Spring 2012 Events

Thursday January 5

Cartoons at 6:45 pm

Movie at 7:00 pm

Concessions will be available for a nominal fee. All donations will be given to the listed Charity of the Month.

Murder on the Orient Express       

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake, presents the 1974 movie version of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express starring Albert Finney, Lauren Bacall, and Ingrid Bergman.

Charity of the Month: White Lake Congregational United Church of Christ for their Meals on Wheels Program

Friday January 13

7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets: $10.00

The Oat Bran Boys in Concert

A fundraiser for the Arts Council of White Lake Strings Program

The Oat Bran Boys are one of the best-known bluegrass bands in West Michigan and a long-time favorite in this area. Featuring John “Sky” King (vocals, guitar, and mandolin), Richie King (vocals and string bass), Dan Seabolt, and a variety of other area musicians, they appear every Wednesday night at the Red Rooster Tavern.

All proceeds of this event to benefit the White Lake Junior Strings Program at the Arts Council of White Lake.

Wednesday January 18

Thursday January 19

5:30 to 7:30 pm

The Yellow Boat Auditions

Audtions for the White Lake Youth Theatre production of The Yellow Boat will be held on these two days.

Thursday Febuary 2

Cartoons at 6:45 pm

Movie at 7:00 pm

Concessions will be available for a nominal fee. All donations will be given to the listed Charity of the Month.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding       

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake, presents the 2002 comedy, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett and Michael Constantine.

Charity of the Month: Lebanon Lutheran Church for their Food Bank

Saturday February 4

7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets:
$10 adults
$5 students

The Bluegrass Echoes in Concert

From Whitecloud, Michigan, the Bluegrass Echoes have been playing traditional bluegrass and gospel music since 1982 under the direction of bandleader J.R. Harrington. Band members include J.R. on guitar and lead vocals, Tia Brown on upright bass and tenor vocals, and Larry Brown on five string banjo. Thirteen-year-old Jesse Kent joined the band in August 2010 and has been playing the fiddle since the age of seven. Father and son Ben and Mike Crofoot, play mandolin and lead guitar, respectively. It will be a great night of traditional bluegrass and a fun way to escape the doldrums of the middle of winter.

Friday February 10

7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets: $5

Acoustic Café Night

Looking for something to do on Friday? Join us for the second annual Acoustic Café Night at the Howmet Playhouse. Come enjoy a small coffeehouse feel at the Playhouse while enjoying the acoustic music of young local musicians, including Katie Beaman, Andrea Mathews, and Bret Balcom.

Coffee and other concessions will be available for purchase

All proceeds benefit the White Lake Youth Theatre Education Program

Saturday February 18

7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets:
$10 adults
$6 students

Theatre for Young Audiences
Presented by Calvin College Dept. of Arts and Sciences

Looking for some family entertainment? Join us for an evening of theatre for young audiences produced and performed by students from Calvin College. They will perform Mrs. Sorken, a ten minute play, and The Shakespeare Stealer, a 75 minute play in two acts.

In Mrs. Sorken, a delightful monologue, we meet Mrs. Sorken, a composed and dignified woman who begins a presentation about "drama". However, once Mrs. Sorken realizes she's misplaced her notes, her presentation quickly unravels into a stream of zany and jumbled thoughts. The Shakespeare Stealer is based on the story of the same name by Gary L. Blackwood. It is 1601 and Widge, a young orphan from Yorkshire, has been hired by a mysterious stranger to steal the script of William Shakespeare's Hamlet. However, when he becomes part of Shakespeare's acting troupe, he discovers new talents, meets new friends, and begins to reconsider his assignment. Note: This play contains mild language.

A talk-back will happen after each performance with the actors.

Thursday March 1

Cartoons at 6:45 pm

Movie at 7:00 pm

Concessions will be available for a nominal fee. All donations will be given to the listed Charity of the Month.

Jesus Christ Superstar       

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake, presents the 1973 movie version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Broadway play Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, and Yvonne Elliman.

Charity of the Month: Habitat for Humanity

Friday March 2

7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets:
Adult $10
Student with ID $5

The Dave Zagar Trio
with opener Andrea Mathews Band

An energetic, modern mix of indie, melodic pop-rock, Dave Zagar Trio is a group of three siblings from Muskegon. With Dave on guitar, Laura on piano, and Andy on drums, they all contribute vocals for pleasing three-part harmonies. They have played to sold out shows in Muskegon and have performed in Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Chicago. You can listen to tracks from their album, Caught in a Melodramatic Trance on their website.

Opening for the Trio will be the Andrea Mathews Band. Andrea is a well-known local actress and musician, and she and her bandmates will entertain with original indie-folk-rock tunes.

