Events editor Nicole Rupersburg brings you the scoop on what to do and where to be, each and every week, in the D.

And don’t miss our comprehensive and always up-to-date arts calendar here. Check it out.

COMING UP:
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Thursday, December 6th: Gallery Talk with Jonathan Flatley; “Art and Melancholia, or, Why Dwelling on Loss is Not Necessarily Depressing”

Jonathan Flatley is Assistant Professor of English at Wayne State University in Detroit. He was previously a faculty member at the University of Virginia, where he was director of the Modern Studies Program. He is author of Affective Mapping: Melancholia and the Politics of Modernism, co-editor of Pop Out: Queer Warhol and editor of the forthcoming Warhol in Moscow: Essays on Art and Mass Culture.

Where: The Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit
When: 7:00PM
Tix: Free admission
www.mocadetroit.org

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Thursday, December 6th: Detroit Film Theatre presents The Page Turner

(France—2006—directed by Denis Dercourt)
A young girl named Mélanie is a bundle of anxiety as she waits to audition for her entrance to a prestigious musical conservatory. Without revealing here what happens during her examination, the film next jumps forward through the years to show us the grown Mélanie (in a stunning performance by Déborah François) taking a job as a file clerk at a law firm, and not at all by chance. Mélanie’s full motives are gradually exposed by director Dercourt with the calm, icy precision of an Alfred Hitchcock, a feat which could only be achieved with such an astounding degree of control by a filmmaker of confidence, skill, restraint and remarkably sophisticated – if sardonic – wit. The Page Turner perfectly combines elements of mystery, melodrama and suspense into an elegant and visually intoxicating portrait of an obsession that knows no bounds. Cannes, Toronto and Telluride Film Festivals. (85 min.)

Where: The Detroit Film Theatre, inside the DIA, Detroit
When: 7:30PM
Tix: $7.50; members, students & seniors $5.00
www.dia.org/dft

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Thursday, December 6th: Spoiled Brat Party

Presented by DJ Donovan Tate and “guest-hosted” by models with Tony Aria Photography, Spoiled Brat Thursday is all about the ladies with no cover all night for ladies and a complimentary bottle for groups of 10 or more females. Also featuring DJ William Novah and Jared Sykes.

Where: The Dirty Martini, Novi
When: 9:00PM-2:00AM
Tix: Ladies free all night! Guys gotta pay, though.

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Friday, December 7th: Stay & Play Social Club Happy Hour at Boogie Fever

Single people, take heed—Stay & Play Social Club is hosting another happy hour. $10.00 gets you a bunch of drinks and, if you’re lucky, a bunch of phone numbers to go with them.

Where: Boogie Fever, Ferndale
When: 6:00PM-9:30PM
Tix: $10.00 (which includes 4 Miller Lite bottles or 4 Stoli Vodka Cocktails)
www.spscdetroit.com

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Friday, December 7th: German Wine Tasting with Live Motown Music

Rieslings and the Righteous Brothers? Why not.

Where: Silky’s Martini & Music Café, Dearborn
When: 6:00PM-9:00PM
Tix: $30.00

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Friday, December 7th-Sunday, December 16th: “Black Nativity”

The musical by Langston Hughes will be featured at the Bonstelle Theatre in December. “Black Nativity” is the retelling of the classic Nativity story with an entirely black cast, complete with traditional Christmas carols sung Gospel style.

Where: Bonstelle Theatre, Detroit
When: Fridays & Saturdays 8:00PM, Sundays 2:00PM
Tix: Regular $20.00, discount tickets $15.00
http://www.theatre.wayne.edu/bonstelle.php
www.myspace.com/bonstelletheatre

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Friday, December 7th: Music at MoCAD featuring Tony Conrad

Tony Conrad will perform live in collaboration with M.V. Carbon (formerly of Chicago’s Metalux) along with internationally acclaimed, Dearborn-based, ambient “space rock” minimalists, Windy & Carl, and Detroit/Ann Arbor-based, international compositional-noise-rock icons Wolf Eyes.

