Detroit is home to a vibrant theater scene, with both long-running productions and limited-time shows passing through the city’s historic venues. Whether you’re a fan of Broadway musicals, thought-provoking dramas, hilarious comedies, or captivating storytelling, Detroit has a play to offer for all tastes.
Broadway in Detroit
Several touring Broadway productions make stops in Detroit each year. Broadway in Detroit brings some of the hottest shows direct from New York to the Fisher Theatre and Detroit Opera House. Some of the Broadway shows that have recently played or are soon to play in Detroit include:
- Hamilton
- The Lion King
- Wicked
- Dear Evan Hansen
- Come From Away
- Aladdin
- Anastasia
- Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
Broadway in Detroit offers the chance to see these hugely popular musicals without traveling to New York City. Subscriptions and single tickets are available. The 2021-2022 season has not yet been announced but is sure to bring several exciting touring productions.
Theater Shows at the Fisher Theatre
The Fisher Theatre is Detroit’s home for Broadway musicals and large-scale productions. With a capacity of over 2,000, the Fisher Theatre has hosted shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, The Book of Mormon, and more. Some shows playing at the Fisher Theatre later this year include:
- Escape to Margaritaville – October 2021
- Ain’t Too Proud – November 2021
- Tootsie – November 2021
- Pretty Woman: The Musical – December 2021
Stay tuned for announcements about what’s coming to the Fisher Theatre in 2022 and beyond!
Shows at the Detroit Opera House
Located across from the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Opera House is another venue for large touring productions in Detroit. The multi-tiered opera house can seat over 2,700 people. Upcoming shows at the Detroit Opera House include:
- My Fair Lady – October 2021
- Cats – November 2021
- Jesus Christ Superstar – November 2021
- Stomp – February 2022
- Hairspray – April 2022
The Detroit Opera House has upcoming availabilities in their calendar, so more touring musicals are likely to be announced. Check back for additions to the schedule.
Theatre Shows at the Gem Theatre
Historic venues like the Gem Theatre host smaller productions in Detroit. Built in 1925, the Gem Theatre originally opened as a vaudeville house before transitioning into a movie theater and eventually a live performance space. Upcoming shows at the Gem Theatre include:
- A Comedy of Tenors – October 2021
- Murder for Two – November 2021
- I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change – January 2022
With a more intimate 340-seat theater, patrons can get up close to the stage for comedy, dramas, musicals, and more at the Gem.
Hilberry Theatre Productions
Part of Wayne State University, the Hilberry Theatre stages performances from September through April each year. Graduate students and local talent put on a diverse mix of classic and contemporary productions. The 2021-2022 Hilberry Theatre season includes:
- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
- The Cake
- Marie Antoinette
- Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
- The Wolves
- The 39 Steps
Tickets are affordable for Hilberry Theatre shows, ranging from $15 to $30. Patrons can see high-quality performances while supporting the next generation of theater stars.
Meadow Brook Theatre
Oakland University’s Meadow Brook Theatre presents a full season of plays each year. The 2022 season includes:
- Murder on the Orient Express
- Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley
- Stanley & Iris
- Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End
- Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical
- The Drowsy Chaperone
Featuring imaginative sets and committed performers, Meadow Brook Theatre brings top-notch entertainment to Rochester Hills. As a professional theater, Meadow Brook Theatre employs members of Actors’ Equity Association.
The Ringwald Theatre
Known for edgy and LGBTQ+ productions, The Ringwald Theatre is located in Ferndale. Some upcoming shows on The Ringwald’s calendar include:
- The Rocky Horror Show – October 2021
- A Very Golden Girls Christmas – November 2021
- Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic – January 2022
The Ringwald often features Detroit premieres of new works and off-Broadway shows. With only 65 seats, audience members can have an intimate, immersive experience.
Puppet Shows at Detroit Puppet Theater
For family-friendly entertainment, check out the shows at Detroit Puppet Theater. Located on McNichols Road, this micro theater seats just 30 people for an up-close look at puppet productions. Upcoming shows featuring hand puppets, rod puppets, marionettes, and shadow puppets include:
- Hansel & Gretel – October 2021
- The Nativity – December 2021
- Little Red Riding Hood – February 2022
Kids and kids-at-heart can enjoy imaginative puppetry at the Detroit Puppet Theater. Affordable tickets make it a budget-friendly choice for family outings.
University Productions
Students at local universities including University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Oakland University stage plays each school year. While productions vary by semester, school theaters are a great place to catch talented student performers. University productions are also typically very affordable, often $10-15 per ticket.
Here are some upcoming university productions in Michigan:
University | Upcoming Productions |
---|---|
University of Michigan | The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Marie Antoinette, A Midsummer Night’s Dream |
Michigan State University | The Wolves, An Octoroon, Pride and Prejudice |
Wayne State University | The Revolutionists, Macbeth, She Kills Monsters |
Oakland University | The Glass Menagerie, The Amish Project, Falsettos |
Keep an eye on university theater schedules for affordable productions all school year long.
Children’s Theater Performances
Several Detroit-area theaters cater to the youngest audiences with child-friendly shows. These productions welcome kids to experience the thrill and magic of live theater.
Some upcoming children’s theater performances include:
- Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” – Detroit Puppet Theater
- Disney’s Winnie the Pooh KIDS – Dearborn Youth Theatre
- Madagascar – St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild of Cranbrook
- The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs – Flint Youth Theatre
- Charlotte’s Web – Wild Swan Theater
From puppet shows to youth theater troupes and beyond, there are many ways for kids to enjoy live theater in Detroit and Michigan.
Dinner Theaters
For a complete night out of entertainment plus dining, check out Detroit’s dinner theaters. Enjoy a meal before or during the show at these theaters:
- Andiamo Celebrity Showroom
- Cornwell’s Turkeyville Dinner Theatre
- Tibbits Opera House
Upcoming dinner theater productions include tributes to Elton John, Barry Manilow, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Comedy shows, Broadway revues, and holiday-themed productions also come to Detroit dinner theaters.
Conclusion
From Broadway blockbusters to emerging new works, Detroit’s diverse theater scene has something for all tastes. Track touring productions at venues like the Fisher Theatre and Detroit Opera House or discover local gems like The Ringwald Theatre. Universities and youth theaters provide affordable options. Choose a lavish Broadway musical or an intimate show in a small black box theater – Detroit’s venues big and small offer stellar performing arts.
Keep an eye out for newly announced shows coming to Detroit as theaters continue to resume and add productions. Whether you want to laugh, cry, think, or simply be transported into a great story, Detroit’s range of theater productions delivers powerful performing arts experiences.