Professional Theater News From Around Town:
Breathe Art announces 2006/07 season
DETROIT – Breathe Art Theatre Project announces its 2006-2007 Cross-Border Season, celebrating its Open Border Initiative of a peaceful international border between Detroit and Windsor. Breathe Art Theatre Project's third season, in partnership with Windsor's Capitol Theatre and Detroit's 1515 Broadway, will hit stages this fall with all productions performing cross-border.
The collective of 11 Detroit/Windsor artistic partners and 13 guest artists have assembled a three-play season exploring sexual politics and self-evaluation.
The season opens Sept. 22 – Oct. 14 with "Closer" by Patrick Marber. Hailed as one of the best plays of the 1990s and winner of the 1999 Olivier Award for Best New Play, "Closer" is a sensational anatomy of modern romance and sexual politics, where a quartet of strangers meet, fall in love, and become caught in a web of betrayal. The show contains coarse language and sexual content.
"Wit" by Margaret Edson continues the season Feb. 9 – March 3, 2007. Winner of the 1999 Pulitzer Prize, "Wit" is a rare beast: art that engages both the heart and the mind. "Wit" is the story of famed John Donne scholar, Vivian Bearing, who interrupts her doctors, nurses and students to explicate her own story as she is being treated for late-stage ovarian cancer. Contains mature content.
The season closes April 20 – 21, 2007 with "Wonder of the World" by David Lindsey-Abaire. A wicked comedy of marital discord, nothing will prepare you for the secret Cass discovers in her husband's sweater drawer. It is so shocking that our heroine has no choice but to flee to the honeymoon capital of the world in a frantic search for the life she thinks she missed out on. It's a hilarious, wild ride over Niagara Falls as Cass crosses paths with an assortment of lunatics and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Tickets this coming season are $20 general admission.
For tickets to Windsor shows, call the Capitol Theatre Box Office at 519-253-7729. For Detroit shows, call 519-980-0607.
For additional information, log on to http://www.BreatheArtTheatre.com.
Three world premieres set for Purple Rose Theatre's new season
CHELSEA – The Purple Rose Theatre Company has made the final selections for its 2006/07 season beginning in September. The season will feature four plays: "Escanaba In Love," a world premiere comedy prequel by Jeff Daniels; "The Subject Was Roses," an American classic by Frank D. Gilroy; "When The Lights Come On," a world premiere romance by Brian Letscher; and "Sea of Fools," a world premiere farce by Matt Letscher.
Seven low-priced previews will kick off each run, followed by press opening night on the second Friday of each engagement. All shows will run Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan. Plays, titles and dates are subject to change.
The PRTC is proud to announce that the world premiere of Jeff Daniels' eleventh new play, "Escanaba In Love," will open the 2006/07 season. In the hilarious prequel to the legendary "Escanaba in da Moonlight," visit the Soady deer camp on the verge of World War II and meet the love of young Albert Soady, Jr.'s life – the legendary Big Betty Baloo -along with a whole new cast of wacky Yoopers. Directed by PRTC Artistic Director Guy Sanville, the cast will include Paul Hopper, Wayne David Parker, Inga R. Wilson, Will David Young and the professional acting debut of former PRTC apprentice Jake Christensen as Albert Soady Jr. "Escanaba In Love" will run for 13 weeks, from Thursday, Sept. 28 through Saturday, December 23. This production is recommended for mature audiences.
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the NY Drama Critics' Circle Award and the Tony Award for Best Play in 1965, this winter's American classic, "The Subject Was Roses" by Frank D. Gilroy, is a subtle portrait of a family in the wake of World War II. A son who left as a pampered boy returns from the war as a man in his own right. His parents compete for his affection while trying to mask the tension in their marriage. Finally, both mother and father must face the choice between clinging to their child or recognizing the man he's become. Alma College and PRTC apprentice program graduate Quintessa Gallinat makes her professional directing debut with Patrick Michael Kenney, Grant R. Krause and Michelle Mountain. "The Subject Was Roses" will have a limited six-week engagement from Thursday, Feb. 8 through Saturday, March 17, 2007.
Next spring, PRTC presents "When The Lights Come On," a world premiere play by former Division I football coach Brian Letscher exploring the high-stress coaching world and the things these driven men do to the women in their lives. Tommy Leonard needs to focus on signing a brilliant new recruit to save his career. His new wife Jamie wants a baby now. Surrounded by the insanity of the coaching world, it's hard to make the right call. Directed by PRTC Artistic Director Guy Sanville, the cast will include Grant R. Krause, Michelle Mountain and Jim Porterfield. "When The Lights Come On" will have a limited nine-week engagement, from Thursday, April 5 through Saturday, June 2, 2007. This production is recommended for mature audiences.
