Nine playwrights, nine lives at The Ringwald

FERNDALE – Barebones Theatre Productions will present an evening of short plays, "Nine Lives," at Ferndale's Ringwald Theatre Aug. 6-8. Written by nine Michigan playwrights, the evening consists of a series of short plays that evoke a strong sense of humor and observation.
Each play highlights a common critical moment in people's lives and the collection of these stories conveys the message that people can live through almost anything.
Ranging from experienced and showcasing on Broadway to newly emerging talent fresh out of high school, the playwrights' range of experiences and styles of writing combine to create a tapestry of life. Each play focuses on real moments within ordinary lives and relationships. In a journey from the beginning of relationships to the end of existence, the unique plays blend harmoniously to paint one picture of the average life. The plays examine scenarios like sibling rivalry, emerging romance, a trip down the aisle, intimate betrayal, and even death. In each piece, characters embark on individual journeys of discovery, which are sometimes poignant – often times hilarious. These personalities are, at once, outrageous and familiar. Their relationships are recognizable and easy to relate to by anyone.
John Rutherford, company founder, has assembled 17 actors to portray some zany and yet empathetic characters. Accomplished Michigan playwright Kim Carney explains, "These universal themes are explored through a variety of different and unique pieces that strive to compel an audience to identify with and care about their odd assortment of characters and situations."
The nine short plays and the playwrights include: "Legs McShake" (Michael Schley), "Summer Daze"(Katie Derkacz), "Settling Scores" (Jeremy D. Bruce), "If the Dress Fits, Wear It" (Loren Bailey), "Rule #3" (Chris Darin), "Forever Ink" (Sarah Demos), "Maid of Honor" (Kim Carney), "Unfinished Business" (John Wencel) and "Visitation" (David MacGregor).
In true Barebones style, the show's emphasis is on the literature and quality acting to richly tell the story. As Barebones is known for, the fuss of technical aspects have been stripped away, allowing the audience to focus on the story that unfolds rather than the complex sets and 'fireworks' of more commercially motivated productions. The audience is left with scripts of depth that are acted with sincere emotion.
Kelly Jean Passage, a member of Barebones for three years, says, "It's a thrill to work with talented Michigan artists who are completely dedicated to the creative process. I learn so much every summer and I really think we create some of the best theatre that comes out all year."
The cast includes: Jon Ager, Joe Burke, Dayna Campbell, Molly Dickson, Holly Jarjosa, Kelly Jean Passage, Holly Petrino, Kristin Phillips, John W. Rutherford, Alex Sherman, Emily Sorensen, Eric Stein, Angeles Vara, Paul Weingarden, Ashley Wickett, Chin Yang, and JP Zammit.
"Nine Lives" will be presented at The Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, at 8 p.m. Thursday, August 6 through Saturday, Aug. 8. Tickets are $15.
Tickets can be reserved by calling 248-885-2078 or emailing [email protected]. No credit cards please.