 The cast of "Wait Until Dark" Stage Door Players will be presenting "Wait Until Dark" at their downtown White Cloud theater Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. The play is a suspenseful thriller centered on a blind woman who must outwit dangerous criminals in her own home. The protagonist, Susy Hendrix, is a recently blinded woman whose husband, Sam, unknowingly brings home a doll stuffed with heroin. He had agreed to transport it from Canada as a favor to a woman who is later found murdered. Three con men—Roat, Mike, and Carlino—track the doll to Susy's apartment. Roat, the mastermind, manipulates the others and orchestrates a complex scheme to retrieve the doll. They deceive Susy into believing her husband is implicated in the murder and that the doll is key to proving his innocence. As the tension escalates, Susy begins to suspect their true motives. Despite her blindness, she uses her heightened senses and clever thinking to level the playing field. This performance will keep you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns and the cozy Stage Door Theater provides an ideal venue for watching the intrigue play out.
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 Tobin Buhk Presents: The Clink - Inside Michigan's Historic Jails at Fremont Area District Library
Thursday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m. From the front, these buildings resembled fashionable estates with ornate facades and turrets. But looks can be deceiving. Behind the facades, these homes contained cells blocks that housed county prisoners. Occupants of these county jails ranged from chicken thieves to serial killers to the colorful cast of sheriff’s deputies tasked with watching over them. Using archival photographs and diagrams, author Tobin Buhk leads a guided tour of these mysterious, forbidden places and introduces the characters who did time there. Learn about the first female sheriffs in Michigan history--the Capone trigger-man who terrified his captors, the cook who refused to leave her kitchen and on occasion made her ghostly presence seen and felt, an inventive sheriff who turned road-kill into cuisine, the pair of chicken thieves who escaped from Kent County’s inescapable jail, and others.  My big sister, one of my favorite human beings, in her Beatle days An interview with my much older (14 months) sister
By Ken DeLaat In 1964 my sister Sue discovered the Beatles. They arrived in America in February of that year and by the time they appeared on Ed Sullivan for the first time she was hooked. She and her friend Conni became the consummate Beatle fans. Sue favored Paul and Conni was more of a Ringo fan if I recall. From then on they watched each appearance together, spent countless hours listening to the 45’s and albums they spent their money on, and made enormous scrapbooks filled with Beatle related clippings. Being a year younger and in the adjoining room, I became well acquainted with Beatle music. Particularly the ones that were played over and over and over after their purchase. With the 1964 Beatles Tribute Band coming to the Dogwood on November 7th I thought it might be fun to hear from someone who was on the ‘front lines’ of the seismic cultural effect the Fab Four unleashed on an unsuspecting sea of teenage girls. Do you remember when Beatlemania grabbed you? Was there a moment or did it kind of evolve? Kind of evolved, but The Ed Sullivan show appearance lit the Beatlemania fire in us! You were 13 when they hit the U.S. How big of an influence were they on your 8th grade life? Consumed most of our time. Bought the 45’s, listened to the music whenever we could much to my family’s annoyance at times! I know you hung with your bestie Conni when it came to Beatle watching (and listening) but were there others in your group who were fans? Did you ever watch as a group and (more importantly) was there screaming? About 4 of us girls were rabid fans. We usually got together at Conni’s room because it was plastered with Beatle pictures on every wall! Had to give her mom props for allowing that! You and Conni went twice to see them in person. Detroit and Chicago if I recall.. What were those experiences like? September 1964, Olympia Stadium, Detroit (age 14) and August 1965, Comiskey Park, Chicago (age15). We (Conni and i) could barely hear them (yes we screamed!) or see them (little figures on a distant stage!) but didn’t care. We were in the same space with them and that was enough! I wish I knew how my Dad managed to get the tickets. My parents drove us there and we all stayed overnight. Now I think, Wow! That’s amazing! You kind of stopped following them quite so avidly later. What was your last album of theirs you bought and why was it the last one? Sgt Pepper’s was the last, I believe. By then I was going on 16 and teenage boys seemed more accessible than Paul! I still loved most of their music but they changed as well as I. What do you think following the Beatles gave you? A feeling of belonging to a group that shared the same interest. For a young teen in the 60’s that was everything! What might you say to your 13-year-old self about the Beatles? Enjoy the time and the experience and appreciate all that comes with it. It will be special. Still listen to the music? Got a favorite? Many favorites as well as many they have done individually. There will never be another group like them. It was an experience like no other. My Big Sis, Sue DeLaat Borda, now has 2 children and 4 grandchildren. She splits her time between Michigan and Florida these days since retiring from the Gary Byker Memorial Library, and as far as I know she has forgiven me for that time I hid her 45 of ‘Yesterday’ by the Beatles when I just could not listen to it one more time.  