• Observer Editor

    “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company

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    Thurs.–Sun., Nov. 27–Jan. 3. Dan Cooney directs this local professional company in Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge’s 2014 stage musical, an adaptation of the 1942 Irving Berlin film about a singer-dancer who leaves Broadway to settle down in the countryside. When he meets a spirited schoolteacher who longs to perform, he decides to turn his farmhouse into an inn with performances to celebrate each holiday from Thanksgiving to the 4th of July. Berlin’s score includes such hits as “Blue Skies,” “Easter Parade,” and “Cheek to Cheek.” 7 p.m. (Fri., Sat., & most Thurs.) and 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun., some Thurs. & Wed.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $25–$63 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    Every 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.

  • Nightspots

    Rick Burgess Trio.: Earle

    Rick Burgess Trio.
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    Earle 121 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Jazz ensemble, named after the late jazz pianist and Earle cofounder Burgess, featuring drummer Robert Warren and a rotating roster of bassists and pianists.

     

  • Observer Editor

    “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company

    More

    Thurs.–Sun., Nov. 27–Jan. 3. Dan Cooney directs this local professional company in Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge’s 2014 stage musical, an adaptation of the 1942 Irving Berlin film about a singer-dancer who leaves Broadway to settle down in the countryside. When he meets a spirited schoolteacher who longs to perform, he decides to turn his farmhouse into an inn with performances to celebrate each holiday from Thanksgiving to the 4th of July. Berlin’s score includes such hits as “Blue Skies,” “Easter Parade,” and “Cheek to Cheek.” 7 p.m. (Fri., Sat., & most Thurs.) and 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun., some Thurs. & Wed.), 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $25–$63 in advance at theencoretheatre.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 268–6200.

  • Observer Editor

    Chris Higgins: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

    Chris Higgins: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
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    Nov. 27 & 28. Affable Colorado-born, Chicago-based comic delivers amusing, self-effacing anecdotes about getting fat-shamed, performing to overly drunk crowds, and the ethics of wearing a sports jersey. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company
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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Chasing Clouds”: Penny Seats Theatre Company

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    Nov. 20–Dec. 6. Lauren London directs local actors in local playwright Michael Alan Herman’s existential fantasy comedy-drama about a pair of elderly farmers who farm clouds for their silver linings as they struggle to keep their farm—and their relationship—intact. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (students, $20; seniors, $25), in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 926–5346, [email protected].

  • Community Listing

    Party like it’s 2006: The Big Swap: The Funhouse

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    207 E. Washington St, Ann Arbor

    Flint heavy space rock band The Headless headlines a 2006-themed night at the Funhouse with The Kinetic Stereokids and Past Dog Beach. Bring something you made yourself (a zine, a drawing, a mix CD) and trade it at the merch table for a limited edition, hand-burned Headless CD-R. Doors 8 p.m., bands 9 p.m. $5 at the door. 21+. Details: https://theheadless.band/shows/2026-11-28-ann-arbor-funhouse/

    https://theheadless.band/shows/2026-11-28-ann-arbor-funhouse/

    $5
  • Observer Editor

    Chris Higgins: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

    Chris Higgins: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
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    Nov. 27 & 28. Affable Colorado-born, Chicago-based comic delivers amusing, self-effacing anecdotes about getting fat-shamed, performing to overly drunk crowds, and the ethics of wearing a sports jersey. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Ecological Restoration Workday”: Washtenaw Bird & Nature Alliance

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    All invited to help improve bird habitats by maintaining trails and clearing invasive shrubs at the WBNA Searles Nature Preserve. Dress for the weather; bring leather work gloves and water. Tools and know-how provided; bring your own tools, if you’d like. 1–3 p.m., Searles Nature Preserve; park along Bolla Rd., ¼ mile west of Stony Creek Rd., Ypsi. Free. washtenawbna.org.

  • Observer Editor

    Gemily: the Ark

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    Family-friendly concert by this trio that includes brothers Sandor and Laszlo Slomovits of the nationally known local folk duo Gemini, and San’s daughter, violinist Emily. They perform a wide range of music, from classic songs of the 1960s to traditional folk songs and dance tunes, as well as sparkling originals. 1 p.m., the Ark, 316 S. Main. $18 (kids age 12 & under, $13) in advance at theark.org & at the door. (734) 761–1818.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “PokéBattle Sunday”: Ann Arbor District Library

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    Adults and kids grade 3 & up invited to play this popular Nintendo Switch video game. Participants may bring their own Switch handheld consoles or borrow one from the library. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “Myth-Understood”: Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Junior Theatre

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    Nov. 28 & 29. Chandler Gimson directs young actors in Jackie Martin’s comedy about two teens, writing a report on Greek mythology, who are whisked away to Mount Olympus where Zeus, Hermes, Aphrodite, and other gods and goddesses retell their myths to the students in a more favorable light, hoping to get people to worship them again. Appropriate for all ages. 2–3 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. a2ct.org/mythunderstoodjt.

  • Observer Editor

    “Bastard”: Purple Rose Theatre Company

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    Every 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.

  • Observer Editor

    “Chasing Clouds”: Penny Seats Theatre Company

    More

    Nov. 20–Dec. 6. Lauren London directs local actors in local playwright Michael Alan Herman’s existential fantasy comedy-drama about a pair of elderly farmers who farm clouds for their silver linings as they struggle to keep their farm—and their relationship—intact. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Cahoots, 206 E. Huron St. Tickets $28 (students, $20; seniors, $25), in advance at pennyseats.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 926–5346, [email protected].