Calendar

Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (11:30 a.m.) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago. 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. Living in Balance (1:30 p.m.) explores native Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moons. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478. 

Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (11:30 a.m.) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago. 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. Living in Balance (1:30 p.m.) explores native Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moons. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478. 

Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (11:30 a.m.) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago. 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. Living in Balance (1:30 p.m.) explores native Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moons. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478. 

Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages. Did an Asteroid Really Kill the Dinosaurs? (11:30 a.m.) looks at cosmic collisions across the solar system including the 6-mile-wide asteroid that hit the earth 66 million years ago. 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. Living in Balance (1:30 p.m.) explores native Anishinaabe stories of constellations and moons. Various times, U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the door. Limited capacity. 764–0478. 

The 2023 home schedule wraps up this month with a 3-game series vs. Northwestern (May 12, 6 p.m.; May 13, 2 p.m.; May 14, 3 p.m.) and a single game vs. Xavier (May 16, 4 p.m.). 4 p.m. Ray Fisher Stadium, 1114 S. State. Tickets $6–$8 (Mon.-Thurs. nonconference games, free) at mGOblue.com/tickets & at the gate. 764–0247.

Professional and amateur storytellers address the theme of student support. Hosted by Illinois State University criminal justice professor Charles Bell, author of Suspended: Punishment, Violence, and the Failure of School Safety. Refreshments from local vendors. 6:15 p.m., YCS Athletic Parking Lot, 1779 Packard, between Estabrook and the YCS Administration Bldg. (rain location, Willow Run Middle School Auditorium, 235 Spencer Ln., Ypsilanti. $30 (students with ID, $10) at bit.ly/sactt23 and at the door. peri@studentadvocacycenter.org, 482-0489.

The Summer Festival kicks off its 40th season with a party featuring daring fire dances and other performances by an array of artists TBA. Hors d’oeuvres, celebratory beverages, and surprises indoors and outdoors. 7 p.m., Root, 210 S. First. Tickets $75 in advance at tickets.a2sf.org/5804/5805 and at the door. A2sf.org.

May 12–14, & 19–21. EMU drama lecturer Emily Levickas directs EMU drama students in Laura Schellhardt’s 2018 comic drama about a curious girl who uncovers the legacy of 19th-century English paleontologist Mary Anning. “A rewarding piece of theatre for young audiences” according to Theatre Bloom. Ages 10 and up. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Sponberg Theatre, 124 Judy Sturgis-Hill Bldg., Ypsilanti. Tickets $7–$18 in advance at emich.edu/cmta/productions/current-season & at the door. 487–2282.

May 12–14. Caroline Huntoon directs young local actors in Catherine Johnson’s hit 1999 jukebox musical based on the songs of the iconic 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA. The lighthearted story centers on a young woman seeking to learn the identity of her biological father through her mother’s diaries, so that he can walk her down the aisle at her upcoming wedding. The songbook includes such hits as “Dancing Queen,” “Take A Chance On Me,” and, of course, “Mamma Mia.” 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.

May 12 & 13. Gruff, sharp, and quick-witted Brooklyn comic, a regular on the NYC comedy club scene, whose loveable loose cannon persona lets her tackle a range of taboo subjects including women’s bodies, dating foibles, and STDs. Preceded by 2 opening acts TBA. Alcohol is served. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $18 reserved seating in advance (before 6 p.m. the night of the show) at etix.com, $20 general admission at the door. 996–9080.

Fri.–Sun., May 12–21. This local theater company performs a series of original comedy sketches and musical numbers. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2:30 p.m. (Sun.), The Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington, Ypsilanti. Tickets $12 in advance at NTGypsi.org & $15 at the door.

Every Fri.–Sun., Apr. 21–May 14. Briana O’Neal directs the premiere of Hal Davis and Carla Milarch’s play about a seminarian who sneaks away from a party at the New York Museum of Modern Art to be alone. In the galleries, he encounters the ghost of Jackson Pollock, who challenges some of the man’s most fundamental beliefs. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Mask required. Tickets $22 (kids under 17, $10) in advance at theatre-nova.ticketleap.com and (if available) at the door. 635–8450.

May 12 & 13. Popular KCH tradition featuring musical numbers that are witty, poignant, and funny. Performers include Laurie Atwood, Linda Beaupré, Sue Booth, Shelley MacMillan, Gayle Martin, January Provenzola, Deanna Relyea, Emily Rogers-Driskill, Monica Swartout-Bebow, Kathy Waugh, Tyler Driskill, and Jon Brown. 7:30 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Masks strongly encouraged. Tickets $19–$80 in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and at the door. 769–2999.

Film screenings every Wed.–Sun. 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.

May 3: “All About Eve” (Joseph Mankiewicz, 1950). This multi-Oscar-winning film features Bette Davis in one of her greatest roles as an aging Broadway diva who’s clawed her way to the top, only to be threatened by a fan-turned-parasite. With Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm, and a cameo by Marilyn Monroe. 7 p.m. 

May 4: “Star Wars: Episode IV–A New Hope” (George Lucas, 1977). The film that started the wildly popular sci-fi fantasy saga. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness. 7:30 p.m. 

May 6: “Being Mary Tyler Moore” (James Adolphus, 2023). Documentary with unprecedented access to archival footage, covering Moore’s career as an actress, performer, and advocate. Mary Tyler Moore, James L. Brooks, Rob Reiner. 6 p.m. 

May 8: “Star Wars: Episode V–The Empire Strikes Back” (Irvin Kershner, 1980). The adventure continues as our heroes face down the Empire and Darth Vader, and Luke begins his Jedi training. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford. 7:30 p.m. 

