Matrix Theatre to Open 2015-16 Season with A KID LIKE JAKE, 9/18-10/11

Matrix Theatre Company opens its 2015 - 2016 season with A Kid Like Jake, a thoughtful exploration of family and parenthood by Daniel Pearle, September 18 - October 11.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. All productions are presented at Matrix Theatre Company, located at 2730 Bagley in the heart of Detroit's Mexicantown. Ticket prices range from $15 to $20. Group rates are available for most shows. For further information or to order tickets, go to www.matrixtheatre.org, or call 313-967-0599.

The play centers around a mother and father as they attempt to do right by their son. Greg and Alex are a privileged Manhattan couple who want only the best for their precocious four-year-old son, Jake. Jake is a competitive candidate for admission to Manhattan's top kindergartens, but when his affection for Cinderella and dress-up is scrutinized, his parents are forced to consider whether or not his behavior could or should be cause for concern. This story examines the complexity of parenthood and challenges assumptions about gender, privilege, class, and what it means to be "normal."

"It's a privilege to present this thought-provoking play at a time when transgender and gender non-conforming issues are at the forefront of the news, and I am glad we are able to explore this issue through the story of a child's experience," said Matrix Artistic Director Megan Buckley-Ball. "We hope this production will promote a lot of serious conversation about the subject."

A Kid Like Jake is directed by David Wolber and stars Patrick Hanley as Greg and Kaitlyn Valor-Bourque as Alex. Krystle Futrell and Allison Megroet round out the cast.