REVIEW: 'Soul Surfer' inspires us to weather the storms

I knew going into the screening of "Soul Surfer" that it was a faith-based film, so as soon as I saw the church scene, just minutes into it, I raised a shield and prepared for a preachy film.

Only it wasn't.

Instead it served as a welcome into the home of the gutsy teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds to become a champion again, inspiring millions worldwide through her sheer determination, her go-to parents and surfing siblings.

Based on Bethany's autobiography, "Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family and Fighting to Get Back on the Board," and directed by Sean McNamara ("Bratz"), the story begins with a narration explaining the root of Bethany's passion for surfing and surfer's credo that made her ride again, "Life is an adventure, and sometimes you wipe out and land in the impact zone."

The voice-over narrative by Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") is a pleasing backdrop to the vignettes of video showing her as a child, learning to balance on a surfboard when most kids are still crawling on all fours and later as a tween around a fun-loving circle of family and friends, including mom and dad (Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt), brothers (Chris Brochu and Ross Thomas), cool canine, BFF Alana (Lorraine Nicholson) and Alana's dad, Holt (Kevin Sorbo). 

Moving on we see Bethany and Alana as inseparable gal pals. They attend the same open air church, home school taught by Bethany's mom and are both members of the community youth group led by Sarah (Carrie Underwood). Whenever the girls have a second to spare they're at the beach or in the water.

It's a wonderful life and while parts of the movie are hokey, mom and dad duking it out on the waves and the family's sand-slinging afterward, what we glean from it all is that these people are close, grounded in their faith and, like many Midwestern families who are nuts about hockey, these guys are stoked about surfing.

There's plenty of spectacular surfing scenes and what's not to like about Hawaii's beautiful coastline. Of course, anytime there's action or floatation, everyone in the theater is thinking the same thing -- shark. Where is the shark? McNamara makes a point, in several scenes, to show us how vulnerable these surfers are, making Bethany's story even more incredible.

When the shark makes its move, and bites off Bethany's arm along with a piece of her surfboard there are yelps in the audience. But nobody turns away because of too much gore. Remember this is a PG-rated film. Viewers know what is happening and are sitting on the edge of their seat. The attack played out quickly as it might have in real life. Stealing the scene was not the tiger shark, but Sorbo as Alana's no-nonsense, quick-thinking surfer dad, whose quick actions in getting Bethany off the water and to the hospital saved her life.

En route to the hospital is Hunt, as a mom gearing herself up for the worst, weeping and praying, "Please don't take her. Please don't take her," as she's passed by the ambulance carrying Bethany. Caught up in the moment of seeing a young girl (she was 13 at the time) involved in such a traumatic experience, one can try to hold back the tears, but eventually they fall.

Craig T. Nelson as the doctor who treats Bethany, and Quaid as Bethany's father, who was set to have his knee operated on when the hospital gets the call that there's been a shark attack, do a wonderful job of portraying their compassionate and loving characters. At this point, audiences know, having seen Bethany and her dad sharing their passion for surfing or heart-to-heart chats that only a father and daughter could have, that dad's heart is breaking.

So again you cry.

I cried a couple of times," said a teenager, exiting the show.

Robb has no trouble making you believe she's a surfer, and a likeable teen, so again you're moved by the sight of her on a gurney, facing life without a limb. In several stories about the film, Bethany noted her approval of Robb's work, which included hours on the surfboard and getting to know the character she would portray. Bethany did several of the film's surfing stunts, which also attributed to the excitement of the action shots on the water.

Not so great in her debut as an actress was Underwood.

Her performance as the church counselor was soulless and she looked mean on the big screen.

When Bethany travels with her and the Christian youth group to Phuket, Thailand, to help victims of the 2004 tsunami, shortly after her recovery, you expect the church counselor to be supportive. Instead, she mutters something that sounds like pull yourself together and get back to work. What saves the scene are the actions of Robb as Bethany, a real-life heroine, using her passion for the sea and compassion for humanity to help a lone boy, whose family appears to have been lost in the tsunami, overcome his fear of the ocean.

It leads us to believe that in her final attempt to win a surfing championship, that despite the odds stacked against her; she will overcome this, too. And she does, with all of the excitement and hurrah that any stellar sports story could muster.

The film is 106 minutes.

