Charles Nolte News

Meadow Brook Theatre's 2015-2016 season promises to please with Michigan Premieres, a hilarious comedy, and a nostalgic musical sure to take you on a trip back in time!

Ebenezer Scrooge's heart is hard as stone, but a handful of ghosts and one special little boy will teach him what Christmas really means when Meadow Brook Theatre presents its 33rd annual production of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol.' Scroll down for a sneak peek at the cast!

Meadow Brook Theatre's 2014-2015 season promises to please with hilarious comedy, toe-tapping musical theatre and powerful drama. 'This is going to be an exciting season you won't want to miss.' said Cheryl Marshall, Managing Director. 'We've got a literary classic, a heartwarming comedy and a 'Nunsensical' musical, back by popular demand and starring Cindy Williams and Eddie Mekka!' The 2014-2015 season features three Michigan Premieres and two Michigan Professional Premieres.

Minnesota Opera presents a major new revival of Dominick Argento's The Dream of Valentino as the sixth production of the New Works Initiative. A sultry young dancer is transformed from an unknown immigrant into a silent film sensation. Rudolph Valentino's stardom blazes across the silver screen but is quickly consumed by the same forces that ignited it. Seduction and scandal swirl in this tango-tinged opera about an artist discovered and destroyed by Hollywood. Composed by Argento with a libretto by Charles Nolte as a joint commission between Washington and Dallas opera companies, the work received its world premiere in 1994 at The Kennedy Center, where it was described by the Chicago Tribune as “visually and theatrically ... a thumping success.”

Minnesota Opera presents a major new revival of Dominick Argento's The Dream of Valentino as the sixth production of the New Works Initiative. A sultry young dancer is transformed from an unknown immigrant into a silent film sensation. Rudolph Valentino's stardom blazes across the silver screen but is quickly consumed by the same forces that ignited it. Seduction and scandal swirl in this tango-tinged opera about an artist discovered and destroyed by Hollywood. Composed by Argento with a libretto by Charles Nolte as a joint commission between Washington and Dallas opera companies, the work received its world premiere in 1994 at The Kennedy Center, where it was described by the Chicago Tribune as “visually and theatrically ... a thumping success.”

The familiar story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the ghosts that change a life is a holiday favorite and annual tradition for scores of families in the area. "'A Christmas Carol' is our gift to southeast Michigan," said Cheryl Marshall, MBT managing director. "People come back year after year. Maybe they saw it 20 years ago with a school group and now want to share it with their children. It's a magical event."

Minnesota Opera is pleased to announce casting updates for the 2013–2014 season, which boasts three company premieres and five productions new to Minnesota audiences. Based on anticipated demand, the boundary-busting production of The Magic Flutewill receive nine performances. Other season highlights include James Valenti starring in the premiere of a revised The Dream of Valentino by Dominick Argento as part of Minnesota Opera's New Works Initiative; Kelly Kaduce in an opulent production of Puccini's soulful Manon Lescaut; Jacquelyn Wagner, Elizabeth Futral, Brian Jagde and Craig Irvin in a stylish production of Strauss' romantic comedy, Arabella; and Verdi's chilling take on the Shakespearean thriller, Macbeth, starring Brenda Harris and Greer Grimsley. Minnesota Opera is also pleased to announce the roster for the 2013–2014 Resident Artist Program, as well as unveil a new website.

Travis W. Walter was named Artistic Director of Meadow Brook Theatre by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors at its meeting on May 17, 2010.

The familiar story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the ghosts that can change a life is a holiday favorite and annual tradition for scores of families in the area.

The familiar story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the ghosts that can change a life is a holiday favorite and annual tradition for scores of families in the area.

The familiar story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the ghosts that can change a life is a holiday favorite and annual tradition for scores of families in the area.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune has reported that actor, director and playwright Charles Nolte died of prostate cancer last Thursday at the age of 87.

From what I could remember seeing the stage version of 'A Christmas Carol', by Charles Dickens, years ago I loved the classic tale that reminds us about the importance of the spirit of Christmas at this time of year. However recently being let down with Disney's film version of the show I wasn't overly excited to see this holiday story again so soon this season. I am pleased to say that after seeing Meadow Brook Theater's production of 'A Christmas Carol' my faith in the all time classic has been restored.

Celebrate the season with Meadow Brook Theatre's production of 'A Christmas Carol,' by Charles Dickens, adapted and originally staged by Charles Nolte.

Celebrate the season with Meadow Brook Theatre's production of 'A Christmas Carol,' by Charles Dickens, adapted and originally staged by Charles Nolte.

Celebrate the season with Meadow Brook Theatre's production of 'A Christmas Carol,' by Charles Dickens, adapted and originally staged by Charles Nolte.

Meadow Brook Theatre is excited to announce 'Feet for Seats' a 5K fun run/walk on the campus of Oakland University. This fundraising event has been planned to raise awareness to the professional theatre, which has been located on OU's campus since 1966. 'We put on exciting shows,' says managing director Cheryl Marshall, 'but in these tough economic times we need to rally around our local arts organizations and raise funds as well as awareness.'

Meadow Brook Theatre is excited to announce 'Feet for Seats' a 5K fun run/walk on the campus of Oakland University. This fundraising event has been planned to raise awareness to the professional theatre, which has been located on OU's campus since 1966. 'We put on exciting shows,' says managing director Cheryl Marshall, 'but in these tough economic times we need to rally around our local arts organizations and raise funds as well as awareness.'

Meadow Brook Theatre's 2009-2010 season has something new for everyone with a full season of Michigan professional premieres! Meadow Brook Theatre's five-play season is all new for 2009-2010.