Linda Boston said she remembers when discussions about menopause used to happen in whispered tones.

The cast and crew in Muskegon Civic Theatre’s production of I Hate Hamlet laughed out loud when they first read the script, and they’re betting theatergoers will too. 

With “Hand to God,” Actor’s Theatre Grand Rapids will tackle arguably the greatest pain imaginable with a strange blend of dark humor and serious emotions. The show, created by Robert Askins, focuses on 16-year-old Jason, who just lost his father. 

Since beginning as an intern in 2010, Christopher Bruce has moved through every education position the Grand Rapids Art Museum has had to offer. Bruce said that experience gives him an interesting perspective for his new role as director of learning and creativity, as he’s seen what works, what doesn’t and why they tried it all.

Poet. Writer. Activist. Storyteller. Grand Rapids native Rachel Gleason is all of these and many more.

Supermarket stationary aisles are rife with cards cheekily announcing 40th birthdays as the harbinger of old age, the demise of youth, and the decline of usefulness. Meanwhile, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) is choosing instead to celebrate its 40th birthday as a milestone of achievement, with two massive exhibits celebrating diversity and representation.

For emerging artist Michelle Martin, events like Wine About Winter provide confidence, exposure and even some commission work.

Art Martin never minded pounding nails into the wall, but for now, he’ll put down the hammer and settle into a more scholarly and public role at Muskegon Museum of Art. 

Peter Kjome’s history with the Grand Rapids Symphony goes back to 1990, when he first joined the organization as a musician. But it’s his time as president and CEO that Kjome will be remembered for when he steps down in January to embark on a similar role with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO).

Nobody could accuse the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre of opting for safe, reliable productions after its decision to stage Side Show — a musical based on the true story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton who became famous in the 1920s for performances that highlighted their unique lives.