It could have done without the media-bashing scene and the fictional villain Malina Birth (Sonya Balmores Chung). Instead of the Hollywood recipe calling for an antagonist, writers could have delved deeper into Bethany's inner struggle to find her place.

Still, "Soul Surfer" is worth the visit.

You'll leave the theater as you would the home of a good friend, feeling entertained, inspired and glad that Bethany shared her story with you.

About "Soul Surfer"

Genre: Drama, kids/family, adaptation, biopic and sports

MPAA Rating: PG

Distributed by: Enticing Entertainment, TriStar Pictures, FilmDistrict

DAYTRIPPING

Check out the other films opening in theaters today along with other events going on in the Metro Detroit area:

Arthur

British actor and comedian Russell Brand stars as the irresponsible charmer who must choose between an arranged marriage and more money than he can spend in a life time, or an uncertain future with his one true love.

Genres:

Comedy, romance and remake of "Arthur" starring Dudley Moore.

MPAA Rating:

PG-13, for alcohol use throughout, sexual content and some drug references.

Cast: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner, Greta Gerwig, Nick Nolte and Luis Guzman.

Directed by: Jason Winer

Born To Be Wild

This documentary about the orphaned orangutans and elephants of the wild and the extraordinary people, who rescue and raise them, captured in IMAX 3D, transports moviegoers into the lush rainforests of Borneo.

Genres: Documentary

MPAA Rating: G

Cast: Dr. Birute Galdikas, renowned primatologist; Dame Daphne Sheldrick, celebrated elephant authority.

Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures

Hanna

Hanna, the daughter of an ex-CIA agent, is raised in the wilds of Finland to become the perfect assassin. As she nears her ultimate target as a killer, Hanna faces startling revelations about her life and her humanity as a 16-year-old girl.

Genres: Drama and thriller

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense scenes of violence and action, some sexual material and language.

Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams and Jason Flemyng

Directed by: Joe Wright

Distributed by: Focus Features

Your Highness

Behind every handsome hero or brave knight, whose tale of chivalry has been told, is a good-for-nothing younger brother trying just to stay out of the way of the danger zone with all of its villains, fire-breathing dragons and basic trouble. Such an unlikely hero is Thadeous, the younger brother of the honorable Fabious, who must give up his life of leisure to help Fabious save his bride-to-be, Belladonna, who has been kidnapped by an evil wizard.

Genres: Comedy

MPAA Rating: R for strong, crude and sexual content, pervasive language, nudity, violence and some drug use.

Cast: Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel, Justin Theroux, Toby Jones, Damian Lewis, Charles Dance and Rasmus Hardiker.

Directed by: David Gordon Green

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

Comedy Night to Benefit Kids

Joe Nipote’s Comedy Slam: A Night of Slamming’ Standup Comedy, benefitting the Birmingham Family YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, April 16 at the Reserve, 325 South Eton, Birmingham, features a number of favorite comedians including “Big Al” from the Dick Purtan Show, Mike Green, Heywood Banks, David Landau and Dave Dyer. To reserve tickets ($75 and $100) call the Birmingham YMCA, (248) 644-9036.   

Treasure Hunt

Find treasures when the 29th Detroit Historical Society Guild Flea Market takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 9-10, at Historic Fort Wayne, 6325 W. Jefferson at the foot of Livernois in Detroit. During those two days, tours also will be offered at the fort complex, including the Commanding Officer's House, the Spanish-American War Guard House and the National Museum of the Tuskegee Airmen. Parking is $5 per vehicle, tours are $3 per person, and flea market admission is free; refreshments and baked goods available. Call (586) 771-1353.

Easter eggs

Ukrainian Easter Egg decorating class, "Pysanky: The Art of Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating," 1-3 p.m. April 9, at Chesterfield Township Library, 50560 Patricia. Material fee: $5. Registration required by calling (586) 598-4900.

VFW raffle

Meat & Miscellaneous Raffle, doors open 6 p.m., raffle 7:15 p.m. April 9, at Cpl. Neil W. Reid VFW Post 2358, 25671 Gratiot south of Frazho in Roseville. Raffle includes more than 200 items, including beef, pork, ham and turkey; refreshments available. For details, (586) 791-9919.

Author Visit

The Baldwin Public Library and The Community House of Birmingham will present a meet and greet luncheon and book signing with best-selling author, Michael Connelly. Connelly’s crime novel, “The Lincoln Lawyer” has just been released as a major motion picture. Cost: $40. Book Beat will provide books for purchase and signing. To register, call (248) 644-5832 or visit The Community House, 380 South Bates Street, Birmingham.

