2025 Arts & Culture Preview

Save the dates for these can’t-miss shows and performances from January through July.
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See Six the Musical at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre this January. // Photograph by Joan Marcus

Six the Musical

The six wives of King Henry VIII unite as a pop band in this hilarious musical comedy by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. Sparring over whose marriage
to the infamous king was most torturous, the queens take turns belting out autobiographical songs in an effort to win the coveted title of lead singer. Along the way, they seek to reclaim their own identities and imagine what their lives could have been like if they’d never married at all. Jan. 7-12. $55+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.

Kevin Hart performs at Detroit’s Fox Theatre Jan. 10-12. // Photograph by Kevin Kwan

Kevin Hart

The Emmy-nominated comedian and actor will perform three shows at Detroit’s Fox Theatre during his Acting My Age tour. Boasting a long list of film and television credits, Hart currently lends his voice to a character in the Amazon Prime Video series Secret Level alongside Keanu Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Temuera Morrison. Jan. 10-12. $87.50. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert

Experience the second Harry Potter film in a uniquely immersive way courtesy of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. As the film plays out on a giant screen in Orchestra Hall, a live symphony will perform the iconic John Williams score right in time with the scenes. Jan. 11-12. $79+. Orchestra Hall at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dso.org.

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue hits the stage of Detroit’s Fisher Theatre Jan. 7-12 and 16-19. // Photograph by Jason Bush, courtesy of Murray & Peter Present

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

Laugh along with Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia as they get busted by
the Drug Enforcement Administration, launch a dating app for seniors, and find love in unexpected places in this hilarious parody show. Featuring a wealth of local talent both onstage and behind the scenes, the show is directed by Eric Swanson, co-founder of the Detroit Actor’s Theatre Co. Jan. 7-12, 16-19. $61+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.

Ruby

This new musical production channels jazz, gospel, and blues music to tell the true story of Ruby McCollum, an affluent Black woman who was accused of murdering a white man in Jim Crow-era Florida. Ruby’s experiences with racism and injustice are brought to vivid life through emotionally charged original songs performed by a profoundly talented cast of Black performers. Feb. 9. $45+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Detroit; 350 Madison St., Detroit; musichall.org.

Parade

Based on the true events that led to the formation of the Anti-Defamation League, this Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of Leo and Lucille Frank, a newly wed Jewish couple trying to make ends meet in 1913 Atlanta. When a murder occurs at the factory Leo manages, the couple find themselves at the center of a racist and antisemitic witch hunt that tests their faith, resilience, and humanity. Feb. 25-March 9. $50+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Founded in 1958 by legendary choreographer, dancer, and activist Alvin Ailey, this New York-based modern dance company aims to communicate the lived experiences of Black Americans through stunning modern choreography. The troupe has performed in 71 countries and in 2008 was designated as a “vital American cultural ambassador to the world” by the United States Congress. March 14-16. $30+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; detroitopera.org.

Menopause the Musical 2

The trailblazing musical that celebrates women as they go through “the change” gets a second installment of hot flashes, mood swings, and hilarious hijinks in this new sequel. Picking up with the Menopause heroines five years after their initial meeting in a department store, the nautically themed show is set on the high seas and features a toe-tapping soundtrack of parodied hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. April 6. $40+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit; musichall.org.

The Central Park Five

Composer Anthony Davis won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for music for this operatic adaptation of the true story of five African American and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted of assault in New York’s Central Park. The opera grapples with themes of racial injustice, systemic discrimination, and resilience as the five young men fight to clear their names. May 10-18. $30+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; detroitopera.org.

Shakira performs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit this May. // Photograph by Nicolas Gerardin

Shakira

The Colombian singer and songwriter first dominated American airwaves in 2001 with her ubiquitous single “Whenever, Wherever.” Since then, she’s released three English-language albums, served as a coach on the television series The Voice, and even shared the 2020 Super Bowl stage with Jennifer Lopez. She’ll be touring in support of her latest album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, when she makes a stop at Little Caesars Arena this spring. May 22. $79.50+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.

The Wiz comes to Detroit’s Fisher Theatre this June. // Photograph by Jeremy Daniel

The Wiz

This ground-breaking retelling of The Wizard of Oz won seven Tony Awards when it debuted on Broadway in 1975, including best musical. Set to a score rich with soul, gospel, rock, and ’70s funk sounds, the colorful production features direction by Schele Williams and choreography by JaQuel Knight, who is best known for his work on Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” video. June 17-29. $50+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.

Catch “Weird Al” Yankovic at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston on July 2. // Photograph by Robyn Von Swank

“Weird Al” Yankovic

The king of parody will embark on his first large-venue tour in six years and will perform fan favorites that have never been enjoyed live. Expect to hear original songs along with comedic renditions of singles by some of pop’s biggest artists, including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and Madonna. July 2. $39.50+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston; 313presents.com.

Detroit Art Week

Get acquainted with the city’s up-and-coming artists, designers, and cultural pioneers during this weeklong program of exhibitions, performances, panel discussions, and special events. While some events require a ticket purchase, others are available at no cost. Event locations to be announced. July 16-20. Various locations, Detroit; detroitartweek.org.


This story originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on Jan. 6.