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May 14, 2022

“ABBA: The Movie”: Michigan Theatre.
Different times. Observer EditorObserver Editor
“ABBA: The Movie”: Michigan Theatre.
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(Lasse Hallström, 1977). Mockumentary about a naive radio DJ who pursues an interview with members of the Swedish pop band on their Australian tour. Beloved by ABBA fans, the film features many songs from the group’s fifth studio album. 7 p.m. (Thurs.), 3 p.m. (Sat.) Michigan Theater. Proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org. Different times.

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“May the 4th Run with You: A Virtual 4K”: Epic Races.
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“May the 4th Run with You: A Virtual 4K”: Epic Races.
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 May 1-31. This Star Wars themed event allows participants to complete a self-timed 4-km run/walk anytime and anywhere during the month. Mailed race packets include a T-shirt, medal, bib, and sticker decal. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the American Association for Cancer Research. Anytime in May. $50. Preregistration required at ​​bit.ly/maythe4thrun2022. info@epicraces.com, 531-8747. 

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Annual International Migratory Bird Count: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
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Annual International Migratory Bird Count: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
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All invited—from novices to experienced birders—to help take a census of birds in Washtenaw County. Part of a 24-hour worldwide snapshot of populations of resident and migrant birds. Similar in structure to the WAS Christmas Bird Count: groups of volunteers are assigned specific areas to count. Feeder watchers also invited. All day, throughout Washtenaw County. Free. To volunteer or for information, go to washtenawaudubon.org.

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DuMouchelles Art Gallery Appraisal Clinic: Dexter Area Historical Society
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DuMouchelles Art Gallery Appraisal Clinic: Dexter Area Historical Society
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A DuMouchelles appraiser will be coming to the Dexter Area Museum Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 9:30 – 3:30. Appointments are 15 minutes for 1-2 items. There will be a fee of $10.00 per item for a verbal appraisal. Proceeds and donations benefit the operation and preservation of the Dexter Area Museum. To schedule an appointment, please call 734-424-9998. If you need additional information on the morning of the event, please call the Museum at 734-426-2519.

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Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Museum Highlight Tours: U-M Museum of Natural History.
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Every Sat. & Sun. 30-minute tour of the museum’s exhibits and galleries, as well as an introduction to some current U-M Biological Sciences research projects. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Check ummnh.org for the latest Covid protocols. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. 764–0478. 

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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater.
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Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Sea Monsters (Fri.–Sun., 11:30 a.m.) follows an adventurous Late Cretaceous dolichorhynchops (a kind of prehistoric marine reptile) as she travels through the ocean, encountering long-necked plesiosaurs, giant turtles, sharks, and the most dangerous sea monster of all, the mosasaur. The Sky Tonight (Fri.–Sun., 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. Natural Selection (Fri.–Sun., 1:30 p.m.) joins Darwin on his voyage with HMS Beagle to the Galápagos Islands where he was inspired to develop his theory of transmutation by natural selection. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Check ummnh.org for the latest Covid protocols. $8. Limited capacity. 764–0478. 

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“Stewardship Saturday”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation.
1:00 am - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Stewardship Saturday”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation.
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A chance to remove spring invasives like garlic mustard and narrowleaf bittercress and help improve the floodplains of Fleming Creek and the Huron River. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can get dirty and bring a water bottle. Tools, gloves, and water provided. 1–4 p.m. Parker Mill County Park, 4650 Geddes Rd. Preregistration required by emailing carlislec@washtenaw.org.

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"Portable Disaster Proof House: Take It With You!!!” an exhibition by Tracey Snelling
7:00 am - 8:00 am Community ListingCommunity Listing, FreeFree
"Portable Disaster Proof House: Take It With You!!!” an exhibition by Tracey Snelling
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Creal Microgallery presents "Portable Disaster Proof House: Take It With You!!!," a small-scale installation work by Tracey Snelling, echoing several other installations by the artist, that are concurrently on view in Ann Arbor. This installation pulls together pop cultural elements to create a "safe space" filled with tropical sunset wallpaper, movie posters, and Keanu Reeves. Snelling's installations often take on multiple scales at once-- existing in life size and miniature simultaneously. This exhibition conjures a space that is at once comforting and overwhelming, centering and disorienting.
Creal Microgallery is a breadbox-sized exhibition space on Creal Crescent in Ann Arbor, visible from the sidewalk and lit up most nights until 11pm.

