{"id":14512,"date":"2016-09-07T13:53:28","date_gmt":"2016-09-07T18:53:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/college.unc.edu\/?p=14512"},"modified":"2024-07-02T16:28:56","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T16:28:56","slug":"detroit67","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/collegearchive.unc.edu\/?p=14512","title":{"rendered":"Detroit ’67 opens PlayMakers’ main-stage season"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Left
Left to right: Rachel Christopher as Chelle, Charlie Hudson III as Sly and Tangela Large as Bunny in PlayMakers Repertory Company\u2019s production of \u201cDetroit \u201867. (photo by Jon Gardiner)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

PlayMakers Repertory Company opens the 2016-17 main-stage season with Dominique Morisseau\u2019s \u201cDetroit \u201867,\u201d on stage Sept. 14 through Oct. 2. Special events associated with the show begin Sept. 7.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s 1967, and the world is shifting for two siblings running an after-hours joint to make ends meet. Tensions mount when dreams diverge, their tight-knit community is threatened by an outsider and the streets erupt in violence in this riveting new play set to a driving Motown beat.<\/p>\n

The Star Tribune describes \u201cDetroit \u201867\u201d as a \u201cpoetic play of fire-fueled dreams,\u201d while The New York Times says the play \u201ccrackles with humor.\u201d The Huffington Post calls Morisseau \u201ca direct heir to the magical wordsmiths named Lorraine Hansberry, Tennessee Williams, and August Wilson,\u201d and calls the script \u201cmind blowing\u2026 you can feel the pulse and vibrations of her characters.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDetroit \u201867\u201d was the recipient of the 2014 Edward M Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History, awarded through Columbia University.<\/p>\n

\"Myles
Myles Bullock as Lank, Rachel Christopher as Chelle and Katy Castaldi as Caroline in PlayMakers Repertory Company\u2019s production of \u201cDetroit \u201867. (photo by Jon Gardiner)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The production is helmed by director Lisa Rothe, whose recent PlayMakers credits include \u201cHold These Truths\u201d by Jeanne Sakata and \u201cPenelope\u201d with Ellen McLaughlin. A champion of new play development, Rothe has workshopped and directed more than 100 new plays and musicals at theaters across the country, including the Public Theater, New York Theatre Workshop, Primary Stages, HERE Arts Center, and others.<\/p>\n

Three actors will make their PlayMakers debut in \u201cDetroit \u201867\u201d, including Charles Hudson III, recently seen on Broadway in \u201cA Raisin in the Sun\u201d alongside Denzel Washington and Anika Noni Rose. Others are Rachel Christopher, who recently starred as Jory in Repertory Theatre of St. Louis\u2019s production of \u201cDisgraced,\u201d and Tangela Large, who will return to PlayMakers in April to perform the award-winning solo show \u201cMr. Joy\u201d by Daniel Beaty as part of the PRC2<\/sup> series.<\/p>\n

Completing the cast are PlayMakers company members Katy Castaldi (\u201cThree Sisters,\u201d \u201cInto the Woods\u201d) and Myles Bullock (\u201cWe Are Proud to Present\u2026\u201d, \u201cMary\u2019s Wedding\u201d).<\/p>\n

Performances will take place in the Paul Green Theatre in the Center for Dramatic Art on Country Club Road. Show times will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays and Saturday, Oct. 1. There are no performances Saturday, Sept. 24.<\/p>\n

\"Left
Left to right: Rachel Christopher as Chelle, Charlie Hudson III as Sly, Tangela Large as Bunny and Myles Bullock as Lank in PlayMakers Repertory Company\u2019s production of \u201cDetroit \u201867. (photo by Jon Gardiner)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In conjunction with \u201cDetroit \u201867,\u201d PlayMakers hosts \u201cThe Vision Series-Directors in Conversation,\u201d a behind-the-scenes preview with director Lisa Rothe, moderated by dramaturg Jacqueline E. Lawton, Sept. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Paul Green Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. Participants share coffee and hors d\u2019oeuvres provided by series sponsor Carol Woods Retirement Community, learn about the vision for the show and get a sneak peek at the sets and costumes in progress. Reservations are appreciated. Call PlayMakers\u2019 box office at 919.962.7529 to RSVP.<\/p>\n

Other special events will include:<\/p>\n