WOLVES, INTO THE WOODS and More Set for The Ringwald's 2013-14 Season

Taking a cue from last season's artistically (and commercially!) successful "Season of Family", the 2013/2014 Ringwald season also adheres to a theme: the power of words.

Obviously, plays are made of words, but the plays in this season all deal with words specifically; how words can fail us, how they can sustain us, how they can identify us, or how we string them together to create stories that inform our lives for good or bad. In these plays, a wrong word can set off a maelstrom; the right set of words creates a creed by which we live out our everyday existence.

These words soothe, they sting, they stroke, and they hurt.

All productions are to be performed at The Ringwald Theatre, located at 22742 Woodward Avenue in downtown Ferndale. For more information and to find out about ticket reservations, call 248-545-5545 or visit www.TheRingwald.com.

September 6-September 30, 2013

Wolves by Steve Yockey

Ben is a timid young city-dweller who freaks out when his roommate, Jack, brings home a big bad wolf for a one-night stand. When he tries to rescue Jack, Ben sets into motion a dangerous chain of events that will alter the world as they know it. Throw in a peculiar narrator who knows more than she's letting on, and this savagely funny fairy tale for grown-ups twists and turns toward its breathtaking climax! Featuring Robbie Dwight, Lisa Melinn and Jonathan West.

Directed by Joe Plambeck.

· October 11-November 4, 2013

reasons to be pretty by Neil LaBute

A love story about the impossibility of love, reasons to be pretty introduces us to Greg, who really, truly adores his girlfriend, Steph. Unfortunately, he also thinks she has a few physical imperfections, and when he casually mentions them, all hell breaks loose. A hopelessly romantic drama about the hopelessness of romance, reasons to be pretty is a gorgeous play.

Featuring Dyan Bailey, Christa Coulter, Bryan Lark, and Joel Mitchell.

Directed by Joe Bailey.

· November 15-December 9, 2013

The Submission by Jeff Talbott

Danny has written a new play about an African American family trying to get out of the Projects, and it has just been selected for a preeminent play festival. Problem is: Danny, a young white playwright, submitted the work under a pen name in the hope of increasing its chances for production. So he hires Emilie, a black actress, to stand in for him as author. What starts as a terrible idea becomes more terrible as Danny drags Emilie, his boyfriend, and his best friend down a long and dirty path of lies and betrayal. A fiercely funny and intelligent new comic drama about the words we use to describe each other - and the things we'll do to get what we want.

Directed by Lisa Melinn.

The SantaLand Diaries & Season's Greetings

by David Sedaris, adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello

The delightful anti-holiday treat makes its annual return to the Ringwald stage for another round of twisted holiday fun!

· January 10-February 3, 2014

The Boys in the Band by Mart Crowley

This seminal work premiered in 1968 and, for the first time, allowed gay men to be living, breathing characters. In his upper eastside Manhattan apartment, Michael is throwing a birthday party for Harold, a self-awoved "32 year-old, pock-marked, Jew fairy", complete with a surprise gift: "Cowboy" a street hustler. As the evening wears on, fueled by drugs and alcohol, bitter, unresolved resentments among the guests come to light when a game of "Truth" goes terribly wrong. The Boys in the Bandremains just as relevant and important today as it was when it premiered.

· February 14-March 10, 2014

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee

George, a professor at a small college, and his wife, Martha, have just returned home, drunk from a Saturday night party. Martha Announces, amidst general profanity, that she has invited a young couple-an opportunistic new professor at the college and his shatteringly naïve new bride-to stop by for a nightcap. When they arrive the charade begins. The drinks flow and a secret that has seemingly been the foundation for George and Martha's relationship is exposed. Albee's masterpiece gets a thrilling new production at The Ringwald!

Featuring Jamie Warrow and Travis Reiff.

Directed by York Griffith.

· March 21-April 14, 2014

The Motherfucker with the Hat by Stephen Adly Guirgis*

Struggles with addiction, friendship, love and the challenges of adulthood are at the center of the story. Jackie, a petty drug dealer, is just out of prison and trying to stay clean. He's also still in love with his coke-addicted childhood sweetheart, Veronica. Ralph D. is Jackie's too-smooth, slightly slippery sponsor. He's married to the bitter and disaffected Victoria, who, by the way, has the hots for Jackie.

Ben Brantley of The New York Times said, "The play that dare not speak its name turns out to have a lot to say. This is by far the most accomplished and affecting work from the gifted Mr. Guirgis."

Directed by Jamie Warrow

*rights pending

· May 2-June 2, 2014

Into the Woods book by James Lapine, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

The Brothers Grimm hit Broadway with an epic fairytale where worlds collide. James Lapine & Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and brings them together for a timeless yet relevant piece and rare modern classic. This re-imagined production will feature a cast of just 10 and one piano.

Featuring Jamie Richards, Suzan M. Jacokes, and Jamie Warrow.

Directed by Joe Bailey, Music Direction by Jeff Bobick.