THE PILLOWMAN Plays Threefold Productions, 9/21-10/13

Following the successes of Lee Blessing's A Body of Water, and the one-woman show Pretty Fire, Threefold Productions is continuing their 2012-2013 season with Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman.

McDonagh's Tony-nominated script follows an unsuccessful author and his emotionally stunted brother as they are interrogated by two bulldog policemen about their suspected involvement in a recent string of child murders. This unrelenting story illustrates characters in a fight for life and legacy while they grapple with struggles of identity and morality.

The production, though technically daunting, has been eagerly anticipated by cast and crew alike.

Director Sarah Lucas says of the decision to produce this work, "I have always loved taking challenging, big shows and finding a way to make them work in small spaces. I think the intimacy that the MIX Studio Theater offers will only enhance the general uncomfortably of the piece and force myself, my designers, and my cast to find a new way to tell this story."

Cast member Evan Mann adds, "I've always loved this play, since I first read it. The storytelling is incredible and the characters are so well developed and detailed-there's really a lot to work with."

The technical demands of the show have made the creative components manifest themselves in many unique ways; a formula which has become a hallmark of Threefold Productions.

Lucas notes, "It will be rewarding, after spending so much time with the script, preparing and meeting with the designers, and bringing everything to life the actors on stage, to see the audience's reaction."

Company members have also decided to stage a fitting fundraiser in the form of a book drive to benefit both patrons and the community. Threefold Productions is offering a dollar discount to any patron who brings at least one book to donate to the Ypsilanti Library. The company sees it as a win-win situation-customers get cheaper tickets while contributing to a good cause (and, considering the importance of storytelling to the show, a relevant one!).

The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh will star Evan Mann, Alastar Dimitrie, Sean Sabo, Jon Ager, Monica Kozakiewicz, Julia Garlotte, and Zac Hendrickson. The production is directed by Sarah Lucas will open September 21st and will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm through October 13th at Ypsilanti's MIX Studio Theatre, with an additional Industry Performance on Wednesday, Sept. 26 (also 8 pm). The show contains some graphic content and may not be suitable for children.

Tickets can reserved on online at www.threefoldproductions.org and are $18 for Adults and $15 for Students and Seniors. For more information about Threefold Productions, "LIKE" them on Facebook, or email info@threefoldproductions.org.