Go Behind the Scenes at Performance Network Theatre's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC with Cultural Conversations, 12/9

Performance Network Theatre invites audiences to discover the genius behind their award-winning productions through the brand new series, Cultural Conversations, a sequence of in-depth discussions with Michigan's finest theatre artists led by Associate Artistic Director, Carla Milarch.

On December 9, 2012 at 6:30pm director and music director of A Little Night Music, Phil Simmons and R. MacKenzie Lewis will join Milarch on the Performance Network Theatre Stage (located on 120 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor) to explore the behind-the-scenes of this season's musical.

Tickets to Cultural Conversations: A Little Night Music are FREE for audiences who present their A Little Night Music ticket stub, otherwise tickets are $10 (series pass for $55) and can be purchased online at performancenetwork.org or by calling 734-663-0681.

"Cast size, set size, orchestra size and other production issues that accompany large musicals are often tremendous obstacles that have to be dealt with in order to produce a show in a small space with a limited budget. Creatively and artistically finding solutions is what make my job fun and ever changing. I love being a part of a team that fits musicals into PNT's small space without sacrificing the integrity of the show. Size doesn't matter for art," said Lewis.

The series of in-depth, on-stage conversations, explores the nuances of making theatre from the artist's perspective. The annual musical has become a holiday tradition at PNT. But what are the obstacles the production team faces when mounting a large work on a small stage? Musical director R. Mackenzie Lewis, and director Phil Simmons speak about the tricks of the trade of adapting and orchestrating musicals.

Tickets can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681, online at www.performancenetwork.org or at Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104) Monday - Friday from 10-6, Saturday 11-6, or one hour before a performance. Tickets are $10.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and the Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

Photo credit: Sean Carter