Dystopian ‘1984’ reflects life as we know it today
When Alex Vicknair moved to Lansing from Seattle in the mid- ‘90s, the local head shops were full of American, artisan-made glass. “I got here and went into In Flight to sell some glass, and they …
By DANA DEMINK's Latest Articles
Riverwalk’s ‘Little Women’ mixes feminist themes with coming-of-age tale
Some might say “Little Women” was Louisa May Alcott’s little social rebellion. Alcott grew up in Concord, Massachusetts, with her famously transcendentalist parents, who regularly …
Buckle your seatbelts, ‘Ride the Cyclone’ is a heart-thumping adventure
After reading a plot synopsis of “Ride the Cyclone,” Peppermint Creek Theatre Co.’s first show of the season, I was skeptical that the production would be compelling. The gist: …
Williamston’s ‘Incident at Our Lady …’ brings heartwarming nostalgia
If you, like me, grew up in a working-class Catholic home in the 1970s, you’ll find Katie Forgette’s memory play, “Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help,” at Williamston …
Peppermint Creek’s ‘On the Exhale’ is a painful but important experience
It’s 2 o’clock Sunday morning. After one too many glasses of wine, my husband and I are ruminating on how someone could develop an obsession with guns. The conversation quickly turns into …
Irreverence reigns supreme in Riverwalk’s ‘Importance of Being Earnest’
Valentine’s Day 1895, St. James’s Theatre in London.
Williamston Theatre’s ‘Bright Half Life’ explores ‘the infinite moments that make a relationship’
There’s an old adage that the time it takes to completely get over the death of a relationship is approximately half the length of time the relationship lasted. In pondering Williamston Theatre’s production of “Bright Half Life,”
‘Amadeus’ a moving portrayal of revenge, jealousy and religious devotion gone awry
Darkness. Low whispers are barely perceivable. The whispers (or are they hissing snakes?) undulate and grow.
‘What if Wilhelmina’ engages audiences of all ages
A lively and engaging theater experience awaits kids, adults and everyone in between this weekend at Michigan State University’s Arena Theatre. While “What if Wilhelmina” is billed as a sensory-friendly, interactive musical for neurodiverse audiences, I would contend that this inclusive, immersive experience is a delight for audiences of all ages and abilities.
Fall through the cracks at the Fairchild Theatre
The world premiere of “Stevie and the Real World” climbed out of the depths of the Earth and rollicked at Michigan State University’s Fairchild Theatre this past weekend.