CHELSEA – The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) announces the third production of their 34th season, “My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War” a World Premiere comedy written by Paul Stroili. Tickets are on sale now.
Izzy’s history buff husband Freddy had a dream: a full-scale reenactment of The Michigan-Ohio War. But when a bizarre papier-mâché accident leaves Izzy a widow, she calls on her Wolverine daughter and Buckeye son to see Freddy’s vision realized. Historical becomes hysterical in this comedy about family, football and the fight for the Toledo strip.
This production of “My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War” contains adult content and may not be suitable for children under the age of 13.
“My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War” playwright, Paul Stroili, also had his sold-out play “A Jukebox for the Algonquin” produced at The Purple Rose in summer 2023 (Wilde Award for Best New Play, True West Impact Award, Onstage Colorado Award Winner). It has been produced three times, with nine more productions of it in the works. In addition, a monologue from the play was chosen for the Smith and Kraus anthology, Best Women’s Stage Monologues, 2024. His other playwriting credits include Last Call at the Aardvark, Cheese Louise, Plane Crazy, My Dinner with Arlecchino, and his autobiographical solo show Straight Up with a Twist, which toured the U.S. for over nine years, culminating in a twice-extended Off-Broadway run. His award-winning short film The Beating was an official selection at San Jose, Palm Springs, Bel Air, San Diego and Sedona Film Festivals, among others, and it was selected by Columbia College to be included in their course of study on filmmaking.
Directed by Susan Angelo, the cast features Teri Clark Linden* (Yellow Springs, OH), Caitlin Cavannaugh* (Manchester) and Dez Walker (Center Line). Set Design by Sam Transleau, Properties Design by Danna Segrest, Costume Design by Suzanne Young, Lighting Design by Matt Taylor, Sound Design by Matt Tibbs. Ryan Carlson* is the Stage Manager and Caridad Guy is the Assistant Stage Manager.
*Denotes members of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
2024-2025 Season Underwriters include the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, National Endowment for the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, and The Matilda R. Wilson Fund. Media sponsors are JTV and Michigan Public.
Performance Schedule
Performances of “My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War” at The Purple Rose run from Thursday, April 3 through Sunday, May 25, 2025. Previews, with reduced-price tickets, are available through Thursday, April 10, with talkbacks April 3 to April 6. The press opening is Friday, April 11 at 8:00pm.
New this season, Thursday evening performances will start at 7:30pm.
In theme with the play, there will be a “University of Michigan Night” on May 9th, in which University of Michigan students, alumni and fans are encouraged to attend together and wear U of M gear.
The Saturday evening performance of April 26th will be “College Night,” with $15 discounted student tickets, pizza and a talkback with the actors. Students can call the Box Office at (734) 433-7673 to reserve a ticket.
On the Saturday evening performance of May 10th, there will be a “30s & 40s Meetup Night,” a mixer for anyone age 30-49 to make new friends with a cocktail hour and food truck at Ugly Dog Distillery (Chelsea, MI) and reserved seating. Those interested can call the Box Office at (734) 433-7673 to reserve a ticket.
For more information about these special events, email caitlin@purplerosetheatre.org. Ticket Information Performances are Wednesday – Sunday at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118. The performance calendar can be found HERE. Ticket prices start at $30 with special discounts for seniors, patrons 30 years or younger, members of the military, teachers, and groups (12+).
For more information or to make reservations call (734) 433-7673 or go to www.purplerosetheatre.org.
About The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Founded in 1991 by actor, director, playwright, musician, and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a professional, unionized theatre and creative home for local Michigan artists to produce original American plays. At the PRTC, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre without breaking the bank. Broadway quality at Midwest prices. This season, The Purple Rose is leading with smart comedy: plays that allow audiences to feel good, laugh, and just maybe get a message out of it too. The Purple Rose also provides preview talk-backs, free play readings, and ticket donations to local fundraisers. It commissions new work from established and early-career playwrights. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theatre, the PRTC operates under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association.
For more information contact PRTC Marketing Communications Specialist, Caitlin Cavannaugh at caitlin@purplerosetheatre.org or 734.210.1415.
