Honeymoon stage

The musical comedy follows two sets of married folks: One is a pair of newlyweds, the other, a couple with a few anniversaries under their belt. The show’s director, Rick Dethlefsen, said the show displays the joys and downfalls of marriage in a comical fashion.

“Beyond being funny, it’s interesting because you can relate to a lot of it,” Dethlefsen said. “Everyone will walk out with a smile on their face and humming some of the tunes.”

“Married Alive!” is a fourperson chamber musical revue: It involves only the actors and a piano. Dethlefsen said the keyboard used for the play is large and equipped with various special effects noises, making the “battlefield of marriage seem like a war zone” to the audience.

Dethlefsen said the scenarios throughout the play show that the grass is not always greener on either side. As both couples go through various marital disputes, such as adding spice to the love life of the older couple and preparing to have a baby for the younger couple.

“It shows all the realistic aspects of marriage, the good the bad and the ugly,” said Rachel Mender, who plays the younger wife, Erin. She said the play showcases how each couple loves each other, but in different ways as the years go on.

“Marriage is progress — you really gotta work at it,” Mender said. “You’re going to get in arguments and you’re going to have bad days. It’s not all perfect and wonderful.”

Mender said the story combined with the songs make for a fun and entertaining show. And although there are some allusions to sex in the play, Dethlefsen said the play is intended and appropriate for a family audience.

And just like in real life, it’s all about trying to find that happy ending.

“A lot of times you go through life and ask what have I gotten out of this?” said Dethlefsen. “You realize the most spectacular thing is sitting right next to you.”

You may now kiss the bride.

“Married Alive!”

Over the Ledge Theatre co. 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7- 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10 (continues Aug. 14-17) $10/$8 seniors/$6 students Ledges Playhouse 137 Fitzgerald Drive, Grand Ledge (517) 318-0579, overtheledge.org

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 >> ‘THE CASTAWAYS’ AT MID MICHIGAN FAMILY THEATRE

The Mid Michigan Family Theatre tells the story of homelessness in a dramatic musical “The Castaways.” The story shows a cross-section of people in modern society facing a multitude of problems. The play then flashes back to New York at the turn of the 20th century, a time of high amounts of immigration, lost jobs, homelessness and kids fending for themselves. Artistic director Bill Gordon said the play is geared toward the whole family. “Especially with what’s going on with immigration in the news,” said Gordon. “The audience will be entertained while being thoughtful.” 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8; 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9; Sunday, Aug. 10. $7/$5 for 12 and under. Alfreda Schmidt Southside Community Center. 5825 Wise Road, Lansing. (517) 339-2145.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 >> TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES PARTY

The “Get Pop-Cultured” month long event continues at Barnes & Noble Booksellers at Lansing Mall. This week’s theme is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in honor of the new movie featuring the heroes on a half shell, which hits theaters Friday. The party Saturday will be geared towards children and involves multiple events. Activities will include story reading and an ooze workshop. There will also be ninja training stations that will have word puzzles and coloring. Ninja trainees will receive a certificated for completing all seven stations. 1 p.m. FREE. Barnes & Noble at Lansing Mall, 5132 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing. (517) 327-0437.