Spring 2009 Events

January Events

Thursday
January 8
6:30 pm

Anatomy of a Murder

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake and the White Lake Community Library, presents the classic, 1959 film Anatomy of a Murder. Based on the best-selling novel by Robert Traver (the pseudonym for Michigan Supreme Court justice John D. Voelker), Anatomy of a Murder stars James Stewart as seat-of-the-pants Michigan lawyer Paul Biegler. Through the intervention of his alcoholic mentor, Parnell McCarthy (Arthur O'Connell), Biegler accepts the case of one Lt. Manion (Ben Gazzara), an unlovable lout who has murdered a local bar owner. The movie was filmed on location in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Tuesday
January 13

5:30 pm

Downtown Whitehall Development Meeting

This annual meeting will update the public on the Downtown Whitehall Blueprint, which is a set of strategies that were determined to help improve the downtown area as part of the Cool City grant, which is a recognition that Whitehall received in 2006. Please check out www.coolcities.com to learn more about this award and the revitalization that springs from downtowns who have earned this exciting honor. Meet us at the Playhouse to hear the recap of 2008 and the plans ahead for the three branches of the Downtown Blueprint Committees: business, promotions and design. We hope to see you there!

Friday, Saturday,
January 16, 17
7:00 pm

Sunday
January 18
2:00 pm

Adults $14, Students $10

Twelfth Night

The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company returns to the playhouse tp present Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Like many of Shakespeare's comedies, this one centers on mistaken identity. The leading character, Viola, is shipwrecked on the shores of Illyria during the opening scenes. She loses contact with her twin brother, Sebastian, whom she believes dead. Posing as a man and masquerading as a young castrato under the name Cesario, she enters the service of Duke Orsino. Orsino is in love with the bereaved Lady Olivia, whose brother has recently died, and decides to use "Cesario" as an intermediary. Olivia, believing Viola to be a man, falls in love with this handsome and eloquent messenger. Viola, in turn, has fallen in love with the Duke, who also believes Viola is a man, and who regards her as his confidant. The show continues on with further mistaken identities and ends happily, as all of Shakespeare’s “comedies” do.

Friday
January 23

7:30 pm

$14, in advance
$16, at the Door

Trampled by Turtles Band

Quiet Faith Productions presents Trampled by Turtles Band. Tickets may be purchased in advance at City Hall, by visiting the Quiet Faith Productions site and clicking the "Concert Series" link.

Tuesday
January 27

5:30 pm

Friends of the Playhouse

The Friends of the Howmet Playhouse will meet at the Playhouse. Any and all community members are welcome and encouraged to attend as we brainstorm towards the future success of the Playhouse.

February Events

Thursday
February 5

7:00 pm

Eight Below

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake and the White Lake Community Library, presents Eight Below, a story that takes place in the Antarctic. Near the end of an expedition headed by Doctor Davis McClaren (Bruce Greenwood), sled dog trainer Jerry Shepherd (Paul Walker) and his team have to leave the polar base as a potentially deadly arctic storm brews on the horizon. Shepherd leaves his beloved dogs behind in anticipation that the mission will resume; instead it is eventually called off. For nearly six months the dogs must fend for themselves and face all manner of adversary, and their fate becomes a race against time as Shepherd searches tirelessly for sponsors to resume the expedition and rescue the dogs. The movie is really two films in one alternating between the parallel stories of the trials and tribulations of the sled dogs and Shepherd's search and rescue mission.

Tuesday
February 10
6:30 - 8:30 pm

Wednesday
February 11
3 - 5 pm

OPEN AUDITIONS For Adults

The Playhouse is hosting a children’s play in April to benefit their budding Educational Arts Branch for Youth. The play is being directed by Logan Patterson, Stage Combat Choreography is by Chris Ferrar, and the children's play will be presented at the Playhouse on April 17 & 18 (see below). All interested performers and technicians are invited to OPEN AUDITIONS on these dates. Please bring a resume if available and dress comfortably for movement. The play is Aalmauria: Voyage of the Dragonfly written by Max Bush, a graduate of Grand Valley State University.

Sunday
February 15

7:30 pm

Dance-Think Music by My Dear Disco

Known for their distinctive “DanceThink Music,”  …

March Events

Thursday
March 5

7:00 pm

Arranged

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake and the White Lake Community Library, presents Arranged, a story about two teachers starting their first year at a Brooklyn public school that have more in common than meets the eye. Though both women come from very different backgrounds — Rochel is Jewish Orthodox and Nasira is Muslim — they are each going through arranged marriages. This character-driven film surveys their developing friendship.

