SOUL MATES World Premiere to Begin at Magenta Giraffe Theatre, 2/1

Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company of Detroit presents the world premiere of Soul Mates, by local playwright Kirsten Knisely, directed by Frannie Shepherd-Bates. The show runs from February 1-23, 2013.

Tickets are $15-$18, with pay-what-you-can tickets available to all performances. Tickets may be reserved by phone at 313-408-7269 or at www.magentagiraffe.org. Soul Mates will be Magenta Giraffe's second production in residence at the Abreact Performance Space (1301 W. Lafayette, #113, Detroit, MI 48226). As the space is very intimate, reservations are strongly suggested.

This sweet and lovely play explores the concept of soul mates through a series of vignettes. What is a soul mate? Can a person have more than one in a lifetime? Following the critical success of Sean Paraventi's The Current in 2010, Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company is thrilled to present another debut from a local playwright. Knisely's skill and talent shine through this beautiful piece that will warm audiences' hearts in the cold months of winter.

"Writing Soul Mates was a very unique and cathartic experience for me," says playwright Kirsten Knisely. "It happened in a time in my life-the beginning of my artistic career and journey into adulthood-when I was searching for connection and reason, and looking back, I believe those ideas encompass the heart of the play. I am overjoyed to be a part of the production process with Magenta Giraffe Theatre Co., and to see how the piece grows with such a phenomenal cast of players."

The cast includes Jonathan Davidson (Detroit), Julia Garlotte (Chelsea), Matthew Turner Shelton (Grosse Pointe) and Jaye Stellini (White Lake). Gwen Lindsay exhibits her scenic design; costumes by Lauren Montgomery.

Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company's production of Soul Mates will take place at the Abreact Performance Space: 1301 W. Lafayette, #113, Detroit, MI 48226. Reservations are available via phone at 313-408-7269, at www.magentagiraffe.org, or at the door the day of the performance. Cash or check only. Tickets are $18/$15 Student/Senior/Industry, but are available on a pay-what-you-can basis at all performances.

Soul Mates will run Fridays at 8 pm and Saturdays at 8 pm. There will be one matinee at 3 pm on Sunday, February 17. Dates and times are:

Friday, February 1, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 2, at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 8, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 9, at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 15, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 16, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 17, at 3:00 p.m.
Friday, February 22, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 23, at 8:00 p.m.

Audience members paying the full ticket price may wish to take advantage of our "Repeat Offender" offer: If you've paid the suggested rate for a ticket and would like to see the show a second, third or fourth time (we love those who love theatre!) bring back a paying customer each time and see it free of charge!

Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization that acts to eliminate apathy, violence, prejudice and barriers to education through theatre productions, projects and programs; and further acts to reestablish and expand Detroit's theatre district. Soul Mates, by Kirsten Knisely, directed by Frannie Shepherd-Bates, is the theatre's twelfth production.

For additional information on the production of Soul Mates, contact Frannie Shepherd-Bates or visit www.magentagiraffe.org.

Pictured: Top row (left to right): Julia Garlotte, Matthew Turner Shelton, Jaye Stellini, Jonathan Davidson, Julia Garlotte, Jaye Stellini. Bottom row (left to right): Jaye Stellini, Jonathan Davidson, Matthew Turner Shelton, Julia Garlotte, Matthew Turner Shelton, Jonathan Davidson. Photo Credit: Chuk Nowak.