The Sauk Announces Casting for MARVIN'S ROOM

A mostly veteran cast will lead The Sauk's upcoming production of Marvin's Room by Scott McPherson. Bessie lives in Florida where she cares for her pain-ridden aunt and ailing father, Marvin, who is confined to his bed and unable to speak.

When Bessie is diagnosed with leukemia, her only hope is to contact her long-estranged sister, Lee, to see if their bone marrow is compatible for a transplant. Lee reluctantly makes the trip from Ohio, bringing along her two sons, one of whom, Hank, has just been released from an institution after a wave of arson. Bessie's challenge becomes reuniting Lee and Hank before he rejects her completely for her years of neglect. Beloved for its mordant humor and unflinching wisdom, this dark comedy allows us a moving view of one woman's commitment to family and response to despair.

This production is part of the Sauk Seconds season. Leading the cast is Sandi Miller of Milan as Bessie. Miller appeared in last season's Sauk productions of It's A Wonderful Life and Does This Show Make My Butt Look Fat? Jackson Preparatory & Early College (JPEC) teacher Andrea Ortell will make her Sauk debut as Lee. Hudson resident Carol Trevino will play Aunt Ruth with JPEC student Brendan Pratt as Hank. The cast will also include Hillsdale resident Travis Blatchley as Dr. Wally, Reading youth Landen Clabaugh as Charlie and Jackson residents Ray Pratt as Bob and Julie Pratt as Dr. Charlotte/Retirement Home Director. Timothy Brayman, who just completed a run as Albert Soady in The Sauk's Escanaba in da Moonlight will play family patriarch Marvin.

The production will be directed by Trinity Bird, who most recently directed The Sauk's productions of Escanaba in da Moonlight and The Full Monty. Allison Cleveland is stage manager. Technical assistance will be provided by Makenzie Swisher, Bruce Crews and Tracy McCullough.

Performances of Marvin's Room are April 5-7 at 8 p.m. A 3 p.m. matinee will be performed on April 8. All tickets are $10. The April 5 performance is a Pay What You Can preview performance. This production is recommended for mature audiences. Tickets can be purchased online now at www.thesauk.org or by calling 517-849-9100 after March 28. The Sauk is located at 240 E. Chicago St. in Jonesville.

This production is sponsored by Nash Drugs. The 2018 Sauk season is sponsored by Expressions Photography & Design. The Sauk receives support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment of the Arts and their program, Art Works.