Arts

West Michigan's Arts & Entertainment Guide

"Lost in Yonkers" at Farmers Alley Theatre.

Review: Despite everything, 'Lost in Yonkers' finds joy

Written by Marin Heinritz | Friday, 13 March 2020 12:48 |

Neil Simon is one of the most prolific and enduring American playwrights, beloved for his nostalgia, humor and witty one-liners, even winning a Pulitzer in 1991 for “Lost in Yonkers,” arguably his finest work. Farmers Alley Theatre chose that finest work as their first foray in Neil Simon material, and it’s a wonder to behold.

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is full of heart and pure imagination

Written by John Kissane | Monday, 09 March 2020 11:35 |

Theatre

In an unpublished chapter of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, candy magnate Willy Wonka leads a group of wide-eyed children into the alarmingly named Pounding and Cutting Room. There, a machine slices fudge into small squares. A wire strainer serves to catch any children who might slip, preventing them from being similarly chopped up. “It always catches them,” he reassures the children. “At least it always has up to now.”

Review: GR Ballet's Jumpstart 2020 lets dancers spread their wings

Written by Marin Heinritz | Monday, 09 March 2020 10:14 |

Theatre

Jumpstart 2020 is an eclectic showcase of world premiere dances created and danced entirely by Grand Rapids Ballet dancers. It offers an eclectic mix of themes, moods, and styles, and the show is a hit among the company’s fans, judging by the spontaneous standing ovations opening night after several of the 10 pieces in this two-hour show.

Review: 'Race' is a rare play offering uncomfortably real conversations

Written by Marin Heinritz | Sunday, 01 March 2020 15:20 |

Theatre

At the beginning of David Mamet’s fascinating 2009 drama “Race,” a black lawyer poses a bold question to a potential client, a wealthy white man accused of raping a black woman.

Review: 'Crowns' is a magnificent, rich celebration of endurance and expression

Written by Marin Heinritz | Friday, 28 February 2020 16:40 |

Theatre

The great American writer James Baldwin’s quote “Your crown has been bought and paid for. All you must do is put it on” is interpreted in a biblical light, an acknowledgement of the suffering people of color endure.