Where: The Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit
When: 8:00PM
Tix: $16.00 ($23.00 weekend passes also available for both Tony Conrad events)
www.mocadetroit.org

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Friday, December 7th: EON

Or, Edge of Night. EON parties are held afterhours at Bittersweet Coffee House every First Friday of the month. The brainchild of Ed Gardiner (of InZero and Edgewise fame), EON is the place for Detroit nightprowlers to experience art and see performances by local musicians, fashion shows, burlesque and film. A little something for everyone with an appreciation for the edge.

Where: Bittersweet Coffee House, Detroit
When: Midnight-5:00AM
Tix: $5.00
www.myspace.com/eondetroit

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Saturday, December 8th: Tony Conrad Films and Discussion

Tony Conrad will screen and discuss a 2.5-hour retrospective program of his films. Tony Conrad is the quintessential cult figure; resident outsider; rebel angel; Tony Conrad’s got the kind of immaculate credibility that can’t be bought and can’t be sold – and how else, otherwise, could he have persevered? Rumbling under the cultural radar since the Kennedy Era, Conrad is at once first cause and last laugh, a covert operative who can stand as a primary influence over succeeding generations.

Where: The Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit
When: 7:00PM
Tix: $9.00 ($23.00 weekend passes also available for both Tony Conrad events)
www.mocadetroit.org
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Saturday, December 8th: The Cetan Clawson Revolution

This is for really real a genuine, bonafide Detroit garage rock band. And what better place for a genuine, bonafide Detroit garage rock band to be seen in than the genuine, bonafide longtime-loved punk-inspired hole-in-the-wall Jacoby’s?

Where: Jacoby’s, Detroit
When: 8:00PM
Tix: Probably only a few bucks, but that info is N/A
www.myspace.com/cetanclawsonrevolution

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Monday, December 10th: Four “Carmens”

The popular Dance Film Series continues with the passion and drama from four classic “Carmens.”

Carmen
Company: Bolshoi Ballet with Maya Plisetskaya
Choreographer: Alberto Alonso

Carmen
Company: Ballet National de Marseille with Mikail Barishnikov
Choreographer: Roland Petit

Carmen
Company: Cullberg Ballet with Ana Laguna Choreographer: Mats Ek

Matthew Bourne’s The Car-Man,
This Carmen takes place in an auto repair shop.

Where: The Detroit Opera House Chrysler Theatre, Detroit
When: 7:00PM
Tix: $10.00 (includes refreshments)
www.motopera.org

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Tuesday, December 11th: Champagne Tasting at Mon Jin Lau

Join Mon Jin Lau and Plum Market for our champagne tasting. Passed hors d’oeuvres. Champagnes included are Dom Perignon, Veuve Cliquot, Krug, Piere Joulet, Moet Chandon and many others.

Where: Mon Jin Lau, Troy
When: 7:00PM-9:00PM
Tix: $49.00 all-inclusive

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Wednesday, December 12th: FREE Pre-Christmas Wine Tasting & Wine Sale

Nectars Wine Bar invites you to an ABSOLUTELY FREE wine tasting and wine sale, where they will also be providing all wine connoisseurs with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and deals on fantastic wines that cannot be beat. Certified Sommelier Tara Easton will be featuring 20 wines for $20.00 and under, all of which having received 90 points or better in top wine magazines. All wines will be sold at only 10% above cost (13% if a credit card is used). Below is a list of wines being featured:

Sparkling
Taltarni Brut Tache, Moonambil, Australia NV
90 points-WA
Codorniu Pinot Noir Brut Cava, Penendes, Spain NV
90 points- TIW

White
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 2007
90 points-WE
Tramin Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy 2006
91 points-WA
Maculan Dindarello, Veneto, Italy 2006 (375ml)
90 points-WA
Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Blanc, Paso Robles, California 2005
90 points-WA
Hope Chardonnay, Hunter Valley, Australia 2005
91 points-WA
MacRostie Chardonnay, Carneros, California 2005
90 points-WE