Charlotte's Web'

All The World's A Stage youth theater presents "Charlotte's Web," 7 p.m. April 13 at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township. Tickets $10 advance, $12 at door; visit Macomb Center for Performing Arts or call (586) 286-2222. Show features local youth ages 6 to 18 years.

Warren Symphony

"Richly Russian Noble and Folk Treasures" concert, 3 p.m. April 10, by the Warren Symphony Orchestra, at Macomb Center for the Peforming Arts, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township. Concert includes performance by young people from the Suzuki String Studio. Tickets: Warren Symphony Orchestra

VFW dinner

All-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner hosted by VVW Post 7, $8 per person, free ages 8 and younger, served 1-6 p.m. April 10, at VFW Post 7573 hall, 35011 23 Mile Road, New Baltimore.

School Play

Regina Players present "Annie," 7 p.m. today through April 9, in the Regina High School Cafetorium, 13900 Masonic Blvd., Warren. Tickets: $8 students, $10 adults, at the door or in advance at the school. Call (586) 585-0500.

Pro Musica

Michigan opera singer Sean Panikkar performs 8:30 p.m. tonight in a Pro Musica of Detroit, Inc., event at the Max M. Fisher Music Center on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Tickets: $45, or $10 students, available at box office, by calling (313) 576-5111.

Quilt show

Quilt show at Romeo Washington Bruce Parks & Recreation Community Center, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 29-30. Admission: $5. No strollers. Proceeds benefit area seniors.

Palette Club

Lakeside Palette Club monthly meeting, 7 p.m. April 14, in St. Clair Shores Activities Room at the Shores Civic Arena, 20000 Stephens will feature acrylic painting demonstration by Delores Kurily. Visit The Lakeside Palette Club

Historical society

Detroit Historical Society's "Behind the Scenes" series continues with guided tours of Dime and Ford Buildings, April 9; Masonic Temple, April 16; Historical Detroit motorcoach tour, April 30. For schedule and fee information, call (313) 833-1801 or visit Detroit Historical Society

Warren art display

Artist of the month Nancy Curnow displays watercolors, acrylics and prints through April, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday on first floor of Warren City Hall, 12 Mile and Van Dyke.

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.

Dining Out

Troy Dining Out Meetup Group gathers to explore area restaurants and provide fellowship, 9 p.m. April 8 at Roger's Roost in Sterling Heights. For details, visit Troy Dining Out Meetup Group

Music Hall

"Follow That Bird," classic 1985 Sesame Street movie, presented 4 p.m. April 10, at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit. Family four-pack (one adult minimum) $25, available at box office or Ticketmaster

UDM Theatre

University of Detroit Mercy Theatre Company presents Shakespeare's "The Tempest," through April 10, at Marygrove Theatre, 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit. Tickets: $18 adult, students $9; additional $3 service fee for non-subscribers other than students. Call (313) 993-3270 or visit UDM Theatre Company

Andiamo Theatre

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," through April 10 at Andiamo Novi Theatre, 42705 Grand River Ave. Dinner and show packages available, for reservations: (248) 348-4448.

Dance lessons

Line dance classes offered by Royal Oak Parks & Recreation Department, 7-8 p.m. Mondays April 11-June 6, at Addams Elementary School, 222 W. Webster between Woodward and Crooks. Cost: $40 for each series, $45 non-resident. Call (586) 777-7242.

Ford House

Bird walks, offered by Ford House and Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe, 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. Reservations required, (313) 884-4222 or The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

Chrysler Museum

Unique Vehicle Pairs Spotlight Series and Collector's Curb specialty exhibits throughout the year at Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills. For schedule, visit Walter P. Chrysler Museum. Admission $8 adults, $7 ages 62 and older, $4 ages 6-12.

Holocaust Center

New traveling exhibit "Barsamian: 20 Years-Searing for the Answer," through July 10, explores questions about Armenian genocide through art, at Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills. Hours 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday; (248) 553-2400 or Holocaust Memorial Center. 

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S MUSE

I can't change it. That was God's plan for my life and I'm going to go with it -- Bethany Hamilton.

Rabbits, with the proper care, make wonderful pets

 

In the days and weeks that follow Easter, many animal shelters find their baskets filled with unwanted rabbits, left by people who thought they would make cute pets.

