Tag Archives: Superior Donuts

Comedy with a message, ‘Superior Donuts’ explores the past in order to change the future

Entertainment, ,
Actor Todd Lewis (center) is Arthur the owner of a decrepit donut shop in “Superior Donuts.” Deb Canfield, who plays Officer Randy Oosten listens as Lewis talks to his employee Franko Wicks, played by Nio Walton. (Ashlee McGreevy)

By Ashlee McGreevy
Circle Theatre


Circle Theatre continues its 67th Main Stage season with a production of Superior Donuts opening on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. inside the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College.

Under the direction of Mike Hull, Superior Donuts tells the story of Arthur, a Polish – American, who owns a decrepit donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Franco Wicks, a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better. This comedy- drama by Tony® Award and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Tracy Letts explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship.

Circle Theatre audience members can take advantage of the Lobby Bar on select nights throughout the summer, including the Aug. 9 performance of Superior Donuts. On Aug. 9, Michigan craft beer and wine as well as donuts from Marge’s Donut Den will be available starting at 7 p.m.; beverages can be enjoyed inside the theatre on that evening.

“This is a show about being stuck in life,” said Andrew Manion who portrays Kevin Magee in the Circle Theatre production. “Stuck because of past mistakes, stuck because of one’s upbringing or background, or maybe stuck because of a crippling anxiety, guilt or fear. This is a show about overcoming these paralyses in order to find freedom, even when opposed by literal violence.”

Hull said “Our show is the story of the American Dream as told by ordinary people. If you are someone who believes that America can be the best it can be for all of its people than this is a show that will hopefully inspire some questions and no small degree of hope.”

Superior Donuts will run Aug. 8 – 10, 14-17, 21 – 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m. The show is rated “R” due to strong language. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the box office at 616-456-6656 or visit Circle’s website at circletheatre.org.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know — weekend edition

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“It always helps to have people we love beside us when we have to do difficult things in life.”

From The World According to Mister Rogers (p. 45).
WKTV file photo

Get to know your neighbor, Aug. 6

Started in 1984, National Night Out has evolved to neighborhoods hosting block parties, festival, parades, cookouts and other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personal, exhibits and much more. More here.

Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living

How about doing some daytripping?

Be a fake tourist for a day. Go to local museums, parks, festival events or even the town historical sites and city hall. You might be amazed about how much local history sits buried in these locations that most people don’t know a lot about. Go here for more day trip ideas.

Circle Aug. 8th on your calendar

Comedy-drama, Superior Donuts by Tony® Award- and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Tracy Letts, explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship. It opens Aug. 8th at Circle Theatre. Go here for the deets.

Fun fact:

Because he ‘hated it so’

That’s the reason Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers) got into television. When he turned on a set, all he saw was angry people throwing pies in each others’ faces, and he vowed to use the medium to make the world a better place.

Comedy with a message — ‘Superior Donuts’ at Circle Theatre opens Aug. 8

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, ,

By Ashlee McGreevy, Circle Theatre


Circle Theatre continues its 67th Main Stage season with a production of Superior Donuts opening on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 7:30pm inside the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College. Superior Donuts is brought to the Circle stage by Production Sponsor Steelcase and is rated R for strong language and adult situations.

“This is a show about being stuck in life. Stuck because of past mistakes, stuck because of one’s upbringing or background, or maybe stuck because of a crippling anxiety, guilt or fear. This is a show about overcoming these paralyses in order to find freedom, even when opposed by literal violence.” — Andrew Manion, Cast Member (Kevin Magee)


Under the direction of Mike Hull, Superior Donuts tells the story of Arthur, a Polish-American, who owns a decrepit donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Franco Wicks, a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better.


This comedy-drama by Tony® Award- and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Tracy Letts explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship.


Circle Theatre audience members can take advantage of the Lobby Bar on select nights throughout the summer, including the Aug. 9 performance of Superior Donuts. On Aug. 9, Michigan craft beer and wine as well as donuts from Marge’s Donut Den will be available starting at 7pm; beverages can be enjoyed inside the theatre on that evening.

“Our show is the story of the American Dream as told by ordinary people. If you are someone who believes that America can be the best it can be for all of its people than this is a show that will hopefully inspire some questions and no small degree of hope.” — Mike Hull, Director


Superior Donuts will run Aug. 8-10, 14-17, 21-24 at 7:30pm, and Aug. 18 at 5:30pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the box office at 616.456.6656 or visit Circle’s website at circletheatre.org.