The talents of actor Matt Letscher return to the Purple Rose next summer with the world premiere of his farce, "Sea of Fools." Directed by the playwright, the cast will include Sandra Birch, John Lepard, Janet Maylie, John Seibert and Guy Sanville. "Sea of Fools" will run for 11 weeks, Thursday, June 2 through Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007.
Tickets for groups of 12 or more are already on sale for the entire season. The Purple Rose Theatre Company's donors can purchase tickets approximately two months before each show opens, with tickets going on sale to the general public two weeks later.
Ticket reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Company Box Office at 734-433-7673.
UDM Theatre Company presents its 36th season
DETROIT – The Theatre Company at The University of Detroit Mercy has been presenting award-winning theatre for 36 years. This season the company is pleased to announce that its tradition of excellence will continue with the 2006-2007 season presented in the Marygrove College Theatre.
The Theatre Company opens with John Steinbeck's classic "Of Mice and Men," directed by Detroit theatre community veteran Arthur J. Beer. In "Of Mice and Men" two drifters have just arrived at a ranch to work for enough money to buy their own place. Lennie is a man-child, a little boy in the body of a dangerously powerful man. It's Lennie's obsessions with things soft and cuddly that have made George cautious about who the gentle giant associates with. His promise to allow Lennie to "tend to the rabbits" on their future land keeps Lennie calm. But when a rancher's promiscuous wife is found dead in the barn with a broken neck, it's obvious that Lennie killed her. George knows exactly where Lennie has gone to hide, and he meets him there. George is faced with a moral question: How should he deal with Lennie before the ranchers find him and take matters into their own hands? "Of Mice and Men" runs for three weekends, Sept. 29-Oct. 15.
The season continues with the Midwest premiere of "Polish Joke" by David Ives, directed by Yolanda Fleischer. "Polish Joke" is a comedy about ethnic identity and the eternal American search for "roots." Jasiu is a Polish-American who has been taught not to value his own roots, so he decides to make his own roots, reinventing himself first as a sort of non-ethnic everyman, then as an "Irishman." Jasiu's adventures are alternately zany and heartbreaking. In the end, by trying to get away from his ethnic background, Jasiu finds out who he is and what it means to be "a Pole." "Polish Joke" runs for three weekends, Nov. 17-Dec. 3.
Next is "Malice Aforethought : The Sweet Trials" by Arthur Beer, directed by David Regal. The State of Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries has joined the University of Detroit Mercy in a partnership to develop a production of "Malice Aforethought: the Sweet Trials" to be presented as the centerpiece of a series of state-wide activities to engage the public on important issues of race, class and civil rights in non-threatening settings, in the belief that quality cultural events can be significant educational and economic forces. "Malice Aforethought," which was first produced by The Theatre Company 20 years ago, revolves around an incident in 1925. Dr. Ossian Sweet moved his family into a formerly all-white neighborhood on Detroit's Eastside. A mob tried to force him out, and he, his family and friends defended themselves with gunfire. When a bystander was killed, all 11 people in the house were arrested, held without bail and charged with murder and conspiracy. Frank Murphy, later governor and FDR's attorney general, was the judge. The ACLU, NAACP and the Urban League raised money for the defense, which was led by Clarence Darrow. The Sweet Trials are Michigan's most famous legal landmark in the Civil Rights movement. "Malice Aforethought: The Sweet Trials" runs three weekends, Feb. 2-18, 2007.
The final show of the season, "Urinetown," is a collaboration between UDM's Theatre Company and Marygrove College's Departments of Music and Dance. "Urinetown" is a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year draught, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity's most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he's had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! Inspired by the works of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, "Urinetown" is an irreverently humorous satire in which no one is safe from scrutiny. Praised for reinvigorating the very notion of what a musical could be, "Urinetown" catapults the "comedic romp" into the new millennium with its outrageous perspective, wickedly modern wit, and sustained ability to produce gales of unbridled laughter. "Urinetown" will be directed by UDM alumni Greg Trazskoma and runs March 23-April 1.
The Theatre Company's performances are held Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Marygrove College Theatre, 8425 W. McNichols Rd, Detroit. The box office is located in Reno Hall on the University of Detroit Mercy campus. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m..
For tickets, call the theatre box office at 313-933-3270. For more information, visit http://theatre.udmercy.edu.
Performance Network presents glamorous night of vintage inspired fashion, dance and theater.
ANN ARBOR – In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Performance Network announces "Pin Up and Pose," a fashion soiree to benefit the theater.
Showtime is 9 p.m. at the Cavern Club on Sunday August 20 and will feature an array of Performance Network's most bewitching beauties, including the provocative performance stylings of Carla Milarch as Mae West, the vamped up choreography of Tawna Dabney, the fresh faced glamour of Aphrodite Nikolovski, and so many more!
