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West Michigan's Arts & Entertainment Guide

Review: iLuminate is all about family-friendly fun

Written by Marin Heinritz | Thursday, 04 October 2018 15:46 |

To be audience to “iLuminate: the most fun you’ll ever have in the dark” is to know you’re in the presence of a gimmick. But as far as gimmicks go, it is pretty fun.

The four Judy Garlands in "Beyond the Rainbow" at Farmers Alley.

Review: ‘Beyond the Rainbow’ is beautiful, complex, tragic

Written by Marin Heinritz | Thursday, 04 October 2018 14:51 |

Theatre

In the opening scene of Farmer’s Alley’s “Beyond the Rainbow: The Judy Garland Musical,” a dead ringer for the icon — ostensibly backstage before her 1961 concert performance at Carnegie Hall — wrings her hands, powders her nose, and anxiously pops pills, washing them down with a martini.

Roger Burleigh working behind the scenes.

Behind the Curtain: The story of a local stage manager

Written by Jane Simons | Tuesday, 02 October 2018 14:08 |

Theatre

Roger Burleigh has a leading role in every production staged at Farmer’s Alley Theatre, but audience members likely will never see him.

Last Call: Reserve Wine & Food

Written by Nick Macksood | Thursday, 27 September 2018 15:44 |

Libations

Reserve’s take on an original “Don the Beachcomber” cocktail, the Nui Nui, the Newy Nui departs from what you might expect of a tiki drink.

Halloween Haunts, Hangs and Happenings

Written by Eric Mitts | Thursday, 27 September 2018 15:33 |

Events / Festivals

Halloween has become more than just a time for tricks and treats. It’s the end of a season, when autumn leaves give way to the ominous chill of brisk winter air lurking around the corner — we’ve found it’s the perfect time to get freaked, freak out others and otherwise embrace your inner freak. In the spirit of the season, we’ve compiled a quick list of some of the most scream-worthy scares and other fiendishly fun events held in honor of All Hallow’s Eve.

Turning Up the Terror: Directors, actors, costume and makeup designers make for a full production at The Haunt

Written by Kayla Sosa | Thursday, 27 September 2018 15:29 |

Events / Festivals

One of West Michigan’s most iconic haunted attractions, The Haunt, returns this year with a new location, new owners and new standards.

Decidedly dark and designed to hold loosee-leaf tea, pinch salts or herbs, these porcelain finished jars temp with 22k gold, celestial-inspired illustrations. $48-$58.

Black By Popular Demand

Written by Missy Black | Thursday, 27 September 2018 15:06 |

Fashion

We’re in a dark mood over here — dark like the bottom of a witch’s cauldron. Come October, we like to get a little gloomy and mysterious, and MODRN GR is down for it too.

Yuka Oba in George Balanchine’s ©The George Balanchine Trust, Allegro Brillante

Untamed, Unbound: Grand Rapids Ballet premieres 'Wild Sweet Love' this fall

Written by Michaela Stock | Thursday, 27 September 2018 15:14 |

Theatre

Satin pointe shoes, shimmering tiaras and embroidered tutus may seem like the most fundamental elements in ballet, but to the Grand Rapids Ballet, the art is not just its stereotypical image.

Sol LeWitt and Erwin Wurm do it instruction at NuMu in Guatemala City, 2015.

Making It Happen: Kalamazoo Institute of Arts combines resources to end iconic show’s run

Written by Jane Simons | Thursday, 27 September 2018 15:09 |

Visual Arts

This October, one of the longest-running and farthest-reaching exhibitions to ever take place will end its 25-year run with a stop at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.