The Music of Matthew Sweet Comes to the Detroit Public Theatre
The musical love story “Girlfriend” centers around the story of two boys — one a social outcast, the other a jock — about to graduate from high school.
Click the audio player above to listen to the full conversation. CultureShift airs weekdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on 101.9 WDET–FM Detroit Public Radio.
A new musical at the Detroit Public Theatre is using an album from the ’90s as the soundtrack for a modern love story.
Based around the music of Matthew Sweet’s 1991 album of the same name, the new show “Girlfriend” at the non-profit theatre downtown has created a story that resonates with the audience regardless.
The musical centers around the story of two boys – one a social outcast, the other a jock — about to graduate from high school.
CultureShift’s Ryan Patrick Hooper speaks with the Detroit Public Theatre producing artistic director Courtney Burkett about the show.
“The play and the music, the album, really existed independently,” says Burkett. “They just weave together really beautifully.”
Sam Hamashima plays the role of Mike, one of the main characters in the show.
The play is “vibrant,” says Hamashima. “(The two boys) are looking at the world differently now. They’re starting to become adults and they’re starting to feel these things, these emotions, that they didn’t necessarily know they were supposed to feel. You, sort of, have them colliding with their youth.”
“Girlfriend” will be at the Detroit Public Theatre through April 14th.
Click on the audio player above to hear the full conversation with actor Sam Hamashima and Detroit Public Theatre producing artistic director Courtney Burkett about their latest production “Girlfriend.”
