Youth Theater Productions: Fall 2017

PREVIEW THEATER & DANCE

High School Musical

So literal: The Pioneer High School musical cast of High School Musical.

Area high school drama clubs and other youth-theater ensembles are about to stage their annual fall productions. Below are descriptions of the shows provided by the theaters and production companies.

Skyline High School presents Romeo & Juliet

Please come support Ann Arbor’s Skyline High School Theatre as it presents William Shakespeare’s beloved Romeo and Juliet, the timeless story of young love caught between the feuding families. Romeo and Juliet is one of the most beloved plays ever because of its universal story and the absolute beauty of its language. The students have really challenged themselves to learn the complex verse and bring the romance, drama, and action to life.

"Romeo & Juliet" - Oct. 27-28, 7:30 pm; Oct. 29, 2:30 pm. Skyline High School Auditorium, 2552 N. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor. Tickets available at showtix4u.com.


Huron High School's Huron Players present Much Ado About Nothing

Mark your calendars for Much Ado About Nothing! This classic Shakespearean comedy includes romance, action, and plenty of hilarious moments. Will Claudio and Hero finally end up together? Will Benedick and Beatrice ever stop fighting? Will Don John succeed in his evil plots? Come find out in Huron's Ingram Theater.

"Much Ado About Nothing" - Oct. 27-28, Nov. 3-4, 7:30 pm. Huron's Ingram Theater, 2727 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor. Visit the Huron Players' website for tickets and a full cast-and-crew list.


Pioneer Theater Guild present High School Musical

Calling all Wildcats of the past and present! Get ready for a blast from the past with Pioneer Theatre Guild’s take on High School Musical, the beloved and energetic 2006 Disney Channel Original movie starring Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. This musical is guaranteed to bring back the original awe and excitement of watching the movie for the first time, with some original twists included. We’re all in this together!

The story takes place in a school where the separation of the different cliques is the law, and everyone sticks to the status quo. In the midst of this situation are star-crossed lovers Troy Bolton, the most popular jock in school who’s got his head in the game, and Gabriella Montez, the new girl at school who is a shy bookworm living in the opposite clique as Troy. However, the status quo starts to shatter when Troy and Gabriella realize they have killer vocals, and think begin to think about auditioning for the Winter Musical, disrupting all peace and order in the school. They also have fierce competition with twins Sharpay and Ryan Evans, the school thespians who are willing to do whatever it takes to beat out Troy and Gabriella for the lead roles.

Filled with obstacles, humor, romance, and jazz squares, this musical has a valuable lesson of not being afraid to do what you love despite what society might think, and how following your heart is always the best policy above everything else. But what might stand out the most from this show is the music. The score is jam-packed with iconic all-star songs that most likely played non-stop on your iPod, including “Start of Something New,” “What I’ve Been Looking For,” “Get your Head in the Game,” “Bop to the Top,” “Breaking Free,” and the empowering anthem “We’re All in This Together.”

"High School Musical" - Nov. 3, 10, 11 at 7:30 pm, and Nov. 5, 12 at 2 pm at Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. Tickets will be available in advance at showtix4u.com beginning April 12 and at the door. More info at ptguild.org.


Community High's Community Ensemble Theatre presents Into The Woods

Into the Woods features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a script by James Lapine. The musical combines the plots and characters from Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales, such as "Little Red Riding Hood," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Rapunzel," and "Cinderella." Into the Woods will be directed by Quinn Strassel, music directed by Brian Rose, choreographed by Rachel Costantino, and technically directed by Brice O'Neal.

"Into the Woods" - Nov. 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18, 7 pm; Nov. 12 & 19, 2 pm. Visit the Community Ensemble Theatre Facebook page for more information.


Young People's Theater presents Spamalot

Based on the classic film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the play Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his knights of the roundtable. This show is filled to the brim with laughs and a large cast of colorful characters. Fans of Shrek and The Producers will love this hilarious romp featuring outlandish humor and the occasional fart joke. Family-friendly school version!

"Spamalot" - Nov. 16-18, 7 pm; Nov. 18, 1 pm; Nov. 19, 2 pm. Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. For tickets call 734.763-TKTS or visit muto.umich.edu.


Wild Swan Theater presents The Little Women

Just in time for the holidays, Wild Swan Theater brings this classic novel by Louisa May Alcott to the stage. The March sisters -- Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth -- are growing up in Civil War-era New England. When their beloved mother, Marmee, must leave them to visit their ailing father at the front, the sisters must face life together. Special activities provided by Food Gatherers.

"Little Women" - Dec. 7-8, 10 am; Dec. 8, 12:30 pm; Dec. 9-10, 2 pm. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor. Visit wildswantheater.org for tickets and more info.


Ann Arbor Civic Theater Jr. presents Peter Pan Jr.
Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie's play, Peter Pan Jr. is a modern musical version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn't grow up. Directed by Laurie Atwood and Chris Joseph.

"Peter Pan Jr." - Dec. 8, 7:30 pm; Dec. 9-10, 1 pm and 3:30 pm. Children's Creative Center, 1600 Pauline Blvd., Ann Arbor. Visit a2ct.org for more information and tickets.