October brings an impressive mix of Broadway favorites, world premieres, classical drama, and contemporary comedy to stages throughout Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming musical, an intimate new play or thought-provoking student theater, there’s plenty to experience this month.
“Bastard,” Sept. 24–Dec. 20
Purple Rose Theatre Company, Chelsea
The Purple Rose Theatre Company opens its 36th season with the world premiere of Bastard, a new dramedy by award-winning journalist, author, musician and former Detroit television news anchor Devin Scillian. Directed by Rhiannon Ragland, the play follows two estranged brothers—an aging country rocker and a buttoned-down financial advisor—whose mother’s death forces them to confront old family wounds, long-buried secrets, and the complicated ties that bind them.
“Time Passes: 8 Short Plays by Samuel Beckett,” Oct. 1–4 & 8–11
Arthur Miller Theatre, University of Michigan
The University of Michigan Department of Theatre & Drama presents eight short works by Nobel Prize-winning playwright Samuel Beckett. Directed by Malcolm Tulip, the collection spans more than two decades of Beckett’s career and showcases his signature blend of sparse language, striking imagery and existential humor. The production includes Act Without Words II, Play, Come and Go, Footfalls, Rockaby, Catastrophe, What Where, and Quad
“Come From Away,” Oct. 8–18
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre
The University of Michigan’s acclaimed Musical Theatre Department brings the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away to the stage. Based on the true story of the 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the uplifting production celebrates kindness, resilience, and the unexpected connections forged during extraordinary circumstances.
“Crumbs from the Table of Joy,” Oct. 8–10
Newman Studio, University of Michigan
Lynn Nottage’s poignant coming-of-age drama follows an African American family navigating grief, faith and social change in 1950s Brooklyn. Directed by Tiffany Trent, this faculty-led production explores race, identity, and the search for hope during a transformative era in American history.
“Metamorphoses,” Oct. 8–11
Legacy Theatre, Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University’s Theatre Department presents Mary Zimmerman’s celebrated adaptation of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Blending mythology, movement and poetic storytelling, the visually imaginative production weaves together timeless tales including King Midas, Narcissus, Orpheus and Eurydice, and other enduring Greek and Roman myths.
“Sister Act,” Oct. 8–18
The Encore Musical Theatre Company, Dexter
The Encore Musical Theatre Company presents the hit musical comedy based on the beloved 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg. Filled with gospel, soul, Motown and disco-inspired music by Alan Menken, the feel-good production follows lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier as she unexpectedly transforms a struggling convent choir while hiding in witness protection.
“Maestro,” through Oct. 18
Theatre NOVA
Theatre NOVA continues its world premiere production of Michael Alan Herman’s Maestro. Described as “Amadeus meets Bridgerton,” the witty period comedy follows two ambitious composers competing for a coveted royal court position in 18th-century Vienna. Romance, duels, and sharp humor make this original comedy a lively addition to the fall theater season.
“Fun Home,” Oct. 15–18
Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti
Horizon Performing Arts presents the Tony Award-winning musical based on Alison Bechdel’s acclaimed graphic memoir. Fun Home explores family relationships, memory and self-discovery through a moving score and deeply personal storytelling that has earned widespread critical acclaim.
“The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls,” Oct. 16–17
Newman Studio, University of Michigan
This BFA Directing Thesis production by Meg Miroshnik blends Russian folklore with contemporary realism as a young woman returns to her homeland and confronts family expectations, identity, and the stories that shape our lives.
“Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical,” Oct. 22–25
Arthur Miller Theatre
Ann Arbor Civic Theatre launches its mainstage season with Frank Wildhorn’s dramatic musical adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel. The production follows Dr. Henry Jekyll’s dangerous experiment to separate the good and evil within humanity, resulting in the terrifying emergence of Edward Hyde. Featuring soaring music and gothic suspense, the production closes the month with one of musical theatre’s most enduring psychological thrillers.
Hear.say Brewing + Theater, Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor’s hear.say brewing + theater continues to bring a fresh mix of improv, comedy and storytelling to its intimate performance space throughout October. Combining a neighborhood brewery atmosphere with a dedicated theater venue, hear.say features local performers, recurring improv shows and creative collaborations that celebrate spontaneity and community connection. From ensemble improv performances to unique events that blend storytelling, music, and audience interaction, hear.say offers a lively alternative for theatergoers looking for an unpredictable and engaging night of live entertainment.
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.
