As autumn settles into southeastern Michigan, area theaters offer an inviting mix of original works, family comedies, musical revues, and holiday favorites. Whether you’re looking for thought-provoking new plays, Broadway classics, or locally produced performances, November provides plenty of opportunities to experience live theater throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea and Dexter.
Into the Ruins of Modernity
Apollo’s Troupe Theatre
Cahoots Event Venue, Ann Arbor
206 East Huron Street
November 1, 2026
Apollo’s Troupe Theatre presents Into the Ruins of Modernity, a dramatization blending poetry, performance and philosophical reflection. Rather than a traditional poetry reading, the production weaves together Frederick Glaysher’s lyric and narrative poetry to explore themes of democracy, cooperation, peace and the enduring possibilities of human consciousness. The performance offers audiences an immersive theatrical experience centered on humanity’s challenges and hopes for the future.
The Parliament of Poets
Apollo’s Troupe Theatre
Cahoots Event Venue, Ann Arbor
206 East Huron Street
November 5 & 7, 2026
Apollo’s Troupe Theatre presents The Parliament of Poets, an imaginative theatrical journey that brings together poets and thinkers from across cultures and centuries. Featuring figures including Dante, Tolstoy, Rumi, Tagore and others, the production explores the power of poetry, intercultural dialogue and the search for shared humanity. Through dramatic storytelling and epic poetry, the work celebrates creativity, compassion and the connections that unite people across traditions.
La Rondine (The Swallow)
Nov. 5–8
University of Michigan Department of Voice & Opera and University Symphony Orchestra, Power Center for the Performing Arts, Ann Arbor
121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan presents Puccini’s La Rondine (The Swallow), a bittersweet opera exploring love, identity and the choices that shape our lives. Sung in Italian with English supertitles, the production follows Magda, a courtesan who leaves behind her comfortable life for a passionate romance with a younger man, only to face questions about her past and future. The production features the University Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Kirk Severtson, and is directed by Stephanie Havey.
The Skin of Our Teeth
Rude Mechanicals
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre,
911 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor
November 6–8, 2026
The Rude Mechanicals present Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece The Skin of Our Teeth, a wildly inventive and imaginative theatrical journey that blends comedy, fantasy and social commentary. Following the Antrobus family through ice ages, wars, and other world-changing upheavals, Wilder’s play explores humanity’s resilience, creativity, and ability to survive against all odds. The production offers audiences a thought-provoking look at what it means to be human in a constantly changing world.
Golden Boy
National Theatre Live at Michigan Theater
Michigan Theater
603 E. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor
November 7, 2026
Experience National Theatre Live’s filmed presentation of Clifford Odets’ classic drama Golden Boy, captured live from London’s Almeida Theatre. Josh O’Connor (The Crown, Challengers) stars as Joe Bonaparte, a gifted young violinist whose dreams of a music career are challenged when he is drawn into the brutal world of professional boxing. Directed by Olivier Award-winner Sam Yates, this powerful production explores ambition, identity, sacrifice, and the difficult choices people make in pursuit of success.
Family Pains
Nov. 5–8 and Nov. 11–14
Riverside Arts Center
76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti.
PTD Productions presents Family Pains, a comedy by Erin Osgood that explores the joys, frustrations and unexpected hilarity of family relationships. Filled with recognizable characters, witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, the production offers audiences an entertaining look at the challenges that often accompany family gatherings.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? A Cabaret of Love, Lies, and Bad Decisions
Nov. 6–15
Theatre NOVA
410 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor.
Rather than its traditional fall play, Theatre NOVA presents a lively musical fundraiser celebrating Broadway’s funniest romantic mishaps, outrageous schemes and unforgettable bad decisions. Featuring an evening of songs performed by local artists, the cabaret supports Theatre NOVA’s continuing mission to produce original plays while providing audiences with an entertaining musical celebration.
Cyrano de Bergerac
Community Ensemble Theatre
Community High School Craft Theatre
401 N. Division Street, Ann Arbor
November 12–15, 2026
Community Ensemble Theatre presents Cyrano de Bergerac, a contemporary adaptation of Edmond Rostand’s classic romantic tragicomedy. The production follows Cyrano, a brilliant poet and swordsman whose confidence in battle contrasts with his insecurities in love. Featuring Community High School students, the adaptation explores themes of identity, courage, language and the power of self-expression while blending the spirit of the original play with a fresh modern perspective. Directed by Emily Wilson-Tobin.
Bastard
Continuing through Dec. 20
Purple Rose Theatre Company
137 Park St, Chelsea
The Purple Rose Theatre Company continues its fall production of Bastard, a world premiere dramedy written by former WDIV-TV news anchor, journalist, and musician Devin Scillian and directed by Rhiannon Ragland. The play follows two brothers who reunite after their mother’s death and confront family secrets, old wounds and the complicated bonds that shape their lives. Blending humor, music, and emotional depth, Bastard explores themes of forgiveness, identity and reconciliation through the lens of an American family story.
Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn
Begins Nov. 27
Encore Musical Theatre Company, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter.
