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Detroit, MI June 9 -28, 2009; Fisher Theatre / The Magic Bag
Topic Started: Jan 28 2009, 08:57 AM (562 Views)
mouser
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June 9 - 28 , 2009

Fisher Theatre

3011 W Grand Blvd # F1
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 872-1000

TICKETS:

$24 - $79 (inclusive of parking and facility fees) and will go on sale April 5 at the Fisher Theatre box office and all Ticketmaster locations. Tickets will also be available for purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.BroadwayinDetroit.com, and by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-982-2787. Limited premium seats are available at the box office only.

SEATING CAPACITY:: 2,089

SEATING CHART: Posted Image

THE VENUE:

The Fisher Building

Posted Image



Built in 1928, the Fisher Building has been nicknamed "Detroit's largest art object". Sitting on the corner of West Grand Boulevard and Second Street in Detroit, Michigan, the Art Deco skyscraper lies in the heart of the New Center area of Detroit. The 28-story office building was designed by Albert Kahn to house the car body business of the Fisher Brothers, and it is widely considered his greatest achievement. The year of its construction, the Fisher building was honored by the Architecture League of New York as the year's most beautiful commercial structure.

Posted Image

The building also is home to the Fisher Theatre, one of Detroit's oldest live theatre venues. The theatre originally featured a lavish Aztec-themed interior in the Mayan Revival style, and once had Mexican-Indian art and banana trees and live macaws that its patrons could feed. After the Depression, the theatre operated primarily as a movie house until 1961. Originally with 3,500 seats, the interior was renovated with a 2,089-seat theatre that allowed for more spacious seating for patrons. The decor was changed to a more simple mid-century design (which some feel is now far more "dated" in appearance than the grandiose art deco foyer). The Fisher Theatre is owned and operated by the Nederlander Organization and now primarily features traveling productions of Broadway shows.www.nederlanderdetroit.com




Posted Imagecourtesy of http://blog.mlive.com/entertainmentnow_impact/2008/05/medium_fisher_theatre.jpg

DIRECTIONS:
The Fisher Theatre is located in the Fisher Building, across from the General Motors building in the New Center area.
From either the Lodge Freeway or I-75, Exit at Grand Boulevard. Follow Grand Boulevard to the Fisher Theatre.



HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS:


Restaurants

B. Clubhouse Tavern - www.clubhouse-tavern.com - (313) 874-4653 -
C. Motown Soul Food Cafe - www.motownsoulfoodcafe.net - (313) 556-9993 -
D. Rice Bowl Asian Kitchen - www.ricebowlasiankitchen.com - (313) 871-7000
E. Papa Romano's - www.paparomanos.com - (313) 873-7272 -
F. Comerica TasteFest - www.newcenter.com - (313) 872-0188 -
G. Mr Pita - www.mrpita.com - (313) 972-4444 -
H. New Center Gourmet - www.newcenter.com - (313) 871-1148 -
I. Stella International Cafe - www.stellacafe.com - (313) 664-0400 -
J. Mc Donald's - www.mcdonalds.com - (313) 871-5821 -


Hotels

Inn On Ferry Street
Located .8 miles from Fisher Theatre

Starting Rate: $206



The Milner Hotel Detroit
Located 2.7 miles from Fisher Theatre

Starting Rate: $79



Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Detroit-Downtown, Mi
Located 2.9 miles from Fisher Theatre

Starting Rate: $133



Comfort Inn Downtown
Located 3.4 miles from Fisher Theatre

Starting Rate: $140


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


POINTS OF INTEREST:

1. Detroit Historical Museum
5401 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48202

Telephone: 313.833.1805

Posted Imagecourtesy of http://www.wowway.com/~vernors/museum3.jpg


Located in Detroit's Cultural Center, on Woodward Avenue, the Detroit Historical Museum has been chronicling the life and times of the region over the past 75 years. Founded on the 19th of November 1928, when the "Highest Museum in the world" was built in a one-room suite on the 23rd floor of the Barlum Tower, the museum has played a key role in the preservation of the city's history ever since.

