2021 Holiday Bucket List
Snow’s falling, twinkle lights are going up and it’s finally acceptable to listen to Christmas music in public—the holiday season has arrived! In between rocking around the Christmas tree and decking the halls make sure you make time for checking these must-dos off your holiday bucket list this year—maybe one will even turn into a new holiday tradition. Light your favorite holiday candle ( I am burning Kalamazoo Candle Company Hearth & Home), queue up a holiday playlist, and read on to make this the best holiday season ever.
Make a batch of homemade hot chocolate
Of course, you can heat up some milk and toss in Hersey syrup, but what’s the fun in that? From hot cocoa bombs and Mexican hot chocolate to healthier dairy free hot cocoa you’re sure to find a unique way to indulge in hot chocolate this holiday season.
Healthy Dairy Free Hot Cocoa
Ingredients:
1 cup oat or almond milk
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium high heat.
3. Use a whisk to break up any clumps.
4. Stir until smooth and piping hot.
5. Pour into a mug and enjoy.
Pro Tip: I like topping my hot chocolate with dairy-free whipped cream and pieces of candy canes.
Go on a drive to look at lights
There’s no prettier sight than the Christmas lights around your hometown.
Watch Christmas movies
From classics like Christmas Vacation, A Wonderful Life, The Grinch, and A Christmas Story to Hallmark Christmas movies there’s no better time of year to mix old favorites with new favorites.
Send some holiday cards
Christmas cards have always been my favorite to give and receive. It’s just a great way to show friends and family you care and are thinking about them during the holidays.
Buy tickets for a holiday show or experience
Because is it really Christmas without seeing a performance of The Nutcracker? I say not. Get dressed up in your most festive fancy wear (sequin dress, anyone?), and get totally wrapped up in the Christmas spirit.
Rock a tacky Christmas sweater party
From holiday parties to holiday shows adding an ugly Christmas sweater is always a fun idea. My friend and I will be rocking our ugly Christmas sweaters at an upcoming holiday show that we’ll be attending in downtown Detroit.
Go ice skating
Who doesn’t love ice skating around a gorgeous Christmas tree?
Build a gingerbread house
Nothing like revisiting childhood nostalgia and building/decorating a gingerbread house.
Review: Hadestown
On Tuesday I went to hell and back when I entered the Fisher Theatre in Detroit, Michigan to see Hadestown. I went into the show not knowing what it was about or what to expect, and let me tell you—I was BLOWN away. If you are going to see one Broadway musical this year it should definitely be Hadestown.
Ask yourself are you up for a journey to hell? Now through December 5th, 2021 you can board the train to the underworld at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit where Hadestown is making its debut in Detroit.
Based on Greek mythology, Hadestown is an adaptation of the love story between Orpheus and Eurydice. Hadestown tells the story of Eurydice who feels abandoned by Orpheus and goes to the underworld with Hades when Orpheus misses her calling for him. Once Orpheus learns what has happens he decided to make the dangerous and seemingly impossibly journey to the underworld to save his love.
The Fates jump in and out of the story as they make the main characters think about their choices. I absolutely loved the song “When the Chips Are Down”, and I wasn’t alone the song came with two full rounds of applause. Another song that came with two full rounds of applause and a few standing ovations was “Wait For Me”. The scores are unlike any other show you will see and the audiences reaction to it is definitely unique from other performances i’ve seen.
Hadestown is unique from other Broadway musicals in that the orchestra (minus drums) is actually on stage and becomes part of the show. The show is a brilliant masterpiece and I truly cannot recommend it enough.
Hadestown is in Detroit through December 5, 2021.
7 Best Light Shows to see in Metro Detroit
These metro Detroit holiday light displays are guaranteed to spark some Christmas magic this holiday season. From a stroll through the zoo to a comfortable car ride—here are the 7 best places to see holiday lights in metro Detroit.
