Friday, February 11, 2011

Daytripping: Mystery dinner theater for teens at St. Clair Shores Library


"The Cracks in the Wall" is a brilliant event for teens going on today at the St. Clair Shores Library. 
Starting at 6:30 p.m., teen detectives in grades six through 12 will get the chance to investigate crime scenes and examine evidence to solve a case.
Where were events like this when I was pretending to be the next Miss Sherlock Holmes or Miss Encyclopedia Brown?
“Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective,” by Donald J. Sobol was everyone’s favorite book. As I recall, a couple of my friends even formed their own detective agency, at one point. The big case was a missing dog. I don’t know if it was the same missing dog, but I do remember a very wet and muddy golden retriever showing up at the school. Anyway, mysteries are always fun to read and this event at the library adds to the excitement. 

It’s also a great event for readers who have discovered, “Death Cloud” by Andrew Lane, the first teen series to be granted official endorsement from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary estate.
Lane has written numerous spin-off novels based on the BBC sci-fi television series “Doctor Who,” and “The Bond Files: An Unofficial Guide to the World’s Greatest Secret Agent.”
In his new book, readers meet Sherlock as a young lad of fourteen, enjoying the summer of 1868, while on break from boarding school. During his stay with his eccentric aunt and uncle, in vast house in Hampshire, two local people die from symptoms that resemble the plague. Intrigued, and having the time to play detective, Sherlock begins to investigate what really killed them, helped by his new tutor, an American named Amyus Crowe.
It’s the start of Sherlock’s adventures as a sleuth on the trail of the latest unsolved mystery, and most likely to be a popular new series for teens.
“The Cracks in the Wall,” event is free but registration is required. Tickets may be picked up at Youth Services Desk; (586) 771-9020.

If you cannot make it this event listed below are a number of other fun and interesting events going on in the Metro Detroit area:

Sensory Friendly Films
AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society present the film "Gnomeo & Juliet" at 10 a.m. Feb. 12 at AMC Gratiot 21 in Clinton Township and AMC Forum in Sterling Heights in special showings for children with autism or other special needs. No previews or ads are shown before the movie, and families may bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks. Children are able to get up and dance, walk, sing or shout during the movie. Tickets may be purchased that day. For more information, visit Autism Society of Michigan

Vietnam Memorial
Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave. at Kirby, hosts Michigan Vietnam Veteran Traveling Memorial today through Feb. 13. The display includes memorial wall that features names of Michigan's 2,654 casualties, along with biographical books and photos. Visitors may bring photos of friends or relatives killed in Vietnam action for inclusion in books. Museum hours are 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Admission to this exhibit free to Vietnam veterans and their families. Call (313) 833-1805.

Charity tasting
The Anton Art Center, Crocker House, Macomb Literacy Foundation and Salvation Army among charities benefiting from beer and wine tasting, 6:30-8:30 p.m. today at Sherwood Brewing, 45689 Hayes, Shelby Township, hosted by Kiwanis Club of Mount Clemens. Tickets, $30 per person, include appetizer buffet, selection of beers or wines, available at Printing by Johnson, 1430 S. Gratiot Ave., Mount Clemens, or (586) 469-3555. Those attending must be at least 21 years of age.

Comedy show
Mittens for Detroit presents "A Night of Giggles & Gloves," comedy show to benefit Crossroads of Michigan, doors open 7 p.m., event 8-10 p.m. Feb. 12 at MGM Grand Detroit, Grand Ballroom, 1777 Third St. Admission $10 per ticket; for every ticket purchased, a pair of new gloves is donated to Mittens for Detroit (courtesy of Broner Hat & Glove in Auburn Hills). For tickets, Mittens for Detroit

French film
Alliance Francaise de Grosse Pointe presents French (with English subtitles) film "Paris 36," 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16, at Grosse Pointe Public Library-Woods Branch. Free.

'Bells Are Ringing'
Oakland University students present the musical "Bells Are Ringing," 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Feb. 11, and 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 12 at Eisenhower High School Performing Arts Center, 6500 25 Mile Road, Shelby Township. General admission: $17, students $9, available at the door an hour before the show or by calling (248) 370-3013 or going to Star Tickets

Calling all painters
Lakeside Palette Club of St. Clair Shores monthly meeting, 7 p.m. today, Activities Room of SCS Civic Arena, 20000 Stephens. Oil painting demonstration by Richard Andryziak. Want to paint, studio space available 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays in room 111 of Adult Ed Center on Masonic near Jefferson. For details, (586) 350-4518 or Lakeside Palette Club
 
'Late Night Catechism'
"Till Death Do Us Part-Late Night Catechism," Gem Theatre, Detroit, 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Thursdays, 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 6. Tickets: (313) 963-9800, (800) 982-2787, Ticketmaster, or at box office.

