VENUS IN FUR, OTHER DESERT CITIES & More Set for Performance Network's 2013-14 Season

Performance Network is proud to announce its 2013 -2014 season with epic plays and a musical revue extravaganza for its 32nd season in their intimate theatre located in Downtown Ann Arbor. The very first play of the season, "An Iliad" adapted by Denis O'Hare and Lisa Peterson, begins on September 26th, 2013 as a one-man contemporary retelling of the famous poem, followed by "Jerry's Girls" with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and concept by Larry Alford, Wayne Cilento, and Jerry Herman, the World Premiere of "County Line" by Ann Arbor playwright David Wells, the sexy "Venus in Fur" by David Ives, a reimagined "Richard III" by William Shakespeare, Pulitzer Prize Finalist "Other Desert Cities" by Jon Robin Baitz, and the World Premiere of "The Renaissance Man" by Joseph Zettelmaier closing on September 7, 2014. The epically intimate season features works by famous and premiering playwrights that are cherished by New York and local critics while bringing diverse plays to the stage. Subscription packages and single ticket sales are available by visitingperformancenetwork.org or by calling 734-663-0681.

Performance Network has dedicated itself to quality, diversity, and uncompromising artistic leadership, all of which are front and center for their 32nd season. In addition to the high-pedigree of scripts that will be produced, audiences will once again see the region's top talent on stage, including PNT Associate Artistic Director Carla Milarch. Performance Network's Associate Artists Naz Edwards, Phil Powers, and John Seibert, Mary Cole, Monika Essen, Tim Rhoze, Dan Walker, and Joseph Zettelmaier are fundamental elements of the upcoming season.

Seating availability is now open for renewing subscribers, new season ticket buyers, and single ticket buyers. Subscribers can purchase guaranteed seats for five or seven shows at a time at a discount. Season packages are available for as low as $108. Performance Network also offers discounted Flex Tickets, available in packages of six or ten that allow purchasers to use their tickets at any time.

Season subscriptions and Flex Packages are available online at www.performancenetwork,org, where order forms can be downloaded, or by calling 734-663-0681during box office hours, 10am - 6pm, Monday through Friday and 11am - 6pm on Saturday.

Single tickets are now on sale at performancenetwork.org and over the phone at the box office.

PERFORMANCE NETWORK'S 2013-2014 SEASON:
"An Iliad," Adapted by Denis O'Hare & Lisa Peterson from "The Iliad" by Homer. Directed by Tim Rhoze.
EPIC. INTIMATE. WAR.
SEPTEMBER 26, 2013-OCTOBER 27, 2013.
"Spellbinding...AN ILIAD relates an age-old story that resonates with tragic meaning today." - NY Times. In this present-day retelling of Homer's classic, a lone figure appears on an unadorned stage and shares the tragic narrative he is fated to tell for eternity. This epic narrative brings humor, pathos, and excitement to the ancient tale of the Trojan War by colliding it with the contemporary world and creating a wholly captivating theatrical experience. Starring John Manfredi.

"Jerry's Girls," The Music and Lyrics of Jerry Herman and Concept by Larry Alford, Wayne Cilento, and Jerry Herman. Directed by Carla Milarch.
EPIC. INTIMATE. FABULOUS.
NOVEMBER 14, 2013- JANUARY 5, 2014
Fabulous, flamboyant and fun for the whole family, JERRY'S GIRLS is the larger than life musical revue of Jerry Herman. Winner of six Tony Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement of Theatre, Jerry Herman and his music are synonymous with some of Broadway's biggest hits - HELLO DOLLY!, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, MAME, MACK AND MABEL, DEAR WORLD, and more! Complete with large scale production numbers, tap dancing, and a little bit of drag - this is the perfect holiday excursion starring Naz Edwards. "Jerry's Girls" is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

"County Line," by David Wells and directed by David Wolber.
EPIC. INTIMATE. COMING-OF-AGE.
JANUARY 16, 2014- FEBRUARY 16, 2014
From the playwright of PNT's recent hit BRILL, COUNTY LINE is the whimsical and profound story of 17-year-old Lois' journey after the arrest of her father. Lois is sentenced to the strict confines of a foster home run by Tanya - a woman who is not your typical guardian and owns the County Line Truck Stop & Travel Center. In this coming-of-age story, Lois encounters both her first look at the subtle terrors one human can inflict upon another, and a lifeline to humanity that will ultimately save her. Starring Julia Glander, Alissa Nordmoe, Phil Powers, and Emilio Rodriguez.