The museum houses over 200,000 artifacts, each of which represents a key point in the 300 year old history of the region. The exhibits are arranged in numerous collections which range from the history of Native Americans to the origin of fur trade in the region and branch out into collections as diverse as the history of the Military and the development of sport in Detroit. The museum also runs film series which depict the ups and downs in the history of Detroit, leaving no avenue untouched. Of these, 'Stranded at the Corner' is a winner of three Telly Awards and 11 Emmy nominations. This film talks about the story behind baseball's oldest playing field and the political maneuvering which eventually led to its neglect and abandonment. You can also participate in various activities that are conducted by the Detroit Historical society such as 'A Taste of the D' which is a beer-tasting festival and Annual flea market where you can shop for antiques, arts and crafts and other collectables. Proceeds from all these fundraisers are directed towards the Historical Society. The museum also organizes 'Story-living' sessions for young children where they are introduced to important historical moments in Detroit's history by way of role-playing, songs, group pantomime and creative problem solving.

http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/DetroitMI/pointsOfInterest/DetroitHistoricalMuseuminDetroitMI.cfm



2.
Museum of Contemporary Art

Posted Image

4454 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
phone 313 832 6622

Museum Tours
Wednesdays at 1pm
Saturday 1pm & 4 pm
Sundays at 12 pm
Tours are free and open to the public


The mission of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is to present art at the forefront of contemporary culture. As a non-collecting institution, MOCAD is responsive to the cultural content of our time, fueling crucial dialogue, collaboration, and public engagement.



3. Motown Museum

Posted Imagecourtesy of bpdupdateonline.org/winter2005/id83.html


Motown Historical Museum
2648 W. Grand Boulevard
Detroit, Michigan 48208
(Directions)

Phone: (313) 875-2264


Motown Historical Museum is one of Detroit’s most popular tourist destinations. Each year, the museum attracts thousands of visitors from across the nation and around the globe. The museum was founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards. Its mission is to preserve the legacy of Motown Record Corporation and to educate and motivate people, especially youth, through exhibitions and programs that
promote the values of vision, creativity and entrepreneurship.

The museum exhibits trace the roots of Motown’s remarkable story and chronicle its impact on 20th century popular culture and musical styles. The story begins with Berry Gordy, Jr. and a small house in Detroit that he christened, Hitsville USA (now home to Motown Historical Museum). The story continues as Motown evolves into a major entertainment enterprise that was among the most diverse and influential in the world.

The exhibitions include a fascinating collection of historical photographs, artwork, music, costumes and other memorabilia from this booming musical era. Each item tells a story – from the $800 loan given to Berry Gordy, Jr. by the Gordy family savings club (the Ber-Berry Co-op) to produce his first record – to the explosive popularity of Motown’s artists throughout the world. Visitors take a step back in time as they walk through the fully restored apartment that was once home to Berry Gordy, Jr, and stand in the original recording studio “Studio A” where Motown’s greatest hits were recorded.



GUIDED TOURS
Visitors are encouraged to experience the Museum with one of our historical presenters. Tours are given at regular intervals during the Museum’s hours Regular Hours
• Tuesday thru Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Closed Sunday and Monday.












MEDIA:

1.

Idol to Grease
2006 winner Taylor Hicks sees musical role as way to showcase all his talents
Ted Shaw, The Windsor Star
Published: Monday, June 08, 2009


Grease opens Tuesday at Detroit's Fisher Theatre, and runs through June 28.

The 33-year-old Hicks was the fifth season winner of American Idol in May 2006. But for years before that, he had set goals for himself and his career.


"I've been singing professionally, or in public at least, since I was 17," he said in a recent telephone conversation. "When I appeared in American Idol, I'd spent 13 years before that dreaming about making it."

The 63 million votes he got merely confirmed what he already knew -- he had the talent to make it.

"I had a vision very early on in my life. Tunnel vision, actually. I knew what direction I wanted my career to take and I concentrated all my efforts in that direction. Tunnel vision helps."

