'The Vagina Monologues' returns to Detroit Opera House
DETROIT – The North American touring production of Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues," the celebrated and provocative play that has become a cultural phenomenon worldwide, will return to Detroit for 8 performances March 4 – 9 at the Detroit Opera House.
Mary Wilson, one of the original members of The Supremes, will take the center chair and share the stage with New York based touring actors Starla Benford and Amy J. Carle.
In "The Vagina Monologues," Eve Ensler has given voice to a chorus of lusty, outrageous, poignant, brave, highly original and thoroughly human stories. Based on over 200 interviews with a diverse group of women from around the globe, the play explores the humor, power, pain, wisdom, outrage, mystery and excitement hidden in vaginas.
"The Vagina Monologues" has grown from an OBIE Award-winning Off-Broadway hit into an international cultural phenomenon. It has been performed in over 40 countries, including two North American touring companies.
During appearances to promote her engagement in the Off-Broadway production, Calista Flockhart tried unsuccessfully to get David Letterman to say the word 'vagina,' but did join with Kathie Lee Gifford in getting the studio audience of "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" to chant the word.
To capture the essence of the Off-Broadway production, The North American Tour is specifically designed to incorporate guest performers. The tour travels with Starla Benford and Amy J. Carle, with a guest performer filling the third chair in each city. Well known celebrity performers generally have a connection to the city in which they perform.
"The Vagina Monologues" also plays an important role in an international effort founded by Ensler to end violence towards women. V-DAY produces cultural events to raise awareness and money for existing organizations. A vital, ongoing process that proclaims Valentine's Day as V-Day, the movement seeks to reinvigorate efforts already underway and commence new initiatives in publicity, education and law.
Since 1998, hundreds of colleges across the country have raised thousands of dollars for local, national and international groups that work to stop violence against women through performances of Ensler's play.
Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m. with matinees on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Ticket prices range from $27.50 to $40, with a special opening night price of $25 for all seats. Discounts are available for groups of 12 or more.
Tickets are available at the Detroit Opera House Box Office, at all Ticketmaster locations, by calling (248) 645-6666 or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com.
