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Spring 2010 Events

January • February • March • April • May • June

Unless noted otherwise, call the Playhouse at the number above for additional information.

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January

Thursday January 7

7:00 pm

Concessions will be available for a nominal fee.

Inherit the Wind             

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake and the White Lake Community Library, presents the classic, 1960 film Inherit the Wind. Based on a real-life case in 1925, the so-called "Scopes Monkey Trial", the movie stars Spencer Tracy and Fredric March as the attorneys arguing the case for and against a science teacher accused of the crime of teaching evolution.

                    White Lake Community Library logo

February

Thursday February 4

7:00 pm

Concessions will be available for a nominal fee.

Breakfast at Tiffany's             

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake and the White Lake Community Library, presents Blake Edward's 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's starring Audrey Hepburn as a young New York socialite who becomes interested in a young man, played by George Peppard, who has moved into her apartment building. Teh film was nominated for five Academy Awards and wond two. The movie is based upon a novel written by Truman Capote.

                    White Lake Community Library logo

March

Thursday March 4

7:00 pm

Concessions will be available for a nominal fee.

Dr. No             

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake and the White Lake Community Library, presents the first cinematic treatment of Ian Fleming's classic character, James Bond. The 1962 film stars Sean Connery as agent 007 whose investigation of a missing colleague in Jamaica leads him to the island of the mysterious Dr. No and a scheme to end the US space program.

                    White Lake Community Library logo

Friday March 5

7:30 pm

Ticket: $10

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Max & Ruth Bloomquist

New CD Release, “Turn Back a Page” Concert!

Ruth and Max Bloomquist's music has been described as "Acoustic Americana with roots in folk, bluegrass, and traditional country music." The popular musical couple is set to release their long awaited fourth recording project, Turn Back A Page, their newest collection of original songs by award winning songwriter Ruth Bloomquist. This CD will be released for sale to the general public on March 2, 2010. This concert will be a celebration of this release. Come and hear the tunes, meet the musicians, grab a few drinks, and enjoy this phenomenally talented couple from West Michigan!

“Real songs with real emotions, great instrumental work, superb harmonies and one of the best female vocalists in the business. This CD is pure listening pleasure." Al Kniola, Host, The Back Porch, 88.1 WVPE Public Radio.

Opening music will be provided by Justin Weirenga. Justin is a self-taught multi-instrumental versed musician who has been playing the guitar since he was 8 years old. His influences range everywhere from the folk vein of Leo Kottke, the psychedelic avante-garde realm of Jerry Garcia and Ravi Shankar, and a deep influence from the world of jazz from the likes of Miles Davis and Chick Corea. Justin is a powerful improviser, which is best portrayed in his solo performances, where he has been known to improvise a piece of music for 10 to 20 minutes while keeping the audience captivated. When not playing acoustic or electric guitars, you can see him on pedal steel guitar, mandolin, banjo, and even keyboards.

This First Friday event is sponsored by Rodger I. Sweeting, Attorney at Law

Monday March 15
3 to 5 pm

Tuesday March 16 5:15 to 7:15 pm

Comedy-Drrama MasksWLDC Auditions

The White Lake Dramatic Club announces auditions for the Howmet Playhouse Summer Fine Arts Festival performance of Forever Yours which will be directed by Whitehall’s Mike Hill.

April

Thursday April 1

Cartoons 6:45 pm

Movie 7:00 pm

Concessions will be available for a nominal fee.

Harvey

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake and the White Lake Community Library, presents the classic 1950 film, Harvey, starring James Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd, a mild-mannered, pleasant man, who just happens (he says) to have an invisible friend resembling a 6-foot rabbit. The movie is based upon the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Mary Chase.

