We set out to make a Michigan Bucket List show and ended up with a guest list that is all over the map and book-ended by two well-known names, one in the travel industry, and one for abiding while creating an incredible theatrical destination for all to enjoy.

We were pleased as punch to confirm an interview with Pauline Frommer. Yes, of that Frommer family, the kind of kings of travel publications. We were interested to hear some of her experiences around Michigan as a travel expert, and what she sees trending in the next few years. She did not disappoint. Frommer is the Co-President of FrommerMedia, Editorial Director of Frommer's Guidebooks, author of the best-selling "Frommer's EasyGuide to New York City" and "Frommer's New York City Day by Day", and co-host of "The Travel Show" You see what I'm saying? This woman is an expert.

Then we turn closer to home, and visit with our friend, and radio legend, Mary Ellen Murphy. This award-winning DJ hosts The Morning Show on WGHN in Grand Haven. Passionate about the Tri-Cities region, which also includes Spring Lake and Ferrysburg, Mary Ellen shares her thoughts on 'beach time' plus what she loves about this area. One thing I love about Mary Ellen is her fantastic studio at WGHN, which looks directly out over the Channel and boardwalk in GH. You can see what she sees on their live camera link here. Pro beach-going move: check out their OTHER cam for live beach conditions, so you know before you go.


An old friend then calls in, all the way from Savannah Georgia. We first met Matt DeWitt at the bar he used to own in Ishpeming, a little gem of a spot called Brogie's that served one hell of a Bloody Mary. May have been named a top glass by a couple of food writers we know. Anywho, Matt has been having quite an adventure the last few years, working for that crazy baseball team, the Savannah Bananas. We get to hear all about what that's been like, plus what he misses most about the Upper Peninsula. It may, or may not, be a certain sausage.

EDIT: I almost forgot! Matt and his wife EV have started a new website, crabrankoons.com. They rank crab rangoons and all derivatives. Yes, you cannot make this up. These are the people we love at Behind the Mitten.

Finally our last interview, and yes, it's a big one. Jeff Daniels took time to chat with little old us about his incredible Purple Rose Theatre.

"Founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for theatre artists to define our collective Midwestern voice. It is a place for emerging talent and seasoned professionals to learn more about and to practice their craft; a place for patrons of the arts to laugh, cry, and perhaps even learn something new," according to their website.

We learned it is so much more than that, not just to Daniels, but to the Chelsea community that has been truly transformed by its presence over the last thirty years. Daniels' passion for theatre and acting is pretty evident, but what I found most interesting is that The Purple Rose focuses on laughter, the best medicine, and developing hilarious plays from the ground up, all to bring some much-needed joy to our world. How awesome is that?

Their newest play had me giggling just reading the summary. Directed by Rhiannon Raglan, and written by David MacGregor, "The Anti Christ Cometh" premiers to the world on March 22 and runs at the theatre through May 25.

"The Antichrist Cometh is a comedy about a happily married man who discovers that he might be the Antichrist. Will he be able to enjoy a small dinner party with his loving wife, former college roommate, and his roommate’s devoutly religious fiancée? Or will their home-cooked meal usher in the Apocalypse?"

Daniels goes a little bit deeper with us, and let me say, this sounds like quite the dinner party, and one you don't want to miss. Remember, it's a comedy! Chelsea is a charming, lively downtown with great restaurants and shopping, so when you go to a show, plan on making a day of it.

It was a pleasure talking with Mr. Daniels, who at the end of the day, is just another Michigander like the rest of us. It's his passion for this project, for the Purple Rose and all that it might mean, that sets him apart. We salute his years of hard work building this Michigan gem. Daniels is also a big Lions fan and attended a few games this year, so you know we had to ask him about that.

Who could we possibly have on the show next week? Who knows! But stay tuned to Behind the Mitten to find out!

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