Audiences enjoy the amazing talents of the Dreamettes!

This much is true: Audiences love Dreamgirls!!!

In fact, Dreamgirls has been met with such wild acclaim that most every performance has been sold out! There simply aren’t enough tickets to accommodate everyone who wants to see the show…

But luckily for the theater going public of metro Detroit, the Park Players Board and the Cast & Crew of Dreamgirls have agreed to add one more performance to meet the needs of patrons who’ve been unable to see the show.

The additional show will be do a matinee performance on Sunday, April 7 at 2.00 PM. Tickets will be $18.00.

Please spread the word about our extra matinee! We are taking reservations at 313-835-1103 and parkplayersnrp@gmail.com.

Based upon real-life experiences of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, and James Brown, Dreamgirls follows an aspiring female singing trio called “The Dreams” who go on to become music superstars. They soon learn that the true cost of fame is higher than they ever imagined. The musical opened in 1981; it was nominated for 13 Tony Awards and won six. In 2006 it was adapted into a movie starring Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover and Jennifer Houston.

Our production is directed by the talented Yolanda Jacks, and produced by Mary Davis and Steve Spencer.

SHOWTIMES

Friday, March 15 – Dinner Theater 6:30 PM; Show 8 PM — $30

Saturday, March 16 – Show 8 PM – Regular Adult: $18; Senior/Student: $16
Sunday, March 17 – Fundraiser GRDC Vacant Property Task Force
Refreshments 1 PM; Show 2 PM – $25.
(For tickets: call 313-387-4732 x117 or vacantproperty@grandmontrosedale.com)
Friday, March 22 – Show 8 PM – $18
Saturday, March 23 – Wine & Cheese 7 PM; Show 8 PM — $25
Sunday March 24 – Light Lunch 2 PM; Show 3 PM — $24
Friday, April 5 – Fundraiser for the NRPCA:
Refreshments 7 PM; Show 8 PM – $25.
(For tickets call 313-273-5366 or email nrpca@att.net)
Saturday, April 6 – Show 8 PM – $18

For more information or Ticket Reservations
Call 313-835-1103
Email: parkplayersnrp@gmail.com

Put on your slinky dress, your big hair, and your best Motown voice….it’s time for Dreamgirls! 

But seriously, come as you are – in jeans and a sweatshirt, even – to our open auditions if you like to sing or dance or both!

Audition details:

Where:
ROSEDALE PARK COMMUNITY HOUSE, 18445 Scarsdale Detroit, MI 48223

When:

• WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 @ 7:00-10:00PM
• MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 @ 7:00-10:00PM

What:
If possible, bring some sheet music to allow for musical accompaniment on the song you want to sing. Don’t have any sheet music? Well come anyway. You can sing “God Bless America” or “Happy Birthday.” We’ll also ask you to learn a few dance steps and read some lines from the script.

We’re a very supportive group, so don’t worry if you don’t have perfect pitch and haven’t done a step-ball-change in thirty years. Just bring your enthusiasm.

Important show dates:

Rehearsals:

• TUESDAY evenings from 7:00 – 10:00
• WEDNESDAY evenings from 7:00 – 10:00
• SUNDAY afternoons from 1:00 – 4:00

Performance dates:

• Weekend of March 15 – 17
• Weekend of March 22 – 24
• Weekend of April 5 – 6

(Note: no performances Easter weekend)

There are many roles in the show – including behind the scenes. Something for everyone! We look forward to seeing you!

About the play:

Dreamgirls  is a musical by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen, based upon real-life experiences of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, and James Brown. The story follows an aspiring female singing trio called “The Dreams” who go on to become music superstars – and soon learn the true cost of fame is higher than they ever imagined. The musical opened in 1981; it was nominated for 13 Tony Awards and won six. In 2006 it was adapted into a movie starring Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover and Jennifer Houston.

