January 2021
In-Person Tickets Available by calling the Box Office
Mon, Wed, Fri Noon – 5PM
(218) 327-5780
This adaptation, written by Reif Education Director Katie E. Smith, brings together Reif Dance ballet students and Theater Education students in grades 3-12, and has been created with social distancing in mind. It is an adaptation of the 1903 operetta by Glen McDonough and Victor Herbert and is the first joint production of the two Reif Education programs. Original choreography has been created by Dance Director Deirdre Murnane and the Reif Dance staff. The music has been adapted by Grand Rapids native and Ely Band Director, Sarah Mason.
THANK YOU TO SPONSORS
March 2021
Reif Dance Company is made up of the most dedicated and talented dancers who commit to extra rehearsal time for a place in the company, or for younger students, the Jr. Company. The Company Show brings together original, classical, contemporary, and modern dance, presenting works by professional choreographers as well as student choreography. It also features solos from our senior students who have been with us many years and are going off to college next year.
April 2021
VIDEO ON-DEMAND THROUGH MAY 31
Hello, my name is Larry Yazzie a proud member of the Meskwaki Nation near Tama, Iowa. We are of the Algonquin speaking dialect of the eastern woodland region. We are centrally located in the great state of Iowa. Back in 1857 our forefathers snuck up to Iowa from Oklahoma and Kansas and purchased our first 80 acres. With the help of local farmers and the Governor of Iowa at the time granted us the Meskwaki citizens of Iowa
I’m honored to share my stories and culture with you through music and dance. We are made up of several tribes and promise to bring you the best experience possible!
As I play my flute I play in prayer for all who are going through hard times especially during this pandemic we will get through this together. We all need to pray together I too have experienced hardships in my life, especially in my community on the Meskwaki Indian Settlement near Tama, Iowa. Earlier this summer we were hit with a Derecho storm a land hurricane with winds up to 130 mph with devastation everywhere! But we prevailed and came together through prayers and help pouring in from everywhere! So thank you! ...”
Frederick Douglass: In the Shadow of Slavery
Available on-demand through May, 31 2021
Starring: Mel Johnson Jr. | Written & Directed by: Tom Dugan
Running time 1.5 hours
Frederick Douglass: In the Shadow of Slavery is a one-man theatrical journey that chronicles Douglass' remarkable life; from his childhood in slavery to his perilous escape to freedom, from his intense friendships with Susan B. Anthony, John Brown, and Abraham Lincoln to his crucial work on behalf of former slaves following the Civil War. Incorporating gripping plantation songs, lush lighting and sound design, the story of Frederick Douglass' struggle for African American freedom, as performed by Mel Johnson, Jr., star of Broadway and film, is a fascinating evening of theatre that will inspire, educate and entertain.
MEL JOHNSON JR. - Actor | Director | Producer - Though easily recognizable from his TOTAL RECALL co-starring role opposite ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Mel is equally comfortable these days discussing the production of his new one man show "Frederick Douglass In The Shadow Of Slavery" which recently had its extremely successful world premiere in California at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, and he is discussing his work with such companies as Goldman Sachs, American Express and Credit Suisse as a corporate councilor.
While living in Los Angeles, Mel was the Executive Producer of Shadow Entertainment's Urban Horror label "Big City Pictures," he produced four feature films "Ragdoll," "The Horrible Dr. Bones," "Killjoy" and "The Vault" - All of which can be found on video. Mel was also the Artistic Director of The Imagination Workshop, a group of actors, writers, and directors who work within the psychiatric community and with kids at risk. He's extremely proud of the fact that during his tenure as Artistic Director, The Imagination workshop won the first Ovation Award given to a company for "Outstanding Community Outreach."
Mel has countless credits from a resume that reflects his work on stage, screen and television. As a theater director, his work is best embodied by the award-winning "Give'em Hell Harry" starring JASON ALEXANDER, "Oscar To Oscar," "The Me Nobody Knows," "The Ballad of Lizard Gulch" and the critically acclaimed "The Last White Man in the World." Most recently, he directed the World Premiere of Tom Dugan's one man show "Robert E Lee, Shades of Gray" at the Carpenter Center in Richmond, Virginia.
