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FREE PRODUCTION THIS WEEK!Vertigo Theatrics is proud to produce an electrifying play that will stimulate conversation and dialogue regarding racial issues, stereotypes and perceptions. Sponsored by the University of Michigan-Flint's Diversity Council, the play Tommy J & Sally by Mark Medoff, promises to grab the audience and put them into a situation that is normally uncomfortable and difficult to talk about. As part of an outreach program, the play is FREE and open to the public. A black man invades a white woman's life, claiming she's someone she says she isn't. The results are a racial and personal conflagration that changes both the intruder and the intruded upon. A tsunami of emotion is unleashed on Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson bringing forth anger leading to cleansing. Is Tommy J who he says he is? Is Sally who she says she is? Or is each who the other says the other is? The Diversity Council of the University of Michigan-Flint's mission: "In collaboration with students, faculty, staff and the community at large, the Diversity Council seeks to go well beyond the concept of simple tolerance and develop models and sponsor educational activities that promote diversity and create a campus climate that is hospitable, comfortable and embracing for all of its members." "We would like everyone to join us in the twists and turns of this journey through race and relationships, gender and guts, tough talking and tedious thought…a challenge to behold," stated Tendaji Ganges, Chair for the Diversity Council and University of Michigan's Executive Director Of Educational Opportunity Initiatives and Assistant to the Chancellor. Echoing Ganges comments the Executive Artistic Director/Producer of Vertigo Theatrics added, "this will prove to be an exciting event and we're very proud to partner with the University and Diversity Council to produce this theatrical outreach into our community. We hope many will take advantage of this opportunity." Starring in this show are the talented Sara Robinson of Flint and Marwan A. Prince of Flint. Prince is fresh from performing in Vertigo Theatrics productions of The Good Doctor and Ain't Misbehavin' . Concurrently, he is featured in Flint Youth Theatre’s production of, Arthur: King of Britain. Robinson is also a well recognized actress in the area with credits in the one woman show, Clit Notes at Flint City Theatre (FCT), Jack the Ripper for Flint Youth Theatre and Hedwig and the Angry Inch for FCT.
Reviews of the show have stated, "...a hot-blooded two-character drama on race...Medoff's dialogue is fiery and darkly funny...take(s) you on a lively ride…" - Washington Post. Produced by special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service, Inc; this free one night only performance will be June 28, 2008 at the University of Michigan-Flint's Black Box Theatre. The black box is located along side the University of Michigan Flints main stage at the downtown Flint campus. The show will begin at 7:00 p.m. and conclude at approximately 9:00 p.m. with a 15 minute intermission. The performance will be followed by a discussion and refreshments. |
After a show-stopping 10th season, Vertigo Theatrics is back with another high-powered lineup of entertainment. This year's productions offer music, high drama, intrigue, comedy and so much more, starting with the hit musical, Chicago.
Book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse. Music by John Kander. Lyrics by Fred Ebb. Based on the play Chicago by Maurine Dallas
In razzle dazzle, roaring twenties Chicago, married chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover. Roxie and another murderess on death row vie for the spotlight and the headlines, hoping the publicity will catapult them to fame, freedom and successful stage careers. This sharp edged murder, exploitation and treachery features a dazzling score that sparked, in the original production, some immortal choreography by Bob Fosse. Choreography for this production, courtesy of Lisa Pelio, Pelio School of Dance.
Jeffrey Hatcher and Mitch Albom, based on the book by Mitch Albom
The autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie�s appearance on a television news program and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig�s Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.
by Dennis Wickline
Simon's Rest is a retirement community in Frankfort, Michigan. Every Christmas the residents perform their traditional, boring, and harder and harder to produce version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Every Christmas, that is, except this one. Minnie Winchester, an elderly piano teacher, suggests that the residents do something new, something like THE NUTCRACKER. Just as rehearsals begin, however, the retirees discover one important and overlooked detail, THE NUTCRACKER is a ballet, and Minnie Winchester, a rather rotund lady who always wanted to play Clara, the lead, doesn't know how to dance.
by William Van Zandt & Jane Milmore
Set in the bathroom in a home during a party, a handy place for gossip and hanky panky, where we learn of the wild and crazy things going on at the party. This hilarious farce is from the authors of "Love, Sex and the I.R.S." , "Suitehearts" and "Having a Wonderful Time, Wish You Were Her".
"The World's Greatest Entertainer"
by Greer Firestone
The world knew her simply as "Judy". When Dorothy Gale entered Oz, Judy Garland entered immortality. Judy's life story is told in chronology and dialogue sets up the signature songs of the four entertainers who go by first names only - LIZA, FRANK & DEAN. A wonderful musical revue of timeless music.
by Herb Gardner
Set in a secluded spot in New York's Central Park, the play is about two octogenarians determined to fight off all attempts to put them out to pasture. Talk about an odd couple! Nat is a lifelong radical determined to fight injustice real or imagined who is also something of a spinner of fantasies. The other half of this unlikely partnership is Midge, a black apartment super who spends his days in the park hiding out from tenants, who want him to retire.
Evening shows are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday shows are matinees only. The evening dinner shows are preformed on our main stage and begin with a tasty buffet of mouthwatering favorites at 7:00 pm and the performance at 8:00 pm. Matinees dinner will begin at 1:30 pm with a 2:30 stage performance. This season, a special "show only" ticket will be available for all dinner productions.
Studio shows take place in the intimate setting of our York Level Theatre. Evening performances of our Studio show start at 8:00 pm, and matinee begins at 2:30 pm. Additionally, this show will offer a 15 minute coffee and dessert intermission. THERE IS ONLY ONE STUDIO SHOW THIS SEASON.
Vertigo Productions has substantial experience providing showcase entertainment with quality local talent. If you're looking for high-caliber dinner theater, or more thought provoking performances at a venue close to home, we invite you to visit Vertigo Theatrics at the Historic Masonic Temple in Downtown Flint, Michigan. 11 years of quality entertainment can't be wrong!
Vertigo Theatrics also offers additional entertainment services, including Mystery Dinner Theater, video editing, private performances, and more.