Key Takeaways:
- The author reflects on their favorite events of 2025, including operas, Broadway musicals, comedy shows, and concerts.
- The Detroit Opera’s production of Rinaldo and a trip to the Stratford, Ontario, theater festival were highlights of the year.
- The author enjoyed comedy shows at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, particularly Jordan Jensen’s dark stream-of-consciousness humor.
- The Masonic Temple Theatre hosted some of the author’s favorite concerts, including Clipse, Beth Gibbons, and Darkside.
- A non-ticketed event, an interview with Jane Goodall, was a standout experience, with the conservationist offering words of wisdom and inspiration.
Introduction to the Author’s Experiences
The author’s collection of ticket stubs serves as a memory keeper, helping them to keep track of the numerous events they attended in 2025. From punk shows in old houses in Detroit to operas, Broadway musicals, and concerts, the author has saved almost all of their ticket stubs since they were a teenager. As they have grown older, their tastes have evolved, and they now prefer more refined forms of entertainment. The author notes that it is okay to become pickier with age and to prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to entertainment.
Operas and Theater Festivals
One of the highlights of the author’s year was the Detroit Opera’s production of Rinaldo, which they consider one of the best things they have seen on that stage. The opera tells the story of a sick child who turns a daydream into an epic tale of knights, adventure, and love. The author also attended the Stratford, Ontario, theater festival, where they were impressed by the talented young performers in productions such as Annie and Macbeth. The author notes that these experiences were not only enjoyable but also left a lasting impression on them.
Comedy Shows and Favorite Performers
The author spent several nights laughing at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, a renowned comedy club in Royal Oak. They particularly enjoyed the comedy of Jordan Jensen, who turns her own family trauma into hilariously relatable humor. The author highly recommends Jensen’s Netflix special, Take Me with You, as one of the best of the year. The author’s love for comedy is evident in their enthusiastic description of Jensen’s performance, and they encourage readers to seek out her work.
Concerts and Favorite Venues
The author’s favorite concerts of the year were held at the Masonic Temple Theatre, which they praise for its excellent sound quality, staff, and bookings. The venue hosted a range of acts, including the hip-hop duo Clipse, former Portishead frontwoman Beth Gibbons, and the electronica group Darkside. The author notes that the Masonic Temple Theatre is a standout venue, and they appreciate the effort that goes into curating a diverse range of performances.
A Non-Ticketed Event: Interviewing Jane Goodall
The biggest memory of the author’s year was not a ticketed event, but rather an interview with the renowned conservationist and ethologist Jane Goodall. The author was invited to speak with Goodall at the Fisher Theatre before she addressed a sold-out crowd, and they were struck by her warmth, charm, and larger-than-life presence. Goodall, who was 91 at the time, shared her wisdom and inspiration with the author, encouraging them to get involved in their community and make a difference. The author was deeply moved by the experience and notes that it was a highlight of their journalistic career.
Reflections and Legacy
Less than a month after the interview, Goodall passed away at the age of 91. The author reflects on the experience and notes that it was a privilege to have spent time with someone who had accomplished so much and given so much to the world. The author is grateful for the opportunity to have met Goodall and to have been inspired by her words and actions. The experience serves as a reminder that some of the most meaningful experiences in life are not always ticketed events, but rather the connections and interactions we have with others.
Conclusion
The author concludes by noting that they will continue to save their ticket stubs, despite the fact that some of the most meaningful experiences are ticket-free. The author’s collection of ticket stubs serves as a reminder of the many wonderful events they have attended and the memories they have made. The article ends with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the experiences and encounters that have shaped the author’s year, and a nod to the power of human connection and inspiration.