Flint Institute of Music announces lineup for upcoming performing arts season

FLINT, Michigan — The FIM has announced a diverse lineup of performing arts for its upcoming 2023-2024 season. Starting on Aug. 5 with Boz Scaggs at FIM Capitol Theatre, the season kicks off a full calendar’s worth of programming at several different historic venues across the city. 

The multi-disciplinary organization operates five performance venues, including FIM Whiting Auditorium, FIM Elgood Theatre, FIM Bower Theatre, MacArthur Recital Hall at Dort Music Center, and the recently-renovated Capitol Theatre. They provide a variety of exclusive programming at each location, ranging from original productions at the Flint Repertory Theatre, classical concerts at the Flint Symphony Orchestra, rock shows and movies at The Capitol Theatre, Broadways shows and world premieres at Whiting Auditorium, and hands-on learning at the FIM Flint School of Performing Arts. 

Every year, their programming reaches over 300,000 people through classes, lessons, outreach programs, concerts, and more. Their mission is to unite all of Flint through the transformative power of the arts.

FIM President and CEO Rodney Lontine has been in his role for seven years. During that time, he has enjoyed being a part of the growing local arts and culture scene. 

“A lot has changed since I’ve been here,” Lontine says. “In that time, we’ve launched the Repertory Theatre. We’ve taken on both the Capitol Theatre and the Whiting Auditorium, along with all of its staffing. FIM has been reimagined into a complete performing arts organization, with music, dance, and theatre; both instructional and performing. We’ve had years of continuous growth and profitability in a great town.”

“Anybody that thinks they need to venture North or to Detroit to see these types of opportunities, they’re really right here in your own backyard.” - FIM President and CEO Rodney LontineThe 2023-2024 season’s theme centers around the concept of journey, an experience through foreign lands, fostering an emotional arts and culture-based odyssey. 

“The arts and music are not only transformative in a positive way, but they are also transportive,” Lontine says. “Music and the arts take you back to a time and place. You hear a song or be at a concert, and it takes you right back to some time that could be happy or sad – something that resonated with you. Throughout history, the arts have built civilizations culturally, economically, and socially.”

This season’s highlights include Little Shop of Horrors at the FIM Flint Repertory Theatre, Mean Girls, and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Whiting Auditorium. The Capitol Theatre hosts the 50th Anniversary Tour of Don McLean’s American Pie, Blue Öyster Cult, LeAnn Rimes, Shadows of the 60s: A Holiday Tribute to Motown, and more. 

Season subscriptions and packages are now available with processing fees waived until July 30. Discounted packages can start with just three performances. Individual tickets go on sale to the general public on Aug. 1. The entire season is available online. 

The rock band Blue Öyster Cult.Genesee County residents receive additional discounts made possible by the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage.  

Lontine is excited for the season, highlighting a few fan favorites, including the return of a popular, family-friendly event.

“We have Gazillion Bubbles which is just insane,” he says. “We brought in Gazillion Bubbles last year and it was sold out. People were begging for more. It’s hard to explain, but it’s immersive, entertaining, and the kids just light up.”

Another highlight includes a pop-culture movie performance by the Flint Symphony Orchestra. “The live-to-picture performance is where you have a full symphony playing the original score to movies, and we’re showing Batman,” he says. “Those are really popular shows across the country, and this is the first time we’ve had one at The Whiting so I’m proud of that.”

Lontine encourages visitors to not skip over Flint when they’re looking for a special night out on the town. Although smaller than its competing markets like Detroit, Flint offers a plethora of accessible performing arts events.

“It’s much easier to get to Flint, the parking is easier. The restaurants are great,” he says. “Anybody that thinks they need to venture North or to Detroit to see these types of opportunities, they’re really right here in your own backyard.”