Wine & Food
Annual Solanus Casey Center Wine & Food Event, 6:30-10:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Cathedral Cultural Center-St. George Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, Southfield. Tickets: $60 per person to benefit Solanus Casey Center. Call (313) 579-2100 ext. 153 or visitSolanus Casey Center

Wright Museum
Charles H. Wright Museum presents free Black History Month film series and discussion, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays in February and March 2, at 315 Warren Ave., Detroit. Titles "Me Facing Life: Cyntoia's Story," Feb. 16; "This Is My Africa," Feb. 23; "Good Hair," March 2. Visit Charles H. Wright Museum

The Henry Ford
Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn celebrates February as Black History Month with displays on four eras of Black History in America - Pre-Emancipation, Northern Migration, Civil Rights Movement and Contemporary Times. Musical and dramatic performances, hands-on activities inspired by George Washington Carver, crafts and free 40-minute guided tour African American Innovators departing from the Museum Plaza on selected days are included. Admission free with membership, or $15 adults, $14 ages 62 and older and $11 ages 5-12. Call (313) 982-6001 or visit The Henry Ford

Seniors of Troy
British magician Keith Fields performs dinner show hosted by Seniors of Troy, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois. Tickets $6; reservations, (248) 525-3466 or nbhatnagar@abc-seniors.com.

Oakland Youth Orchestras
Performance of Oakland Youth Orchestras featuring approximately 300 students, 7 p.m. today at Lake Orion High School. Special performance by 2010 solo concerto competition winner Forrest Brazeal. Tickets, $10 adults, $5 children/students, $25 families, available at door.

Roman Holiday
The Redford Theatre presents "Roman Holiday," starring Audrey Hepburn (Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role," Gregory Peck and Eddie Albert in the 1953 classic film. Shows tonight at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. and evening screening at 8 p.m. All shows will feature performances on the theater's pipe organ. Tickets: $4. The Redford Theatre is located at the NE corner of Grand River Ave., and Lahser Road. For details visit The Redford Theatre
 
'Seniors Got Talent'
Heart of Hills Senior Community Theatre Group presents "Seniors Got Talent," comic skits and music, 1 p.m. Feb. 16-18 at Shelby Senior Center, 51670 Van Dyke, south of 24 Mile Road. Admission $8; (586) 739-7540 or (248) 608-9008 or visit HOH Players

Ladies Night
Macomb Bike and Fitness holds free Ladies Night open house, 6-9 p.m. Feb. 17 at 28411 Schoenherr, north of 11 Mile Road, Warren. Evening includes information on new products, charity events, rides and weekly fitness activites. Registration required by calling (586) 756-5400 or visiting Macomb Bike

Go Comedy!
"Jersey Show Season 1 (Abridged)" on stage through Feb. 26 at Go Comedy! Improve Theater, 261 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. For showtimes and ticket information, (248) 327-0575 or www.gocomedy.net. Boy band show Menllenium starts Feb. 17 through March; new improve "Sunday Source" 7 p.m. Sundays starting Feb. 13.

Ford House
Bird walks, offered by Ford House and Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe, 8 a.m. Feb. 12 and March 12, and 7:30 a.m. April 16, at the historic home, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores. Fee $7 per person; participants should bring binoculars, wear layered clothing and waterproof footwear.
"Enchanted Evening" to celebrate Valentine's Day, 6 p.m. Feb. 12, including candlelit stroll through the home, dinner, dessert, beer and wine. Tickets: $50 each.
Reservations required for each Ford House program, (313) 884-4222 or Edsel and Eleanore Ford House

Wolcott Mill
"Making a Valentine House," 2 p.m. Feb. 12, kids can make sweets including premade house with frosting and favorite Valentine candy; hot chocolate provided. Preregistration: $5 per house.  Call (586) 752-5932 or visit The Wolcott Mill

WSU theater
Wayne State University's Studio Theatre presents "Rhinoceros," 8 p.m. through Feb. 12, at The First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4605 Cass Ave., one block from the Hilberry Theatre (Studio Theatre undergoing renovations). For tickets, $10-$12, call (313) 577-2972 or Wayne Sate Shows

Greyhound adoptions
Greyheart Greyhound Rescue and Adoption of Michigan "Meet and Greet" event, noon-4 p.m. Feb. 13, at Petco in Eastbrooke Commons Shopping Center, 22631 Gratiot, at Nine Mile Road, Eastpointe. Visit Greyheart or (866) 438-4739 (GET GREY).

'Modern Orthodox'
Jewish Ensemble Theatre presents "Modern Orthodox," selected dates through Feb. 13, at Aaron DeRoy Theatre, West Bloomfield Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple at Drake. Tickets, $32-$41, call (248) 788-2900.

DIA exhibits
The Detroit Institute of Arts on Woodward Avenue, exhibit "Fakes, Forgeries and Mysteries," through April 10, a behind-the-scenes look at how art experts and scientists determine if a work of art of art is genuine, fake or if the evidence is inconclusive. Tickets are $12, $6 for ages 6-17, and free for DIA members. Tickets include general museum admission.

Wild Winter Weekends
The Detroit Zoo, 10 Mile Road and Woodward, presents series of family friendly Wild Winter Weekends, through March, on the second Saturday and Sunday of the month:
Wild Winter African Adventure, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 12 and 13, celebrates Black History Month with an African drum lesson, live entertainment, arts and crafts, games, educational experiences and stories told by Kenyan naturalist and Detroit Zoo Education Specialist David Gakure.
Wild Winter Safari Social, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March 12 and 13, featuring animal arts and crafts, animal enrichment activities, zookeeper talks, face painting and a winter safari scavenger hunt, with ice cream and hot cocoa available for purchase at a discount.
Zoo admission $12 for ages 15 to 61, $10 ages 62 and older, and $8 for children ages 2 to 14 (children under 2 are free). For more information, visit The Detroit Zoo or call (248) 541-5717. 


List compiled by staff editor Debbie Komar.

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