Photo Flash: First Look at Open Book Theatre Company's THE SHADOW BOX

Open Book Theatre Company will open its second season with an American classic, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play THE SHADOW BOX by Michael Cristofer. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The play follows a day in the lives of three terminally ill patients and their families living in a hospice facility. Surprisingly funny and touching, each character deals with their situation in their own way. Director Topher Alan Payne explains, "THE SHADOW BOX reminds me how similar we all are as human beings. In a world where too many things divide us, there is a shared human experience that brings us together. THE SHADOW BOX sheds light on that human experience and the pain and struggle we go through when we come to the end of that shared experience."

Actor Bailey Boudreau, who plays Mark, adds, "So many plays about death focus on the suffering of the people dying. Shadow Box is unique in that it hones in on how the living are impacted by the suffering of loved ones, and how often times the dying are left in the position to comfort and console. It's a beautiful juxtaposition of the mental and emotional states of those afflicted and those in pre-mourning."

The show features a cast of strong actors well recognized for their work on stages across metro Detroit: Bailey Boudreau, Jan Cartwright, Jaclynn Cherry, Wendy Katz Hiller, Ethan Kankula, Dennis Kleinsmith, Lisa Melinn, Sean Paraventi and Krista Schafer Ewbank. Open Book Associate Director Topher Alan Payne is directing, and Harley Miah is designing the lights.

THE SHADOW BOX runs tonight, September 18th at 8pm, Saturday, September 19th at 8pm, Friday September 25th at 8pm, Saturday 26th at 8pm, Sunday, September 27th at 2pm, Thursday, October 1st at 8pm, Friday, October 2nd at 8pm, and Saturday October 3rd at 8pm.

Tickets are $20, $15 for students and seniors. Groups of 10 or more receive a $3 discount off all tickets. For tickets and more information visit www.openbooktc.com or call 734 288-7753. Performances will be held at Penelope's Venue, 12219 Dix Toledo Road, Southgate, MI 48195.

Photo Credit: Sean Ewbank