5th Annual Purple Rose Backyard BBQ Fundraiser Announced

The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) will host its 5th Annual Backyard BBQ benefit presented by DTE Energy Foundation on Sunday July 23, 2017 from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Chelsea Fairgrounds, 20501 W Old US Hwy 12 in Chelsea, MI.

With a 1940s flair, the evening will include live music by the Paul Keller AT SUNDOWN Quartet featuring Sarah D'Angelo, and the ABC Sisters performing an Andrews Sisters tribute. In addition, there will be a display of classic cars from the '30s and '40s, and silent and live auctions. The auctioneer will be Jim Brandstatter, Detroit Lions color analyst and University of Michigan play-by-play man. Joining him will be Robbie Timmons, former WXYZ-TV Detroit news anchor and author. A performance and preview of the PRTC's next season, directed by Artistic Director Guy Sanville, will cap the event.

Tickets are $135 per person and may be purchased by calling The Purple Rose at 734-433-7782, ext. 29. The tax deductible portion of each ticket is $63. Additional information can be found by going to www.purplerosetheatre.org/2017-backyard-bbq/.

Auction items include one week in an exquisite Paris apartment, cusTom Diamond and amethyst earrings by Austin & Warburton, "Dumb & Dumber" film props used by Jeff Daniels, a trip for two to the 69th Annual Emmy Awards hosted by Stephen Colbert, an exclusive NFL-VIP experience for four with sideline passes and brunch for Lions v. Falcons, tickets to the 2018 Masters Golf Championship, Broadway packages, dinner for 4 on the set of the PRTC's production of "Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear," and a South African photo safari for two at Zulu Nyala Game Reserve (location for "I Dreamed of Africa" starring Kim Basinger). Mobile bidding will begin July 15 at 10 a.m. at www.PurpleRose.Gesture.com for those who pre-register.

Proceeds from the event will support the theatre's 26th season, its apprentice program and educational/outreach programs serving diverse communities in the region.

In addition to the DTE Energy Foundation, the Backyard BBQ is also sponsored by Jim and Debbie Beuche, Chelsea Rhone LLC, "JIFFY" Mix, Chemical Bank, Legacy Assisted Living, Shinola Detroit, Varsity Automotive Group and Lincoln, Domino's Pizza, Encompass Financial Partners/AssetMark Inc., Daniel Moons and Antoinette Pilsner, Spring Arbor University, A. R. Brouwer Company, Chelsea State Bank, Jeff and Barbara Duncan, Keith and Krista Smillie, Rick Taylor Real Estate, and Thrivent Financial. Special thanks given to Lloyd Ganton, LangeTwins Family Winery & Vineyards, PrintTech, ULitho, and Foresight Group printers.

Additional sponsorships are still available; contact Gerie Greenspan by phone at 734-433-7782, ext. 15 or, email geriegreenspan@purplerosetheatre.org.

About The Purple Rose Theatre Company

Founded in 1991 by actor, playwright, musician and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, the Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for original American plays. In the 168-seat theatre, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre.

The PRTC also provides an apprenticeship program, performance classes, readings, lectures and tours. It commissions new work from established and early-career playwrights. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre, the PRTC operates under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors' Equity Association.

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