I had an amazing time. Very entertaining and inclusive. The staff were professional and efficient,…read moreenergizing. The big top was the perfect size for everyone to be included in the show. This was something I had wanted to do for some time I'm glad I finally did. The seats closer to ring are cushioned so all my fellow bad backers get seats in this section. I will be back.

Went with family and everyone was very entertained and loved every act! Loved how they involved all…read morethe age groups from the audience for the whole time . You will never get bored! Definitely tops the other circus performances I have attended. Thank you !

Something about this place is one part magical old-timey performance space and the other half is…read moregrimy hole in the wall. Pretty great combination if you ask me. As others have mentioned, not the greatest sound for louder shows. But they do bring through lots of interesting little projects - mostly local - my favorite so far has been the burlesque show - or Forest's one-man-band "Skate Laws" - or "suicide by cop" (a punk band that perhaps takes itself a bit too seriously but is for the thrashing about and actually pretty good). Unfortunately, finding out that these shows exist is a whole 'nother issue. Their website calendar usually just shows the puppet shows which is a great source of frustration for me. You'll have to either know people involved in the productions or search for DIY posters around Ypsi (The Ugly Mug usually is a good source for those things). Pretty sure all the shows geared toward adults are BYOB (haven't seen a sign yet that says a certain show is requesting it not be). So grab a paper bag or a flask before you show up, if you want to imbibe. It's definitely 'flex space' in that depending on the event, it's divided into church pews and seats with a floor seating up in front and sometimes it's all open with some seats on the periphery. The basement is a place you can hang out if you want to get away from the crowd upstairs - but it's mostly a storage space. There's a couch near the bathroom which, despite the fact that... well, it's near the bathroom... seems to be a popular place for making-out and other transgressions. I guess people are turned on by different things. Like proximity to bathrooms. To each their own. If I could find out about the shows more, I would go more. Until then it's nice to know it exists and the shows I have attended there were mucho enjoyable.

The first thing I thought of when I entered the Dreamland Theater was the great scene from "All…read moreAbout Eve" when the Hollywood-bound director lectures Eve about "the theater" "Want to know what the Theater is? A flea circus. Also opera. Also rodeos, carnivals, ballets... Donald Duck, Ibsen, and The Lone Ranger, Sarah Bernhardt, Poodles ....It may not be your Theater, but it's Theater of somebody, somewhere" The Dreamland may not be your theater, but it's there, in a skinny, shabby little room in downtown Ypsi, providing puppet shows for kids and adults alike. They offer other shows, too, but I was there for the puppets. The first thing I saw was a haphazard crowd of kids and adults looking for seats. There are four church pews in the front and a two row riser in the back (no more than 30 seats total, I'd guess). Naturally, the stage is up front, but there is also a projection screen to the right. Eventually, the lights dimmed and ""A Puppet History of Ypsilanti" commenced. The show began with shadow puppets on the rear-lit screen. Then the narrative continued on stage. The beautiful and brightly colored hand-made curtain opened to reveal wooden puppets and painted backdrops. The curtain would close between scenes and the puppetmaster would drop a new bit of scenery or a different puppet in the mix, then reopen the curtain. I really enjoyed the creativity and technical prowess that went into the multimedia performance. They used a pre-recorded dialogue track and operated the puppets in sync. This backfired at times, like when the soundtrack skipped (repeatedly), but considering that there seemed to be just one guy running the show, and it only cost five bucks, I was pretty impressed. The writing was underwhelming. The story was informative (Phyllis Diller is from Ypsi - how did I not know that?!?!?), but it was obnoxiously self-referential at times, and probably went over many of the kids' heads. I wish the playwright had left out the stuff about himself and just stuck to talking about Ypsi. At the end of the show, my companion referred to the forty minute program as "janky"and okay, yeah, it was. But I'm so excited that someone bothered to build a stage and some seats, fashion a curtain and some puppets, add a broken CD player and sell tickets - just footsteps from my front door! It may not be everyone's theater, but it's theater for me.

Saw "Clue" tonight thanks to Yelp's Culture Club. I highly recommend this show! Great cast, super…read morefunny and oh, the expressions! We were laughing.

I attended a performance of "Who's Holidays" ... a xmas comedy tonight…read more I was surprised by the transvestite theme but that is not my issue here at all! What bothered me was that the actor drank and spit his drink over half of the audience thinking that was a funny thing to do. I was heavily sprayed! In this era of covid and a triple threat of infections, this is extremely irresponsible behavior that is being allowed by this theatre. I will NEVER return... and I pray I did not catch anything from this vile act.

Awesome family spot for all ages, fun, and filled with little interactive activities for the kids…read more Would recommend to come again

I have to say this was a wonderful and completely beautiful experience. This is a trail that takes…read moreabout 45 minutes to an hour to complete and I experienced this during the Christmas season. The lights and effects are really wonderful and a treat to the eye There are also interactive games that light up the eyes of any child I'm very glad that I went in the group that I went with really had a good time That being said, this is not really my kind of thing and the price of the tickets as well as some of the merchandise had a sniff of Disney World about it But I think they do a great job here and please note that my rating is for people who would really crave and experience like this If I hadn't gone with the group, I would not have gone But if you were looking for a wonderful Christmas light show and fun for the whole family, this will not disappoint

