When Performance Network Theatre decided to engage in two co-productions for their 30th Anniversary season, an opportunity arose to revive their Second Stage offerings. With both "God of Carnage" and the upcoming "Dead Man's Shoes" being rehearsed off-site, Performance Network's black box rehearsal hall was wide open for use by a neighboring company, The Penny Seats, and the first show of their second season, Jeffrey Hatcher's "What Corbin Knew." Performances will begin Feb 28 and run through March 14, 2012 at Performance Network.
"I was thrilled," says Penny Seats President,
Lauren London. "PNT is essentially acting as an incubator for our company this winter. They have loaned us space, props, set, and costume pieces, have treated us like family, and have defrayed many of the expenses we would typically pay for this show. We couldn't ask for a greater mentor, or more substantial help as we grow."
"What Corbin Knew," is a twisty tale, by the well-known playwright of "A Picasso," and "Tuesdays with Morrie." A contractor has been granted a private luxury skybox in a new arena, perfect for taking in rock concerts and sporting events. Unfortunately, when the lonely Corbin invites two couples to share in his good fortune, their meeting sets off a dangerous - yet often hilarious - chain of clashes. A tragic turn prompts Corbin to wonder what went on behind his back; given a new perspective on the story, we soon realize that his so-called friends are more desperate, absurd, and twisted than he had ever imagined. Featuring Matt Cameron, Rebecca Hardin, Melynee Saunders Warren,
Roy Sexton, and
Russ Schwartz.
Director Jacqui Robbins, who also directed "Goodnight, Desdemona" for The Penny Seats last summer, thinks "Corbin" is a perfect fit, for the space and the company: "'What Corbin Knew' is a theatrical wild ride; it's fast-paced and farcical, with a clever structure that's full of surprises. But it also challenges our assumptions about people and stereotypes and what we think we know. The Mosh Pit is so fabulously intimate; we're hoping audiences will feel like they are right in the skybox with the characters."
The show will run at 7:00 p.m. on February 28 and 29, March 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 14. Ticket are priced at just $10, and are available for purchase through the Performance Network Box Office at
performancenetwork.org,
734-663-0681 or 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104.
For more information about the show, visit
www.pennyseats.org.
The Penny Seats is a donor-supported nonprofit theater company. Founded in July, 2010, the company aims to provide fun, stirring, excellent theater to patrons for $10 per ticket. The group is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. After their inaugural production last summer, The Penny Seats have grown quickly. The group recently completed their second annual appeal, having raised over $10,000 in private funds to support its productions.
Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and the Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics.
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