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 Commitment to theater |
3424 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201 United States +1 313 577 2960 http://www.theatre.wayne.edu/t... |
The Bonstelle Theatre has long awaited, in vain, the fruition of the many plans to revitalize the area between downtown and the Cultural Center. This bulky, aging, but still splendid edifice has hung on despite the blight surrounding it, because of Wayne State University's commitment to its undergraduate theater program. Plays here are generally classics or revivals of Broadway musicals, with many budding stars seeking spots in the university's prestigious graduate theater program. This is a bargain for adventurous theater-goers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dave Hogg  |
 Gem of a theatre |
333 Madison Avenue Detroit, MI 48226 United States +1 313 963 9800 http://www.gemtheatre.com/cent... |
Located in the same building as the Gem Theatre, Century has its fair share of events to enthrall crowds. The stage is known to have hosted comedies, musicals and Broadway hits. Century Grille Restaurant is in the same building and it offers 'Dinner and Show' certificates and the Elwood Bar and Grill, located minutes away, holds similar packages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Super Arena |
300 Civic Center Drive Detroit, MI 48226 United States +1 313 983 6616 |
Situated near the Detroit River, the Cobo Arena is one of Michigan's finest event sites, entertaining national and international audiences for over four decades. The Detroit Basketball Championships are held here and so are some of the greatest rock and roll concerts in the world - Slipknot, Madonna and KISS to name a few. Contemporary bands such as Weezer, Jimmy Eat World, Bush, Oasis, Blink 182, Ben Harper, and the Goo Goo Dolls as well as seasoned veterans like Bob Dylan play here today. Cobo hosts several sporting and civic events, rallies, gatherings and location shoots. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bill Walsh |
 Photo: Ed Roth |
 Photo: Renee Tellez |
 Photo: Mark Hellekjaer |
 Photo: Greg S |
 Photo: andre3002 |
 Photo: erin and grande baliad |
 Photo: A Dubs |
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Restored to Grandeur |
1526 Broadway Detroit, MI 48226 United States +1 313 961 3500 http://www.motopera.org/ |
Newly restored to its former splendor, the Detroit Opera House is an aged downtown landmark that now finds itself right in the middle of the action, bordered by the Theatre District, Comerica Park, and Greektown. The superb acoustics in the hall provide a prime venue for the Michigan Opera Theatre and for a variety of other performing arts productions, including plays, concerts and dance performances. In days gone by, it was a theatre, concert and movie house, the fifth-largest in the world when it opened in 1922. The frescoes, marble stairways, draperies and chandeliers from its glory days have been restored. The Opera House reopened in 1996 with a performance by Luciano Pavarotti. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pavel Dyban |
 Photo: SNWEB.ORG |
 Photo: dtownie.com |
 Photo: Scott Reed |
 Photo: Julius |
 Photo: Laura |
 Photo: Simone Y. Emberton |
 Photo: Chaitree Basak |
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Proud Survivor of Urban Theater |
13103 Woodrow Wilson Avenue Detroit, MI 48238 United States +1 313 868 1347 http://www.detroitreptheatre.com/ |
A true survivor, the Detroit Repertory Theatre has been located since 1957 along a now mostly abandoned commercial strip in a neglected neighborhood far off the beaten track. Isolated geographically and demographically and facing long odds, the theater has fought and scraped to stay open. From the start, its controversial policy has been to use actors of any race to play characters of any race. Some of the most exhilarating moments in Detroit theater have taken place at this small, bootstrap venue. For those who value risk-taking in theater, it's worth going out of your way to get here. A cash bar is available in the lobby. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Detroit's Jewel |
31 North Walnut Street Detroit, MI 48043 United States +1 586 913 1920 http://www.emeraldtheatre.com/ |
Detroit's premier concert venue and nightclub, The Emerald Theatre hosts rock, jazz and blues acts during the week and on the weekends it transforms in to a happening nightclub. The Complex also houses the Rock Room, which is a lounge bar where you'll find an array of theme nights, drink specials and a quality mix of rock & roll. Its sound system envelops patrons and infuses their very being with music! They play old-time disco tunes, light rap on the order of Beastie Boys, new-wave favorites such as New Order and the Violent Femmes and contemporary electronic dance. The Emerald is loud and fun, and has been instrumental in reinventing this city's nightlife. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: The Detroit Pod Show |
