This World Premiere comedy takes its title from the Latin proverb, which literally translated: "in wine, the truth," suggests that people reveal their truest feelings under the influence of alcohol. On Halloween night, two middle-aged couples prepare to attend a friend's annual party. Though the evening begins as usual, familiar traditions slowly unravel when the foursome shares a bottle of South American ceremonial wine made from the skin of blue dart tree frogs. Under the influence of this tribal truth serum, they share an unpredictable and hilarious night of unbridled honesty that stretches the bounds of their friendship forever.

Vino Veritas is the second of MacGregor's plays produced by the PRTC. In the spring of 2006, the PRTC staged a previously unseen version of The Late Great Henry Boyle to popular and critical acclaim. With Vino Veritas, MacGregor has crafted a World Premiere play specifically for the PRTC. "Vino is a smart and biting comedy about the dangers of telling the truth," says PRTC Artistic Director, Guy Sanville. "The play unapologetically confronts the question of whether it is better to tell the truth or to hide behind the facades we create to protect ourselves."

Named "Best New Play of 2008" by the Ann Arbor News, Vino Veritas subsequently enjoyed a sold-out run during the Nebraska Repertory Theatre's 2009 season, and the film rights for a French adaptation of the play have been optioned by Misconception Productions in Canada.

Vino Veritas was underwritten by Chelsea Rhone LLC and THE MOSAIC FOUNDATION (of Rita & Peter Heydon).

Directed by Guy Sanville

Featuring:
Quetta Carpenter
Tommy A. Gomez
Suzi Regan
Phil Powers

Stage Manager: Michelle DiDomenico
Set Designer: Daniel C. Walker
Properties Designer: Danna Segrest
Costume Designer: Christanne Myers
Lighting Designer: Dana White
Sound Designer: Quintessa Gallinat

Critic's Quotes

Three out of four stars
"For me, the cleverly executed Vino Veritas, ... speaks directly and profoundly about marriage, child-rearing, career choices, even the existence of God. It also made me laugh - hard."

John Monaghan
Detroit Free Press

"Guy Sanville directs a splendid cast ... . The bottom line, Vino Veritas is craftily put together ..."

Terry Pow
Jackson Citizen Patriot

"... here's the truth: there's an entertaining, thought-provoking new show at the Rose. Just make sure to buckle your seatbelts. It is - in the best way possible - a bumpy night."

Jenn McKee
Ann Arbor News

"Both funny and gut-wrenching ... The playwright offers wisdom and insight into many aspects of the human condition ... (and) especially shines with his meticulous planning and realistic dialogue."

Don Calamia
Between the Lines