HERITAGE
ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 2-C
www.heritage.com
May 20, 2010
EMU Theatre to put on Neil Simon’s ‘Little Me’
E Illinois-born singer Suzy Bogguss will perform at The Ark in Ann Arbor May 21 and fans can expect to hear plenty of material from her new disc, which she describes as her strongest songwriting and most evocative vocals to date.
Meet Suzy Bogguss as the singer takes over The Ark By Terry Jacoby Heritage Newspapers
S
uzy Bogguss arrived in Nashville in 1985, traveling a road so many aspiring musicians have taken over the years. She carried with her two homemade tapes, five years of experience on the road and a suitcase of hopes and dreams. She was “discovered” by talent scouts from Capitol Nashville while singing at Dollywood, country singer Dolly Parton’s theme park in East Tennessee’s Smokey Mountains. A tape of her music that she sold at the park got into the hands of a label executive and three weeks later she was signed. “You can’t deal me the aces and think I wouldn’t play,” says Bogguss, stealing a line of her own from her latest studio album “Sweet Danger.” The Illinois-born singer will perform at The Ark in Ann Arbor May 21 and fans can expect to hear plenty of material from her new disc, which she describes as her strongest songwriting and most evocative vocals to date. Taking that trip to Nashville has certainly paid off. “I’ve been so fortunate to meet all these great people in all genres of music,” she says. “To learn from them and grow
Suzy Bogguss Who: Suzy Bogguss What: Country singer and national recording artist. Where: The Ark, Ann Arbor When: 8 p.m. Friday Tickets: $25 available online at www.theark.org or at the door. Songwriting: Bogguss has collaborated with some of Nashville’s most influential songwriters, including Chet Atkins, Steve Dorff, Matraca Berg and Pat Bunch. Her favorite co-writer is husband, Doug Crider. In 1993, the two penned her top-five single “Just Like the Weather.” On the Web: www.suzybogguss.com Album Disography: 1989 Somewhere Between (Capitol) 1990 Moment of Truth (Capitol) 1991 Aces (Capitol) Platinum 1992 Voices In The Wind (Capitol) Gold 1993 Something Up My Sleeve (Capitol) Gold 1994 Simpatico (with Chet Atkins) (Capitol) 1994 Greatest Hits (Capitol) Gold 1996 Give Me Some Wheels (Capitol) 1998 Nobody Love, Nobody Gets Hurt (Capitol) 1999 Suzy Bogguss (Platinum Records) 2003 Swing (Compadre Records) 2003 Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (Compadre Records) is amazing. How could I not make music with the friends I’ve made over the years?” One of those friends is legendary jazz producer and keyboardist Jason Miles with whom Bogguss co-produced “Sweet Danger.” Miles has worked with the biggest names in jazz and popular music, including Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Chakka Kahn and Sting. He became friends with Bogguss over a decade ago when he was producing a children’s album of Elvis Presley covers and asked
her to contribute a track. What Miles and Bogguss came up with stand with her best, she says. “I feel like I’m still learning about my voice and what makes it appealing,” she said. “I like to swoop and swell, and even soar, but I just don’t want to yell anymore. That’s not my gift. I never wanted to be a vocal acrobat –– I sing songs.” Like most explorers, she offers no apologies for chasing her muse wherever it leads her. She’s always listened to her head and her heart when
picking music for her albums. She said she is guided by a desire to be true to herself while communicating with her audience. “What I’m really trying to do is make music that people like,” she said. “That’s why I started playing in bars in the first place. That’s why I listened to people when they told me I should sing another person’s songs. I believed them. We were talking to each other.” Connecting with her audience has been a fundamental part of her career since she graduated from Illinois State University with an art degree and began touring the coffeehouse and club circuit. After five years crisscrossing the country in a camper truck, Bogguss landed in Nashville. One project inevitably led to the next, which is one of the reasons she’s excited about “Sweet Danger.” “The whole process was so natural,” she say, “from my friendship with Jason through the whole writing and recording process. It was challenging at first because this was new territory for me. But when I let go and surrendered to the experience, it happened so easily. I left New York sort of mesmerized with the whole process.” She lands in Ann Arbor Friday.
