Meadow Brook Theatre's FALLING to Raise Money for OUCARES, 3/22

Meadow Brook Theatre is proud to partner with Oakland University's Center for Autism-OUCARES on Saturday March 22, 2014 at 6:00 PM for an evening dedicated to raise money for autism services at OUCARES.

Meadow Brook Theatre will be presenting Falling by Deanna Jent. Falling, boldly explores the dynamic and complicated reality of a family with an autistic young man. When a relative comes to visit, the entire family is thrown out of equilibrium, with everyone trying to balance what is best for them. The play bravely speaks the truth about love and family, and about hopes and dreams. The work is semi autobiographical and based partially on the experiences of playwright, Deanna Jent. Jent will be joining OUCARES ticket holders for an open discussion following the fundraising performance.

Autism is believed to be a result of a neurological disorder that affects the brain's normal functioning. It is a lifelong disability that has no known cure. It is not a mental illness but rather a spectrum disorder which means symptoms and characteristics appear in a wide variety of combinations ranging from mild to severe. It is important to remember: "When you've met one person with autism, you have only met one person with autism."

Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 88 American children as on the autism spectrum-a ten-fold increase in prevalence over the last 40 years. The rise in prevalence has dramatically increased the demand for services that OUCARES offers the autism community.

With the funds raised through this special partnership with Meadow Brook Theatre OUCARES will be able to continue to offer programs that help to improve quality of life for someone that is on the autism spectrum.

"Partnering with other non-profit organizations gives us a chance to give back to the community around us. This is a great opportunity to make a difference by supporting the works of another organization, especially one who shares our home right here on the Campus of Oakland University." said Cheryl Marshall, MBT's Managing Director, "We are hoping for a great turnout for this and every performance of Falling."

Exclusive OUCARES seating is available by purchasing tickets at oakland.edu/oucares. Each ticket of $50 will reserve a seat at Saturday's Opening Night performance, while also making a generous donation to help OUCARES continue their work providing autism support services. OUCARES ticket holders will also be invited to stay after the performance for an open discussion with the playwright Deanna Jent.

"We are thankful that Meadow Brook Theatre is raising autism awareness by presenting Falling and grateful to them for giving us this opportunity to help raise funds for the many OUCARES programs that we provided for individuals with ASD and their families." Said Kathy Sweeny, OUCARES Director, "As a nonprofit organization without this kind of generous support we would not be able to do what we are able to do"

Fundraiser tickets MUST be purchased directly through OUCARES at oakland.edu/oucares. For tickets or information about OUCARES, visit their webpage. Regular tickets for Saturday Evening's or any other performance during the run of Falling are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or online at Ticketmaster.com.

More season and show information at mbtheatre.com.

"Falling" artwork by Chet Johnson.