Roustabout Theatre Troupe ALL CHILDISH THINGS This Summer

The Roustabout Theatre Troupe, one of Michigan’s newest professional theatre companies, has been producing pop-up events throughout Southeast Michigan and Metro Detroit for the past two years, but the time has finally arrived for their first fully-staged production!

Written by Roustabout Executive Director Joseph Zettelmaier, All Childish Things: The Special Edition tells the comic tale of four Star Wars enthusiasts and their scheme to heist a fortune in fandom memorabilia. The play, which premiered at the Planet Ant Theatre in 2006, has received many productions nationally and internationally, and was nominated for The Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association Award for Best New Play. Zettelmaier explained, “it’s by far my most popular play. I think something about passionate fandom resonates with audiences, and there’s a lot of comedic potential when we see how far that passion can go.”

Opening on May 31st, this production aligns with the release of Solo: A Star Wars Story in movie theatres, and the special exhibit Star Wars and the Power of the Costume at the Detroit Institute of Arts. ”With both of these opening the same month, this felt like the right time to introduce a new version of the show. Star Wars fans in the region can get a trifecta experience,” added Zettelmaier.

Zettelmaier is himself an avid Star Wars fan, and was inducted into the 501st Legion, a worldwide fan-based organization dedicated to Star Wars props and costuming and well known for their charitable event appearances.

The cast of All Childish Things includes Jonathan Davidson, Andy Gaitens, Jacob Hodgson, Dan Johnson, and Meghan VanArsdalen. The show is directed by Roustabout’s Artistic Director Joey Albright, with set design by Jennifer Maiseloff, lighting design by Alex Gay, costume/prop design by Ben Despard, and sound design by Anna Simmons. Albright previously directed the Equity premiere of this script at the BoarsHead Theatre, and said, “I had a blast directing this piece years ago, and the new version of the script is tighter, funnier, and reflects on how the fan culture has changed over the years.”

The show will be performed at the Dennis McComb Performing Arts Center at Milan High School. Simmons, who is also Roustabout’s Managing Director, discussed their relationship with the community: “Milan was the first city we performed at and it feels great to return for our first full production. The city has really embraced our presence, and we’re thrilled to be performing at this incredible facility.”

ABOUT THE PLAY: A comedy set in a galaxy far, far away (Cincinnati, Ohio - the home of Kenner Toys). Three life-long friends -- die-hard Star Wars fans, all -- and a less-than-enthralled conspirator gather in a basement to plan the caper of the millennium. Together, they will steal millions of dollars worth of Star Wars merchandise and memorabilia. But even the best laid plans can go awry as friendships are tested and temptations threaten to destroy all involved. Contains some adult language. Recommended for audiences ages 13 and up.

PERFORMANCES:

Thursday, May 31st - 7:30pm

Friday, June 1st - 8:00pm

Saturday, June 2nd - 8:00pm

Thursday, June 7th - 7:30pm

Friday, June 8th - 8:00pm

Saturday, June 9th - 8:00pm

Sunday, June 10th - 2:00pm

Friday, June 15th - 8:00pm

Saturday, June 16th - 8:00pm

Sunday, June 17th - 2:00pm

VENUE: The Dennis McComb Performing Arts Center within Milan High School. 200 Big Red Dr. Milan MI 48160.

TICKETS: Order online at roustabout.brownpapertickets.com or at the door 30 minutes prior to each performance.

Get a discounted rate of $20 for adults, $10 per student on our preview night on May 31st, or by purchasing a group of 8 or more tickets!

Supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs