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In the tradition of Across The Way and Boom Town, Guest Artist is a play about the arrogant use of power; a story about taking risks, playing it safe and the mixed blessing of getting exactly what you wish. In his most autobiographical work yet, Daniels weaves a funny and poignant story about a young man coming face to face with his hero and explores the tangled relationship between the dreams of youth and the wisdom of age.
Though playwright Jeff Daniels has been writing for The Purple Rose Theatre Company for over ten years, Guest Artist is different than any of his previous work. "I've always wanted to write a play about the American Theatre," he says. "I had no idea it would be so deeply personal. It's a play I had to write."
In 2006, Guest Artist was a finalist for the American Theatre Critics Award for Best New Play. It was also named Best New Play by Detroit Free Press Awards for Theatre Excellence and Ann Arbor News Theater Year in Review.
Guest Artist was underwritten by DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fun, Charles Schwab, Chelsea Rhone L.L.C., Dow Automotive, Richard & Leslie Helppie, Marshall Field's and Meijer.
Directed by Guy Sanville
Featuring:
Randall Godwin
Patrick Michael Kenney
Grant R. Krause
Stage Manager: Katie M. Doral
Set Designer: Bartley H. Bauer
Properties Designer: Danna Segrest
Costume Designer: Christianne Myers
Lighting Designer: Dana White
Sound Designer: Quintessa Gallinat
FOUR STARS out of four stars
"... powerful and smart... For this rare moment of communal grace, we have Daniels to thank."
"Krause is simply fantastic, and the dialogue is crisp and complex... Guest
Artist is a play with sad and painful depths..."
"...pure perfection... there's something in Guest Artist that transcends the
stage."
"...passionate, thought-provoking... an intensely gripping production... Wow!
The Bottom Line: An artist never apologizes, Harris says, and neither should
Jeff Daniels for this important look at post 9-11 America." 
"...intricate, funny and sometimes alarming cat-and-mouse game."
Terry Pow
Jackson Citizen Patriot
"Jeff Daniels has given us a moving love letter to the playwright's art in his
splendid new play... an excellent production with a talented cast."
"...polished and compelling... we want to hear every word of Daniels' play."
"It makes you think. It makes you remember. It makes you want to change."