Photo Flash: Sneak Peek at Open Book Theatre's WILEY AND THE HAIRY MAN, Beginning Today

Open Book is excited to present a professional production for the whole family in the new amphitheater at Market Center Park, near the corner of Eureka and Trenton where the old Montgomery Ward building once stood. Scroll down for a sneak peek at Suzan Zeder's WILEY AND THE HAIRY MAN!

Wiley and the Hairy Man is a spine tingling tale based on an old American folktale. It tells the story of a young boy named Wiley who goes deep into the swamp to conquer his only fear: the mythical Hairy Man. Wiley discovers that his wits are his best weapon in this rollicking and imaginative tale where actors create not only the inhabitants of the swamp, but the swamp itself.

The production features Stebert Davenport as Wiley, Dinah R. Tutein as his Mammy and Mindy Padlo as his faithful dog. Ryan Ernst, Falynn Victoria Burton, Mandy Logsdon and Lenora Whitecotton are the chorus - a group that creates the environment, tells the story, and even becomes the Hairy Man.

"We're looking forward to bringing this show to the families Downriver. Audiences of all ages will love this show. There's humor and tension, and tons of creativity. Audiences will enjoy the superb quality they've come to expect from Open Book productions. We are keeping with our goals of casting great actors to perform excellent scripts that tell fascinating stories. It's like a Pixar movie - storytelling that can be enjoyed on various levels by all ages," said Krista Schafer Ewbank, Artistic Director of Open Book and director for Wiley and the Hairy Man.

Live performances are not only great fun for kids, but a study at the University of Arkansas found that theatre increased literary understanding and empathy in young theatre goers by engaging the audience in a way that reading and movies can't.

Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs, and don't forget the sunscreen. There is tiered lawn seating at the venue. The show will play without an intermission for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Performances will be held at The Market Center Park in the Southgate Shopping Center near the corner of Eureka and Trenton Roads in Southgate, Michigan. Wiley and the Hairy Man Performance Dates: Today, August 1st at 2pm; Sunday, August 2nd at 2pm; Saturday, August 8th at 2pm; Sunday, August 9th at 2pm. Tickets are $5 for kids 12 and under, $10 for adults. For tickets and more information visit www.openbooktc.com or call 734 288-7753.

Photo Credit: Sean Ewbank

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