Restaurant Review: The Congregation Detroit
Community, coffee and connection in a repurposed congregation. Anyone else a fan of unique places to dine or grab a coffee? Last weekend a friend was in town for a yoga retreat and asked if I wanted to meet up. I of course agreed and she mentioned going to The Congregation Detroit. I take pride in knowing about fun spots—especially ones that repurposed buildings. But I had to admit, I had never heard of The Congregation before.
The Congregation is located at
9321 Rosa Parks Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48206
The Congregation was previously used as a church, and today it’s still used to gather, but in a different way. With a coffee, food and bar menu, The Congregation Detroit is offering a unique experience with fun vibes and great food and drinks.
The tagline of The Congregation is coffee, cafe, cocktails, community and let me tell you it reads true. If you’re looking for a unique place to grab a drink or some food while in Detroit I can’t recommend The Congregation enough. Whether you’re visiting Detroit or looking for something to do, head over to The Congregation for a unique and gorgeous experience.
What I ordered at The Congregation Detroit
I always love seeing what people order, so you know I had to share with you what I enjoyed eating and drinking.
To Drink: London Fog Tea Latte
earl grey tea with house made lavender simple syrup and steamed almond milk.
To Eat: Ricotta Toast
toasted sourdough bread topped with ricotta, seasonal fruit compote, toasted almonds and orange zest.
The History of The Congregation
The Congregation sits within a regular Detroit historical neighborhood, and is packed with history and culture. The structure was built in 1924 after a small chapel for the congregation of St. Luke’s Evangelical Church had a fire and burnt to the ground in 1917. It took a number of years after the fire for the congregation to secure financing due to the high prices during the war period.
Eventually the property fell into the hands of the Home Mission Board and Church Extension Society of the United Lutheran Church in America. From there, they worked towards securing the funding to erect the church structure that is standing here today. It was built by Spier and Gehrke Architects to become the Unity English Lutheran Church.
This church stands the true test of time. One block North of the origination of the 1967 Rebellion, the church remained intact and undisturbed. At some point between the 1950s and 1960s, the original stained glass feature window was removed and blocked up. The goal when restoring and renovating the structure was to install a modern interpretation of what once was there. The new feature window installed in early 2020, is a stainless steel art piece built by The Nordin Brothers of Detroit.
While the interior of the building has remained structurally the same, The Congregation has put their focus on preserving the integrity, historical detail and finishes of the space. Great efforts were taken to restore all original stained glass double-hung windows, original maple flooring, and a 150 year old organ to ensure the interior space maintains its original feel of a church.
The Organ at The Congregation
The organ, a major focal point of the interior, originally built by Samuel Russell Warren around 1870 for St Thomas Belleville, Ontario and rebuilt by Casavant in the early 1900’s, still stands tall in the Northwest corner of the main room. It made its way to this Detroit building sometime in the 1940’s or 1950’s.
Coming to Detroit: Anastasia
Anastasia made it’s Detroit-debut in 2019, and people couldn’t get enough. If you missed seeing Anastasia the first time it was in town or you want to see it again, you’re in luck! Anastasia will be returning to Detroit for a limited engagement May 3-9, 2022 and I can’t wait. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 11 and start at $39.
Anastasia
May 3-9, 2022
Fisher Theatre, Detroit
Tickets go on sale Friday, March 11
Broadway In Detroit announced today that tickets for the Fisher Theatre engagement of ANASTASIA, May 3-9, 2022, will go on sale Friday, March 11. Tickets start at $39 and will be available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office.
From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime and inspired by the beloved films, ANASTASIA is the new Broadway musical that’s “one of the most gorgeous shows in years!” (New York Observer). This dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
The cast includes Kyla Stone as Anya, Sam McLellan as Dmitry, Brandon Delgado as Gleb, Gerri Weagraff as Dowager Empress, Bryan Seastrom as Vlad, Madeline Raube as Countess Lily andTaya Diggs and Marley Sophia as Little Anastasia. The ensemble includes Mikayla Agrella, Lance Timothy Barker, William Aaron Bishop, Harrison Drake, Thomas Henke, Dakota Hoar, Veronica Rae Jiao, Evin Johnson, Ceron Jones, Madeline Kendall, Lizzy Marie Legregin, Victoria Madden, Christian McQueen, Elizabeth Ritacco, Taylor Stanger, Sarah Statler and Lauren Teyke.