                    White Lake Community Library logo

Friday April 2

7:30 pm

Tickets: $10

Jen Sygit and Sam CorbinJen Sygit and Sam Corbin

The phenomenally talented duo of Jen Sygit and Sam Corbin will grace the Playhouse stage for April’s First Friday event! A nominee for her new album as best Local Female Solo Artist, Jen Sygit comes to us from Lansing, playing acoustic guitar, frail banjos, strum ukuleles and pick dobros. Sam Corbin plays music with hints of Americana, Blues, and Folk. His songwriting is strong and honest, drawing inspiration from personal experiences of love, loss, traveling, and Michigan, from its beautiful countryside to its struggling economy. Support this talented Michigan singer/songwriter duo by attending April’s First Friday concert. You may listen to their music at their website and on at their MySpace page. Join us for this one night event!

This First Friday event is sponsored by Rodger I. Sweeting, Attorney at Law, and by Helen and Andy Fink of A Finch Nest

Monday, April 5 -
Thursday, April 8

Youth Theatre Performing Arts Workshop

WLYT logoThe White Lake Youth Theatre will be holding its 2nd annual Performing Arts Workshop. Register by calling the Nuveen Center, 231.894.2787, at the Arts Council of White Lake. Scholarships are available.

Audition Dates
Apr 8, 12, 13

You need only attend ONE 1.5 hr. session:

  • Thursday, April 8 at the Howmet Playhouse, 4-5:30 pm
  • Monday, April 12 at the Nuveen Center, 4:30-6 pm or 6:30 - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, April 13 at the Nuveen Center, 4:30 - 6 pm or 6:30 - 8 pm

Class fee: $50 (upon acceptance)

Dragonfest Auditions

A Nuveen Center Theatre Workshop for Grades 3-12

The 2010 Nuveen Center Theatre Workshop performance is a Dragonfest. What is a "Dragonfest" you ask? It is a collage of one act plays, dance, and song about dragons, princesses, kings, queens, and knights. This show will be performed at the Howmet Playhouse on June 17, 18 & 19 and you must be able to attend ALL performances. Rehearsals will be kept to a minimum and scattered throughout April and May. Specific rehearsal times will be scheduled by age and show after auditions and casting. You must be available during the day and/or evening from June 12th through the 19th. This workshop is open to 3rd through 12th grade students who live anywhere within reasonable driving distance to the White Lake area. You must be able to get yourself to rehearsals. Rehearsals will always take place in Montague or Whitehall. The show will be directed by retired theatre director/teacher Alice L. Gambel assisted by an intern and/or other adults.

Audition Dates are listed to the left. You need attend only ONE 1.5 hr. session

Call 231-894-2787 to register for this exciting fun-filled Youth theatre opportunity!

Thursday April 15

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Register Early!

City Hall, 231.894.4048 Playhouse, 231.894.2540 (leave message)

For more information, contact: The Whitehall Sesquicentennial Committee at 231.981.0016

Sesquicentennial Celebration

Help Us Celebrate 150 years in White Lake!

The Howmet Playhouse will feature a film showing of Whitehall’s centennial parade and celebration. A film of the event that had been produced by several area residents—the two sons of the Joseph Sadony, Sr., Joe and Art, with the assistance of Bob Wesley. The film’s producers are no longer living, but Norm Ullman has teamed up with local philanthropist George Byam to create a DVD from the film, to make sure the 50-year old movie is available for public viewing. Ullman says he wants people to know what Whitehall was like during its 100th year. “You can see what the town looked liked in 1960,” he says, “the beautiful tree-lined streets, particularly Colby and Mears, and the activities that took place as part of the celebration. It was simply great!” Sesquicentennial logo items, such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, caps, calendars, medallions, and lapel pins will be available for sale at the event.

Donations will be accepted, and will be split between the Sesquicentennial Committee and the Playhouse Operating Fund.

Thursday April 22

7:30 pm

Tickets: $12

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Ben Bedford and Kari Abate-Bedford
Earth Day Concert

Recycling Benefit for the Playhouse!

Ben BedfordFresh from his European tour, this talented storyteller and songwriter hits the Howmet stage! With an understated intensity, Bedford delivers intriguing sketches of America, its individuals, their victories and their struggles. Poignant, but never sentimental, Bedford’s portrait-like songs capture the vitality of his characters and draw the listener deep into the narratives. With the release of his second album, Land of the Shadows, Ben Bedford "…has proven himself to be a truly inspired and talented storyteller…" according to Arthur Wood (FolkWax). In its first month of airplay, Land of the Shadows reached number one on the Folk-DJ charts with three songs in the top ten. Land of the Shadows finished 2009 strong, as the fourth most played album on Folk-DJ Radio for the year, making Bedford the 16th most played artist of the year. Ben and his lovely wife Kari will join us for a special Earth Day concert, and we hope you can make it!