Red
Clos De Los Siete, Mendoza, Argentina 2006
91 points-TIW
Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre(Baby Amarone)Veneto, Italy 2004
90 points-WA
Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Rouge, Paso Robles, California 2004
90 points-WA
Domaine De Nizas Coteaux du Languedoc Rouge, Languedoc, France 2002
92 points-WE
Hope “The Ripper” Shiraz, Western Australia 2004
90 points-WE
Shingleback Shiraz, Mclaren Vale, Australia 2004
91 points-WS
3 Rings Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia 2004
91 points-WS/ 96 points-WA
Santa Rita Madalla Real Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile 2003
90 points-WA
Santa Rita Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile 2005
91 points-WE
Cono Sur 20 Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile 2005
92 points-WSW
Taltarni “Three Monks” Cabernet-Merlot Blend, Moonambil, Australia 2004
90 points-WE
Warres Otima Tawny Porto 10 Year, Portugal NV
90 points-WS

Space is limited and the bar is small, so get there early to enjoy great wine at great savings!

Where: Nectars Wine Bar, Orchard Lake
When: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Tix: Free admission

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Wednesday, December 12th: Dave Koz and Friends

Catch the Dave Koz and friends 10th Anniversary Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour as it hits the Motor City. With special guests Jonathan Butler, Wayman Tisdale, and Kimberly Locke. Yes, from American Idol.

Where: Music Hall Center, Detroit
When: 8:00PM
Tix: $35.00-$45.00
www.ticketmaster.com

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Thursday, December 13th: Home for the Holidays

Ring in the season with one of Detroit’s and the DSO’s favorite holiday traditions. This year come “Home for the Holidays” and enjoy a concert of carols, sing-alongs and a visit from Jolly Ole’ St. Nick. Bring your all your family and friends!

Where: The Max M. Fisher Music Center, Detroit
When: Showtimes vary
Tix: $22.50-$105.50
www.detroitsymphony.com

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Thursday, December 13th: An Evening with Friends Holiday Wine Tasting

The holidays are just around the corner and “An Evening With Friends” invites you to their annual holiday tasting featuring wonderful wines from around the world.
The host is the hip new Garden Court Condominiums located in downtown Detroit.

Where: Garden Court Condominiums, Detroit
When: 6:30PM-10:00PM
Tix: $20.00 in advance, $25.00 at the door
www.aneveningwithfriends.com

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Saturday, December 15th: Comcast ON DEMAND Filming with James and the Rainbros

Come be on TV! ‘Cuz that’s likely. James and The Rainbros With special guests: SIMPLY SICK, AngE Smiley, JGRAVES, Safer Than Sleep, Crashing Cairo, Self Reason, Broken Man, Awake and Lifeless and Silence On The Horizon.

Where: The Majestic Theatre, Detroit
When: Doors at 5:00PM
Tix: $10.00
www.majesticdetroit.com

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Thursday, December 20th: Third Thursday Happy Hour with Detroit Synergy

Join DSG for Happy Hour. Share a drink. Share a gift. Share a meal. Meet DSG at Motor City Brewing Works for drinks and great food and stop by next door at the Bureau of Urban Living for some last minute gift shopping. Their charity partner this month is the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Please consider bringing a few healthy non-perishable food items or a few dollars to share.

Where: Motor City Brewing Works, Detroit
When: 6:30PM-8:00PM
Tix: Free admission, but a donation is requested
www.detroitsynergy.org

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Thursday, December 20th: A Wine Dinner to Celebrate the Holidays

Positive Vibration Wine Bar Presents A Wine Dinner to celebrate the Holidays! Enjoy a 4 course gourmet dinner with your family and friends or make new ones!
Reservations required, seating is limited.