ANASTASIA features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush, new score by the Tony Award® -winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics), and tour direction by Sarah Hartman based on original direction by Tony Award®-winning director Darko Tresnjak.
The creative team also includes Peggy Hickey (Original Choreographer), Bill Burns (Choreographer), Alexander Dodge (Set Design), Linda Cho (Costume Design), Donald Holder (Lighting Design), Peter Hylenski (Sound Design), Aaron Rhyne (Projection Design), Charles G. LaPointe (Hair/Wig Design), Joe Dulude II (Makeup Design), Tom Murray (Music Supervision), Jeremy Lyons (Music Direction), Doug Besterman (Orchestrations), David Chase (Dance Arranger), and casting by Jason Styres, CSA.
ANASTASIA began performances on Broadway in March 2017 at the Broadhurst Theatre with critics exclaiming “Ahrens and Flaherty have chosen the right moments to musicalize, and their score here sounds complete and full — one of the season’s strongest! (NBC)” and “Smartly adapted by Terrence McNally, Anastasia is a sweeping adventure, romance and historical epic whose fine craftsmanship will satisfy musical-theater fans (Time Out)”.
The show played to sold out audiences on Broadway for more than 3 years before expanding it’s global “Fanastasia” community with productions on tour across North America and in Japan, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands. Globally, the show has been performed more than 2,500 times and sold 3.4 million tickets. Additionally, the show has garnered more than 15 major international awards, including Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards and Best New Musical in Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.
The original Broadway cast recording is available at BroadwayRecords.com, Amazon.com and iTunes. The 75-minute album includes the Academy Award-nominated favorite “Journey to the Past” alongside new numbers from the show such as “In My Dreams,” “Still” and “My Petersburg.”
Connect with ANASTASIA online at:
Twitter: @AnastasiaBway
Facebook: AnastasiaBway
Instagram: @AnastasiaBway
Performance times for ANASTASIA appearing May 3-8, 2022, at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 West Grand Blvd., in Detroit are:
- Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday evening performance at 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday matinee at 1:00 p.m.
- Open captioned performance on Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for ANASTASIA start at $39 (includes facility and parking fees) and go on sale Friday, March 11, 2022. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office. A limited number of premium seats will be available through Ticketmaster and at the Fisher Theatre Box Office.
For group sales (10 or more) please email broadwayindetroitgroups@theambassadors.com or call 313-871-1132.
Tickets for the open captioned performance may be purchased in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office or by phone at 313-872-1000, ext. 0.
Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.
Broadway In Detroit uses Ticketmaster as its sole, authorized ticketing agent. Individual tickets purchased from a ticket broker or “third party” ticket reseller involves risk and may not be authentic, sold at box office prices, or with correct performance and venue information. Broadway In Detroit box offices cannot verify tickets sold through a third party or ticket reseller. Broadway In Detroit is also unable to contact third party purchasers with pertinent updates or changes regarding performances.
Following the lead of Broadway and concert venues across the country, Broadway In Detroit theatre patrons will be required to show a photo ID and proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours of the performance date or proof of full Covid-19 vaccination before they will be admitted into the venue. Additionally, all patrons will be required to wear a mask while inside the theatre regardless of one’s vaccination status.
All ticket purchasers will receive a Broadway In Detroit Health & Safety Guide via email in the weeks prior to their performance. This guide will also be posted on the company’s website (BroadwayInDetroit.com) and available at the Fisher Theatre box office. It will have the latest information on the company’s health and safety protocols as well as information on what to expect when you arrive at the theatre.
For more information on Broadway In Detroit, subscriptions, group sales and more, please visit www.BroadwayInDetroit.com.
Review: STOMP
STOMP is a cacophony of sounds produced by common objects in lieu of musical instruments. A mishmash of music, dance and street theater, STOMP is the type of show that you can’t just watch and sit still—you want to clap your hands and stomp your feet. And the good news is you can, throughout the show STOMP provides opportunity for the audience to interact.
STOMP is like no show you have ever seen before. I mean where else can you see brooms, garbage cans, sinks, hubcaps, matchboxes, wooden poles and even Zippo lighters being used to create such strange and beautiful music?