May

Saturday May 1

7:00 pm

Tickets: $15

Cash Bar GIF

3rd Annual White Lake Blues Fest

Killer Blues logoFeaturing Bill Lupkin & Them Two Guys

Join us for this exciting event, the 3rd Annual White Lake Blues Fest, hosted by Killer Blues and featuring Bill Lupkin & Them Two Guys, This benefit will raise funds for the Killer Blues Headstone Project.

Barbeque from Pistol's Pete's BBQ and libations from Founders Brewery will be served.

Thursday May 6

7:00 pm

Concessions will be available for a nominal fee.

The Lost Treasure of Sawtooth Island             

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake and the White Lake Community Library, presents the 2000 family adventure film about a young man, Danny, who lives with one great dream: he wants to prove his late father was right about a pirate treasure in the depths of Lake Michigan. Everyone opposes Danny's dream, especially his grandfather Ben, a practical old salvage diver who doesn't believe in such nonsense. Suddenly everything changes when Ben has a tragic accident during a dive on a local wreck. The bank forecloses on Ben's property, and Danny, faced with living in a foster home, runs. That night he meets the ghost of Picaroon, who has come to warn Danny about a mysterious foe and to help him find the gold.

                    White Lake Community Library logo

Friday May 7

7:30 pm

Tickets: $10

Ticket Special: Buy one, get one half off, until the box office opens at 6:30 pm Friday

Photographers

Opening Act: The Meadowlarks

PhotographersMaren Hoopfer and John Hanson are The Photographers; and yes, both of them are actually photographers. They have been playing music together since 2008 and released their first album in 2009. Hailing from Traverse City, they enjoy riding their bikes everywhere and love to garden and promote local food culture. Their other-worldly instrumentation includes guitar, ukulele, banjo, clarinet, glockenspiel and vibraphone, while both their voices whirl in harmony. The two returned to Michigan early this spring from a European tour playing performances in the United Kingdom and Germany. Listen to their music and view their visual arts at either Cashmere Clubhouse or their MySpace page.

The Meadowlarks feature the songs of Alex Karpicke which speak with a sense of history and appreciation for the land and our experiences with it. Truly gifted crafters of song, The Meadowlarks bring intricate melody using traditional folk instruments and gentile voices. Sharing unique stories of a time passed and a beloved wilderness, these new folk artists will leave your heart warmed and mind nostalgic. Listen to their music on their MySpace page.

Download the poster: Screen size (4 x 5 inches) or Print size (8 x 10 inches). Be advised, both are very large, high resolution files.

This First Friday event is sponsored by Rodger I. Sweeting, Attorney at Law, by Cathy & Ron Russell of the White Swan Inn, and by the Utopian Marketplace

June

Thursday, June 3

Street Fair
4:00 to 7:00 pm

Rachael Davis Band
7:30 pm

Advance Admittance $5
Vendor Tickets Available at the Door

Tickets sold separately for both events

Taste of White Lake—2010TOWL logo

A Michigan-themed Street Fair

This year’s Taste of White Lake, featuring goodies from more than 20 local restaurants and caterers, is taking to the streets with a Michigan theme. Yes, a street fair with outdoor grills fired up, desserts galore, Michigan beer and wine, the many fresh foods available in Michigan in June, and live music inside and out! The alley end of Slocum Street will be closed to make room for a big tent for patrons and families to eat beneath, all while enjoying the sounds of wandering musicians throughout the day and night. The Arts Council of White Lake will showcase White Lake artwork in the theatre, and the talents of the Nuveen Center artist-teachers on the stage with hands-on projects to entertain both young and old! What better way to spend an early summer evening then with food, drink, music, and art? Even better, immediately following the event, the Playhouse will feature the jazz and fun of the Lansing-based Rachael Davis Band to close out the evening!

