Fine Arts Society of Detroit

Elizabeth Rex

2011-06-04T06:35:00.001-07:00

The final meeting of The Society's 105th season included a production of Timothy Findley's Elizabeth Rex, directed by Stephen Shrader and produced by Marianne Shrader.

Would you believe that Shakespeare and his players once entertained Queen Elizabeth in a barn? That historical fantasy is roughly the premise of this play, a whimsical post-show talkback between the legendary Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare and his troupe of actors known as The Lord Chamberlain's Men.

It's a play within a play. It is the evening before the Earl of Essex is to be beheaded for the crime of treason against his former lover, the Queen.

Veteran FASD actor Julia Keim, provided us with a convincing Queen, who banters combatively with Ned Lowescroft, Shakespeare's leading portrayer of "mature" female roles played by George Abud. Their verbal duel of wits, filled with electricity, lead to the Queen's challenge to Ned "if you will teach me how to be a woman, I will teach you how to be a man."

The director made the unusual, but not surprising, choice of a woman to play the part of William Shakespeare in this production. Afterall, women were never allowed on stage in Shakespear's time. The talented Karen Quarnstrom filled this role admirably.

The queen's lady-in-waiting Lady Mary Stanley, played by Agnes Ward, and another of the acting troupe, Matthew Welles played by FASD guest performer Deshon Favors, provided a secondary theme in the play. Lady Stanley was assisted in her duties by servants played by Katherine Shrader and Abigail Carney.

The troup's costume mistress, Kate Tarwell played by Gina Telford, provided some comedic relief during this intense play.

Lecta Stewart as Anne, Countess of Henslowe, Bruce Maters as Lord Robert Cecil, Matthew Miazgowicz as star actor Jonathan Edmund, Bill McCarthy as over-the-hill actor Percy Gower, Cody Shrader as young actor of female roles Henry Pearle, Zach Langenburg as yound actor Benjamin Herlie, Bob Lee as the lecherous actor Luddy Beddoes and Carolyn and Lindsey Shrader as Ned's pet bear "Harry" rounded out the cast.

The simple yet effective set, built and painted by Dave Wojtan, Greg Ridella and Bonnie Denler, came alive with costuming by Shirl Williams and Norma Eschenburg and lighting by Andrew Denler and Jesse Villegas, and the large cast was aptly kept on their toes by stage manager Jonathan Davis. The vast array of period props was provided by the artful Sally Van Deventer, assisted by Anne Maters and Bonnie Denler. Frank Van Deventer managed the many sound effects during the play, and period music was provided live by Michael J. McGillivray on violin, Catherine Sherwin on flute and David Haughey on cello. Makeup by Laurie Striebel, Margaret Dawson and Sharon Conte made the actors visible in the dim lighting of the production. Dance sequences were choreographed by Laura ver Beek. Gary Miller and Nancy Radke served as assistant directors through the long rehearsal period.

RED HOT MAMAS

2011-06-04T05:15:00.000-07:00

The winter meeting of The Society included a production of the hilarious comedy RED HOT Mamas by David W. Christner. Directed by Bill McCarthy and produced by the team of Norma Eschenburg and Shirl Williams, the cast kept FASD members and guests laughing throughout the evening.

The newly empty-nestered couple of Dan Casey and Abby Adams, played by Charly Davis and Amy Kuta, find their lives turned upside down when their respective mothers, move into their home.

Abby's mother Sarah Casey, played by Laurie Striebel, is a proper lady with a big problem.

Dan's mother Claudia Adams, played by D.J. Haska, is a free spirit wishing to live her life to the fullest.

Peter Mason, played by Steve Shrader, comes to visit and reveals Sarah's problem as her AA sponsor.

Two of Claudia's gentlemen friends, Stan Walker played by Geno Pirrami and Russ Neary played by John Diebel, complicate things further by visiting at the same time.

The Modern Harp Quartet

2011-01-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

The Founder's Room of The Players Playhouse provided the perfect setting for a mid-winter Sunday afternoon concert by The Modern Harp Quartet, composed of alumni from the harp studios of Cass Tech, Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. The afternoon was augmented by a delightful selection of teas and sweets, presented by Donna and Greg Ridella, Sally Van Deventer and Marianne Shrader.

Maurice Draughn, arranger and composer of music for the harp, voice and choir, is currently a freelance harpist performing with several orchestras in and around Michigan.

Amy Ley is principal harpist for the symphony orchestras of Flint, Ann Arbor and Windsor, performing regularly in concert and in education and outreach events.

Anne Brege has performed with the Wayne State Symphony Orchestra, the WSU Wind Symphony and the Detroit Civic Symphony. She also is a regular freelance harpist in Mackinaw City during the summer months.

Lydia Cleaver has performed with many orchestra and choral ensembles throughout the Midwest, and has worked with Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Eartha Kit and Mickey Rooney.

This wonderful group of harpists is a testament to Patricia Terry-Ross and the harp department of Detroit's Cass Tech High School, with Maurice, Anne and Lydia being introduced to and falling in love with the harp under her tutelage.

The program, titled "Dance", included

Sixth French Suite (J.S. Bach)
Malaguena (Ernesto Lecuona)
Suite of Eight Dances (Carlos Salzedo)
Le Tombeau de Couperin (Maurice Ravel)
Maple Leaf Rag and Bethena (Scott Joplin)
Juba (R. Nathaniel Dett)

Each piece held the audience spellbound, culminating in a standing ovation and a wonderful little encore.