 Photo: daycoppens |
 Opulent Anchor of Theater Scene |
3011 W Grand Blvd Suite 100 Detroit, MI 48202 United States +1 313 872 1000 http://www.nederlanderdetroit.... |
Located inside the golden-domed Fisher Building in Detroit's New Center, the Fisher Theatre has long been Detroit's venue for touring productions of Broadway plays and musicals. These and other national theatrical productions usually fill the seats at this meticulously renovated historic gem. The lobby of the Fisher Building is spectacularly ornate, and the theatre itself is grand. Over the years, it has been Detroit's stable window on the world of theatre and one of the most elegant destinations in the city. All the seats, even in the balcony, are good ones. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Naoko McCracken |
 Photo: Merlin Elsner |
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Unequalled treasure of wretched excess |
2211 Woodward Avenue (Corporate Headquarters) 4th Floor Detroit, MI 48201 United States +1 313 596 3200 / +1 313 471 6611 (Box Office) http://www.olympiaentertainmen... |
The preservation of this theater is one of Detroit's proudest achievements. The 5,000 seat palace of the arts, arguably the most opulent in the nation when it opened in 1928, was designated a national landmark in 1989 after a $11 million refurbishment by new owner Mike Ilitch. The oldest, continually operating theater in the United States features a 10-storeyed marquee, a six-storeyed lobby with a two-ton chandelier and 300,000 glass jewels in its interior. The exotic presentation of lions, gold fixtures and jaw-dropping grandeur harkens back to the flamboyant era of movie houses. The Fox is now busy with concerts, family-oriented shows and a wide variety of other offerings. It's the anchor of the Theatre District and perhaps Detroit's greatest civic treasure. Check the website for events and shows. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Mastrogiacomo |
 Photo: Lance Luce |
 Photo: Mark Danielson |
 Photo: Rhonda McElroy |
 Photo: christophe dune |
 Photo: Terry Johnston |
 Photo: Rob Fekete |
 Photo: Pietro Caira |
 Photo: Trevor Connell |
 Photo: thataintright2006 |
 Photo: stratus19rt |
 Photo: Melissa C. Ainslie |
 Photo: Lauren Baljeu |
 Photo: Baz's photos |
 Photo: Michelle Lin |
 Photo: Chad Derdowski |
 Photo: Tomofumi Kitano |
 Photo: Leslie Marie A. |
 Photo: steavenbgill |
 Photo: blackhole-factory |
 Photo: stephanie Schneider |
 Photo: Alan Vultaggio |
 Photo: Joelle Sedlmeyer |
 Photo: parkerdizzyatmosphere |
 Photo: Deborah Henderson |
 Photo: Billy G. |
 Photo: Timothy Bowman |
 Photo: John VanderHaagen |
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Relocated, Renovated Theatrical Treasure |
333 Madison Ave Detroit, MI 48226 United States +1 313 963 9800 http://www.gemtheatre.com/ |
Developer Chuck Forbes meticulously restored this 450-seat, 1926-vintage theater in the early 1990s, recreating its intricate proscenium panels and original carpeting. The theatre, a part of the Century Club building, has a long and checkered history: the first foreign film to be shown in Detroit was screened here, and later it hosted vaudeville and burlesque shows. After the Gem's restoration and reopening, the Century Club and Gem seemed doomed, because they were in the path of the new baseball and football stadiums. To save it, it was carted five blocks away in 1997—the heaviest building ever moved on wheels. Now it hosts intimate local shows, such as Jeff Daniels' Escanaba in Da Moonlight. It's a real gem of the Theatre District. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marjorie O'Brien |
 Photo: The_Glide |
 Photo: Dave Hogg |
 Getting Involved in Dinner |
108 East Main Street Detroit, MI 48167 United States +1 248 349 0522 http://www.genittis.net/ |
By day, this little spot in downtown Northville is a deli-style luncheonette, with homemade soups and sandwiches. By night, it's an interactive dinner theater, where the guests get involved in the mystery or comedy. The dinner is patterned after a traditional Italian seven-course wedding feast, and the shows take place in a 132-seat theater. The restaurant gets its name because its first expansion entailed knocking a hole in the wall of an adjoining market. A whimsical attitude infuses the entire place. The food is mainstream Italian, delicious and filling. Dinner is by reservation only, so be sure to call and claim a seat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Still Rockin' |
14238 Harper Avenue Detroit, MI 48213 United States +1 313 824 1700 http://www.harposconcerttheatr... |