Tuesday
March 24

5:30 pm

Friends of the Playhouse

The Friends of the Howmet Playhouse will meet at the Playhouse. Any and all community members are welcome and encouraged to attend as we brainstorm towards the future success of the Playhouse. We will be discussing the Taste of White Lake, our upcoming spring events, the summer season line-up, and new volunteer opportunities. This is your community theatre, so we hope to see you!

Friday
March 27

7:30 pm

$10 in advance
$12 at the door

Available at City Hall
by February 19

Shout Sister Shout:
Steppin’ In It with Rachael Davis

“Make-It, Take-It” menu meal samples will be provided by the Lakeside Inn. Lakeside Inn offers six years of experience in making your meal times easier and healthier through their program, “Make-It, Take-It.” Visit their web site for more information on this exciting culinary service and to view a full menu.

Chair Massages will be provide by Quiet Time Massage.

After playing concerts as a double bill, Rachael Davis and the boys from Steppin’ In It found a common love for Jazz music of the 1930’s and ‘40’s. The summer of 2006 found the two acts working at the same festivals, which led to joining each other for a classic tune by Nat King Cole or Billie Holiday during their respective sets. By mid summer, the quintet was dubbed Shout Sister Shout and an album was in the works. Although both are known nationally for their folk repertoire, Shout Sister Shout stretches them in the realm of old-time American Jazz with torch swing numbers alongside bluesy ballads. Steppin’ In It, known for their revival of old-time music, provide the perfect backdrop for Rachael Davis who possesses a voice that demands your attention. “The quintet is a tribute to the smoky, sophisticated sound of 1930s and '40s jazz, with plenty of influence from Cole Porter, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole Trio and Sarah Vaughan, and it's a trip to hear Davis channel those old greats. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a bunch of guys playing the hell out of vintage instruments as backup.” The Metro Times, Detroit.

April Events

Thursday
April 2

7:00 pm

The Purple Rose of Cairo

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake and the White Lake Community Library, presents The Purple Rose of Cairo, a delightful tale, centered on how cinema can change lives, if only when the lights are down. Cecilia is a waitress in New Jersey during the Depression and is searching for an escape from her dreary life. Tom Baxter is a dashing young archaeologist in the film "The Purple Rose of Cairo." After losing her job Cecilia goes to see the film in hopes of raising her spirits. Much to her surprise Tom Baxter walks off the screen and into her life. There's only one problem. Tom isn't real. Meanwhile Hollywood is up in arms when they discover that other Tom Baxter’s are trying to leave the screen in other theatres. Will Tom ever return and finish the film or will he decide to stay in the real world?

Saturday
April 4

7:00 pm

$10

Available at Hages Christian Bookstore, Sweet Traditions Pastry Shoppe, or at the door

A Merry Heart,
A Night With Mike Warnke

Still Crazy After All These Years

Since Mike's conversion to Christianity in 1966, he has authored four books and has recorded 15 live concert appearances and teaching tapes which include two DVD's. In June of 2008, Mike celebrated his 36th anniversary of full time ministry to the lost and brokenhearted. Mike uses his unique comedic style to gain the attention of his listeners. His painful past history as a Satanist high priest, hippie, drug addict, pusher and Naval hospital corpsman, attached to a Marine Corps unit in Vietnam, has taught him compassion beyond compare. He knows, first hand, no one is too tainted for Jesus. The diverse facets of his styles, coupled with his open vulnerable nature draws out and ministers to people both in and outside of the Christian community. He is a speaker, teacher, father, grandfather, husband, weird, radical, fun-loving, yet deadly serious minister who will deliver a powerful message to enlighten others to the eternal love of Jesus Christ. Although we could list each of Mike's accomplishments, awards, honors and television appearances, Mike prefers that we focus on the next soul and how we might better illuminate to that person the saving, JOYOUS, sustaining power of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Monday - Thursday
April 6, 7, 8, 9

Performing Arts Day Camp

The Howmet Playhouse is offering a week-long Performing Arts Day Camp (PADC) for the Youth Theater over White Lake’s Spring Break. Read more about it!

Thursday
April 9

4:00 to 5:30 pm

Auditions: Nuveen Center's School House Rock

Auditions for the Nuveen Center's Summer Theatre production of School House Rock will be held at the Playhouse at this time.

