PRTC Announces ESCANABA Extension Through 1/23/2010

The Purple Rose Theatre Company is pleased to announce a five-week performance extension of Jeff Daniels' Escanaba. Originally scheduled to close on December 19, Escanaba will now run until January 23, 2010. Performances for the remainder of the engagement will be Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm with Saturday matinees at 3:00 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm with some variance for the holidays and some added performances including an exclusive discounted student matinee at 11:00 am on Wednesday, January 13. All performances are at the Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, MI. (Editor's Note: Please find a complete extension performance calendar including added performances below.)
 
Escanaba is the final installment of the classic Yooper trilogy which began with Escanaba in da Moonlight and Escanaba in Love. The legend begins in 1922 with Alphonse Soady putting the finishing touches on his newly-constructed deer camp. A wild-eyed James Negamanee bursts through his door fleeing a black bear. This origin story reveals the role this strange trespasser plays in time-honored Soady Deer Camp traditions, including the saga of the Soady Ridge Buck.
 
The World Premiere of Escanaba is directed by PRTC artistic director Guy Sanville. The cast of Escanaba includes Wayne David Parker (Dearborn, MI) playing his third generation of the Negamanee clan, Tom Whalen (Royal Oak, MI) appearing in his first Escanaba play, and Julian Gant (Southfield, MI) making his PRTC debut. (Editor's Note: Cast interviews and complete biographies are available by calling 734.433.7782).
 
Design for this production includes set by Dennis G. Crawley, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Sally L. Converse-Doucette, lighting by Dana White and sound by Quintessa Gallinat. Stephanie Buck stage manages with Gregory Butka as assistant stage manager.
 
Founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea-native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a leading American theatre dedicated to producing the new American play and creating opportunities for Midwest theatre professionals. The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit theatre operating under an Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors' Equity Association. The PRTC promotes the development of new American theatre and its practitioners, provides valuable educational opportunities for young artists, and, through consistently high quality production values, has earned the respect of both local and National Theatre communities.
 
This PRTC production is generously underwritten by Helppie Family Charitable Foundation.
 
Tickets for the extension go on sale on Monday, November 30; tickets are available now to annual PRTC donors of $250 or more. Reservations can be made by calling the PRTC Box Office at (734) 433-ROSE (7673); Box Office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.purplerosetheatre.org.