It was originally called Harper Theatre and designed in art-deco style over 65 years ago. In the 70's it was converted into a nightclub, but today the marquee says Harpos Concert Theatre and events like MTV2's Headbangers Ball are hosted here. Other heavy-metal and industrial rock bands make Harpos the happening venue in Detroit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lavalight |
 Photo: BigFreaky |
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Top-Notch Collegiate Theater |
4743 Cass Ave Detroit, MI 48202 United States +1 313 577 2972 http://www.theatre.wayne.edu/ |
The Hilberry is the main venue for Wayne State University's acclaimed graduate theater program, the only such program in the nation. Located in an elegant old building on the southern fringe of the main campus, it features a strong lineup of plays, usually from October through April. Many have matinee performances for schoolchildren. The productions are of uniformly good quality. Also in the same building is the small Studio Theatre, where more experimental fare is presented as part of a student workshop program. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Expect Anything In This Suburban Culture Center |
44575 Garfield Road Detroit, MI 48038 United States +1 586 286 2141 / +1 586 286 2222 (Ticket Office) http://www.macombcenter.com |
Located on the Central Campus of Macomb County Community College, this is a first-rate community arts center, the most active in the United States. It includes an art gallery and showcases a wide range of performances, from local musicians to touring musicals to family shows to dance to comedy acts. If you find yourself in the northeastern reaches of the Detroit area, this might be your best bet for entertainment. Each season the center presents an eclectic lineup of nearly 100 events, with a wide range of performers from the likes of Yo-Yo Ma to Tim Conway. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Temple of grandeur |
500 Temple St Detroit, MI 48201 United States +1 313 832 7100 http://themasonic.com/ |
The largest Masonic Temple in the world, this ornate 14-story building opened in 1926. For decades its 5,000-seat, acoustically rich and intimate auditorium served as Detroit's choicest venue for concerts, opera and plays. Now that it has plenty of competition, the auditorium hosts only sporadic events. The impressive building has 1,037 rooms, including ten decorative period lodge rooms; a Scottish Rite Cathedral that seats 1,600 people and has rich ceiling carvings and colors; and a 17,500-square-foot drill hall with a floating floor laid atop felt cushions. It's a Detroit landmark. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Matt Callow |
 Photo: Scot Alsop |
 Photo: emily dunn |
 Photo: Brian Munroe |
 Photo: Tatiana Falk |
 Photo: rich-s |
 Photo: Nick Michaelson |
 Photo: clobby |
 Photo: Dennis McDowell |
 Photo: NomadLuv |
 Photo: Cris |
 Photo: Eamon Daly |
 Photo: Sarah A. Fisher |
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Remote but professional theater |
207 Wilson Hall Oakland University Detroit, MI 48309 United States +1 248 377 3300 http://www.mbtheatre.com |
On the campus of Oakland University, Meadow Brook Theatre is somewhat remote from much of the Detroit area, but it's worth the drive. Since 1967, it has been the professional theater in residence at the university and has won many awards for excellence. Both local and imported talent from New York and Chicago contribute to the sets and productions. The venue itself is a rather sterile auditorium, but the sight lines and acoustics are more than adequate. You will need to drive if you want to eat or drink after the show, as no nightspots are available on campus. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dinner theatre on rails |
840 N Pontiac Trail Detroit, MI 48390 United States +1 248 960 9440 http://www.michiganstarclipper... |
Traveling through a rolling countryside on the old Coe Railroad, this elegantly appointed dinner train offers a five-course meal plus a murder mystery, comedy wedding, musical or other theatrical presentation. The food is prepared on board and includes a choice of meat, seafood or vegetarian entrees; a cash bar is available with fine wines. The train can also be rented for meetings and private parties. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Everything's Fair |
1120 West State Fair Avenue Corner of Woodard and Eight Mile Detroit, MI 48203 United States +1 313 369 8250 / +1 313 369 8254 http://www.michigan.gov/mistat... |
Home to the Michigan State Fair, the fairgrounds also host events such as the Gun and Knife Show, Giant Motorcycle Swap Meet, Building Material Auction, and various wrestling events. The indoor coliseum is also home to the Wayne State University Hockey team. The fairgrounds have been around since the 1850s and attract crowds from neighboring states as well. On-site parking is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Liza |
