This week brings an embarrassment of riches as theaters welcome 2013

It’s weeks like this that time travel would be handy. Except for a handful of theaters that beat the rush, almost everyone is kicking off their 2013 season this week. There’s something here for everyone, but it will take us a while to get to them all. In the meantime, you may want to plot your play-going strategy. So while you’re waiting for an official review, here’s a quick preview.

January 16, 2013

“White’s Lies,” at Meadow Brook Theatre, officially opened last Saturday. This Michigan premiere is about a divorce lawyer who is so afraid of marriage that he’s made up a wife and family to fool his pushy mother, who claims to be dying of cancer. Mendacity leads to mirth in this live sit-com by film and TV writer Ben Andron.

January 17, 2013

“From the Mississippi Delta,” by Dr. Edensha Ida Mae Holland at the Hilberry Studio Theatre on the campus of Wayne State University, is based on the author’s memoir of her extraordinary life’s journey as a woman during the Civil Rights Movement.

Officially opening on January 18, 2013

“Brill,” the world-premiere comedy with music, is set in Manhattan’s famous Brill Building – at one time the epicenter of the pop music universe. At Performance Network Theatre in Ann Arbor, the show has been in preview and officially opens Friday.

“Chicago,” the award-winning Broadway favorite from Kander & Ebb plus Bob Fosse, is at St. Dunstan’s Theatre in Bloomfield Hills.

“Curtains,” the whodunit / comedy from the award-winning team of Kander & Ebb, (they get around) makes its appearance at Stagecrafters’ Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak.

“Lambert Street,” at Planet Ant in Hamtramck, is about a family and their friends living on a typical street on Detroit’s eastside. It is inspired by the politically charged, game-changing 1970′s TV sit-com “All in the Family.” Also check out Planet Ant’s “Late Night Box Fest,” also opening on January 18, directed by 2012 Box Fest Winner Jackie Strez.

“The Meaning of Everything,” Jeff Daniels’ newest comedy, makes its world premiere at the Purple Rose Theatre, which Daniels founded in his hometown of Chelsea. The play has been running in preview, but officially opens on Friday. Hurry to get your tickets – several performances are already sold out.

January 19, 2013

“Red, Hot and Blue,” a spirited dance performance by the amazing Eisenhower Dance Troupe, appears for one day only at the Detroit Opera House. Go see this show, and be prepared to hold your breath the whole time – they are spectacular.

Enjoy, and check back this weekend for our first reviews. And if you see any of these, be sure to leave a comment.