Coming to Detroit: RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour
Have you heard the exciting news? BROADWAY IS BACK! Yes, i’m basically screaming it from the rooftops because I am SO EXCITED to have Broadway shows back in Detroit. Broadway in Detroit kicks off their 2021-2022 season at the Fisher Theatre October 19th with the Rent 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour.
Catch the Rent 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour
October 19-24, 2021
at the Fisher Theatre
located at 3011 West Grand Blvd., in Detroit
Broadway In Detroit is excited to announce that Broadway shows will return to the Fisher Theatre October 19 with the RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour with performances through Sunday, October 24.
“In October it will be 60 years since the Fisher Theatre reopened as a legitimate Broadway Theatre,” states Broadway In Detroit Executive Director Alan Lichtenstein. “And now, 842,400 minutes since our last performance, we’re ready to begin a new era of Broadway performances with one of Detroit’s favorite shows, RENT. Ring the bells, flash the lights, our intermission is coming to an end.”
Tickets ($39 and up) for RENT are now on sale online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-982-2787, and in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office.
For a quarter of a century, Jonathan Larson’s RENT has inspired us to choose love over fear and to live without regret. This Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning phenomenon follows a year in the lives of a diverse group of artists and friends struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. It has become more than a musical – it’s a cultural touchstone, a rite of passage and a source of joy and strength for millions. RENT has become a part of us forever.
The show received its world premiere off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop on February 13, 1996, to ecstatic reviews and transferred to Broadway on April 29, 1996. RENT won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Whether you’ve never seen RENT or have completely lost count, you can’t miss it this time around – the 25th Anniversary “Farewell Season of Love” is your FINAL CHANCE to experience this celebrated touring production.
Based on original direction by Michael Greif (Tony and Drama Desk Nominations, RENT), Evan Ensign re-stages the 25th anniversary tour. Original Broadway creatives Marlies Yearby (Choreography), Angela Wendt (Costume Design), and Tim Weil (Music Supervision and Additional Arrangements) are joined by Jonathan Spencer (Lighting Design), Keith Caggiano (Sound Design), MiRi Park (Associate Choreographer), and Matthew E. Maraffi (adapting original scenic design by Paul Clay) to make up the creative team for the tour. Casting for the tour is by Wojcik | Seay Casting.
The RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour is produced by Work Light Productions whose other touring productions include the 2016 Olivier Award-winning production of Jesus Christ Superstar, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and the upcoming tour of the TONY award winning musical Ain’t Too Proud.
Performance times for the RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour appearing October 19-24, 2021, at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 West Grand Blvd., in Detroit are:
- Tuesday – Saturday evening performance at 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday evening performance at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
- Open captioned and audio described performance on Friday, Oct. 22 at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets for the RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour start at $39 (includes facility and parking fees) and are now on sale. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-982-2787, 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 and audio described performance may be purchased in person at the Fisher Theatre Box Office or by phone at 313-872-1000, ext. 0.
Following the lead of Broadway and concert venues across the country, Broadway In Detroit theatre patrons will be required to show 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 days 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.
Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.
Best U-Pick Flower Farm in Metro Detroit
One of my favorite late-summer activities is heading to Van Houtte Farm in Armada, Michigan, and wandering through the beautiful sunflower/wildflower farm. Sunflowers, zinnias, snapdragons, and more as far as the eye can see. There are even two morning glory teepees that are fun to watch come to life.
This year I visited Van Houtte Farm for U-Pick Flowers nearly every weekend. Some weekends I would pick all pinks, while others would be all sunflowers, a mix of flowers, or just a bright bouquet of color. If you love flowers (and who doesn’t?) If you’re in the metro Detroit area I highly recommend heading out to Van Houtte Farm and picking your gorgeous bouquet.
I have been to various flower farms around metro Detroit and hands down Van Houtte Farm is the best u-pick flower farm in metro Detroit. If you’re looking to pick sunflowers at a reasonable price, look no further than Van Houtte U-Pick Flower Farm.