Note Saturday Time Change

Friday
April 17

7:30 pm

Saturday
April 18

3:00 pm

$10 adults
$6 students

Available at City Hall by February 18

Aalmauria: Voyage of the Dragonfly by Max Bush

Benefit for Children’s Theater at the Playhouse

The castle and lands of Meaghan, a strong young Queen, are threatened by an impending ice-age. In an ancient manuscript the Queen reads of a mystical flame burning in a cave on the island of Aalmauria. Enlisting the help of Captain Taran and his ship, "The Dragonfly," Meaghan sails to the island to retrieve the flame. Once aboard the ship the growing romance between the Captain and Queen changes to mistrust and anger, endangering the voyage. On Aalmauria, they must face the Beast and Hag-Witch, to pass into the cave, where they must then confront the awesome power of the flame itself. The conflicts are both external and internal. The voyage is also a passage of self-discovery as each character finds a new vision. Starring: Elizabeth Mahoney, Tim Farrar, Alyssa Zelowicz, David Wall, Chris Farrar and Andrew Jensen. Directed by Logan Patterson and Stage Combat Choreography by Chris Farrar.

A play for the young and the young at heart written by Max Bush, a graduate of Grand Valley State University. The historic Howmet Playhouse has served as a venue for children’s theater for many years through the White Lake Youth Theater program in our summer season. We plan to expand our programming to add more year-round arts education opportunities for the children of White Lake. By attending this magical and mysterious play, you will be directly contributing to the funds needed for additional instructional courses for our youth. Bring the whole family, and some of your friends to see Aalmauria: Voyage of the Dragonfly! And thank you for supporting the Youth Theater efforts of the Playhouse!

Friday
April 24th

7:30 pm

$10

Available at City Hall

The Mona Shores Fiddlers

Tim Staudacher, currently the Mona Shores High School Orchestra director, founded the Mona Shores Fiddlers in 1996. This group was started to create an alternative style for string players that revolved around the performance of folk music from various cultures. This group of talented young people performs throughout West Michigan for numerous private parties and charity events each year including a performance for the White Lake Summer Festival at the Montague Band Shell in the summer of 2007. The group will close out their performance schedule this year with a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee where they have several performances scheduled. This event is being held as a fundraiser to help offset the cost of the trip to Tennessee.

Saturday
April 25

7:30 pm

$11

Available at City Hall

Nobody’s Darlin’

Watching a performance by Nobody’s Darlin’, an all-girl string band from Grand Rapids, conjures up the essence of a simpler time, before electric guitars and pyrotechnics. The sound of Nobody’s Darlin’ strong female voices meld fluidly over acoustic instruments that resonate true string instrument tones.

Thursday
April 30

5:30 to 8:30 pm

$12, adults
$9, seniors and students

Click here to see the list of locations selling tickets.

First Annual Taste of White Lake

Come join us for a community of flavors! We’ll offer “Just a Taste” of the many wonderful restaurants existing in the White Lake area. Nineteen businesses will join forces to provide an evening of fun offering good food, wine, and music, all to benefit a great cause. Don’t miss out on this delicious event! All proceeds go to benefit the Howmet Playhouse’s efforts at marketing. We hope to make the Playhouse a more visible presence both within and outside our community!

Door prizes will be offered by many of the participants and music will be provided by Tommy Foster and the Oat Bran Boys. The program will be emceed by Shelly Irwin of GVSU's NPR station, 95.3 FM. Thank you to our many sponsors for helping to make this event a reality.

Click on the the Taste of White Lake logo to learn more!

May Events

Saturday
May 2

7:30 pm

$10

Available at City Hall

Fonn Mor in Concert

Based in West Michigan, Fonn Mor performs in clubs and concerts throughout the Midwest. Their festival performances have included the Milwaukee Irish Fest, Chicago Celtic Fest, and Michigan Irish Fest, among many others. With a strong instrumental and percussive base, Fonn Mor performs well-crafted original and traditional songs and rollicking jigs and reels that provide an entertaining experience for all audiences to enjoy. The band successfully blends traditional Celtic folk with a variety of other cross-cultural and rock influences. Energetic melodies from fiddle, accordion, and flute are backed by explosive Afro-Celtic percussion and driving guitars to create a whole new sound with elements of old Ireland and Scotland. Their entertaining and entrancing live shows have helped them build a strong and ever increasing following.

Thursday
May 7

7:00 pm

An Evening of Shorts

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake and the White Lake Community Library, presents An Evening of Shorts, selected short subjects that accompany the independent films that we will be showing, such as Arranged.

Saturday
May 9

Show Begins
7:30 pm

$10

Available at City Hall and HarborLight Credit Union

Doors open at 6:30 pm

Killer Blues Presents
the 2nd Annual White Lake Blues Festival

Time to Get Your Blues On!

