Jason Richards Will Perform at Fisher Theatre
Garden City native Jason Richards brings his role in Dirty Dancing: The Musical to Detroit this October.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Dance
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Wayne State University graduate Jason Richards will perform in the national tour of Dirty Dancing: The Musical at the Fisher Theatre from Oct. 13-18. The Garden City native currently resides in Chicago and is cast as the character Moe Pressman.
Why it matters
The performance represents a homecoming for Richards, who previously earned an Oakland Press Theater Award for his work in the region. His appearance at the Detroit venue showcases local talent returning to the stage after pursuing a career in national touring productions.
Jason Richards is a 46-year-old actor who previously appeared in Sheer Madness at the Gem Theatre and won an Oakland Press Theater Award for his role in Brighton Beach Memoirs. He has lived in Chicago for 14 years.
The players
Jason Richards
A Garden City native and Wayne State University graduate who currently performs in the national tour of Dirty Dancing: The Musical.
Fisher Theatre
A prominent Detroit venue located at 3011 W. Grand Blvd. that hosts major Broadway-style touring productions.
The details
The production at 3011 W. Grand Blvd. utilizes a rotating cast as it travels across the United States. Richards auditioned for and successfully booked the role of Moe Pressman for the current national tour, which he plans to continue until his contract concludes.
Timeline
The musical production premiered in Australia in 2005.
The production made its United States debut in 2007.
The show runs at the Fisher Theatre from Oct. 13-18.
Jason Richards' current performance contract ends on Jan. 3.
Industry Dynamics
The national tour follows the established commercial model for hit stage adaptations that first debuted in the United States in 2007. This touring circuit relies on rotating casts to sustain long-term demand for legacy productions across major regional markets.
Local theatergoers can purchase tickets for the production at the Fisher Theatre for the performances occurring between Oct. 13 and Oct. 18. Attendees should verify showtimes through the venue to ensure availability for this limited-run engagement.
The takeaway
Richards plans to focus on pursuing opportunities on Broadway following the conclusion of his current tour contract in January. His trajectory serves as a notable example of regional talent leveraging touring success to transition toward national theater markets.
Further reading
For more information on local performances, visit the Dance section.
More information
For show details, view the Broadway in Detroit event portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News Herald.
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