by Nick Brandon

The Rockettes have returned for a ninth holiday run.

From Horseless Carriage to Virtual Reality, view the story of manufacturing in the auto industry from the early days to the digital environment of today in “A Car Is Born,” the first TV documentary to cover the history of the product development process in the automotive industry. The film will premiere Monday, Dec. 5, at Detroit’s Fox Theatre with a black-tie event benefiting Focus: HOPE, a local civil and human rights charity. For more on the evening, visit www.ugs.com/car_born.

An exhibition of Ahron R. Foster’s photographs of “The Gates,” New York Central Park’s Emory art, will be on exhibit at Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 West Liberty St., now through Dec. 23. Foster’s photographs were taken during the installation of the 7,503 fabric panel and steel beams, and more than 60 miles of saffron-colored vinyl was used. This artist’s goal is to bring “Out of the Gates” to those who were unable to experience it. For more information, call (734) 994-8004 or visit http://annarborartcenter.org.

Scrooge’s old business partner finds himself facing the Record Keeper in the afterlife and is offered one chance to save himself from a wretched eternity. Jacob Marley has 24 hours to transform Scrooge’s miserly heart in this hilarious holiday comedy presented by Performance Network Theater. “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” is great for the whole family. The play runs at Performance Network, 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, on various dates now through Dec. 24. Call (734) 663-0681 or visit www.PerformanceNetwork.org.

The world-famous Radio City Rockettes star in “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” as the beloved holiday production plays its ninth season in Detroit this year. Famed dance numbers on hand at the Fox Theatre now through Dec. 24 are the classic scenes “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “The Living Nativity,” both of which have been performed in “The Christmas Spectacular” since 1933. Call (313) 471-6611 or visit www.olympiaentertainment.com.

Detroit Concert for a Cure presents “Snowtunes,” a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The night is filled with holiday and Broadway favorites courtesy of stars from “Little Women: The Musical,” “Altar Boyz,” “Menopause the Musical,” “I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change,” plus local talent galore hosted by Maureen McGovern of “Little Women.” The evening takes place Saturday, Nov. 12, at Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak. Call (248) 541-6430.

“Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold,” the latest addition to the “Late Night Catechism” series, sees Sister employ techniques from her favorite TV show, “Forensic Files” to discover the whereabouts of the Magi’s Gold. Find out the deal when the production hits Detroit’s Gem Theatre now through Dec. 31. For tickets and information, call (313) 963-9800.

The Alfred Berkowitz Gallery at the University of Michigan-Dearborn present “Detroit and Rome: Building on the Past,” an exhibit researched and designed by the students in the Museum Practice Seminars under the leadership of Assistant Professor of Art History, Melanie Grunow Sobocinski. This exhibition compares the cities of Detroit and Rome, exploring the classical heritage of Detroit and similarities between the historical urban processes in both cities. It can be found through Dec. 2 at The Alfred Berkowitz Gallery, located on the third floor of the Mardigian Library on the U of M-Dearborn campus. For more visit http://gallery.umd.umich.edu/, or call (313) 593-5087.

Follow the trails of Dart Hardiman, a stand-up comedian who has to overcome a “Heart Attack” in the play of the same name, which runs at Detroit Repertory Theatre through Dec. 30. See what happens after Hardiman’s heart stops on national television during a show in Las Vegas. Call (313) 868-1347.

The Taylor Historical Society presents an eclectic array of performances at the Historic West Mound Church in Taylor. A variety of musical and theatrical entertainment, including classical, southern gospel, folk, choir, storytelling and more will hit the stage every Sunday through Dec. 11. Open to the public, the concerts and events are free. For details on the events, call Kathy Pender at (313) 274-5928. For information on the Taylor Historical Society, call (313) 291-1091 or visit www.CityOfTaylor.com.

Armed with catchy melodies, divine moves, and product in their hair, “Altar Boyz” is a new, acclaimed and hilarious, holy-inspiring musical comedy about five small-town boys — Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham — trying to save the world one screaming fan at a time. The production runs through Dec. 18 at City Theatre, 2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Call (248) 645-6666.

Walk where the people who helped create, protect and preserve Michigan walked. The Dearborn Historical Museum features the Commandant’s Quarters, the McFadden-Ross House and the Gardner House. The exhibits are free and open to the public, and are open Mondays through Saturdays. The museum is located at 915 Brady, Dearborn. Call (313) 565-3000 or visit cityofdearborn.org/historicalmuseum.

Ellen Kayrod Gallery, 4750 Woodward Ave., Detroit, presents the “2005 Intergenerational Community Exhibit.” Featuring the work of Detroit area artists of all ages, this exhibit will include student/mentor work as well as individual works from invited local artists. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, or weekdays by appointment. Call (313) 833-1300, Ext. 18, or visit www.Hannan.org.

Contact Nick Brandon at NBrandon@GoAndDoMichigan.com
Many of the activities and events listed here are excerpted from Go&Do Downriver, a publication of Heritage Newspapers available locally and online. For additional activity lists and event coverage, go to www.goanddodownriver.com, or pick up a copy at more than 100 rack locations throughout southeast Michigan.

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