Photo Flash: First Look at Performance Network Theatre's BURN THIS

Performance Network Theatre presents a dangerously sexy play by Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Lanford Wilson. Burn This runs now through September 2nd, with weekly performances on Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, 2pm Sunday matinees, and 3pm Saturday matinees on August 18 and September 1. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

In a Manhattan loft in the 1980s. The story begins in a heightened, emotionally-tense scene – just after the funeral of Robbie, a brilliant, young, and gay dancer. Still recovering from the funeral while coping with nagging feelings that Robbie’s family just mourned a man they hardly knew are Robbie’s eccentric roommates: choreographer, Anna, and confident ad-man, Larry. Anna’s boyfriend, Burton, a sci-fi screenwriter, is also in The Loft in a well-meaning attempt to comfort Anna.

In the dark of the night, this trio is forced to adjust to the unexpected and explosive presence of Pale, Robbie’s coke- snorting brother, who has come to collect his younger brother’s belongings. In the face of their shared tragedy, the characters attempt to make sense of Robbie’s life, and in the process rediscover their own lives. Profane, menacing Pale is ultimately the one who challenges Anna to look past her doubts and find unconventional, unsettling love, along with re-inspired choreography. Burn This is an inspiring piece that pushes people to dig past the surface of others.

Playwright Lanford Wilson said Burn This is unlike any other love story because the characters do not say, “I love you;” they say, “I don’t want this.” Premiering barely a year after Wilson’s passing, Burn This at Performance Network Theatre is an opportunity for Southeastern Michigan to cultivate an appreciation for the theatrical arts and a great American Playwright. Wilson waited an entire year to move the script to Broadway because he wanted John Malkovich to play the role of Pale. Performance Network Theatre’s production stars Quetta Carpenter, Darrell Glasgow, Jon Bennet, and Kevin Young and is directed by Ray Schultz.

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.

For tickets, scheduling and further information about Burn This, visit www.performancenetwork.org.

Photo credit: Sean Carter