Get hip to Shakespeare

                                                                    Photo by Marcus Alan

Jennifer Masty and Joey Catalano in "A Midsummer's Night Dream."

Love is in the air, not just in London, but in Detroit too. Tonight is the opening of a unique production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” at 1515 Broadway Theater.

What’s so unusual about this play?

Shakespeare’s play, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1596, portrays the events surrounding the marriage of the Duke of Athens, Theseus, and the Queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta, along with the escapades of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors, who are manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest where most of the play is set.

“This version takes place in San Francisco, during the summer of love and the hippie movement,” said Brian Lawrence, the play’s author and director. “The concept of transforming a Shakespeare classic into the Haight Ashbury setting of the late ‘60s is challenging, yet consistent with the method-acting style of our talented actors.”

The troupe of 18 cast members includes Jeff Caponigro of Bloomfield Hills, who worked with Lawrence’s Sixth Street Entertainment feature action-adventure film, “Rabid.”

Also showcased in the five-act play are members of the Actor’s Workshop of Royal Oak, an acting school founded by Lawrence and his wife, Aida, more than 25 years ago.

“It’s one of those where all kinds of crazy things happen,” said Lawrence.

Now throw in a selection of hip music (at least it was during that era) and some groovy costumes designed by Bernadine Vida of Bingham Farms, whose talented stitches have appeared in such features as “Whip It,” “Transformers,” and “8 Mile,” and you’ve got a play several generations can relate to.

Tickets for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 1515 Broadway Theater (near Comerica Park) are: $15 advance, $20 at the door. The play is scheduled for six performances: April 29-May 1; and May 6-8. Friday and Saturday night performances start at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees begin at 3 p.m. For further information, call (248) 398-7744 or visit The Actor's Workshop

Daytripping

What else is going on? Check out our listing of events happening in and around the Detroit area:

Chesterfield Library

"Arts and Scraps Crafts" program lets kids ages 3 to grade 5 make a bug from a kit then choose recycled materials from ScrapMobile to make more projects at home, 2-3 p.m. April 30, at Chesterfield Township Library, 50560 Patricia. Also at the library, Mother's Day crafts for grades kindergarten through five, 4:30-5:30 p.m. May 5, and basic yoga class 1-2 p.m. May 7. Registration required for all programs by calling (586) 598-4900 or online at www.chelibrary.org.

Music in Warren

"Spring Favorites Concert" by Warren Concert Band and Warren Community Chorus, 3 p.m. May 1, at Warren Woods Community Theatre, 13400 12 Mile Road, west of Schoenherr; includes selections from John Philip Sousa, Cole Porter and American favorites. Tickets $8 adults, free ages 13 and younger, available at door. Call (586) 709-8192.

Spring Tea

Sterling Heights Lioness Club annual spring tea, "Who Killed the Roving Romeo of the Red Feather Investment Club," murder-mystery, 2-4 p.m. May 1, Carpathia Club, 38000 Utica Road, Sterling Heights. Tickets $30; (586) 557-1299 or anwhit@hotmail.com. Proceeds to Seedlings, Pinrickton Center for Blind Children, Beaumont Silent Children and Project KIDSIGHT.

Vendor sale

Vendor Sale and Cookie Walk fundraiser, noon-3 p.m. May 1, at Harrison Township Public Library, 38151 L'Anse Creuse, includes Murano-style glass jewelry, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, chocolate candy. Cookies $4 per pound. Admission $1 includes prize drawings. Call (586) 329-1261.

'Champions Banquet'

Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores 13th "Champions Banquet," 6 p.m. with buffet at 7 p.m. May 4, at Blossom Heath Inn, 24800 Jefferson, St. Clair Shores. Evening includes dinner, entertainment and awards. For tickets, $30 advance, call (586) 772-2537 or (586) 255-6526; at door $35.

Cousino fundraiser

All-you-can-eat pasta dinner to benefit Cousino High School Band Boosters, 5-8 p.m. May 4, in the high school Cafetorium on Hoover south of 13 Mile Road, Warren. Pasta provided by Antonio's Restaurant of Sterling Heights, entertainment by school bands and ensembles. Advance tickets $10 for dining and concert, $5 ages 5 and younger, and $5 for concert only; $13 at door for meal and concert. Call (586) 698-4605.

Card party

Jefferson Chapter No. 489 Order of the Eastern Star card party, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., lunch at noon, May 3, at Jefferson Masonic Temple, 22000 11 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores. Admission $6. Call (586) 792-4280.

ACS fundraiser

Shelby Township Relay for Life fundraiser for American Cancer Society, 1-4 p.m. April 30, at Cold Stone Creamery, 23 Mile and Schoenherr roads. Stories, songs, photos with Singing Princess 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., entertainment by Four Stories, coloring contest, balloon artist.

