Fall 2019 Events
September • October • November • December
Unless noted otherwise, call the Playhouse at (231) 894-0119 for additional information.
| September | |
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7:30 pm Tickets: |
Ronny Cox’s Wikipedia entry describes him as an actor, singer-songwriter, and storyteller, but as far as he’s concerned, it’s the other way around. “Storyteller” definitely comes first. That becomes evident as soon as he starts reeling off bits of his history, delivering one fascinating anecdote after another about his music career, his myriad stage and screen roles, and even his lengthy marriage to his high-school sweetheart, the only girlfriend he ever had. In concert, using nothing more than the power of his projected words, Ronny captivates listeners with all kinds of stories. Some are spoken; some are sung. But either way, he’s employing that age-old art form to forge connections he says he can’t as an actor. “I love acting, and I’m good at it,” Ronny says, without sounding at all egotistical. But even though he’s recognized as the face and voice of countless film, TV, and stage characters, from his indelible debut in Deliverance to his recent turn in Nashville, Ronny confesses, “I don’t love it as much as I do the music — and here’s why. With acting, there is — and must be — that imaginary fourth wall between you and the audience. With my show, there’s a profound one-on-one sharing that can take place.” |
Sunday, September 8 Monday, September 9 The Playhouse Rehearsal Room Open to ages 10-18 There is a $70 workshop fee Download the Information Sheet and Application »Adobe Reader is required to open and view PDF documents. Depending upon your browser, the downloaded document will either open in a new window or be downloaded directly to your computer. You may then print it and/or save it to your computer. |
Auditions for Velveteen Rabbit Written as a "memory play," The Velveteen Rabbit is an emotional journey through time, as told through the eyes of a young man looking back on his childhood. By reliving the relationship between his 4-year-old self and his favorite toy, the velveteen rabbit, he rediscovers the true meaning of friendship. Central to the story is, of course, the velveteen rabbit, who is introduced to the idea of becoming real by the old rocking horse. The play explores the rewards of loyalty, the poignancy of loss, and the wonderful, surprising powers of love. Rehearsals are Monday-Thursday beginning October 14th. The show runs November 8 and 9, 2019. |
| October | |
Friday, October 18 Tickets: Tickets will be available at ACWL-Nuveen Center |
The Rainbow Fish Musical The performers will be 1st through 6th grade students! For further information about this event and auditions to join the cast visit the ACWL-Nuveen Center website. Children 13 and under can receive FREE tickets with at least one paying adult. These tickets can be picked up/purchased at the ACWL-Nuveen Center, 106 East Colby Street, Tuesday through Friday, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and on Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM prior to the days of performance. This offer is made possible by the Lothmann Family Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. |
Saturday, October 26 7:30 pm Tickets: $35 & $50
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A concert by Pete Yarrow, today, is exciting, moving, and also entertaining, but it is also an event that follows in the tradition of his early mentors, The Weavers and Pete Seeger. Peter intentionally uses his music to create a community of acceptance from the stage, an “oasis of peace” as he calls it. His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most poignant songs Peter, Paul & Mary have recorded, including “Puff, the Magic Dragon,” “Day is Done,” “Light One Candle,” and “The Great Mandala.” As a member of the renowned musical trio, he has earned many gold and platinum albums and has been awarded and nominated for numerous Grammys. “We’re part of a long train ride,” is the way Peter Yarrow visualizes the many events that have highlighted a career spanning more than five decades. With characteristic care, Yarrow places the success he’s had within a greater context, seeing his accomplishments as part of a tradition, to be credited as his inspiration and carried on. “When I was in high school,” he recalls, “I heard The Weavers at Carnegie Hall singing songs like ‘If I Had a Hammer’, ‘Follow The Drinking Gourd’, and ‘Wasn’t That a Time.’ I was stunned by the extraordinary effect that music of conscience can have on people, particularly when they sing songs of conscience together.” That lesson launched Peter on a lifelong journey that is now, perhaps, in its most vital phase.
