Wednesday • 4
No Way to Treat a Lady
THEATER
Douglas T. Cohen’s dark musical comedy just finished its run at the Boarshead Theatre in Lansing, and the press in Ingham County gave three cheers. The Lansing State Journal said, “This show explodes with as much energy as a Broadway musical with a cast of 50 ... often hilarious, sometimes poignant, and occasionally hair-raising,” and the Lansing City Pulse said, “This play is attractive because it is both well-written and exceedingly well-acted.” See for yourself at Meadow Brook Theatre, 2200 N. Squirrel Rd., Rochester; 248-377-3300. Runs Wednesdays through Sundays, Jan. 2-29.
Friday • 6
Bill Charlap Trio
MUSIC
He’s the son of a singer (Sandy Stewart, who worked with Benny Goodman) and a songwriter (Moose “I Was Telling Her About You” Charlap). His keyboard influences include pianists Bill Evans, Jimmy Rowles and Tommy Flanagan. His former employers include saxophonist Phil Woods and Gerry Mulligan. His trio mates are the crack team of Kenny and Peter Washington on bass and drums. And since emerging as a leader, he’s recorded tributes to Hoagy Carmichael, Leonard Bernstein and George Gershwin. To say that Bill Charlap bursts with songs and ideas on where to take them is putting it mildly. Orchestra Hall in the Max M. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-576-5111.
Friday • 6
The Painters Play
PERFORMANCE ART/ART
Here’s a new way to enjoy fine art: Take four artists, set them up in a gallery with an easel and their painting materials, and shine the spotlight on them. This weekend, the Sherrus Gallery of Fine Art in Northville has invited four local artists — Jeri Von Buskirk (mixed media), Shadida Sassak (abstract), Gwen Tomkow (watercolor) and Jeff Von Buskirk (acrylic/oil) — to create an original piece of artwork in front of an audience. The event is called “The Painters Play.” After the show, the gallery will auction off several of the artists’ works, including the just-made items. 6 p.m. 109 N. Center St., Northville; 248-380-0470.
Friday • 6
CCS Selections: A Fine Art Invitational
ART
As part of the College for Creative Studies’ 100th anniversary celebration, the beautiful Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center will host CCS Selections: A Fine Art Invitational. Offered are selected works from recent graduates and current seniors, including Kylie Lockwood, Brian C. Barr, Faina Lerman and others. Opening reception 6-8 p.m. 1516 S. Cranbrook Rd., Birmingham; 248-644-0866. Runs until Jan. 27.
Friday • 6
Swan Lake
DANCE
International favorite the Moscow Festival Ballet takes on Dearborn this weekend. They’ll perform the classic ballet, Swan Lake, which is set to one of Tchaikovsky’s most enduring scores. The troupe just completed a whirlwind tour of Europe, including playing to a capacity crowd at London’s Coliseum. This local presentation is a rare treat. The Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-943-2354.
Friday-Saturday • 6-7
Jailhouse Rock
FILM
You know the songs, you definitely know the man, but you might not know the movie. 1957’s Jailhouse Rock features Elvis Presley, the King himself, as the attractive young Vince Everett, who’s serving a one-year sentence for manslaughter. When his cellmate, a former country singer, introduces him to the music biz, it’s up to Everett to do the right thing with his newfound fame. 8 p.m. Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser, Detroit; 313-537-2560.
Friday-Saturday • 6-7
The 12th Annual Anti-Freeze Blues Festival
MUSIC
Anyone who digs their blues — past, present or future — should make their way to the 12th Annual Anti-Freeze Blues Festival this weekend. Olu Dara (Naz’s daddy) headlines Friday’s lineup (which includes performances by RJ & the Rhythm Rockers, featuring C.C. Collins and others), and Saturday night brings the Siegel-Schwall Band, Johnnie Bassett & the Blues Insurgents, Jeff Grand & the Grandmasters, and Laith Al-Saadi. Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-544-3030.
Saturday • 7
The Rock’n Holiday Doo-Wop Special
MUSIC
Don’t let the wrinkles and beet-red penguin suits scare you, the Rock’n Holiday Doo-Wop Special is a joyride down memory lane. Featuring performances by the Impalas (“I Ran all the Way Home”), the Willows (“Church Bells are Ringing”), Mel Carter (“Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me”) and others, this evening of harmony and mirth is for music lovers of any age. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway, Detroit; 313-961-3500.
Saturday • 7
The Passenger
FILM
Local filmmaker Jamie Sonderman has already made a name for himself ’round these parts. His short film, The Chair, recently won first place at the Visions of U.S. video competition (judged by Francis Ford Coppola, Tim Allen and LeVar Burton) and his latest work, The Passenger, has already generated a bunch of buzz. The movie is about Detroit’s underground art movement and was shot entirely within the city limits. It features music from local musicians Ben Cyllus, Helvetica and Audra Kubat. Premieres at 7 p.m. Emagine Theatre, 44425 W. 12 Mile Rd., Novi; 248-319-3456.
Ongoing
The Armory Show: A Group Exhibition
ART
Book Beat, one of metro Detroit’s best-loved bookstores, always has something special in the works. This month, it will exhibit a group show featuring works by Gordon Newton, one of the ’60s Cass Corridor artists; William Rauhauser, professor emeritus at the College for Creative Studies; and the Nightcrawlerz Collective, a photography collaboration between Barry Roth and Cary Loren. The title refers to an earthshaking 1913 exhibition, the solidarity of the artists in this show and way more than we have room to go into here. Runs through March 20. 26010 Greenfield Rd., Oak Park; 248-968-1190.
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