Goodrich-Fine Arts: a Mainstream in Education (FAME) has returned after its inaugural season of bringing fine arts to the community.
‘We’re keeping with our commitment to offer all of the venues and varieties of the fine arts,? said Donna Heiderer, FAME chairperson, adding each upcoming performance was chosen to showcase a different art form.
The new season will start up on Sept. 16 at Good Times in Goodrich with ‘An American Songbook? being performed by a quartet from the Michigan Opera Theatre.
‘No one should be afraid,? said Heiderer. ‘Opera can be so serious and stifling to some people? but this should be very familiar and very accessible.?
The performance will mark FAME’s first time participating in Good Times in Goodrich. ‘This year we were able to time it just right so it was the same weekend,? said Heiderer. ‘The Michigan Opera Theater was available (for that date), so we were glad about that.?
Because FAME strives to offer a community educational experience along with each performance, the Michigan Opera Theater will be performing for Goodrich students in grades K-5, and will work with drama and vocal students as well as teachers in the middle and high schools.
The opera performance will be followed in December by ‘An Evening with Mark Twain,? a one-man show performed by Michael Mauldin.
‘He does just a phenomenal job of recreating Mark Twain,? said Heiderer. ‘To see someone bring (Twain) to life is just phenomenal. (Mauldin) goes through hours of makeup to recreate the character. It’s really a transformation.? Heiderer said fans of Twain would particularly enjoy the performance, adding Mauldin will be speaking with Goodrich students in literature classes the week of the performance.
Percussion ensemble ‘Golden Rain? will perform in February.
‘Golden Rain features probably four of the most highly sought-after percussionists in the area. They’ve been performing together for 30 years, and they are frequently on the venue for the Detroit Institute of Arts? Sunday Brunch. They play a variety of instruments and they bring in a lot of cultural experience and a lot of history,? said Heiderer.
Golden Rain will be working with history students for the educational aspect of their performance.
The final event of the season will take place in March, as ‘The Birdhouse Factory Show? delivers a Cirque de Soleil type performance.
‘It’s a ‘wow? factor (that the group brings to an audience),? said Heiderer. ‘It’s a phenomenal, high-energy performance and a great way to end our season.?
Heiderer said FAME is entering confidently into its second season.
‘We’re comfortable with what we’re doing and what we’re offering,? said Heiderer. ‘We’re excited about what we’ve been able to do. The feedback we’ve gotten from the community has just been phenomenal ? they let us know that what we’re doing is very appreciated.?
‘And,? added Heiderer with a laugh, ‘with gas prices at $3 a gallon, we’re glad to be able to offer something so close.?