Arts and Culture

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance Department will present "Next to Normal," a rock musical that offers an intimate exploration of family, loss and mental health issues. Showtimes at the Forest Roberts Theatre are at 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, Feb. 2-5. A Theater For All performance is also scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 5. This show is rated PG-13, with some adult language and themes that may not be suitable for younger audience members.

Northern Michigan University will honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy by hosting events on Monday, Jan. 17, beginning with a march for equality. These events are free and open to the public. Masks are required.

Northern Michigan University music education major Caitlin Palomaki of Marquette is serving as guest conductor for the Friday and Saturday performances of NMU Theatre and Dance's “Elf: The Musical.” She will lead the pit orchestra, subbing for music professor Erin Colwitz, who has a conflict directing the Marquette Choral Society concerts this weekend. 

As director of Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum, Emily Lanctot is used to showcasing the work of other artists. But now her own paintings are being featured in a solo exhibition at the Deo Gallery in the lower level of Peter White Public Library. Marquette's Office of Arts and Culture presents “People, Secrets and Snacks” through the month of December, with a public reception from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9.

The Northern Michigan University School of Art & Design will host an exhibition highlighting the work of seniors graduating in December. The show runs Nov. 29-Dec. 11. A closing reception and awards ceremony will be held from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. 

Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present Elf the Musical, a comedic holiday musical based on the well-known movie. Show times in Forest Roberts Theatre are at 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Dec. 3-4 and Wednesday-Saturday, Dec. 8-11. A sensory friendly Theatre for All performance will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. 

The Beaumier U.P. Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University has announced that traditional wood carver Russell Dees of Marquette and the Native American Students Association of NMU are the two recipients of the 2021 Upper Peninsula Folklife Awards.

The Northern Michigan University Arts Chorale and University Choir will present an NMU Choirs Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, at St. Peter Cathedral.  

For more than three decades, artist Mary Wright initiated a series of public art projects that helped Upper Peninsula communities connect meaningfully with their past. A committee planning a series of events to celebrate Wright's legacy is seeking help in identifying items from the various projects that are available and in displayable condition for an exhibition demonstrating her contributions to the region.