Performance Network Theatre Restores Phone System, Database; Kicks Off 3-Day Ticket Sale

Ann Arbor's professional theater, Performance Nework, recently announced its 32nd anniversary season, sparking great interest and excitement in the Ann Arbor community. And then its phone system went down. And then its online ticketing system crashed, leaving patrons with literally no way to buy the tickets they so desired. This week, after a nail-biting journey for staff and patrons, both the phone system and the database have been restored, and Performance Network is offering a special thank you to its stalwart fans for their patience, making tickets to its entire upcoming season available for a whopping 32% discount - in honor of its 32nd season.

Marketing Director Marissa Kurtzhals said "Our patrons are the best. They toughed it out with us, through our post-apocalyptic box office conditions and they were so kind and patient with us while we sweated it out. Now we want to invite them back with open arms, and a special thank you offer."

The sale can only be applied to a maximum of three productions, but there is no limit to the number of tickets a patron can purchase within the desired production. The sale lasts for just 3 days, and ends at midnight on Sunday, September 29th. Tickets are available online at performancenetwork.org or by calling the box office at 734-663-0681.

PERFORMANCE NETWORK'S 2013-2014 SEASON:

"An Iliad," Adapted by Denis O'Hare & Lisa Peterson from "The Iliad" by Homer. Directed by Tim Rhoze.
EPIC. INTIMATE. WAR.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2013-OCTOBER 27, 2013.
"Spellbinding...AN ILIAD relates an age-old story that resonates with tragic meaning today." - NY Times. In this present-day retelling of Homer's classic, a lone figure appears on an unadorned stage and shares the tragic narrative he is fated to tell for eternity. This epic narrative brings humor, pathos, and excitement to the ancient tale of the Trojan War by colliding it with the contemporary world and creating a wholly captivating theatrical experience. Starring John Manfredi.

"Jerry's Girls," The Music and Lyrics of Jerry Herman and Concept by Larry Alford, Wayne Cilento, and Jerry Herman. Directed by Carla Milarch.
EPIC. INTIMATE. FABULOUS.
NOVEMBER 14, 2013- JANUARY 5, 2014
Fabulous, flamboyant and fun for the whole family, JERRY'S GIRLS is the larger than life musical revue of Jerry Herman. Winner of six Tony Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement of Theatre, Jerry Herman and his music are synonymous with some of Broadway's biggest hits - HELLO DOLLY!, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, MAME, MACK AND MABEL, DEAR WORLD, and more! Complete with large scale production numbers, tap dancing, and a little bit of drag - this is the perfect holiday excursion starring Naz Edwards. "Jerry's Girls" is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

"County Line," by David Wells and directed by David Wolber.
EPIC. INTIMATE. COMING-OF-AGE.
JANUARY 16, 2014- FEBRUARY 16, 2014
From the playwright of PNT's recent hit BRILL, COUNTY LINE is the whimsical and profound story of 17-year-old Lois' journey after the arrest of her father. Lois is sentenced to the strict confines of a foster home run by Tanya - a woman who is not your typical guardian and owns the County Line Truck Stop & Travel Center. In this coming-of-age story, Lois encounters both her first look at the subtle terrors one human can inflict upon another, and a lifeline to humanity that will ultimately save her. Starring Julia Glander, Alissa Nordmoe, Phil Powers, and Emilio Rodriguez.

"Venus in Fur," by David Ives and directed by Suzanne Regan.
EPIC. INTIMATE. BONDAGE.
FEBRUARY 27, 2014- APRIL 6, 2014
"Ninety minutes of good, kinky fun..." - NY Times. Thomas, a beleaguered playwright/director, is desperate to find an actress to play Vanda, the female lead in his adaptation of the classic sadomasochistic tale Venus in Fur. Into the audition room walks a vulgar and desperate actress-oddly enough, named Vanda. Though utterly wrong for the part, Vanda exhibits a strange command of the material. As the two work through the script, the lines between play and reality blur, entering into an increasingly serious battle of submission and domination that only one of them can win.

