THE CLASSIC KING

a World Premiere by Richard Johnson

January 29 – EXTENDED to March 15, 2026

In paying tribute to timeless automobiles, The Classic King paints a comic and heartbreaking portrait of three veteran used-car salesmen at a Metro Detroit dealership, struggling to cope with a changing industry and modern customers. When a sharp Gen Z salesman joins the team, he proposes a daring scheme to save the dealership — and its “dinosaur” salesmen — from extinction.

Contains adult language and subject matter.

DIRECTOR: Jeff Daniels

CAST:

Rico Bruce Wade*
Ryan Carlson*
Owen Squire Smith*
Dez Walker*

UNDERSTUDIES: Connor Allston*, Wallace Bridges*, Joe Katherein, Jonathan West*

Set Designer: Bart Bauer
Lighting Designer: Stephen Sakowski
Properties Designer: Danna Segrest
Costume Designer: Shelby Newport
Sound Designer: Brad Phillips
Stage Manager: Stefanie Din*
Assistant Stage Manager: Mary Toth*

*On contract in agreement with Actors’ Equity Association

PRESS QUOTES

“[Richard Johnson]’s created a thought-provoking play that balances drama with humor. As Johnson says, he knows cars, and he knows the people, and he understands the complex decisions people have to make.”

-Hugh Gallagher, A2Pulp

Production photos by Sean Carter Photography.