'Space Pandas'

David Mamet's "The Revenge of the Space Pandas" presented 2 and 7 p.m. today, at Henry Ford II Performing Arts Center, 11911 Clinton River Road, Sterling Heights. Suitable for children and adults. Tickets, $10 adults, $8 students/senior citizens, $5 younger than 10 years; call (586) 797-1818.

Quilt show

Quilt show at Romeo Washington Bruce Parks & Recreation Community Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today. Admission $5; no strollers. Proceeds benefit area seniors.

Starkweather Arts

Starkweather Arts Center and GREEN EARTH KIDS CLUB present "EARTH The Ultimate Work of Art," exhibit of children's art work created using recycled materials and inspired by the earth, through May 1, at the Center, 219 N. Main, Romeo. Center open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Spaghetti dinner

American Cancer Society benefits from a spaghetti dinner, 4-8 p.m. May 4, at New Baltimore Civic Club, 36551 Main St. at Blackwell Street, New Baltimore. Admission $8 adults, $4 ages 6-12 years, free for cancer survivors and ages 5 and younger. Call (586) 725-4138.

Clintondale Theatre

Clintondale Community Theatre presents "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," 7:30 p.m. May 5-7,12-14, at Clintondale Community auditorium on 15 Mile Road east of Little Mack between Gratiot and Groesbeck, Clinton Township. Tickets $8 advance, $10 at door; call (586) 791-6301 ext. 2409.

Computer Club

Sterling Heights Computer Club meeting, 7:30 p.m. May 3, in John Lewis Community Center (Building K), Macomb Community College South Campus, 12 Mile and Hayes roads, Warren. For details, www.SterlingHeightsComputerClub.org.

Collectibles Fair

Troy Museum hosts Antiques and Collectibles Appraisal Fair, 1-4 p.m. May 1, at First United Methodist Church of Troy 6363 Livernois, between Square Lake Road and South Boulevard, $5 verbal appraisal, $20 information written appraisal. Free parking and admission.

Gala opening

Tara Maria's fashion boutique grand opening gala, noon-6 p.m. May 7, at the shop, 26717 Little Mack, St. Clair Shores, inside Ardmore Park Place. Refreshments, entertainment; portion of proceeds goes to Save Our South Channel Lights.

'Almost Maine'

Michigan Actors Studio presents "Almost Maine," 8 p.m. May 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 2 p.m. May 8, 15 and 21, at the Studio, 648 Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. Tickets $15. Call (877) 636-3320.

Palette Club

Lakeside Palette Club meeting 64th Annual Spring Exhibit, May 1-22 at Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens. Reception and awards 1-3 p.m. May 22. Visit www.lakesidepaletteclub.org.

'Sound of Music'

St. Clair Theatre Guild presents "The Sound of Music," 7:30 p.m. May 5-7, at East China Performing Arts Center on Meisner Road. Tickets $15 adults, $12 senior citizens and students. Call (810) 329-4498.

Greenfield Village

"Day Out With Thomas: Leader of the Track Tour 2011," through May 1 and May 7-8, 14-15, at Greenfield Village in Dearborn. Non-member tickets include Village admission and train ride: $11.75 ages 1-4 years, $27.75 ages 5-12, $33.75 ages 13-61, and $32.75 ages 62 and older. For tickets, (313) 982-6001 or www.thehenryford.org.

Dinner theater

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," Wednesdays-Sundays, through May 22, at Andiamo Novi Theatre, 42705 Grand River. Dinner packages available. Call (248) 348-4448 or www.ticketmaster.com.

Matrix Theatre

"April Foolery" Friday-Sunday through May 1, by Matrix Theatre Company, 2730 Bagley, Detroit. Dinner and show pacakages also available. For tickets, (313) 967-0599.

Chamber music

Grosse Pointe Chamber Music concert, features Chopin and Brahms selections, 2:30 p.m. May 1, in Crystal Ballroom of Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. Tciekts $12 at door, free ages 18 and younger. Details, (586) 771-4387 or gpchambermusic@yahoo.com.

Symphony concert

Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra concert, 7 p.m. May 1, Parcells Middle School auditorium. Tickets, $15 at the door, $12 for senior citizens, free ages 18 and younger.

Historical Guild

Detroit Historical Guild seeking volunteers interested in participating in historical activities, including flea markets at Old Ft. Wayne, tea parties, excursions to historic sites, etc. Call (586) 777-5898.

Women's Show

Michigan International Women's Show, through May 1, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River between Novi and Beck roads, in Novi. For ticket and schedule information, www.InternationalWomenShow.com or (800) 849-0248.

Puppet Theater

"The Crane Maiden" presented by Detroit Puppet Theater, 2 p.m. April 30 at the theater, 25 E. Grand River, Detroit. Day of Puppetry includes performance and rod puppet workshop. For tickets and information, (313) 961-7777 or wwwpuppetart.org.

