Observer Editor
Events
-
-
Observer Editor
“Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
MoreEvery Wed.–Sun., Sept. 24–Dec. 20. Rhiannon Ragland directs retired Detroit newscaster and playwright Devin Scillian’s family comedy-drama about a conflict between brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down finance guy—after their mother’s death. Adult language and subject matter. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), & 3 p.m. (Sat. & Wed.). 137 Park St., Chelsea. Tickets $31.50–$52.50 in advance at purplerosetheatre.org, (734) 433–7673, & (if available) at the door. Discounts available.
-
FreeObserver Editor
Pittsfield Open Band: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
MoreNov. 7 & 21. Jam session open to all musicians interested in working on jigs, reels, and waltzes to have fun, learn tunes, and develop contra dance music skills. All instruments welcome. Bring the Ruffwater Fakebook, the Portland Collection, and the Waltz Books if you have them. 3–5 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. Masking optional. Free. [email protected].
-
Observer Editor
“Rocky”: Fathom Entertainment
More(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
Nov. 7–11: “Rocky” (John G. Avildsen, 1976). The classic saga of a small-time Philadelphia boxer who enters in a grueling, blood-soaked title fight. Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith. 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun. only) and 6:40 p.m. Cinemark only.
-
Observer Editor
Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
MoreEvery Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game MTG. Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Commander.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free. Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Booster Draft.” Players take turns opening booster packs to create a 40-card deck. $25. Various times & prices, 2459 W. Stadium. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
-
FreeObserver Editor
University Lowbrow Astronomers
MoreA chance to join local astronomy buffs for a look at the sky through instruments, including the observatory’s 24-inch McMath classical Cassegrain telescope. Participants encouraged to bring their own telescopes. Visitors must turn off all electronic equipment (car radios, transmitters, phones, etc.) at the observatory entrance. Canceled if sky is overcast at sunset or if the weather is extremely inclement. If in doubt, call after 4 p.m. day of event. Rain date is Nov. 14. Sunset–12:30 a.m. or as long as the sky remains clear, Peach Mountain Observatory, 10296 North Territorial (about 1¼ miles west of Hudson Mills Metropark), Dexter. Free. (734) 975–3248.
-
Observer Editor
Comedy Mystery Dinner Show: The Dinner Detective Ann Arbor
MoreNov. 7 & 21. Dinner served while actors masquerading as fellow diners enact a comical murder mystery in which audience members may find themselves prime suspects. 6–9 p.m., Ann Arbor Marriott, 1275 S. Huron St., Ypsi. $85 includes gratuity. Preregistration required at thedinnerdetective.com. (866) 496–0535.
-
Observer Editor
“Rocky”: Fathom Entertainment
More(734) 973–8424 (Cinemark), (734) 316–5500 (Emagine). Tickets $12.50 (except as noted) in advance at fathomentertainment.com/events and at the door. Cinemark (4100 Carpenter, Ypsi) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline).
Nov. 7–11: “Rocky” (John G. Avildsen, 1976). The classic saga of a small-time Philadelphia boxer who enters in a grueling, blood-soaked title fight. Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith. 4 p.m. (Sat. & Sun. only) and 6:40 p.m. Cinemark only.
-
Observer Editor
Kirchweihfest: Ann Arbor Schwaben Verein
MoreThis annual fall festival features a German dinner followed by dancing to German polkas and other European dance music by Fort Wayne–based Jay Fox & the Jammin’ Germans and Fort Wayne Tänzer. 6:45–10:30 p.m. (doors, 6 p.m.), Plumbers & Pipefitters Hall (UA Local 190), 7920 Jackson Rd., Dexter. Tickets $40 (includes dinner & beverages) in advance only; text Mark MacArthur at (734) 474–7017 or email [email protected] by Nov. 1.
-
FreeObserver Editor
“13: The Musical”: U-M Basement Arts
MoreNov. 6 & 7. This U-M student theater troupe performs Dan Elish and Robert Horn’s 2008 coming-of-age Broadway musical about a young Jewish boy who moves to a sleepy Indiana town from NYC following his parents’ divorce. Desperate to fit in as he navigates the social hierarchies of his new middle school, he sets out to win friends by turning his Bar Mitzvah into the coolest party ever. 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 11 p.m. (Fri.), U-M Walgreen Drama Center, Newman Studio, 1226 Murfin. Free. instagram.com/basement_arts.
-
Observer Editor
“They Are Naturals”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreDungeons & Dragons–inspired comedy improv show featuring four performers in an original fantasy world guided by a game master, with audience participation and dice rolls. 7–8 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
-
Observer Editor
Saturday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
MoreNov. 7, 14, & 21. Rotating lineup of local improv troupes. On Nov. 7, Love Fools, an improvised dating show with a lineup of strange characters, and on Nov. 14, a performance by house troupe 11 Non-Blondes. 7–8 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.
