Theatre in the (almost) post-pandemic summer? Well, yes, at least a bit. Stalwarts such as the Interlochen Shakespeare Festival and Lakeside Shakespeare in Frankfort are MIA, and the performances by campers at Interlochen are closed to the public. Other pickings are slim as well, as community theatre organizations typically go dark for the summer. But not to worry — there are still some excellent opportunities to see performers treading the boards.

In this week's Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker, Ross Boissoneau highlights three options to enjoy live theatre this summer in northern Michigan. Local theatre organization Parallel 45 will bring back live outdoor summer shows once again under its open-air pavilion on the grounds of the Grand Traverse County Civic Center — two very familiar, family-friendly shows, at that: the musicals The Sound of Music (opening July 8) and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (opening July 21), and the lesser-known Ugly: A New Pop Musical, which will be presented by P45's Youthquake Company July 31 and August 1.

In August, Great Lakes Center for the Arts will host the musical Always…Patsy Cline. The show is based on the true story of the country music legend’s friendship with a fan from Houston. The two corresponded during the last years before Cline’s death in a plane crash. And while the stage inside Old Town Playhouse remains dark in Traverse City, the parking lot will remain open this season. Like last year’s pandemic-influenced slate of performances, Theatre Under the Tent will host a summer’s worth of comedy, music, and yes, some theatrical performances now through the end of August.

For all the details on summer theatre entertainment options — including performance dates and ticket info — check out this week's issue of the Northern Express, available to read online and on newsstands at nearly 700 spots in 14 counties across northern Michigan.

Pictured: Parallel 45 Theatre rehearsal of The Sound of Music. Photo credit: Harpe Star.