Matrix Theatre Presents Michigan Premiere Of REAP THE GROVE

Matrix Theatre Company presents the Michigan premiere of Reap the Grove by Caity-Shea Violette February 1 - 24, 2019. Performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM at Matrix Theatre Company, located at 2730 Bagley Avenue in the heart of Mexicantown. Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for students, seniors, veterans, and active military personnel, and may be purchased in advance or, if available, at the door. Group rates are also available. For further information or to purchase tickets, visit www.matrixtheatre.org or call (313) 967-0599.

An estranged family reunites for their mother's final days before she ends her life on her own terms following a terminal diagnosis. Reap the Grove is a poignant and darkly funny exploration of partnership, transgenerational trauma, and the anticipated grief of death with dignity.

Director Sonja Marquis of Brighton had this to say about the production, "Humor is a great coping mechanism when dealing with tough circumstances, and this beautiful story has plenty of both. It's about reconciliation, acceptance, respect for others' needs, and moving forward. This family of strong women is flawed and relatable, and I could not be more excited about our incredible cast bringing their story to life."

The cast includes Amy Morrisey of Northville, JM Ethridge of Eastpointe, Kelly Rose Voigt of Farmington and Annabelle Young of Dearborn.

The production team includes Sonja Marquis as both Director and Sound Designer, Melinda Pacha of Royal Oak as Scenic Designer, Sarah Drum of Garden City as Stage Manager, Gabriella Csapo of Detroit as Props Designer, Amy Schneider of Sterling Heights as Lighting Designer, and Anne Suchyta Devlin of Dearborn as Costume Designer.

The final dress rehearsal on Thursday, January 31 is a "Pay What You Can" performance. To help eliminate the barrier between audiences and live theatre, patrons can choose to pay whatever amount they choose to see the preview performance of Reap the Grove. For further information, go to www.matrixtheatre.org or call the box office at 313-967-0599. Doors open at 7:30PM for the 8PM performance.

In its 28th season as a non-profit, community-based theatre, the award-winning Matrix Theatre Company is located in southwest Detroit and uses the transformative power of theatre to change lives, build community, and foster social justice. Go to matrixtheatre.org for further information. Matrix Theatre Company's Mainstage Season is funded in part by Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The Kresge Foundation, and The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Foundation.

Photo Credit: Megan Buckley-Ball; from left to right: Kelly Rose Voigt as Judith, JM Ethridge as Nan, Amy Morrisey as Sandra, and Annabelle Young as Beckah in the Michigan premiere of Reap the Grove by Caity-Shea Violette