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parkrun USA.
8:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
parkrun USA.
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 Every Sat. All invited to join a timed 5-km run/walk. 8 a.m., Lillie Park South, 4365 Platt Rd. Free, but first-timers are requested to preregister at parkrun.US/lillie. lillie@parkrun.com. 

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2022 Button Harvest: Michigan Button Society Spring Show.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
2022 Button Harvest: Michigan Button Society Spring Show.
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Exhibits of agriculture-themed buttons and a sale of vintage and antique clothing buttons. 9 a.m.3 p.m., Chelsea Comfort Inn, 1645 Commerce Park Dr. Free admission. Chelseamich.com/calendar.

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Annual Dahlia Tuber Sale: Michigan Dahlia Association.
9:00 am - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Annual Dahlia Tuber Sale: Michigan Dahlia Association.
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With information on growing and caring for dahlias. 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Dexter Mill, 3515 Central St., Dexter. Free admission. 429-5796.

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“Heart Walk & 5K Run”: American Heart Association Fundraiser.
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“Heart Walk & 5K Run”: American Heart Association Fundraiser.
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Noncompetitive walks of 1 and 3 miles and a 5K run to raise funds for heart disease research and education. 8:30 check in for a 10 a.m. start time, Rynearson Stadium, 799 N. Hewitt Rd., Ypsilanti. Fee TBA; for updates, see bit.ly/heartwalkrun. sarah.spitzley@heart.org (517) 526–5661. 

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Resume and Bio Building for Dancers Virtual Workshop
10:00 am - 11:00 am Community ListingCommunity Listing, Creative WashtenawCreative Washtenaw, OnlineOnline
Resume and Bio Building for Dancers Virtual Workshop
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Explore how to format resumes for a variety of dance-related jobs. Participants will work in real time to build content, catering information to the specific job, and format into a visually accessible document.

Instructor Jeremy Blair is a choreographer, performer, and educator based in Kalamazoo, MI. His creative research investigates queer representation, social-vernacular dance, and jazz dance pedagogy. His choreography has been presented at Jacob’s Pillow, City Center, Gibney, Harris Theatre, and other venues throughout the United States. Jeremy has performed with Thodos Dance Chicago, Lucky Plush Productions, Chicago Moving Company, Khecari Dance Theatre, Aerial Dance Chicago, and with Friches Theatre Urbaine in Paris. Jeremy received an MFA in choreography from the University of Iowa and a BA in theatre from Millikin University. Jeremy currently is an Assistant Professor of Dance at Western Michigan University and is a 500-hour registered Hatha yoga teacher.

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Spring Plant Sales: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
10:00 am - 4:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Spring Plant Sales: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
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May 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 30. Plant sales include a “Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale” (May 7 & 8) of hanging baskets and container plants grown and designed by Matthaei staff and volunteers and a “Kitchen Favorites Vegetable and Herb Sale” (May 14 & 15) of plants grown by U-M Campus Farm volunteers. Also, an online-only “Peony Sale” (May 30) of heirloom peonies that must be picked up in person at Matthaei. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Matthaei, 1800 N. Dixboro. Free admission; metered parking. mbgna.umich.edu 647-7600.

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Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
10:30 am - 11:00 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops.
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Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. 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. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. ofGlobal@aol.com.

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“That Saturday Show: Time!”: Ann Arbor District Library.
11:00 am - 11:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“That Saturday Show: Time!”: Ann Arbor District Library.
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In this episode Otto and Toby mark the show’s 2-year anniversary by looking back at all their adventures. Also, George and Katie wait for their pizza to finish cooking, and Lucy gets another letter from Clarissa. AADL.TV. Free. 327–4200.

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Blessing Of The Bikes: First United Methodist Church Green Wood Coffee House
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing, FreeFree
Blessing Of The Bikes: First United Methodist Church Green Wood Coffee House
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Motorcyclists and bicyclists invited to have their bikes blessed for a safe riding season by pastor Tim Kobler of First United Methodist Church. Complimentary pizza, canned soda, bottled water and home-made pie. No admission charge. Scooters, skateboards, and wheelchairs also welcome.

First United Methodist Church Green Wood, 1001 Green Rd, Ann Arbor. In the parking lot unless rain. No admission charge; no registration or reservation necessary.

