Since its opening in 2019 The GhostLight Theater has brought innovative, diverse, creative and socially conscious performances to the Southwest Michigan theater landscape. As they embark on their fourth summer season, this year’s slate of shows takes audiences on a journey from classic plays to contemporary performances.
The 2023 GhostLight season kicks off May 11 with William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” This timeless play explores themes of love, the position of women and necessity of marriage, and the ways people can deceive each other and themselves. It will be directed by Kristina McCoskey and will run until May 21.
Next up is the Broadway classic “Cabaret,” a play set in 1930’s Berlin during the twilight of the Jazz Age as Germany was ascending to power. This performance, which was turned into a movie in 1972 starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey, features memorable songs and choreography set in a German nightclub as the relationship between a writer and a cabaret performer blooms. Cabaret will run from June 15 – 25 and will be directed by Paul Mow with musical direction by Joshua Goines and choreography by Paige Mulick.
To close out the summer season is “Once”, a musical based on the 2007 film of the same name. Once is the story of a street performer who is giving up on his dreams of music until he meets a girl who inspires him to dream again. “Once” was awarded a Tony Award in 2012 for Best Musical. This performance runs Aug 10-20 and is directed by Spencer Diedrick with musical direction by Burke Lokey and Joshua Goines.
“We couldn’t be more excited about our fourth summer season here at The GhostLight Theatre”, says General Manager and Artistic Director Paul Mow. “These particular shows are sure to take our audiences on three very different journeys of exploration, love, humor, heartache and self-awareness.”
Tickets for these performances are on sale now and range from $12-$28 with subscription packages available. They can be purchased at https://www.ghostlightbh.com/currentseason.
To support the season, The GhostLight is hosting a cabaret fundraising event themed “It Might as Well Be Spring” on Saturday, April 1 beginning at 6pm ET. The performance features jazz soloist Emily Perkins, who returns to Southwest Michigan after several years honing her craft as a military vocalist and international freelance musician. Additional performers include Paul Mow, tenor, Dan Maxon on guitar and vocals, Joshua Goines, pianist, and Marc Churchill on drums. To learn more or buy tickets visit https://www.ghostlightbh.com/events.
By Julee Laurent
MOTM Contributor
