World Premiere of 'White Buffalo' Opens at the Purple Rose Theatre

CHELSEA — An old English proverb says "Every man his his price," and the cast of the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea is put to the test with this theme in the upcoming world premiere of White Buffalo by Don Zolidis.

Inspired by true events, White Buffalo tells the story of the miracle birth of a white buffalo calf on a family farm in Wisconsin. According to a Sioux prophecy, the birth of a white buffalo female calf signifies the beginning of peace on earth and unity to mankind. Quickly, the farm becomes a hotbed of spiritual outpouring — from Native American pilgrims to the Dalai Lama. The publicity reaches Carol’s long-estranged husband whose return further complicates her life. When a mysterious businessman offers to buy the calf, Carol must decide whether the white buffalo signals the end of her financial hardships or the beginning of her personal enrichment.

"This story is inspired by the Sioux myth, but it's really a story about a family coming together through healing and forgiveness," artistic director Guy Sanville said. "It's a story that I think a lot of people will get. It is more timely than ever, and it's a really well-written story. I think everyone that sees it will recognize some character that they can relate to in their own life."

Michelle Mountain, who plays Carol, said she is excited to be back on the Purple Rose stage.

"I told myself that this show is going to be harder (emotionally) than when we did A Streetcar Named Desire in 2009. If the play is a tornado, my character is in the middle of it," she explained. "I'm the one who ultimately has to make the key decision to sell the calf, but all this wind around me is actually support and magic."

As a mother with several children, Mountain said she connects on a personal level with certain choices her character is faced with.

"It's been one of the most glorious parts I've ever played because it's about regular people. You don't have to have a teenager to worry. You don't have to be poor to struggle; you can have all the money in the world and your kid is in rehab," she said. "The story provides a glimpse into someone's life who has to work all the time or lose it all."

Rainbow Dickerson of Los Angeles, CA, and Meghan Thompson, of Milford, said they are excited to be making their debut on the Purple Rose stage.

"Working at the Purple Rose has been an amazing experience," Dickerson said. "There's been a lot of joy and reawakening of creative spirit for me personally."

Thompson said having the chance to act in front of a live audience is both exhilarating and nerve racking at the same time.

"Every day is different. The people here are beautiful people and I feel super lucky to be part of the experience," she said.

Dickerson said one of her favorite aspects of the script has been Zolidis' careful crafting of Native American folklore.

"It's rare to see a playwright actually try to say something about indigenous culture and not do it in a stereotypical way," she said. "Though we may touch on some things that are a little more of the stereotypical view of Native Americans, that's not what the play is about. It actually presents some really lovely things about the culture and it's a really good blending of two cultures. There is a message that people can take away from the play."

Sanville agreed, making a bold prediction.

"A lot of people who will see this play will never forget it," he said.

Tickets are now on sale for White Buffalo. Ticket reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Box Office at 734-433-ROSE (7673); Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.purplerosetheatre.org. The show will take place March 29 through June 2.