Abreact Performance Space Presents Burn the Red Banner 2/3-26

The Abreact Performance Space will present Burn the Red Banner: Or, Let the Rebels Have Their Fun, by local playwright Franco Vitella, directed by Frannie Shepherd-Bates. The show runs from February 3-26, Friday and Saturday nights with one Sunday matinee. Admission is by donation.

Tickets may be reserved by calling 313-285-0217 or at reservations@theabreact.com.

Burn the Red Banner: Or, Let the Rebels Have Their Fun is a collection of plays by Michigan playwright Franco Vitellla (Shelby Township) that riff on the Russian comedy aesthetic in a delightfully absurd and hilarious manner. These pieces are performed by a small ensemble of actors portraying various parts in this hodgepodge of plays. Excerpts from this play were presented at Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company's annual staged reading festival to uproarious laughter and overwhelming approval – and a unanimous desire to see the entire piece staged. And their wish is our command! Don't miss out on this unique and hysterical world premiere from a local playwright. Directed by Frannie Shepherd-Bates.

“I’m incredibly excited for this play and I couldn’t ask for a better formula than Frannie Shepherd-Bates’ vision put on-stage at The Abreact to add to it,” says playwright Franco Vitella. “The show finds deadpan humor in small incidences, both mundane and over the top, and I think people will find all its parts make for a sometimes disturbing and at moments awkward, but always hilarious and very much Russian experience.”

The cast includes Steve Xander Carson (Detroit), Jonathan Davidson (Ferndale), Keith Kalinowski (Ann Arbor) and Kirsten Knisely (Dearborn).

The Abreact Performance Space’s production of Burn the Red Banner: Or, Let the Rebels Have Their Fun will take place at 1301 W. Lafayette Ave., #113, Detroit 48226. For reservations email reservations@theabreact.com, call 313-454-1542, or make them at the door the day of the performance. Cash or check only. Admission is by donation.

Burn the Red Banner: Or, Let the Rebels Have Their Fun will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, with one Sunday matinee at 4 pm on February 19 and a preview on Thursday, February 2. Dates and times are:

Thursday, February 2, at 8:00 p.m. (Preview night)
Friday, February 3, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 4, at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 10, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 11, at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 17, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 18, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 19, at 4:00 p.m.
Friday, February 24, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 25, at 8:00 p.m.

ABOUT The Abreact Performance Space – Since the turn of the century, The Abreact Performance Space has been dedicated to be a platform for up and coming Detroit area actors, directors and designers. The Abreact provides an off-Broadway style approach to contemporary theater. Their stage has been shared by fresh faced graduates and tried and true local professionals alike, and will remain open to anyone willing to try their hand at cultural excellence. The Abreact motto will continue to be "Free Theater in Detroit!" ...although they graciously accept donations!

For additional information on the production of Burn the Red Banner: Or, Let the Rebels Have Their Fun, contact 313-378-5404 or visit www.theabreact.com.