When you look at the set alone, you just know you’re about to have some fun. STOMP is a prop-heavy show and each scene had a distinct, unspoken theme. My favorite scene and probably the most mesmerizing sequences involved cigarette lighters–in the dark. Hands down I could have watched that scene over and over again without getting bored.
STOMP is madness, but organized madness you can’t help but stare at. From rhythmic stick fights to newspaper tearing by-the-beat, trash can stomping, and even multi-performer cross-stage juggling. STOMP offers a show like you have never seen before.
Catch STOMP in Detroit now through Sunday, March 6th, 2022. Or when it comes to a city near you.
Runtime: STOMP is an hour and 45 minutes and does not have an intermission.
Movie Review: DOG
The day the trailer for DOG was released my BFF sent it to me and said WE need to see this. I mean, let’s be honest here—DOG stars Channing Tatum and a dog, what girl wouldn’t want to see this movie? DOG will make you laugh, say “awwww”, cry and feel very emotion in between. It’s the type of movie you’re not going to want to miss. Plus it starts with Tatum using an axe to chop wood, you’re welcome for that tidbit ladies!
DOG comes to a theater near you
Friday, February 18, 2022.
Channing Tatum plays Jackson Briggs back from overseas, making sub sandwiches for minimum wage, trying to redeploy, but a brain injury makes it difficult. Instead he accepts an assignment of transporting Lulu (DOG) to Arizona for the funeral of an old ranger buddy, who helped train her. But don’t think this is an easy cross-country trip. Both Lulu and Briggs (Tatum) are dealing with serious trauma from their service, and it doesn’t take much to trigger either of them.
Briggs (Tatum) knows that his buddy’s family expects to see the legendary “hero dog” at the funeral, and don’t want to be reminded that not only did their beloved one come back broken, but his dog counterpart did as well. And the family definitely does not want to learn that once he is buried that the Army intends to euthanize Lulu. Which let’s be honest is a huge bummer to hear especially after you spend an hour and a half falling in love with her. But just to put your heart and mind at ease when you see this movie, Tatum thankfully ends up having a change of heart when it comes down to it.
Throughout the movie the duo ends up facing a series of bizarre events—from running through a pot farm to getting everything stolen and everything in between.
Overall, I really enjoyed DOG and would 100 percent see it again.
DOG Synopsis
DOG is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Army Ranger Briggs ( Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier’s funeral on time. Along the way, they’ll drive each other completely crazy, break a small handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards in order to have a fighting change of finding happiness.
Starring Channing Tatum, Jane Adams, Kevin Nash, Q’orianka Kilcher, Ethan Suplee, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Nicole LaLiberté, Luke Forbes, Ronnie Gene Blevins
Directed by Reid Carolin & Channing Tatum
Broadway in Detroit Announces 2022-2023 60th Anniversary Season Lineup
Michigander’s have you heard the news? Broadway in Detroit is celebrating it’s 60th Anniversary and the 2022-2023 subscription season is EPIC. Current subscribers can renew now and new subscription sales begin March 21, 2022.
Broadway in Detroit’s 2022-2023 season lineup includes:
Mean Girls
at the Fisher Theatre—June 2022
My Fair Lady
at the Detroit Opera House—July 2022
Ain’t Too Proud
at the Detroit Opera House—August 2022
Dear Evan Hansen
at the Fisher Theater—September & October 2022
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
at the Detroit Opera House—December 2022
Beetlejuice
at the Detroit Opera House—January & February 2023
Jagged Little Pill
at the Fisher Theatre—February 2023
Additionally, Hamilton will return to Detroit and be offered as a priority purchase opportunity for subscribers. Hamilton will perform at the Fisher Theatre November-December 2022.
Please note that all show dates may be subject to change.
Broadway In Detroit will celebrate its 60th anniversary with an epic seven-show 2022-23 Subscription Season!
Kicking off Broadway In Detroit’s 2022-23 Subscription Season is Mean Girls at the Fisher Theatre, June 2022. Sharing the spotlight is My Fair Lady at the Detroit Opera House, July 2022; Ain’t Too Proud, at the Detroit Opera House, August 2022; the long-awaited premiere of Dear Evan Hansen at the Fisher Theatre, September – October, 2022; Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at the Detroit Opera House, December, 2022; Beetlejuice at the Detroit Opera House, January – February, 2023; and Jagged Little Pill at the Fisher Theatre, February 2023.
