Purple Rose Theatre Company to Close 25th Anniversary Season with MORNING'S AT SEVEN

The Purple Rose Theatre Company will conclude its 25th anniversary season with "Morning's At Seven", an American classic by Paul Osborn.

"Morning's At Seven", is that rare thing - a gentle comedy about folks just like us. The story, set in a small Midwestern town in 1938, revolves around four sisters, two of whom shake things up when they decide to change their lives while they still have time.

The show will run from Thursday, June 16 through Saturday, August 27, 2016 (changed from previously published September 3 closing date due to upcoming renovations to the theater's backstage area). Previews, with reduced-price tickets, begin Thursday June 16; opening night is Friday, June 24.

Director Michelle Mountain is "delighted to welcome back and have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful actors and designers. The show is going to be gorgeous, full of heart and humor and love; a special window into the lives of one special set of sisters."

"Morning's At Seven" originally debuted on Broadway in 1939, and later returned for a Tony Award-winning production for best Broadway revival in 1980. Playwright Paul Osborn's family and neighbors served as inspiration for many of the show's characters. After growing up in Kalamazoo, MI and graduating from the University of Michigan, Osborn went on to study playwriting at Yale. His other works include "Hotbed", "The Vinegar Tree", and "On Borrowed Time".

The cast of "Morning's At Seven" features Ann Arborites Ruth Crawford and Hugh Maguire, as well as Susan Craves (Clarkston), Laural Merlington (Grand Rapids), Rusty Mewha (Plymouth), Rhiannon Ragland (Gregory) and Tom Whalen (Royal Oak). Joining them from out of state are Franette Liebow (River Forest, IL) and Richard McWilliams (Dayton, OH).

Set design is by Sarah Pearline, properties by Katherine Nelson, costumes by Suzanne Young, lighting by Reid G. Johnson, and sound by Brad Philips. Angie Kane Ferrante is the stage manager.

Underwriting support for the season comes from the Ford Motor Company Fund, The Hamp Family Fund, the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Sage Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and the Matilda R. Wilson Fund. "Morning's At Seven" production sponsor is Classic Turning, Inc. Media sponsors include Michigan Radio, ChelseaMich.com, Detroit Performs, and Applied Storytelling.

All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Tickets are available for purchase beginning Monday, May 9. Prices range from $19 to $43 each with special discounts for students, seniors and groups. For more information or to make reservations call The Purple Rose Theatre Company box office at (734) 433-7673 or go online at www.purplerosetheatre.org.

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