As it turns out, they're a nervous bunch, and rightfully so.

"They are prey animals so it's in their nature to be careful," said Dr. John Simon, owner of Woodside Animal Clinic of Royal Oak and a veterinarian for more than 30 years. "They're kind of like popcorn. They can be sitting still one minute but frightened by something a second later and, pop, they're jumping up and running away."

One should understand, however, where rabbits are coming from. In the wild, rabbits have to worry about snakes, birds and raccoons, not to mention the fact that they are an animal that the entire world eats. Naturally, they are going to live in a state of perpetual anxiety.

"Once they realize no one is going to eat them, they relax and you can see their true nature come out," said Marc Morrone, host of Hallmark Channel's "Petkeeping with Marc Morrone," whose TV sidekick is a big rabbit named Harvey, brought to him by police who found him abandoned 10 years ago.

If you are thinking about buying one for the holiday or any other time, there are a few other quirky things to consider.

For one, rabbits are smart enough to be trained to do things such as walking on a leash or a harness, but because they can become prey for everything including the ambitious chef at the local bistro, they cannot be left to hop on their own.

They're also particularly nervous when being picked up, which can be a major problem for children who like to carry around small pets such as a bunny. 

AP Photo/Brian Friedman

Marc Morrone and his sidekick rabbit, Harvey.

"Rabbits are born with light, fragile bones and heavy musculature so they can run fast," Simon said. "Running away quickly is part of their defense system. If they are picked up, and their hind legs are not supported properly, when they kick that muscular force can actually break their back."

If the bunny is being considered for a child, he or she should be old enough to understand their pet has inherent liabilities, so they can be taught how to care for it properly.

When rabbits are picked up and their feet are dangling, rest assured they will kick.

 "Mother rabbits don't pick up their young," Morrone said, "so nothing prepares them to be carted around."

As with any animal you take on, be prepared to have vet bills. As with a cat or dog, rabbits have to be spayed or neutered, are prone to hairballs and diseases, and need their nails trimmed by professionals, Morrone said. 

If they are going to be kept outdoors, Simon said owners need to keep them clean. If they get dirty around their tail, they can develop problems with their skin brought on by flies.

"Their ears should be cleaned, too," Simon said.

If you want a happy rabbit, it will need plenty of room to hop around. Oh, and be prepared to deal with nibbled wires, moldings, rugs, toys or whatever else might be in its chomping path. Rabbits are forever chewing, a habit that can prove costly to its owners. Be prepared to offer up your wicker baskets as an alternative, or invest in chewy toys such as grass mats.

A hare sheds and requires brushing daily, but Simon said they are usually pretty clean and can be trained to use a litter box, which is kind of amazing.

Rabbits prefer a cool house and not alone, which is why two rabbits is often better than one (provided there is some family planning going on).

Last, you should know hares can be head cases. 

"Because a rabbit is not as expressive as a dog or as vocal as a cat, it takes time and understanding to get in tune with a rabbit," Morrone said. "(But) they are extremely affectionate. They have a complex communication system like foot-thumping and chin-rubbing."

When a rabbit thumps his foot, it is acknowledging something or someone. "If I walk into a room, my rabbits will stamp their feet to let the other rabbits know, 'Hey, Daddy's here,'" Morrone said.

As for verbal communication, most of the time they are mute, but grunt if they are unhappy and make a high-pitched scream when in extreme distress.

If, after considering all of its quirks, you still want a rabbit, Morrone recommends finding out more about it through sites such as the House Rabbit Society. He also suggests adopting a rabbit from a rescue group or shelter.

"People who have rabbits love them," Simon said. "In the right environment, they are a very good pet."

For more tips, visit  Dr. Simon at Woodside Animal Clinic   and Petkeeping with Marc Morrone

AP contributed to this report.

Today’s Muse

You enter into a certain amount of madness when you marry a person with pets – Nora Ephron

AP source: Couric leaving news anchor post

                           AP Photo/Lucas Jackson, File

Katie Couric, CBS News anchor and correspondent.

Katie Couric is pulling up the anchor and setting her ship on a new course.

She has not officially announced her plans but a network executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday night, reported that Couric is leaving her anchor post at "CBS Evening News." 

Less than five years ago, she became the first woman to solely helm a network TV evening newscast.

