Mt. Clemens theater company to stay in downtown

It looks like another segment of the arts will be making its home in downtown Mt. Clemens.

What’s That Smell Productions, a new all-volunteer acting troupe of local residents, will be putting on its second performance this weekend in the Anton Art Center. The troupe (named for the peculiar smell Mt. Clemens had in its bath house days) plans to make the newly restored theater in downtown Mt. Clemens its home.

It has already performed the comedy “Sylvia” there earlier this year and will be performing the musical comedy “Forever Plaid” this weekend. It also has plans to perform “Chicago” this fall. The acting company is the first live acting in downtown in nearly 20 years.

The Anton Art Center underwent a $1.6 million expansion and renovation last year. The building, 125 Macomb Pl., is in a former Carnegie Library that has been the city’s art center since 1969. It joins a number of other building renovations, new business start-ups and new housing that has been breathing new life into downtown in recent years.

“Forever Plaid” follows the story of four young, eager male singers in the 1950s that were killed in a car crash traveling to their first big concert. However, they are now miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was.

The play will open at 8 p.m. today, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $18 and are available at the Anton Art Center and Che Cosa Coffee Bar. Each ticket sold will lead to a $3 contribution to the Anton Art Center.

For information, call (586) 954-2677.

Source: Arthur Mullen, executive director of the Mt. Clemens Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Jon Zemke