“The Last Wide Open”, Running through June 14
Theatre Nova. 410 W Huron St, Ann Arbor. 734-635-8450.
This time-bending romance by Audrey Cefaly follows the parallel possibilities of a weary waitress named Lina and an immigrant dishwasher named Mikołaj. Across three brief acts, the play explores how different choices, chances and timing shape their connection, blending live music and theatrical magic.
“Emma’s Wedding,” opens June 25
Purple Rose Theater. 137 Park St, Chelsea. 734-433-7673.
Emma is embarking on her fourth marriage and is determined to make this one stick. To prepare, she drags her reluctant best friends on a hilarious, decade-spanning tour of her past weddings. This standalone comedy offers both returning fans and newcomers a nostalgic, entertaining look at the enduring power of friendship.
“Fiddler on the Roof,” opens June 4
Encore Theater. 7714 Ann Arbor St, Dexter. 734-268-6200.
This beloved musical masterpiece tells the story of Tevye, a traditional milkman in the village of Anatevka, who tries to protect his daughters and maintain his Jewish traditions in the face of a changing world. It features a sweeping score with iconic songs like “Tradition” and “If I Were a Rich Man.”
“Complicated Women,” June 12–14
Ann Arbor Civic Theater. 322 W Ann St, Ann Arbor. 734-971-2228.
The show by by Margaret Berger is presented at their studio space by Off the Cuff Theatre Company. This intimate contemporary drama weaves together the lives of four women navigating human moments of heartbreak, loss and resilience. It serves as a funny and deeply emotional portrait of the bond of female friendship.
“1776” presented by Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, June 11–14
Arthur Miller Theater. 1226 Murfin Ave, Ann Arbor.
This Tony Award-winning musical dramatizes the tense and fiery debates of the Second Continental Congress as John Adams and his colleagues attempt to draft and pass the Declaration of Independence. This special staging features a unique, gender-inclusive cast of 26 local performers to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Yes, Ann Improv Festival (June 25–27)
Hear.Say Brewing + Theater. 2350 West Liberty St. 734-506-8441.
This marquee four-day comedy event brings more than 50 distinct improv teams hailing from 12 different states right into Ann Arbor. While massive headlining acts will take over the downtown Michigan Theater stage on Friday and Saturday nights, Hear.Say’s intimate black box serves as the festival’s heart, hosting continuous, fast-paced showcase blocks featuring local favorites, character-driven long-form improv and musical comedy sets.
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