Where: Positive Vibration Wine Bar, Orion Twp.
When: 7:00PM-10:00PM
Tix: $75.00/$140.00 couple

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Friday, December 21st-Saturday, December 22nd: Jazz Masters Club presents Jim Rotondi Quintet featuring Joe Locke

Jazz trumpetist Jim Rotondi is partnering up with vibraphonist and composer Joe Locke for this very special holiday installment of the Music Hall’s Jazz Café. I say “holiday” only because it is so close to the holiday, not because there is anything overtly holiday-themed about the performances. Please do not put words in my mouth as I would be loathe to disappoint.

Where: Music Hall Center, Detroit
When: 2 shows each night, 10:00PM & Midnight
Tix: $14.00, $9.00 in advance
www.ticketmaster.com

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Monday, December 31st: Electric Six

Looking for an alternative to loud, crowed NYE celebrations full of overdressed people and cheap champagne? Sing it with me: “I wanna take you to the GAY BAR!” Okay, for clarification, the Majestic Theatre is NOT a gay bar. But check out Detroit’s favorite alternative to alternative band, Electric Six, and join in the singalong with gays and straights alike.

Where: The Majestic Theatre, Detroit
When: 8:00PM
Tix: $25.00
www.majesticdetroit.com

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Monday, December 31st: Cabaret Style New Year’s Eve at the Rep

New Year’s Eve at the Rep is now in its thirtieth year. Nothing lasts that long unless there is a considerable amount of satisfaction. Folks come back year after year to enjoy their unusual, elegant, and friendly New Year’s Eve Party. Some come from out-of-town.

What is it about New Year’s Eve at the Rep? Intimacy is the key. You go lively but gently into the new year. The lobby and its 30 foot cocktail bar is small enough for camaraderie but large enough for comfort, small enough to give everyone a sense of privacy but large enough to meet new and interesting people. But most of all NYE at the Rep is sharing, the sharing of an intimate theatre experience.

What amazes most people is the Rep’s affordable price and this New Year’s Eve is no exception. The cost for unlimited champagne, hors d’oeuvres that are a meal unto themselves, performance, celebration and buffet supper is just $75.00 per person. The evening begins at 8:00 P.M. with Champagne and Appetizers followed at 9:00 P.M. with a performance of the Pulitzer Prize and Broadway Award winning play, Doubt — a fierce struggle between faith, doubt, and certainty. After the show comes conviviality, spirited conversation, dance music from our superb sound system, and the cast joins revelers for a grand celebration of the New Year.

The comes the climax of the evening…a buffet supper prepared under the direction of resident chef, Dee Andrus:

Appetizers

~Celery Root Soup with Assorted Crackers
~Fresh Fruit Platter
~Lebanese Chicken Tenders
~Crudites with Garlic Dip, Spinach Dip & Creamy Horseradish Dip

Entrée

~Chicken Picante Baked in Butter, Lemon & Mushroom Sauce
~Cavatappi Pasta
~Dry Sautéed Green Beans
~Marinated Vegetable Salad
~Rosemary Oregano Bread
~Sweet Pickled Beets & Mild Peppers

Dessert

~Sweet Potato Cake with Brown Sugar Icing

New Year’s Eve reservations are limited to the first 100 celebrants to make reservations. TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE.

Where: Detroit Repertory Theatre, Detroit
When: 8:00PM
Tix: $75.00 in advance
www.detroitreptheatre.com

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Saturday, January 19th-Sunday, January 20th: African Footprint

African Footprint, South Africa’s longest-running show, brings its vibrant, high-energy act that has wowed audiences and critics around the world to the Detroit Opera House over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, January 19-20, 2008 as part of the first African Footprint U.S. tour. African Footprint narrates the history of South Africa through a breathtaking blend of Afro- and Euro-centric music and dance, communicating the show’s positive messages of tolerance, pride, self-discovery and empowerment.

“African Footprint is unlike any dance production we have ever had at the Detroit Opera House, and we are delighted to host such a unique and culturally enriching show,” says Detroit Opera House General Director Dr. David DiChiera.