“The 54-year-old anchor is expected to launch a syndicated talk show in 2012 and several companies are vying for her services,” according to the report by the Associated Press.

More details are expected to be released today.

The right tools can make any gardening job easier

Taking the DIY approach to home decorating and gardening has many advantages. It gives me an opportunity to flex my creativity, to get some fresh air and, in many cases, it saves my family money. The drawback is that it takes more time. That’s never a good thing for a working mom.

So, when I run across an item that saves me time and money, I take notice.

My newest discovery is the Planter Pal from Ames True Temper. This nifty hand-held tool offers seven gardening and planting functions in one: a chrome-plated steel trowel/transplant blade for planting; a serrated edge for cutting open bags of mulch/soil; a sharpened straight edge for cutting sod; a twine cutter; a weeding tip; a poly tamper for tamping down stakes, markers and fertilizer spikes; and a 11-inch measurement scale for proper plant placement. Oh, and it’s ergonomically correct (poly grip is comfortable and easy to use) and inexpensive (less than $10).

Another product that saves time is the Water Genie ($19.99), also by Ames. This lightweight watering can, which resembles a long-neck goose, has a 40-foot-long, retractable hose coiled inside of it. Just attach the end to the spigot and off you go watering the plants like you would with a can, except this one never needs refilling. It also eliminates the inconvenience of unraveling and untangling the hose, which makes this long-necked watering goose worth a gander.

Since we’re on the topic of saving time, here are five gardening tips from the experts who make products such as these possible:

1. Get yourself organized before you start a project. A great deal of time is wasted when you can’t find a tool that you need or re-purchase one you already have.

2. Have a plan in place. If you’re looking to add new plants or a fountain to an existing flowerbed, first draw a layout of what you imagine it will look like.

3. Whenever possible, use multipurpose tools.

4. Instead of wasting time weeding all summer, take the initiative to add preventative landscape fabric between the mulch and ground to prevent weeds from cropping up.

5. Use your time wisely. Teach your children the benefits of gardening. It will enrich their lives and the more helping hands you have, the easier it will be to get the job done.

Both the Planter Pal and Genie Watering Can are sold online at www.ames.com and home and gardening warehouses such as Home Depot.

Send your comments or home and garden tips to Gina Joseph, The Macomb Daily, 100 Macomb Daily Drive, Mount Clemens, MI 48043, or email them to gina.joseph@macombdaily.com.


Today's Muse
Spade!  with which Wilkinson hath tilled his lands,

And shaped these pleasant walks by Emont's side,

Thou art a tool of honor in my hands,

I press thee, through a yielding soil, with pride -- William Wordsworth

Turning Point strives to end sexual violence

Turning Point has a proud history of battling at the front lines, hoping to stop the tragedy of domestic and sexual violence, so it's no surprise it is leading a charge in April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

In its monthly newsletter, readers were offered an example of how Turning Point's Prevention Education Program in high schools has empowered youth and is helping them to find their voice when they find themselves a bystander to violence.

After a presentation at her school by Turning Point, a student trusted the staff enough to share her own concerns about a situation at home. "She reported that she and her mother were living in fear of her father and that all of their actions were being monitored by him, isolating her from any possibility of support. She had witnessed the verbal and physical violence of her mother and was concerned for her mother's safety."

The daughter and the mother were then connected to the services provided through the school and onsite counseling Turning Point provides to youth in crisis.

She is one of the 7,000 young women who Turning Point provided prevention services to last year.

"The program gives students the tools to break the silence around these difficult issues," said Claudine Goeddeke, Turning Point Prevention program director. "We teach students that harassment and abuse are preventable and we all have a role to play in ending abuse."

"They gave me the confidence to speak up when I see someone disrespecting a female," said one student who attended the program.

As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month,Turning Point presents the following April programs and events:

"Rape is..."

A documentary video/discussion facilitated by Turning Point, April 7, 10:30-11:45 a.m., Macomb Community College Center Campus, Building P (room 129).

Ladies Night Out

Event at Ray Wiegand's Nursery, April 8, 7-9 p.m. Nursery is at 47747 Romeo Plank Road in Macomb Township.

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training

Beginning April 11, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., cost $500. For more information, visit Turning Point Events

"Killing Us Softly"

A video/discussion facilitated by Turning Point, April 13, 10-11:30 a.m., Macomb Community College South Campus, Room J 340 (library).

