7 Things to Do This Weekend (May 13-15)

College for Creative Studies’ 2022 Student Exhibition opens, the Detroit Institute of Arts presents this year’s ’Inside-Out’ program, and more
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Bootycandy PC Brandy Joe Plambeck
Bootycandy is at The Ringwald Theatre through the end of the month. // Photograph courtesy of Brandy Joe Plambeck

Bootycandy

Head to The Ringwald Theatre to experience the Michigan premiere of Robert O’Hara’s play Bootycandy, which received the Lambda Literary Award for Best LGBT Drama in 2015. The provocative satirical comedy follows its protagonist on a winding journey with stops at his childhood home and church, as well as dive bars, motel rooms, and even nursing homes. The result is a kaleidoscopic portrayal of what it’s like to grow up gay and Black. $25. Through May 30. The Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations Community Center, 290 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale; theringwald.com 

Inside-Out

Now in its 13th year, the Detroit Institute of Arts’ annual Inside-Out outdoor art exhibition brings some of the museum’s most prominent artworks to the public, showcasing them against the backdrop of our metro Detroit streets and parks. This year, locals can find reproductions in Rouge Park in Detroit, Detroit’s Greektown, Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights, all three Macomb Community College campuses, the Donald F. Fracassi Municipal Campus in Southfield, Indian Springs Metropark in White Lake, and more. No cost. Through Nov. 30. Various locations; dia.org

Student Exhibition PC CCS
See over 5,000 pieces at the College for Creative Student Exhibition, including items recently presented in the Fashion Design program’s fashion show. // Photograph courtesy of College for Creative Studies

Halfway to Halloween

Celebrate both Friday the 13th and being halfway to spooky season at Phryte Village’s Halfway to Halloween event. Explore three attractions — Sunnydale Hospital, Phryte Manor Dead & Breakfast, and the Field of Screams outdoor haunt — haunted by the ghosts of the Phryte Family. Guests 21 and up are also invited to enjoy dancing and craft brews and cocktails at the castle’s Phryte Club. $15+. May 13. Phryte Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion; phrytevillage.com 

Motor City Comic Con

Michigan’s largest and longest-running comic book and pop culture convention returns this weekend with a packed guest lineup of television and movie actors, as well as comic book artists, writers, and creators. Among those scheduled to appear at Motor City Comic Con are William Shatner, Freddie Prince Jr., and Doctor Who’s Christopher Eccleston. $30+ for adults, $10+ for kids (except for Sunday’s free Kids Day). May 13-15. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; motorcitycomiccon.com

2022 Student Exhibition

Hosted at both the College for Creative Studies Detroit campuses, this annual exhibition will showcase over 5,000 artworks from students in every academic department at the school. Among the pieces are the collections presented in The Show, a fashion show hosted last month by the school’s Fashion Design program. The exhibition debuts on May 13 with a ticketed opening night event. Opening event is $30 for CCS alumni, $50 for general admission, and $450 for Collectors Preview and Private Reception; no cost for exhibit thereafter. May 13-27. A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education, 460 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; and Walter and Josephine Ford Campus, 201 E. Kirby, Detroit;  collegeforcreativestudies.edu

Civil War Saturday PC Troy Historic Village
Learn about American history at Civil War Saturday. // Photograph courtesy of Troy Historic Village

Civil War Saturday

The entire family can explore a pivotal period in American history at Troy Historic Village’s interactive Civil War Saturday event. Learn how the war affected various walks of life as you stroll around the village, engaging with reenactors representing soldiers, military medical workers, and civilians of various professions. There will be hands-on activities — you can learn from a telegraph operator how to send a message with dots and dashes, try your hand at writing with old-fashioned pen and ink, and even march and drill like a soldier. Meanwhile, you’ll be serenaded with popular songs of the era by a live violinist. $12. May 14. Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, Troy; troyhistoricvillage.org 

Rob Richards

Rob Richards will perform at the Senate Theatre as part of the venue’s long-running Organ Pops series. In addition to his role as house organist at Disney’s historic El Capitan theatre in Hollywood, which he’s held since 1999, Richards has performed across the globe. His concerts have come to be known for the musician’s showmanship and vibrant personality. Richards has shared the stage with stars like Julie Andrews and Elton John and was named American Theatre Organ Society’s 2005 Organist of the Year. $17. May 15. Senate Theater, 6424 Michigan Ave., Detroit; senatetheater.com