Oh yeah, I forgot to mention: here is a GREAT way to get into your fav. plays/concerts/sports events for FREE: Volunteering. Seriously! All the people who are ushers at places like Detroit Opera house, Fox Theater, etc. are ALL volunteers. They get to see most of these top shows for FREE while they are working as a volunteer. I would call the venue up directly & ask about volunteering, what kinds of positions are needed, & how you can get involved. You may not get your choice of show, but at least you get to see a show.
This applies for sports events too. There are sports events that things like baseball camps with actual major league stars that show up to teach kids or whatever, especially in the summer. One of my friends did an event where she was assigned to one of the major league mascots (basically just tended to his needs throughout the day, like food, or helping him with the costume). It was EASY work, she got to hang out with a bunch of mascots from all the teams, met tons of people, and got tons of autographs & freebies for doing it.
FYI - volunteering at the upcoming Motor City comic con at the Rock Financial this month will get you a free pass to get in as well.
If you like Henry Ford Museum or Greenfield village, you may also be able to volunteer there as well, which more than likely will mean free passes for a future visit.
I would also call art museums as well since they are privately funded & can use all the free help they can, especially in this economy. You can network & maybe even pick up a few good references that you can use for future jobs. It is a total win-win situation.
Another bonus about volunteering: you often get free food if you are working a minimum of 3-4 hours.