SUPERIOR DONUTS

by Tracy Letts

SEPTEMBER 20, 2012 – DECEMBER 15, 2012

Arthur Przybyszewski has just about given up on everything: a social life, the chance of romance and most of all his family’s long standing Chicago donut shop. But when idealistic dreamer, Franco Wicks walks through the door of his vandalized storefront, Arthur realizes through their unlikely friendship that life still has more to offer him. Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tracy Letts (August: Osage County) the comedy-drama Superior Donuts will make you a believer too.
Directed by Guy Sanville

CAST:

  • Randolph Mantooth
  • Brian Marable
  • David Daoust
  • Michelle Mountain
  • Sandy Ryder
  • Lynch Travis
  • Michael Brian Ogden
  • Alex Leydenfrost
  • Ryan Carlson
  • Set Designer: Bartley H. Bauer
  • Properties Designer: Danna Segrest
  • Costume Designer: Shelby Newport
  • Lighting Designer: Dana White
  • Sound Designer: Tom Whalen
  • Stage Manager: Stephanie Buck

PRESS QUOTES

“From the moment actor Randolph Mantooth steps on stage in the Purple Rose’s superlative production of Superior Donuts, he takes total control of both the stage and the material of this extraordinary play…”

– Ann Arbor Observer

“…the play’s quiet, meaningful (and yes, sweet) final moment packed one heck of a wallop – which indicates to me that what’s most substantive in Donuts is likely to not just go down easy, but stay with you for a while, too.”

– AnnArbor.com

“…in the hands of director Guy Sanville and his excellent cast, Superior Donuts at The Purple Rose Theatre becomes a sweet and delectable treat indeed.”

– EncoreMichigan.com

“Both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply poignant, “Superior Donuts” celebrates the human spirit. It’s as simple and complicated as that.”

– Jackson Citizen Patriot

“…under the masterful direction of Guy Sanville, this fine cast gives us a very entertaining production.”

– New Monitor

THE MEANING OF ALMOST EVERYTHING

a World Premiere by Jeff Daniels

JANUARY 10, 2013 – MARCH 9, 2013

Step right up folks and grab a seat for the hilarious and sometimes painful circus that is life! Two men will astound you with their feats of daring and sometimes cowardice as they pratfall their way to the big answers in The Meaning of Almost of Everything. A world premiere comedy by PRTC founder Jeff Daniels, this show questions the nature of our world and the absurdity of it all!

Directed by Guy Sanville

CAST:

  • Matt Gwynn
  • Michael Brian Ogden
  • Set Designer: Gary Ciarkowski
  • Properties Designer: Danna Segrest
  • Costume Designer: Christianne Myers
  • Lighting Designer: Noele Stollmack
  • Sound Designer: Quintessa Gallinat
  • Stage Manager: Stephanie Buck

PRESS QUOTES

“Indeed, the two actors carry the show with admirable fearlessness, approaching shoe-huffing and philosophical conundrums with equal gusto. Ogden peppers Gwynn with probing questions, comically conveys frustration, and fulfills his role’s physical demands with sure-handed skill; and Gwynn, as the man who must ultimately make this wrenching choice, is both hilarious and endearing, sometimes in the same moment.”

– AnnArbor.com

“We love Jeff Daniels’ comedies. But we didn’t know he had this one in him. It’s something more. We’re not sure we could define exactly what, but we’re sure you should see it, think about it, and enjoy it.”

– Examiner.com

“…the clever, sometimes rapid-fire dialogue delivered by the actors with incredible precision and physicalization is completely mesmerizing.”

– MLive.com

“Every step, every gesture in this energetic romp contributes to the whole; there’s nothing extra.”

– EncoreMichigan.com

33 VARIATIONS

by Moises Kaufman

MARCH 28, 2013 – JUNE 1, 2013

In 19th century Austria, Ludwig van Beethoven works obsessively on a commission he cannot complete. In present day, musicologist Katherine Brandt struggles to solve the mystery behind her professional passion: Beethoven’s oft overlooked “Diabelli Variations”. As she races against time, Katherine not only discovers the true nature of Beethoven’s work, but gains insight into the other mystery in her life: her daughter. Moving between the past and the present, 33 Variations illustrates how the very passions that threaten to overwhelm us can also save us.

Directed by Guy Sanville

CAST:

  • Daniel Britt
  • Lauren Knox
  • Richard McWilliams
  • Michelle Mountain
  • Michael Brian Ogden
  • Rhiannon Ragland
  • Set Designer: Vince Mountain
  • Properties Designer: Danna Segrest
  • Costume Designer: Suzanne Young
  • Lighting Designer: Dana White
  • Sound Designer: Tom Whalen
  • Stage Manager: Stephanie Buck

PRESS QUOTES

“While the cast forms the seamless ensemble we’ve come to expect at the Purple Rose, Michelle Mountain as Katherine and Richard McWillams as Beethoven are outstanding…As an illustration of the human will’s triumph over adversity, “33 Variations” is an uplifting experience.”

– EncoreMichigan.com

“Go see this perfect play. You may not know much about Beethoven. You may never have watched a loved one endure a debilitating disease. But if you have ever wondered about the mysteries of love and life and sorrow and joy, you will find this production speaks to you on a personal level.”

– Examiner.com

“McWilliams is compelling as the larger-than-life, ultimately inscrutable composer, though David Bendena, playing Beethoven’s assistant Anton Schindler, manages to steal a few scenes in his own right. And Ragland locates both the humor and the heart in Gertrude. But the show is primarily a showcase for Mountain, who depicts her character’s physical deterioration, and emotional evolution, with skill and care.”

– AnnAbor.com

MILES & ELLIE

a World Premiere by Don Zolidis

JUNE 20, 2013 – AUGUST 31, 2013

Miles and Ellie are two teenagers in love when a youthful misunderstanding breaks them apart. Flash forward 20 years and a disenchanted Ellie has come home for what she expects to be a typical dysfunctional family Thanksgiving. Not long into the family shenanigans, however, Ellie learns that Miles is still in town and carrying a torch for her. Is it possible to get a second chance at your first love? This charming romantic comedy will make you wonder “what if?”

Directed by Guy Sanville

CAST:

  • Rhiannon Ragland
  • Rusty Mewha
  • Cheryl Turski
  • Bill Simmons
  • Michelle Mountain
  • Set Designer: Bartley H. Bauer
  • Properties Designer: Danna Segrest
  • Costume Designer: Rhiannon Ragland
  • Lighting Designer: Reid G. Johnson
  • Sound Designer: Tom Whalen
  • Stage Manager: Angie Kane Ferrante

PRESS QUOTES

“…a smart, carefully crafted production that happens to make us feel good while reminding us that we all pack a bit of extra baggage into the memories we carry around.”

– Detroit Theater Examiner

“This charming romantic comedy will make you wonder ‘what if?'”

– Chelsea Standard