Special thanks to Joshua Blenman for the event photography.

Motor City Brass Quintet

2010-12-11T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Fine Arts' Christmas season was again enhanced by this local brass quintet, led by John Rutherford on trombone. Joining John were Derek Lockhart and David Ammer on trumpet, Jacob Cameron on tuba and Detroit Symphony Orchestra member Bryan Kennedy on French horn.

The Motor City Brass Quintet presents "Christmas Vespers." from Brassjar Music on Vimeo.

Halloween Costume Party

2010-12-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

Members and guests were hosted by Joann Castle/Hamlin and husband Mike Hamlin in the Signature Grill at The Riverfront Apartments for a rolicking good time at the first annual?? Fine Arts Halloween Costume Party.

A silent auction of items donated by members enhanced the FASD treasury.

For more pictures, see Joann's Album

A Nice Family Gathering

2010-12-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

The first play of the 2010 - 2011 season was presented to the delight of two packed audiences.

Directed by Jesse Villegas, the cast of Jackie Detloff, Dan Badia, Lisa Lechniak, Geno Pirrami, Heidi Denler, Matt Decker, Joann Koch and Bill McCarthy provided lots of laughs and some very poignant moments. More than a few tears shed.

The tables at the Playhouse were set in their usual delightful way for members and guests.

For the first time in many years, the dress code for the Friday performance was relaxed, and picnic baskets were the norm.

For more pictures, see Marianne's Album

Planet D Nonet

2010-12-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

Fine Arts members and guests enjoyed a rousing kick-off to the 2010 - 2011 season with a concert by the jazz group Planet D Nonet.

Led by drummer RJ Spangler, this group of nine musicians delighted a nearly packed Players Playhouse with their renditions of some old favorites and some new pieces specially arranged for them.

Don't Dress for Dinner

2010-12-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

As the final event of the 2009 - 2010 season, Fine Arts presented this hilarious comedy to members and guests. Directed by Heidi Denler, the cast of Laura verBeek, Bill McCarthy, John Denler, Amy Kuta, Chris Oakley and Sue Owens kept the audience in a constant state of laughter. Shirl Williams and Norma Eschenburg are to be congratulated for producing such a fabulous weekend for FASD.

Cast photo by Marianne Shrader

For more pictures see Marianne's Album

Love and Blooms

2010-03-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Christa Grix Trio, with Christa Grix on the harp, Kurt Krahnke on acoustic bass and Pete Siers on drums and percussion, provided a fabulous conclusion to the Fine Arts Music Series season. The Love and Bloom program theme included a variety of well-known and some rarely heard musical pieces. Fine Arts members and guests are looking forward to next season's lineup.

Directors' Cuts

2010-02-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

Our mid-winter production included a series of scenes from two plays: All in the Timing by David Ives and Exhibit This by Luigi Jannuzzi.
Directed by George Abud and Steve Shrader, produced by Laurie Striebel and Lee Peters, with costumes by Heidi Denler, Norma Eschenburg, Shirl Williams and Gina Telford.

Photos by Marianne Shrader
The cast included Charly Davis, Karen Quarnstrom, Bunny Platt, Geno Pirrami, John Denler, Kate Connolly, Julie Brock*, Joseph Gehart*, James Abud*, Ashley Shamoon* and Nancy Radke.
*Guest performers

The Adventure Club Cello Quartet

2010-02-20T04:44:00.000-08:00

We were again thrilled to have the ACCQ back, especially with cellist Deborah Shuster travelling from her new home in Oakland California to join with cellists Naomi and David Levine and Irina Tikhonova for one more evening of fun and beautiful music.

Their presentation, unique arrangements and musical skills combined to provide a wonderful mid-winter evening at The Players Playhouse. They never fail to surprise us with an array of music not normally heard from a group of cellos.

We look forward to a return engagement.

Photos by Marianne Shrader.

Holiday Brass!!

2009-12-12T06:50:00.001-08:00

The Motor City Brass Quintet

David Ammer, Jacob Cameron

Dave Everson, Derek Lockhart

John Rutherford

Provided a fabulous kick-off to the holiday season. The music was enhanced by a beautiful video presentation by Liz Larin (http://www.lizlarin.com/).

The concert video can be seen here.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW0WhAV6leM)

For more of their music or to purchase their Christmas Vespers CD, visit http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/motorcitybrass

or contact them directly at http://www.motorcitybrassquintet.com/

Over the River and Through the Woods

2009-12-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

Another successful production!!

Thanks to cast and crew for a wonderful weekend at The Playhouse.

The Amabile Chamber Trio

2009-10-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Amabile [ah MAH bee lay] means "loveable" or "sweet" in Italian. Music can lovable to everyone.

"Music is a universal language of Mankind."

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The Amabile Chamber Trio, with Michael J. McGillivray (violin and viola), Sonia Lee (violin) and Catherine Sherwin (flute) took us on a wonderful ride through four centuries of music, including selections for flute and violin by Morley and Telemann, the Duo for Violin and Viola in G Major by Mozart, Six Duets for Two Violins by Bartok and finally Beethoven's Serenade in D Major for Flute, Violin and Viola, Op. 25.

The evening was enjoyed by all who attended, as we kicked off the fourth season of Chamber Music at The Playhouse.

Jazz Experience with Marcus, Charlie and Joan

2009-06-14T16:29:00.001-07:00

To cap off yet another great season of Chamber Music at The Playhouse, we heard some fabulous New Orleans jazz from trumpeter Marcus Belgrave and saxophonist/flutist Charlie Gabriel, with some smooth vocals by Joan Belgrave.

