Detroit, MI

Shakespeare in Detroit presents “As You Like It” at the DIA, an homage production to the contributions of black artists to the silent film era – Encore Michigan

Published

2 years ago

April 21, 2024

Shakespeare in Detroit presents “As You Like It” at the DIA, an homage production to the contributions of black artists to the silent film era – Encore Michigan

Shakespeare in Detroit, announces its production of As You Like It by William Shakespeare, a fast-paced, Victorian Era adaptation devised by SiD Founding Artistic and Executive Director, Sam White, and staged at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).

In celebration of the DIA’s special exhibition Regeneration: Black Cinema 1898 – 1971, this unique production pays homage to the often-overlooked contribution of Black artists to the silent film era in films such as “Something Good-—A Negro Kiss.”

Shakespeare in Detroit actors and director Lynch Travis bring the story of Rosalind and Orlando, one of Shakespeare’s most popular couples, to life on the DIA’s Danto Lecture Hall stage, accompanied by projection and footage from the era.The production was curated by White for young audiences and school matinees, with a 90-minute edit of William Shakespeare’s comedy, featuring one of his most beloved quotes: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”

“We wanted to honor the legacy of early black filmmakers who paved the way for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry,” says Sam White. “By setting ‘As You Like It’ in the Victorian era and drawing parallels to pioneering silent films like ‘Something Good,’ we hope to spark conversations about representation and celebrate the richness of our cultural heritage.”

The cast includes Odysseus Bailer, Henry Ballesteros, Princess Beyoncé Jones, Dennis Kleinsmith, Shaunie Lewis, Asia Mark, Cassius Merriweather, Drew Parker, and Antonio Vettraino. The production and design team includes Lynch Travis (Director), Emily Pierce (Stage Manager), Val Compau (Lighting/Projections/Sound Designer), Toni Davison (Costume Designer), Diane Hill (Artistic Producer), Sam White (Dramaturg), Foster Johns (Vocal Coach), Steve Xander Carson (Fight Choreography), and Christine Pellecchia (Managing Director).

“It is important that we offer young people accessible means to learn about history and literature and I am looking forward to helping the actors and designers create a fun experience for our audience members,” says director, Lynch Travis. “By infusing Shakespeare’s classic comedy with the aesthetics of the Victorian era and paying tribute to early black silent films, we hope to offer a fresh perspective on a timeless tale.”

Shakespeare in Detroit will present ten student matinees of “As You Like It” with the goal of impacting at least 3,000 students and will present two public performances at no cost to the public. All performances will take place on the newly renovated stage in the Danto Lecture Hall, located inside the Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit). Public performances are on Friday, May 17 and Friday, May 24 at 7pm.

Public performances are free with registration, for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties: dia.org/events/shakespeare-detroit-you-it Registration is highly recommended as capacity is limited. Seating begins 30 minutes before each performance. Sponsored by Shakespeare in American Communities and the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Shakespeare in Detroit is celebrating more than a decade of excellence and innovation since its pioneering performance of “Othello” at Grand Circus Park in 2013. Since then, the nonprofit’s work has been experienced by more than 25,000 residents and visitors to Detroit. The organization has three programs that include: special events, mainstage programming and its youth educational program, Shakespeare STEAM.

The Detroit Institute of the Arts: The Danto Lecture Hall
5200 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48202

TICKETS:
dia.org/events/shakespeare-detroit-you-it
Free with registration for residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

Photo by Chuk Nowak Photography

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Detroit, MI

Handgun, credit cards stolen from truck on Detroit’s west side, police say

Published

3 hours ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

Handgun, credit cards stolen from truck on Detroit’s west side, police say

Nick Lentz

March 7, 2026 / 5:53 PM EST
/ CBS Detroit

Police in Detroit are asking for the public’s help after they say an individual stole a handgun and credit cards from a truck on the city’s west side last month.

According to investigators, the suspect, identified as a male of undisclosed age, broke into a GMC Sierra between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the 1400 block of Holden Street on Feb. 15. He stole the gun and a black bag, which contained medications, eyeglasses and the credit cards, officials said.

Police in Detroit are looking for a male suspected of breaking into a truck on Holden Street and stealing items from it on Feb. 15, 2026.

Detroit Police Department

Police said the male then left the scene in a white Chevrolet Tahoe.

Anyone who recognizes the male, the Chevrolet or has any information about the incident is asked to call the agency’s 3rd Precinct at 313-596-1340 or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-773-2587, or submit a tip here.

This is a developing story.

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Detroit, MI

Detroit Mercy basketball two wins away from NCAA tournament bid

Published

15 hours ago

March 7, 2026

Press Room

Detroit Mercy basketball two wins away from NCAA tournament bid

UDM is two wins away from its first NCAA tournament berth since 2012.

