Detroit Repertory Theatre to Present MY OCCASION OF SIN, Begin. 1/9

The Michigan Premiere production of MY OCCASION OF SIN by Monica Bauer will have a Grand Champagne Opening on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at the Detroit Repertory Theatre at 8:30 PM. As is the tradition for Opening Nights at the Rep, a free Champagne Reception will follow the performance with the cast, crew, and playwright who will be flying in to see her play. Tickets for Opening Night as well as all performances through March 16, 2014 are $17 advance, and may be purchased by phone with no extra fees, or $20 day of performance. The Detroit Repertory Theatre is located in the center of the City, easily accessible from all major freeways at 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit, MI 48238. More information about Michigan's oldest, professional, non-profit theatre may be found at www.detroitreptheatre.com

MY OCCASION OF SIN at the Detroit Repertory Theatre About the Play Racist talk, thoughts and actions seem to be re-surging all around us. We hear and see it in personal vilification of our president, in voting rights disenfranchisement, in talk of secession, in the waving of the confederate flag, in the denigration of the working poor, the unemployed, and immigrants. The events and lists of racist attacks seem to go on and on. Is there no end, no ray of hope?

Playwright Monica Bauer's MY OCCASION OF SIN takes us back to the 1969 Omaha race riot with a timely and gripping story about George and Helen Hollewinski who own an Accordion Studio and Music Store in a changing Omaha neighborhood. Luigi Wells, a jazz drummer, becomes part of the struggling Music Store. Two young girls, one black, one white, get caught up in the cross cultural music and racial clash. Out of the turmoil, old and new music seem to merge and point us to a ray of hope. Something we might ponder as we leave the Theatre.

Leah Smith (DETROIT), resident company member and a key part of the Detroit Repertory's future is the Director of MY OCCASION OF SIN. Last year she directed the highly praised production A THOUSAND CIRCLETS and performed a featured role in ROAMING CHARGES.

Her cast for MY OCCASION OF SIN includes two actors new to the Detroit Rep stage and three familiar faces to Repertory audiences.

New members to the Rep stage are Kathryn Mahard (FLINT) and Nancy Elizabeth Kammer (GROSSE POINTE PARK). Charlie Newhart (CANTON) is an Award Winning performer in last season's production A THOUSAND CIRCLETS. Janee' Ann Smith (RIVER ROUGE) was last seen by Rep audiences in A SONG FOR CORETTA. B.J. Love (LUNA PIER) was last seen at the Rep in the 2007 acclaimed production of LAPSES.

Showtimes and Tickets MY OCCASION OF SIN opens January 09, 2014 and runs every Thursday though Sunday until March 16, 2013. All tickets, fundraisers, Bargain Booklets, and Subscriptions will remain the most affordable for not-for-profit professional theatre in the Region. General admission is $17 per ticket in advance and $20 the day of performances. The Rep's "Anytime, Multi-use" Gold Double Subscription for two is the unmatched price of $100 and a Silver Single Subscription stays at $50. 10-ticket Bargain Booklets, Regular and Matinee are $110 and $100 respectively and still make great mini-fundraisers. Tickets may be purchased by phone without a surcharge using Visa or MasterCard.

For tickets, fundraiser bookings and information call or visit the Rep Box office (313)868-1347 or website www.detroitreptheatre.com.