Guide to the Arts 2016

Current Magazine covers the best art and entertainment from now until the end of the year. Here is what’s happening on the stage, screen and so much more!

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Stage

  • Mary Poppins
    Encore Musical Theatre concludes their year with a performance of the Broadway music based on the books and classic movie.
    11/25 – 12/23 | theencoretheatre.org
  • Morning After Grace
    Purple Rose Theatre presents the story of a wine-soaked one night stand that just might end up in love.
    Through 12/17 | purplerosetheatre.org
  • Hedwig and the Angry Inch
    Tony Award winner John Cameron Mitchell, in an effort to get out the vote this election, presents live commentary on his punk musical.
    11/4 | michtheater.org

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Sound

  • Delbert McClinton
    A blues legend that has worked with Jimmy Reed, Howlin’ Wolf and many more performs.
    12/16 | theark.org
  • PhoenixPhest Marathon Concert
    The Phoenix Ensemble’s annual fundraiser, sign up for a performance spot or cheer on musicians on 11/26 and 11/27 at the Kerrytown Concert House. 
    kerrytownconcerthouse.com
  • Jake Shimabukuro
    One of the first viral video stars, Shimabukuro’s guitar playing is taking Hawaiian music in a new, exciting direction.
    11/16 | ums.org

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Laughs

  • Heywood Banks
    An annual Thanksgiving tradition, the wacky storyteller, poet, musician and comic returns to Ann Arbor.
    11/25 and 11/16 | aacomedy.com
  • HERsay: An Evening of Performance Art
    Some of Washtenaw County’s most talented women come together for an evening of comedy, improvisation and much more.
    11/10 | pointlessbrew.com
  • Al Jackson
    A rising name on the stand-up scene and a Comedy Central star, Alan Jackson is as raw as he is hilarious.
    11/10 to 11/12 | aacomedy.com

filmfest

Screen

  • Ann Arbor Polish Film Festival
    Polish actors, filmmakers and their work will be on hand to entertain
    and celebrate Ann Arbor’s deep Polish roots 11/13-11/15.
  • Warren Miller’s Here, There and Everywhere
    The latest from the pioneering ski-filmmaker.
    12/9 | michtheater.org
  • WarGamesTake a trip back to the 90’s, when the only hacking that happened because Matthew Broderick can’t stop playing video games.
    11/28 | michtheater.org

Bookworms

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Chris Dombrowski
Literati welcomes in Michigan native Chris Dombrowski for his memoir Body of Water: A Sage, a Seeker, and the World’s Most Alluring Fish. 
11/14 | literatibookstore.com

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Jessica Lipowski
A graduate of Michigan State University and foodie, Jessica reads from her travel and food book, Flavors of Life.
11/3 | nicolasbooks.com

Scott-Savitt

Scott Savitt
The youngest American foreign correspondent in China reads from his memoir about a life as an outsider, including his stint in jail.
11/29 | literatibookstore.com

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Holidays

  • Handel’s Messiah
    A U-M tradition dating back over 130 years, the UMS Choral Union and the Ann Arbor
    Symphony Orchestra will kick off the holiday season at Hill Auditiorium on 12/3 and 12/4.  ums.org
  • Sugar Plum Panto
    Theatre Nova’s holiday tradition continues with a holiday-themed and family friendly performance that comes with plenty of candy.
    11/25-12/23 | theatrenova.org
  • The Ragbirds Present: The Ebird and Friends Holiday Show
    Hosted by The Ragbirds, this holiday show at The Ark features a host of local artists performing music inspired by the season.
    12/8-12/11 | theark.org

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Magic at U-M

  • G-Fest 2016
    Wolverines student groups show off their singing and dancing talent on 11/5 at Rackham Auditorium.
    events.umich.edu
  • Colm Tóibín Reading The Irish writer, whose novel Brooklyn was just made into a major motion picture, visits the UMMA 11/17 for a reading. 
    lsa.umich.edu
  • Portrait of Myself as my Father
    Zimbabwe-born choreographer Nora Chipaumire explores African masculinity in a fierce combination of dance and combat on 11/17 at the Downtown Boxing Gym in Detroit.  ums.org

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