Award-Winning MARVIN'S ROOM Comes To The Sauk

The Sauk, Hillsdale County's community theatre, will present Scott McPherson's award-winning play "Marvin's Room" at 8 p.m. April 5-7 and at 3 p.m. on April 8.

Bessie lives in Florida where she cares for her pain-ridden aunt and ailing father, Marvin, who is confined to his bed and unable to speak. When Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, her only hope is to contact her long-estranged sister, Lee, to see if their bone marrow is compatible for a transplant. Lee reluctantly makes the trip from Ohio, bringing along her two sons, one of whom, Hank, has just been released from an institution after a wave of arson. Bessie's challenge becomes reuniting Lee and Hank before he rejects her completely for her years of neglect. Beloved for its mordant humor and unflinching wisdom, this dark comedy allows us a moving view of one woman's commitment to family and response to despair.

The cast includes Jennifer Wagler as Bessie. Wagler was most recently seen in The Sauk's productions of "Holes" and "It's A Wonderful Life." Jackson Preparatory & Early College (JPEC) teacher Andrea Ortell will play Lee. This is Ortell's Sauk debut. JPEC student Brendan Pratt returns to the Sauk stage as Hank. Pratt has previously been in The Sauk's productions of "Holes" and "Tarzan." Pratt's real-life parents Ray and Julie will also be part of the cast as Bob and Dr. Charlotte respectively. Other cast members include Hudson resident Carol Trevino as Aunt Ruth, Reading youth Landen Clabaugh as Charlie, Hillsdale resident Travis Blatchley as Dr. Wally and Tecumseh resident Timothy Brayman as Marvin.

The production will be directed by Trinity Bird, who most recently directed The Sauk's productions of "Escanaba in da Moonlight" and "The Full Monty." Allison Cleveland is stage manager. Technical assistance will be provided by Makenzie Swisher, Bruce Crews and Meadow Pratt. Tracy McCullough designed the lighting. MJ Dulmage designed the sound.

All tickets are $10. The April 5 performance is a Pay What You Can preview performance. This production is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets can be purchased online now at www.thesauk.org or by calling 517-849-9100 after March 28. The Sauk is located at 240 E. Chicago St. in Jonesville.

This production is sponsored by Nash Drugs. The 2018 Sauk season is sponsored by Expressions Photography & Design. The Sauk receives support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment of the Arts and their program, Art Works.

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