May 9: “Man with a Movie Camera” (Dziga Vertov, 1929). Experimental Soviet silent documentary presenting life in Moscow, Kyiv, and Odessa. 7:30 p.m. Free. 

May 12: “Labyrinth” (Jim Henson, 1986). Musical fantasy about a teenage girl who has 13 hours to navigate a maze to save her baby brother from the evil Goblin King. The screening is accompanied by a live shadowcast, in which onstage actors create the world of the film in sync with the action on the screen. David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly. 7:30 p.m. 

May 14: “Paddington 2” (Paul King, 2017). Critically acclaimed sequel about the talking bear who lives with a London family. Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson. Kids 12 & under, free. 1:30 p.m. 

May 15: “Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi” (Richard Marquand, 1983). Conclusion of the original trilogy, which sees Luke and friends facing off against Darth Vader and the Galactic Emperor. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford. 7:30 p.m. 

May 20: “2001: A Space Odyssey” (Stanley Kubrick, 1968). The mind-bending adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s short story, about astronauts and a sentient supercomputer investigating a mysterious monolith on the planet Jupiter. Keir Dullea, Douglas Rain. 7 p.m. 

May 21: “National Theatre Live: Othello.” Broadcast of a taped 2022 National Theatre (London) performance of Shakespeare’s tragedy of jealousy, suspicion, and betrayal, The first production of the tragedy at the theater by a Black director, Clint Dyer, it focuses on the play’s often elided themes of race and class. The Guardian reviewer called it “a thrilling production with a radical climax.” 5 p.m. $22 (University Musical Society members, $18). 

May 22: “Spaceballs” (Mel Brooks, 1987). Beloved, eminently quotable Star Wars parody featuring characters such as Dark Helmet, Pizza the Hut, and Princess Vespa. Cast includes Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman. 7:30 p.m. 

May 27: “Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got” (Brigitte Berman, 1985). Documentary about the Canadian clarinetist and bandleader, with a soundtrack of Shaw’s performances throughout his storied career. 5:30 p.m. 

May 29: “Top Gun: Maverick” (Joseph Kosinski, 2022). Thrilling sequel to the 1986 original, which revisits Pete “Maverick” Mitchell as he trains a new generation of fighter pilots for a highly complex, risky mission. Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Val Kilmer. Military veterans, free. 7:30 p.m.

Every Wed.–Sun., Apr. 21–June 3. Rhiannon Ragland directs the world premiere of Philadelphia-based African American playwright Quinn D. Eli’s drama about Melanie, a woman haunted by a voice in her head—the voice of her friend who was killed years ago. The friend was Black, Melanie is white, and questions about why the tragedy happened and who was to blame come into focus when Melanie is drawn into a new relationship. Adult language and content. Cast: Caitlin Cavannaugh, Rachel Keown, Rusty Mewha, Olivia Miller, Dez Walker. 3 p.m. (Wed., Thurs., & Sat.), 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $30-$48 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.

May 11–14 & 17–20. Ezra Korycinski directs local actors in the world premiere of the young NYC-based playwright Claire Greising’s comic drama centered on the relationship that develops between 2 art gallery security guards—he’s a failed middle-aged artist and she’s a young art school grad—as they discuss life, love, art, & aging in ways that are often very funny and occasionally graphic. For mature audiences. Stars Paul Bianchi & Carolyn Pierce, with Pascal Casimier, Camille Woods, Nilgun Basaran, and Emmalyn Riddle. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron, Ypsilanti. Tickets $20 (students, seniors, & active military, $15) in advance at ptdproductions.com and at the door. 483–7345.

Film screenings every Tues. & Thurs.–Sun. Mask and proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within 72 hours) required for all patrons over the age of 12. 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. 

May 4: “Cinema Paradiso” (Giuseppe Tornatore, 1988). Influential, Oscar-winning coming-of-age drama about the friendship between a young boy and an aging projectionist who works at the titular movie theater in a small Sicilian town. Philippe Noiret, Jacques Perrin, Antonella Attili. 7:30 p.m. 

May 5: “Midsommar” (Ari Aster, 2019). Horror film about a couple who travel to an isolated Swedish village for a mysterious midsummer festival. Florence Pugh. 9:30 p.m. 

May 6: “Children Who Chase Lost Voices” (Makoto Shinkai, 2011). Japanese anime fantasy drama about a teenage girl grieving the death of her father, and the subsequent loss of a classmate. 4 p.m. 

May 9: “Up the River with Acid” (Harald Hutter, 2022). Documentary about the cognitive decline of the director’s father, who worked as a philosophy professor for 42 years. Part of the Ann Arbor Film Festival Presents series. 7 p.m. 

May 12: “Pink Flamingos” (John Waters, 1972). Part of Waters’ “Trash Trilogy,” a group of people compete for the title of “filthiest person alive.” Divine, David Lochary, Mink Stole. 9:30 p.m. 

May 19: “Legally Blonde” (Robert Luketic, 2001). A sorority girl attempts to win back her boyfriend by attending Harvard Law School, and in the process triumphs as a successful lawyer. Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair. 9:30 p.m. 

May 26: “Princess Mononoke” (Hayao Miyazaki, 1997). Animated fantasy classic, set in 15th-century Japan, about humans in conflict with gods and woodland spirits. 9:30 p.m. 

May 28 & 30: “8½” (Federico Fellini, 1963). Surrealist comedy-drama about a famous director struggling to direct an epic sci-fi film. May 28 1:30 p.m. & May 30 7:30 p.m.