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“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy.
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Every Sun. & Sat. Conservancy staffers show off some animals native to Eurasia (2 & 4 p.m.), including a reindeer, a Burmese python, and a legless lizard, which is not a snake. Also, a zookeeper talk with a surprise animal (3 p.m.) and a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 1–5 p.m., Creature Conservancy, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Mask encouraged.  $11 (kids ages 2–12, $9; under age 2, free) at the door; $1 discount in advance.  929–9324. 

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“Matilda”: Young People’s Theater.
1:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Matilda”: Young People’s Theater.
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May 13-15. Adrienne Pisoni directs young local actors—the same cast that rehearsed this show before it was waylaid by the pandemic 2 years ago—in Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin’s musical. The story, based on Roald Dahl’s children’s novel, centers on a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis who loves reading and overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school. Ben Brantley, writing for the New York Times, called the original Broadway production “a sweet and sharp-witted work …  which ... turns dark and sodden anxieties into bright and buoyant fantasies.” 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 1 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $15 (age 18 & under and 65 & over, $10) in advance at muto.umich.edu, and (if available) at the door. 763-8587.

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“Spring Fling Color Walk”: Hudson Mills Metropark.
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Spring Fling Color Walk”: Hudson Mills Metropark.
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A 1-mile walk on the nature trail. Participants are doused with colored powder along the way. T-shirts. 1–3 p.m., park activity center, 8801 North Territorial Rd., Dexter. $7. Preregistration required (by May 2 preferred). $10 vehicle entrance fee. bit.ly/springcolorflinghudson, 426–8211.

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Volunteer Stewardship Workday: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division.
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Volunteer Stewardship Workday: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation Division.
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May 1, 7, 14, 15, 21, & 22. All invited to help maintain natural areas and remove invasive plants in various city parks. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes and bring heavy gloves; tools, snacks, & know-how provided. Minors must be accompanied by an adult or obtain a release form in advance. May 1 (9 a.m.–noon): Botsford Recreational Preserve, park in the Park and Ride lot on Miller Rd., then meet at the Botsford Recreational Preserve entrance, west on Miller. May 1 (1–4 p.m.): Mary Beth Doyle Park, meet at the corner of Cardinal Ave. and Sharon Dr. May 7 (9 a.m.–noon): Huron Parkway Nature Area, meet at 3470 Woodland Rd., off East Huron River Dr. May 7 (1–4 p.m.): Molin Nature Area, meet at the end of Powell Rd. on Columbia. May 14 (9 a.m.–noon): Fuller Park, meet at the parking lot at the end of Island Dr. May 14 (1–4 p.m.): Argo Nature Area, meet on Longshore Dr. at Amherst Ave. May 15 (1–4 p.m.): Bird Hills Nature Area, meet at the Bird Rd. entrance, west of Huron River Dr. May 21 (9 a.m.–noon): Sunset Brooks Nature Area, meet at the Beechwood Dr. entrance to the park. May 21 (1–4 p.m.): Cedar Bend Nature Area, meet at the Island Park parking lot, at the end of Island Dr. May 22 (9 a.m.–noon): Marshall Nature Area, meet in the parking lot off Dixboro Rd., north of Plymouth Rd. May 22 (1–4 p.m.): Black Pond Woods, meet on Tibbits Ct., off Pontiac Trail. Various locations. Free. Preregistration recommended at bit.ly/a2stewardworkday. 794–6627.

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“Les Misérables”: Pioneer High School Theatre Guild.
2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Les Misérables”: Pioneer High School Theatre Guild.
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May 13-15. Steven Askew directs high school students in Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg, and Herbert Kretzmer’s musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s sweeping epic of 19th-century Parisian life, a large-canvas tale of human fallibility centered on a petty criminal who reinvents himself as a model citizen and becomes a town mayor and then, after another stint in jail, befriends a single mother whom he attempts to rescue from her grim circumstances. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Skyline High School, 2552 N. Maple. Mask required. Ticket price TBA, see Ptguild.org. 994-2191.

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Gemini: Westminster Presbyterian Church.
2:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Gemini: Westminster Presbyterian Church.
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Outdoor performance by the popular acoustic duo of twin brothers Laszlo and Sandor Slomovits. Their repertoire includes sing-alongs, folk songs from around the world, and upbeat originals about life’s simple pleasures, performed on more than a dozen instruments. Bring things to sit on. 1500 Scio Church Rd. Free. 761-9320.