The Dogwood Center is thrilled to present 1964: The Beatles Tribute on Friday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. on the Main Stage. Hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as the "Best Beatles Tribute on Earth," this acclaimed ensemble recreates the magic of live Beatles performances with artful precision and unerring accuracy. Since the early 1980s, "1964"…The Tribute has been captivating audiences around the globe, taking them on a journey through a quintessential moment in music history. With over twenty years of dedicated research and performance, the band has become masters of their craft, earning praise from critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute in the world. The show features songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era and astonishingly recreates an early 1960s live Beatles concert experience. Using period instruments, authentic clothing, vintage hairstyles, and spot-on onstage banter, "1964" captures the explosive energy and iconic look of the Fab Four during their legendary "Beatlemania" period. "1964" has graced prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall and Red Rocks, and aims to transport audiences back to the magic of early Beatles concerts. The tribute features: Mark Benson as John Lennon, Mac Ruffing as Paul McCartney, Doug Couture as George Harrison; and Bobby Potter as Ringo Starr. Fans of all ages will enjoy an extraordinary evening at the Dogwood Center, filled with beloved chart-topping hits that defined an era and continue to resonate across generations. Tickets are $50.00 and are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont or just click here! The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For information, phone 231.924.8885.  Epic Holton venue continues to provide some significant scares
By Ken DeLaat 20 years ago, George Bush was in the first year of his second term, the Tigers just wrapped up a season that saw them lose 91 games, New Orleans was still getting over being ravaged by Katrina and YouTube had just begun. And Buffy Murphy and co. began hosting the Trail of Terror in Holton. Over those two decades ToT has garnished many awards for their production and is widely considered to be one of the best of this genre. Their use of special effects and a talented group of fear producers make it a memorable, if a bit spooky, experience. If being scared is your jam, this is not to be missed but be warned…ToT is not the funhouse one sees at the carnival. Take it from a veteran of one of their first efforts years ago, be prepared to have a few shivers sent down your spine. To this day my lovely spousal companion Lil can’t help but break into sustained laughter whenever she remembers our visit. These spontaneous outbursts have something to do with what she calls “a scream reminiscent of a shriek from a Swiftie at the Eras tour” that apparently escaped my lips that night. Opening Night is Friday and they will continue hosting folks each Friday and Saturday through the Big Day (Halloween, of course). They open at dusk and continue until 11pm. It’s 20 bucks ($25 for a V.I.P. pass) and believe me, well worth it. Unless, of course, you possess a less than manly sounding scream while terrorized and wish to keep that part of your persona under wraps.  The Dogwood Center presents Third Coast Swing in an intimate Black Box performance on Friday, October 10, at 7:30 p.m. The acclaimed ensemble will transport audiences back to the golden age of swing with their seamless blend of 1930s Hot Club charm and mid-century swing standards. Third Coast Swing features an exceptional lineup of musicians: Chris Tabaczynski on clarinet, Grant Flick on violin, Steve and Kaedin Plummer on guitars, "Ella J" Plummer on vocals, and Tom Knific on bass. Together, this supremely skilled and energized ensemble delivers toe-tapping performances drawn from both the French and American songbook traditions. The group has earned regional and national recognition, having shared the stage with touring acts including Frank Vignola, Denis Chang, Jimmy Grant, and Dave Bennett. Third Coast Swing has performed at prestigious venues throughout the region, including the West MI Jazz Society, Ludington Amphitheater, Ludington Area Center for the Arts, Bell's Kalamazoo, Detroit Jazz Society, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Kerrytown Concert House, Playhouse at White Lake, Ramsdell Theater, and Westshore Performing Arts. This performance is generously sponsored by Jim and Donna Hieftje. Join us and you will experience great live music at the Dogwood! Tickets are $20 and are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, or at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont or just click here. The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For information, phone 231.924.8885.   War, work, and Rosie the Riveter
