Photo Flash: FENCES At Performance Network Theatre

Performance Network Theatre presents August Wilson's classic FENCES starring Lynch Travis (STOP KISS, WHITE PICKET FENCE) and directed by Tim Rhoze. The show began previews April 23 and runs through May 24, 2009.

The cast also includes Sheila Slaughter, Julian Gant, Michael Joseph and James Bowen, who are all making their Performance Network debut.

Winner of the New York Drama Critic's and Tony Awards as well as the Pulitzer Prize, this American classic follows one African-American family as they struggle through the 1950s. The story centers around Troy Maxon, a former Negro League baseball star who was excluded from the major leagues during his prime. He now works as a Pittsburgh garbage man and harbors a lingering bitterness that threatens his relationships with his wife and his son, who wants his own chance to play ball. FENCES explores the complicated relationships that hold families together-- and tear them apart-- in a powerful, moving story filled with humor, love, hope and triumph.

"One of the richest experiences I have ever had in the theatre. I wasn't just moved. I was transfixed." -New York Post

The design team is: Monika Essen (set and costumes), Mary Cole (lighting), Will Myers (sound), Charlie Sutherland (properties) and Janine Woods (technical director).

Tickets can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 734.663.0681, online at www.performancenetwork.org or by coming to the Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor) Monday-Saturday 11-6 or one hour before a performance.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

Ticket Prices:
Pay-What-You-Can Thurs, Jan. 23 at 8pm: Suggested donation $10
Previews Fri, April 24 at 8pm, Sun, April 26 at 2pm & Thurs, April 30 at 8pm: $22/$24*
Preview Sat, April 25 at 8pm: $30/$32*
Opening Night Fri, May 1 at 8pm: $39/$41*
Pay-What-You-Can Sat, May 2 at 3pm: Suggested donation $15
Thursdays at 8pm: $27/$29*
Fridays 8pm and Sundays 2pm: $32/$34*
Saturdays at 3pm: $25/$27*
Saturdays at 8pm: $39/$41*

*Premium seats are $2 more per seat

Discounts include $3 off for seniors 60+, $2 off for members, $10 off advance student tickets (for all shows except Saturday evenings), $10 tickets for 16 and under and ½ price student RUSH tickets with day-of-show reservations (must show student ID). Special rates are also available for groups.

For more information visit www.performancenetwork.org.

Photos by Peter Smith.