Wayne County Lightfest (Westland)
Put on your favorite holiday playlist and take a drive through Wayne County Lightfest along Hines Drive.
Pro Tip: I love to bring hot cocoa and popcorn with me to enjoy during the drive.
Dates: Now – December 31, 2021
Admission: $5 per car
Magic of Lights (Clarkston)
Take a drive through the parking lot of DTE Energy (Pine Knob) and explore the Magic of Lights—the light tunnels are my favorite.
Pro Tip: Bring some festive drinks to sip as you drive through the Magic of Lights.
Dates: Now – January 1, 2021
Sunday – Thursday 5:30pm – 10 pm
Friday – Saturday 5:30pm – 11pm
Admission: $20-25 per car
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)
The Detroit Zoo will be aglow for 40 magical nights. Featuring millions of LED lights illuminating trees, buildings and more than 280 sculptures throughout the front half of the Zoo. Experience the magic of the Detroit Zoo in winter as you take in the sights and sounds of the season.
Pro Tip: Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo is probably one of my light shows in metro Detroit. So if you’re looking for just one to go to this season, I highly recommend Wild Lights.
Dates: Now through January 9, 2022 on select weeknight, Sundays 5-9pm, Fridays and Saturdays 5-10:30pm.
Admission: $17-24 per person + $8 parking
Big Bright Light Show (Downtown Rochester)
Downtown Rochester’s Big Bright Light Show is like something out of a Hallmark holiday movie. The buildings in downtown Rochester are adorned with more than 1 millions points of glimmering holiday light. The display will be lit every evening beginning at 5pm.
Pro Tip: Stop by Sanders and grab yourself a cup of the best hot chocolate.
Dates: Now – January 3, 2022
Admission: Free
Glenlore Trails Aurora (Commerce)
Get ready for an immersive wintry experience for all ages. Adventure through Michigan’s original one mile outdoor forest path with interactive, story moments and other entertainment.
Dates: November 26 – January 2, 2022
Admission: $15-25
Trail of Lights (Davison)
Take a horse drawn wagon ride through the Trail of Lights. I can’t think of any better way to enjoy the holiday season.
Dates: December 10, 12, 17 and 19
Admission: Residents $12, Non Residents $15
Starry Lights at Ford House (Grosse Point)
Illuminate your holidays with Starry Lights, the all-new winter light walk at Ford House. Starry Lights features an immersive and interactive display on the grounds of the estate. Walk through the historic estate’s pathways to experience a wintry starry-sky-themed show of light and sound.
Dates: Now – January 9, 2022
Admission: $12-20
Coming to Detroit: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
March 8 – 20, 2022
Fisher Theatre
Tickets go on sale Friday, November 26, 2021
The North American Tour of SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical will make its Detroit premiere at the Fisher Theatre, March 8 – 20, 2022. Tickets start at $39 and will go on sale on Friday, November 26, 2021 online at Ticketmaster.com and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office.
SUMMER features a book by Tony Award® nominee Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Tony Award® winner Des McAnuff, with songs by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, Paul Jabara and others. This new touring production is directed by Lauren L. Sobon and choreographed by Natalie Caruncho, based on the original direction by Tony Award® winner Des McAnuff and original choreography by Tony Award® winner Sergio Trujillo. Associate choreographer is Angelica Beliard.
Musical Supervision is by JP Meyer, Music Director is Erika R. Gamez, tour scenic design by Robert Andrew Kovach, based on the original scenic design by Tony Award® nominee Robert Brill, costumes by Tony Award® winner Paul Tazewell, lighting by Russell A. Thompson, sound by David Temby, projections by Chris McCleary. This tour is produced by APEX Touring.
She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed. With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.