Survivors

Speakers panel facilitated by Turning Point, April 27, 10-11:15 a.m., Macomb Community College South Campus, Building K, Room 316.

Take Back the Night

Unite your friends or organize your co-workers and march in a annual rally that signifies unity and support for survivors of sexual assault, April 28, 6-9 p.m. March begins at the Roseville Recreation Center, 18185 Sycamore (North of I-696, East of Gratiot, near Costco). Suitable for teens and up, childcare provided for children ages 3-up.

For more information, visit Turning Point

Daytripping

Things are hopping this weekend. Check out this list of events going on in and around Metro Detroit:

"Hop"

Among the family-friendly movies opening this weekend is Universal Pictures' "Hop." It is the story of E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand), the teenage son of the Easter Bunny, who, on the eve of taking over the family business, leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream of becoming a drummer and encounters Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker with his own lofty goals, who accidently hits E.B. with his car. Rated: PG

Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures

Russell Brand stars as the voice of E.B.

E.B.

The amazing candy factory.

Zoom-zoom Lightning McQueen

The Disney-Pixar's "Cars 2" tour featuring life-size remote-controlled models of Star Racecar Lightning McQueen, Lovable Tow Truck Mater and Master British Spy Finn McMissile will rev, spin and stop at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets (adjacent to AMC Theatre), April 6, 2 - 7 p.m., 4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills.

Spring concert

Lake St. Clair Symphony Orchestra spring concert "Shall We Dance," 3 p.m. April 3, at Lake Shore Presbyterian Church, 27801 Jefferson, north of 11 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores. Performance features Julien Labro and his bandoneon. For tickets, visit Gifts Afloat at 10 Mile Road and Jefferson, call (586) 933-0088.

Taste of Hope

Taste of Hope annual Auction and Tastefest to benefit Liberty Family Outreach's Summerfest, 6-9 p.m. April 2, Warren City Hall Atrium, on Van Dyke between Martin and 12 Mile roads. Tickets $10 in advance, $20 at the door; minimum age 12 for admission. Free parking in garage. Call (586) 754-2400.

'Walk Like MADD'

Mothers Against Drunk Driving Michigan host 5K (3.1 miles) "Walk Like MADD" non-competitive fundraiser, 8:30 a.m. April 2, at Oakland Mall, 14 Mile and John R roads, Troy. Events include walk, music, food, exhibits, activities for adults and children. Call (248) 528-1745 or go to www.walklikemadd.org/michigan.

Richmond Theatre

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" by Richmond Community Theatre, 8 p.m. April 1-2, 8-9, and 2 p.m. April 3, at the theater, 69619 Parker St. at Churchill. Portion of proceeds go to Lois Wagner Memorial Library in Richmond. Tickets: (586) 727-9518.

Cancer fundraiser

Benefit for American Cancer Society, 7:30 p.m. April 2 at JD's Key Club, 1 N. Saginaw St., Pontiac. The $10 tickets include entry into dueling piano bar, pizza and chance to win Tigers tickets; open to 18 and older. Tickets: (586) 202-8821.

ATWAS production of "Charlotte's Web"

'Charlotte's Web'

All The World's A Stage youth theater presents "Charlotte's Web," 7 p.m. April 13 at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township. Tickets $10 advance, $12 at door; visit Macomb Center for Performing Arts or call (586) 286-2222. Show features local youth ages 6 to 18 years.

Warren Symphony

"Richly Russian Noble and Folk Treasures" concert, 3 p.m. April 10, by the Warren Symphony Orchestra, at Macomb Center for the Peforming Arts, Garfield and Hall roads, Clinton Township. Guest performances by young people of Suzuki String Studio. For tickets, Macomb Center or Warren Symphony Orchestra

Greek cuisine

"Vefa Alexiadou, "First Lady of Greek Cuisine," demonstrates culinary skills at a noon luncheon April 2, at Somerset Inn, 2601 W. Big Beaver, Troy. Tickets for "An Afternoon with Vefa Alesiadou," are $65 per person with proceeds to National Philoptochos Center for Philanthropy. Book signing and prize drawing are included in event sponsored by Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit Phiiloptochos Ladies Society. Reservations: (248) 823-2400.

Mom-to-Mom sale

Mom-to-Mom sale, early bird admission 9-10 a.m., $2 per person, regular hours 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., April 2, admission $1, at Grosse Pointe War Memorial on Lakeshore Road. No strollers.