All of the night's performances will be seamlessly intertwined with the fashions of Voila, V2V, Bivouac and Adorn Me. Stephanie Buczek's retro inspired hair design is sure to evoke glamorous memories of eras past while inspiring the hairstyles of tomorrow.
After the performance there will be dancing, mingling and a giveaway of select gift bags generously donated by participating boutiques.
Tickets are $10 pre-show; $12 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling Performance Network's box office at 734-663-0681.
Wharton Center announces new scholarship program for economically-disadvantaged youth
EAST LANSING – Wharton Center for Performing Arts is pleased to announce the establishment of a new scholarship program, known as Seats 4 Kids. This unique program provides free tickets to local youth who could not otherwise afford to attend a performing arts event. Contributions to the fund from individuals and corporations will be used exclusively to purchase tickets for economically-disadvantaged children.
Wharton Center's Executive Director Mike Brand says, "We believe it is important to share the power of performing arts with as many people as possible. But we also acknowledge that there are many community members who, for whatever reason, are not able to afford Wharton Center's programs. Seats 4 Kids is a perfect way to introduce the performing arts to young people who may otherwise never experience the transformative power of the arts."
Tickets are provided to local community service organizations and Title 1 schools that have been pre-approved based on their ability to distribute scholarship tickets to qualified kids. Recipient organizations for the 2006-2007 season currently include the Black Child & Family Institute, Cristo Rey Community Center, Boys and Girls Club of Lansing, and Lansing School District Title 1 Schools.
Carmen Turner, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing, says, "What a great opportunity for youth who might not otherwise have a chance to experience the theater. It has been well noted that the arts play a significant part in the intellectual development of young people. We certainly feel blessed to be apart of this creative collaboration."
Contributions to the Seats 4 Kids scholarship fund are tax exempt, and all donations of $100 or more will be acknowledged in Wharton Center's Curtain Call house program. Donors also receive an invitation to Wharton Center's annual donor appreciation concert and a subscription to the Backstage newsletter.
For more information, contact Wharton Center's Development Office at 517-353-4640.
Stratford Festival News:
‘Ghosts' begins previews at Stratford Festival
STRATFORD, ONT. – The Stratford Festival of Canada's production of Henrik Ibsen's "Ghosts," featuring Martha Henry as Mrs. Helena Alving, began previews Tuesday, July 25 at the Tom Patterson Theatre. The play, in a new version by Richard Harris, from a translation by J. Basil Cowlishaw, tells the story of Mrs. Alving who, for nearly 30 years, has concealed the truth about the depravities of her widely admired late husband. But when her artist son, Oswald, comes home from a sojourn abroad, the ghosts of the past also return to haunt her – bringing with them a new and dreadful burden of responsibility.
The Stratford Festival's production of "Ghosts" is directed by Diana Leblanc, with sets and costumes designed by Charlotte Dean. The lighting designer is Bonnie Beecher, the composer is Stephen Woodjetts and the sound designer is Todd Charlton.
The production also features Peter Donaldson as Pastor Manders, Adrienne Gould as Regina Engstrand, Brian Hamman as Oswald Alving and Gary Reineke as Jakob Engstrand.
"Ghosts," now in previews, opens August 12 and plays in repertory until September 23.
Tickets are available at 1-800-567-1600 or through http://www.stratfordfestival.ca.
‘Twelfth Night' begins previews at the Stratford Festival
STRATFORD, ONT. – The Stratford Festival of Canada's production of Shakespeare's romantic comedy "Twelfth Night," with Brian Bedford as Malvolio, Dana Green as Viola, Seana McKenna as Olivia and Sanjay Talwar as Orsino, began previews on Sunday, July 30 at the Festival Theatre. The play begins as Viola and her twin brother, Sebastian, are separated in a storm at sea and washed ashore on different parts of the coast of Illyria, each believing the other has drowned. Then, disguising herself as a man and entering the service of the lovesick Duke Orsino, Viola becomes part of an unusual romantic triangle – made even more complicated by the arrival on the scene of her unwitting twin.
The Stratford Festival's production of "Twelfth Night" is set in India during the 19th century and is directed by Leon Rubin. The sets and costumes are designed by John Pennoyer. The lighting designer is Robert Thomson, the composer is Michael Vieira and the sound designer is Jim Neil. John Stead is the fight director and Nicola Pantin is the choreographer.
"Twelfth Night" features Sean Baek as Valentine, Don Carrier as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Diane D'Aquila as Maria, Jon de Leon as Curio, Ian Deakin as the Captain and the Priest, Jonathan Gould as the Second Officer, Jacob James as the First Officer, Robert King as Fabian, Roy Lewis as Antonio, Keira Loughran as a Servant, Thom Marriott as Sir Toby Belch, Andrew Massingham as Feste and Shaun McComb as Sebastian. The production also features Aidan deSalaiz, Alison Deon and Tova Smith as courtiers, dancers, musicians and attendants.
