J. Merrill Motz's THE BEACON FROM BELLE ISLE to Make World Premiere with Freshwater Theatre, 11/8-23

Freshwater Theatre Company returns this November to present the world premiere of The Beacon From Belle Isle, a new commissioned work by local playwright and Michigan native J. Merrill Motz*, directed by Jamil Jude, Mixed Blood Theatre's National New Play Network Producer-in-Residence.

Featuring Brandon Bruce, Charlotte Calvert, Nate Cheeseman, Rachel Flynn*, Shannon Leach, Joseph Miller, Darrick Mosley, Mikell Sapp, Bill Studer, Christine Sweet, and Dana Lee Thompson, The Beacon From Belle Isle illustrates a unique time in Michigan's history, as the great city of Detroit files for bankruptcy and its most precious memories and iconic landmarks (including, perhaps, Belle Isle) are in danger of being stripped away and sold to the highest bidder.

The Beacon From Belle Isle will run in rep with the winner of our Second Annual Fringe Consolation Remount, Circe: A Musical Odyssey! Written and directed by Maggie K. Sotos, it's The Odyssey like you've never seen it before. This musical comedy recounts Odysseus' epic journey from the perspective of his ex-girlfriend, Circe. A story of Seduction, Sirens and the Sea!

Flavored with magical realism and framed in vignettes that range from unflinching candor to whimsical history, The Beacon From Belle Isle's search for a metaphorical lighthouse drives an exploration of Michigan's growth, decline, and search for a new collective direction.

The Beacon From Belle Isle will run:

Nov 8 7:30 pm
Nov 9 7:30 pm
Nov 10 3:00 pm (Audio Described) Nov 16 7:30 pm
Nov 18 7:30 pm
Nov 21 7:30 pm
Nov 22 7:30 pm
Nov 23 7:30 pm

Circe: A Musical Odyssey:

Nov 10 7:30 pm

Nov 15 7:30 pm Nov 17 7:30 pm Nov 20 7:30 pm

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

All performances at Nimbus Theatre - 1517 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN. Tickets: $15, $13 with Fringe Button (Ages 16+ recommended. Adult language, adult situations) Reservations and information available at www.freshwatertheatre.com or call 612-816-8479. Photos available upon request.

Stage managed by Brianna Collins, lights by Courtney Schmitz Watson, set by Theresa Akers, props by Sarah Salisbury, costumes by Seri Johnson and sound by Anita Kelling. Fiona Kyle served as development dramaturg and Lucas Skjaret serves as production dramaturg.

*denotes Freshwater Theatre company member

Founded by the husband and wife duo of Ruth Virkus and Ben Layne, Freshwater Theatre was born from a love of Twin Cities theatre and a passion to promote this brave and unique theatre community. We at Freshwater Theatre Company believe that art comes from a place. And we believe, unapologetically, that our place is one of the very best. We exist not only to create our own theater, but to facilitate and promote a vision of the Twin Cities as a major exporter of performing arts, producing and promoting quality work from the Midwest, with an eye not only on producing new work, but giving plays of merit new life beyond one world premiere.

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