Performance Network is proud to announce its 2006-2007 season: celebrating 25 years of Network history. Its going to be a the biggest theatrical bash Ann Arbor has ever seen, complete with some of the greatest plays ever written, some of the greatest talent you’ll see anywhere, the hottest hits from New York, parties, special events and more.
Ann Arbor, MI (PRWEB) August 2, 2006 -- Asked about the 25th Anniversary season, Executive Artistic Director Carla Milarch referred to one of her favorite plays this year: "Take Me Out", by Richard Greenberg, quoting a line from the character Mars Marzac: “I like to believe that something about being human is ... Good. And I think what’s best about us is manifested in our desire to show respect for one another. For what we can be. And that’s what we do in our ceremonies, isn’t it? Honor ourselves as we pass through time?”
Milarch went on to elaborate, “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary season, we will do just that: honor ourselves as we pass through this milestone with a season designed to celebrate the power of art and our relationships to it.” The Network’s season includes a diverse range of plays, from a 100 year old classic, to a brand new world premiere to a Tony award winner from 25 years ago.
Asked if there was a theme to the season, Milarch smiles. “Each play has something to explore about art, the artist, and the artistic urge that is in all of us. Why do we seek to create? Why do we connect through the ephemeral experiences of poetry, music, theatre and dance? Each play attacks from a different angle. From Black comedy, to satire, to searing drama, to bawdy burlesque -- its a widely varied look at what makes us human. What makes us laugh, what makes us hate, what makes us heroes, what makes us famous. We’ll explore it all, through the eyes of famous artists like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his arch-rival Salieri, and Mae West -- Hollywood’s brazen beauty. And we’ll explore it through the eyes of everyday people, like English housewife Alice in "The Retreat from Moscow", who brings meaning to her life through reading poetry, or the young lovers in The Fantasticks who yearn for drama in their mundane lives.”
The Network announces that the season honors artists, featuring some of Southeast Michigan’s favorites, including Gillian Eaton, Malcolm Tulip, John Seibert, Terry Heck, Monika Essen and Loren Bass. In the works are also ways to honor all of the people who have made the Network what it is today, with reunion readings of some of the favorite plays from the past 25 years. “Most of all,” Milarch concluded, “we’ll honor ourselves as humans by exploring the heights and depths of the human condition with imagination, innovation and delight.” With a twinkle in her eye she added, “It’s going to be a glorious ceremony that lasts the whole year-long. I hope you’ll join us for this celebration.”
Performance Network’s professional season lineup will include:
"The Retreat from Moscow", by William Nicholson - Tony award nominee for Best Play 2004.
Previews September 14 through September 21, Opening Night is September 22, running through October 29, 2006
Starring Gillian Eaton and directed by Malcolm Tulip, this darkly comic play tells the story of a middle-aged couple making peace with their flawed marriage. New York Magazine hailed it as, “a finely perceptive, eloquently tender and exquisite new play” and The New Yorker pronounced the play, “riveting ... subtle and powerful, [with] marvelous emotional complexity.” This critically acclaimed play deftly navigates comedy, drama and a surprise thriller ending.
"The Fantasticks" by Harvey Schmidt, book and lyrics by Tom Jones
Previews November 9 through November 16, Opening Night is November 17, running through December 31, 2006
The longest running musical in theatre history, this musical tells the story of two young people who fall in love, run off to see the world and ultimately realize that their true love lies at home with each other. Artistic Director Carla Milarch ("She Loves Me", "The Sins of Sor Juana") directs this beloved musical featuring some of your favorite musical theatre tunes. "Try to Remember", "Soon its Gonna’ Rain", "Much More" and "They Were You" are just a few of the musical treats in store for the whole family! Cast includes Scott Crownover, Jason Richards, Andrianna Panchella, Charlie Sutherland.
"Language Lessons" by Joseph Zettelmaier – A Brand-New World Premiere from the author of "The Stillness Between Breaths" (Winner-Best New Play 2005, The Oakland Press)
Previews January 18 through January 25, Opening Night is January 26, running through February 25, 2007
What can we learn from strangers? How do we bridge any gap, be it between cultures, perspectives or even between the past and our memory of it? A touching story about a Russian ballerina who arrives on tour to stay in the guest house of an American diplomat, "Language Lessons" bubbles with Zettelmaier’s knack for creating unique characters and exploring life’s deeper meaning with humor and compassion. Featuring Terry Heck, Mindy Woodhead and Robert L. Smith, directed by David Wolber ("A Doll’s House", "The Stillness Between Breaths").