Principal Roles :

Effie Melody White – lead singer of the “Dreamettes”

Deena Jones – backup singer for the “Dreamettes”; later lead singer

Lorrell Robinson – backup singer for the “Dreamettes”

Curtis Taylor, Jr. – manager of Dreams

Jimmy (James Thunder) Early – principle “soul” singer

C.C. (Claridge Conrad) White – composer, Effie’s brother

Michelle Morris – backup singer, replacement for Effie

Marty – theatrical agent for J. T. Early

Secondary Roles :

Charlene – backup singer for J. T. Early

Joann – backup singer for J. T. Early

M.C. – Master of Ceremonies, Apollo Theatre

Jerry Norman – nightclub owner

Dwight – TV studio director

Stage Manager – TV studio

Mr. Morgan – Effie’s lawyer

Security Guard – backstage, Chicago

Wayne – record producer/director

Tiny Joe Dixon – winning talent contest singer

Frank – press agent

…and many more.

Hero is devastated when Claudio threatens to call off their nuptials in the chaotic wedding scene in Act IV

We’re so excited about our November production of “Much Ado About Nothing,” and can’t wait to bring our rendition to the stage!

Here’s a note from out talented director, Carolette Phillips, to give more insight into our enthusiasm for this show.

People often think of Shakespeare as rigid or inaccessible but as audiences will soon see, it is quite the opposite! The incorporation of music and dance styles that span a variety of decades gives our production of Much Ado About Nothing an engaging, contemporary twist.  Our cast includes actors of diverse ages, backgrounds and levels of training, which really gives the show a great amount of color and a fresh outlook on the Bard’s classic.

Throughout the rehearsal process actors have worked diligently to develop unique characters and master this story in a way that allows them to bring the language to life and present a production that is creative and exciting! Our actors boldly attack the combination of comedy, drama, love, hate, jealousy and redemption illustrated throughout this production.  One of the best elements of Shakespeare’s plays is the fact that they always deal with these types of universal themes and situations.  Recognizing this closeness to our present society and circumstances makes Much Ado resonate all the more with the cast and is sure to have the same impact on the audience.

Also, this production features several actors who are new to Park Players and bring with them an incredible amount of talent and energy.  It is exciting to have them on board and witness the spirit they infuse into this production. Don’t miss what is certain to be a Shakespearian sensation!

There can be no doubt that this performance will offer something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you in the audience - Make your reservation today!

Please call 313-835-1103 for tickets!

We will present a recent adaptation, with more modern and approachable language. We’re pleased and honored to have longtime Park Player, and recent Wayne State University MFA graduate, Carollette Phillips as our director.

Everyone is welcome to audition! This play has something for everyone, with 22 speaking parts for varied experience levels.  Our casting policy is race neutral and, when possible, gender neutral.  For the audition, you’ll be asked to read selected passages from the script.

FOR MORE DETAILS, CALL 313-538-2336

Auditions:

• Wednesday, September 5,  7:30 – 10:30 pm
• Sunday, September 9, 1 – 4 pm

Actors should be available for most rehearsals and all performances.

Rehearsals: 

• Tuesdays, 7-10 pm
• Wednesdays, 7-10 pm
• Sundays, 1-4 pm

Performances:

• Friday Nov 9: 6:30 Dinner Theatre, 8 pm Curtain
• Saturday Nov 10: 8 pm curtain (NRPCA fundraiser)
• Sunday Nov 11: 2 pm matinee
• Friday Nov 16: 8 pm curtain
• Saturday Nov 17: 8pm curtain

“There was a star danced,
and under that I was born.”
- William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

Cast of Characters:

Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon: a kind, good Prince who helps Claudio win Hero.

Benedick of Padua: a sarcastic, witty bachelor who swears he will never marry.

Beatrice: Hero’s witty, older cousin engaged in a war of words with Benedick.

Antonio: an old man, brother of Leonato.

Margaret: a waiting gentlewoman attendant on Hero.

Claudio: a count, companion of Don Pedro.

Balthasar: an attendant on Don Pedro, a singer described by Benedick as a “cat who sounds as if someone is killing it”.

Don John: “the Bastard Prince,” brother of Don Pedro and the main villain.

Borachio and Conrade: followers of Don John who initiate the plot to frame Hero.

Leonato: governor of Messina.

