Southfield, Michigan, home to Lawrence Technological University and the industrious Blue Devils, is a community known for merging design with innovation. But beyond classrooms and labs, Southfield and the Greater Detroit area are filled with inspiring venues, legendary productions, and world-renowned comedians. Whether you're looking for a night out at a Broadway touring musical or a belly laugh with a Netflix-famous stand-up, this region offers a theater and comedy circuit worth cheering for. Here's your custom-curated guide to musicals and comedians lighting up the stage near the Blue Devils' home turf.
?? Theatres Near Lawrence Tech Worth Visiting
The Fisher Theatre – Detroit, MI
Built: 1928
Capacity: 2,089 seats
This opulent venue is a premier destination for Broadway tours and has welcomed productions such as
Hamilton,
Wicked, and
The Lion King. A former vaudeville palace, its golden ceilings and intimate feel provide the perfect backdrop for musical magic.
Detroit Opera House – Detroit, MI
Opened: 1922
Capacity: 2,700 seats
Restored to grandeur in the 1990s, this theater is a hub for ballet, opera, and large-scale musical productions. It's also a key stop on national tours of blockbuster shows.
Meadow Brook Theatre – Rochester, MI
Founded: 1967
Capacity: 584 seats
Located on the Oakland University campus, it's the state's largest producing professional theatre. Known for original work, comedies, and classic musicals, Meadow Brook emphasizes artistic quality in an intimate space.
?? Musical Highlights That Dazzle Detroit Audiences
Premiering on Broadway in 2003,
Wicked serves as a prequel to
The Wizard of Oz, centering on Elphaba and Glinda before Dorothy ever arrives. Stephen Schwartz's score includes iconic tracks like "Defying Gravity" and "For Good." The show has won three Tony Awards and continues to be one of Broadway's highest-grossing productions. Its blend of heart, spectacle, and social commentary keeps it perpetually relevant.
This emotionally charged musical debuted in 2016 and explores the themes of identity, loneliness, and the ripple effects of lies told with good intentions. Written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, it won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Songs like "You Will Be Found" and "Waving Through a Window" have become anthems for a generation. The show's modern subject matter resonates deeply with student audiences.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's cultural phenomenon
Hamilton opened in 2015 and mixes hip-hop, jazz, and Broadway to retell the story of Alexander Hamilton. The musical has garnered 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. With songs like "My Shot" and "Wait for It," it has redefined what American theatre can sound and look like. It's both educational and electrifying.
This jukebox musical asks the question: What if Juliet had survived? Featuring hits written by pop producer Max Martin—like "Roar" and "Since U Been Gone"—* &Juliet * opened on Broadway in 2022. It earned nine Tony nominations and reimagines a Shakespearean tragedy with a feminist and pop-driven twist. With glittering energy, the show speaks directly to a new era of musical lovers.
Blending music, science, and surrealism,
Blue Man Group is unlike any other stage experience. Debuting in 1991, the show has played in over 20 countries and reached 35 million fans. It's known for percussive music, no spoken dialogue, and comedic performance art that transcends language. Visually thrilling and endlessly creative, it's a must-see.
A haunting retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth,
Hadestown began as a concept album by Anaïs Mitchell and opened on Broadway in 2019. The show won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Songs like "Wait for Me" and "Why We Build the Wall" blend folk, jazz, and New Orleans vibes. It's a poetic and politically relevant masterpiece.
Adapted from Tim Burton's 1988 cult classic,
Beetlejuice debuted on Broadway in 2019. It features irreverent humor, mind-blowing effects, and standout numbers like "Dead Mom" and "Say My Name." The show earned eight Tony nominations and developed a strong fan base with its fourth-wall-breaking style. Creepy, kooky, and charismatic, it's a blast from the afterlife.
Six began as a fringe show in Edinburgh in 2017 and quickly skyrocketed to international acclaim. Presented as a pop concert, it gives voice to Henry VIII's six wives as they reclaim their narratives. The Broadway production won two Tony Awards and continues to draw rave reviews for its empowering tone and catchy music. "Don't Lose Ur Head" and "Ex-Wives" are standout numbers.
Since 1975,
Chicago has wowed audiences with its sharp satire on fame, corruption, and justice. Revived in 1996, it holds the record for the longest-running American musical on Broadway. With dazzling choreography and songs like "All That Jazz," it has earned six Tony Awards. Its dark humor and sleek aesthetic remain timeless.
Opening in 2001,
Mamma Mia uses the music of ABBA to tell the story of Sophie, her mother Donna, and three potential dads on a sun-soaked Greek island. The musical has grossed over $2 billion worldwide and led to a blockbuster film. Songs like "Dancing Queen" and "The Winner Takes It All" bring nostalgia and joy in equal measure. It's a guaranteed good time.
New to Broadway in 2023,
Shucked is a corn-fed comedy that takes a fresh spin on small-town troubles. Written by Robert Horn with music by country stars Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, it's equal parts heartwarming and hilarious. It won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor and was lauded for its originality. Packed with puns and punchlines, it's as delightful as it is unexpected.
?? Comedians Cracking Up Michigan Crowds
Known for his clean, food-centric humor, Jim Gaffigan has built a comedy empire with routines on everything from Hot Pockets to parenting. He's a multiple Grammy nominee and has filmed specials for Netflix, Amazon, and Comedy Central. Gaffigan has sold out Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall. His universal appeal makes him a must-see.
With a viral rise on TikTok and Instagram, Matt Rife has captivated younger audiences with quick wit and sharp crowd work. He gained early fame on MTV's
Wild 'N Out and now headlines sold-out stand-up tours. Rife's material explores dating, mental health, and pop culture. His energetic delivery and relatable charm are magnetic.
Taylor Tomlinson's rise in stand-up comedy includes critically acclaimed Netflix specials like
Quarter-Life Crisis and
Look at You. Her comedy covers mental health, relationships, and the absurdities of adulthood. Named one of Time's 100 Next, Tomlinson's sharp timing and emotional insight resonate across generations. Her sets feel both hilarious and healing.
"Fluffy," as fans know him, Gabriel Iglesias mixes sound effects, impersonations, and heartwarming storytelling into one unforgettable act. He made history by selling out Dodger Stadium and remains one of the most-watched comedians on Netflix. Iglesias's material blends Hispanic culture, family anecdotes, and food obsessions. His charisma is universally adored.
??? Save with TicketSmarter: Exclusive Discount for Blue Devils
As a Lawrence Tech Blue Devil, you don't have to pay full price to experience world-class theatre and comedy. Use promo code
BLUEDEVILS5 at checkout on TicketSmarter and receive
5% off your purchase for any show featured in this guide. Whether you're belting "Defying Gravity" or cracking up with Jim Gaffigan, there's a discount seat with your name on it.
?? Final Bow: Curtain Up for the Blue Devils
The Detroit metro area is more than an automotive powerhouse—it's a thriving hub of music, theater, and laughter. With access to timeless musicals like
Hamilton, high-energy showcases like
Six, and comedy from both legends and rising stars, the Lawrence Tech community is perfectly positioned to enjoy it all. Whether you're planning a weekend outing, celebrating a big win, or just need a study break, the stage is calling. Grab your discounted tickets, gather your crew, and experience the joy, drama, and hilarity that lives just beyond campus.
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