Preservation Wayne

Volunteers needed for Preservation Wayne, Detroit's oldest architectural preservation organization, informational meeting 10 a.m. April 2, at Iroquois Avenue Christ Lutheran Church, 2411 Iroquois St. at East Vernor (Indian Village), Detroit. For details or to RSVP, (313) 577-7674 or Preservation Wayne

Plan to attend Redford Theatre's "Three Stooges" Festival April 8-9.

Can you say nyuk, nyuk, nyuk?

Make plans to attend the annual Three Stooges Festival, April 8-9 at the Redford Theatre. The film festival will feature a variety of popular films starring Moe Howard, Jermone "Curly" Howard and Larry Fine. Show times: Friday, 8 p.m.; Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets: $5. Free parking available at the theater, located at the NE corner of Grand River Ave. and Lahser Rd. in the heart of Detroit's Old Redford neighborhood.

Special Performance

"An Evening of Romance," featuring the Grammy award-winning pianist Jim Brickman, April 2, 8 p.m., at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center's Michael A. Guido Theater, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn. Call (313) 943-2354. Tickets of $35-$49 available at the theater box office or online at Michael A. Guido Theater

Ringwald Theatre

Michigan premiere of "Mercury Fur," select dates April 2-25, with preview at 8 p.m. tonight, at Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodard, Ferndale. For reservations, (248) 545-5545 or Who Wants Cake Theatre?

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.

Dining Out

Troy Dining Out Meetup Group gathers to explore area restaurants and provide fellowship, meets 5 p.m. April 3 at Polonia Restaurant in Hambramck, and 9 p.m. April 8 at Roger's Roost in Sterling Heights. For details, visit Trendy Meetups

Comedy Festival

Fourth Annual Garden Fresh Laugh Detroit Comedy Festival, April 2 at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak, lineup includes David Alan Grier, Auggie Smith, Brian McKim/Traci Skene, Karen Rontowski, Lynne Koplitz, and Bob Saget (April 2). For tickets, Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle or (248) 542-9900.

Children's Film Festival

MJR Digital Cinemas Free Spring Children's Film Festival: April 2-3, "Megamind." PG-rated. Participating theaters include MJR Marketplace Sterling Heights Digital Cinema 20, 35400 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights; MJR Partridge Creek Digital Cinema 14, 17400 Hall Road, Clinton Township; MJR Chesterfield Crossing Digital Cinema 16, 50675 Gratiot, Chesterfield Township. Free admission ages 12 and younger, parents $1; tickets first-come, first-served basis; no advance purchases. For show times visit MJR Theaters

  

UDM Theatre

University of Detroit Mercy Theatre Company presents Shakespeare's "The Tempest," weekends through April 10, at Marygrove Theatre, 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit. Admission: adult $18, students $9; additional $3 service fee for non-subscribers other than students. Call (313) 993-3270.

Starkweather Arts Center

"Snacks and Refreshments for the Woodland Creatures," an exhibit of collages and assemblages by artist Teresa Petersen, April 1-24, at Starkweather Arts Center, 219 N. Main, Romeo. Opening reception 6-8 p.m. tonight. Center hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays.

'Spring Into Spring'

Family event "Spring Into Spring" features crafts, cookie decorating, scavenger hunt, raffle, pizza feast, 2-5 p.m. April 2, at Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn. Children's tickets $5 in advance at Arab American National Museum, $8 at door, free for adults; food available for purchase.

Andiamo Theatre

"I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," through April 10 at Andiamo Novi Theatre, 42705 Grand River Ave. Dinner and show packages available for both. For reservations, (248) 348-4448.

Chrysler Museum

Unique Vehicle Pairs Spotlight Series and Collector's Curb specialty exhibits throughout the year at Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills. For schedule, visit Walter P. Chrysler Museum Admission $8 adults, $7 ages 62 and older, $4 ages 6-12.

Holocaust Center

New traveling exhibit "Barsamian: 20 Years-Searing for the Answer," March 27-July 10, explores questions about Armenian genocide through art, at Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills. Hours 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday; (248) 553-2400 or Holocaust Memorial Center

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Ford House

Bird walks, offered by Ford House and Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe, 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. Reservations required, (313) 884-4222 or Ford House

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. 

Features editor Debbie Komar contributed to this listing.