Ant Hall Set to Officially Open with THE DETROIT MUSICAL

It has taken more than a year of planning, fundraising and construction to transform the former BHA Hall on Caniff in Hamtramck into Ant Hall. Now, Planet Ant is proud to announce the official ribbon-cutting of Ant Hall and premiere of the venue's first Planet Ant Production, The Detroit Musical, Friday, March 24. A complete schedule follows this release.

Ant Hall
After more than a year of planning, fundraising, construction, and hosting several special events, Planet Ant is set to officially open at Ant Hall, a 150 person entertainment venue. On Friday, March 24 at 7:00 pm, Hamtramck Mayor Karen Majewski with Planet Ant founder Hal Soper will participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony at the front door to the venue at 2320 Caniff Avenue in Hamtramck. The new Ant Hall includes a performance venue and separate bar area which incorporates elements of the historic Seven Brothers Bar.

"We are so thankful to the hundreds of people who donated, gave their time and supported the creation of Ant Hall," states Planet Ant founder Hal Soper. "In return, we will continue to provide unrivaled entertainment value on both sides of Caniff. Opening Ant Hall is an historic moment for us, and we look forward to an exciting future in this new space."

The Detroit Musical
In 2010, Planet Ant debuted a new musical based on the history of Detroit. Detroit Be Damned: A Beaver's Tale was critically acclaimed at Planet Ant and later remounted at The Park Bar. On March 24, The Detroit Musical, based on the original "Detroit Be Damned" production will take the Ant Hall stage in its world premiere. Written by Mikey Brown and Shawn Handlon with music by Brown, The Detroit Musical follows the LaMerde family through 316 years of living in Detroit. Jacques LaMerde arrived with Cadillac in 1701, and his unsung progeny have been fighting the good fight in Detroit ever since. It recounts tales of the LaMerde family as they live through some of Detroit's most famous historical moments. The French surrender? A LaMerde was there. The 1805 fire? A LaMerde was there. The birth of the auto industry? A LaMerde was there. The Detroit Musical features Stefanie Bainter, Rj Cach, Chris Korte, Paris Mason, and Dez Walker. Tickets are $10 for opening weekend and $20 for all other performances at 8:00 pm Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets are on sale now at www.planetant.com and in person at the Ant Hall box office 30 minutes prior to show time based on availability.

The performance schedule for The Detroit Musical is as follows:
All tickets are $20 unless otherwise stated

Friday, March 24 @ 8:00 pm (Tickets: $10)
Saturday, March 25 @ 8:00 pm (Tickets: $10)

Friday, March 31 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 1 @ 8:00 pm

Friday, April 7 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 8 @ 8:00 pm

Friday, April 14 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 15 @ 8:00 pm

Improv Mondays
The Planet Ant Improv Colony has generated over twenty original comedies and continues to perform every Monday night in Michigan's longest-running improv comedy show - Improv Mondays. At 8:00 pm the show kicks off with a guest improv troupe followed by a performance by Planet Ant's resident Home Team. The night closes with The Ant Jam, an opportunity for anyone to improvise on the Ant Hall stage. Tickets are $5 at the door.

Planet Ant Theatre is a non-profit professional theatre founded 23 years ago on the principle of artistic freedom and artistic experimentation leading to the growth of community, artistic fulfillment, and artistic success. The theatre has presented more than 80 high quality professional productions to southeastern Michigan with a commitment to providing the best in theatrical productions that has brought it critical acclaim and awards from across the region. More information on Planet Ant Theatre is available online at www.planetant.com.

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