Open Book Theatre Company Announces Upcoming Summer Production and Next Season

On the heals of their Wilde Award nominated first season Open Book Theatre Company is pleased to announce their upcoming productions. Expanding on their initial success, they will offer a family show at a new outdoor amphitheater in Southgate and a 5 show second season. In addition to expanding the season from 4 to 5 productions, each show will be offered 8 times over 3 weekends, instead of the 6 performances over 2 weekends offered their first season. Open Book expects the longer run to attract even larger audiences with more opportunities to come and more time for word of mouth to spread.

Open Book is excited to present a professional production in the still under construction amphitheater at Market Center Park, near the corner of Eureka and Trenton where the old Montgomery Ward building once stood. Wiley and the Hairy Man, by Suzan Zeder, is a spine tingling tale based on an old American folktale. It tells the story of a young boy named Wiley who goes deep into the swamp to conquer his only fear: the mythical Hairy Man. Wiley discovers that his wits are his best weapon in this rollicking and imaginative tale where actors create not only the inhabitants of the swamp, but the swamp itself. Shows will be August 1, 2, 8 and 9th at 2pm, with special ticket prices of $5 for kids and $10 for adults.

In the fall Open Book will be back in residence at Penelope's Venue, bringing professional theatre to this charming, artsy performance space at 12219 Dix Toledo in Southgate. The theatre will continue its mission to bring to the stage stories that challenge, inspire, and deepen our sense of community.

The season will kick off with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning The Shadow Box. When Artistic Director Krista Schafer Ewbank and Associate Director Topher Payne first began talking about working together on a new company they would say "we want to do plays like The Shadow Box," and are particularly excited to be bringing this show to the Open Book stage. Topher Payne, who will be directing, said "The Shadow Box reminds me how similar we all our as Human Beings. In a world where too many things divide us, there is a shared human experience that brings us together."

Several of the shows are Michigan Premieres, and the season will end with a World Premiere production. "I wanted Calypso's Corner to open someplace filled with energy and the gusto a new play needs. I am beyond thrilled that the first time this play comes to life, it will be with Open Book, a company that is itself just beginning to germinate. It's hard to let go of these characters who I've come to know so intimately and to let other people's ideas fill them out into actual people, but I trust Krista completely and know she'll take my script and grow it into a play," said playwright Emily Rosenbaum.

The complete Second Season:

The Shadow Box by Michael Cristofer, directed by Topher Alan Payne

Sept 18 -Oct 3, 2015

In this compelling Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play, three characters are facing death with the support (more or less) of their family and friends. A beautiful, moving and often funny look at what makes up a life.

Dead Man's Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Topher Alan Payne

Nov 6-21, 2015

An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man-with a lot of loose ends. Answering a dead man's cell phone sends Jean on a comedic odyssey which forces her to confront her own assumptions about morality, redemption, and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world.

Bauer directed by Krista Schafer Ewbank

Jan 22-Feb 6, 2016

Famed painter Rudolf Bauer sketched on scraps while in a Nazi prison, was saved by his lover, Guggenheim curator Hilla Rebay, and had an NYC museum built to house his art... until an incredible act of betrayal stopped him from painting. A shocking and moving story of powerful art and powerful passion.

Who Am I This Time? (& Other Conundrums of Love)

by Aaron Posner, adapted from stories by Kurt Vonnegut, directed by Topher Alan Payne

March 4-19, 2016

Michigan Premiere. The subject is love, pure and complicated. Three early comic masterpieces by Kurt Vonnegut (Long Walk to Forever, Who am I This Time? and Go Back to Your Precious Wife and Son) are sewn together in the story of a small town in this smart, delightful comedy for the whole family.

Calypso's Corner by Emily Rosenbaum, directed by Angie Kane Ferrante

May 6-21, 2016

World Premiere. Weaving together the past and present this story of two sisters' estrangement examines the legacy of violence through multiple generations and the healing power of sharing our stories.

Season tickets are on sale now: $85 for regular admission and $65 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at www.openbooktc.com or call 734 288-7753 for more information. Tickets for Wiley and the Hairy Man are not included in the Season Ticket package, but can also be purchased on the website.

Open Book Theatre provides discussion questions for each play perfect for book clubs, extra credit work for students and more. Information can be downloaded from the website, or call the theatre (734 288-7753) for more information.