Appearing in a musical is one step in the process.

"I think of it as reinvention," he said. "It's an important thing for me to do right now. The acting, the musical. It shows people a different side of me, and that will hopefully sustain me through a long and successful career."

Along with Grease, Hicks has also just released a new country-rock album, The Distance, recorded in Nashville with Eric Clapton's and Faith Hill's producer, Simon Climie. The first single is Seven Mile Breakdown.

While he's in Detroit with Grease, Hicks will perform an acoustic set of songs from the new album, June 22, at the Magic Bag in Ferndale. Tickets cost US$35.

Asked if the role in Grease, in which he plays Teen Angel, a guardian angel in the guise of a singing sensation, came about because of the American Idol fame, he laughed with derision.

"Well, no, actually. I was on television just for the heck of it and since I'm not doing anything else, they let me into this Broadway show."

Hicks follows a long list of celebrity singers in the role, from Frankie Avalon and Chubby Checker to Jennifer Holiday, Al Jarreau and Darlene Love.

The truth is, American Idol turned Taylor Hicks into a household name. But like the Scottish songstress, Susan Boyle, who burst on the scene in a similar way in England, Hicks believed in himself enough to pursue the dream.

"I've been following the Susan Boyle story like everybody else," Hicks said.

"The one little bit of advice I can offer her," he continued in his Alabama drawl, "is stay true to yourself. When fame happens, there are lots of people who will come forward and tell you this is what you should sing, this is how you should dress.

"Fame brings out a lot of self-styled experts who want to shape and twist you according to their own ideas. But really, it comes down to the talent, and letting that talent shine through.


"In her case, it's her voice. It's the reason everybody is sitting up and taking notice. Concentrate on improving that and you'll be fine."

Hicks had never performed on the musical stage before Grease. But the muscles he is using are pretty much the same.

"There are a lot of similarities between singing on a stage and performing in a musical," Hicks said.

"It's about spontaneity and expressing yourself through a song. Instead of using a musical instrument, you use the acting to help communicate the message."


Appearing as Teen Angel, a fictional version of what he was on American Idol, is the perfect entry into the musical stage.

He's only on stage for one song in the second act, Beauty School Dropout, but he's been getting all the buzz in the media.


"It was the ideal way for me to get my feet wet, so to speak."
- - -

BOX OFFICE

Grease, starring Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel, opens Tuesday and runs through June 28 at Detroit's Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd. Performances Tuesday to Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees, 2 p.m.; and this Wednesday matinee, 1 p.m. Tickets US$76.60-$30.50 at the Fisher box office and Ticketmaster.


http://www2.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=9542a46c-c7a3-44c2-a5c0-0652a3d3c5e3

2. Detroit Free Press


http://www.freep.com/article/20090604/ENT05/906040323/1040/ENT/Taylor+Hicks++the+singer-actor+touring+with++Grease+


"When Taylor Hicks signed on to play the part of Teen Angel in a Broadway revival of "Grease" last summer, fans of the 2006 "American Idol" winner helped make the show a surprise hit.

Since then, the gray-haired performer has toured with "Grease" nonstop, and he arrives in Detroit on Tuesday for a three-week stint at the Fisher Theatre. The angel role, played previously by everyone from Chubby Checker to Davy Jones, has become a showcase for the 32-year-old Hicks, who performs a harmonica-backed medley of "Grease" tunes at the end of the show.

Hicks is also promoting his second post-"Idol" CD, "The Distance," released on his own Modern Whomp record label this spring. On off nights during the "Grease" tour, he has been performing in small, intimate venues, and he'll take the stage June 22 for a show at the Magic Bag in Ferndale. It's a must-see for rabid fans who have dubbed themselves the Soul Patrol.