"Richard III," by William Shakespeare and directed by Julia Glander.
EPIC. INTIMATE. SHAKESPEARE.
APRIL 24, 2014- JUNE 1, 2014
One of Shakespeare's most famous histories gets an innovative PNT treatment in this boldly re-imagined tale of power, treachery, seduction and fate. PNT Associate Artistic Director Carla Milarch stars as Richard, the ruthless and conniving Plantagenet, whose ascent to power is littered with corpses. This revolutionary take on the age-old classic explores the themes and fate of gender, power, and government set in the distant yet ominous future.

"Other Desert Cities," by Jon Robin Baitz and directed by David Wolber.
A Co - Production with the Jewish Ensemble Theatre. A HILARIOUS
EPIC. INTIMATE. SECRETS.
JUNE 12, 2014- JULY 20, 2014
"Power, passion, and superbly crafted palaver stippled with blowdarts of wit."- New York Magazine. Brooke Wyeth, a writer living in Eastern Long Island, visits her waspish mother, recently retired father, loyal and sensitive brother, and fresh-out-of-rehab aunt at their home in Palm Springs after a six-year absence. When Brooke announces she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family's history, secrets come to life that could ruin their reputation, false serenity, and family bond.

"The Renaissance Man," by Joseph Zettelmaier and directed by Joseph Albright.
EPIC. INTIMATE. WICKED AWESOME.
JULY 31, 2014- SEPTEMBER 7, 2014
Double, double, toil, and... turkey leg? This hilarious adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, set in the Gloriana Renaissance Festival, follows Lady Emma and the brave Ren Faire warrior, Martin Mackabee, in overthrowing the King of the Faire. Under the new monarchy, there will be strict historical accuracy - no more dunk tanks, no more fairies, and NO MORE TURKEY LEGS! From the playwright of IT CAME FROM MARS and DEAD MAN'S SHOES comes another laugh-out-loud comedy. Starring Aral Gribble II, Lydia Hiller, Leslie Hull, Alysia Kolascz, Wayne David Parker, and Peter Prouty.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE NETWORK (CTN): Make theatre a part of your child's life every 4th Saturday of the month at 1pm, with a hearty dose of music and laughter in performances on science, history, healthy lifestyles, and kindness. With a juice and cookie reception after each 40-minute performance, it's the perfect Saturday afternoon activity! Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children. Family tickets are available for $20.

"Big Bully," Book and lyrics by Aral Gribble and Carla Milarch and music by Jim Wheeler
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013 & JANUARY 25, 2014
Grades K-8
Bullies are everywhere-at school, on the bus, online. But where do they come from? How do you know if YOU are being one and how can you stop bullying behavior? Follow Parker, an ex-bully, on the musical journey of how one brave friend helped him turn his life around.

"Ella Mentry and the Case of The Missing Scientist," Book and Lyrics by James Ingagiola, Music by Gene Gaunt
Grades K-6
The famous scientist Archimedes disappears just as he is about to reveal his latest discovery. Luckily, detective Ella Mentry is on hand to crack the case! Combining music, comedy, and science, this show is irrefutably entertaining!

"Wolverine Will," By Carla Milarch
NOVEMBER 23, 2013 & MARCH 22, 2014
Grades K-6
From lumberjacks to lugnuts, Wolverine Will takes you on a whirlwind tour of Michigan history. From the early migrations of the Native Americans, to the innovations of Henry Ford, he uses music and laughter to tell the greatest stories of our great state.

"Jamie and Jordan," Book and Lyrics by Kim Carney, Music by Gene Gaunt
OCTOBER 26, 2013 & FEBRUARY 15, 2014
DECEMBER 28, 2013 & APRIL 26, 2014
Grades K-6
Born in the same hospital on the same day, Jamie and Jordan are best friends until a twist of fate (and ankle!) separates them. This delightful musical tale teaches children about healthy lifestyles and healthy friendships-both important for lifelong happiness.

FIRESIDE NEW PLAY FESTIVAL: You see it here first! Staged readings of scripts in development give you the first look at the hottest new plays. With a feedback session after each reading, your comments may even help shape their future! Sponsored by Joseph C. Walters and Linda Sprankle.

Sunday through Wednesday @7pm. Admission is Pay-What-You-Can. December 15-18, 2013. March 9-12, 2014. August 10-13, 2014.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Single ticket reservations are $22 - $41 (with 10 Pay-What-You-Can tickets available every Thursday) and can be made at the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681, online at performancenetwork.org, or at Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104) Monday - Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday 11am-6pm.)

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's 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 also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

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