THE MEANING OF ALMOST EVERYTHING Begins Previews at The Purple Rose, Jan 10

The Purple Rose Theatre Company has announced the world premiere production of a new comedy by Jeff Daniels. The Meaning of Almost Everything will enjoy a nine-week engagement from Thursday, January 10 – Saturday, March 9, 2013. Eight low-priced previews will be performed Thursday, January 10 – Thursday, January 17, with Press Opening on Friday, January 18, 2013.

Regular performances for the duration of the run are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3:00 PM and Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM. All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

The 15th play penned by PRTC founder Jeff Daniels, The Meaning of Almost Everything is perhaps one of Daniels' most personal, and yet, most whimsical pieces to date. With elements of slapstick, vaudeville, tragedy and farce, this exuberant romp of a play explores the pain and the joy of human existence.

The story follows two men, "A" and "B," who exist in an undefined place and time, a place of safety and comfort, but also a place where nothing happens. One man wants to remain. The other isn't so sure. Through their feats of daring (and sometimes cowardice), they stumble through the darkness to find the big answers to life's big questions. This comedy questions the nature of our world and the absurdity of it all. The Meaning of Almost Everything contains adult language and content.

When asked about the impetus for The Meaning of Almost Everything, playwright Jeff Daniels explains, "I've never been one to think whatever may come after this life will be better. One can always hope and pray and believe, sure, but given the choice between the known and the unknown, frankly, it seems a lot of us would rather just stay put, thank you very much. That's the "What if...?" that drove the writing on this one. How do we turn this life of ours into an everlasting one? Forget leaving a legacy or living on in other people's memories, I mean staying put. Right here, right now, forever and ever. That it doesn't work that way is the conflict in the play. And in us."

Directed by Guy Sanville, the cast includes Matthew Gwynn of Farmington (Our Town, Growing Pretty) and Michael Brian Ogden of Berkley (Superior Donuts, White Buffalo, Escanaba in da Moonlight).

Founded in 1991 by actor and Chelsea native, Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a leading American theatre dedicated to producing the new American play and creating opportunities for Midwest theatre professionals. The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors' Equity Association. The PRTC promotes the development of new American theatre and its practitioners, provides valuable educational opportunities for young artists, and, through consistently high quality production values, has earned the respect of both local and National Theatre communities.

Tickets are available for purchase now. Ticket reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Company Box Office at (734) 433-7673 or online at www.purplerosetheatre.org.

Pictured: Matthew Gwynn and Michael Brian Ogden. Photo Credit: Sean Carter Photography.

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