Actor Ed Asner Comes to Detroit For One-Man Comedy A MAN AND HIS PROSTATE

Who ever thought a man's prostate problems could put audiences in stitches? That's exactly what actor Ed Asner is doing in his new one-man show, "A Man and His Prostate," written by Ed. Weinberger.

Asner will perform onstage one night only: Saturday September 22nd at the Historic Players Club Playhouse, located at 3321 E. Jefferson in Detroit (Enclosed parking is provided). Tickets are available at www.papaweezeinc.org.

Papa Weeze Productions of Farmington Hills, Michigan is producing this hilarious and captivating comedy in which the actor famous for starring as Lou Grant in the "Mary Tyler Moore Show," plays a new character: a man who wants to tell you about his prostate.

The plot is based on Weinberger's true-life story about a prostate attack he experienced while vacationing in Florence Italy, and the difficulty he encountered trying to explain his problem at a hospital where English was not the prime language and was often incorrectly translated. Asner's character uses comedy to enlighten people about a serious medical crisis-- and audience reaction has shown his work pays off in spades.

Papa Weeze artistic manager Barbie Weisserman believes Asner's antics as he pantomimes his prostate symptoms to foreign doctors, is worth the price of admission alone. Additionally, Asner's sardonic and deadpan delivery enhances some of the character's priceless lines. While Weisserman admits the show is quite bawdy, she points out that it takes an issue that is serious and sheds light on it from the point of view of a "grumpy, clever and cunning old man who will make you fall out of your chair laughing."

"A Man And His Prostate" delicately balances comedic and serious elements to help answer numerous questions about an important health issue. In doing so, the show serves as one sidesplitting and lifesaving public service announcement that can help men realize they need to get their own prostates checked.

Tickets for "A Man And His Prostate" cost $60 for general admission seating. VIP seating is available for $75. The VIP package includes a post-show "meet and greet" with Ed Asner, where he will sign copies of his book "The Grumpy Historian." VIP patrons will be treated to light beverages and desserts at the afterglow. Tickets are available at www.papaweezeinc.org

Ed Asner is an American Television icon. He has 7 Emmy Awards on his shelf, and he's been nominated for 20. The star of stage, TV, film and voiceover is also a 2-time past president of the Screen Actors Guild. Ed developed his craft in Chicago and New York and for the past 60 years, he's been an enduring presence in entertainment, landing roles on the big screen and in various landmark television series, including: "The Outer Limits," "Gunsmoke," "The Wild West," "Ironside," and "Mission Impossible." He holds more than 100 television credits.

In the 70's, his role as Lou Grant on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," launched him into stardom. He then perpetuated his character in the dramatic series, "Lou Grant." Ed is the only actor to have won an Emmy for the same role in both a comedy and a drama (five total as Lou Grant.) His other two Emmy Awards come from complex roles in the mega-hit miniseries "Roots" and "Rich Man, Poor Man."

In addition to his celebrated work in television, Ed turned in unforgettable performances in various films, including: "JFK," "Elf," and "Pacific Edge." He returned to Broadway in "Grace," and toured the country with his one-man show "FDR," in which he portrayed President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Ed is the creator and writer of "A Man and His Prostate," which is based on his true-life experiences. Ed is a highly decorated writer, who has won a Peabody, 3 Golden Globes and, Writers Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award. Ed was born and raised in Philadelphia, and he attended Columbia University. However, he dropped out to begin a writing career for stand-up comedians Dick Gregory and Richard Pryor. His first job in television was writing for "The Tonight Show" starring Johnny Carson. He was also a contributing writer for Bob Hope, "The Dean Martin Variety Hour," and "The Cosby Show." Additionally, he received an Emmy for "Outstanding Comedy Series," for his work on the hit sit-com "Taxi." Ed created several sit-coms, including "Amen," "Dear John," "Baby Talk," and "Sparks."

Papa Weeze Productions is located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It aims to provide collaborative opportunities for professional artists to create and display all forms of art to entertain educate and expand. The organization is led by long-time local theatre professional Barbie Weisserman who opened Two Muses Theatre in West Bloomfield in 2011. Papa Weeze is named for her late father-in-law Harold Weisserman, an individual whose generosity and heart led him to support many creative and entrepreneurial efforts in the community. Barbie created Papa Weeze to promote both recognized and up-and-coming artists in the area, providing mentorship opportunities and exposure for members of Detroit's art scene.

The group's flagship project for 2015 was crowd-funding/producing a short independent film "Getting Ed Laid", written by Deborah Pearl ("Designing Women") and starring Ed Asner and Jean Smart ("Designing Women", "Fargo"). Recently, the film received the "Lou Costello Award for Comedy Short" at the 2016 Garden State Film Festival. More information is available at www.papaweezeinc.org .

The historic Players Club Playhouse in Detroit is located at 3321 East Jefferson Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48207. The phone number is (313) 259-3385. It's a private gentleman's club dedicated to the encouragement and development of amateur dramatic talent and stage entertainments. The Players group was founded in 1911 and the Playhouse was constructed in 1925. William Kapp (both a Players member and an architect) designed the playhouse in the Florentine Renaissance style, constructing it entirely of cinderblock. The famed sculptor Corrado Parducci created the gargoyles gracing the front façade, as well as the large urns flanking the main stage. French painter and artist Paul Honore painted six Art Deco murals on tapestry depicting a troupe of wandering troubadours that hang in the Great Hall.

Since the Playhouse opened in 1925, The Players has shared its home with two other venerable amateur theater organizations: The Fine Arts Society of Detroit, founded in 1907, and The Theater Arts Club of Detroit, founded in 1910.

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