6 Things to Do This Weekend (March 18-20)

Rob Schnieder stand-up, the Royal Oak Beer Festival, and Broadway musical ’Waitress’ promise a weekend of chuckles, brews, and showtunes
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Waitress PC Jeremy Daniel
Waitress is at Music Hall through March 20. // Photograph courtesy of Jeremy Daniel

Waitress

Dreaming of an escape from her small town and unhappy marriage, waitress and pie-maker extraordinaire Jenna throws herself into her hobby, crafting confections — such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed by My Eggs Pie” — that mirror her topsy-turvy life. Finally, a nearby baking contest and a new flame offer a chance at happiness. The question is: Will Jenna find the courage to seize it? Waitress is a hilarious hit Broadway musical, featuring an original score by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles.  $29+. Through March 20. Music Hall, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

Into Her Own: Ursula Von Rydingsvard

In conjunction with the Detroit Institute of Arts’ exhibition By Her Hand: Artemisia Gentileschi and Women Artists in Italy, 1500–1800, the Detroit Film Theatre presents the Visionary Women film series, which is comprised of recent documentaries that explore the lives and works of some of the 20th century’s most influential artists. This week, viewers will experience Into Her Own: Ursula Von Rydingsvard. The 2019 documentary follows the sculptor from a difficult early life — she spent five years in a post-WWII displaced-persons camp before emigrating to the U.S. — through her struggling-artist years in New York, and finally to the body of bold and intimate works that constitute her legacy. No cost. Through March 21. Virtual screening; dia.org

Motor City Blues Festival

The Motor City Blues Festival returns for its 14th year this weekend, featuring a lineup of diverse talents. Performing artists include international Blues star Melvia “Chick” Rodgers-Williams, known for her strong soul voice; Lenny Williams, whose passionate soul tunes, such as “Cause I Love You” and “So Very Hard To Go,” have become R&B and pop classics; and Theodis Ealey, whose brassy, R&B love songs — like chart-topping single Stand Up in It — have earned him the San Francisco Male Vocalist Top Star and Mo’ Better Blues Male Artist of the Year Awards. $52+. March 18. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com 

Into Her Own PC Icarus Films
The documentary Into Her Own: Ursula Von Rydingsvard explores the life and career of the sculptor, pictured above. // Photograph courtesy of Icarus Films

Royal Oak Beer Festival

Take in live music as you sip on a cold one — or two — at the Royal Oak Beer Festival, benefitting K9 Charities. Dozens of featured breweries, from local to international, which means you’re sure to encounter your favorite brews, while also discovering some new ones. In fact, this year’s event boasts more beverage diversity than ever before, expanding to feature hard seltzers and ciders. Vendors in attendance will include Shorts Brewery, Atwater Brewery, Roak Brewery, Dark Horse Brewing Co., and Coppercraft Distillery, just to name a few. $45. March 19. Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak; royaloakbeerfestivals.com

Detroit Spring Home and Garden Show

Thousands of attendees are expected at this weekend’s Detroit Spring Home and Garden Show. Join them to experience numerous exciting attractions, including seminars and demonstrations, various home-makeover contests, free antique appraisals, celebrity appearances from such names as Nicole Curtis of HGTV’s Rehab Addict, and an artists’ market featuring works from more than 100 local creatives. $10. March 19 and 20. Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit; yourhomeshows.com

Rob Schnieder

Throughout his long and storied career in comedy, Rob Schnieder has accrued the titles of actor, stand-up comic, screenwriter, and director. His career took off when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1990, during the show’s golden years. He went on to star in numerous beloved comedy films, including Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo50 First DatesThe Hot ChickThe Benchwarmers, and Grown Ups. $22+. March 20. Sound Board, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com