Blog

Ann Arbor Observer’s Sally Mitani gives us a stellar sneak peek into the UMS presentation of The Importance of Being Earnest, a high-definition broadcast at the Michigan Theater on Thursday, June 2 at 7 pm.

When you go to the Power Center to see a UMS-produced performance, you don’t usually expect to see a high schooler’s name under the titles of “Photographer,” “Backdrop Artist,” “Curator,” or “Producer.” These type of opportunities are rare for teens, and it’s what makes Breakin’ Curfew such a unique event. From deciding the lineup to creating marketing materials to producing the show, a team of Ann Arbor teenagers create this showcase of the best teen talent in Michigan.

Tell us what you thought! This is the place to comment on the performance, and talk to other people about what you saw and heard. Don’t forget to click the option to be notified when new comments are posted.

And thanks to some pre-show instruction from the University of Michigan’s M-Salsa team, some of us actually had some fancy footwork to flaunt. Take a peek at M-Salsa’s mini-lesson, which took place at one of our pre-show U-M student events, Arts & Eats, and see if you can’t pick up some sassy moves of your own.

The 11/12 UMS season brochure just arrived at our office, and we’re getting it out in the mail just as soon as we can. You can catch a sneak peek by viewing the digital version here.

On February 18-19, UMS presented two legendary nights of dance with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company. We were so excited about the experience that we wanted to hear your questions and comments. At the performance we had the UMS Post-It Wall in the lobby where many of you left comments about the performance and questions for the company. Here are some highlights from the wall as well as your questions answered.

This year’s International Theater Series features three productions at the Power Center. A major series highlight is “Einstein on the Beach,” the seminal opera by Philip Glass and Robert Wilson with choreography by Lucinda Childs. Considered one of the most remarkable performance works of our time, this performances launches a world tour of what will likely be the last reconstructions of this work designed and led by its original creators.

The UMS Dance Series includes four events in Ann Arbor’s Power Center. The series begins with the Mark Morris Dance group performing two nights of new repertory. Two companies make their UMS debuts: Taiwan’s Cloud Gate Dance Theater with “Water Stains on the Wall” and Random Dance with “FAR.” Finally, Ballet Preljocaj’s production of “Snow White,” set to music by Gustav Mahler and featuring costumes by Jean Paul Gaultier, closes the dance season.

Additional events in the 11/12 season, including Audra McDonald, Canadian Brass, Handel’s “Messiah,” Sweet Honey in the Rock, and the San Francisco Symphony Chamber Music concert.