"Candida", by Bernard Shaw. - The masterwork of Shavian wit.
Previews March 8 through March 15, Opening Night is March 16, running through April 15, 2007
The brain behind such phrases as “he who can does, he who cannot teaches” and “England and America are two countries divided by a common language” pulls no punches in this cleverest of comedies. Marriage, capitalism, religion – none are safe from Shaw’s lampoon in the story of a young poet who tries to steal the love of a clergyman’s wife, directed by John Seibert ("A Life In The Theatre").
"Amadeus" by Peter Shaffer - Tony Award for Best Play 1981.
Previews April 26 through May 3, Opening Night is May 4, running through June 24, 2007
You’ve seen the movie. You know the music. Now, find out where it all began with the Tony Award winning, smash-hit play by Peter Shaffer ("Equus", "Lettice and Lovage"). Starring Malcolm Tulip as Salieri, directed by Gillian Eaton and featuring production design by Monika Essen, its sure to be a smash hit 25 years later – and a gem of our 25th anniversary season.
Cast includes Malcolm Tulip, Loren Bass, Aphrodite Nikolovski, Chris Korte and more
"Dirty Blonde" by Claudia Shear - 2000 Theatre World Award Winner and 2000 Tony award nominee for Best Play.
Possibly the most iconic female film star of all time, probably the most quoted and definitely the naughtiest – “Diamond Lil” (Mae West) will live in our hearts forever. Executive Artistic Director Carla Milarch stars in this comedy with music about the woman who claimed “When I’m good, I’m very, very good, but when I’m bad I’m better.” Featuring Carla Milarch, Phil Powers and Dennis North, directed by Jim Posante ("Moonglow", "Take Me Out").
Subscriptions (packages of discounted season tickets) include guaranteed seats for each show, validated parking and restaurant coupons. These discounted subscription packages range from $99 to $202, depending on the day of the performance.
Student Preview Discount Subscriptions for 06-07 available now.
Excellent as graduation gifts, and affordable for high-school and college students, Student Preview Subscriptions guarantee seats for students. In addition to the discounted prices, all the perks of subscriptions apply: discounts at downtown restaurants, validated parking, no-fee exchanges, and more. These heavily discounted student preview subscriptions range from $63-$93 and are on sale now. Please call our box office for more information.
All productions have performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with matinees at 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Preview Ticket Prices:
Thur, Fri, Sun: $20
Sat: $28
Preview Discounts:
"Pay-What-You-Can" Preview: the 1st Thursday preview of each show - you set the ticket price! ($10 suggested donation)
1/2 price for students – can reserve in advance
Age 30 and under - $5.00 off
Regular Ticket Prices:
Opening Fri: $37
Fri Regular and Sat 3pm Matinee: $30
Sat Regular: $37
Th, Sun Regular: $25
Everyday Discounts:
There is a $3 discount for seniors 60+
1/2 price Student RUSH tickets offered the day of the performance when available.
16 and under: $10 tickets
Special rates are also available for groups of 10 or more.
Special Events to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary Season:
"Pin Up & Pose"
Sunday August 20 @ The Cavern Club Showtime 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 8:00 p.m.
A night of theatre, fashion, and Mae West. A fabulous bash featuring the fashions of Voila, V2V, Bivouac, Adorn Me, and Beanie June. Burlesque dancers, pin up girls, Mae West, and gift bag giveaways- what more could you ask for? Hosted by Carla Milarch as Mae West, Musical Direction by Michael Gold, Produced by Ralph Hoy and Emilie Litzell.
25TH ANNIVERSARY GRAND OPENING
September 22, 2006 at Performance Network
In conjunction with opening night of "The Retreat From Moscow" by William Nicholson we will have an open house and reception before the performance and a champagne reception immediately following. At the afterglow reception, the 25th Anniversary 50/50 Raffle drawing will be held. (tickets for this raffle are available at the Performance Network Box Office, (734) 663-0696) the winner of the 50/50 Raffle will win half of the proceeds from the raffle.
And more events throughout the year to be announced.
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