Detroit 2012

Nearly 40 years ago, producer Norman Lear brought a television program about a black family's life in a Chicago housing project into millions of American homes.  And while the show never ignored the dangers and hardships of living in an underserved, crime-ridden community, Good Times focused on the safe haven provided by family and friends that nurtured artistry and activism while providing the expected abundance of sitcom laughter.

Anyone who follows the theater scene in New York realizes that hardly a year goes by when actor Darren Pettie isn't appearing on Broadway, Off Broadway or regional theater. He's also been seen on television in "Mad Men", "Pan Am", "Castle", "Gossip Girl", "Brothers and Sisters" and a host of other shows. Not only is he one of New York's busiest actors, he's one of its finest, too. Take, for example, his performance two seasons ago in THE MILK TRAIN DOESN'T STOP HERE ANYMORE. As the enigmatic Christopher Flanders, Pettie was required to utter the single syllable word "Boom" to emulate the crashing of the waves upon the rocks surrounding Italy's Divina Costiera. Other actors in the role have faltered here, but Pettie imbued the line with authority and conviction that were never apparent in previous incarnations of the work. "Thanks," responds the actor via telephone. "There were some nights that I was very self conscious about that line."

Due to popular demand, Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) has announced an extension of its critically-acclaimed, sold-out New York premiere production of DETROIT, the new play by Obie Award winner Lisa D'Amour.

In the life they had planned for themselves, upscale suburbanites Mary and Ben probably never thought they'd be trading hosting duties at weekend barbeques with people like Kenny and Sharon.  In the life they had planned for themselves Mary and Ben surely never imagined they'd be neighbors with people like Kenny and Sharon.  But with their dreams of a secure and prosperous life temporarily – at least they hope temporarily – put on hold because of a precarious American economy, the couple next door just might be a mirror image of what is only a few missed payments away.

Previews began August 24 for the Playwrights Horizons production of DETROIT, the New York premiere of the much-heralded new play by Obie Award winner Lisa D'Amour. The show opened last night, September 18 at Playwrights Horizons' Mainstage Theater (416 West 42nd Street). BroadwayWorld brings you photos from the big opening below!

Previews began August 24 for the Playwrights Horizons production of DETROIT, the New York premiere of the much-heralded new play by Obie Award winner Lisa D'Amour. BroadwayWorld brings you highlights from the show below!

Previews began August 24 for the Playwrights Horizons production of DETROIT, the New York premiere of the much-heralded new play by Obie Award winner Lisa D'Amour.

Previews begin tonight, August 24 for the Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) production of DETROIT, the New York premiere of the much-heralded new play by Obie Award winner Lisa D'Amour.

Previews begin this Friday, August 24 for the Playwrights Horizons (Tim Sanford, Artistic Director; Leslie Marcus, Managing Director) production of DETROIT, the New York premiere of the much-heralded new play by Obie Award winner Lisa D'Amour.

Two-time Tony Award winner John Cullum (for Shenandoah and On the Twentieth Century; additional nominations for Urinetown, 110 in the Shade and On a Clear Day You…; Wilder at PH), Darren Pettie (This and Spatter Pattern at PH, Butley on Broadway, "Mad Men") and Sarah Sokolovic (Drama Desk Award nominee for The Shaggs at PH) will star in the New York premiere of DETROIT, a new play by Lisa D'Amour (2011 Pulitzer Prize finalist for this play, 2011 Steinberg Playwright Award winner for her body of work, Obie Award winner for Nita and Zita). Also in the cast are Oscar and Tony Award nominee Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone, "The Office," On the Mountain at PH) and Emmy Award nominee David Schwimmer ("Friends," "Band of Brothers," PH debut). Directed by Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman (Maple and Vine at PH, The Thugs, Stunning, Naked Angels' This Wide Night), previews will begin Friday, August 24 at Playwrights Horizons' Mainstage Theater as the first production of the theater company's new season. The cast and creative held their first rehearsal last week, and you can check out full photo coverage below!

Two-time Tony Award winner John Cullum (for Shenandoah and On the Twentieth Century; additional nominations for Urinetown, 110 in the Shade and On a Clear Day You…; Wilder at PH), Darren Pettie (This and Spatter Pattern at PH, Butley on Broadway, "Mad Men") and Sarah Sokolovic (Drama Desk Award nominee for The Shaggs at PH) will star in the New York premiere of DETROIT, a new play by Lisa D'Amour (2011 Pulitzer Prize finalist for this play, 2011 Steinberg Playwright Award winner for her body of work, Obie Award winner for Nita and Zita). Also in the cast are Oscar and Tony Award nominee Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone, "The Office," On the Mountain at PH) and Emmy Award nominee David Schwimmer ("Friends," "Band of Brothers," PH debut). Directed by Obie Award winner Anne Kauffman (Maple and Vine at PH, The Thugs, Stunning, Naked Angels' This Wide Night), previews will begin Friday, August 24 at Playwrights Horizons' Mainstage Theater as the first production of the theater company's new season. The cast and creative team met the press today, and you can check out a photo preview below. Be sure to check back later for full photo coverage!

Lisa D'Amour's play Detroit premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre in 2010, directed by Austin Pendleton, and was scheduled to open on Broadway in the 2011/12 season.

Lisa D'Amour's play Detroit premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre in 2010, directed by Austin Pendleton, and was scheduled to open on Broadway in the 2011/12 season.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is pleased to announce its new American play Detroit by Lisa D'Amour and directed by ensemble member Austin Pendleton will open on Broadway early fall 2011. Detroit makes its Broadway debut following world premiere at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company, September 9 - November 7, 2010. Casting for the Broadway engagement will be announced shortly.