We have all heard of Shakespeare. He was the Michael Jordan of basketball, the Tiger Woods of Golf and the Elvis Presley of Rock ‘n Roll. But, what was really happening in the late 1500s? Was Shakespeare really like us?  The Hilberry Theatre presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a humorous tale of mysteries, love, confusion and fairies (Introducing characters: Oberon and Puck). At least we know he had a sense of humor.

DP2A members will have Shakespeare demystified by an expert in the field who wants to entice the novice.  Get to know the man…and his words. Enjoy one last kiss of summer: An Oberon Beer Tasting and pizza party with the actors. Who says the English were proper?

Enjoy a champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception in the Crystal Gallery reception space. DP2A members will walk the Red Carpet at the evening’s fashion show. Tour one of the city’s cultural gems, dress like the stars and vote for best action short and best animated short! 

Dance like your favorite superstar, or better yet, just kick back, and let the professionals dance for you! Eisenhower Dance Ensemble, Michigan’s premier contemporary dance company, will show you their moves and before you know it, you’ll be out of your seat dancing. Celebrate the music and the moves of Rock ‘n Roll’s greatest stars at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. Dress as your favorite star (red leather jacket and single white glove encouraged) and practice your best dance moves in preparation for joining EDE’s dancers on stage for the evening’s final number. Prizes for best costume and dance moves will be awarded at the evening’s Rock ‘n Roll Afterparty!  

One of the most timeless operatic treasures in the literature, Puccini’s Tosca is a must-see for the novice and the seasoned opera-goer. The Italian classic is a heart-wrenching love story-turned-tragedy with moment after moment of equisite music. Coupled with extravagant sets, costumes, music and ambiance, this will be an evening that you will never forget (performance includes English text translations).

Then, for those of you with a hidden opera star in you…this will be your chance to shine. DP2A members will be invited to take part in opera karaoke (prizes for the best…and…err…most outlandish performances). An Italian wine tasting will help get you in the spirit of the evening.

What is chamber music? It is music that was once considered intimate enough for a king or queen’s bed “chamber”. Although it is now played in concert halls, it is still understood to be music written for smaller groups of instruments where each part holds its own among its musical peers. Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings hosts a collaborative concert with the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival each summer at Detroit Country Day School’s Seligman Performing Arts Center.

Don’t take our word for it. Learn interesting facts about chamber music at the evening’s pre-concert talk. Then, enjoy passed appetizers and access to the evening’s international artists. If you end up being one of the DP2A members to collect all six passport stamps from the 09-10 season, you will be entered into an exclusive raffle to win a great prize, while also earning first dibs at signing up for DP2A’s Second Season!