-
Observer Editor
Apollo’s Troupe Theatre
MoreOct. 18, 22, & 24, Nov. 1, 5, & 7. Rochester (MI)–based veteran poet Frederick Glaysher performs stage adaptations of his epic poems, Into the Ruins of Modernity (Oct. 18 & Nov. 1) and The Parliament of Poets (Oct. 22 & 24, Nov. 5 & 7), each a combination of poetry reading, protest play, and performance art that emphasizes the transformative nature of art and its power to fight fascism & oligarchy, and celebrates human capacities for cooperation and peace. Not suitable for children. 2 p.m. (Sun.) & 7 p.m. (Thurs. & Sat.), Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. $15–$30 (students, $12–$20; seniors, $15–$25) at buytickets.at/apollostroupe or (if available) at the door. Group rates available. (947) 203–0085.
-
Observer Editor
“What Could Possibly Go Wrong?”: Theatre Nova
MoreEvery Fri.–Sun., Nov. 6–15. Diane Hill directs local actors in this ensemble musical comedy, subtitled “A Cabaret of Love, Lies, and Bad Decisions,” a celebration of the funniest, most disastrous productions in Broadway history. Music by Brian Rose. 8 p.m. (Fri.), 7 p.m. (Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat., except Nov. 7), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $35–$100 in advance at theatrenova.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.
-
Observer Editor
Annual Hometown Show: Chelsea House Orchestra
MoreThis ensemble of 32 Chelsea High School students celebrates its 30-year anniversary in this concert of traditional Scottish and Irish jigs and reels, along with other folk-inspired music. Openers: the Beach (Middle School) Fiddle Club and the North Creek Fiddlers, a Chelsea traditional American string quartet. All CHO alumni are invited to the stage to perform at the end of the concert. 7–9:30 p.m., Chelsea High School Auditorium, 740 N. Freer, Chelsea. Tickets $15 (students & seniors, $10) in advance at tinyurl.com/y87xbes8 & (if available) at the door. (734) 475–1957, chelseahouseorchestra.org.
-
Observer Editor
“National Theatre Live: Golden Boy”: Michigan Theater
MoreFilm screenings every day. Tickets $11.75 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 & older, and US veterans, $9.75; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Nov. 7: “National Theatre Live: Golden Boy.” Broadcast of a taped 2026 National Theatre (London) production of Clifford Odets’ acclaimed 1937 drama, directed by Sam Yates. It’s about a prizefighter, played by Josh O’Connor, who, when his dream of becoming a professional violinist is shattered by an injury, becomes increasingly vicious in the ring. Tickets $17. 7 p.m.
-
Observer Editor
Jason Jamerson: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
MoreNov. 5–7. Rising, versatile Detroit native with an amusing, wide-ranging act covering diverse topics, from attending a birthday party thrown by overly religious relatives to his annoyance at weed smokers. Opening act TBA. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
-
Observer Editor
“Peter and the Starcatcher”: Huron Players
MoreNov. 6–8. JD Beniston directs Huron High School students in Rick Elice’s 2009 Tony Award–winning play. Adapted from Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson’s 2004 novel which gives a backstory to Peter Pan, the narrative follows the nautical adventures of pirates, crocodiles, and three orphan boys. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), Huron High School, Meyers Auditorium, 2727 Fuller. Tickets $15 (students & staff, $10) in advance at huronplayers.ludus.com & at the door (cash, check, or Venmo). huronplayers.weebly.com.
-
Observer Editor
Julian Lage Quartet: University Musical Society
MoreJazz guitar virtuoso Lage, a former child prodigy who has performed with Gary Burton, David Grisman, Béla Fleck, Charles Lloyd, and others, is both a master improviser and a prolific songwriter. His sound so blends composition and improvisation that it is hard to tell if he is improvising or not. Lage’s new quartet is touring following the release of their first album together, Scenes From Above, reviewed as “gently sad yet searching” and “a gentle triumph” by Jazzwise. The quartet gives voice to Lage’s incisive, emotional compositions in a focused, dynamic back-and-forth between musicians. With bassist Jorge Roeder, keyboardist John Medeski, and drummer Kenny Wolleson. 7:30 p.m. Michigan Theater. Tickets $30–$67 ($15–$20 students) in advance at tickets.ums.org, & (if available) at the door. (734) 764–2538.
-
Observer Editor
“Family Pains”: PTD Productions
MoreNov. 5–8 & 11–14. Marie Jones directs local actors in the premiere of Michigan playwright Erin Osgood’s new family comedy-drama about a young woman who surprises her conservative family by bringing her new Black wife to Thanksgiving dinner. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun. & Wed.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20 (students & seniors, $15; Thurs., pay what you can), in advance at ptdproductions.com, by phone, & at the door. (734) 483–7345.
-
Observer Editor
First Saturday Contra Dance: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
MoreMaeve Devlin calls to Something Else. Bring clean shoes for dancing. Beginners’ introduction 7 p.m. 7:30–10:30 p.m., Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $10–$15 suggested donation. (734) 274–0773, aactmad.org.
