Stagecrafters to kick off film-themed 2022-23 season

ROYAL OAK/FERNDALE — As the Baldwin Theatre celebrates its centennial anniversary in 2022, the Main Stage productions in Stagecrafters’ 2022-23 season will follow a “from screen to stage” theme.

This year, the 2nd Stage black box theater will undergo renovations, but the show will go on with a slew of 2nd Stage productions, collectively known as the Stagecrafters Fringe Festival, at Affirmations in Ferndale and Five15 in downtown Royal Oak.

“We needed to think outside of the box for 2nd Stage this season, so we are outside Stagecrafters, Baldwin Theatre, on the Fringe,” Stagecrafters Executive Producer David Sigler said in a prepared statement. “Four diverse shows with close to 30 diverse performers. Keeping 2nd Stage, alive and well. Join us.”

From July 18 to 28, the Stagecrafters Fringe Festival will include “Broadway Our Way: A Colorful Cabaret,” a tribute to performers and characters of color directed by Jay Kaplan; “Goodnight Gracie, It’s a Stretch, Figments: Three Acts of Love,” a series of lighthearted vignettes directed by Erica Gunaca; “The Vagina Monologues,” an examination of womanhood and the female experience directed by Leta Chrisman; and “Two Class Acts: Squash & Ajax,” one-act plays about students taking courses on Greek classics directed by Matthew Rindfleisch.

Tickets for the Stagecrafters Fringe Festival cost $15, or $20 after July 10. A $60 ticket bundle including all four shows is also available before July 10. All shows are rated “mature” for content.

The new Main Stage season will kick off July 15-24 with Stagecrafters Youth Theatre’s production of “Frozen Jr.,” based on the 2013 Pixar movie, performed by actors ages 8-18 and directed by Jody Florkowski and Cassie Najor.

“Little Shop of Horrors,” directed by Jeff LaMothe, will run Sept. 30-Oct. 23.

“Elf — The Musical,” directed by Debbie Landis-Sigler, will run Nov. 25-Dec. 18.

“Clue: On Stage Comedy,” directed by Chrisman, will run Jan. 20-Feb. 5.

Stagecrafters Youth Theatre will perform “Jungle Book,” directed by Emilie Florkowski, March 2-5.

“Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical,” directed by Theresa Williams, will run April 7-23.

“Singin’ in the Rain,” directed by Tony Battle, will run June 2-25.

“Really, this is our first season back. We didn’t have a first season back last year. It’s exciting to feel like we’re coming back full throttle,” Stagecrafters Marketing and Event Manager Erin McKay said. “If we learned anything in the pandemic, it’s how important community is — just making sure we connect to our community is a huge priority for us.”

Tickets cost $35 for Main Stage musicals; $30 for Main Stage comedies or dramas; and $15 for adults and $10 for youth for Stagecrafters Youth Theatre productions. Ticket bundles are also available for purchase.

The Baldwin Theatre is located at 415 S. Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak.

Five15 is located at 600 S. Washington Ave. in Royal Oak.

Affirmations is located at 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit stagecrafters.org, call the business office at (248) 541-8027 or call the box office at (248) 541-6430.