Ulysses' Crewmen: 8 p.m. Curtain Today at Gone Wired Cafe

The Milwaukee-based Insurgent Theater has been winding its way through the Midwest with its performance of "Ulysses' Crewman." Today, Sept. 22nd, it arrives in Lansing, Michigan, for an 8 p.m. curtain at Gone Wired Cafe. The performance is free and open to the public, though the Peace Education Center welcomes any donations to help the effort.

I've been looking forward to the performance for a while now. The troupe's blog, documenting the behind-the-scenes details at each stop along the way, is very interesting and adds to the anticipation. The venue -- the room at the rear of Gone Wired -- is perfect for this show because the audience sits right in the middle of the performance. Expect a very intimate theatrical experience.

I plan to get there a little early, grab a cup of coffee from Colleen, and get a good seat. Theater fans and activists -- hope to see you out there.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Preview of Insurgent Theatre's newest play: "Ulysses' Crewmen"

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The Business of Being Born

I tried to convince my sidekick, The Boy Thunder, to bring his new wife to the play "Birth" at Edgewood United Church in East Lansing. Tonight was the first of two performances with the second one taking place on Saturday, October 4th, at 7 p.m.

Alas, the Boy Thunder and Mrs. Thunder took a pass tonight; they had other plans. Maybe that was a good thing, especially since the Boy Thunder tee-hee'd like at second grader through the production of The Full Monty earlier this year.

If the Thunders and others can make it to the second performance on Saturday night, they will not be disappointed with this dramatic production. "Birth" is an outstanding play with 13 "volunteers" -- as the director described the actors who devoted time to the production -- giving voice to women characters who discuss their experiences in the American maternity-industrial complex. The same topic was addressed in the excellent documentary, "The Business of Being Born," which I wrote about earlier this year here. As I said then, I think anyone who has given birth or plans to give birth, or who has ever been born -- that is everyone, including men and the medical establishment -- should see this play if you get a chance. The play amounts to activist art as its very best.

Here are the details of the second night's performance:

"Birth"
Written by Karen Brody
Directed by Maria-Danielle Casinelli
October 4th
Edgewood United Church
464 N. Hagadorn Road
East Lansing, Michigan
Admission: $8 - $12
Community panel discussion follows the play.

Top-Notch Romeo and Juliet Production Ends on Sunday in Lansing

The Sunsets with Shakespeare production of Romeo and Juliet closes with its last show on Sunday, August 17, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at Hunter Park on Lansing's east side off of Kalamazoo Street. I finally had a chance to catch the performance yesterday and highly recommend it. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. The suggested donation is a bargain at $2. This last show is a make-up performance because of rain cancellations last week.

I give Romeo and Juliet a double thumbs up for an excellent cast and performance, and high marks for a relaxing, comfortable outdoor setting at Hunter Park. This was my first experience with Shakespeare at sunset, and in a park. It was thoroughly entertaining -- a great way to spend a cool summer evening. I can't wait to do it again in the future.

Director Todd A. Heywood should be commended for a fine production and the cast of performers should be proud of its strong performance.

Don't miss the last performance on Sunday.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Note: This review was cross-posted at www.michiganliberal.com.