'A Stone Carver' Opens at Purple Rose Theatre on Jan. 19

Editor's note: This press release was submitted by the Purple Rose Theatre Company.

The Purple Rose Theatre Company continues its 2011-12 season with A Stone Carver, a heartfelt story about the rekindling of a father-son relationship by William Mastrosimone.

A Stone Carver tells the story of a retired stonemason who clings to the past and his son who refuses to look back. When Agostino, a seventh-generation stone carver is evicted from his home to make space for a highway, he barricades himself in his house, determined to outlast the bulldozers. In a last-ditch effort to save his father from jail, Raff, Agostino’s only son, arrives at the house with his new fiancée. A battle of wills ensues, putting their already-rocky relationship to the test.

Inspired by events in the playwright’s own life, A Stone Carver was first produced in 1987 at Seattle Repertory Theatre under the title, The Understanding. This production will mark Purple Rose resident artist Rhiannon Ragland’s professional directing debut. The cast will feature Artistic Director Guy Sanville as Agostino, Matthew David of Flint and Charlyn Swarthout of Union City.

The production will enjoy an eight-week engagement from Jan. 19 to March 10. Eight low-priced previews of the show will be performed Jan. 19-26, with opening night on Jan. 27. Regular performances for the duration of the run are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

There will be two matinees performed for students at 11 a.m. on Feb. 7 and March 6.

Tickets are available by calling 734-433-ROSE. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.purplerosetheatre.org.