Dionysus Theatre Finds Permanent Home

Livingston County residents Steve DeBruyne and Matt Tomich have a plan to bring Michigan's newest live theatre company to the village of Pinckney in Livingston County at 135 E. Main Street. The building was originally erected in the 1850s to serve as a vaudeville style theatre and opera house. In the 1900s the building became the village hardware store, a boxing auditorium, and most recently a bar and grill.

DeBruyne and Tomich plan to have the space double as an exciting live performance venue and an intimate 120 seat dining room.

The name Dionysus comes from the Greek god of the same name. Dionysus was considered the god of many things, including theatre. A patron of the theatre, Greek myths say that when Dionysus went abroad he was accompanied by Muses who, with their songs and dancing, delighted the heart of the god. Dionysus was honored with a festival called the City Dionysia in which tribes competed with each other in performances, and the best show would have the honor of winning the contest.

DeBruyne and Tomich plan to bring up to 6 professional productions a year to Livingston County, including musicals and plays. All tickets will include a delicious dinner buffet in addition to the live performance. The Dionysus Theatre or "The Dio" as it's affectionately being called by the founders, will feature actors from Michigan, joined by other professionals from New York and Chicago to ensure unmatched quality in the Livingston County area.

The pair is well suited to the theatre business. DeBruyne is a graduate of The American Musical andDramatic Academy in New York City and has been a working actor for over 10 years, performing regionally as well as travelling with the Broadway touring company of The Full Monty. He has directed and served as artistic director for another theatre in Michigan, and has been nominated as Best Actor in a Musical twice in the State. Tomich received his Master's Degree in Business from Michigan State University in addition to working in the local theatre scene as an actor, stage manager and designer.

In addition to providing stellar live theatre entertainment and delicious food, The Dio will also offer educational opportunities for youths as well as employment opportunities for actors, production team and office staff.

For up to date information on upcoming shows, auditions, job opportunities and more, visit
www.diotheatre.com or "Like" Dionysus Theatre on Facebook! Ticket information is coming soon!

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