Calling what Detroit Mercy basketball has done this season a resurgence may be an undersell.

UDM (16-14, 12-8 Horizon), the No. 3-seed in the Horizon League Tournament, is playing No. 2 Robert Morris (22-10, 13-7) in the conference semifinals at Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis on Monday, March 9. The game is scheduled to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN2.

For a team that went 8-24 in the 2024-25 season, and a program-worst 1-31 in 2023-24, that the Titans are just two wins away from an NCAA Tournament appearance represents nothing short of a rebirth. That possibility looked distant even on Jan. 24, when a 95-87 loss to rival Oakland brought the Titans to 8-12 overall.

Watch Horizon League tournament on Fubo

But UDM responded by winning seven of its last nine regular-season games, including a 95-89 win against Oakland at the O’Rena to secure the team’s first 16-win season since 2016.

“We all found out who we were as players and as people. So now we know what positions to put the right people in at the right time,” said Titans senior point guard Orlando Lovejoy of the team’s late-season surge. “Once we figured that out, it was game on.”

The Detroit native Lovejoy has put up exceptional numbers in his senior season with the Titans, putting up a career-high 33 points in a 74-70 win over Green Bay on Feb. 22 and 29 points on 13-for-16 shooting against Oakland in the regular-season finale.

“He scores in phases. He can score on the fast break, he can post up, he can get to his spots,” said UDM coach Mark Montgomery. “He also brings the, ‘Gimme the ball in the biggest moments, and I’ll take over.’”

Lovejoy might have to take over more than usual against a tough Robert Morris team. The Colonials are the defending Horizon League champions and have beaten the Titans twice this year, with an 85-77 win in Detroit on March 2 and a 73-62 win at home on Feb. 25.

“We turned the ball over in key moments in those games, and then we have to keep them off the offensive glass,” said Montgomery of the Colonials. “We’re gonna get down to Indy, we’re going to enjoy a day, and then we’re going to lock in and know it’s one-and-done time.”

As for Lovejoy, who only gets four tickets to give to friends and family for the upcoming game, he expects to have a big travelling crowd to support him and the local team.

“I don’t know who I’m not bringing to Indianapolis,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of people coming to support as they did ever since I started playing basketball.”

Detroit Mercy basketball time vs Robert Morris in Horizon League semifinal

Date: Monday, March 9.
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET.
Location: Corteva Coliseum, Indianapolis.

UDM is looking for its fourth conference tournament win and first since 2012.

Detroit Mercy basketball channel vs Robert Morris in Horizon League semifinal

Tipoff: 9:30 p.m. ET.
Channel: ESPN2.
Streaming: Fubo.

Monday’s Horizon League semifinal game featuring UDM and Robert Morris will be televised on ESPN2 and can be streamed on Fubo, which carries ESPN channels.

Watch Detroit Mercy-Robert Morris on Fubo

Horizon League tournament results

Play-in: No. 11 Cleveland State 101, No. 10 IU Indianapolis 93.
First round: No. 5 Green Bay 64, No. 6 Purdue.
First round: No. 1 Wright State 90, No. 10 Cleveland State 61.
First round: No. 2 Robert Morris 68, Youngstown State 53.
First round: No. 3 UDM 84, No. 8 Milwaukee 63.
First round: No. 7 Northern Kentucky 85, No. 4 Oakland 84.
Sunday, March 8, Second round: No. 5 Green Bay vs No. 7 Northern Kentucky, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+).
Monday, March 9, Semifinal: No. 1 Wright State vs TBD, 7 p.m. ET (ESPNU).
Monday, March 9, Semifinal: No. 2 Robert Morris vs No. 3 UDM, 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2).
Tuesday, March 10, Final: TBD vs TBD, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN).

Detroit Mercy NCAA tournament history

UDM hasn’t made the NCAA tournament since the 2011-12 season and has only made the tournament six times in program history..

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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.

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Detroit, MI

Multiple tornadoes reported in Southwest Michigan amid severe weather

Published

1 day ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

Multiple tornadoes reported in Southwest Michigan amid severe weather

Updated on: March 6, 2026 / 7:42 PM EST
/ CBS Detroit

At least two tornadoes were reported in Southwest Michigan on Friday amid severe weather, according to CBS Detroit’s Chief Meteorologist Ahmad Bajjey.

Two of the tornadoes were reported in Union City and Three Rivers, while a possible third tornado may have been in St. Joseph County. Bajjey says the tornadoes caused significant damage. According to Consumers Energy, more than 3,200 customers are without power as of 7:40 p.m. on Friday.

Official reports of fatalities or injuries are unknown, but CBS-affiliate WWMT in Kalamazoo reports that the Branch County medical examiner is on scene in Union City.

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division says Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center in response to the storms in Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties. The department says the center will be supporting local requests for assistance.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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