“Doubt, A Parable” at What A Do Theatre
On May 6 the What A Do Theatre in Battle Creek staged a preview of their production of “Doubt, A Parable.” Set in a church school in 1964, the award-winning play by John Patrick Shanley centers around a nun who suspects a young priest of having an improper relationship with a student. This production is directed by Randy Wolfe in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church in Battle Creek. He says the script leaves room for audience members to form their own opinions. He says having a conversation about a play after it’s over is one of the best things about live theatre.
The fully staged production includes powerful video images by Nancy King, moody lighting by Ted Hatton and original music by Chris Gillette.
(sample of music)
The What A Do Theatre company did a staged reading of “Affluenza” in February as it’s first-ever show. Managing director Ed Creech says he started the company to give area residents a live theatre option, instead of having to travel to productions in Lansing, Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids. He also says he wanted to give cast and crew members a reason not to relocate out of Michigan. He’s hopeful that providing jobs will help the local economy
“Doubt, A Parable” is being staged through May 22nd at 111 East Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek.
Kalamazoo Recorder Players’ “Music for Friends
A concert called “Music for Friends” is being presented Sunday by the Kalamazoo Recorder Players. The group is directed by Karen Woodworth, who led the players in a recent rehearsal of four Brazilian Folk Songs:
(music from practice)
She says she and the players are very fond of these songs, arranged by David Goldstein. The full group will also play the “Browning” Fantasy by Clement Woodcock and “La Spagna” by Josquin des Pres, among others.
Rick Johnson is a member of the players, and one of four musicians who make up The Antwerp Ensemble. Their instrumentation includes two recorders, harpsichord and viola de gamba. On Sunday they will premiere a new work written for them by Glen Shannon. They commissioned the piece of music and worked with the West Coast recorder composer for a year to perfect it. Johnson says they are excited to share it with the audience.
The concert also features the smaller ensembles Quadrillium, and The Troubadours. It begins Sunday at 3 o’clock in Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Portage.
Other Events
Crawlspace Theatre Productions presents the 3rd Annual Kalamazoo Improv Festival through May 14 with shows and workshops at Farmers Alley Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo.
“Spring into the Arts” is an Art Walk May 13 in downtown Battle Creek. Art exhibits and demonstrations, and live music and performances go from 5-9pm.
Henderson Castle presents a concert at the Kalamazoo State Theatre May 13 featuring singer Rachel Cain and artist Mike Steez.
Art and All That Jazz runs May 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. And, for Sunday Funday May 15 at 2 p.m.it’s a program about artist Alexander Calder. Also, on May 15 KIA students will unload the Anagama Kiln, with the pot line forming at 10am.
The film “Poetry” is being screened May 13 through May 15 at the Little Theatre on the campus of Western Michigan University.
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre continues it's production of "The Drowsy Chaperone" through May 22. They also offer free audition workshops for the upcoming productions of “King Lear” and “All Shook Up” May 14 at the Carver Center in Kalamazoo.
The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners invites proud car owners to show off their cars at the Dust Off Car Show on May 15 from 9am to 6pm.
The Ziibiwing Center and the Sundance Institute are bringing an an international film festival to Celebration Cinema in Mount Pleasant May 16 and May 17. The event is called “Film Forward: Advancing Cultural Dialogue.”