Purple Rose Theatre Company Sets 2016-17 Season

The Purple Rose Theatre Company continues its strong tradition of producing world premieres and theatrical favorites for its 2016-2017 season. Artistic Director Guy Sanville poses the question, "Do you ever wish you had a second chance to meet someone again for the first time? Our 26th season is an enchanting mix that will feature two world premiere comedies by Michigan playwrights, a revival and a Pulitzer prize-winning American classic, all of which explore this question with humor, magic, mayhem and heart."

"Morning After Grace," a world premiere by Carey Crim (September 29 - December 17, 2016)

Michigan native playwright Carey Crim's hilariously touching story centers on Angus and Abigail who meet at a funeral and are surprised to wake up together after a wine-fueled night. While Abigail may be ready to take a chance on love, Angus still has issues to work through. When Angus's neighbor Ollie, a former baseball player with secrets of his own, shows up using a walker, confusion and chaos ensue. Can these three find a way to connect with their pasts in order to construct a brighter future? Directed by Guy Sanville. Cast: Randolph Mantooth (Los Angeles, CA), Michelle Mountain (Grass Lake), and Lynch Travis (Dearborn). Morning After Grace contains adult language.

"Smart Love," a world premiere by Brian Letscher (January 19 - March 4, 2017)

University of Michigan grad Brian Letscher's world premiere is a dark comedy about a brilliant young man who struggles with his father's sudden death and the revelation that his parents' marriage wasn't everything he was led to believe. The play also explores the implications and possible ramifications of artificial intelligence. Just because we can do a thing, should we? Directed by Guy Sanville. Cast: David Bendena (Chelsea), Sarab Kamoo (Lathrup Village), Wayne David Parker (Dearborn), and Jim Porterfield (Northville). Smart Love contains adult language.

"Vino Veritas," by David MacGregor (March 23 - May 27, 2017)

This entertaining and thought provoking play by Detroit-born playwright David MacGregor returns to the Purple Rose Theatre. On Halloween night two couples prepare to attend an annual costume party. Their evening unravels after they share a bottle of South American ceremonial wine made from the skin of blue dart tree frogs. Under the influence of this tribal truth serum, unbridled honesty stretches the bounds of friendship forever. Directed by Rhiannon Ragland. Cast: David Bendena (Chelsea), Alex Leydenfrost (Ann Arbor), Aphrodite Nikolovski (Woodstock, NY), and Kate Thomsen (Portage). Vino Veritas contains adult language.

"Harvey," by Mary Chase (June 15 - August 26, 2017)

A Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic concludes the Purple Rose Theatre's 26th season. Elwood P. Dowd insists on taking his friend Harvey to all of his sister Veta's social gatherings. Trouble is, Harvey is an imaginary six-and-a-half-foot-tall rabbit. To avoid future embarrassment for her family, especially for her daughter Myrtle Mae, Veta decides to have Elwood committed to a sanitarium. When they arrive at the sanitarium a comedy of errors ensues. Directed by Guy Sanville. Cast: David Bendena (Chelsea), Caitlyn Cavanaugh (Chicago, IL), Susan Craves (Clarkston), Ruth Crawford (Ann Arbor), Michael Gingerella (West Bloomfield), Erika Matchie Thiede (Marquette), Richard McWilliams (Dayton, OH), Rusty Mewha (Plymouth), Michelle Mountain (Grass Lake), Tom Whalen (Royal Oak), and other roles TBA.

Underwriting support for the Purple Rose 2016-2017 season comes from the Ford Motor Company Fund, The Hamp Family, Shubert Foundation, and Matilda R. Wilson Fund. Media sponsors include Applied Storytelling, ChelseaMich.com, Detroit Performs, and Michigan Radio.

Regular performances are 8:00 pm Thursday - Saturday, 3:00 pm Wednesday and Saturday, 2:00 pm Sunday. Special discounts are available for the first week of previews and for students, seniors, teachers, veterans/military personnel, and groups. Prices range from $22-$46.

Tickets can be purchased for groups of 12 or more starting June 27. PRTC donors of $250 or more (in our "Playwright Circle") can purchase tickets two weeks in advance of general ticket sales which are available approximately six weeks before each show opens. Reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Company box office at (734) 433-7673 or going online to www.purplerosetheatre.org. The Purple Rose Theatre is located at 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

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