Mitch Albom's ERNIE Opens 5/3 at City Theatre

By: Kelsey Denette Apr. 30, 2012

With more than 75 sold-out performances in its premiere run, "Ernie" will return for its second season Thursday, May 3 at 8 p.m. at the City Theatre, located inside Hockeytown Café, featuring the same two stars from last year's run. Mitch Albom's play, dedicated to the late and beloved Hall of Fame Detroit Tiger announcer, Ernie Harwell, will renew its engagement just one block from Comerica Park, offering fans another season to remember "The Voice of Summer".

"Ernie" is the highest-attended show in the history of the City Theatre, which was once home to Second City Detroit. During its inaugural season, "Ernie" was extended twice due to extraordinary popular demand and was seen by more than 30,000 people.

As a result of this, "Ernie" was able to donate $30,000 to Ernie Harwell's favorite charities as well as his foundation. Plans are the same for this year's run.

Tickets have been kept at the same low price ($20 and $25) and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge), at all Ticketmaster locations, Ticketmaster.com and at the City Theatre box office, located inside Hockeytown Cafe. To charge tickets by phone, call 1-800-745-3000. For additional information, call (313) 471-6611.

Albom, who was asked by Harwell if he'd consider a play about the announcer's life, began writing the script after Ernie's passing in May of 2010. The two-actor play debuted last April to coincide with the Tigers baseball season and featured longtime Detroit area stage favorite Will Young, as the iconic Harwell, and TJ Corbett, in the role of "The Boy".

"Ernie" is set on Harwell's last night at Comerica Park in September of 2009, prior to his moving thank you speech to his adopted and beloved city of Detroit. Just before he walks onto the grassy field, he encounters an unusual boy who is eager to know all about him, coaxing Harwell into giving one final broadcast – the "broadcast of his life".

The play features classic footage from historic baseball moments, supplied courtesy of Major League Baseball, and boasts many unmistakable Harwell calls. Tigers fans will get a glimpse of the time that Ernie met the Great Bambino and Ty Cobb. They'll witness how he "recreated" games in his early days, and what was behind his broadcasts of the Tigers' 1968 and 1984 World Series.

"Ernie's" encore engagement will again feature convenient showtimes to allow fans the ability to watch the play and catch a Tigers game. To take advantage of the "doubleheader" experience, patrons can purchase their "Ernie" show tickets online at OlympiaEntertainment.com, Ticketmaster.com or the Fox Theatre Box Office. At that time, a redemption code will be given for use on Tigers.com or at the Comerica Park Box Office to receive a $5 savings on select seating and at select regular season home games. Game tickets will only be available for pick-up at the Comerica Park Box Office and patrons must present their "Ernie" show ticket stub.

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