Arts and Culture

“Tragedy Sound,” a play about three lifelong friends from the Upper Peninsula who become stranded on Lake Superior after accepting a reckless dare to embark on a canoe trek, is the most recent work by 1996 Northern Michigan University alumna and Mass City native Karen Saari. The winner of NMU's Panowski Playwriting Award will be presented at 7:30 p.m. May 14-16 in the Panowski Black Box Theatre.

Northern Michigan University's Theatre and Dance Department recently announced the recipients of its annual Alumni Awards. The honorees will be recognized at a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in Forest Roberts Theatre.

Northern Michigan University's DeVos Art Museum is showcasing two exhibitions: the annual NMU School of Art & Design Senior Exhibition, which concludes with a closing ceremony from 7-9 p.m. Friday, May 1; and "Celebrating Legacy: Lake Superior Art Association in the Permanent Collection," in honor of the LSAA's 75th anniversary. 

Northern Michigan University's Superior A Cappella, a mixed-voice, student-run ensemble, has grown from its humble beginnings into a thriving musical group, bringing together up to two dozen students each semester. It performed various selections from pop musicals such as “Frozen” and “Wicked,” along with a mix of rhythm and blues songs, at its winter semester concert April 15. 

The Northern Michigan University Chamber Ensemble and the NMU Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, in Reynolds Recital Hall under the direction of Barbara Rhyneer. Admission is free.

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will highlight the talents of the department's 21 graduating students with its second annual Senior Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 24. A second performance will be held on Mackinac Island for industry professionals from New York, Los Angeles and Chicago on Tuesday, May 5.

A collaborative mural is nearing completion in the newly-remodeled Lydia M. Olson Library at Northern Michigan University. The artwork, by graphic design and ecology student Sydney Kuipers, depicts a variety of animals native to the Upper Peninsula arranged in a geometric-like pattern. It is located front and center along the wall near the information services desk. Campus and community members have assisted in painting the mural.

Northern Michigan University's Music Department will present its final ensemble concerts of the semester featuring Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble, Trombone Choir and the NMU Orchestra. The University Choir and Arts Chorale will also join the Marquette Choral Society for two performances later this month. Admission to all but the latter is free. 

Northern Michigan University Theatre & Dance will present “9 to 5,” a musical based on the 1980 film featuring an original score by country music singer Dolly Parton. Show dates are Thursday-Saturday, April 9-11 and 16-18.

Northern Michigan University's Platform Personalities organization will host actor Max Greenfield of “New Girl” and “The Neighborhood” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, in the Northern Center Grand Ballroom.