They were joined on stage by

Marion Hayden on bass,

Gayelynn McKinney on drums,

Tad Weed on piano and

Chris Smith on trombone.

Announcing the release of their new CD Excitable, we heard several selections from that recording as well as their other two CDs, some being original compositions by Joan Belgrave.

We helped Marcus celebrate his 73rd birthday when members Joann Castle and Yolanda Turner presented him with a cake.

The Playhouse hasn't heard that much great music in a long, long time!!!!!

The Vast Difference

2009-06-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

Fine Arts finished its 103rd season with a production of this Jeff Daniel's comedy. The mile-a-minute entrance-exits and madcap surrealism failed to obscure this comedy's deeply serious undertone.
George Noonan, played by member Charly Davis, was tossed to and fro in his deliberations about having a vasectomy.

He turns a routine visit to his urologist, played by member Anne Maters, into a psychotherapy session about life, the insignificance of the modern-day man and the vast difference between stewards and stewardesses.

His wife Rita, played by guest Amy Secor, doesn't want to chance adding another daughter to a family that already includes five girls.

And his deceased father Earl, played by guest Bruce Maters, still holds great sway over George.

Twenty nine other characters enter into George's decision-making process, all played by Bill McCarthy, Rob Green, Greg Ridella and Mark Wiacek. While some helped, most just added to the confusion his life was becoming. All were hilariously funny.

And although we never saw her on stage, Pat Vintevoghel provided an authentic stewardess' voice.

Thanks to all who helped make this another GREAT FINE ARTS SEASON!!!

Vignettes for Valentine's

2009-02-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day brought FASD audiences together to see five vignettes dealing with various relationships in our daily lives.

Sure Thing
with George Abud and Alyssa Clark, depended on quick dialogue and a mysterious bell. Before the play moved from a beginning to an end, there were several false starts and false endings as the characters explored various responses to each other, even becoming different personalities in the process.

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The Conversation
with Rob Green and Joseph Ewald, and written by FASD member Terry Davis, invloved a discussion between George a ventriloquist and his alter-ego Milton (his dummy), who was able to vocalize things George was unable to say himself.

A Little Something for the Ducks
with Kim CZasnojc and Steve Shrader, was the tale of a lonely afternoon at the pond where two elderly strangers met. Samuel, who had been feeding the ducks for seven years (or is it six?), was a thorn in the side of Irma, who pointed out the sign that said "Don't Feed the Ducks".

The Game
with Lisa Lechniak and Matt Becker, poked fun at a couple in the midst of a 'conversation' regarding the impending visit of the husband's mother, while he tried to watch his football game. This is also a creation from member Terry Davis' pen.

Accused of Comedy
with James Abud, Charly Davis, Izzy Donnelly and Laurie Jamieson, was filled with hilarious one-liners when two comedians and their one-person audience were arrested at a time when comedy was outlawed. But even the stern magistrate couldn't resist the temptation to turn the corners of her mouth in the upward direction and join in the fun.
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The vingettes were directed by first-timers Heidi Denler and Shaun Day, assisted by D.J. Haska and Donna Ridella. Producer Joann Castle brought everything together.

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Nancy Radke connected the stories together for us.

And, of course, nothing would have gone on stage without our trusty behind-the scenes personnel.

The evening also included an afterglow of jazz, provided by students from the Grosse Pointe South High School Curtis Gough, Andrew Hintzen and Brett Beddow.

The artist for the evening was Charles Ezra Ferrell, who exhibited his photographs and pencil of African Classical Music (so-called jazz) artists, including Marcus Belgrave, who will be on the FASD stage for a concert in June.

Heavenly Breezes

2009-02-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

The Amabile Chamber Ensemble presented this concert on Sunday afternoon, January 25 as part of the Chamber Music at The Playhouse series. Performers were

Catherine Sherwin, flute
Lynne Marie Flegg, oboe & English horn
Michael J. McGillivray, violin and viola
Colette Mataj, viola
Judith Vander Weg, cello
Maurice Draughn, harp
Muggsie Sherwin, actress

This Twentieth century concert, with music by Benjamin Britten, Jean Cras, Christopher Berg, Jacques Ibert, Isaac Albeniz and Nino Rota enthralled us all.

The Adventure Club Cello Quartet

2009-02-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

The Theatre Arts Club of Detroit sponsored this Chamber Music at The Playhouse concert in January as their fundraiser for The Eva Woodbridge Victor scholarship.

This is The Adventure Club's third contribution to our music series.

We were treated to a variety of musical pieces, including

G. B. Pergolese's Trio Sonata I
Delibes's Polka from “Sylvia"
Bizet's Habanera from “Carmen”
Mozart's Queen of the Night from “The Magic Flute”
Ljova's Bagel on the Malecon
Haydn's “Kaiser” Quartet, Op. 76, #3
Popper's Hungarian Rhapsody
Handel's Sonata for Two Cellos
Elgar's Nimrod from “Enigma Variations”
At The Hop
Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes from “The Gondoliers”
Sommar, Sommar, Sommar
Massenet's Meditation from “Thais”
Abreu's Tico Tico
The Stars and Stripes Forever

'Tis the Season with The Motor City Brass Quintet

2009-02-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

This Chamber Music at The Playhouse concert provided a great lead-in to the holiday season.
Scott Thornburg and Derek Lockhart on trumpets, Eric Reed on French horn, John Rutherford on trombone, and Jacob Cameron on tuba filled The Founders Room with wonderful holiday music, including

Angels We Have Heard on High

Once in Royal David's City

Carol of the Bells

Footprints in the Snow

Toy Land

Sleigh Ride

Hannukah Begins Tonight

Simoo Shemen

O Hannukah

In the Window

S'Vivon

Mo'oz Tzur

Miracle on 34th Street

2009-02-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

FASD's 103rd season opened when Director Susan Davis, with Producers Donna Ridella, Geri Day and Norma Eschenburg, collected a cast of 36 to entertain our members and guests through this well-known Christmas story, brought to the public first via the movie screen. This joint production with The Theatre Arts Club of Detroit packed The Playhouse for three performances in November.

