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Theatre Company at UDM Opens '100 Saints You Should Know'

By Encore Staff

DETROIT — The Theatre Company of the University of Detroit Mercy will launch the second production of their 46th season Nov. 3-20 with the Detroit premiere of Kate Fodor's truthful drama "100 Saints You Should Know," a play about finding spiritual relevance in a universe full of lost connections, running 12 performances at The Marlene Boll Theatre at the Boll Family YMCA in downtown Detroit.
In a world where it is easy to feel lost in translation, audiences find Theresa, a cleaning woman who is surprised by a desire to learn how to pray. While cleaning she discovers a lost book and begins to search for the priest who left it. Matthew, a Catholic priest, is experiencing a reawakening that leaves him stunned and heartbroken. As Theresa and Matthew search for answers, audiences find the faint outline of hope in a universe full of lost connections.
"In a time where it is easy to feel lost, set aside and alone, '100 Saints You Should Know' reminds us of our deeper connection to the universe and to each other," states Greg Grobis, managing director for The Theatre Company.
"100 Saints You Should Know" will feature seven events with The Detroit Theatre Discussion Project (DTDP) that is supported through a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. The DTDP features five post-show discussions, a pub trivia night and afterglow reception following selected performances. Experts from Detroit Mercy and the community will speak and answer questions about topics related to themes from the production. More information can be found at http://www.TheTheatreCo.com.
Saturday, 11/5: Afterglow Mingle after the show with the cast and crew. Free food and discount drink specials at a local restaurant.
Sunday, 11/6: Post-show discussion — "The mother son relationship: when actions are opposite of what one is feeling." Featuring experts from UDM's Psychology Clinic.
Thursday, 11/10: Post-show discussion with Director Dr. Arthur J. Beer, cast and crew.
Friday, 11/11: Post-show discussion — "Is prayer: speaking, listening, or silence? If speaking or listening, to whom?" Featuring experts from UDM's Jesuit community.
Sunday, 11/13: Post-show discussion — "The Dark Night of the Soul: depression or spiritual desolation." Featuring faculty from UDM's Psychology Department.
Thursday, 11/17: Pub Trivia Night — "Religion in the movies" Trivia Night at a local bar following the show. Sponsored by UDM's Religious Studies Department. Free food, discount drinks and the top three teams will win prizes!
Sunday, 11/20: Post-show discussion –"The mother daughter relationship: how to deal with risky behavior." Featuring experts and faculty from UDM's Psychology Clinic.
"After the show, patrons are encouraged to stay, listen and ask questions with experts from Detroit Mercy and our larger community while discussing the themes inside of the show, then afterwards take advantage of one of our restaurant partners that will them save up to 50 percent off of food and beverages," states Grobis.
Directed by Dr. Arthur J. Beer, The Theatre Company cast — a mixing of resident professionals with students from the acclaimed UDM acting program — includes Detroit Mercy faculty Greg Grobis as Matthew and professionals Pricia Hicok as Colleen and Linda Rabin-Hammel as Theresa. Rounding out the cast are Detroit Mercy students Bridget Smith as Abby and Christian Plonka as Garrett.
The production team features Associate Professor Melinda Pacha as the production manager and costume coordinator, Amy Schneider as lighting designer, Andrew Papa as dialect director, Anthony Petrucci as technical director, and Greg Grobis as managing director.
Tickets to "100 Saints You Should Know" can be purchased online at http://www.UDMarts.com or over the phone at 313-993-3270. Individual ticket prices are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $10 for Veterans, and $10 for students (with valid ID). Groups of 15 or more can receive up to a 30 percent discount on ticket rates.
The Theatre Company has announced a new Thursday Community Night Series. During the 2016-2017 season every Thursday performance will celebrate the community with $10 tickets for plays and $15 for the musical.
The Theatre Company's 46th season will be presented at The Marlene Boll Theatre at the Boll Family YMCA at 1401 Broadway St. Detroit, MI 48226. This intimate black box theater seats between 90-140 seats depending the production. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 3:00 p.m. on Sundays. Due to limited seating, patrons are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
The Theatre Company was established in 1972 and has been an award-winning member of the Detroit area theater community. Using an apprenticeship approach to stimulate artistic growth in a creative production process, The Theatre Company combines the work of seasoned professionals with young talents from the Performing Arts Department at University of Detroit Mercy.
For more information about The Theatre Company, visit http://www.UDMarts.com or http://www.TheTheatreCo.com.

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