a modern revival by Jeff Daniels
OCTOBER 16, 2008 – DECEMBER 20, 2008
Annie Wilson, director of fund-raising for PBS Channel 68, is faced with a series of personal and professional predicaments. Reeling from a broken heart, Annie chooses a new apartment in a different neighborhood and befriends a mysterious next-door neighbor who may hold the secret to a brighter future.
Directed by Guy Sanville
CAST:
PRESS QUOTES
Three out of four stars
“…the young cast treats [the play] with such conviction that you can’t help but check in.”
– Detroit Free Press
“For a long stretch, late in the first act, Jeff Daniels’ Apartment 3A is as good as theatre could be. It’s wildly funny. Then it’s fueled by rage. And then come sudden character detours. The rest of this play ranges from merely pretty good to very good. But for that dazzling stretch, it’s perfect.”
– Lansing State Journal
“…the cast of 3A is consistently good, certainly of the caliber one would expect at The Purple Rose.”
– Between The Lines
“…there’s plenty to enjoy in the new production, not least from the exceptional young cast … [director] Guy Sanville clearly has a soft spot for this show and his skilled and sensitive fingerprints are all over this fine revival.”
– Jackson Citizen Patriot
an American classic by Tennessee Williams
JANUARY 22, 2009 – MARCH 21, 2009
Set in steamy New Orleans following World War II, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play tells the story of Blanche DuBois, a fragile woman desperately seeking a place to call her own. Blanche sashays into the home of her sister, Stella, and her volatile husband, Stanley, interrupting the careful balance of their turbulent marriage. The passionate conflict between these three struggling souls provides a thrilling emotional climax not to be missed.
Directed by Guy Sanville
CAST:
PRESS QUOTES
“… Sanville rightly realizes that he needs only [Michelle] Mountain and [Tennessee] Williams to make Streetcar sing.”
– Detroit Free Press
“… a must-see production for any southeast Michigan theater lover. … Sanville has hit a bases-loaded home-run out of the park with this one.”
– The Detroit Monitor
” … bracingly fresh and emotionally searing … a powerful, memorable Streetcar.”
– The Ann Arbor News
“The Purple Rose Theatre Company has just unveiled a very pure, very powerful Streetcar. They’ve given this familiar tale a gorgeous stage to play out on, and pulled out the stops to make a near perfect production.”
– Between the Lines
“…well-crafted performances … This Streetcar is worth the fare.”
– Jackson Citizen Patriot
a World Premiere by Michael Brian Ogden
APRIL 9, 2009 – MAY 30, 2009
The biggest football match in twenty years is about to kick off across the pond in London. Tommy, confirmed bachelor and passionate Liverpool fan, arrives at his best mate Bobby’s flat to discover he’s been dumped by his fiancee. Trouble is, Bobby is the linchpin of the all-important pre-game ritual. Tommy must get him to the pub before the game starts, even if it means recruiting the help of another traitorous female, Bobby’s fetching sister Sarah.
Directed by Guy Sanville
CAST:
PRESS QUOTES
“… Ogden shines in this production and director Guy Sanville has an excellent sense for comic timing …”
– The Detroit Monitor
“With this play, Ogden captures the importance of the seemly casual pastimes that occupy our lives and fill the spaces between the few moments of true intimacy.”
– Lansing City Pulse
“… an impressively polished, sophisticated, funny, and satisfying script. … a first-time playwright can sometimes pull off a memorable upset – and that’s always an exciting thing to witness.”
– The Ann Arbor News
“… Bleeding Red is a decidedly strong showing for Ogden, leaving the impression that there are many fine productions still to come from his pen. He’s done an admirable job distilling the complex, but universal emotions of love – of both sport and romance – into a cohesive and witty play, and the result is both unique and genuinely entertaining.”
– Encore Michigan
“… the show is bursting with energy, and it’s clear that real writing talent is at work.”
– Jackson Citizen Patriot
a World Premiere by Carey Crim
JUNE 18, 2009 – AUGUST 22, 2009
Molly Harrison is an agoraphobic mortician, anchored to the safety of her funeral home for over three years. Her vivacious mother and precocious teenage daughter try in their own humorous ways to help her take that first step down the front walk, including hypnosis, sensory-overload therapy and a trip to Moscow. But in the end, Molly must realize what is truly important in her life before the power of love can finally inspire her to embrace the world again.
Directed by Guy Sanville
CAST:
PRESS QUOTES
“… a smart script, a heartfelt story and some fine performances … [Crim’s] dialogue sparkles with truth and insight.”
– Encore Michigan
“…a solid story with a fine balance of mystery and understanding; of laughter and tears. Crim entertains her audience by examining the human condition, deftly covering a variety of emotions and situations..”
– Dexter Leader
Three out of four stars
“… delivers genuine emotion while cagily placing an audience outside its comfort zone.”
– Detroit Free Press
“… a heartwarming comedy, being given an excellent first production by a cast of talented actors under the masterful direction of Guy Sanville. Michelle Mountain’s splendid portrayal of Molly Harrison, who hasn’t been out of the funeral home where she lives and works in the three years since her husband died, reminds us of what a tremendously talented actress she is.”
– Detroit New Monitor