Kris Kringle (Rick Mason) with children at Macy's

When the validity of Santa Claus is put to the test we are told that faith is believing when common sense tells you not to.

Miss Adams (Izzy Donnelly) and Mr. Shelhammer (Geno Pirrami)

It was hard to tell who had more fun with this production; the children (of all ages) on stage or the audience.

And Jonathan Davis' set with the toy stand that sprang from the floor wowed everyone.

The play opens at Macy's Thanksgiving parade, with children and parents alike stretching to see Santa and the other holiday characters.

Everything is wonderful after an intoxicated Santa is replaced by Kris Kringle, who finds ways for each child to get the gift he or she has been dreaming about.

Elf (Claire Platt)

Kris becomes a celebrity, with newspapers trumpeting his (and Macy's) generosity and good will.

Newsboy (Ethan Rymiszewski)

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But when that means sending parents to other stores, his troubles begin, since it is impossible to please everyone all the time. Kris is found to be mentally ill for his insistance on being the real Santa Claus. It takes thousands of letters to prove that Santa does indeed live on in the hearts and minds of children far and wide.

Dr. Sawyer (John Denler)

with reporters (Matthew Becker, Pat Vintevogel, Andrew Denler, Dan Badia, and Lisa Lechniak)

The Amabile Bach Ensemble

2008-10-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

Season III of Chamber Music at The Playhouse began on Thursday, October 9 with The Amabile Bach Ensemble playing some selections by J.S. Bach.
Catherine Sherwin began the evening with the flute solo Partita in a minor. We were enchanted by the lovely sound of her flute.
Then, to give Cathy a brief rest, the ensemble (Michael J. McGillivray and Joseph Deller on violins, Colette Mataj on viola, Susan Clark Joul on cello, Dale Anderson on bass and Robert Conway on harpsichord) played the hauntingly beautiful Air, from the Suite No. 3 in D Major.
Cathy rejoined the ensemble to play the Ouverture from Suite No. 2 in b minor. We could see in our minds the dancers prancing and whirling around The Founders Room.
After a brief intermission, during which we enjoyed the traditional sweets and coffee, we were treated to the marvelous Brandendburg Concerto No. 5 in D Major.
The audience responded with a standing ovation.

The Motor City Horns and The Brothers Groove

2008-05-18T15:08:00.001-07:00

The Chamber Music at The Playhouse series concluded its regular season with a rousing concert by these two exciting groups. They took the term "Chamber Music" to uncharted heights.

The Brothers Groove, formed in 1999, has been regarded as one of Detroit's best live bands, having collected 22 Detroit Music Awards including (in 2008) Outstanding Modern Jazz Group and Outstanding Jazz Instrumentalist. And now we saw (and heard) why. Their sound is a mixture of Jazz, Funk, Blues and Soul which is instantly familiar yet distinctly original.

The Motor City Horns, having collaborated with The Brothers Groove since 2000, added a fullness of sound to each musical selection. And each individual's virtuosity came through loud and clear during their frequent improvisations.

Led by Chris Codish on keyboard and vocals, the combined group included Skeeto Valdez on drums (and vocals), special guest Pat Prouty on bass, John Rutherford on trombone, Mark Byerly on trumpet, Bob Jensen on trumpet and Keith Kaminski on saxophone.

We were also treated to a special guest appearance by Johnnie Bassett, well-known around Detroit with his vocals and guitar.

Bob Jensen coordinated a dazzling array of equipment that generated a powerful, clear sound.

Their musical selections included Cadillac Blues by Bob Codish, Caravan by Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol, Coming Back, Mo' Room and Casual Observer by Chris Codish, Tune 88 by Jeff Lorber, Waltz for Hornz by Michael Nelson, and It's About the Dollar Bill and Superman Lover by Johnny "Guitar" Watson.

The group played on the Main Stage of The Players Playhouse, and filled the entire building (maybe even the entire E. Jefferson neighborhood) with fabulous sounds. We will remember this evening for a long time.

The Detroit Reed Collective

2008-03-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday, March 13 was another fun evening of Chamber Music at The Playhouse. Mark Berger, Mark Kieme, Paul Onachuk and Pete Kahn, through their musical program The American Saxophone, gave us a delightful history of the saxophone in this country from the turn-of-the-century (with pieces by Klickmann, Henlere and Grieg) to the present (highlighted by a composition by Mark Kieme that was described by Pete Kahn as making him think of three mosquitoes and a rhinoceros). The harmonies created by the four saxophones in the various musical pieces were marvelous.

As we have come to expect, the fun that the musicians had playing carried over to the audience, with everyone enjoying the evening immensely.

Thanks again to The Detroit Reed Collective.