Come join us for our last presentation in The Heritage Museum’s Speaker Series. On Thursday the 23rd of October, David Wright will be presenting a talk on Rosie the Riveter and women’s contribution to the war effort. David Wright is the retired superintendent of the Big Prairie Township, local historian, and storyteller. In his retirement he continues to advocate for Lake County, Michigan providing information and services to the public. Mr. Wright was also an early visionary into the creation of Michigan’s Dragon Trail. Please join us on Thursday, October 23rd at 6:30pm at The Heritage Museum of Newaygo County, in downtown Newaygo at 12 Quarterline Rd.  The Dogwood Center is proud to present nationally touring comedian Karen Mills on Saturday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. on the Main Stage. With over 25 years of making audiences laugh across the country, Mills brings her sharp wit and relatable humor to what promises to be an unforgettable evening of comedy. Mills, a Tennessee native who can be heard daily on Sirius XM comedy channels, has built an impressive career performing on some of the most iconic stages in entertainment, including the Grand Ole Opry. She has toured alongside comedy sensation Leanne Morgan and earned widespread acclaim for her Dry Bar Comedy special "Baby Got Bad Back," which has garnered over 30 million views. Known for her straight-forward approach to the realities of life, Mills is a master at finding the funny in everyday experiences. This self-proclaimed "crazy dog lady" delivers smart, keen observations that keep audiences laughing at themselves as they relate to her stories. Beyond the laughs, Mills has been hailed for her ability to bring humor and inspiration to difficult topics. Now cancer free, she has transformed her personal battle with ovarian cancer into powerful comedy. Diagnosed in 2013 after a routine checkup, Mills took on the disease with hope and humor. In 2016, she was chosen to present her talk, "Cancer is a Laughing Matter" at TEDxChattanooga, proving that even pain can become punchlines in the hands of a master comedian. Tickets are $22.50 and are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont or just click here! The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For information, phone 231.924.8885.  An interview with comedian Karen Mills who will be performing at the Dogwood Saturday
If you are a fan of comedy, a semi-regular at Dr. Grins or maybe just someone who enjoys a good laugh now and again, the upcoming Dogwood show featuring this talented lady is right up your alley. In fact, if you listen to the Sirius XM Comedy channels, you are probably already familiar with her and have bought your tickets! We caught up with the busy Ms. Mills for a bit of a Q&A. What got you interested in doing Comedy? I wasn’t really the class clown, but I always loved making people laugh. I was into drama class and sketch comedy, but basketball took up all my time. I went to college on a basketball scholarship, and everyone—including me—thought I’d end up coaching. Turns out, I loved playing a lot more than coaching. After college I moved to Atlanta, took some acting classes, and every time Johnny Carson would have a comedian on The Tonight Show, I’d think, I could do that. Eventually I worked up the nerve to do open mic at The Punchline—and I never looked back. What was your first big laugh on stage—do you still remember the joke? Yes! I’ll never forget it. The first joke that really landed was: “I’m from Tennessee, and I’m a recovering redneck. Every day I fight the urge to drag an old appliance out on the porch.”The audience laughed, and I thought--okay, I’m hooked. Who were your comedy heroes growing up? Any mentors along the way? I didn’t really have mentors, but I grew up loving sketch comedy—Carol Burnett, Gilda Radner. I also watched Joan Rivers closely and studied how she built her jokes. When she launched her talk show on FOX, she held a “Joan for a Day” contest. I wasn’t even doing stand-up yet, but I filmed myself in my living room pretending to host a talk show and sent in a tape. I got runner-up, and they flew me to L.A. to meet Joan, and that was pretty incredible. What’s a moment in your career that made you think, “I’ve made it”? Honestly, I’m still waiting for that moment! But touring with Leanne Morgan and getting to play these beautiful theaters has been pretty special. One that really stands out is The Fox Theatre in Atlanta. I started at The Punchline in Atlanta and always dreamed of performing at the Fox. Opening for Leanne there felt like a full-circle, dream-come-true moment. Another unforgettable one was the first time I played the Grand Ole Opry. Walking onto that stage, standing in the circle where legends like Elvis, Dolly, and Johnny Cash stood—it was surreal. Why is Comedy important? Because without it, we’d all lose our minds! Comedy breaks down barriers—it’s hard to be hateful when you’re laughing. The world feels so heavy and divided right now, and laughter is what keeps us sane. It’s cheaper than therapy and way more fun. If you weren’t doing comedy, what would you be doing? I’ve always been fascinated by forensics, profiling, all the CSI-type stuff. My first thought is that I’d do something in that field—but honestly, I think I’d just want to play that on TV. I always did want to be an actor. Why should people come to the show and what should they expect? Because we all need to laugh and have a fun night out. Life gets busy, stressful, and serious—and sometimes we forget to make time for friends, fun, and just letting go. My show is a chance to do exactly that. If you come, expect to laugh—a lot. Tickets for Ms. Mills’ show are $22.50 and are available online at www.dogwoodcenter.com, at the Dogwood Box Office, at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont or just click here! The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Tuesday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For information, phone 231.924.8885. |
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