"Venus in Fur," by David Ives and directed by Suzanne Regan.
EPIC. INTIMATE. BONDAGE.
FEBRUARY 27, 2014- APRIL 6, 2014
"Ninety minutes of good, kinky fun..." - NY Times. Thomas, a beleaguered playwright/director, is desperate to find an actress to play Vanda, the female lead in his adaptation of the classic sadomasochistic tale Venus in Fur. Into the audition room walks a vulgar and desperate actress-oddly enough, named Vanda. Though utterly wrong for the part, Vanda exhibits a strange command of the material. As the two work through the script, the lines between play and reality blur, entering into an increasingly serious battle of submission and domination that only one of them can win.

"Richard III," by William Shakespeare and directed by Julia Glander.
EPIC. INTIMATE. SHAKESPEARE.
APRIL 24, 2014- JUNE 1, 2014
One of Shakespeare's most famous histories gets an innovative PNT treatment in this boldly re-imagined tale of power, treachery, seduction and fate. PNT Associate Artistic Director Carla Milarch stars as Richard, the ruthless and conniving Plantagenet, whose ascent to power is littered with corpses. This revolutionary take on the age-old classic explores the themes and fate of gender, power, and government set in the distant yet ominous future.

"Other Desert Cities," by Jon Robin Baitz and directed by David Wolber.
A Co - Production with the Jewish Ensemble Theatre. A HILARIOUS
EPIC. INTIMATE. SECRETS.
JUNE 12, 2014- JULY 20, 2014
"Power, passion, and superbly crafted palaver stippled with blowdarts of wit."- New York Magazine. Brooke Wyeth, a writer living in Eastern Long Island, visits her waspish mother, recently retired father, loyal and sensitive brother, and fresh-out-of-rehab aunt at their home in Palm Springs after a six-year absence. When Brooke announces she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family's history, secrets come to life that could ruin their reputation, false serenity, and family bond.

"The Renaissance Man," by Joseph Zettelmaier and directed by Joseph Albright.
EPIC. INTIMATE. WICKED AWESOME.
JULY 31, 2014- SEPTEMBER 7, 2014
Double, double, toil, and... turkey leg? This hilarious adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, set in the Gloriana Renaissance Festival, follows Lady Emma and the brave Ren Faire warrior, Martin Mackabee, in overthrowing the King of the Faire. Under the new monarchy, there will be strict historical accuracy - no more dunk tanks, no more fairies, and NO MORE TURKEY LEGS! From the playwright of IT CAME FROM MARS and DEAD MAN'S SHOES comes another laugh-out-loud comedy. Starring Aral Gribble II, Lydia Hiller, Leslie Hull, Alysia Kolascz, Wayne David Parker, and Peter Prouty.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE NETWORK (CTN):
Make theatre a part of your child's life every 4th Saturday of the month at 1pm, with a hearty dose of music and laughter in performances on science, history, healthy lifestyles, and kindness. With a juice and cookie reception after each 40-minute performance, it's the perfect Saturday afternoon activity! Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children. Family tickets are available for $20.

"Big Bully," Book and lyrics by Aral Gribble and Carla Milarch and music by Jim Wheeler
SEPTEMBER 25, 2013 & JANUARY 25, 2014
Grades K-8
Bullies are everywhere-at school, on the bus, online. But where do they come from? How do you know if YOU are being one and how can you stop bullying behavior? Follow Parker, an ex-bully, on the musical journey of how one brave friend helped him turn his life around.

"Ella Mentry and the Case of The Missing Scientist," Book and Lyrics by James Ingagiola, Music by Gene Gaunt
Grades K-6
The famous scientist Archimedes disappears just as he is about to reveal his latest discovery. Luckily, detective Ella Mentry is on hand to crack the case! Combining music, comedy, and science, this show is irrefutably entertaining!

"Wolverine Will," By Carla Milarch
NOVEMBER 23, 2013 & MARCH 22, 2014
Grades K-6
From lumberjacks to lugnuts, Wolverine Will takes you on a whirlwind tour of Michigan history. From the early migrations of the Native Americans, to the innovations of Henry Ford, he uses music and laughter to tell the greatest stories of our great state.

"Jamie and Jordan," Book and Lyrics by Kim Carney, Music by Gene Gaunt
OCTOBER 26, 2013 & FEBRUARY 15, 2014
DECEMBER 28, 2013 & APRIL 26, 2014
Grades K-6
Born in the same hospital on the same day, Jamie and Jordan are best friends until a twist of fate (and ankle!) separates them. This delightful musical tale teaches children about healthy lifestyles and healthy friendships-both important for lifelong happiness.

FIRESIDE NEW PLAY FESTIVAL:
You see it here first! Staged readings of scripts in development give you the first look at the hottest new plays. With a feedback session after each reading, your comments may even help shape their future! Sponsored by Joseph C. Walters and Linda Sprankle.

Sunday through Wednesday @7pm. Admission is Pay-What-You-Can. December 15-18, 2013. March 9-12, 2014. August 10-13, 2014.

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