Joan Belgrave and Friends

2008-03-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

Jazz, blues, neo soul and gospel singer Joan Belgrave will be gracing the Players stage on Thursday, June 19 with some of her best friends.
This will be an unforgetable evening, so make plans to attend with some of your own best friends.
For details, check out
http://fineartssociety2.blogspot.com/2006/09/chamber-music-at-playhouse.html

or visit Joan's own web site at
http://joanbowbelgrave.com/

And The Winner Is...

2008-03-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Mitch Albom's play 'And The Winner Is...' entertained Fine Arts members and guests on May 30 and 31 at The Players Playhouse. This was only the third time this play by the local celebrity author was ever produced.
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As the title suggests, it is awards season in Hollywood when movie star Tyler Johnes (Rick Mason) wakes up in a strange bar where time has no meaning and nothing is as it seems.

All Johnes wants is to get to the Oscars so he can accept the Best Supporting Actor award he thinks he so richly deserves, but the odd bartender named Seamus (Marty Bufalini) keeps throwing a wrench in the works.

Unexpected appearances by his old acting partner Teddy (Randy Skotarczyk),

his agent Kyle (Charly Davis),

his well-endowed escort Serenity (Laura Ver Beek)

and his soon-to-be ex-wife Sheri (Kim Czanojc) further complicate Johnes’ attempts to keep his date with destiny.

Flavored with Albom’s signature introspection, And The Winner Is... has all the charm of It’s A Wonderful Life for life in the fast lane.

Directed by Susan Davis (with assistance by Marianne Shrader) and co-produced by Norma Eschenburg andf Shirl Williams, the play delighted all who attended.

Even the back-stage crew (Sally Van Deventer, Jonathan Davis, Jesse Villegas, Bob Lee, Laurie Striebel and Gina Telford) had fun.

The Art of the Horn Section

2008-03-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Come see and hear The Motor City Horns and The Brothers Groove on Thursday, May 15.

John Rutherford, Mark Byerly, Keith Kaminski, Chris Codish and Skeeto Valdez promise an entertaining evening of Blues and funk. They will play some jazz standards and some original music.

45 Seconds From Broadway

2008-03-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

Fine Arts audiences were treated to another wonderful weekend with their production of Neil Simon's 45 Seconds From Broadway.
A cafe in midtown-Manhattan's tourist-class Edison Hotel, a long-time watering hole for struggling actors, aspiring writers, standup comics, and suburban matinee ladies, was the backdrop for this hilarious Neil Simon comedy. Holding center stage was Bill McCarthy, playing the Jackie Mason-like comedian Mickey Fox.
He was surrounded by an eclectic cast of characters including the dining spot's lovable proprietor Bernie (Geno Pirrami) and his doting wife Zelda (Karen Quarnstrom),

the upscale society dame Rayleen (DJ Haska), in search of an intricately double-brewed cup of tea served in fine china on white linen, and her nearly nute husband Charles (Steve Shrader),

the British impressario Andrew Duncan (Tom Casey),
a hopeful Broadway ingenue Megan Woods (Myra Lamphier) following in her mother's footsteps,
and a South African playwright Solomon Mantutu (James Abud),

Mickey's brother Harry (John Diebel), operator of a Philadelphia bookstore, and a past-her-prime Broadway actress Bessie (Deldon Treece),

and two know-it-all suburban ladies Arlene (Bernadette Platt) and Cindy (Laurie Striebel).

Simon's typical one-liners flew fast and furiously throughout comic the first act; then the play took a more serious turn worthy of an Arthur Miller drama in Act II when Mickey's older brother pleads with him to help hid son become the comedian he desperately wants to be. Charles finally vents his frustrations.

Heart Strings

2008-02-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Adventure Club Cello Quartet (Naomi Levine, Irina Tikhonova, David Levine and Deborah Shuster) again provided us with a wonderful evening of music as part of the Chamber Music at The Playhouse series. The program Heart Strings, conceived and organized by Naomi Levine, had a general theme of love and romance through the ages.
We loved it all!

The first half the the program started with the overture to Mozart's The Impressario, then went on with Massenet'e Meditation from Thais, and included songs by Sullivan, Cole Porter, Lennon & McCartney, their version of Dueling Cellos, Pavan: The Earl of Salisbury by Byrd, and finally the Pizzicato Polka by Strauss.

Then, after some yummies provided by the ladies of The Theatre Arts Club of Detroit, they continued with the allegretto from Haydn's String Quartet Op. 76, #5, songs by Gade, Bach, Holland/Dozier/Holland, Puccini's Musetta's Waltz from La Boheme, the Creole Love Call by Ellington, Jenkins' Palladio. They finished with their arrangement of Sousa's The Stars and Stripes Forever, which brought the audience to its collective feet.

This concert was a rousing success as Theatre Arts' fundraiser for the Eva Woodbridge Victor scholarship, with the current scholarship recipient (Cory Johnson), in attendance with her portfolio of accomplishments in Wayne State University theater.

Thank you to The Adventure Club Cello Quartet!

The Amabile Tango Trio

2008-01-12T06:05:00.000-08:00

Tom Warren (guitar), Cathy Sherwin(flute), and Michael McGillivray (violin and viola) are congradulated and thanked for bringing their wonderful musical talents to The Playhouse and for giving us a delightful taste of South American music by Astor Piazzolla mixed with other interesting pieces for guitar, flute and violin.
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The second season of Chamber Music at The Playhouse continues to provide us with seldom-heard, but fascinating music.