astern Michigan University Theatre will round out its 2009-2010 season with Neil Simon’s musical comedy “Little Me.” Directed by Ken Stevens with musical direction by R. MacKenzie Lewis, “Little Me” will play in the Sponberg Theatre 7 p.m. June 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12, and at 3 p.m. June 6. EMU Theatre is housed in the Quirk Dramatic Arts Building at the intersection of East Circle Drive and Best Hall on EMU’s Ypsilanti Campus. Based on Patrick Dennis’s 1961 novel, “Little Me” is a comedy that pokes fun at love, life and the American upper class. The production features music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh in a fastpaced parody that takes a trip through time via the memoirs of Belle Poitrine. It all begins when Belle, who starts life as a poor girl from Venezuela, Ill., meets Noble Eggleston, an allAmerican boy from the right side of the tracks. Noble’s mother doesn’t approve of Belle who lacks wealth, culture and social position, so Belle sets out in the world to gain all three. In her quest for success, Belle goes through husbands like water through a sieve.
The accidents that dispatch each husband grow increasingly more ridiculous while simultaneously boosting Belle up the ladder toward her dream. This play contains some adult language and sexual innuendo and may not be suitable for all audiences. In the tradition of the spring show, EMU Theatre will again provide audiences with pre-show treats and fun, including picnic games and goodies. The fun begins 30 minutes before show time, so audience members should arrive early to partake in the festivities. EMU Theatre will also provide audiences with the opportunity to see the show at a discount. EMU Theatre will reduce the $15 regular admission and $12 student tickets to offer $10 tickets for “Little Me.” MAINSTAGE patrons can purchase tickets for $7. Tickets will be available when the Quirk Box Office. “Little Me” tickets are available by phone at 4872282 or online at www.emutix.com. For more information about EMU Theatre visit www.emich.edu/emutheatre, visit the EMU Theatre Facebook fan page or follow EMU Theatre on Twitter at emutheatre.
Directed by Ken Stevens with musical direction by R. MacKenzie Lewis, “Little Me” will play in EMU’s Sponberg Theatre at 7 p.m. June 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12, and at 3 p.m. June 6.
THINGS TO DO: REGIONAL CALENDAR ■ “Our Town” Wednesday to Sunday, through May 29. Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. Call for performances and prices. 433-7673.
■ Chelsea Chess Club 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays: Wendy’s, 1640 Commerce Park Drive. Free. 475–1583.
■ “Telescope Time Travels” 2 p.m. Saturday: Make a telescope. Materials provided. Eddy Discovery Center, Bush Road. Free. $6 vehicle fee. Preregister at 475-3170.
■ 2010 Relay for Life of Chelsea 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday: Pierce Lake Elementary School, 275 N. Freer Road. $150 team fee. Pre-register at 971-4300.
■ Jackson Road Cruise 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday: Jackson Road between Weber’s Inn and Lowe’s. Free. 665-2123.
■ “Guys Read Book Club” 4 p.m. Wednesday: Boys ages 9 through 13. Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. Pre-registration required. 475-8732
■ Chelsea Ride 9 a.m. Mondays and 6 p.m. Thursdays: Meet at Aberdeen Bike and Fitness, 1175 S. Main St., Chelsea. Free. 1-517-2856830.
■ “Books and Banter” 1:30 p.m. Thursday: “The Bath Massacre: America’s First School Bombing.” Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. Pre-registration required. 475-8732.
■ DJ Night: Arctic Coliseum 7:15 p.m. Saturday: 501 Coliseum Drive, Chelsea. $8 includes skate rental. 433-2244.
CHELSEA ■ “Animal Adaptations” 2 p.m. Sunday: Eddy Discovery Center, Bush Road, Chelsea. $2 (family, $5). $6 vehicle fee. 475-3170.
■ Chelsea Crafts Brigade 7 p.m. Thursday: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St., Chelsea. Free. Pre-register at 475-8732. ■ Community Rummage Sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday: Silver Maples of Chelsea, 100 Silver Maples Drive. Free admission. 4754111. ■ Advanced Homebrewing 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St., Free. Pre-register at 475-8732.
■ “I Need to Read” 4 p.m. Monday: Age 6 and older. Talk by mountain climber Bill Fitzpatrick. Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. 475-8732. ■ Animanga Club 3:30 p.m. Friday: Age 12 and older. Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. 475-8732. ■ “Read to the Library Dog” 3:30 to 5 p.m. Friday: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St. Free. 475–8732. ■ Chelsea Teddy Bear Co. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday: Tours. 400 N. Main St. Free. 433-5499.