Having performed for over 250 million viewers in over 3,500 shows throughout Europe, Australia, China, Israel and India, African Footprint makes the Detroit Opera House one of its first stops on its maiden U.S. tour. With a young company of over 30 members, African Footprint has received wide acclaim all over the globe, prompting critics to dub African Footprint “The Riverdance of South Africa.” The 90-minute dance and song spectacle melds hypnotic heartbeats of the African drum with the soulful saxophone and the haunting pennywhistle, creating an exhilarating series of numbers that features a myriad of traditional and contemporary dances: the Kwela-jive, traditional gumboot, tap, contemporary ballet and hip-hop pantsula.

African Footprint’s vibrant and moving music and dance are structured around the poetry of Don Mattera, South Africa’s foremost poet, and a leader in the movement against apartheid in South Africa. The groundbreaking show is choreographed by in-demand choreographer David Matamela with music by South African musician and composer Dave Pollecutt.

African Footprint got its start from the vision of South African performer and producer Richard Loring, when in 1998, Loring started a school for disadvantaged South African youth interested in performance. Soon after, on New Year’s Eve 1999, Loring’s troupe was invited to perform from the prison cell where Nelson Mandela had been held at Robben Island for a special CNN Millennial Festivities broadcast. The performance, broadcast around the world, became the launching pad for African Footprint. Since its splashy conception, African Footprint has played for seven years in South Africa, 2 ½ years in Europe, and numerous engagements throughout Australia, China, Israel and India. The company has been invited to perform before such luminaries as former U.S. President Bill Clinton, HRH Prince Charles and Nelson Mandela.

Where: Detroit Opera House, Detroit
When: Saturday 8:00PM, Sunday 4:00PM
Tix: $15.00-$75.00
www.motopera.org

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Saturday, February 18th: B.B. King

Blues legend, B.B. King, will return to the fabulous Fox Theatre for an extraordinary evening of music.

For more than half a century, the “King of the Blues” and his guitar “Lucille” have thrilled audiences with countless hits. His innovative style has influenced generations of blues and rock guitarists, and helped give the blues its special place in the American musical tradition. Classic tunes, including “Payin’ The Cost To Be The Boss,” “The Thrill Is Gone,” “How Blue Can You Get,” “Everyday I Have The Blues” and “Why I Sing The Blues” have made B.B. King a living legend.

Where: The Fox Theatre, Detroit
When: 7:30PM
Tix: $32.50-$65.00

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ONGOING:

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Thursday, November 1st-Sunday, December 30th: Doubt

Doubt is a play for all people of faith, religious or secular. Doubt deals with the moral integrity of a priest but the real struggle in the play is between faith, certainty and doubt, a struggle that pertains to any religious faith and to anything we hold to be true and worthy, be it science, peace, justice, freedom, marriage or love. This is a play for believers whatever they believe in.

The play will charge audiences and talk will fill the night and days afterward. That is why Doubt won the Pulitzer Prize and a ton of New York Awards. That is why the play ran for two years on Broadway, rare for a non-musical. Issue plays are what the Detroit Repertory Theatre is all about and Doubt is a perfect fit

The play is about the clash between Father Flynn, a charismatic priest, whose presence in an old Catholic school is an invigorating change and Sister Aloysius, a veteran nun and no fan of what she sees as loosening standards. Inevitably, the two face off and the situation is shocking. Donald Muller, a troubled boy and the only African-American student in the school, may have been sexually abused — and Sister is absolutely certain that Father Flynn is the molester.

Doubt is alternately funny, absorbing and troubling as the bitter confrontation between the popular priest and the hard nosed nun fiercely unfolds.

The Repertory Production features Ray Schultz as the likeable Father Flynn and Barbara Busby as the stern, self righteous Sister Aloysius. The two form a formidable and experienced acting team. Ray’s acting connection to the Repertory dates back to 1996 and his performance in The Stillborn Lover. Barbara, who was featured in that same play is one of the Repertory founders and has been acting and directing at the Rep since the Theatre’s inception. To round out the cast. Jenny Burleson portrays the young nun, Sister James, and Janee Ann Smith portrays the mother of the young boy in question, Mrs. Muller. The director of Doubt is Charlotte Leisinger. She directed the acclaimed Lapses last season.

