The Rat Pack Lounge
This jukebox musical follows Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. as they return to Earth from heaven to attend to some unfinished business. Featuring more than 30 hit songs, including “Come Fly with Me,” “My Way,” and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head, the high-spirited spectacle will have audiences singing along. April 23-May 18. $39+. Meadow Brook Theatre, 378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester; mbtheatre.com
88th Annual Detroit Public Schools Student Art Exhibition
This exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts recognizes exceptional work by student artists in grades K-12 throughout the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Expect a variety of mediums, including printing, painting, drawing, photography, ceramic, film, and jewelry. April 18-May 25. No cost with museum admission. Detroit Institute of
Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dia.org
Chasing El Chavo 5K
Participants in this annual fiesta-themed race at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill earn not only bragging rights but doughnuts and cider, too. Open to runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels, the race winds through scenic orchard trails and culminates in a lively party in the farm’s Orchard Square. Registration includes a take-home pint glass and a Blake’s T-shirt. May 3. $38+. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; blakefarms.com
Forbidden Broadway
Originally launched by playwright Gerard Alessandrini in 1982, this evolving satirical revue features parodies of Broadway’s recent hits and old favorites, including The Outsiders, The Wiz, and The Great Gatsby. Awarded the Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre in 2006, the show is beloved and embraced even by the Broadway glitterati — despite the fact that they’re often the butt of the jokes. May 3. $49+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com
Art Birmingham
Now in its 44th year, this annual street fair around downtown Birmingham’s Shain Park invites local and national fine artists to present works in paint, sculpture, metal, photography, glass, and many other mediums. Visitors can also expect to enjoy live music performances, food trucks, and art activities for kids. May 10-11. No cost. Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., Birmingham; theguild.org
The Central Park Five
Composer Anthony Davis won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for music for this moving portrayal of systemic discrimination. Based on the true story of five Black and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted of raping a white female jogger, the production explores themes of racial justice, police brutality, and sexual violence as the young men fight for freedom. May 10, 16, and 18. $30+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; detroitopera.org
Motor City Comic Con
Twice a year, the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi resembles the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood during the Oscars: Every-where you turn, there is a star. At one of the largest conventions in the Midwest, fans gather to meet over 250 comic book creators, writers, and artists, as well as dozens of actors from their favorite films and television series. Celebrity guests at this year’s spring event will include Jeremy Renner, Christina Ricci, Sean Astin, Famke Janssen, Bryce Dallas Howard, Laura Prepon, Vincent D’Onofrio, and more. May 16-18. $35+. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; motorcitycomiccon.com
Old Heart
Witness the world premiere of a new film by activist filmmaker Roger Rapoport at the Redford Theatre this month. Filed in both Michigan and the Netherlands, Old Heart is adapted from the Peter Ferry novel of the same name and honors the bravery of Black soldiers during World War II. Purchase a VIP pass for access to the prescreening event, which includes drinks, sweets, and a meet and greet with the film’s cast and crew. May 17. $15+. Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit; redfordtheatre.com
Nate Jackson
The comedian, actor, and writer rose through the ranks of prominent comedy variety shows, including All Def Comedy, Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City, and ComicView. Now, he hosts The Nate Jackson Radio Show and plays professional wrestler Junkyard Dog in the NBC comedy series Young Rock. May 17. $53+. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; livenation.com
Jewish American Heritage Month
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
Broken into a series of seven in-person events, the 24th annual Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival will showcase 13 films that feature prominent Jewish themes and/or Jewish fi lmmakers at the helm. Some of the fi lms are also available for virtual screening. Individual in-person film tickets are $12; virtual passes begin at $50. April 21-May 8. Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Drive, Suite 1, Ann Arbor; jccannarbor.org.
Detroit Jewish Film Festival
Another opportunity to celebrate the art of Jewish filmmaking will take place at The J this month. The annual event showcases independent films from around the world. April 28-May 11. Cost to be announced. The J, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township; thejdetroit.org
Pieces of a Man
In this moving and hilarious one-man show, David, a son of Holocaust survivors, finds himself in the midst of a midlife crisis. Looming large over his struggles is the specter of his father, who died 20 years ago. The result is a touching and relatable tale about the complicated legacies of society’s elders and how to move forward with joy. No cost
for members of The Zekelman Holocaust Center. May 18. The Zekelman Holocaust Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills; holocaustcenter.org
This story originally appeared in the May 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 May 5.
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