It’s a variety show that takes on everything from Adam and Eve to Mound road potholes. “This n’ That,” a play akin to Rowan & Martin’s “Laugh In,” is set for April 19-22 at the Warren Community Center.
The Heart of Hills Players, an over-50 theater group, present the show which features singing, dancing, comedians, and brief skits.
“There’s something for everyone here,” said Sterling Heights resident Bill Baird, the show’s director. “If there isn’t something that you find entertaining, I will be very surprised.”
One of the highlights of the variety show includes a song dedicated to the Mound Road potholes and all of the other road craters throughout the state. An original take on the John Denver classic, “Country Roads,” the skit involves a Macomb County commuter whose unable to get home.
The players perform at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, the Troy and Warren community centers, and at smaller venues. The troupe, which is made up of about 100 members from metro Detroit, plan at least three major shows each year and perform several mini shows at senior housing facilities, senior centers, clubs and churches.
The Heart of the Hills was started by a group of about 10 performers in 1985 at a Rochester Hills elementary school as a part of the city’s Older Persons Commission (OPC). When the new OPC opened in the early 2000’s only Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township residents could participate in shows without cost. For that reason, the group decided to operate as a nonprofit theater organization, open to anyone interested.
Members, who rehearse at the Shelby Township Disabled American Veterans hall three times a week, are from communities across southeast Michigan. New players in the all-volunteer troupe are always welcome. They’ve put together numerous shows including: “South Pacific,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Hello Dolly,” “Carousel,” “Brigadoon,” “Damn Yankees,” “Anything Goes,” “42nd Street,” “Showtune,” and “Irene.”
Performances will be held at the Warren Community Center, 5460 Arden, Warren, April 19-20 at 2 p.m., April 21 at 7 p.m., and April 22 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $16 at the door or $10 each for groups of 10 or more purchased in advance. For tickets, call 586-268-8400. For further information, visit www.hohplayers.org