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:
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
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:
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
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:
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
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:
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