When his acting career is mentioned, Mel finds it difficult to point to his most significant work, but can quickly identify the roles that gave him the most pleasure. In addition to his film work, the list includes Broadway stints in "On The Twentieth Century," "Eubie!" with Maurice and Gregory Hines, "The Rink" with Liza Minnelli, and Chita Rivera. Bob Fosse's "Big Deal," Mufasa in "The Lion King" and most recently starring in the new Earth, Wind and Fire musical, "Hot Feet!" Mel would be remiss if he didn't mention his long-standing relationship with The New York Shakespeare Festival, where he most recently starred in the revival of the musical "Two Gentleman Of Verona" for the festival's, Shakespeare In The Park. On television, he was a regular on David Lynch's "On The Air" and guest starred on numerous other T.V. shows from "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" to "The Pratice."
Mel has always found it extremely rewarding sharing with others what he has learned from his education, at the High School of Performing Arts and Hofstra University and his vast life experience. He has taught classes in both New York and Los Angeles, coached individually and spoken with numerous schools, colleges and community organizations around the country. MEL JOHNSON JR. is as excited about his future as he is proud of his past accomplishments.
May 2021
For In-Person tickets, please contact the Reif Box Office.
M,W,F Noon - 5PM
(218) 327-5780
boxoffice@reifcenter.org
The spring Reif Education Theater Arts production is here! The show is made of area student in grades 3-12.
Hermes and Cupid stir up trouble of Olympic proportions in this “myth-guided” tale. A beautiful young maiden named Phoebe and her shepherd suitor, Bastian, fall victim to the mischief of the gods. Chaos lurks around every corner in this comedic retelling of the events which lead to the Trojan War . . . almost.
June 2021
Reif Dance's 30th spring show!
Utilizing much of the score from the ballet, Cinderella, by Sergei Prokfiev, this Reif Education production also uses a wide selection of fun, contemporary music to tell the classic story of a young, orphaned girl who is mistreated by her stepfamily. Through the help of her fairy godmother, she comes to marry the handsome prince. You can expect the unexpected, as we have follow the original fairytale more than the Disney version that most people are familiar with.
August 2021
Be our guest! Dress up like your favorite princess or prince and enjoy a spot of tea with other community royalty! Get your picture taken with Cinderella’s carriage and take the royal tour of the Reif Education Palace (stages/studios). Open to royalty of all ages. You do not have to be a participant of Reif Education to celebrate. Guests encouraged!
RSVP TODAY!
March 2022
The Reif Dance Company was established in 1994 and is made up of our most dedicated dancers who audition to be a part of The Company each fall. Members of the The Company serve as representatives of Reif Dance program, providing motivation and incentive for all developing young artists.
Experience the premiere show of the new Reif Dance Ballet Directors Micah and Yellie Chermak. They have been hard at work setting their mixed repertoire for the Reif Dance Company Show. Join the Reif Dance Company as they dance through the ages with a romantic ballet, a neoclassical ballet, a contemporary ballet, and a contemporary-modern dance. The dancing featured celebrates new beginnings, an exploration of art for its own sake, taking life slower, and a lovely wedding.
July 2022
Presented by: Asian Media Access, Pan Asian Arts Alliance and Unity Dance Company
June 2023
Dance and tumble down therabbit hole with Alice as sheembarks on her adventures inwonderland! This Reif DanceSpring Showcase is a worldpremier under the director’sMicah and Yellie Chermak.The show features all of ourclasses and levels bringing thistreasured narrative to life!
All tickets are final sale and cannot be exchanged or refunded. In the case of an event cancellation without a rescheduled date, a refund will be issued. By purchasing a ticket to this event, you agree to this purchase policy. Before purchasing your tickets, we urge you to confirm the title, time and location of the event.