KEY CREATIVE BIOS
LAUREN L. SOBON (Director) has produced, directed, choreographed or cast over 120 productions in her 30-year career. Recent credits include Associate Producer for the 2020 national tour of Chicago, Artistic Producer/Casting Director for the 2020 national tour of Finding Neverland, 2019 international and 2018/19 national tours of The Wizard of Oz as well as the 2017 national tour of Pippin, the Musical. She was the Director and Artistic Producer for the 2016 national tour of Million Dollar Quartet, and Choreographer and Associate Producer for 2014 national tour Fiddler on the Roof. Additional national touring producing/casting credits: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, All Shook Up. Recent regional directing / choreography credits: Million Dollar Quartet, Honky Tonk Angels, Nunsense, Descendants, High School Musical, Shrek, A Christmas Carol, A Wonderful Life, How To Succeed…, and The Sound of Music.
NATALIE CARUNCHO (Choreographer) is thrilled to be working on Summer. Natalie was in the original Broadway company of On Your Feet! as the Dance Captain/ Swing. Subsequently, she has worked as the Associate Choreographer for the production, setting companies for the 1st National Tour, Holland, and London West End. She set On Your Feet! at the Broadway Palm & Dutch Apple Theatres. Favorite credits include: Flashdance (Associate Choreographer 2nd National Tour), In the Heights (Ensemble) and A Chorus Line (Diana Morales).
ANGELICA BELIARD (Associate Choreographer) is very excited to be working on Summer once more. Angelica was in the original Broadway company of Summer (Ensemble). Prior to, she made her Broadway debut with the company of On Your Feet! (Ensemble) and was last seen regionally in John Leguizamo’s new musical comedy Kiss My Aztec (Ensemble/Dance Captain). As an Afro-Latina, it is with immense pride and integrity to create art during such a fragile, but promising moment in time. Here’s to collaboration and expansion!
Website https://thedonnasummermusical.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DonnaSummerBway/
Twitter https://twitter.com/DonnaSummerBway
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donnasummerbway
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCObsFQeJvY5BQI6DQJgsKhQ
“THE AUDIENCE REACHES A FEVER PITCH.”
– Entertainment Weekly
“The audience craves it with an intensity I don’t recall ever seeing before.”
– Chicago Tribune
“Don’t miss it. A vibrant and sparkling homage to the queen of disco. It’s the perfect place to dance to your favorite disco hits by the diva!”
– Vogue
“Pure bliss. An ebullient era in music! It gives the trailblazing songstress her rightful place in pop culture.”
– The Hollywood Reporter
Performance times for SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical appearing March 8 – 20, 2022 at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 West Grand Blvd., in Detroit are:
- Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday evening performance at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
- Open captioned performance on Sunday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for SUMMER start at $39 (includes facility and parking fees) and go on sale Friday, November 26, 2021. 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 (12 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
Zoya Dazzle Holiday 2021
Zoya wants to make sure you’re ready to dazzle this season with their holiday 2021 collection. Zoya Dazzle features five stunningly unique-fleck effect shades that are ready to bring a fun and festive feel to the holiday season. Dazzle Zoya’s holiday 2021 collection also includes the Hot Lips, Lip Color + Therapy Limo (which I am super excited to try!).
Meet Alexis! According to Zoya Alexis can best be described as a shimmering white diamond with a beautiful mirrored effect. And I can’t wait to try it in person. I think it’s going to be a stunner.
Get to know Esme. Esme is described by Zoya as a soft rose hold with a glistening gold glass fleck.
Zoya describes Sophia as an intense crimson red with a golden glass-fleck blended in. Perfect for the holiday season and reminiscent of a satin red ribbon.
Get to know Marlena. Zoya describes Marlena as a mid-toned cerulean blue with a gorgeous gold fleck effect.
Let’s talk about Dominique. Zoya describes Dominique as a royal purple with fierce gold fleck effect.
Now let’s talk about the Hot Lips Lip Gloss that’s included. Zoya describes Limo as a shimmering silver white.
Save the Date
Zoya’s 2021 Holiday Collection Dazzle will be available November 30th.
Fashion meets Food 