Friday March 9

Saturday March 10

7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets:
$10 adults
$6 students

The Yellow Boat

A presentation of the White Lake Youth Theatre Education Program

The Yellow Boat is based on the true story of David and Sonja Saar's son, Benjamin, who was born with congenital hemophilia, and died in 1987 at the age of 8 of AIDS-related complications from a blood transfusion. A uniquely gifted visual artist, Benjamin's buoyant imagination transformed his physical and emotional pain into a blaze of colors and shapes in his fanciful drawings and paintings. The story of The Yellow Boat is a glorious affirmation of a child's life, and the strength and courage of all children. This show is recommended for children of age 8 and older, parents, families and adults. The content is not in any way inappropriate or politically influenced, but rather, tells the story of a boy and his family and their beautiful journey through a short life.

Directed by Cindy Beth Davis-Dykema, this first ever winter production by the WLYT will feature 11 talented actors who have risen to the challenge of performing a dramatic and emotional show. They are glad to share this story with you.

Thursday March 22

7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets
$10 adults
$5 students

Meg Hutchinson
with opener Elaina Burress

Contemporary Acoustic Music

Meg Hutchinson is a lyric-based songwriter who, according to Direct Current, is “performing at the top of her game: the melodies are subtle but rich, the airy voice tender but resilient, the lyrics knowing and provocative.” Meg Hutchinson artfully documents the human condition, allowing people’s stories to come alive through her unique vocals and haunting melodies. She has been featured nationally on NPR Music, XM/Sirius Radio and several times on the syndicated show Mountain Stage. Meg is compared to veterans Dar Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Joni Mitchell. She has won numerous songwriting awards in the US, Ireland, and UK, including recognition from John Lennon Songwriting Competition, Billboard Song Contest, and prestigious competitions at Merlefest, NewSong, Kerrville, Falcon Ridge, Telluride, and Rocky Mountain Folks Festivals. The Playhouse is pleased to host Meg Hutchinson and invites you to join us for this enriching evening.

Elaina Burress is a 15-year old singer-songwriter and sophomore at Reeths-Puffer High School. Last summer she opened for Sweet Lou and the Savages at the Heritage Festival in Spring Lake and also attended Interlochen Arts Camp, the world’s premier summer arts program for aspiring artists. Most recently, her high school choir performed one of her songs at their Collage Concert. Elaina’s musical influences include the Avett Brothers, Ingrid Michaelson, and Kina Grannis, to name just a few. She is currently working on recording her first CD; you will find some of her songs on YouTube.

Monday April 2 through

Thursday April 5

PAW 2012

The Playhouse and the Nuveen Community Center for the Arts will again collaborate this spring to offer a four day Performings Arts Workshop during Spring Break.

Thursday April 5

Cartoons at 6:45 pm

Movie at 7:00 pm

Concessions will be available for a nominal fee. All donations will be given to the listed Charity of the Month.

Back to the Future       

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake, presents the smash hit about the paradoxes of time travel from 1985, Back to the Future, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson.

Charity of the Month: Love, Inc.

Tuesday April 10

Wednesday April 11

White Lake Youth Theatre Auditions

Students can audition for White Lake Youth Theater's production of The Phantom Tollbooth on Tuesday, April 10^th, and for the Nuveen Center's production of Godspell Jr. on April 11^th.

Friday April 13

7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets:
Adult $10
Student with ID $5

Jamie-Sue Seal and John Latini

"Jamie-Sue Seal and John Latini put together musical shows that go way beyond the aging hipster folk crap. Exceptional musicianship combined with enormous wit and engaging showmanship, they are the real deal." (Michael Curths, concert promoter). Jamie-Sue Seal and John Latini are a duo you won’t want to miss! Playing everything from American Roots to country to vintage folk to standards, Jamie-Sue has been heard on over 200 folk radio stations around the world and John has won numerous song writing awards, including being crowned the Detroit Blues Champion twice. These two will entertain and inspire with their witty repartee and musical gifts.

Monday April 23

7:00 pm

General Admission Tickets: $12.00

A Sneak Peek Behind the Making of Waterwalk

A Fundraiser for the Howmet Playhouse

Join us for this behind-the-scenes event looking at the making of the new feature film, Waterwalk, opening on May 4th at Cinema Carousel and across the country. Based on the book by Steven Faulkner, it is a story of a father and son who trek 1,000 miles by canoe to finally find some common ground. Filmed in the White Lake area and Oceana and Newyago counties, as well as Wisconsin and Missouri, this film is a home-town baby, featuring local actors including Kim Harsch, Tom Harryman, F. Remington Sprauge, Joe Carmolli, Bill Iddings, Judy Johnson, Liz Nolan, Bill Seeback,and Jacqui Bernhardt. Join us to learn about adapting a book to a film script, choosing and filming on location, and the experiences of the actors during the filming. We will enjoy a ten-minute preview of the film and a reception afterwards with the actors and filmmakers, catered by Dave’s Kountry Katering.