A diverse audience that nearly filled The Founders Room heard Cathy play Syrinx by Claude Debussy, Cathy and Mike with Jean Baptiste Loeillet de Gant's Sonata in G Major, Mike and Tom playing Paganini's Cantabile for Violin and Guitar and four of Piazzolla's tangos.

We were then treated to Joseph Kreutzer's Trio for Flute, Viola and Guitar.

After a brief intermission with coffee and cookies provided by Sally VanDeventer and Joann Castle, we heard Cathy and Tom's version of Histoire du Tango and Martin Taylor's Musette for a Magpie.

What a fabulous way to spend a winter evening!

An Evening of Valentines

2007-12-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

Director Laurie Striebel and Producer Sue Owens treated the Fine Arts audience to two delightful evenings with the production of a two-part valentine weekend.
The first half of the evening found us following the lives of Andy Ladd and Melissa Gardner through a series of letters they have written to each other. In Love Letters, by author A.R. Gurney, we learn of the yearnings, triumphs and disappointments of two dear friends in an age before e-mail and text messaging.
Veteran Fine Arts member Julia Keim played the part of Melissa, while equally talented but new to the Fine Arts stage Rick Mason played Andy. We laughed and we cried, and thoroughly enjoyed every turn.
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This poignant and sometimes humorous tale was followed by three hilarious scenes from Lovers and Other Strangers, by Renee Taylor and Joseph Bologna.
Three different couples exposed the many faces (and farces) of modern-day love.
Current FASD President Charles S. "Charly" Davis IV and guest performer Amy Kuta showed us the pitfalls (and eventual rewards??) when Jerry makes every attempt to seduce Brenda to his bachelor pad.
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Next we witness the awkward meeting between two lovers in the bathroom during a party that both, each attached to other partners, are attending. Rick Mason as Hal and FASD member Donna Ridella as Cathy kept us in stitches.
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Then George Abud, a senior at Grosse Pointe North High School, as Bud, tries his hardest to break off his engangement to Susan, played by Ana Meda, also a GPNHS student. As might be expected, Bud succumbs immediately to the simple request "Did you get your tuxedo?"

Look for these two young thespians in future productions.

A Christmas Carol

2007-12-02T07:50:00.000-08:00

Director Susan Davis and Producer Shirley Worthman treated Fine Arts and Theatre Arts audiences to a wonderful portrayal of Israel Horovitz's adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the timeless story of the true spirit of Christmas.

As old business partner Jacob Marley (Charly Davis) looked on, Ebenezer Scooge (John Diebel) was transported through time and space first by the Spirit of Christmas Past (Karen Quarnstrom).

Scrooge was reminded of events and friends from early years (younger Scrooge played by a series of guest actors including Liam Conlan, Cody Shrader and Matthew Becker) , including best friend Dick Wilkins (Cody Shrader) and fiance Belle (Kim Czasnojc).
The Spirit of Christmas Present (Jack Petz) showed Scrooge how his miserly ways affected people around him, including the poor (the young chorus of Lindsey Shrader, Maggie Rapai, Liam Conlan, Amanda Shrader, Cody Shrader, Avery Platt, Caroline Forster and Claire Platt), do-gooders wanting to help them (Bernice Platt and Paul Gracey) and his employee Bob Cratchitt and his family (Rob Green, Isabelle Donnelly, Leonie Leslie, Claire Platt and Avery Platt).

He shows the famous twins Ignorance (Liam Conlan) and Want (Lindsey Shrader) to Scrooge with the warning: "This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want. Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom, unless the writing be erased."
The Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come (Nancy Radke) then took Scrooge into the future to see the direction his miserly ways would lead, with his fellow businessmen (Matthew Becker, Paul Gracey, Geno Pirrami and fiddle player John Telford) debating even whether to go to his funeral, and scavengers Mrs. Dilber (Lisa Lechniak), Old Joe (Daniel Badia) and friend (Laura Pruitt) fighting over his clothes.
In the end, of course, Scrooge recognizes his errors, shouts out to Adam (Avery Platt) to get a holiday turkey for the Cratchitt family, promises to unite with nephew Fred (Gabriel Camero) and his wife (Kim Czasnocj) and to help all those in need.

And finally the audience was lifted into the Christmas Season by Tiny Tim’s “God bless us, Every-One.”

The Great Lakes Consort Baroque Ensemble

2007-12-02T07:10:00.000-08:00

Lynne Marie Flegg (Oboe), Kristin Reynolds (Oboe), Mark Flegg (Trumpet), Nadine Deleury (Cello) and Angelina Pashmakova (Harpsichord) are congradulated and thanked for bringing their wonderful musical talents to The Playhouse and for taking us on a delightful European Holiday in the Baroque era.

Their music and oral presentations titillated our senses and put us into seventeenth century Europe. We learned much about the instruments, the music and the composers of the era, including Albinoni (Concerto a Cingue Opus 9, No. 9), Daquin (Le Coucou), Geminiani (Sonata in e minor), Purcell (Sonata in D Major), Scarlatti (Sonatas in C Major and d minor), Loeillet de Gant (Sonata in e minor), Telemann (Concerto in D Major) and, of course, J.S. Bach (Prelude from Suite No. 2 in d minor).

Our second season of Chamber Music at The Playhouse continues in wonderful fashion.