Doubt will be the centerpiece in two major Detroit Rep events. The play will be performed at the Theatre’s Golden Anniversary Black Tie Benefit on Saturday evening November 10, 2007 and as a part of the Theatre’s Cabaret style New Year’s Eve celebration.

Where: Detroit Repertory Theatre, Detroit
When: Every Thursday through Sunday. Thursdays & Fridays, 8:30PM. Saturdays, 3:00PM & 8:30PM. Sundays 2:00PM & 7:30PM.
Tix: $17.00 in advance, $20.00 at the door
www.detroitreptheatre.com

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Thursday, November 29th-Sunday, January 6th: The Lion King

Broadway’s Tony Award-Winning Best Musical returns to Detroit for a limited 6-week engagement. Experience Julie Taymor’s stunning visuals firsthand as her vision of the theatrical experience of Pride Rock and Simba’s homeland is brought breathtakingly to life in the only-slightly scaled-down tour version of the Broadway masterpiece. A mixture of elaborate costumes and expert puppeteering, The Lion King is an experience that can be enjoyed by wonder-filled children and theatre aficionados alike.

Where: The Detroit Opera House, Detroit
When: Showtimes vary
Tix: $17.00-$130.00
www.motopera.org
www.lionkingtour.com

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Friday, November 30th-Sunday, December 23rd: Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village

Step into a Christmas card from the past. Don’t miss the most popular holiday event in the area! Travel through time on lantern-lit paths to the holidays of long ago as you take a stroll through Christmas in Greenfield Village!
Schedule of events:
* 4 performance stages with nonstop events
* 6 delightful holiday shops
* 7 food stops
* Live musical performances including: the Christie Street Carolers, the Main Street Carolers, the Dodworth Saxhorn Band, the Festival Singers, Neil Woodward, Picks & Sticks Stringband, Ranka Mulkern, the Livonia Civic Chorus, the Greenfield Carolers, and the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife & Drum Corps
* 6 enchanting holiday vignettes including a great photo-op
* Strolling costumed presenters
* Carriage and Model T rides
* Skilled artisan demonstrations
* Visit Santa. Santa will spend all 12 evenings of Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village with his live reindeer at the Robert Frost House. Santa will also appear daily in Henry Ford Museum, November 23-December 23
* Bonfires
* A real ice rink - Skates will be available for loan
* Fabulous fireworks finale and sing-along

Where: Greenfield Village at the Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn
When: 6:30PM-10:00PM showtime on nights of performances
Tix: Adults $12.75 (member), $15.00 (non-member); children $8.50 (member), $10.00 (non-member)

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Friday, November 30th-Sunday, December 16th: Puppet Scrooge

Money for Western High School students? Bah! Humbug. Love, family, and togetherness? Bah! Humbug. Scrooge is against it all at the start of Matrix Theatre Company’s Puppet Scrooge, but by the end she has transformed into the warm-hearted and compassionate person she used to be.

Committed to using the original structure of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, Matrix’s Writers’ Circle brings the story here, home to Detroit , to inspire positive change and understanding in its own community. Bec Young, Matrix’s Community Puppets Manager, says it’s the possibility for transformation that drove them to adapt A Christmas Carol. “We’re not one way or the other,” she says, “and we can change.”

The possibility for change is clear when looking at the list of performers. Young says audiences will experience the diversity theatre has to offer through hand-puppets, rod-puppets, masks, and actors

The transformations in Puppet Scrooge, on-stage and off, recall Dickens’ original message of generosity and kindness.

Where: Matrix Theatre Company, Detroit
When: Fridays 8:00PM, Saturdays 4:00PM & 8:00PM, Sundays 4:00PM
Tix: $15.00 adults, $10.00 students & seniors, $5.00 children 5 & under
www.matrixtheatre.org