"Twelfth Night," which began preview performances on July 30, opens August 10 and plays in repertory until October 28.
Tickets are available at 1-800-567-1600 or through http://www.stratfordfestival.ca.
Community Theater Corner:
Saugatuck's old Red Barn Theater is reborn
SAUGATUCK – The rumored demise of Saugatuck's old Red Barn Theater has been greatly exaggerated. The Red Barn Playhouse, a well known summer stock theater for over 50 years, where actors such as Larry Hagman and Robby Benson "walked the boards" early in their careers, closed its doors in 2003. When the property changed hands, the new owner planned to dismantle the theater and sell the equipment. Late in 2005, the newly formed Lakeshore Arts Alliance (LAA) came to the Red Barn's rescue. Members of LAA have donated not only money, but also hundreds of hours of sweat equity to revitalize this beloved West Michigan landmark. As a result, the Red Barn is alive once again with the sounds of music, dance, drama, and laughter.
This summer, three major productions are scheduled between June 29 and August 26, 2006. Presently, the Red Barn Children's Ballet Co. is performing "Pauline and Isabel," an original ballet produced by Robin Satterwhaite, a professional dancer formerly with the Indianapolis Ballet, and a long time dance instructor from the Saugatuck area. The final performance is Thursdays, Aug. 3 at noon and at 7 pm. Ticket prices are $8/children and $10/adults. A light complimentary lunch will be provided with the noon performance.
The second presentation is the hilarious comedy "Revival at Possum Kingdom Community Church," written by award winning South Haven playwright Linda LaRocque. Performances conclude August 4-5. The play features several outstanding local actors from South Haven (Loretta Adomeit), Holland (Jo-Lee Hansen, Brian Everette, Jack Oonk) and Douglas (William Muzzillo), and is directed by Patricia Huyge of Fennville. "We are really fortunate to have such wonderful local talent available," says Huyge. "These actors are a pure joy to watch." Admission is $7/children and $10/adults with performances at 8 p.m.
Leaping Lizards! On August 11 &12, 18 & 19, 25 & 26, the Avalon Theater from Holland brings everyone's favorite orphan to the Red Barn stage via its fantastic production of "Annie." Admission is $7/children, $12/seniors and $15/adults. Performances are at 8 p.m.
The Red Barn also offers summer classes in Art, Dance and Theater for both children and adults. These classes are being taught by professional artists from the Lakeshore Arts Alliance. The Lakeshore Arts Alliance is a true community based non-profit organization, comprised of professional artists and supporters of the arts. Its goal is to provide opportunities for as many area residents as possible to develop or increase their skills in the arts. A key objective is to expand these opportunities directly to the area schools. For example, this past spring, a 14-week program of puppet making was offered by the LAA at the Lincoln Elementary School in South Haven. Under the guidance of Bill Henderson, an LAA artist and professional puppeteer from Saugatuck/Chicago, second and third graders learned to make paper Mache puppets and produced truly amazing work. The children ended the program by producing a zany comedy for the school and community using their puppets as characters. It was a smashing success.
Also, as part of the Community Outreach Program, another of the LAA artists, Maralyn Slikkers, performed storytelling at several schools in South Haven and in Douglas Elementary during the past year. Her performances are eagerly awaited in the schools by students and teachers alike. She will be performing at even more area schools during the 2006-2007 year.
The Lakeshore Arts Alliance Outreach Program is extended to the schools within a one hour driving radius of Saugatuck, including Muskegon, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo.
The Red Barn Playhouse is located at 3657 63rd Street, Saugatuck.
For more information call the Red Barn's ticket office at 269-857-5300.
Sunsets with Shakespeare announces ‘Jeffrey' auditions
LANSING – Sunsets with Shakespeare has announced auditions for the first main stage production of its 2006-2007. The company will start the season Sept. 7 with the comedy "Jeffrey." The production will be directed by Todd A. Heywood, artistic director of Sunsets with Shakespeare.
"Jeffrey," by Paul Rudnick, is a comedy following Jeffre, a gay man in New York City who has given up sex. He needs a substitute, of course, so his search for the meaning of life and the meaningless of death takes him from a "hoedown for AIDS" to a memorial service hosted by Siegfried and Roy; and from the Lower Manhattan Gentlemen's Masturbation Society into the audience of the nation's "hottest postmodern evangelist."
The play, hailed by Time as "a wonderful comedy about a rancid tragedy," "Jeffrey" mines the wit, the heart and the uninhibited style of the gay soul to create a play not about the bleakness of death but about the outrageous and glorious absurdity of those who survive.
The comedy features roles for 7 males and one woman.
Audtions will be August 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. at Gone Wired Cafe, 2021 East Michigan Ave, Lansing. Those auditioning are asked to come with a one minute funny story or monologue and prepared to read from the script.