This event benefits many good causes namely the White Lake Food Pantry at Lebanon Lutheran, the vendors who supply these delicious treats, and the historic Howmet Playhouse.

Thursday June 3

7:30 pm

Tickets: $10

Tickets sold separately for both events

Rachael Davis Band

Rachael DavisRachael Davis has been singing on-stage since she was two years old. Being born to parents who never intended to keep her very far from music for very long seems to have made all the difference in the world. Before she could walk, Rachael would be set in a car seat and placed in the middle of a song circle, and with silver bells on her ankles she would shake her feet to the rhythm. At one-and-a-half Rachael was singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow to anyone who asked, and at two she started performing with her parents on stage. In September of 2001, Rachael moved to Boston and within the span of seven months was awarded a Boston Music Award for Best New Singer-Songwriter. Her influences range from the jazz styling of Ella Fitzgerald to the soulful pop vocals of Patty Griffin—with many more in between. In the span of her 6 year solo career Rachael has shared the stage with Boston based singer/songwriter Vance Gilbert, folk divas Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers, Prairie Home Companion regulars Robin and Linda Williams, Greg Brown, jazz legends Marcus Belgrave, Winston Walls, and many others. She has opened for Dar Williams, David Lindley, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Little Feat, Garnet Rogers, Willy Porter and many more.

Join us to welcome Rachael back with her full Rachael Davis Band, on drums, Hammond organ and guitar, supporting her larger-than-life voice and personality, immediately following Taste of White Lake 2010!

This First Friday event is sponsored by Lee and Nancy VandeBunte, HarborLight Credit Union, Utopian Marketplace, and by Lisa Tallarico and Larry Robertson of the Cocoa Cottage.

Monday June 14

7:00 pm

Dragons: A Fantasy Made Real

Throughout human history people have been fascinated by dragons. These fantastical creatures have appeared in the myths and legends of almost every culture such as Inuit, Aztec, and Chinese. What is interesting is that even though these civilizaations never connnected all of them conceived very similar mythical creatures. The 90-minute film, produced by the Discovery Network for the Animal Planet and narrated by Patrick Stewart, uses state-of-the-art computer imagery to imagine dragons as real animals.

This special movie, sponsored by the HarborLight Credit Union and the Nuveen Center, is suitable for all ages!

Saturday June 19

2-5 pm

Course fee, $15

Call 231-893-0119 to register

Scene Study Class

Kirsten KellyKirsten Kelly, west Michigan native and Juilliard-trained director, will offer a special summer workshop for actors, improvisers, and directors. Learn some of the inspiring techniques based on the philosophies of teachers from The Juilliard School, where Ms. Kelly received her MFA in directing in 2003. Build your character and scene work skills by working with Ms. Kelly on several scenes in the workshop, and learn new and challenging exercises to guide you in making playful, creative choices onstage. This educational workshop is open to anyone 16 and older who wishes to continue their acting training, simply get onstage, or learn some wonderful performance techniques while having a ball with Kirsten Kelly at this unique opportunity to learn from such a qualified director. Call the City of Whitehall at 231-893-0119 to register for the class.

Thursday - Friday
June 17, 18, & 19

Pre-Show Fun 7:00 pm

Youth Theatre Performance 7:30 pm

Tickets:

  • $5 in advance at City Hall or the Nuveen Center
  • $7 at the door

Dragonfest

The 2010 Nuveen Center Theatre Workshop performance is a "Dragonfest". What is a "Dragonfest" you ask? It is a collage of one act plays, dance, and song about dragons, princesses, kings, queens, and knights. The show will be directed by retired theatre director/teacher Alice L. Gambel assisted by an intern and/or other adults.

Pre-Show Schedule
  Thu Fri Sat
Music Mike Snell Andrew Goldstein Jon Misner &
Nathan Wright
Art Scott Rosema tba tba
Sculpture Peter Johnson tba tba
Youth Theatre Performance
Act I The Invisible Dragon
Act II Isabella, Moorey and the Dragon