Deanna Jent's FALLING Plays Meadow Brook Theatre, Now thru 4/13

At 18, most kids are thinking of leaving home, but not Joshua. Josh has autism, and it sets the tone for his entire household. When his grandmother comes for a visit, the carefully maintained balance in the family is sent spinning. After all, Josh isn't the only person in the family, and isn't everyone else entitled to a life, as well?

"Falling" by Deanna Jent plays at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University from today, March 19 through April 13. Jent called on her own life experience when crafting a frank look at how autism affects the entire family.

"I saw "Falling" in New York, and it was such an honest story," says Travis Walter, MBT's artistic director. "I couldn't stop talking about it. Daniel Everidge, who played Josh, was spectacular. I'm so excited that he decided to join our MBT family and reprise his role in our production."

Daniel Everidge was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his off-Broadway portrayal of Josh in "Falling." He is joined on the Meadow Brook stage by Sarab Kamoo and Chris Hietikko, playing parents Tami and Bill; Carolyn Gillespie as Grammy Sue; and Lizzie Rainville as Lisa.

"Falling" is directed by Travis W. Walter. Terry Carpenter is the stage manager, with set design by Jennifer Price Fick, costumes by Liz Goodall, lighting by Reid G. Johnson and sound by Mike Duncan.

Tickets range from $25 to $40 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group pricing. Please note that "Falling" is intended only for mature audiences.

This production of "Falling" is made possible through the support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, Extended Stay Hotels and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.

Meadow Brook Theatre is located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, MI. For additional information, visit www.mbtheatre.com. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 45 years.

Pictured: Lizzie Rainville, Carolyn Gillespie, Chris Hietikko, Daniel Everidge, and Sarab Kamoo. Photo courtesy Rick Smith.