Photo Flash: Purple Rose's CORKTOWN

The Purple Rose Theatre Company is proud to present their 40th World Premiere as part of the 20th anniversary season this winter: Corktown by Michael Brian Ogden. The production will enjoy a limited seven-week engagement from Thursday, January 20 through Saturday, March 5, 2011. Seven low-price previews of Corktown will be performed from Thursday, January 20, through Thursday, January 27, with Press Opening on Friday, January 28, 2011. Regular performances for the duration of the engagement are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3:00 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Editor's Note: A complete performance schedule including pricing and added performance dates can be found on page 3. All performances are held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.
 
Corktown is a gritty romance about fighting tooth and nail for a second chance. In the dark underworld of modern-day Detroit, Joey - an Army veteran turned enforcer for the Irish Mob - struggles with a crisis of conscience about his work. He's looking for a way out of "the life," but ends up finding love in the very last place he expected to find it. Trouble is, his partner Laurence and his sadistic boss Cobb stand between him and a new beginning. Corktown contains violence and strong language.
 
PRTC artistic director Guy Sanville will direct Matthew David Flint, MI, Stacie Hadgikosti Roseville, MI, Nicholas LaGrassa Royal Oak, MI, Michael Brian Ogden Berkley, MI, Jonathan Hunt Sell Charlevoix, MI and Tom Whalen Royal Oak, MI. Editor's Note: Cast interviews and complete biographies are available by calling 734.433.7782.
 
Design for Corktown includes set by Bartley H. Bauer, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Christianne Myers, lighting by Daniel C. Walker and sound by Quintessa Gallinat. Stephanie Buck stage manages with Gregory Butka as assistant stage manager.
 
Corktown is produced in media partnership with Michigan Radio.
 
Founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea-native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a leading American theatre dedicated to producing the new American play and creating opportunities for Midwest theatre professionals. The PRTC is a 501c3 not-for-profit theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors' Equity Association. The PRTC promotes the development of new American theatre and its practitioners, provides valuable educational opportunities for young artists, and through consistently high quality production values has earned the respect of both local and National Theatre communities.
 
Tickets are available by phone at 734.433.7673; Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm. Tickets are also available at www.PurpleRoseTheatre.org.