Documentary Chronicling Purple Rose's 25th Anniversary to Air Next Week

Purple Rose 25 Years, a documentary commemorating the 25th anniversary of Jeff Daniels' Purple Rose Theatre Company, will premiere on Detroit Public Television at 7:30 pm Monday, October 26. It will be rebroadcast in other PBS markets throughout 2016.

Jeff Daniels, actor, playwright and musician, founded the nonprofit Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) in his hometown of Chelsea, Michigan, in 1991 to champion new American plays and playwrights and to celebrate American classics. In its 25 years, the PRTC has produced 97 plays including 54 world premieres, 16 written by Daniels.

Purple Rose 25 Years chronicles Daniels' journey as an actor beginning his sophomore year in high school when he was cast as a sailor in South Pacific - his music teacher DiAnn L'Roy persuaded him to audition.

"I knew then what I wanted to do with the rest of my life," said Daniels, "and I credit DiAnn L'Roy, who introduced me to the community theater in my hometown."

But perhaps more importantly the film documents Daniels' commitment to providing encouragement, training and exposure for other artists from apprentice to professional.

He modeled the PRTC's apprentice program after that of the Circle Repertory Company in NYC where he apprenticed in 1976 and worked with Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Lanford Wilson.

Purple Rose 25 Years explores the PRTC's artistic process through its productions, educational activities and interviews with creative leaders including Daniels, PRTC Artistic Director Guy Sanville and Rocco Landesman, former director of the National Endowment for the Arts.

By sharing the PRTC's history, achievements and community engagement, Purple Rose 25 Years reinforces why live theatre matters.

"Purple Rose 25 Years beautifully captures the mission, history, passion, spirit and legacy of the company, its values, founder, artists and staff," said Sanville. "It is a testament to the need human beings share for this ancient and powerful art form."

Purple Rose 25 Years was produced by Jeff Daniels' company, 2188 Studio, and sponsored by Meijer Inc. and Comerica Bank.

Underwriting support for the PRTC's 25th anniversary season comes from the Ford Motor Company Fund, The Hamp Family, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Sage Foundation, Shubert Foundation and Matilda R. Wilson Fund.

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