'Superior Doughnuts' Leads 2012 Season at Purple Rose Theatre

The comedy will feature Randolph Mantooth of NBC's "Emergency!" television series in the role of Arthur Przybyszewski.

CHELSEA — The Purple Rose Theatre Company kicks-off its 2012-2013 season with Superior Donuts by Tracy Letts. The production will enjoy a 13-week engagement from Sept. 20-Dec. 15. Eight low-priced previews will be performed Sept. 20-27, with press opening on Sept. 28. 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. Superior Donuts premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 2008. It then moved to Broadway for a run in the fall 2009 This comedy-drama set in one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods explores the unlikely friendship between a burned-out donut shop owner and his idealistic new employee. Arthur …

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Purple Rose Theatre Announces 2012-2013 Season

Randolph Mantooth, veteran actor of stage and screen, to star in the theater's season opener, "Superior Donuts."

The Purple Rose Theatre Company announced its 2012-2013 season lineup this week, which will feature two world premieres and two plays by award-winning playwrights. The theatre company’s 22nd professional season will include Superior Donuts by Tracy Letts, the world premiere of The Meaning of Almost Everything by Jeff Daniels, 33 Variations by Moisés Kaufman and the world premiere of Miles & Ellie by Don Zolidis. Eight low-priced previews will begin each run, followed by opening night during the second week of each engagement. Regular performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Superior Donuts kicks-off the season. This comedy-drama set in one of Chicago’s most …

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REVIEW: 'On Golden Pond' Packs Plenty of Emotion at Purple Rose Theatre

Ernest Thompson's classic drama brings family drama and excitement to the Purple Rose Theatre stage in Chelsea through Sept. 1.

CHELSEA — The Purple Rose Theatre Company's production of Ernest Thompson's On Golden Pond makes for an evening of wholesome family entertainment. The play follows Ethel and Norman Thayer, played by Jan Radcliff and John Peakes, as they return to their summer home in Maine. Their respite is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of their estranged daughter (Rhiannon Ragland), her fiancé, and his teenage son. Over the course of the summer, an unlikely friendship develops between Norman and the boy, which sparks a renewed zest for life in the Thayer family. In the twilight years of marriage, Ethel and Norman rediscover the joy and romance of every day living. On Golden Pond does not have a terribly interesting plot. In the hands of a lesser …

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Weekend Planner: Stay Cool at Dexter Area Indoor Attractions

Here's a look at some fun family-friendly activities in the area to beat the heat this weekend.

With temperatures continuing into the high 90s this weekend, Dexter Patch has compiled a list of family-friendly activities to cool off going on around the area this weekend. Drop-in laser tag players are always welcome at Lazer Planet in Dexter. You can play laser tag with as little as two or as many as 14 people per game. The arcade is open from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The Ann Arbor District Library hosts the 2012 Kids Read Comics Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, bringing more than 70 cartoonists and writers to the Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave., for the entire weekend. The event is free and open to the public. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m On Saturday and Sunday the Rentschler Farm…

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Dexter's Encore Musical Theatre Nominated for 3 Wilde Awards

The 2012 Wilde Awards recognize noteworthy achievements in theater in Southeast Michigan.

The Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter has been nominated for three Wilde Awards in recognition of its 2011-2012 season. The awards are presented by EncoreMichigan.com — an online publication that's focused on Michigan's professional theater industry, and recognize noteworthy achievements on stages across the state. The Encore is nominated for Best Musical for The Light in the Piazza, and Best Musical Direction for The Last Five Years and Godspell. "We are so excited to be nominated," Thalia Schramm, the Encore's associate artistic director said. "The Wilde Awards are such an exciting representation of all the fantastic theatre being produced in Michigan. Congratulations to all the nominees this year." Steve DeBruyne of Brighton, who…

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Dexter High School Freshman Ian Bejster Joins Cast of 'On Golden Pond'

The Dexter student will be featured in the upcoming show at the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea beginning June 21.

Purple Rose Theatre Holds Open Auditions for 2012 Season

Actors can schedule an audition appointment by calling the theater's administration office Monday through Friday.

CHELSEA — The Purple Rose Theatre Company will hold general auditions for roles in its upcoming 2012-2013 season from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 7-8. Auditions will be held at 137 Park St., in Chelsea. Artistic Director Guy Sanville will review male and female actors over 21. If an actor is unable to attend general auditions, he or she may submit a current headshot and resume to Sanville. Actors will be asked to perform a one-minute comic monologue and should bring a current headshot and resume to the audition. Actors will be notified by phone if they are being invited to callbacks, which are not currently scheduled. The 2012-2013 season includes Superior Donuts by Tracy Letts, The Meaning of Almost Everything by Jeff Daniels, 33 Variations by …

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

The production will enjoy a 10-week engagement beginning March 29.

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 …

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Celebrate Valentine's Day Locally in Dexter

Keep your dollars in town while celebrating Valentine's Day with your loved ones this year.

As Valentine’s Day draws near, we always seem to be constricted by that suffocating question of “What do I buy?” Luckily, local businesses around Dexter have alleviated the stress of Valentine’s Day to make it easy and enjoyable. Here is just a sample of some ideas for that special someone. Sweet Treats If your significant other has a sweet tooth, head over to Stucchi's of Dexter for some handmade gourmet chocolates. For those looking for a more traditional selection, the Dexter Bakery offers an assortment of cookies, pies and baked goods. Check out our Valentine's candy price comparison and stop by Country Market and Busch's to pick up a variety of candy (both sugar and sugar free) for the big day. Little Green Apple and Dexter Pharmacy …

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Weekend Planner: Winter Fun at Hudson Mills, 'A Stone Carver' Opens in Chelsea

Looking for things to do this weekend around Dexter? Let Patch help you plan.

We're close to Friday, so why not start looking ahead a day early for weekend happenings in the area. With that, let's begin our planner: For more events, visit our calendar page.

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