It Came From Mars receives National Award Nomination

Adding to the ever-growing list of awards and acclaim received by Joseph Zettelmaier's "It Came from Mars" comes the announcement that the comedy has been nominated for the American Theatre Critics Association's annual ATCA/Steinberg New Play Award. The award, which honors new scripts produced outside New York City, is chosen from only a few dozen nominations across the country. This is Zettelmaier's third nomination.

"It Came from Mars" was featured in Performance Network's 2009-2010 season and proved to be a runaway hit with both audiences and critics. It sold nearly 40% more in tickets than PNT initially anticipated and received awards or "best of" nods from AnnArbor.com, the Detroit Free Press, Between the Lines, the Lansing City Pulse and the Edgerton Foundation. The 2010 production was co-produced with the Williamston Theatre.

Playwright Joseph Zettelmaier said "It's a thrill to be nominated for this prestigious award. "It Came From Mars" was an experience unlike any other. The cast, crew and design team were across-the-board excellent, and working with [director] Tony Caselli was a dream come true. His guidance throughout this process was vital to turning the script into what it became. I'd like to give my heartfelt thanks to both the Performance Network and Williamston Theatre for making this production happen."

Since 1974, the ATCA has chosen a minimum of one new play to be featured in the definitive annual theater yearbook, "Best Plays." The top prize offers $15,000 to be awarded to the playwright, with two additional citations awarding $5,000 each. Past Steinberg citations have been awarded to August Wilson, Moises Kaufman, Adam Rapp, Nilo Cruz, Lynn Nottage and Horton Foote. Winners will be announced in the Spring.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

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