“Fiddler on the Roof,” through July 19
Encore Theater. 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. 734-268-6200.
One of musical theater’s most enduring classics continues its acclaimed run through mid-July. Set in the Jewish village of Anatevka in 1905, Fiddler on the Roof follows Tevye, a devoted dairyman struggling to balance cherished traditions with his daughters’ changing dreams. Filled with unforgettable songs including “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and “If I Were a Rich Man,” the production explores family, faith, and resilience with warmth, humor, and heart.
“Emma’s Wedding(s),” through Aug. 30
Purple Rose Theatre. 137 Park St., Chelsea. 734-433-7673.
Emma is preparing to walk down the aisle for the fourth time—and she’s convinced this marriage will finally last. Before saying “I do” again, she reunites her best friends to revisit the weddings that shaped her life over several decades. Written by Michigan playwright Carey Crim, this heartfelt comedy celebrates enduring friendships while offering plenty of laughs and nostalgic surprises along the way.
“Athena,” July 17–Aug. 9
Theatre NOVA. 410 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor. 734-635-8450.
Gracie Gardner’s acclaimed play centers on two fiercely competitive teenage fencers training for the Junior Olympics. As Mary Wallace and Athena push each other toward excellence, friendship and rivalry become increasingly difficult to separate. Described as “a deadly serious comedy,” the play examines ambition, identity and the cost of always striving to win.
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Rogue Wave Dance Performance, July 25
Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. 322 W. Ann St., Ann Arbor. 734-971-2228.
While Ann Arbor Civic Theatre prepares for its upcoming 97th season, the company hosts Rogue Wave for an evening of contemporary dance. The collaborative performance showcases original choreography in the theater’s intimate Studio space.
“Playing Around: Festival of New & Original Works,” July 23
Forge Theater. 3000B Packard St., Ann Arbor.
Forge Theater presents Playing Around: Festival of New & Original Works, an evening of concert readings showcasing new plays by area playwrights. Each performance features a different lineup of original works, giving audiences the opportunity to experience fresh scripts before they reach full production. The festival runs from 7:30-10:30 p.m. on July 23.
Hear.Say Brewing + Theater, July events
2350 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor.
West-side venue Hear.Say Brewing + Theater keeps the laughs coming throughout July with a packed lineup of improv and comedy. Regular favorites include Friday Night Improv with Eleven Non-Blondes (July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31), Saturday Night Improv: Double Header (most Saturdays), and the audience-driven Who Can Say? The Improvised Game Show on July 11. Other highlights include Love Fools, an improvised dating show (July 4), Comedy Gauntlet (July 17), and Fustercluck & Friends (July 18), featuring veteran improvisers in an evening of spontaneous comedy. The intimate 55-seat theater, located inside Hear.Say Brewing, also hosts workshops and improv jams for newcomers and experienced performers alike. Check website for even more theatre events: heardotsay.com/events.
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.
