RECENT TRAGIC EVENTS to Examine Fate with Dark Humor at Open Book Theatre

Fifteen years after the tragic events of September 11, 2001 most of us can look back on this date and remember in vivid detail what we were doing, where we were, and who we were with. Recent Tragic Events, a play by Craig Wright, takes place the day after 9/11. The characters in the play are still very shaken as they grapple with how this tragedy effects their lives and changes their understanding of the world around them.

On September 12, 2001, Waverly and Andrew decide to go through with their blind date, but find themselves staying at Waverly's apartment. They are joined by Waverly's neighbors and her great aunt Joyce Carol Oates, trapped in Minneapolis by the grounding of all the airplanes in the country. Over pizza and drinks, with the constant news coverage of the Attack on America playing in the background, this odd gathering of folks brings to light questions of fate, chance and free will, as well as how we are all interconnected.

If all of this sounds depressing, think again. Playwright Craig Wright handles the subject with dark humor, while still giving his audience much to think about. Variety described Recent Tragic Events as "...a poignant, thought-provoking, and yes, essentially amusing piece on the subject [of 9/11]. Indeed, the play offers a lesson in how the theater can deal with such a momentous event without being trite, maudlin, trivial, or disrespectful."

Open Book Theatre Company opened in their new home at 1621 West Road in Trenton with a successful run of Peter and the Starcatcher. "The support and enthusiasm of the community has been very exciting," said Artistic Director Krista Schafer Ewbank. "People keep stopping in to tell us how glad they are to have us in the neighborhood! And we are happy to be here. I think this area was hungry for what we have to offer: great stories told by professional artists in an intimate setting."

The show is directed by Topher Alan Payne and the cast and crew features talented artists from Downriver and the Greater Metro Detroit area: Kimberly Alley, Danielle Gilbert, Erika Hoveland, Mandy Logsdon, Harley Miah , Richard Payton and Joe Sfair.

The show opens November 4th and will run for 8 performances:

Friday November 4, 8pm
Saturday November 5, 8pm
Friday November 11, 8pm
Saturday November 12, 8pm
Sunday November 13, 2pm, folllowed by a talk back with the artists
Thursday November 17, 8pm
Friday November 18, 8pm
Saturday November 19, 8pm

Opening night tickets include an after party, and are $30 each. Tickets for all other performances are $20, or $15 for students and seniors. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, at a discount of $3 off each ticket.

It's not too late to benefit from Season tickets. Second chance season tickets allow patrons to see the remaining 4 shows in our season at a reduced price. Season tickets holders can also enjoy the opening night festivities at no extra charge (while tickets are still available for that performance) Second chance season tickets cost $65, or $50 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at www.openbooktc.com. For more information call 734 288-7753.

Pictured: Joe Sfair, Richard Payton, Kimberly Alley and Erika Hoveland. Photo by Dale Dorlin.

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