The holiday season officially arrives on stage as Encore Musical Theatre Company opens Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. Based on the beloved film, the feel-good musical features classic Irving Berlin songs, energetic dancing and heartwarming romance as two performers transform a Connecticut farmhouse into a holiday entertainment destination. The production continues through early January.
Hadestown: Teen Edition
Nov. 12–15
Pioneer Theatre Guild, Schreiber Auditorium, Pioneer High School, Ann Arbor
601 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
Pioneer Theatre Guild presents Hadestown: Teen Edition, a musical retelling of Greek mythology infused with New Orleans jazz, blues and folk music. The production follows Orpheus as he journeys to the underworld to rescue Eurydice while exploring themes of hope, love, climate change and the power of storytelling. Featuring Pioneer High School students, the production highlights the timeless relevance of ancient myths and the importance of community, creativity and optimism. Performances are Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at Schreiber Auditorium. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.
Othello
Nov. 13–14
University of Michigan Department of Theatre & Drama, Newman Studio
Walgreen Drama Center,
1226 Murfin Ave., Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan Theatre & Drama program presents Shakespeare’s Othello as a BFA Directing Thesis production directed by Jeffrey Wagner. This intimate studio production brings one of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedies to life, exploring jealousy, trust, manipulation and the devastating consequences of unchecked suspicion.
Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde
Nov. 19–22
University of Michigan Department of Theatre & Drama, Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre
911 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan presents Moisés Kaufman’s Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, a compelling theatrical exploration of the famous writer’s 1895 trials and imprisonment. Using historical documents, including trial transcripts and personal correspondence, the play examines artistic genius, social prejudice, and the consequences of intolerance. Directed by Halena Kays, the production offers a powerful look at a pivotal moment in literary and LGBTQ+ history.
Jumpin’ Jamboree
Nov. 20–21
Eastern Michigan University Theatre
Quirk Theatre, Judy Sturgis Hill Building,
1030 E. Circle Dr., Ypsilanti
Eastern Michigan University Theatre presents Jumpin’ Jamboree as part of its fall tour, with on-campus performances Nov. 20 and 21. Written by Sam Carter and Olivia Allen, this lively production features original book and lyrics and showcases the talents of EMU student performers and theatre artists. The fall tour brings the production to audiences both on and beyond campus, highlighting EMU’s commitment to developing new theatrical voices and creative collaboration.
Julius Caesar
Brevity Shakespeare and Ypsilanti Community High School Students
YCHS Auditorium, Ypsilanti
2095 Packard Rd, Ypsilanti
November 20–21, 2026
Brevity Shakespeare collaborates with Ypsilanti Community High School for the school’s first fall play in seven years: an accessible, distilled version of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The timeless tragedy explores ambition, power, loyalty and the dangers of political upheaval, featuring one of Shakespeare’s most famous moments as Mark Antony rallies the people of Rome after Caesar’s assassination.
The production stars YCHS students Aa’niyah Hesterly, David Steger, Payton Smith and Sanaa Vassor, and is directed by Mary Hoskins and Karl Sikkenga, with contributions from the school’s music, art, industrial technology and manufacturing departments.
Myth-Understood
Ann Arbor Civic Theatre
Ann Arbor District Library — Downtown Location
343 S. Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor
November 28–29, 2026
Ann Arbor Civic Theatre teams up with the Ann Arbor District Library for Myth-Understood, a family-friendly production featuring young actors. When two students working on a report about Greek mythology are visited by Hermes, they are whisked away to Mount Olympus, where the gods and goddesses offer their own humorous perspectives on their legendary stories. Written by Jackie Martin and directed by Chandler Gimson, this playful adventure brings mythology to life for audiences of all ages. Both performances begin at 2 p.m.
Chasing Clouds
The Penny Seats Theatre Company
Cahoots Event Center
206 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor
November 20–December 6, 2026
The Penny Seats Theatre Company presents the world premiere of local playwright Michael Alan Herman’s Chasing Clouds, an existential fantasy comedy-drama about love, loss and the search for hope. In a world where silver linings are collected and sold, two “cloud farmers” struggle to keep their farm — and their relationship — intact as a monthly deadline approaches. After Earl Cooper suffers an accident, the couple begins questioning whether this may be their final chance to save their livelihood. Directed by Lauren M. London and starring Wendy Katz Hiller, Joel Mitchell, and Noah Askew.
hear.say Brewing + Theater
2350 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
hear.say continues to expand its reputation as one of Ann Arbor’s newest destinations for live entertainment, blending craft beer, comfort food and an energetic lineup of performances. November features weekly Thursday Night Improv and Friday Night Improv shows, rotating comedy showcases by local troupes including 11 Non-Blondes, Fustercluck & Friends, Love Fools, and Laughmaxxing, along with interactive events such as Who Can Say?, Comedy Gauntlet, and Long Story Short. The venue also hosts stand-up comedy, trivia, musical improv, improv classes and jams, live music and community events, including Plant Bingo and the 3rd Annual Assassins Black Market, making hear.say a lively gathering place for both performers and audiences throughout the month.
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.
