IT CAME FROM MARS by Joseph Zettelmaier Receives New American Plays Award

The Edgerton Foundation (Los Angeles, California) has announced the first round of its 2009 New American Plays Award, recognizing exceptional new projects across the country. An organization whose mission is to encourage the development of original works of American Theatre, The Edgerton Foundation has awarded $1.5 million in support since its inception in 2006.

Performance Network Theatre received the award for its upcoming spring 2010 production of Joseph Zettelmaier's IT CAME FROM MARS, which is being co-produced with Williamston Theatre. The funds received will be used to extend the rehearsal process, which will allow the cast and crew to work with the playwright in developing the script for its world premiere. This will provide an unprecedented six weeks of rehearsal and previews, further enhancing the technical elements and overall production as well.

IT CAME FROM MARS, which was featured in PNT's Fireside Festival of New Works last summer, is an off-the-wall story about a group of radio actors terrified by Orson Welles' War of the Worlds broadcast. Passions ignite, secret identities are revealed and mayhem ensues when a washed-up director, his ex-wife, a wanna-be war hero, a ditzy actress and a German sound effects wiz all think they are about to be annihilated by men from Mars. The show will be directed by Tony Caselli (JACOB MARLEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL, TAKE ME OUT).

Artistic Director David Wolber says "I'm so excited for this opportunity to deepen our existing commitment to new work with greater resources with which to develop and enrich scripts. This recognition puts Performance Network and Joe Zettelmaier into a category with prestigious theatres and artists whom I deeply respect." Past recipients include the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, American Repertory Theatre in Boston and Arena Stage in DC for their development of 33 VARIATIONS, the Jane Fonda-led play currently up for five Tony Awards.

Performance Network's commitment to new plays and playwrights includes a vision of getting Michigan playwrights' works out into the national community. This commitment has resulted in three American Theatre Critic's Association nominations for plays premiered at the Network, and one play being optioned for a Broadway production. Performance Network is a constituent member of the National New Play Network, an organization of theatres nationwide committed to the development and promotion of new plays. IT CAME FROM MARS was featured in NNPN's national showcase of new plays in Orlando, FL.

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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