Midland’s Sharp New Comedy Showcase: Shut Your Stupid Face & Other Suggestions

Shut Your Stupid Face & Other Suggestions is a sharp, four-play comedy showcase staged in Midland, Michigan at 5501 Jefferson Ave, bringing brisk, laugh-out-loud theater to the Great Lakes Bay Region. Across two nights—September 10 and 12—audiences gather in a compact black-box setting for 90 minutes of rapid scenes that turn awkward dates, simmering irritations and competitive game nights into lean, surprising comic drama. The evening features Place of Business, Red Flag, A Line Is Drawn at Olive Garden and A For Effort, each piece written or directed by Dean Donofrio, a playwright who recently relocated from Los Angeles. This production lives on immediacy: minimal props, fast scene changes and performances staged close enough to read every expression. Key features include an intimate stage layout, character-driven monologues, and domestic interiors rendered with economical design so the language and timing carry the laughs. The natural element here is human behavior—awkward social rituals and polite fictions exposed until they break. Expect tight comic beats that escalate discomfort into genuine hilarity rather than relying on spectacle. Why it’s worth a stop: Midland’s cultural calendar benefits from bold, community-minded work, and this showcase puts contemporary writing front and center. Seeing a working playwright-director like Dean Donofrio workshop several short plays in one sitting offers insight into the creative process and the dynamism of smaller theater companies in the region. For visitors, this is an accessible cultural option that pairs well with an evening out in town. Practical notes: the run time is about 1.5 hours; tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and the venue operates BYOB. Seating is general admission and the house holds roughly 120 people, so arrive early if you want a preferred seat. The theater sits on a city block with nearby parking options; driving is the simplest access route. Who should go: couples, groups of friends, and curious solo travelers who enjoy live performance and sharp, character-driven comedy. The material skews adult and rewards attention to dialogue and timing, so come ready to listen and laugh. How to prepare: buy tickets in advance if possible, bring a small jacket for cool evenings, and leave time to enjoy a nearby dinner before the curtain. This is a direct, economical night of theater that lands honest laughs by refusing to waste a single line. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before curtain to settle in and take advantage of lobby conversations with cast when available. If you prefer not to drive, check local transit options or rideshare, and confirm the venue’s accessibility details if mobility assistance is required. Bringing cash for small concessions and treating the night as part of an evening out will make the experience complete.