Killer Blues announces the 2nd Annual White Lake Blues Festival at the Playhouse. Headlining will be West Michigan's own James Reeser & The Backseat Drivers with special guest Buick & The Roadmasters, and a solo slide guitar set by Vincent Hayes! This show is a benefit to raise money for the purchase of a headstone for Luther Tucker. Tickets are available at Whitehall City Hall as well as Harbor Light Credit Union in Whitehall, MI. Doors open at 6:30pm; arrive thirsty as Founder's Beer will be in abundance!

Tuesday
May 12

7:00 pm

Doors open at 6:30 pm

The White Lake Public Advisory Council

The Council will meet at the Playhouse to discuss the annual report of Dr. Rick Rediske from GVSU’s Water Resources Institute. Doors open at 6:30, the meeting begins at 7, and it is expected to last an hour and a half. This meeting will focus on the results of Dr. Radiske’s report, in regards to White Lake fish contamination and human health consumption. This event is open to the public.

Friday, May 15

from 4 to 5:30 pm

Auditions — White Lake Youth Theatres — Summer Production

We’re pleased to announce auditions for the White Lake Youth Theatre production for the 2009 Howmet Playhouse Summer Season Festival, the The Legend of Scarface and Bluewater by Blanche Marvin. Note that there will be two audition dates. Performance dates are July 30, 31 and August 1. Auditioners: please plan to attend for the entire time during your session. Download the audition flyer for details; feel free please pass this on to friends and family members who may be interested!

Saturday
May 16

7:30 pm

$7

Four Finger Five

All Proceeds Benefit the Howmet Playhosue

"If you are looking for a band that can blend all genre's of music in a soulful groove … look no further” (On the Town Magazine). Four Finger Five flaunts rock-splashed soul and funk that abounds with infectious energy and experimental verve. Incorporating myriad genres, including jazz, soul, rock, and pop, this trio from Muskegon, Michigan, has concocted a truly unique style, deftly taking the classic triumvirate of guitar, bass, and drums and building a sound that is at once innovative and creative, while feeling as familiar as a thrift store coat. “We wanted a sound that is vintage, reminiscent of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but presenting it in our own way,” says lead vocalist/guitarist Joe Sturgill. Consisting of Sturgill, bassist Mike Phillips, and drummer Steve Harris, Four Finger Five has steadily cultivated a fiercely loyal following through regular live performances. See them at the Howmet Playhouse and the proceeds from your ticket will go directly towards supporting year-round events at the Playhouse!

June Events

Wednesday
June 3

7:00 to 8:30 pm

Tannery Development Update

The White Lake Public Advisory Council will host the Tannery Development update at the Howmet Playhouse.

Saturday
June 6

from 10 am
to 12:00 noon

Auditions — White Lake Youth Theatre's — Summer Production

We’re pleased to announce auditions for the White Lake Youth Theatre production for the 2009 Howmet Playhouse Summer Season Festival, the The Legend of Scarface and Bluewater by Blanche Marvin. Performance dates are July 30, 31 and August 1. Auditioners: please plan to attend for the entire time during your session. Download the audition flyer for details; feel free please pass this on to friends and family members who may be interested!

Thursday, Friday
& Saturday
June 11, 12, & 13

7:30 pm

$5.00, in advance

$7:00, at the door

Tickets on sale at theNuveen Community Center for the Arts or Whitehall City Hall

School House Rock Live! Jr.

A Youth Musical presented by the Nuveen Community Theatre for the Arts Theatre Workshop.

Tom, a school teacher nervous about his first day of teaching, tries to relax by watching TV. Suddenly, the Schoolhouse Rock bunch appear in his rec room and proceed to show him how to win his students over with imagination and music, through beloved Schoolhouse Rock songs that cover a variety of subjects: math, science, history and grammar. Like the classic television series, Schoolhouse Rock Live! Junior is a hip, entertaining and educational treat that shows young people that learning can be as fun as you choose to make it.

Saturday
June 20

7:00 pm

$25.00

Doors open at 7:00 pm
Show starts at 7:45 pm

Fogged Clarity Presents
An Evening with the Clarity

Fogged Clarity presents An Evening With The Clarity at the Playhouse as a fundraiser to put the first edition of their journal in print. The benefit will feature live performances by a variety of the finest musicians and poets such as Samantha Farrell, Judson Claiborne, Karisa Wilson, Amy King, and Michael Tyrell.

$2 pints from the show sponsor, Detroit Brewing Company, available all night long.

Food provided by Mia and Grace.