• Observer Editor

    “West Side Story”: U-M MUSKET

    “West Side Story”: U-M MUSKET
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    Nov. 20–22. Gonzalo Delgado directs fellow U-M students in Arthur Laurents’ spirited musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, set in New York and featuring the rival street gangs the Sharks and the Jets. The beloved Leonard Bernstein–Stephen Sondheim score includes such favorites as “Maria,” “Tonight,” and “America.” 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Power Center. Tickets $15 (students and kids age 12 & under, $9) in advance at ummusket.org & at the door. [email protected].

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    Observer Editor

    “Voices in America”: U-M Symphony Band

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    Jason Fettig leads this music student ensemble in a program of works by American composers, including Copland, Charles Ives, Joan Tower, Celina Kintscher, Adam Schoenberg, and others. Preceded at 7:15 p.m. by a brief talk. 8 p.m., Hill Auditorium. Free. (734) 764–0538.

  • 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.

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    Observer Editor

    “Our Town”: U-M Residential College Players

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    Nov. 20 & 21. RC students perform Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize–winning portrait of a small New Hampshire town at the beginning of the 20th century. The 3 acts examine “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Death” with graceful simplicity and deep humanity. 8 p.m., East Quad Keene Theater, 701 East University. Free; donations accepted. (734) 647–4354.

  • 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].

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    Observer Editor

    “Strictly Vaudeville”: Comic Opera Guild

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    Screening of a filmed performance by this ensemble of area singers and instrumentalists of its recreation of a vaudeville show from the Roaring Twenties that combines juggling, dancing, and singing acts with comic skits from the period. 8 p.m. (doors, 7:30 p.m.), Northside Community Church, 929 Barton. Free; donations accepted. comicoperaguild.org, (734) 973–3264, comicoperaguild.org.

  • Observer Editor

    “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde”: U-M Theatre Department

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    Nov. 19–22. Halena Kays directs drama students in Moisés Kaufman’s award-winning 1997 play that chronicles the swift and tragic downfall of the famous Irish playwright. Wilde sued the Marquess of Queensberry in 1895 for criminal libel after the Marquess called him a “posing sodomite.” This lawsuit backfired on Wilde, resulting in two additional trials to determine whether he was guilty of “gross indecency with male persons.” Recommended for ages 16 & up. 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.), 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University. Tickets $29–$35 (students, $16) in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu & at the door. (734) 764–0538.

  • Nightspots

    Steve Poltz.: Ark

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    Ark 316 S. Main, Ann Arbor

    The former lead singer of the Rugburns, Poltz is best known as the coauthor of Jewel’s hit single “You Were Meant for Me.” He’s also a famously enchanting live performer who works without a set list to be free to respond to the mood of a room. $35.

  • Nightspots

    Root Cause.: The Arboretum

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    The Arboretum 984 E. Michigan Ave., Saline

    Detroit-area soft rock band. Openers: Zero Sun, a U-M student rock band, and Shade Zero, a Detroit-area alt-rock band.

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    Salmagundi.: Zal Gaz Grotto

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    Zal Gaz Grotto 2070 W. Stadium, Ann Arbor

    Local horn-powered Motown/Memphis soul tribute band featuring vocalist Sheila Rhodes.

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    We Used to Cut Grass.: Ziggy’s

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    Ziggy’s 206 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti

    Experimental jazzy prog-rock instrumental ensemble from New Jersey whose sound is heavily influenced by Frank Zappa, John Zorn, and Sun Ra. Openers: Vethaken, a Brooklyn-based post-hardcore jazz-prog band, and the progressive synth-rock band Terraform.

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    Jay Frydenlund.: Mash (Ypsilanti)

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    Mash (Ypsilanti) 400 W. River, Ypsilanti

    Chirp singer-guitarist who plays rock ’n’ roll, blues, and folk covers and originals.

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    Motor City Moonshine.: The Ranch

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    The Ranch 122 W. Washington, Ann Arbor

    Country and classic rock covers by this Detroit-area quartet. 8:30 p.m.

  • Observer Editor

    “A Tribute to Queen and the Beatles”: Kalkaska String Quartet Candlelight Concerts

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    This Detroit-based ensemble presents 2 candlelight concerts tonight featuring instrumental arrangements of music by these 2 legendary British rock bands. Age 8 & up. 6:30 & 8:45 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Ave. $29–$67 per show. Preregistration required at feverup.com/en/ann-arbor/candlelight.

  • Observer Editor

    “Comedy Gauntlet”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater

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    Ninety-second sets by 16 area stand-up comics, advancing tournament-style until a winner is decided. 9–10:45 p.m., 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events & $18 (if available) at the door.

  • Observer Editor

    Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center

    Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
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    Every Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 & 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late-night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Friday includes a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.