Out on the Town

Williamston Theatre ends its season with ‘Bang’

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Thursday, July 10 - Sunday, August 18

“The Earth began to cool/the autotrophs began to drool/Neanderthals developed tools/we built a wall, we built the pyramids/ Math, science, history/ unraveling the mysteries, That all started with the big bang.” “The Barenaked Ladies” wrote the theme song for the hit CBS show “The Big Bang,” which gets … some of things right about life, the universe and everything. And this week the Williamston Theatre weighs in with another take on “The Big Bang” with a new musical comedy starting this week that has absolutely nothing to do with the show. But hey, it’s a cool name.

Willimston’s “The Big Bang,” which has preview performances this weekend before regular shows next week, follows wannabe tycoons Jed and Boyd as they search for people to fund their new Broadway project, “The Big Bang.” They’ve set up a “backers’ audition” for investors for their show, which “has a cast of hundreds” and depicts the history of the world. From the formation of the planets to Adam and Eve to the pyramids and Cher, it’s overblown, ridiculous — and everything Jed and Boyd think audiences want to see. The show may remind some folks of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom from the Broadway hit, “The Producers,” which tells the story of another unlikely pair that set out to make a million off of a Broadway flop. 

Yeah, absolutely nothing to do with that show either.

Directed by Rob Roznowski, this zany song-and-dance musical, features music by Jed Feuer with the book and lyrics by Boyd Graham. “The Big Bang” is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

During the first four previews, audience members will have the opportunity to take part in a talkback session with the director following each performance. Opening night is July 18, with the run going through Aug. 17. Performances run Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. with additional 3 p.m. matinees on Saturdays starting July 19. Tickets are pay-what-you-can for this Thursday. Remaining preview tickets are $15. Starting opening night ticket prices are $25 Friday and Saturday evening, $22 for Saturday and Sunday matinees and $20 for Thursday evenings. 122 S. Putnam St., Williamston. (517) 655- SHOW, williamstontheatre.com

—ALEXA McCARTHY


THURSDAY, JULY 10 >> MOONLIGHT FILM FESTIVAL

Nothing says summer like watching a movie in the moonlight. “The LEGO Movie” will start the Moonlight Film Festival outdoor film series. The festival is a weekly event that extends through Aug. 14. Movies will be displayed on a big screen in Valley Court Park in East Lansing. The event is free; attendants are asked to bring their own seating. Live music will also be played in the park. Every week will feature a different artist performing live an hour before the movie begins. This week’s performer is Jack Kohler. For information concerning rain cancellations, visit the City of East Lansing’s website. 8:30 music, 9:30 p.m. movie. FREE. Valley Court Park, 280 Valley Court, East Lansing. cityofeastlansing.com.

SUNDAY, JULY 13 >> LITTLE FEATS 5K RUN/WALK

The Meridian Co. will host this 5K run/walk to benefit Mott Children’s Hospital for pediatric brain tumor research. The course will run through Central Park, Nancy Moore Park and Nemoke Trail. Medals will be awarded to the overall winner as well as the top three places in each age group. Following the event, there will be a children’s “Fun run," giving them an opportunity to win a medal after running around the Meridian complex. 8 a.m. Meridian Township Office Complex, 5151 Marsh Road, Okemos. Registration fee, $30/$25 in advance. Register at runsignup.com/LittleFeats.

MONDAY, JULY 14 >> FRIENDS OF THE LANSING RIVER TRAIL KICK OFF EVENT

A new organization in town is celebrating its formation with a party. Friends of the Lansing River Trail’s board members are people who share a common passion for the trail and want to make it safer and more accessible to the community. The event will give people the chance to become a friend of the trail as well. A $20 donation gives members affiliate status. A donation of $50 annually will give members a say in River Trail initiatives and the ability to vote in elections for the group. 5:30-7 p.m. Clark Hill Law Offices, 212 E Grand River Ave., Lansing. lansingrivertrail.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 >> AUHTOR TALK WITH VERONICA ROTH

Author of best-selling YA dystopian “Divergent” trilogy, Veronica Roth, will host an author talk at Schuler Books & Music in Eastwood Towne Center. The event will include a conversation with Pheobe North, author of “Starglass” and “Starbreak,” followed by a Q&A session. Roth’s new book, “Four” is a spinoff from the “Divergent” series, which is a compilation of short stories told from Tobias “Four” Eaton’s viewpoint, one of the main character in the series. Both Roth and North will have pre-signed copies of “Four” and “Starglass” available for those who purchase pre-ordered tickets to the event. The first 100 tickets distributed online will be seated; after seats are full, the event package tickets and companion tickets will be for standing room only. 7 p.m. $30. 2820 Towne Center Blvd., Lansing. (517) 316-7495, schulerbooks.com/veronica-roth-conversation.

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