Purple Rose Theatre to Present STEEL MAGNOLIAS in 2015

The Purple Rose Theatre Company will ring in the new year with the heartfelt classic comedy, Steel Magnolias by American writer, producer and film director, Robert Harling.

You may think you know the story of Steel Magnolias, but you have never experienced the story quite like this. Join us for a Purple Rose take on this classic comedy celebrating the unfathomable bond shared by six small-town women who possess a strength that beckons joy and laughter no matter what life throws at them.

Steel Magnolias will enjoy a nine-week engagement at The Purple Rose Theatre Company from Thursday, January 15 - Saturday, March 14, 2015. Eight low-priced previews will be performed Thursday, January 15 - Thursday, January 22, with Press Opening on Friday, January 23, 2015. Regular performances for the duration of the run are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, with Saturday matinees at 3:00 PM and Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. Please note: the Valentine's Day 8:00 PM performance will feature pre-performance festivities in the theatre lobby with wine, champagne, and desserts by Laura O'Brien Sweets & Treats. (Editor's Note: A complete performance schedule including pricing can be found on page 2).

Directed by PRTC Artistic Director, Guy Sanville, the cast includes Susan Craves (Clarkston, MI), Rachel Hull (Goodrich, MI), Lauren Knox (Macomb, MI), Laural Merlington (Grand Rapids, MI), Michelle Mountain (Grass Lake, MI) and Rhiannon Ragland (Gregory, MI).

Design for this production includes set by Bartley H. Bauer, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Christianne Myers, lighting by Dana L. White, sound by Angie Kane Ferrante and stage managed by Stephanie Buck and Angie Kane Ferrante.

Underwriting support for the season comes from The Ford Motor Company Fund, The Hamp Family Fund, and the Matilda R. Wilson Fund. Production sponsorship for Steel Magnolias comes from Excelda Manufacturing. Media Sponsors include Michigan Radio, ChelseaMich.com, Detroit Performs, and Applied Storytelling. All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Founded in 1991 by actor and Chelsea native, Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) is the home of world-class, original American theatre. The PRTC is a professional theatre company with roots in the Midwest that takes a handcrafted, artisanal approach to producing new and classic American plays that are nothing less than one-of-a-kind experiences. The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors' Equity Association.

Tickets are available for purchase today. Ticket reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Company Box Office at (734) 433-7673 or online at www.purplerosetheatre.org.