• Observer Editor

    “Fun Home”: Horizon Performing Arts

    “Fun Home”: Horizon Performing Arts
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    Oct. 15–18. Connor Thomas Rhoades directs local actors in Jeanine Tesori and (Ann Arbor native) Lisa Kron’s 2013 Broadway musical based on Alison Bechdel’s poignant graphic memoir about growing up in a funeral home, the discovery of her sexuality, and her relationship with her closeted gay father. “I can’t think of a recent musical—or play, for that matter—that has done a better job at finding theatrical expression for the wayward dynamics of remembering,” says the New York Times. 7 p.m. (Thurs., Fri., & Sat.) & 1 p.m. (Sun.), Riverside Arts Center. $20 (students & seniors, $18) at horizonpa.yapsody.com. 

  • Observer Editor

    The Sklar Brothers: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

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    Oct. 15–17. Veteran tag-team stand-up comedy act by twin brothers Randy and Jason Sklar, U-M grads now based in L.A. Opening act TBA. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $25 (Thurs., $20) in advance at aacomedy.com & (if available) at the door.  Special engagement; no passes, discounts, or coupons accepted. (734) 996–9080. 

  • Nightspots

    May Erlewine.: JD’s Stage

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    JD’s Stage 117 ½ S. Main, Chelsea, Michigan, United States

    A big-voiced singer-songwriter from Big Rapids who writes thoughtful, richly emotional country-flavored songs. Tonight she is joined by veteran Chicago guitarist Packy Lundholm.

  • Nightspots

    Ron Shelton.: Ypsi Alehouse

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    Ypsi Alehouse 124 Pearl, #100, Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Americana country-rock and folk-rock covers by this local singer-guitarist.

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    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.

     

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    Observer Editor

    “Good Fortune”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center

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    1129 Oak Valley Dr. Concessions. Free. (734) 994–3387, jewelheart.org.

    Oct. 16: “Good Fortune” (Aziz Ansari, 2025). Mystical comedy about an angel who attempts to show a struggling man that money won’t solve his problems. Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Aziz Ansari, Sandra Oh, Keke Palmer. Discussion follows. 7 p.m.

  • Nightspots

    Don Hicks & Friends.: Blue LLama

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    Blue LLama 314 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    An ad hoc local ensemble led by trumpeter (and Blue Llama owner) Hicks.

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    Pontiac Trail Blazers.: North Star Lounge

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    North Star Lounge 301 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor

    Local bluegrass quartet known for its beautiful vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess. Tonight they are joined by dobro player Mark Lavengood. 7–10 p.m. $10.

  • Free
    Observer Editor

    “The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls”: U-M Theatre Department Senior BFA Directing Thesis

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    Oct. 16 & 17. Naomi Parr directs fellow drama majors in a studio production of American playwright Meg Miroshnik’s 2011 fantasy-drama about a 20-year-old girl who returns from America to her native Russia and discovers an enchanted motherland teeming with evil stepmothers, wicked witches, and ravenous bears. 7:30 p.m., U-M Walgreen Drama Center, Newman Studio, 1226 Murfin. Free. (734) 764–0583.

  • 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

    “The Opera Ghost”: Penny Seats Theatre Company

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    October 2–17. Brandy Joe Plambeck directs local actors in Joseph Zettelmaier’s new gothic drama. Deep beneath the famed Palais Garnier Opera House, a mysterious masked man recalls the events of his ghoulish life, which is nearing its end. Adult topics. 8 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 7 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].

  • Observer Editor

    “Maestro”: Theatre Nova

    “Maestro”: Theatre Nova
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    Every Fri.–Sun., Sept. 25–Oct. 18. Briana O’Neal directs local actors in Michigan playwright Michael Alan Herman’s cheeky comedy of manners about two 18th-century Viennese composers who go to ridiculous lengths to compete for a recently vacated royal court position. 8 p.m. (Fri.), 3 & 7 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.). Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $33 (seniors, $30; students, $20) in advance at theatrenova.org & (if available) at the door. (734) 635–8450.

  • Observer Editor

    “Come from Away”: U-M Musical Theatre Department

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    Oct. 8–11 & 14–18. Vincent Cardinal directs musical theater students in Irene Sankoff & David Hein’s award-winning 2017 upbeat musical set in the week following the September 11 attacks, when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the world, were diverted to the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. Despite culture clashes and language barriers, the local people encourage the stranded travelers with music and an open bar, forming lifelong friendships, and even sparking romances. 7:30 p.m. (Wed. & Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (10 Sat. & Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. Tickets $34–$40 (students, $16) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0583.

  • Nightspots

    Mike Dawes.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    Wildly inventive English fingerstyle guitarist known for his rich tone and ability to play multiple parts at the same time. “Dawes is jaw dropping,” writes Guitar Player Magazine. $35.

  • Observer Editor

    “Black Cat: Ghoulita Graves Presents … The Curse of Blood”: Neighborhood Theatre Group

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    Oct. 16–18 & 22–24. Marisa Dluge directs local actors in an original musical by NTG members Greg Pizzino and A.M. Dean. Part of NTG’s annual Black Cat Halloween series. 8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Back Office Studio, 13 N. Washington, Ypsi. Ticket price TBA at ntgypsi.org & at the door.

  • Nightspots

    Weekend Comeback.: Mash (Ypsilanti)

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    Mash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, Ypsilanti

    High-energy Detroit-area cover band that plays hits from the 60s to the present day.