"Isaac Newton was not humanity's first scientist. He was our last sorcerer."

Experience the humanity and humor of one of history's greatest icons as he grapples with the choice between love and immortality.

For centuries, the true nature of the work that engaged Isaac Newton in the years after his Principia Mathematica rocked the world in 1687 lay hidden among trunks of forgotten papers.

Based on Newton's actual letters, this play explores his relationship with a mysterious patroness as he pursued the most important work of his life. Newton drove himself relentlessly in pursuit of Truth, riding the delicate line between divinity and madness.

Directed by Guy Sanville

Featuring:
Heidi Bennett
Stacie Hadgikosti
Alex Leydenfrost
Nathan Mitchell
Michelle Mountain
Jim Porterfield
Rhiannon Ragland
Will David Young

Set Designer: Daniel C. Walker
Properties Designer: Danna Segrest
Costume Designer: Christianne Myers
Lighting Designer: Dana White
Sound Designer: Tom Whalen

Sponsored by

Critic's Quotes

"... paints a surprisingly human portrait of one of history's greatest thinkers. Isaac Newton may have taught mankind that gravity is a relatively weak force, but David MacGregor's Gravity holds an audience with a fierce intensity. ... the production is likely to surprise patrons as a wholly fresh, entirely different theatrical experience."

D. A. Blackburn
EncoreMichigan.com

"Those who remember [David] MacGregor's previous plays at the Purple Rose - The Late Great Henry Boyle and Vino Veritas - won't be surprised to learn that Gravity's script is smart and, quite often, sharply funny. MacGregor writes great characters and dialogue, and it's highly satisfying to learn while being entertained."

Jenn McKee
AnnArbor.com

"MacGregor gets an A+ for a storyline that is crafted like a fine piece of art. Another A+ goes to director Guy Sanville. He took this fine work and brought it to the stage without missing even the smallest detail. From the brilliant costumes and the furniture to the laboratory set and the prism of light shining in a window, Sanville and his crew created the perfect environment for an outstanding cast to shine."

Jim Fordyce
MIEntertainment.biz

"... make an evening of witnessing one the Purple Rose's finest shows yet."

Sean Dalton
Heritage Newspapers

Three out of four stars
"Ambitiously mounted and cagily acted, Gravity is further proof that [David] MacGregor is the most talented of the local playwrights premiering works on the Purple Rose stage."

John Monaghan
Detroit Free Press

"... one of the most intriguing pieces of live theater seen in decades."

Tom Helma
Lansing City Pulse