A Gershwin Get-Together

2007-09-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

Penny Masouris presented a delightful oral and video presentation about George Gershwin's life and music, highlighted by her playing and singing more than twelve of his show tunes.
Penny's obvious enthusiasm toward Gershwin's music rubbed off on the Fine Arts audience and the guests, enticing several to join in with the singing.
This wonderful program provided a fitting kick-off to the second season of Chamber Music at The Playhouse concerts.

Quatuor Nouveau of Detroit

2007-05-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Joseph Deller, Judith Teasdle, Jessica Zelinski and Brandon Cota are congratulated and thanked for bringing their wonderful musical talents to The Playhouse for the season finale of Chamber Music at The Playhouse.
Their first piece, the seldom heard String Quartet in G major by C.G. Reissiger told us that the music of this composer should be reintroduced to the modern repertory. It was beautiful!
Next our interest was piqued by the varying treatment given to a Russian folk theme by eight different composers.
And last, but certainly not least, was the incredibly soulful, beautiful playing of Borodin's String Quartet in D Major. In this case, Borodin proved the experts wrong in the common saying that the minor is richer than the major. Every movement was a gem played with heartfelt devoltion to the music and the composer. (Did I hear Baubles, Bangles and Beads in there?)

The MSU Graduate Brass Quintet

2007-04-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

The April 12th Chamber Music at The Playhouse concert was another smashing success, filling The Players Founders Room with beautiful people and with even more beautiful music! Mark Flegg and David Turrill (Trumpet), Michael Rieg (Horn), Simeon Stoyanov (Trombone) and Clinton McCanless (Tuba) are all to be thanked and congratulated! From their opening with Canona Bergamasca to their closing with That's a Plenty, The MSU Graduate Brass Quintet's music was fascinating and entertaining to all. This concert was a great change-of-pace for our Chamber Music at The Playhouse series. In their own words, a brass ensemble is not the typical chamber music offering. But the group was up to the task of presenting an interesting array of music, from Renaissance to Ragtime, to a discerning audience.
Click on Chamber Music at The Playhouse for information on the next concert by Quatuor Nouveau of Detroit in May.

The Absence of a Cello

2007-04-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

Director John Diebel and Producer Norma Eschenberg gave Fine Arts audiences a wonderful weekend with this poignant comedy by Ira Wallach.
Andrew Pilgrim (Rob Green), a world-renowned physicist needing money, decides to turn to the corporate world.
He accepts help from Perry Littlewood (Charles Davis) in fitting the 'corporate mold'.
While sister Marian Jellicoe (Sue Owens), wife Celia (Laurie Striebel) and nosy neighbor Emma Littlewood (Karen Quarnstrom) look on, Andrew endures the first awkward meeting with the corporate rep Otis Clifton (Rick Christenhusz).

As it turns out, Marian and Otis get a thing going,

while daughter Joanna (Sharron Nelson) and Perry do the same.

Of course, Andrew has to carefully evaluate every question before deciding his future,

And after a loooong night out by Marian,

and Perry trying his hardest to be helpful,

Andrew finally says 'FORGET IT!!'

The Day After The Fair

2007-03-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

Another successful Fine Arts weekend was experienced with the presentation of Frank Harvey's The Day After The Fair. Director Steve Shrader, Producer Lee Peters and their cast of Laura Bartell (Edith), John Denler (Arthur), Joann Koch (Letty), Laura Ver Beek (Anna), Shaun Day (Charles) and Gina Telford (Sarah) can be proud of their efforts.
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In the turn-of-the-century love story, Anna, a servant befriended by her mistress, meets an attractive stranger at the country town fair. A second meeting leads to not unexpected amorous consequences. Charles, a budding barrister, returns to London, but initiates a series of love letters between the two. Edith, the not happily married mistress, assists Anna with her letters, which eventually lead to a proposal of marriage and a rather surprising ending.
The play is true to the short story On the Western Circuit by Thomas Hardy.
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The set, based on a design by Darryl Clement for Theatre Britain was marvelous, giving the illusion of a carousel, which plays an important part in the telling of the story.

The period costuming, by members Laurie Striebel, Sharon Conti and Norma Eschenberg was breathtaking. A number of the dresses were pulled from our storage, patched, pinned, repaired and otherwise adjusted to put the characters into not only the right time period, but more importantly the right frame of mind.
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Numerous period props were collected and manufactured by Geri Day and her crew, including a Halma board. What's that, you say?
Check out http ://www.tradgames.org.uk/games/Halma.htm
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And the music between scenes provided a continuity to keep the audience spellbound throughout the evening. It was composed, performed and recorded by Christopher George and kindly supplied for Fine Arts' enjoyment by Theatre Britain http://www.theatre-britain.com/
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Jan Robb displayed an array of beautiful pottery pieces in The Founders Room during the pre-show wine reception and intermission.
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The evening was topped off by a delectable "light supper" served to us in their usual style by The Gourmet? Group.

And true-to-form, the last to leave The Playhouse were (you guessed it) Grete & Peter Rettig and Patti & Bob Phillips.

The Amabile Bach Ensemble

2007-03-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

The Amabile Bach Ensemble provided a wonderful evening of music by JS Bach for the Chamber Music at The Playhouse series on Thurday evening, March 8. The Founder's Room of The Players Playhouse turned out to be a perfect fit for this music.

Susan Clark Joul started us off and wowed the audience with the cello solo Suite No. 1 in G Major (BWV 1007).

Not to be outdone, the foursome consisting of Catherine Sherwin (flute), Sonia Lee (violin), Ms. Joul (cello) and Angelina Pashmakova (harpsichord) completed the Trio Sonata IV in c minor, from the Musical Offering (BWV 1079) absolutely flawlessly.