The shows this theater produces are indeed strong, but the leadership culture behind them is…read moretroubling. During my time with the company (two mainstage productions and one cabaret over about a year and a half), I saw a clear divide between the quality of the performances and the care for the people creating them. After I reported a more serious recent incident to members of leadership, it was deflected and ultimately ignored. In a follow-up call with a board member, he emphasized that their priority was "getting shows on stage," not addressing what happens between cast members offstage. That response made it clear that actor/performer safety and accountability are not treated as part of their responsibilities. From the outside, the organization looks polished and community-oriented. Inside, it lacks consistent, transparent leadership when harm occurs, and more troublingly, behind the curtain in rehearsals and offstage. The company prioritizes polished productions and familiar faces over genuine community. Long-standing contributors, especially skilled musicians or directors who have been around for years - also seem to operate without accountability. When serious issues arise, leadership's focus stays on keeping shows running and maintaining optics, not on addressing harm. This makes it difficult for newer members like myself to feel safe or valued. Connections at this theater stay surface-level because the culture doesn't encourage honesty or care beyond the stage. The theater's attention to sets, ticket sales, and production value is clear, but that same energy is rarely shown for the well-being of the people creating the work. New or prospective members/actors should be mindful of this culture and take care to understand how leadership handles concerns before committing their time energy, and talents here.

I was very impressed by this place, as well as the production. I enjoy going to community theater I…read morethink it is an inexpensive way to enjoy a good evening out. This place puts on a professional production, and the theater itself is so comfortable. There's lots of legroom and there aren't any blind spots really. If I had any criticism to give it would be not for the play, but for the concession and the 50/50 tickets. They need to post larger signs so you understand, or definitely have people tending who are bolder individuals.

PROS: Old American architectural landmark with burnished vibe. It's a beautiful venue with great…read moreacoustics. This is the place to hear one of the most beautiful sounds ever, a live orchestral string section. Famed conductor Neeme Jarvi said the best sound was found in the highest seats furthest from the stage. I have seen several greats here over the years, Jarvi, Slatkin, Ax, Hahn, Perlman and most recently 98 year-old guest conductor Herbert Blomstedt's peformance of Mahler's 9th Symphony (outstanding woodwinds in the Rondo/Burleske; the Adagio was bliss). CONS: Cramped seating! This place was built for early 20th century people who had smaller proportions. Plan on being shoulder to shoulder with the person sitting next to you. Leg room is worse. If you are over 6 feet tall, forget about it. SUMMARY: Actual score is 4.5 stars. 1/2 star lost for the antiquated seating. Otherwise, a very special venue. Worth the discomfort for war horses and special guests.

I had the pleasure to visit this fascinating, over 100-year-old Detroit landmark with so much…read morearchitectural history and to see the phenomenal DSO was the ultimate treat. In all my years of living in metro Detroit and my love for live music, I cannot believe I've never seen a show here, and I cannot wait to go back. We sat on the main floor and were able to get a great view of the vocalists and the orchestra. The acoustics sounded amazing and there truly is no bad seat in the house. Parking was a cinch with their parking garage right across the street. The box office was extremely helpful when I couldn't locate my ticket in my email, and answered my general questions. Now, if you are looking for a dinner idea before the show, the Paradise Lounge on the 2nd floor is featuring Abode catering and I highly recommend! The restaurant is elegant but cozy. Isaac was our server and took excellent care of us. Their prefix menu rotates and is absolutely delicious. The house-made sourdough bread was SO delicious, we asked for seconds. The beet salad, which Isaac said he created, was so fresh and the marriage of flavors was perfect. The entrée gives you a choice of a meat or a vegetarian dish, and we both ordered the chicken, which was yummy, and the Panna cotta and cookies were the perfect ending. The Panna cotta had basil oil with fresh fruit and it was a delightful blend of flavors. They also have a full bar, which is a great place to get your drinks before the show to avoid the crowd of the main level bars. Be sure to check out the lounge before your show!

What a charming community theatre! We have attended the last two performances and were not…read moredisappointed at all. The caliber of acting and singing rivals the "big stages". It's a great date night destination. Support local community theatre and check Ridgedale out.

THANK YOU Ridgedale Players for making my daughter's birthday party fantastic!…read more Not only have I thoroughly enjoyed every show I've seen there, the theater is available to rent. We had access to the stage, the green room, the kitchen, and more, with a knowledgeable person to run the sound and light boards for far less than you would expect. The black box theater was the perfect canvas for us to decorate to make her red carpet karaoke party a smash hit. At the end of the night, she was already asking to use the theater again next year. We will definitely be back!

A friend gave a group of us tickets to the Hunting Shack Christmas play. Never been there before…read moreso did not know what to expect. When we arrived we noticed that there was not a lot of parking available. Maybe we just couldn't see further back behind the building but it didn't seem like there was going to be a lot of parking. We were kind of surprised that the theater was not completely full so not sure if just a lot of people drove in separate cars or what. We walked in and there was really no direction as to which way to go to enter the theater area. We finally asked somebody, who graciously directed us to the correct door. It was easy to find our seats and the seats were comfortable, even as slightly larger people. Not long after we arrived the play began. I had no idea what we were in for with this play but quickly found that it was lighthearted and funny. Just like any play or show, there were areas that I liked better and there were areas that I did not like as much. I really struggled with was the use of a shotgun in one of the scenes. Just two days prior a student at Oxford high school shot numerous classmates and staff, tragically killing 4 of the students. It was hard to laugh at the comedy that was associated with the scene knowing the horrific violence that just occurred two days prior less than 40 miles from us. As I write this review three days later, I still struggle with that scene in the play as my heart continues to ache for the young souls lost in Oxford.

I had an excellent time watching Tokens of Affection. A friend of mine was in the play. I was…read morereally happy that they require masks and proof of vaccination. They were raffling off jewelry as a fundraiser for the closing night. There is plenty of parking, but the lot behind the theater is winding. Just keep going til you can find a spot. Trust me, there is room. The theater itself is small with great acoustics. It is laid out very well so every seat feels like a front row seat. The quality of the acting is superb.