2021 Broadway In Detroit Announces Public Health & Safety Protocols
Are you excited to get back to the theater? I know I am! Broadway in Detroit just announced their public health and safety protocols in a time of Covid and I know many of you are big Broadway in Detroit fans like me, so I thought I would share. P.S. Can’t wait to see you at the theater this fall!
Broadway In Detroit announced today its public health and safety protocols for attending any of its live productions when venues reopen at 100 percent capacity this fall.
Following the lead of Broadway and concert venues across the country, Broadway In Detroit theatre patrons will be required to show 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.
This policy will be in effect starting October 10, 2021 and applies to all venues at which Broadway in Detroit presents shows, including the Fisher Theater, the Detroit Opera House, and Music Hall. The date was chosen specifically to allow time for any eligible unvaccinated ticket holders to reach fully vaccinated status should they choose to do so.
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.
“We are really excited to welcome audiences back to the theatre, but we cannot open our doors unless we can provide a safe and healthy environment for audiences, performers and staff,” said Al Lichtenstein, executive director for Broadway In Detroit. “The overwhelming majority of theatre patrons across the country have warmly welcomed these kind of safety protocols. We feel most of our guests will respond the same.”
In preparation for a safe reopening all Broadway in Detroit venues have upgraded HVAC systems with MERV 13 filters, increased cleaning and disinfecting protocols, added sanitizing stations through the building, and will be offering cashless options onsite, including debit/credit cards and mobile pay. Additionally, all Broadway in Detroit event staff are required to be fully vaccinated and will be masked at every performance.
Any ticket holder who does not comply with any COVID-19 protocol may be required to leave the venue without any entitlement to a refund. Guests with protocol accessibility questions may call (313) 872-1000.
More information, including what theatregoers need to know when purchasing a ticket, can be found on the “Health & Safety Info” page of the Broadway In Detroit website, or broadwayindetroit.com/knowbeforeyougo.
Broadway in Detroit, The Ambassador Theatre Group and The Broadway League, along with its partners, are closely monitoring the coronavirus situation and following the recommendations of local, state, and federal agencies to ensure safety of theatregoers, performers, and employees. We reserve the right to unilaterally change protocols according to updated public health guidance and applicable law.
30 Things to do in September
Hello September! I am so excited to see you. This summer flew by, and with temperatures feeling like the center of the sun I am thrilled for the arrival of September and all things fall. September is apple orchard season, the return of pumpkin spice, and the kickoff to sweater season. To get this month started, I am sharing 30 things to do in September. Now let’s get started thinking about crisp weather:
1. Take a trip to the cider mill for apple cider and donuts.
2. Campgrounds and quieter and cooler, why not book weekend camping trip?
3. Pick sunflowers at a flower farm.
4. It’s National Wildlife Day, spend the day out hiking and enjoying the wildlife you come across.
5. Bust out those vampy fall nail polish colors. I am loving army green, mustard and gray this season.
6. Book a cabin getaway for a change of scenery, bonus points if you book it so you can enjoy fall colors.
7. Check out all the new fall movies that have hit the Hallmark Channel.
8. Get creative and make a fall charcuterie board.
9. It’s the perfect time to make a big pot of soup.
10. Take advantage of cooler evenings and have a bonfire with s’mores of course.
11. Head to an apple orchard for apple picking fun.
12. Visit a local produce stand.
13. It’s National Peanut Day today! Celebrate by indulging in a peanut butter treat.
14. Make a sweet treat that includes pumpkin.
15. Have a fall picnic. Bonus points if it includes a thermos of soup, cozy blankets and charcuterie.
16. Grab some tortilla chips and whip up some homemade guacamole or head to your favorite Mexican restaurant to celebrate National Guacamole Day.
17. Build a scarecrow.
18. Buy a cozy sweater or pair of boots.
19.Crochet or knit yourself a hat or scarf for cooler temperatures.
