A PARADISE OF FOOLS Launches Detroit Repertory Theatre's 2012-13 Season Tonight, 11/1

A modern day version of the Commedia dell'arte style theatre will launch the Detroit Repertory Theatre's 2012/2013 Season tonight, November 1st. A PARADISE OF FOOLS by Michael E. Wolfson will have its World Premiere at the Champagne Opening of Michigan's longest running professional non-profit theatre. This farcical romp turns women's reproductive rights upside down.

This Opening Night at the Rep not only includes this outrageous comedy, but also a chance to meet the playwright who will be flying in to witness the premiere of his play, and a complimentary Champagne Afterglow with the cast and crew in a toast to the new play and a new season at the Detroit Repertory Theatre.

The play will run every Thursday through Sunday until December 23, 2012. Tickets for performances remain the lowest in the region at $17 in advance or $20 day of performance, and may be purchased by calling (313) 868-1347.

Mr. Wolfson has written a modern day version of the Commedia dell'arte. The Commedia was a peoples theatre that rose to prominence during the Italian Renaissance. A PARADISE OF FOOLS, like the Commedia, pokes outrageous fun at the moral and righteous foibles of human intercourse.

A couple of con artists, Francesca and Bernardo, are down on their luck when they discover a dim-witted shoemaker, Calandrino, has received an inheritance. The swindlers move into action. Bernardo convinces Calandrino that he doesn't look well and summons a renowned doctor, Francesca in disguise, who determines the shoemaker is suffering from a condition usually reserved for women. Calandrino begs to have his manhood restored. A request the doctor readily agrees to...for a fee.

The raucous farce is just beginning as other swindlers jump into the fray. In the end, money changes hands, but it isn't clear who swindled whom. Only the audience knows for sure.

Veteran actor, designer and director Harry Wetzel (DEARBORN) is the director of A PARADISE OF FOOLS. He has assembled a cast of well known Detroit area actors. Sandra Birch (WESTLAND) will portray Francesca. Ms. Birch was last seen at the Rep in CAUSA MORTIS. David Glover (DEARBORN) will portray the dimwitted shoemaker Calandrino. He was last seen at the Rep as the Detective in TAKING CARE OF MIMI. Yolanda Jack (DETROIT) will portray Adelina. Ms. Jack was the Muslim Somali Poet in FORGIVING John Lennon. Lulu Dahl (DETROIT) returns as Teodora and was recently seen as Perdue in DEAD AND BURIED. Lastly, Peter Knox (MANCHESTER) returns to the Rep stage as Bernardo. Mr. Knox was the obnoxious sheriff in A LESSON BEFORE DYING.

A PARADISE OF FOOLS opens the Repertory's 56th Season tonight, November 1st and runs every Thursday through Sunday until December 23, 2012. All tickets, fundraisers and subscriptions will remain the most affordable for not-for-profit professional theatre in the Region. General Admission remains $17 in advance and $20 day of performance. The Rep's "Anytime, Multi-Use" Gold Subscription for two people is still the unmatched price of $100 and a Silver Single Subscription stays at $50. Ten Ticket Bargain Booklets make great mini-fundraisers.

For tickets, bookings and information call or visit the Rep Box Office - (313) 868-1347. Tickets can be purchased by phone with a credit card. There is no surcharge. For more details, visit the Rep website: www.detroitreptheatre.com.

The Detroit Repertory Theatre is located in the geographical center of Detroit, accessible by all major freeways. Parking is guarded, lighted, fenced-in and free.

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