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U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler.
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, OnlineOnline
U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Saturday Sampler.
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May 14 & 27. Docent-led virtual tours. May 14: “A Glimpse of the Kelsey.” May 27: “Greek Mythology in Daily Life.” 2–3 p.m., for URL see lsa.umich.edu/kelsey. Free. 764–9304.

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“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
3:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
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Every Wed.-Sun, Apr. 15-Aug. 27. Angie Kane directs the world premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s drama that imagines the Victorian sleuth, aided by Dr. Watson and Irene Adler, solving the disappearance of world-changing inventions by clients Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Cast: David Bendena, Caitlin Cavannaugh, Mark Colson, Sarab Kamoo, Rusty Mewha, and Paul Strobili. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Tickets $25-51 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. 

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Know Obstacles: Oz’s Music Environment.
3:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Know Obstacles: Oz’s Music Environment.
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All invited to play instruments, sing songs, and tell jokes with members of this band comprised of kids and adults with special needs. Spectators welcome. 3:30 p.m., 1920 Packard St. Free. 662–8283. 

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John Heffron: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
5:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
John Heffron: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
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May 13 & 14. A South Lyon native and EMU grad who now lives in L.A., Heffron specializes in observations about the indignities and absurdities of life, delivering sharply funny jokes on topics such as marriage performance reviews and unnecessary furniture. He won the 2nd season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, has appeared on the Tonight Show, and has a special currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 5 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $30 reserved seating in advance at etix.com and general admission at the door. 996–9080.

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“Ann Arbor Group Runs”: Running Fit.
6:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Ann Arbor Group Runs”: Running Fit.
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Every Sat. & Tues. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different Running Fit locations. Rain or shine. 8 a.m. (Sat.), 5700 Jackson Rd. & 6 p.m. (Tues.), 123 E. Liberty. Free. 929–9022 (Sat.) & 769–5016 (Tues.).  

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“Dreams and Pictures”: Dexter Community Orchestra.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Dreams and Pictures”: Dexter Community Orchestra.
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Music director David Schultz conducts this volunteer ensemble in the highly regarded young Michigan-born, Manhattan-based composer Stephanie Anne Boyd’s House of Fountains and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Also, a concerto TBA featuring the winner of the orchestra’s annual youth concerto competition. 7 p.m., Dexter Center for the Performing Arts, Dexter High School, 2200 N. Parker (south off Shield from Baker Rd.), Dexter. Free. 726-0070. 

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“Matilda”: Young People’s Theater.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Matilda”: Young People’s Theater.
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May 13-15. Adrienne Pisoni directs young local actors—the same cast that rehearsed this show before it was waylaid by the pandemic 2 years ago—in Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin’s musical. The story, based on Roald Dahl’s children’s novel, centers on a precocious 5-year-old girl with the gift of telekinesis who loves reading and overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school. Ben Brantley, writing for the New York Times, called the original Broadway production “a sweet and sharp-witted work …  which ... turns dark and sodden anxieties into bright and buoyant fantasies.” 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 1 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $15 (age 18 & under and 65 & over, $10) in advance at muto.umich.edu, and (if available) at the door. 763-8587.

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“Peter Pan”: St. Andrew’s Players.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Peter Pan”: St. Andrew’s Players.
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May 14 & 15. Norm Richert directs local actors in this 1954 Broadway show, based on the 1911 J. M. Barrie play, about the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Music by “Moose” Charlap with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. 7 p.m. (Sat.), 4 p.m. (Sun.), St. Andrew’s, 306 N. Division. Mask required. $10 (kids, $5). Preregistration required at our.show/standrewsaa/peterpan

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Elana Arian: Temple Beth Emeth Community Concert.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Elana Arian: Temple Beth Emeth Community Concert.
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This versatile musician—a singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumental string player, prayer leader, and recording artist—is regarded as one of the leading voices in contemporary Jewish music. “Elana sings impeccably and her instrumental work is fantastic,” says an Amazon reviewer. “She is somehow able to express in music the strength, resilience, hope and sorrow that are hallmarks of the history of Jewish people everywhere.” 7 p.m., Temple Beth Emeth, 2309 Packard. Mask required. Free. tbe@templebethemeth.org.

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Mark Hershberger and the Detroit Jazz Project: The Lighthouse Center
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Mark Hershberger and the Detroit Jazz Project: The Lighthouse Center
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This 10-member Southeast Michigan jazz combo led by saxophonist Hershberger plays selections from its new album, Journey to Mars. 7 p.m., 740 East Shore Drive, Whitmore Lake. $25 online and $30 at the door. lighthousecenterinc.org, 808–1335.

