‘Beauty and the Beast’ at NMU

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University’s Forest Roberts Theatre will present “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and April 18-April 20, with a matinee performance at 1 p.m. on April 20.

A “Theatre for All” performance of the musical aimed at children and adults who are on the autism spectrum or have sensory issues will be presented. FRT has partnered with the Theatre Development Fund in New York City to produce this sensory-friendly performance, scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday. Free admission to the “Theatre for All” performance has been made possible through private donor support.

Based on the 1991 animated Disney film and dating back to the 18th century classic French fairytale, “Beauty and the Beast” focuses on the relationship between the Beast, a prince who is cursed to live as a monster by an enchantress as punishment for his arrogance, and Belle, a young French maiden whom he imprisons in his castle. To break the curse, Beast must learn to love Belle and earn her love in return or else the Beast will remain a monster forever.

“Everybody knows the story and certain people associate very specific images with the telling of that story,” said director Shelley Russell in a news release. “It’s not much fun replicating other people’s art, so this production will have a lot of recognizable characters, but a lot of the images, the costumes and the whole experience will be very fresh.”

Malorie Munson, NMU freshman and 2018 Miss Teen Upper Peninsula, portrays Belle.

“Being cast as Belle is a dream come true,” said Munson in the release. “I feel that she is a very relatable character. She longs for adventure, she is stubborn, yet she has a huge heart. To get into character, I’ve been channeling the way I, or any other girl, would react in her situation and using my own life experiences to really bring up those emotions.”

An opening night party will follow the Friday performance in the FRT lobby. The party will feature food and beverages, a photo booth and a meet and greet with the cast, crew and artistic staff.

Tickets are $15 for the public, $10 for students and $5 for NMU students. Tickets are available for purchase at NMU EZ Ticket outlets.

Second Thursday Creativity Series

MARQUETTE — Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum Second Thursday Creativity Series will feature Extraordinary Super Heroes from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The museum will have Super Hero themed crafts, an ice cream sundae bar featuring free Culver’s Frozen Custard, music and Zumbini where parents can dance with their kids, and more.

This event is free admission for all sponsored by Child Abuse and Neglect Council.

Nominations for Folklife Awards

MARQUETTE — The nomination process for the 2019 Upper Peninsula Folklife Awards is now open and the general public is invites to be part of the process. Nominations will be accepted through Friday.

The nominees can be individuals or organizations that make a difference in the creation and/or preservation of the folk culture in the Upper Peninsula, including music, dance, storytelling, crafts and food. The U.P. Folklife Awards were established in 2009.

When the nomination period ends, a committee will review all submissions and make the final selections. Submit nominations at the following link: https://nmu.qualtrics.com/jfe/formSV_1TZQ4JqHHu04d0N

Give Peeps a Chance art challenge

MARQUETTE — The Give Peeps a Chance art challenge is 4-6 p.m. Friday in the Community Room of Peter White Public Library in Marquette.

Set up is from 3-4 p.m. with a $5 entry to take on the challenge and make peeps into a work of art.

Event is free for non-participants and open to the public.

There will be prize winners in each age category: 0-5, 6-10, 11-17, 18+ and the theme Social Justice & Peace. There will be live music by Stan Berry and a silent auction with a huge variety of local goods and services up for bid.

All proceeds go to sending a group of Marquette Unitarian Universalist youth and adults to Haiti, partnering with Youthaiti, which supports rural Haitians in many ways. Visit Youthaiti.org to learn more.

For donations or any questions call or text Jamie Kuehnl at 906-362-2082.

Astronomy Night to be held Friday

MARQUETTE — The Shiras Planetarium in Marquette is a satellite location for Michigan State University’s Statewide Astronomy Night at 6 p.m. Friday.

The event is free and open to all, and will include an open house from 6 to 7:30 pm with activities for all ages including making constellation greeting cards, playing astronomy-themed board games and more At 7:30 p.m. there will be a star show, highlighting what is happening in the April night sky.

The Shiras Planetarium, located at Marquette Senior High School, is one of many locations around the state hosting events in conjunction with MSU. To learn more, visit https://sciencefestival.msu.edu/Event/Featured/9.

For more information, visit shirasplanetarium.org or contact Shiras Planetarium Director Becky Simmons at planetarium@mapsnet.org.

Ladies night event held Friday

MARQUETTE — Silver Creek Thrift and the Women’s Ministry of Silver Creek Church are hosting a free night of pampering and fun for ladies ages 17 and older at 6-8:30 p.m. Friday.

Ladies will have the opportunity to enjoy activities like crafts, essential oils, hair, nails, massages, delicious desserts and door prizes. Silver Creek Thrift, Hidden Treasures and Vintage Treasures will all be open late for shoppers. Hidden Treasures offers quality, used, name brand and newer clothing at a fraction of the original cost. Silver Creek Church is located at 219 Silver Creek Road in Harvey. Visit the Silver Creek Thrift Facebook page or call 273.2473 for more information.