Season 22

PRESS QUOTES

“From the moment actor Randolph Mantooth steps on stage in the Purple Rose’s superlative production of Superior Donuts, he takes total control of both the stage and the material of this extraordinary play…”

– Ann Arbor Observer

“…the play’s quiet, meaningful (and yes, sweet) final moment packed one heck of a wallop – which indicates to me that what’s most substantive in Donuts is likely to not just go down easy, but stay with you for a while, too.”

– AnnArbor.com

“…in the hands of director Guy Sanville and his excellent cast, Superior Donuts at The Purple Rose Theatre becomes a sweet and delectable treat indeed.”

– EncoreMichigan.com

“Both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply poignant, “Superior Donuts” celebrates the human spirit. It’s as simple and complicated as that.”

– Jackson Citizen Patriot

“…under the masterful direction of Guy Sanville, this fine cast gives us a very entertaining production.”

– New Monitor

PRESS QUOTES

“Indeed, the two actors carry the show with admirable fearlessness, approaching shoe-huffing and philosophical conundrums with equal gusto. Ogden peppers Gwynn with probing questions, comically conveys frustration, and fulfills his role’s physical demands with sure-handed skill; and Gwynn, as the man who must ultimately make this wrenching choice, is both hilarious and endearing, sometimes in the same moment.”

– AnnArbor.com

“We love Jeff Daniels’ comedies. But we didn’t know he had this one in him. It’s something more. We’re not sure we could define exactly what, but we’re sure you should see it, think about it, and enjoy it.”

– Examiner.com

“…the clever, sometimes rapid-fire dialogue delivered by the actors with incredible precision and physicalization is completely mesmerizing.”

– MLive.com

“Every step, every gesture in this energetic romp contributes to the whole; there’s nothing extra.”

– EncoreMichigan.com

PRESS QUOTES

“While the cast forms the seamless ensemble we’ve come to expect at the Purple Rose, Michelle Mountain as Katherine and Richard McWillams as Beethoven are outstanding…As an illustration of the human will’s triumph over adversity, “33 Variations” is an uplifting experience.”

– EncoreMichigan.com

“Go see this perfect play. You may not know much about Beethoven. You may never have watched a loved one endure a debilitating disease. But if you have ever wondered about the mysteries of love and life and sorrow and joy, you will find this production speaks to you on a personal level.”

– Examiner.com

“McWilliams is compelling as the larger-than-life, ultimately inscrutable composer, though David Bendena, playing Beethoven’s assistant Anton Schindler, manages to steal a few scenes in his own right. And Ragland locates both the humor and the heart in Gertrude. But the show is primarily a showcase for Mountain, who depicts her character’s physical deterioration, and emotional evolution, with skill and care.”

– AnnAbor.com

PRESS QUOTES

“…a smart, carefully crafted production that happens to make us feel good while reminding us that we all pack a bit of extra baggage into the memories we carry around.”

– Detroit Theater Examiner

“This charming romantic comedy will make you wonder ‘what if?'”

– Chelsea Standard