This week, "Art and Soul" is about the local performing arts scene. 89.1 WEMU’s Lisa Barry and Wendy Wright talk to playwright David Wells about his latest local theatre production, “Mazel Tov, John Lennon,” along with the man playing John Lennon, actor Forrest Hejkal.
THEATRE NOVA PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF "Mazel Tov, John Lennon"
by David Wells
Public preview March 21
Opening night March 22, running through April 24, 2019
January 1972: Vietnam war protests are at their peak, and newly ex-Beatled John Lennon walks into the office of Leon Wildes, an eminent immigration lawyer. As ultra-laid-back Lennon and straight-laced Wildes navigate Lennon’s stormy immigration case, an unlikely and comical kinship unfolds, and both men gain a greater understanding of friendship, personal values, and patriotism. Based on the true story of the Nixon administration's attempt to deport John Lennon.
About The Guests
David Wells
David Wells is a recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award, a National New Play Network Showcase Selection, a Wilde Award for Best New Script, a Motion Picture Academy Nicholl Fellowship In Screenwriting Finalist, a National New Play Network Finalist, and a Wilde Award for Best Original Production. He is an NNPN Affiliated Artist and a member of the Writers Guild of America.
Forrest Hejkal
Forrest Hejkal (pronounced Hi-cull) plays John Lennon. I'm a theatre artist based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I recently graduated from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, studying drama, primarily directing. I am also a recent graduate of the National Theater Institute's Advanced Directing Semester. In 2011, I founded the Carriage House Theatre of Ann Arbor, a small community theatre in Ann Arbor which operates during the summer. I have directed many productions there and with other companies in the area. In 2013, I created and directed the Vagari Project, a traveling street theater troupe that performed on the road for two months. I am also a designer, actor, producer, carpenter and musician.
Upcoming Performances
THEATER
Kickshaw Theatre presents The Ding Dongs, or What Is The Penalty In Portugal?, a comedy thriller by Brenda Withers, March 28 through April 14, 2019, at trustArt Studios in Ann Arbor. "The Ding Dongs is about a hilariously fast-talking couple engaged in a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse. Are they con artists Clowns? Or are they just well-meaning folks, like any of us, who want a simple and safe life with their three lovely children?" says Kickshaw found and Artistic Director Lynn Lammers. "The way this play drives toward its conclusion keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Roustabout will present its first 2019 production, Mad as a Hatter, in April. Written by Michigan playwright Michael Alan Herman, the characters of Wonderland are introduced in a real-world scenario, as everyday people serve as Lewis Carroll's inspiration for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Mad as a Hatter: April 4-20, YES (Ypsi Experimental Space) 8 N Washington St, Ypsilanti
All My Sons by Arthur Miller, at the Purple Rose Theatre, opens April 4th
Brigadoon by Lerner & Loewe, at the Encore, opens April 18th
SPECIAL APPEARANCE
Valerie Jarrett Monday, April 22, 2019 at 7:00 PM, Michigan Theater and Nicola’s Books will host a conversation with Valerie Jarrett, the longest serving senior advisor to President Barack Obama, Valerie Jarrett. Valerie shares her journey as a daughter, mother, lawyer, business leader, public servant, and leader in government at a historic moment in American history. Jarrett received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981. This is a ticketed event and each ticket will include a signed copy of Jarrett’s memoir, Finding My Voice.
READINGS AND LECTURES
Wednesday April 17th 5:30 p.m. UM Hatcher Grad Library Free!
"Let Me Sing and I'm Happy": U-M Author's Forum.
Local mezzo-soprano Joan Morris discusses her new memoir-cum-handbook that combines a short autobiography with advice on different aspects of performance.
MUSIC
Saturday, March 30th 8PM – Kerrytown Concert House
Jeff Tweedy: Spring 2019 Warm Tour /wsg Buck Meek
Monday, 7:30 p.m., April 1st, Michigan Theater – Presented by The Ark
Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., April 2nd, Michigan Theater – Presented by The Ark
Peter Madcat Ruth 70th Birthday Bash
Thursday, April 4th, 8PM - The Ark
Fri & Sat April 5 & 6, 7 & 9:30 p.m. – Blue Llama
Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra: 20th Anniversary Season "Local Treasures"- Featuring local Jazz legend Paul Keller and the At Sundown Quintet
Sunday, April 14, 3:30PM, Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College
Cécile McLorin Salvant & Christian Sands
April 14 at 4:00 PM. Michigan Theater Presented by UMS. Tickets available at UMS.org.
Monday, April 22nd 8PM – The Ark
COMEDY
Gabriel Iglesias: Beyond the Fluffy World Tour
Thursday, March 28th – EMU Convocation Center
Jimmy Pardo
Friday & Saturday, April 12th & 13th , 7:30 & 10PM – Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu
