Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company to Present PICKING PALIN, Opening 10/12

Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company of Detroit presents the Michigan premiere of Picking Palin, by Stephen Padilla, directed by Molly McMahon. The show runs from October 12-November 3, 2012. Picking Palin inaugurates Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company’s new location, in residence at the Abreact Performance Space (1301 W. Lafayette, #113, Detroit, MI). Tickets are $15-$18, with pay-what-you-can tickets available to all performances. Tickets may be reserved by phone at 313-408-7269 or at www.magentagiraffe.org. 

Picking Palin, marking its Michigan premiere, follows John McCain’s campaign managers as they go through the process of choosing a running mate for his 2008 presidential campaign. Which of the proposed candidates would have the best chance of winning the election; which would be best in governing the country? Playwright Padilla explores this story and the issues facing the Republican party in a purely objective manner, managing to be insightful and non-partisan all the way through. As the country gears up for another presidential election, it serves us well to reflect on decisions made the last time around, and what effect those decisions had, and have, on the nation. Picking Palin is a real theatrical treat for Republicans, Democrats and anyone who falls anywhere else on the political spectrum.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to stage Picking Palin right here, right now,” says Executive Artistic Director Frannie Shepherd-Bates. “Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company does not side with any political party, but we feel a responsibility to engage the community in constructive discussions, as always, and what people are talking about right now is the presidential election. This play fits very well into the conversation because it examines some real ‘hot-button’ issues objectively, presenting a number of viewpoints, demonizing no one. We strongly feel that anyone interested in politics – regardless of his or her political affiliation – will enjoy this show.”

The cast includes Connie Cowper (Rochester Hills), Bob Gerics (Auburn Hills), Artun Kircali (Novi) and Andrew Papa (Farmington). Gwen Lindsay exhibits her scenic design; costumes by Barbie Amann Weisserman.

Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company’s production of Picking Palin will take place at the Abreact Performance Space: 1301 W. Lafayette, #113, Detroit, MI 48226. Reservations are available via phone at 313-408-7269, at www.magentagiraffe.org, or at the door the day of the performance. Cash or check only. Tickets are $18/$15 Student/Senior/Industry, but are available on a pay-what-you-can basis at all performances.

Picking Palin will run Fridays at 8 pm and Saturdays at 8 pm. There will be one matinee at 3 pm on Sunday, October 28. Dates and times are:

Friday, October 12, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 13, at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 19, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 20, at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 26, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 27, at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 28, at 3:00 p.m.
Friday, November 2, at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 3, at 8:00 p.m.

Audience members paying the full ticket price may wish to take advantage of our “Repeat Offender” offer: If you’ve paid the suggested rate for a ticket and would like to see the show a second, third or fourth time (we love those who love theatre!) bring back a paying customer each time and see it free of charge!

ABOUT Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company - Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization that acts to eliminate apathy, violence, prejudice and barriers to education through theatre productions, projects and programs; and further acts to reestablish and expand Detroit’s theatre district. Picking Palin, by Stephen Padilla, directed by Molly McMahon, is the theatre’s eleventh production.

For additional information on the production of Picking Palin, contact Frannie Shepherd-Bates or visit www.magentagiraffe.org.

Photo Credit: Charles Nowak

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