This event is generously sponsored by The White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Quiet Time Massage, and the Harbor View Grille. All ticket proceeds directly benefit the Howmet Playhouse.

Thursday May 3s

Cartoons at 6:45 pm

Movie at 7:00 pm

Concessions will be available for a nominal fee. All donations will be given to the listed Charity of the Month.

The Odd Couple       

The HarborLight Movie Series, in conjunction with the Arts Council of White Lake, presents the 1968 movie version of Neil Simon's play, The Odd Couple, starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau.

Charity of the Month: White Lake Community Library

Friday May 4

7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets:
Adult $10
Student with ID $5

The Crane Wives
with opener Katie Beaman

The Crane Wives are an indie-folk outfit from Grand Rapids that defies musical stereotypes. Formed in late August of 2010, they just finished recording their debut album entitled Safe Ship, Harbored. Using three-part vocal harmonies, eclectic instrumentation, and a knack for dynamics, they create organic music that is both accessible and innovative. Each live show features contagious energy as well as original music that ranges from whisper quiet ballads to danceable grooves. You can watch videos at the Crane Wives’ website.

Katie Beaman is a Playhouse favorite and has been seen on our stage before. A fan of all genres of music, Katie Beaman finds herself most at home when she has a guitar in her hands and a tune on her lips. She has been playing and singing since she was nine. Her favorite musicians are The Beatles, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, and Mumford & Sons, and their influence is definitely apparent in the musical style of this 17-year-old Whitehall native. She has been working on several original songs that are soulful and honest, reflecting the tone of the groups that inspire her most. A senior at Whitehall High School, Katie plans to pursue music as a career. Katie is jazzed to be opening for The Crane Wives.

Saturday May 5

7:00 pm

General Admission Tickets: $12.00

5^th Annual White Lake Blues Fest

Join KillerBlues for the 5^th Annual White Lake Blues Fest! The night will feature Michigan blues legends Hank Mowery and the Hawktones and special guests Doc Yankee's Piano Party.

The festival raises funds for the Killer Blues Headstone Project, which provides headstones for unmarked graves of blues legends throughout the country.

Founders beer and Pistol Pete's BBQ will be available for purchase.

Thursday, June 7

5:00 to 8:00 pm

Tickets:
$18 in advance
$20 at the gate
Kids 5 and under free

Price covers admission and food. Beverages sold separately

Taste of White Lake—2012

A Fundraiser for the Howmet Playhouse

Come join us for a community of flavors at the 4^th Annual Taste of White Lake, the largest annual fundraiser for the Playhouse. A mix of local businesses will join forces to provide an evening of fun, great food, Michigan beer & wine, live music, and a silent auction, all benefiting the Playhouse. Don't miss out on this delicious event.

Visit the Taste of White Lake website for complete details including the list of participating vendors and our event sponsors.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday
June 14, 15 & 16

7:30 pm

General Admission Tickets: $7.00

Godspell Jr.

The Nuveen Theatre Workshop, a program of the Nuveen Community Center for the Arts, presents Godspell Jr., a musical by Stephen Swartz and John-Michael Tebelak. Performers are students from Muskegon and Oceana Counties. The structure of the musical is a series of parables based on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The music is highly charged and uplifting.

The performance is suitable for all ages.

Tuesday, June 19
Tuesday, June 26
Wednesday, June 27

1:00 - 3:00 pm

Lighting Workshop with Bill Bodel

Bill Bodel, the former building and technical manager of the Frauenthal, will be teaching a 3-part FREE Lighting Workshop for any and all students who would like to attend. Bill is a living legend in our theater community, and an excellent lighting designer and teacher. The White Lake Youth Theater wants our students to have a great technical theater education, as well as an acting education, and this is a great opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zone and learn a new creative and technical skill for free!

All classes will be taught from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

The sessions are:

• June 19: General class, students of all experience levels welcome
• June 26: Intensive class, part 1, for students who would like to learn more and do more hands-on learning
• June 27: Intensive class, part 2

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday June 25-27

6th -12th grade students:
6:00 - 7:30 pm

$10.00 class fee

Adult students:
7:30 - 9:30 pm

$20.00 class fee

Shakespeare in the Summer Workshop
with Miranda McGee of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

This class will utilize classical acting techniques used by professional theatre companies worldwide to unlock Shakespeare's text and make it accessible to actor and audience. Through various methods of text analysis, scene study and physical movement, students will be given tools to de-mystify the words of Shakespeare, and bring them to life! Originally from Australia, Miranda McGee received a drama scholarship to Trinity University in Texas where she earned a BA in Drama and Communication. She has worked at various theatre companies around the US and Australia including Long Wharf Theatre, the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey and PMD Productions. Miranda teaches multiple classes for all ages for the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company education program. Miranda has performed at the Playhouse in the past and will be appearing in The Nerd, July 5-7.