford Coley: Green Wood Coffee House Series (First United Methodist Church).
Veteran country-rock and country-pop singer best known as one half of the 70s duo England Dan and John Ford Coley and co-author of songs like “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “Nights Are Forever Without You,” and “Love Is the Answer.” 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.
Angell Hall Observatory Open House: U-M Student Astronomical Society.
Mar. 10, 17, & 23 (different times). All invited to peer through the observatory and rooftop telescopes and to view planetarium shows. Also, short astronomy presentations by club members. 8–10 p.m. (Mar. 10) & 9–11 p.m. (Mar. 17 & 23), 3118 Angell Hall (enter through Haven Hall on the Diag side of the building). Free. 764–3440.
Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center.
“Shrek”: State Theatre.
Mar. 17: (Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, 2001). Popular whimsical animated tale of an ogre who gets moony over a smart princess. 9:30 p.m. Film screenings every Tues. & Thurs.–Sun. 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.
