FERNDALE, Mich. — Lillyanna Bruster, a fifth-grade student at Ferndale Upper Elementary (FUEL), has been cast as Star: Orion in “One Sleepy Night – Detroit,” an original Christmas musical with a Detroit flavor.
The show runs Dec. 3–5 at the Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, located at 350 Madison Avenue in Detroit. Performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, and Friday, Dec. 4, and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
“Lillyanna has been eyeing the stage since she could walk,” said Nikki Bruster, Lillyanna's mom. She has performed with MiStage Playlabs for four years and spent two summers at Ferndale Public Schools’ Triple Threat camp. She has also taken part in the district’s Ferndale Public Schools Enrichment dance programs and the Take It From the Top program. She has danced competitively with Infinity Dance Studios for four seasons and recently started aerial classes at Celeste Aerial Arts.
“Broadway, here I come!” Lillyanna said.
“Lillyanna brings energy and confidence to everything she does, and we are so proud to see her on a professional stage,” said Katie Jeffrey, principal of FUEL. “Her story shows our students what is possible when they keep showing up for the things they love.”
Tickets are available on the event page website. Children’s tickets are $10. Through Nov. 9, families can get a buy-one-get-one 50% off deal on tickets bought at the box office, in person or by phone. Prices are higher on third-party ticket sites, so families are encouraged to buy through the show’s website or box office.
Ferndale families and community members are invited to come out and cheer her on.
About Ferndale Public Schools
Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.
To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.