ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT

a World Premiere by Jeff Daniels

SEPTEMBER 28, 1995 – DECEMBER 23, 1995

As the Soady clan gathers at the family deer camp, Reuben Soady is hoping to get his shot and shed the mantle of “the buckless yooper.” But as opening day of deer season approaches, a series of weird occurrences and crazy locals seem to prevent him from bagging his buck. One thing is sure, this hilarious hunting trip has become a true Michigan classic.

Directed by Guy Sanville

CAST:

  • Dai Parker-Gwilliam
  • John Seibert
  • Joseph Albright
  • Wayne David Parker
  • Randall Godwin
  • Jennifer Hunter
  • Set Designer: Daniel C. Walker
  • Costume Designer: Edith Leavis Bookstein
  • Lighting Designer: Daniel C. Walker
  • Sound Designer: Joe Jenkins
  • Stage Manager: Anthony Caselli

PRESS QUOTES

“Daniels displays a magic knack for mating hilarity and the inexplicable.”

– The Ann Arbor News

“Just sit back and enjoy the ride…a well-written and well-acted comedy.”

– The Ann Arbor Observer

“…can guarantee you’ll love this show.”

– Jackson Citizen Patriot

BEAST ON THE MOON

by Richard Kalinoski

JANUARY 18, 1996 – MARCH 10, 1996

Set in 1920s Milwaukee, a photographer and mail-order bride try to heal after leaving Armenia in search of a new life, home, and family. After complications and heart-break, the couple learns to love and to never lose hope.

Directed by Suzi Regan

CAST:

  • Peter Bellanca
  • Danny Jacobs
  • Beata Fido
  • Anthony Caselli
  • Set Designer: Francesca Callow
  • Costume Designer: Edith Leavis Bookstsein
  • Lighting Designer: Francesca Callow
  • Sound Designer: Suzi Regan
  • Stage Manager: Wendy Henninge

PRESS QUOTES

“…inspired the first standing-ovation double-curtain-call I can remember at the Purple Rose.”

– The Ann Arbor News

“It catches your heart.”

– The Detroit News

“The Purple Rose has done itself proud with this production.”

– Ann Arbor Observer

“… may be PRTC best.”

– The Chelsea Standard

THE PURPLE ROSE SPRING COMEDY FESTIVAL – LIFE: LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF LUST

by Anthony Caselli, Jeff Daniels, Randall Godwin, Jeffry Herman, Rich Orloff, Dennis North, and Suzi Regan

MARCH 28, 1996 – MAY 18, 1996

The festival encompasses eight one-act plays, with a through-line of lust. Each story discusses human needs and wants, relationships and adult situations – all with a healthy dose of laughter.

Directed by Guy Sanville

CAST:

  • Joseph Albright
  • Janet Maylie
  • Tamara Evans
  • Wayne David Parker
  • Randall Godwin
  • Suzi Regan
  • Terry Heck
  • John Seibert
  • Set Designer: Bartley H. Bauer
  • Costume Designer: Deborah Korastinsky
  • Lighting Designer: Dana White
  • Sound Designer: R. Thomas Bray
  • Stage Manager: Anthony Caselli

PRESS QUOTES

“… honest, original, confrontational work…”

– The Detroit News

“Each short story has its redeeming qualities and humor…”

– The Saline Reporter

“… the gems leave you with no alternative to laugh, and loudly…”

– Jackson Citizen Patriot

THE HARMONY CODES

by Michael Grady

JUNE 5, 1996 – AUGUST 25, 1996

An Indiana housewife, Margaret Lancaster, is visited by aliens in search of a code of human existence and is doubted by her town when word gets out to the public. The Lancaster homestead becomes a frenzied area for everyone from the FBI to alien followers. The chaos does not bother the aliens, who stay with Margaret while she looks for the answer to their questions.

Directed by Anthony Caselli

CAST:

  • Sandra Birch
  • Tricia Smith
  • Jim Porterfield
  • John Hawkinson
  • Kate Peckham
  • Wayne David Parker
  • Dan Brinkle
  • Jeffrey Nash
  • Set Designer: Daniel C. Walker
  • Costume Designer: Christina M. Foster
  • Lighting Designer: Reid G. Johnson
  • Sound Designer: Joe Jenkins
  • Stage Manager: Wendy M. Henninge

PRESS QUOTES

“…so textured and so moving it’s hard to believe the actor’s character doesn’t walk around in the real world.”

– The Ann Arbor News

“Just the perfect thing for a summer evening in Chelsea.”

– The Chelsea Standard

“…here is that once-in-a-while perfect cast.”

– The Detroit Jewish News