OFF-WOODWARD
Critical Moment’s Guide to Independent and College Theater
Detroit and Hamtramck, Fall 2014

Although perhaps better known for our hardworking residents, industrial decay and love of Faygo, Detroit’s also got a reputation as a heck of a place to catch a play or musical. In fact, our fair city has the second largest theater district in the country after New York City, according to the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

In addition to our multitude of venues, there’s a strong theatre legacy here as well. In the 1960s and 70s, Detroit became a hotbed for the Black Theater movement with venues like Concept East and companies like Spirit of Shango and the Ira Aldridge Players. (For background, check out this excellent article in BLAC magazine).

Over the years, the Motor City has also produced a wealth of playwrights — folks like Ron Milner, Neil LaBute, Brenda Perryman and surrealist Ron Allen to name just a few.

In the hopes of keeping this tradition alive, Critical Moment has assembled this list of Detroit theater venues and production companies for you to enjoy. We’ve skipped a number of the more well-known locations like the Gem, Fisher and the newly renovated Garden Theatre in Midtown, in order to spotlight the local scene’s independent companies and venues along with college and community theater. Think of this as our off-Woodward guide to theater ­— in spirit if not always in actual location. Hope to see you on opening night!

1515 Broadway,
1515 Broadway, Detroit
(313) 965-1515
www.1515broadwaycafe.biz

A Host of People
Various locations
www.ahostofpeople.org

Abreact
1301 West Lafayette #113, Detroit
(313) 454-1542
www.theabreact.com

Bonstelle Theatre (Wayne State University)
“Peter Pan” by J.M. Berrie/adapted by Janet Allard, Nov 14 to 23
3424 Woodward Ave., Detroit
(313) 577-2960
www.bonstelle1.com

Carrie Morris Arts Productions
2221 Carpenter, Detroit
www.carriemorris.com

Detroit Broadcasting Company
www.detroitbroadcastingcompany.com

Detroit Repertory Theatre
World Premiere: “Buzz” by Richard Strand, Nov. 6 to Dec 28
13103 Woodrow Wilson St, Detroit
(313) 868-1347
www.detroitreptheatre.com

Elizabeth Theatre
2040 Park, Detroit
(313) 454-1286
www.elizabeththeater.com

Extra Mile Playwrights Group
Various Locations
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Extra-Mile-Playwrights-Group

Hillberry Theater (Wayne State University)
“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, Oct 24 to Dec. 13
4743 Cass Avenue, Detroit
(313) 577-2972
www.hillberry.com

Living Arts’ Teatro Chico
8701 W. Vernor, Suite 301, Detroit
(313) 841-4765
www.livingartsdetroit.org/category/teatro-chico/

Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company
“To Save One” by Elizabeth Dembrowsky, Fall 2014
Various locations
http://www.magentagiraffe.org

Marygrove Theatre
8425 McNichols Rd. West, Detroit
(313) 927-1545

Matrix Theatre Company
“Rapture, Blister, Burn” by Gina Gionfriddo, Nov. 14 to Dec. 7
2730 Bagley St, Detroit
(313) 967-0599
www.matrixtheatre.org

Mosaic Youth Theater
2251 Antietam Ave., Detroit
(313) 872-6910
www.mosaicdetroit.org/

Planet Ant
“Ant Process Show 2,” October 31st to November 8th
“Invasion” by Jonas Hassen Khemiri, November 28th to December 20th
2357 Caniff St, Hamtramck
(313) 365-4948
www.planetant.com

Plowshares Theatre Company
Various Locations
3663 Woodward, Detroit
(313) 744-3181
www.facebook.com/plowsharesthr/

Puppetart Detroit
“Turtle Island,” November 1 to 30
25 E Grand River Ave, Detroit
(313) 961-7777
www.puppetart.org

Puzzle Piece Theatre Company
“White People” by J.T. Rogers, October 2014
Various Locations
(313) 303-8019
www.puzzlestage.org

Rosedale Park Community House and Theater
Park Players present “Alice through the Looking Glass,” November 14-23
18445 Scarsdale, Detroit
(313) 835-1103
www.theparkplayers.com/about

Rumpusroom Theatre Company
Various locations
www.facebook.com/therumpusroomdetroit

SideBar Black Art Theatre Detroit
Various Locations
medleyjackgator@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/pages/SideBar-Black-Art-Theatre-of-Detroit

University of Detroit Mercy Theatre Company
“It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Joe Landry, Dec. 5 to 7
(313) 993-3270