Then, after lovely refreshments provided by the Fine Arts ladies, Ms. Joul's wonderful voice led the way through the cantata "Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten," (BWV 202). The accompaniment of the mini-orchestra consisting of Ms. Lee and Michael J. McGillivray on violins, Lynne Marie Flegg on oboe, Constance Marckwick on viola, Eugene Zenzen on cello, Ms. Pashmakova on harpsichord and Dale Anderson on double bass was something to both see and hear. The balance between musicians allowed us to hear every note from every instrument. Fabulous!!!

The Detroit Reed Collective

2007-02-10T17:49:00.000-08:00

The Detroit Reed Collective (with Paul Onachuck, Pete Kahn, Mark Kieme and Mark Berger) filled The Playhouse with some exciting music from saxophones, clarinets, oboes and a variety of other reed instruments (18 different instruments in all).

The jazzy evening was enjoyed by all!

The music included pieces by Lennie Niehaus, Juan Tizol, the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, Thrasher Sax Quartet, Astor Piazzolla, Charles Mingus, The Six Brown Brothers, Billy Strayhorn, J.P. Sousa and the debut of a new piece by Detroiter Walter White Forwind Motion for Woodwind Quartet.

The Amabile Flute Quartet

2007-01-12T07:24:00.000-08:00

The second of our Chamber Music at The Playhouse concert series on January 11th gave us another wonderful evening, filling The Players Founders Room with beautiful people and with even more beautiful music!

Catherine Sherwin(flute), Michael J. McGillivray(violin), James Greer(viola) and Susan Clark Joul(cello) are all to be thanked and congratulated!

Their opening with Haydn's "London" Trio captured the audience, which was then entranced with selections from "Carmen" and Beethoven's String Trio in c minor.

After a pleasant intermission, with goodies provided by Harbortown Market, we heard some hauntingly beautiful Japanese music by Toshitsugu Ogihara. The duets for flute and violin were presented to perfection by Cathy and Mike.

And finally, we were treated to Mozart's Quartet in D Major for flute, violin, viola and cello. One certainly couldn't tell that Mozart didn't like the flute. The piece was wonderful.

Throughout the evening, I was particularly aware of the lack of noise from the notoriously sqeaky Players chairs.

I'm now looking forward with great anticipation to our next concert on February 8. Check out the details by clicking below.

http://fineartssociety2.blogspot.com/2006/09/chamber-music-at-playhouse.html

Taking Leave

2006-12-05T15:54:00.000-08:00

Taking Leave, was brilliantly presented on the Fine Arts stage by Donna Ridella and her cast of Gary Miller (Eliot-1), Mickey Hertzog (Eliot), Heather Bondy (Mrs. Fleming), Kim Czasnojc (Alma), Agnes Dmochowski (Liz) and Becky Dennis (Cordelia).

The three sisters (Alma, Liz and Cordelia) encounter numerous roadblocks (one of which is the caring Mrs. Fleming) in their quest to solve their father's situation,

while Eliot's alter ego drifts in and out of reality.

Eliot finds himself in the fogginess between our world and the one that comes after taking leave.

There is much discussion and consternation,

Before Cordelia slowly wins her father's confidence and takes on the task of escorting him through the remainder of his life.

The Adventure Club Cello Quartet

2006-11-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

The November 9th Chamber Music at The Playhouse concert was a smashing success, filling The Players Founders Room with beautiful people and with even more beautiful music!

Naomi and David Levine, Deborah Shuster and Irina Tikhonova are all to be thanked and congratulated!

From their opening of Vivaldi's Concerto in D Major to the closing with Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever, The Adventure Club's music was fascinating and entertaining to all.

This concert was a fitting start to what we hope will be a long string of Chamber Music at The Playhouse concerts.

See the posting below for information on the next concert by The Amabile Flute Quartet in January.

Chamber Music at The Playhouse

2006-09-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

Fine Arts hosts a series of chamber music concerts (4th season).

WHEN

2009 - 2010

Thursday, October 15 . . . . The Amabile Chamber Trio

Catherine Sherwin, flute

Sonia Lee, violin

Michael J. McGillivray, violin and viola

Monday, December 7 . . The Motor City Brass Quintet

David Ammer - Derek Lockhart, trumpet

Dave Everson, French horn

John Rutherford, trombone

Jacob Cameron, tuba

"Holiday Brass!!!"

Thursday, January 21 . . The Adventure Club Cello Quartet

David Levine

Naomi Levine

Irina Tikhonova

Deborah Shuster

Thursday, March 25 . . The Christa Grix Trio

Christa Grix, harp

Kurt Krahnke, bass

Pete Siers, drums

"Hip Harp"

April . . tbd

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TIME

7:30 PM

WHERE

THE PLAYERS PLAYHOUSE
3321 East Jefferson Avenue
Detroit, MI 48207
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Ticket Price:

$15.00 at the door

$12.00 in advance

$40.00 season ticket (4 concerts)

For tickets or information:
Steve Shrader 313-483-3981 steveshr@comcast.net

Joann Castle 313-259-1191

Michael J. McGillivray, Artistic Advisor 248-645-9686 mcgillvn@gmail.com

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The Founders Room of the historic Players Playhouse, built in 1925, provides a warm, intimate setting for these small musical concerts. Seats 90.

Casual attire.

Come listen to some beautiful music, then meet and talk with the musicians over cake and coffee.