Interview:
QUESTION: Fantasia. Clay Aiken. Even Flint-born LaKisha Jones. The list is long of "American Idol" stars who have graduated to the Broadway stage. Do you see this as the next logical step?
ANSWER: Never in a million years would I have thought I would be on the Broadway stage. I was never more nervous about anything in my whole life. ... The role is actually an introductory role from an observatory standpoint, which means that you can actually observe what Broadway theater is like from a small but flashy part.

What's great about this role is that Teen Angel is a character in the show, but he's also an artist. ... I can be Teen Angel but I can also be Taylor Hicks, so the part is really tailor-made, no pun intended.

Q: Because your music is so blues- and soul-influenced, are you excited about visiting the home of Motown, especially with all the hoopla about the label's 50th anniversary?
A: Of course I'm excited. I've never been to Motown before, so I want to get over there and see it (the Motown Museum). ... You know, I got to really talk to Smokey Robinson for an extended amount of time a couple of times, and he just reminded me that the songwriting is the key. The songs that you put on your record you'll have to live with for the rest of your life. That was really good advice. He told me that it took a lot of hard work to stay relevant in the business.

Q: What can we expect from the Magic Bag show?A: We've done it in almost every city. Being able to do a show with some of the members of my band, it's just a great way and a very cutting-edge and unique way to see the country and experience fans new and old.

My fans have seen me on grand stages in big theaters. This is a more intimate setting, more of an acoustic setting. It's a nice way to learn and be able to digest the new music off the record in a live setting. Then when I'm ready to launch a significant tour, I'll have had a two-year setup time for the record.

Q: With a tour that started last year and could extend well into next, where do you hang your hat? Do you call any place home?A: Not right now. I've been on the road since February of 2005. If you look over a time period, look over any entertainer and what they've done, especially ones that have had significant success and are legendary, for that matter, they toured. They were out with the people. That was the one common thread that they had. You've got to be with the people.

Q: I know you're interested in making movies. Would you ever dye your trademark gray hair if the right part called for it?
A: It could be a possibility. (Wink, wink). You never know."

By John Monaghan, Free Press special writer





SOUL PATROL MEMORIES:

1. itsanneduhh from a tweet : i got to see freakin taylor hicks yesterdayyy! ahh Grease was amazing



2. xXxJTMDAH from a tweet: OMG Just got back from Detroit from seeing Grease. It was amazing. The best part...I met Taylor Hicks! He signed our CD too. So excited. :)

3. Gypsee

As I made my way to the exit doors, I was next to two women talking and heard them saying how great Taylor was in the play and his singing, and said they had never followed him on Idol. They smiled at me and I said..."Go buy his CD....it's for sale in the lobby and it's terrific!" They said they would do that. No way to know, but hey it was worth a shot :)

4. tally

As much as I love him as Teen Angel, what blew me away was his performance of "Seven Mile Breakdown" at the end of the show. I wondered if he could match his outstanding American Idol performance of that song. He does! And it's even better because Taylor live is mesmerizing. His energy just radiates off the stage to the audience.

A friend, who came with me to the show and who is not a fan, thought it was a terrific performance, and she liked the fact that the audience got to see Taylor again.


5. ddwinton

I just saw Taylor Hicks in Grease and I loved every minute of it.

6. shhmile: tweeted


haha taylor hicks in grease... he was so funny

7. coder

There seemed to be a few changes in the show since I had seen it last in Cincinnati. It was all good though. Taylor was wonderful and performed SMB which brought the house down. After the show,

Posted Image

courtesy of coder at Meet and Greet


8. GailGMartin tweet:

Grease was great tonight -- good cast, interesting sets and love the music. Taylor Hicks was Teen Angel and did a great job. I love Broadway


9. Marlyss

Oh yeah.....what a gorgeous guy.

Posted Imagecourtesy of marlyss

Susie and I went to see him in "Grease" at the Fisher this weekend.
The whole show was excellent but the part with Taylor in it was spectacular.
We sat in the third row in the center so we had awesome seats and up close viewing. What a treat!
Of course I had to buy his new album and have it autographed and make Susie take this picture with my iphone.
Taylor's my favorite American Idol of all time.

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