DEXTER
■ “Coming to Washtenaw County” 7:30 p.m. Wednesday: Salem Area Historical Society. Jarvis Stone School, 7991 N. Territorial Road. $2. 1-248-4376651. ■ Take Off Pounds Sensibly 6:30 p.m. Wednesday: Senior center, 7720 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road. 426-7072. ■ Draw Doubles Disc Golf Noon Saturdays: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 North Territorial Road. $5. $4 vehicle fee. 449-4300. ■ “Better Off Read” 2 p.m. Thursday: Eileen Goudge’s “The Diary.” Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. Free. Pre-registration required. 426-4477. ■ Movies & Muffins for Adults 2 p.m. Friday: “Did You Hear about the Morgans?” Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. Free. 426-4477. ■ Washtenaw Audubon Society 7:30 a.m. Sunday: Hike to
look for birds. Meet in Hudson Mills Activity Center parking lot, 8801 North Territorial Road, Dexter. Free. $5 vehicle entrance fee. 994-3569. ■ Dexter Community Orchestra 4 p.m. Sunday: Dexter High School, 2200 N. Parker Road. Free. 355-0725.
SALINE ■ Saline ATA Martial Arts 11 a.m. Saturday: Fifth annual Break-a-thon fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis, 750 Woodland Drive. Dunk tank, bungee run, games, food, Saline High School Jazz Band, Varsity Blues, Rhythm Dance Group and Saline ATA Demo Team. ■ International Defensive Pistol Association Match 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday: Tri-County Sportsman’s League. Bring gun and ammunition. 8640 Moon Road. 429-9561. ■ Fourth Saturday Contra Dance 8 p.m. Saturday: Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Drive. $9 (members, $8; students, $5). 730-6919. ■ Walk & Wag 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday: Huron Valley Humane Society Benefit, County Farm Park, 2230 Platt Road. Pledges or donation. 662-5585. ■ Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays: South Ann Arbor Street. Call 429-3518.
■ Gem Show: GemStreet USA 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Saline. $6 (students, $3); age 11 and younger, free). 1-216-521-4367. ■ Saline Ride 6 p.m. Wednesday: Municipal parking lot, Ann Arbor-Saline Road, south of Michigan Avenue. Free. 645-5840. ■ Building Business Relationships Breakfast 7:30 to 9 a.m. Tuesday: Saline Area Chamber of Commerce. Members with advance reservation $12, non-members and walk-ins $15. Brecon Village, 200 Brecon Drive. 429-4494. ■ Hoppy Hour 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Spotted Dog Winery. Fundraiser for Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary. Wine tasting and desserts. $20. www.rabbitsanctuary.org. ■ Washtenaw Toastmasters 7 p.m. Thursday: Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive. ■ New Horizons Band 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays: Liberty School, 7265 Ann Arbor-Saline Road. Free. 429-1742. ■ Game Night 6 p.m. Thursday: Borders, 3140 Lohr Road. Free. 9978884.
■ Bowling Pin Shoot Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday: TriCounty Sportsman’s League. Bring gun and ammunition. 8640 Moon Road, Saline. 4299561.
YPSILANTI ■ Vintage Volkswagen Festival Sunday, time TBA: Michigan Vintage Volkswagen Club. Riverside Park, Ypsilanti. ■ New Balance Girls on the Run 5K 10 a.m. Sunday: St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Women’s Health Center, 5320 Elliot Drive, Ypsilanti. $20. 712-5640. ■ “Genealogy and Murder” 1:30 p.m. Sunday: Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center auditorium, 5305 Elliott Drive. Free. 483-2799. ■ “Broadway & More Revue” 2 p.m. Sunday: Ypsilanti Community Choir. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St. $15 in advance; $20 at door. 481-9285. ■ Children’s Puppet Shows 3:30 p.m. Sunday: Dreamland Theater, 26 N. Washington St. $5. 657-2337. ■ Relationships In and Out of Addiction 7:30 p.m. Tuesday: Dawn Farm series. Call 485-8725. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center Auditorium, 5305 Elliott Drive. Free.