Their performances are always joyful and uplifting, as well as intelligent, thought provoking and insightful. They’ve recently begun referring to their career and touring as “Defiantly Hopeful.” In part due to their long career, but more as a statement about what the music has meant to them. “Folk music is, at its heart, defiantly hopeful!” Tamulevich says. “We came of age in the 60s, at the confluence of Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul & Mary, Bob Dylan and the singer/songwriter revolution. We care much more about what we do and stand for and finding that common ground with our audiences, than fame or money: this is our community of choice, and we consider ourselves so fortunate to be here.” |
| November | |
Saturday, November 2 Time 8:00 Tickets: $25 (concert only) | Montague Whitehall Rotary Presents A Night on the Town
After returning from his third and final deployment in 2010 as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army, Matt Williams discovered another battle waiting for him here at home. PTSD and depression loomed very near to Matt, as he had been wounded—and two of his best friends were killed—by an IED attack during his last tour in Afghanistan. Things only seemed to intensify when Matt's father passed just three weeks after he arrived back home in Alabama. Matt desperately sought an outlet where he could direct his emotion, and he turned back to his roots: MUSIC. Matt's love of music stretches back as far as he can remember. His mother bought him a drum set at 18 months and he never looked back, learning piano by ear, singing in the choir at church, even becoming one of the top marching snare drummers in the country while in high school. Matt found a solace in music that he couldn't find elsewhere, and it became the perfect emotional outlet. "I began writing the story of my life in the form of songs that I hope other people can relate to in many different ways. I want to tell the world about my life to show that I’m not ashamed of who I am and that no one is perfect. Music, along with God, really can save the soul, and it can influence and impact people in ways that they cannot do for themselves. Music saved my life in more ways than one and I believe that it can help others as well." This event is part of The Night on the Town, the Montague Whitehall Rotary Club annual fundraiser. Tickets for the entire The Night on the Town event are $100 and can be purchased from any Rotarian or by calling (231) 893-4585. Proceeds to support community projects and programs for youth. |
Friday, November 8 Tickets:
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A White Lake Youth Presentation Fun for all ages, The Velveteen Rabbit is an emotional journey through time, as told through the eyes of a young man looking back on his childhood. By reliving the relationship between his 4-year-old self and his favorite toy, the velveteen rabbit, he rediscovers the true meaning of friendship. Central to the story is, of course, the velveteen rabbit, who is introduced to the idea of becoming real by the old rocking horse. The play explores the rewards of loyalty, the poignancy of loss, and the wonderful, surprising powers of love. Approximate running time: 55 minutes |
Saturday, November 16 Tickets: | Full Cord Bluegrass In Concert Full Cord has over 80 years of combined musical experience and is using their extraordinary talent to break the bluegrass stereotype and breathe new life into it. They are introducing new styles and arrangements that keep everyone wanting more. |
Sunday, November 24 Off the Podium Discussion Tickets: TBA Children under 18, accompanied by an adult, are free
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The Shoreline Community Orchestra is pleased to begin its 8th season with its first concert at The Playhouse at White Lake. Shoreline Community is a fully staffed adult orchestra with approximately 40 musicians—including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion—and is affiliated with Muskegon Community College.
The Orchestra's ninth season begins with a classical concert which includes Symphony No. 8 by Antonin Dvorak. This symphony is cheery and lyrical, and draws its inspiration from the Bohemian folk music that he loved. Other selections will include Serenade for Strings by Edward Elgar and Serenade for Winds by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Off The Podium The Shoreline Community Orchestra returns in May to The Playhouse! |
| December | |
Tuesday, December 3 7:30 pm General Admission Tickets:
| Irish Christmas in America This family-friendly performance features evocatively-sung Irish ballads, lively instrumental tunes and thrilling Irish dancing, while evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions. Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas, as the finest traditional artists from Ireland bring you on a fun-filled start to the holiday season of 2019. The holiday show was first conceived in 2005 with past tours featuring such stellar guest vocalists as Séamus Begley, Teresa Horgan, Méabh Begley, Lumiere, Karan Casey, Cara Dillon, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Cathie Ryan, and Michael Londra. Mac Diarmada enthuses about the program as a way to bring traditional and often unknown Irish customs to the States. “One of the most heartfelt themes of Irish Christmas is emigration,” says Mac Diarmada. “Music was a way that people stayed close to home.” A sparkling tradition among holiday events, Irish Christmas in America is a special show to see this season. (Follow this link to see them on YouTube.) |
Friday, December 6 7:30 pm General Admission Tickets: |
Fruitcake & Assorted Nuts
Joining Amy are local favorites, The FAN Club. Members Tommy Foster (F), Justin Avdek (A) and Scott Nesbit (N) have been playing together for the past couple of years, welcoming many featured players to the group. Regularly seen strolling from table to table, their extensive repertoire includes their own take on classic tunes, bluegrass, country, and more. Rounding out the evening will be Alex M. Stein, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, writer, and storyteller. He produces and curates the Muse Literary Salon storytelling series in Los Angeles and is a multiple Moth Story Slam winner. He is the author of No, Mr. Bond, I Expect Your Dreams to Die, and can be found in various venues telling stories of humor, loss, and heartache. Presented in partnership with the Kids to Camp - Samaritas program. A portion of the proceeds will benefit this program. |
Saturday, December 14 7:30 pm Tickets: |
Winter Shorts An Evening of Short Plays The collection of short plays include waiting for the matinee performance to an unwelcome Christmas gift, a man struggling to fill out his holiday cards to a new look at an old story. This evening is sure to warm the heart and soul, and tickle the funny bone. The cast consists of 20 community actors. Pianist Louis Kiel of Kiel's Music will entertain the audience with traditional holiday favorites. You may purchase reserved seats now for $20 or you can instead elect "Pay-What-You-Can" at the door for general admission seating. We want to welcome everyone to this fundraiser and community event! |
An Evening of Music and Stories
White Lake Youth Theatre 
Nuveen Center Workshop Presents
An Evening with Legendary
Joining Peter will be Libby Glover and David Tamulevich performing as a duo Michigan’s own, 
Matt Williams
Shoreline Community Orchestra's
The Shoreline Community Orchestra is also pleased to introduce its new Music Director and Conductor, Dr. John Blakemore. Dr. Blakemore is the Director of Instrumental Music at Grand Rapids Christian School. 
The hugely popular 
The White Lake Dramatic Club Presents