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Spirit Singing Band: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth Cafe 704.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Spirit Singing Band: Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth Cafe 704.
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Local musicians Kath Weider, Sam Clark, Dan Bilich, and Lori Fithian lead the audience for a night of “spirit singing,” a blend of familiar songs, trance chant, and improvisation. 7 p.m., 704 Airport Blvd., ste. 1. Mask required. Livestream available. $10 in advance only at interfaithspirit.org/events/cafe-704-coffeehouse. 327–0270. 

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“Billy Joel Tribute”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Billy Joel Tribute”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company.
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May 12–15. An ensemble of musicians performs hits by the New York piano man pop star, featuring “New York State of Mind,” “Piano Man,” “She’s Got a Way,” and more. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 3 p.m. (Sun.), Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Vaccination or negative Covid PCR test within 72 hours required. Tickets $40 (+$3.80 fee) in advance at theEncoreTheatre.org & at the door. 268–6200.

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“Les Misérables”: Pioneer High School Theatre Guild.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Les Misérables”: Pioneer High School Theatre Guild.
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May 13-15. Steven Askew directs high school students in Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg, and Herbert Kretzmer’s musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s sweeping epic of 19th-century Parisian life, a large-canvas tale of human fallibility centered on a petty criminal who reinvents himself as a model citizen and becomes a town mayor and then, after another stint in jail, befriends a single mother whom he attempts to rescue from her grim circumstances. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Skyline High School, 2552 N. Maple. Mask required. Ticket price TBA, see Ptguild.org. 994-2191.

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John Heffron: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
John Heffron: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
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May 13 & 14. A South Lyon native and EMU grad who now lives in L.A., Heffron specializes in observations about the indignities and absurdities of life, delivering sharply funny jokes on topics such as marriage performance reviews and unnecessary furniture. He won the 2nd season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, has appeared on the Tonight Show, and has a special currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 5 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $30 reserved seating in advance at etix.com and general admission at the door. 996–9080.

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“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine”: Purple Rose Theatre Company.
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Every Wed.-Sun, Apr. 15-Aug. 27. Angie Kane directs the world premiere of Livonia playwright David MacGregor’s drama that imagines the Victorian sleuth, aided by Dr. Watson and Irene Adler, solving the disappearance of world-changing inventions by clients Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison. Cast: David Bendena, Caitlin Cavannaugh, Mark Colson, Sarab Kamoo, Rusty Mewha, and Paul Strobili. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Tickets $25-51 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. 

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“The Wrong Man”: Michigan Theatre.
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“The Wrong Man”: Michigan Theatre.
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(Alfred Hitchcock, 1956). Film noir starring Henry Fonda as a musician erroneously accused of armed robbery who faces mounting obstacles to clearing his name. One of the few Hitchcock films whose plot closely follows actual events, it has been cited as an influence on Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver. Vera Miles. 8 p.m. Michigan Theater. Proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; MTF members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see MichTheater.org. Different times.

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"Rumors": PTD Productions.
8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
"Rumors": PTD Productions.
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May 12-15 & 18-21. Liz Greaves-Hoxsie directs local actors in Neil Simon's farce about a fancy New York dinner party that collapses into confused panic. Invited to a deputy mayor's 10th anniversary, the first couple finds the food uncooked, the host shot, and the hostess gone. Afraid of scandal, the two try to hide it from the next couple, who in turn hide it from the next, until all four couples are caught up in a fast-paced, hilarious melee of misunderstanding. Cast: Karrie Waarala, Karl Sikkenga, Wendy Ascione-Juska, Gary Lehman, Daniel Dye, Laura Bird, Adam Weakley, Veronica Long, Eric Thornburg, and Pascal Casamier. 8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) and 2 p.m. (Wed. & Sun.). Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. Tickets $18 (Students & Seniors, $12) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. 483-7345.

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An Evening of Improv: Civic Improv.
8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
An Evening of Improv: Civic Improv.
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May 7 & 14. Performances by the company’s improv troupes. 8 p.m., Ann Arbor Civic Theatre (A2CT) Studio, 322 W. Ann Street. Mask and proof of vaccination required. $15 at the door only. 846-2492, civicimprov.org. 

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