Broadway in Detroit subscribers can renew now for the 2022-23 Broadway In Detroit Subscription Season by visiting www.BroadwayInDetroit.com/MyBID or by calling Broadway In Detroit at (313) 872-1000, ext. 0. Current subscribers must renew by April 15 if they wish to keep their same seats. New subscriptions will be available for purchase beginning March 21. All subscribers will have the first opportunity to purchase Hamilton tickets with their 2022-23 season subscription.
“For our 60th Anniversary season, we have put together a really spectacular season. Six of our seven shows are making their Detroit Premiers.” said Broadway In Detroit Executive Director Alan Lichtenstein. “This amazing line-up of blockbuster shows is one you will never forget!”
Broadway In Detroit 2022-23 Subscription Shows
Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical from book writer Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), composer Jeff Richmond (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). The story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies, Mean Girls “delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery.” USA Today says, “We’ll let you in on a little secret, because we’re such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!”
From Lincoln Center Theater and director Bartlett Sher comes “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady. Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed? “Thrilling, glorious and BETTER THAN IT EVER WAS. Eliza is a hero for our moment!” – The New York Times
Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nominated for 12 Tony® Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, it’s a thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal during a decade of civil unrest in America. Set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” Ain’t Too Proud tells the unforgettable story of the legendary quintet that Billboard Magazine named the greatest R&B group of all time.
Winner of six Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. The Washington Post calls Dear Evan Hansen “Theatrical magic. One of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.” “An inspiring anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.” -NBC Nightly News
Her voice is undeniable. Her fire is unstoppable. Her triumph is unlike any other. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical reveals a comeback story like no other, of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism and ageism to become the global Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is a celebration of resilience and an inspiration of triumph over adversity. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. Featuring her much loved songs, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.
It’s official! “The whole world loves Beetlejuice” — New York Post. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious new musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, Beetlejuice is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
Some shows you see. This show you feel. Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE—everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show— is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical Jagged Little Pill based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music. Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Waitress, Pippin, upcoming 1776) with a Tony-winning book by Diablo Cody (Juno) and Grammy-winning score, this electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family “vaults the audience to its collective feet” (The Guardian). “Redemptive, rousing and real, Jagged Little Pill stands alongside the original musicals that have sustained the best hopes of Broadway.” (The New York Times). You live, you learn, you remember what it’s like to feel truly human… at Jagged Little Pill.
Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre — a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
“Our fans have been eagerly waiting for Dear Evan Hansen to arrive, and we could not be more excited to bring Ain’t Too Proud home to the Motor City. Detroit audiences are going to be some of the first in the country to see Tina, Beetlejuice, and Jagged Little Pill. And Mean Girls and the stunning revival of My Fair Lady are the cherries on top of our biggest celebration season ever,” said Lichtenstein.
Purchasing Subscription Tickets
2022-23 Broadway In Detroit Subscription Season tickets are priced starting at just $425 for all seven shows. Renewals are available now for the 2022-23 Broadway In Detroit Subscription Season by visiting www.broadwayindetroit.com/MyBID or by calling Broadway In Detroit at (313) 872-1000, ext. 0. Current subscribers must renew by April 15 if they wish to keep their same seats. New subscriptions will be available for purchase beginning March 21. All subscribers will have the first opportunity to purchase Hamilton tickets prior to the public on sale later this year.
Benefits for Subscribers
Broadway In Detroit season subscribers always get the best seats in the house, the same seats for each show, priority access to buy additional tickets for season shows and extra attractions, exclusive subscriber-only events, and full exchange privileges at no charge. Another added benefit for subscribers is the ability to post tickets for sale, or forward tickets to friends or clients up to two hours before show time via their Broadway In Detroit account. Subscribers also enjoy the ability to have tickets reprinted at the box office for no charge. Subscription prices include parking costs in the Fisher Theatre surface parking lot and deck for performances at the Fisher Theatre.
Group reservation requests for all season shows are being accepted now for groups of 10+ to 20+ (minimum varies depending on show) by emailing broadwayindetroitgroups@theambassadors.com and using the name of the show as your subject line, or by phone (313) 871-1132, Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Individual tickets for subscription shows will go on sale at a later date.
Extra attractions not included with the season subscription will be announced at a later date.
Fashion meets Food 