Hero: Leonato’s daughter; beautiful, sweet, gentle, and demure and perhaps the Hero(ine) of the play.

Ursula: a waiting gentlewoman attendant on Hero.

Friar Francis: a priest who believes in Hero’s innocence.

Dogberry: the constable in charge of Messina’s night watch; an idiot with a large sense of self-importance.

Verges:  Dogberry’s partner.

A Sexton: the judge of the trial of Borachio.

The Watch: a watchman of Messina.

A Boy: serving Benedick

Attendants and messengers

It’s time for this summer’s children’s theater performance!

The much-loved comedy “How to Eat Like a Child” is a delightful musical review on the topic of life as seen through the eyes of children. The play is a joint production of the North Rosedale Park Civic Association and Park Players.

Twenty-nine kids from the GRDC neighborhood are working hard to give their audiences a fun experience at the theatre. This play is definitely suited to the whole family and can be thoroughly enjoyed by all ages.

Performances are Friday, June 29 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, June 30 at 1:00 PM
Sunday, July 1 at 2:00 PM.

All seats are only $5.00. Healthy, kid-friendly food will be available for purchase beginning 1 hour prior to each performance. Call 313-538-2336 for tickets.

WHAT:

Auditions for the delightful musical review “How to Eat Like a Child (and other lessons in not being a grown-up)” by Delia Ephron, John Forster and Judith Kahan

WHEN:

• Tuesday, May 22 at 7 PM
• Sunday, May 27 at 2 PM

WHERE:

The North Rosedale Park Community House
18445 Scarsdale
Detroit, MI 48223

The play is a joint production of The Park Players and the North Rosedale Park Civic Association. Kids who are interested in auditioning should be prepared to read from the script and sing a song (Happy Birthday is always a good choice). Every child who auditions will get to be involved with the production. Older kids who would like to work backstage or help with set construction can earn community service points.
“How to Eat Like a Child (and other lessons in not being a grown-up)” is a delightful musical revue that takes a look at life through the eyes of kids. The last time this play was presented, in 2006, it played to sold out houses. This production promises the same crowd-pleasing performances.

Performances are scheduled for

• Friday, June 29 at 7 PM
• Saturday, June 30 at 1 PM
• Sunday, July 1 at 2 PM

All tickets are only $5

To order tickets, please call the Evalts at 313-538-2336.

At this price, don’t miss your chance to bring the whole family. Doors will open one hour prior to performances, and a kid-friendly menu of food and drink will be available for purchase.

See you soon at auditions!

For more information e-mail co-producers:

• Mary Davis m.davis52@att.net
• Tamara Kamara tkamara@cio-chime.org

Caldwell B. Cladwell faces the the oppressed rebels.

Urinetown continues to delight audiences in Detroit!

Some remarks overheard at this past weekend’s performances:

“Amazing talent in this show!”

“Hands down, the best dancing I’ve seen at a community theater musical!”

“I’ve never heard of Urinetown before, but it was the funniest musical I think I’ve ever seen.”

“Very modern themes. I loved the satire.”

“I figured it would be good, but I had no idea it would be THIS good!”

“I feel like the leads should go on American Idol, seriously!”

What are you waiting for? Only two chances left to see this dazzling show! Hurry and buy tickets before it’s too late! See showtimes here.

Bobby Strong inspires the rebels to fight for freedom...or maybe not.

Sarah Hedeen - Urinetown director

Sarah Hedeen is a marvelous asset to the Park Players, and we’re very pleased to have the benefit of her talent and dedication for this season’s production of Urinetown – The Musical.

Sarah has directed past productions for the Park Players, including To Kill a Mockingbird and Our Town. She has also appeared on stage as an actress. Her spirit and dedication really exemplify the collaborative nature of the Park Players, and she is an integral part of our unique community.

Ashley Hennen, a reporter for the Detroit News Hub, put together this lovely photo cameo/interview of Sarah in the latest episode of Detroit Unspun TV. Check it out!

Sarah and Jarrett discuss lighting a scene during Urinetwon rehearsal

All photos by Ashley Hennen