Performance Network announces Fireside Festival of New Works, Plays 5/2-5

Performance Network Theatre presents staged readings of new plays from local playwrights at the Fireside Festival of New Works Sunday, May 2nd - Wednesday, May 5th at 8 pm. The Fireside Festival is an exciting, affordable way to see brand new plays produced by Performance Network, Michigan's premier professional theatre. Admission for all shows is pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $10. The festival is generously underwritten by Joseph Walters.

The following is a list of plays to be included in the festival:

"Date of Admission"
by Chuck O'Connor
Sunday, May 2 at 8pm
After blaming himself for his young son's devestating kidnapping, Jack is admitted to a psychiatric hospital through the urging of his wife, whose forgiveness he cannot accept. Haunted by the memory of his son, he wrestles with his past, and the mocking shadow of his cruel childhood. This moving romance begs the question: what is the cost of risking love in a world that demands we face suffering? Directed by John Manfredi.

"One-Sided Conversations"
by Kim Carney
Monday, May 3 at 8pm
In a crowded restaurant, we hear one side of each of two conversations, which, with great timing, form an overlapping of dialogue that creates a relationship between two lonely people who never knew that they had one another. This story and more make up a play about relationships - getting together, breaking up and something in between. Directed by Shannon Ferrante.

"The Sunday Punch"
by L. Ramsay-Detherage
Tuesday, May 4 at 8pm
During a routine family gathering, a heated and embarrassing discussion leads Gordon to an epiphany: that his crotchety old father is to blame for all of his marital troubles and persistent feelings of mediocrity in (and out of) the bedroom. After hearing that his brother conquered his father after getting in a fight with him as a teenager, Gordon decides that there is only one solution. He has to punch his father. "The Sunday Punch" is a quirky comedy that teaches us what to stand up for - and how to go about it.

"Gaps in the Fossil Record"
by Matt Letscher
Wednesday, May 5 at 8pm
When Jane brings home the much older father of her soon-to-be child, mom thinks that she's kidding. What starts as a practical joke turns into a thoughtful exploration of what it is that we pass down through the generations. Is it more than just DNA? Featuring John Seibert ("Christmas Carol'd", "The Baker's Wife").

Tickets are "Pay What You Can" and can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 734.663.0681, online at www.performancenetwork.org or by coming to the theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor) Monday-Saturday 11-6 or one hour before a performance.

Performance Network Theatre is a member of the National New Play Network (NNPN), an alliance of not-for-profit professional theatres that champions the development, production and continued life of new plays for the American theatre.

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, as well as a series of classes on theatre-related topics, and is the only Michigan member of the National New Play Network. Performance Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

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