20. Did you know today is National Fried Rice Day? Well now you do! I’ll be grabbing some pineapple fried rice from my favorite Thai restaurant.
21. Anyone else a fan of chai tea lattes? If you are today is National Chai Day and the perfect excuse to head to a local coffee shop and grab one.
22. Happy first day of fall! Make a bucket list of everything you want to do this fall.
23. Go for a fall color drive.
24. Head to the pumpkin patch and pick pumpkins.
25. Light fall scented candles. I am loving ones that smell like a cider donut.
26. Make caramel apples.
27. Adventure through a corn maze.
28. Go for a hay ride.
29. Make a big pot of your favorite chili.
30. September ends the month with National Hot Mulled Cider Day and let me tell you, I am here for it! I’ll be heading to Yates Cider Mill for a hot cider and plain donut today. Yum!
Best Hiking Shoe 2021: Merrell Moab 2
I’ve tried a lot of hiking boots over the years, so it’s a bold state for me to say that the Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof Women’s hiking boots are my favorite that I’ve ever owned. When I say that Merrell takes comfort to the next level with the Moab 2 I am not joking—these hiking shoes are like walking on clouds.
Merrell Moab 2 fit and feel
First I should share a little about the shape of my feet. My forefoot and ankle are average, and I have a relatively high arch. I wear a size 7, however for comfort and room for heavier socks I went up half a size in the Merrell Moab 2 to a 7.5.
Traditionally I go for the heavier hiking boot. In my mind it would give my ankle more support and make me feel comfortable on trail. That being said the hiking boot that I love is actually a hiking shoe, it checks all my boxes of must while getting rid of the clunky boot.
What I love about the Merrell Moab 2 hiking shoe is that my heel almost feels glued to the insole and the supportive footbed offers the most comfortable climb. I love the addition of Vibram® traction—this is definitely really important to me when it comes to hiking shoes/hiking boots. I’ve logged over 75 miles in the Merrell Moab 2 already this summer, and still haven’t had a single blister (knock on wood).
Is the Merrell Moab 2 hiking shoe lightweight?
One thing that has always driven me crazy is how heavy most hiking boots are. I went to switch to hiking shoes, and some were still so heavy. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered that the Merrell Moab 2s are a lightweight hiking shoe, so you won’t expend any extra energy lugging your own two feet around.
Sometimes when hiking shoes are made lightweight it comes with the price of comfort being removed from the equation, and that is not the case at all here. The Merrell Moab 2s are so comfortable, I tell my friends that they feel like I am walking on clouds.
Merrell Moab 2 hiking shoe performance
Despite being lightweight, the Merrell Moab 2s are a super solid hiking shoe. So far, I’ve crossed streams, tackled hikes with vertical gain, crushed a 12 mile day hike, walked on slippery rocks just to name a few ways I have put my Merrell Moab 2 hiking shoes through the wringer—and let me just say, I am incredibly impressed.
Let’s take a minute to talk about grip, the outsole of the Moab 2 features a Vibram® TC5+ sole that helps provide a ton of traction. These shoes have helped me feel confident with whatever the trail throws at me.
Merrell Moab 2 is budget-friendly
The Merrell Moab 2 Hiking shoes are a great budget-friendly option. They come in both normal and wide versions, making them popular for women who have wider feet. These also come in a non-waterproof version.
Waterproof: Waterproof and Non-waterproof available
Weight: 1 lbs 12 oz.
MSRP: $125
Merrell Moab 2 waterproof features:
• M Select™ DRY seals out water and lets moisture escape so you stay dry when you’re on the move
• Performance suede leather and mesh upper
• Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
• Protective rubber toe cap
• Breathable mesh lining
• Merrell M Select™ FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch and heel support
• Molded nylon arch shank
• Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
• EVA midsole for stability and comfort
• Vibram® TC5+ sole
• 5mm lug depth
• Weight: 1lb 12oz / 800G
Fashion meets Food 