FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 25, 2014
CONTACT:
Greg Grobis, Director of Marketing and Management, UDM Theatre Company
Office phone: (313)993-3269; e-mail:
UDM THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 44TH SEASON
DETROIT: The UDM Theatre Company proudly announces it’s 44th season. Bringing together a group of diverse, passionate and heart warmingly humorous plays, the 44th season features three main stage plays and one musical in which two are Michigan premieres.
According to the Chair of the Performing Arts Department Melinda Pacha, “the 44th season continues to integrate the intellectual, spiritual, ethical and social development of our students and community.” The Theatre Company “always seeks to bring theatre that entertains, provokes, and encourages dialogue.”
Beginning the season is Mark St. Germain’s “The Best of Enemies”. Deep friendships can be found and nurtured in the most unlikely of characters in the worst of circumstances.
The Theatre Company marks the opening of the holiday season with Joe Landry’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”. Based on Frank Capra’s classic film, Landry infuses this Christmas staple with new magic and excitement. It is sure to touch your heart and create new memories surrounding this timeless classic.
Overwhelming grief and the fragility of the human condition are presented in Samuel D. Hunter’s “The Whale.” This new human drama will pull at your heart and challenge your beliefs. Closing the season we bow to the young and the young at heart with the musical adaptation of “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”.
“We have an exciting season planned and we want you to play your part with us!” states Pacha.
The Theatre Company offers a Post-Show Discussion following the first Sunday performance of each production focused on social justice themes found in each show. UDM’s College of Liberal Arts and Education’s Alumni Council partner with the theatre to support an Afterglow following the first Saturday performance of every production.
“These events at the theatre allow our patrons, alumni and community to network” according to Greg Grobis, Director of Marketing and Management for the Theatre Company. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with other Arts minded supporters while supporting the Arts in Detroit.”
“The Best of Enemies” *Michigan Premiere
September 26, 27, October 3, 4 at 8:00 pmSeptember 28, October 5 at 2:00 pm
Performed at the Marygrove Theatre.
“The Best of Enemies”, by Mark St Germain, is based on a true story ofunimaginable change. Two strong-willed opponents, Ann Atwater, an outspoken Civil Rightsactivist, and C.P. Ellis, Exalted Cyclops of the KKK, are challenged byFederal mediator Bill Riddick to co-chair a steering committee to facilitate change. Explosive,direct, and aggressive, “The Best of Enemies” is a model of how respect,understanding and trust can be delicately forged to resolve deep andbitter differences. *Contains mature content and language.
“It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”
November 7, 8, 14, 15 at 8:00 pmNovember 9, 16 at 2:00 pm
Performed at the Marygrove Theatre
For almost 70 years, Frank Capra’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” has been an AmericanChristmas tradition. Capturing the timeless magic of thatclassic film, Joe Landry’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” invigorates the story with vibrant new color and excitement. “It’s a Wonderful Life: A LiveRadio Play” will touch the heart, pull at the soul, and create memories that willlast a lifetime. A small cast of actors play dozens of characters amid a creative and zany “Radio Play” complete with live sound effects. The audience and the actors share in the buzz and the glamor of an old time radio adventure.
“The Whale” *Michigan Premiere
February 6, 7, 13, 14 at 2:00 pmFebruary 8, 15 at 2:00 pm
Performed at the Marygrove Theatre
In Samuel D Hunter’s “The Whale” we meet Charlie, a man mired in grief and personal conflicts surrounding the loss of his partner, his relationship to his ex-wife and his nearly estranged daughter. Confined to his home due to a physical malady, Charlie reaches out to the people in his life using the tool he knows best; the written word. As 2013’s winner of theLucille Lortel Best Play Award, Drama Desk Special Award for SignificantContribution to Theatre, and the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding NewYork Theatre, “The Whale” is a powerfully emotional piece which reveals oneman’s great empathy for everyone but himself, with humor, honesty, andtouching glimpses of human frailty. *Contains mature content and language.
“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible,No Good, Very Bad Day”
March 20, 21, 27, 28 7:00 pmMarch 22 and 29 at 2:00 pm
Performed in the Grounds Coffeehaus on UDM’s campus
“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible,No Good, Very Bad Day”is a delightful musical adaptation of the popular children’s book which follows feistyAlexander and a series of unfortunate events that occur throughout hisday. Waking up with gum in his hair, unwanted cavities and no dessert withlunch are just a few of the obstacles he encounters. Alexander allowsaudiences of all ages to identify with him and ultimately reveals that bad days happen toeveryone- even in Australia. “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, VeryBad Day” is wonderful entertainment for everyone, from young children through grandparents!
TICKETS & INFORMATION
Season ticket packages are available that include tickets to all four productions. Adults Packages are $50 and Discounted Adult Packages are $45 for Seniors, UDM Faculty, staff, & Alumni, and all Detroit residents. The Student Flex Pass is an affordable way for students of any college or high school to attend the entire season for only $20. Season packages must be ordered by calling the UDM Theatre Company ticket office at 313-993-3270
NEW THIS SEASON
Individual tickets are available for purchase online after September 1, 2014 at www.UDMarts.com. Individual ticket prices are $20 for Adults and $17 for seniors, UDM Faculty, Staff and Alumni, and all Detroit city residents. Students and Children (no children under the age of 2) are $10, UDM and Marygrove Students are $5. Special group pricing is available for groups or organizations with a minimum of 10 tickets per group.
Please contact Lisa Rybak, 313-993-3270 for more information on group reservations
Ticket Office Hours - Reno Hall 43Tuesday - Friday 12:00 - 5:00 PMOn performance days ticket office opens 45 minutes prior to curtain.Ticket Offices stay open through Intermission of each performance.For questions or more information email:
Programming subject to change.
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