Coconut Cake

Written by Melda Beaty
Directed by Erma Elzy
August 9 – September 8, 2024
Black Box Theatre
Regional Premier

For some, there’s nothing better than retirement, but when Eddie Lee’s wife, Iris, joins him in retirement, the truth about his “ladies’ man” ways resurfaces. To avoid her, Eddie retreats to the sanctuary of McDonald’s, where coffee refills are free and the rest of his retired friends, with marital problems of their own, wait faithfully for him. When a mystery woman moves in the abandoned house down the street, with her Creole’ wiles, melt in your mouth coconut cake, and medicine cabinet secrets, Eddie is not the only one who pays her a visit; a visit that threatens to change all their lives forever.

Paradise Blue

Written Dominique Morisseau
Directed by Garry Yates
September 13 – October 6, 2024
REGIONAL PREMIERE

Blue, a gifted trumpeter, contemplates selling his once-vibrant jazz club in Detroit’s Blackbottom neighborhood to shake free the demons of his past and better his life. But where does that leave his devoted Pumpkin, who has dreams of her own? And what does it mean for the club’s resident bebop band? When a mysterious woman with a walk that drives men mad comes to town with her own plans, everyone’s world is turned upside down. This dynamic and musically infused drama shines light on the challenges of building a better future on the foundation of what our predecessors have left us.

10-Minute Play Festival

April 24 – 27, 2025

Hattiloo Theatre’s 10-Minute Play Festival is a short form theater event with all of the plays performed in its Black Box theatre. Each play is ten minutes or less and features some of Shelby County’s best theater talent – writers, actors, directors and crew! The Festival is an opportunity for artists to create unique stories about the Black experience that entertain and exhilarate audiences!

We are now accepting submissions for the 10-Minute Play Festival!

Hatti-Birthday Celebration

Sunday, September 22, 2025

We’ve historically observed Hattiloo’s birthday (22 September) with a public cupcake celebration during which people would bring gifts like batteries, dry erase markers, etc.

This year we’re doing something more exciting. We’re merging Hattiloo’s birthday with a special Sunday matinee performance of “Paradise Blue,” for which tickets include a $25 birthday donation to Hattiloo.

We will have complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and mocktails, and of course, cake. Please click the link below to purchase your ticket(s) today and help celebrate Hattiloo’s birthday.

Schools Out Theatre Camp

Hattiloo’s “Schools Out Theatre Camp” for Grades 1-5 focuses on imaginative play around a theme, book, or idea. Campers work collaboratively to develop an original performance piece to showcase the week’s learning.

There are a limited number of spots. Register your child today.