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Historic temple of dance |
350 Madison Ave Detroit, MI 48226 United States +1 313 963 2366 http://www.musichall.org/ |
Opened in 1928 as the Wilson Theatre, the Music Hall underwent a $6.5 million renovation in the mid-1990s. This historic venue is sometimes considered the dance capital of the midwestern United States. Though dance is the top attraction, the center's eclectic schedule includes musicals, opera, family shows and comedy acts, almost always national touring productions. It's ideally situated between the new stadiums and Greektown and, after decades of bravely going it all alone, now finds itself an integral part of a thriving theatre district. All of the 1,701 seats have great sight lines and wonderful acoustics. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: SNWEB.ORG |
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Authentic, challenging urban theater |
2870 Grand Blvd Suite 600 Detroit, MI 48202 United States +1 313 872 0279 http://www.plowshares.org |
An independent theater company founded in 1990, Plowshares has specialized in plays of interest to African-American audiences. It has established a connection to audiences with vibrant, challenging productions. Community workshops and programs for schoolchildren have also cemented its civic reputation. Its nondescript theatre space on Grand Boulevard puts it outside the orbit of the downtown Theatre District, and it lacks the historic attraction of more ornate and interesting buildings. The play's the thing here, not the scenery. And there are few better ways to sample and understand Motown culture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Grand Performances |
318 West Fourth Street Detroit, MI 48067 United States +1 248 399 2980 http://www.royaloakmusictheatr... |
The Royal Oak Theatre's lobby was returned to its original design scheme, which boasts of elaborate stenciling, ornate trim and old-fashioned wall sconces. It has been host to a variety of performers from the fields of music, theatre and comedy acts. The theatre is also used for high-end corporate parties and doubles up as a nightclub. The only thing you won't see here is an actual musical theatre! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marjorie O'Brien |
 Photo: Kate Sumbler |
 Photo: Mindy Large |
 Photo: Angela Eick |
 Photo: Shaana Way |
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The Saints Go Rocking |
431 East Congress Street Detroit, MI 48226 United States +1 313 961 8961 / +1 313 961 8137 http://www.standrewshall.com/ |
Hip Hop, Booty, Dancehall and Electro. If you want to rock to these tunes and more, then come on over to Saint Andrews Hall and Shelter where DJ Godfather and Paul Martindale perform. You can also party with the likes of Bowling for Soup and Still Never Fading. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Melissa Kilbride |
 Photo: erin leah pryde |
 Photo: Gina Myers |
 Photo: Charlotte Lawrie |
 Photo: Cori Chesnutt |
 Community Theatre at its Best |
415 S Lafayette Avenue Detroit, MI 48067 United States +1 248 541 8027 http://www.stagecrafters.org/ |
Arguably metropolitan Detroit's most accomplished community theatre group, Stagecrafters operates out of the beautifully restored vintage neighborhood theatre, the Baldwin. It's located in downtown Royal Oak. On a main stage and a second stage, the group presents a variety of classic plays and musicals, with regular youth theatre performances. Organ-accompanied silent movies are also occasionally shown. It's an affordable alternative to grander theatres, and the performances are consistently good. Afterwards, you're in a great position to walk to a dining or drinking establishment on Main Street. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marjorie O'Brien |
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On guard for dances or concerts |
2115 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201 United States +1 313 961 5450 http://www.statetheatredetroit... |
Since it opened in 1925, The Fillmore Detroit was called The State Theater earlier. Like many downtown Detroit movie houses, it has gone through numerous incarnations, from legitimate theater to burlesque to art-house cinema. Adjacent to the Fox Theatre, it's now in the center of downtown's hot zone. As a dance club, with a dozen bars sprinkled throughout its ornate interior, a high-tech video wall and a tri-level cabaret style set-up, it's perfect for parties. It's also used for concerts and movies. Patrons gawk at the white marble staircase, crystal chandelier and Corinthian columns in the lobby, and at statues of knights in armor guarding the stage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel Lackey |
 Photo: Terry Chan |
 Photo: -anna- |
 Photo: -anna- |
 Photo: dimag |