Abreact Performance

The Abreact Performance Space with Aardvark Tim Productions presents Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot," 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through May 7, and 4 p.m. May 1, at 1301 W. Lafayette Ave., No. 113, Detroit. For reservations, (313) 485-0217 or reservations@theabreact.com.

Toastmasters' Club

Toastmasters Speak Easy Club of Shelby meets 10-11:30 a.m. second and fourth Saturdays monthly at Shelby Community Center, 51670 Van Dyke, north of 23 Mile Road. Call (586) 623-9987 or (586) 531-1289.

Rosedale Players

"The Dixie Swim Club" play by Rosedale Community Players, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 21, 2 p.m. May 1 and 15, at Peace Lutheran Church, 17029 W. 13 Mile Road, Southfield. Tickets $14; for reservations, (313) 532-4010 or www.rosedalecommunityplayers.com.

Oakland Youth Orchestras

Auditions for Oakland Youth Orchestras, today, May 1, 6-7, 13-15, at Varner Hall on Oakland University campus; 3- to 4-minute solo showing technique and tone quality required. Call (248) 709-2877, or admin@oyomi.org.

 Feature editor Debbie Komar compiled this listing.

They've arrived: Everyone into the fountain

AP Photo/Matt Dunham

 

As tradition has it, the newly married couple Prince William and his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, greeted the people of Britain and visitors from around the world as husband and wife on the balcony of Buckingham Place. Their appearance was met by a roar of cheers from the throngs gathered below.

Then they kissed.

That sealed what has already been a very long day, even days, for many royal wedding fans who camped overnight on the streets of London, and then rushed the gates of Buckingham Palace for the traditional hello-it's-official balcony greeting. It was cool, especially for those revelers who hopped into the fountain afterward.

 

Royal newlyweds cheered en route to the Palace

AP Photo/Tom Hevezi

It's official. Prince William married Catherine Middleton in front of a television audience of two billion, as the world awaits their first kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace. 

A recap of the unprecedented coverage of the royal wedding

Prince William

Catherine Middleton

It's time to wrap things up. The royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton is only a day away. There are some who will cheer this fact as it means an end to all of the hoopla. While an estimated 2 billion other people around the world, enjoying all of the happy news, can hardly wait for it to start. And that's just the people watching it on the telly. There are millions more who have been camping out in downtown London for days to secure a front-row seat for the royal wedding parade.

So, as Big Ben counts down the final hours, here is a recap of the royal wedding highlights since the office of the Prince of Wales at Clarence House sounded the trumpets to make it official that Prince William of Wales and Catherine Elizabeth Middleton are engaged to be married on April 29.

It's longer than your average blog but rather befitting of this historical event:

AP Photo/Clarence House Press

It's a date

Office/Copyright 2010 Mario Testino. This is one of two official portrait photographs taken Nov. 25, 2010, in the Council Chamber in the State Apartment in St James's Palace, London, and released by Clarence House Press Office on Sunday Dec. 12, 2010, to mark the engagement of Britain's Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

The Middletons

Days after the announcement, Michael and Carole Middleton, the parents of Catherine Middleton, make a statement on the engagement of their daughter to Britain's Prince William, outside their home near the village of Bucklebury, England. In joining the royal clan, Catherine is going from her family business to Britain's first family, nicknamed The Firm. The Middleton clan is blessed with strong ties and commercial savvy, which will help her succeed in her role. Catherine's parents, who went from airline employees to owners of a successful small business, afforded their children access to Britain's loftiest social circles. Michael Middleton was a flight dispatcher and Carole Goldsmith a flight attendant before they married and, in the 1980s, set up Party Pieces, a business selling balloons, candles, streamers and other mail-order party supplies.

AP Photo/Dave Thompson-pa

Inspirational

Once the engagement was announced, everything kicked into gear including the production of royal wedding gifts to commemorate the momentous engagement and wedding. Artisans and craftsman have created everything from tea towels and gold coins to china dishes and comic books.

Among the unique items is this Lego model of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, second right, at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, inside a scale model of London's Westminster Abbey. On display at The Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester, England, the model took four builders, all members of the Brickish Association, eight weeks to construct. It weighs in at more than 132 pounds, and features 200 different LEGO elements, including nearly 1,000 arches.

British gift shop owners
It has been a grand time to be a British gift shop owner such as Stephen Church, fifth-generation co-owner of Church's China, headquartered in Northampton, England. After the wedding is over, Church said the commemorative pieces will be available for a short time, then most likely retired. Read full story, China to bowl you over 

AP Photo/Matt Dunham

Spread the word

Everywhere in London people found a way to broadcast the news. This street art image by Rich Simmons portrays Britain's Queen Elizabeth II spray painting the words "Will + Kate" in a love heart outside the Opera Gallery in London, April 1.

