Calendar

Every Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demos for ages 5 & up. “Shedding Light on Magnets” (11 a.m.) explores magnetism, magnetic fields, and what magnets have to do with cell phones. “Life: How Do We Find It?” (3 p.m.) examines the field of astrobiology and how scientists search for life on other planets. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 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. 

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.

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. 

This local dance company performs 2 shows of ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, modern, and hip-hop dance routines they have worked on throughout the year. Featuring beginning and intermediate (2 p.m.) and advanced dancers (5 p.m.). 2 & 5 p.m., Saline Middle School, 7190 N. Maple Rd, Saline. Tickets $20 in advance at randazzodance.com and at the door. 477–9350.

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.

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 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.

Every Sat. & Sun. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demos for ages 5 & up. “Shedding Light on Magnets” (11 a.m.) explores magnetism, magnetic fields, and what magnets have to do with cell phones. “Life: How Do We Find It?” (3 p.m.) examines the field of astrobiology and how scientists search for life on other planets. 11 a.m. & 3 p.m., MNH, 1105 North University. Free. 764–0478.

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.

973–8424 (Ann Arbor 20), 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $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), various times.

May 1: “A Father's Heart” (Andrés Garrigó & Antonio Cuadri, 2023). Religious documentary examining the spiritual influence of Joseph of Nazareth on contemporary believers. 7 p.m. 

May 3: “Champion” Prerecorded broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of acclaimed contemporary composer Terence Blanchard’s 2021 opera about a young boxer who rises from obscurity to become a world champion, and his older self, still haunted by the ghosts of his past. 1 p.m. (Ann Arbor 20 only). $24.

May 7, 8, & 10: “Ponyo” (Hayao Miyazaki, 2009). Dubbed (Sun.) & subtitled (Mon. & Wed.) screenings of this Japanese anime fantasy centered on the friendship between a 5-year-old boy and a magical goldfish who yearns to become human. Ann Arbor 20 only. 4 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Mon. & Wed.). 

May 9, 11, &13: “Roll with It” (Chris Dowling, 2023). Lighthearted comedy about an aging small-town waitress who enters a karaoke contest to save her home from foreclosure. Emagine only. 7 p.m. (Tues. & Thurs.) & 3 p.m. (Sat.). 

May 14 & 17: “Grease” (Randal Kleiser, 1978). Iconic musical about a tough-guy 1950s greaser who falls for a squeaky-clean Australian girl. Stars John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John. 4 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Wed). 

May 15 & 17: “Patterns of Evidence: Journey to Mount Sinai Part II” (Timothy Mahoney, 2023). Documentary about the filmmaker’s search for physical evidence of the Exodus journey to Mt. Sinai. 7 p.m. 

May 16: “The Way” (Emilio Estevez, 2010). Drama about a grieving father who travels to France to retrieve the body of his estranged son, who died while attempting the pilgrimage to Spain’s Santiago de Compostela. 7 p.m. 

May 20 & 24: “Don Giovanni” Live (Sat.) & prerecorded (Wed.) broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Mozart’s operatic version of the Don Juan legend. The action is an absorbing blend of stark tragedy and high comedy, and the music deftly fuses melodies of exquisite beauty with dark rumblings of damnation. Sung in Italian, with English subtitles. 1 p.m. (Wed., Ann Arbor 20 only). $25.

This local dance company performs 2 shows of ballet, tap, jazz, musical theater, modern, and hip-hop dance routines they have worked on throughout the year. Featuring beginning and intermediate (2 p.m.) and advanced dancers (5 p.m.). 2 & 5 p.m., Saline Middle School, 7190 N. Maple Rd, Saline. Tickets $20 in advance at randazzodance.com and at the door. 477–9350.

Male & female pro wrestlers from the Impact Wrestling, AEW, and WWE circuits, as well as local wrestlers and extras, compete in 9 bouts featuring classic pro wrestling storylines, props, interviews, and elaborate costumes. A taping of 4 half-hour broadcasts to air on the Ypsilanti-based MI Sports & Entertainment (MISE) digital TV channel. Concessions and merchandise available. 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Tickets $10 (12 & under, $5) in advance at mpwawrestling.com & at the door. brian_s48162@yahoo.com.

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 13 & 14. Assistant artistic director Natalie Krienke directs this Chelsea-based troupe of young dancers in Act II of Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot’s 1841 choreography and staging of Giselle, French composer Adolphe Adam’s popular Romantic ballet, and retiring Ballet Chelsea artistic director Wendi DuBois’ dynamic choreography set to music by George Gershwin. 7 p.m. (Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Dexter High School, 2200 N. Parker, Dexter. Tickets $30 (kids age 10 & under and seniors age 62 & up, $25) in advance at balletchelsea.org and at the door.

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.

The season opener for this local USL 2nd division minor league soccer team. 7 p.m., Pioneer High School Hollway Field, 601 W. Stadium at Main. $12 (kids 13 & under, free). Group discounts & season tickets available. Afcannarbor.com. 408–1627. 

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.

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.

Veteran country singer-songwriter—she’s the daughter of Johnny Cash—whose music also draws imaginatively on pop, rock, blues, and folk traditions. Her songs are known for their lyrical pungency and grace and their penetrating, often playful psychological and emotional acuity, and her singing blends a beguiling tunefulness with a sometimes fierce and sometimes sassy relaxed authority. Proceeds benefit the Breakfast at St. Andrew’s daily meal program. 8 p.m., Michigan Theater. Tickets $40–$150 in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office (763–TKTS) & TheArk.org, and at the door. 761–1451, 662–0600.

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.