AP Photo/Lewis Whyld, Pool

Best man

In this Aug. 31, 2007, photo, Britain's Prince Harry greets guests for the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, at the Guards' Chapel, in London. It was no surprise that Prince Harry, younger brother of Britain's Prince William, will be the best man at the wedding tomorrow.

AP Photo/The Royal Collection

 Mum's the word on the dress

One wedding detail that remains a secret is Catherine's wedding dress. In this undated photo released by the Royal Collection on April 21, a white satin dress decorated with a pattern of British and Irish flowers, tied together with a lovers knot was worn by Princess (Victoria) Mary of Teck when she married Prince George, Duke of York (later King George V) in 1893. As speculation continues as to the design of Catherine's wedding dress, a precious collection of historic royal wedding dresses worn by royal brides during the last 200 years has just undergone more than 1,000 hours of conservation treatment by conservators from Britain's Historic Royal Palaces. The wedding dresses belonging to Princess Charlotte (1816), Queen Victoria (1840), Alexandra of Denmark (1863), Princess Mary of Teck (1893), Princess Margaret (1960) and Princess Alexandra of Kent (1963) are usually carefully stored at Kensington Palace but have been made available to the media and are viewable on the Historic Royal Palaces website.

AP Photo/Christopher Furlong, Pool

Keep calm and carry on

While the wedding wheels turned, Britain's Prince William continued to carry out duties associated with the royal family. In this photo taken April 1, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is escorted by her grandson, Prince William, during a visit to RAF Valley, Anglesey, Wales, where he is stationed as a search and rescue helicopter pilot. The Queen, accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, unseen, toured the airbase meeting staff and families, watched a fly past and was given a guided tour of a Sea King search and rescue helicopter by Prince William.

AP Photo/Akira Suemori

Little lords and ladies

Vivienne Bartels, 7, learns how to curtsy in front of a cardboard cutout of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton during the 'A Princess Tea Party' event, at a posh London hotel, April 2. Dozens of girls in frilly dresses attended a "princess boot camp" ahead of tomorrow's royal wedding. The pint-size wannabe princesses learned how to walk straight, drink tea with decorum and curtsy.

AP Photo/Dominic Lipinski

London's preparations

Carriage restorer Dave Evans cleans the Glass Coach at the Royal Mews in central London, one of the carriages to be used for travel to and from the wedding. If it is raining heavily, as it was this morning, the newlyweds will ride in this fully covered coach after the wedding service. Built in 1881, it has traditionally carried royal brides to their weddings. Diana rode in it, as did Sarah Ferguson. Catherine has chosen not to ride in it to her wedding. Buckingham Palace said she prefers to take a car.

AP Photo/Sang Tan

Bird's eye view

Workers built a media stand outside Westminster Abbey in London in preparation for Friday's wedding and the arrival of journalists and photographers from all over the world.

AP Photo/Sang Tan

Guests arrive

Husband and wife Scott and Catie Anchin from Washington, D.C., talk to The Associated Press, April 26 on The Mall in London, back dropped by the Queen Victoria Memorial, as the tourists scoped out the best spot to stand for Friday's wedding. For hardcore fans of the British monarchy, sitting glued to the telly with popcorn just doesn't cut it for an occasion such as a royal wedding. Part of the crowds is where to be for this happy occasion.

AP Photo/Lewis Whyld-pa

Once-in-a-lifetime experience

Terry Hutt, fan of the British royal family, sits outside his tent near Westminster Abbey in central London. He was one of the first people to arrive for the event and will sleep on the street to hold prime position for the wedding.

AP Photo/Sang Tan, Pool

Decorating the Abbey

On Wednesday, workers carried an English field maple tree into Westminster Abbey in London in preparation for the royal wedding.

AP Photo/Sang Tan

Primed and ready

According to organizers, the wedding rehearsal for the ceremonial role that Britain's army, navy and air force personnel will play during the royal wedding went without a hitch.

AP Photo/Nick Ansell, Pool

Party of the year

The post-wedding soiree hosted by Queen Elizabeth II -- taking place at the State Dining Room, Buckingham Palace -- is a dream come true for many people. Besides the excitement of attending the royal wedding, guests have the opportunity to wander through Buckingham Palace, an opulent attraction in its own right.

AP Photo/Clive Gee, pool

Queen mum's approval

Most of us have a wedding certificate or license. This is Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's historic formal consent to Prince William's forthcoming marriage to Kate Middleton, shown by the Crown Office at the House of Lords in London. Under the Great Seal of the Realm, the Queen signed an elaborate notice of approval that proclaimed, in transcribed calligraphy, consent to the union of "Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales, K.G. and Our Trusty and Well-beloved Catherine Elizabeth Middleton."

Today's Muse

He felt now that he was not simply close to her, but that he did not know where he ended and she began.  ~ Leo Tolstoy