In a “first ring” suburb outside a midsize American city, Ben and Mary fire up the grill to welcome the new neighbors who’ve moved into the long-empty house next door. The fledgling friendship soon veers out of control, shattering the fragile hold that newly unemployed Ben and burgeoning alcoholic Mary have on their way of life—with unexpected comic consequences.
Premiered at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre to rave reviews, Detroit was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 2011 and won the Obie Award for Best New American Play in 2013. Plosive Productions is the first professional theatre company to bring this devastating comedy to Canada – at The Gladstone in the heart of Little Italy.
This scary-funny comedy, set in a nameless housing tract possibly, but not necessarily, located outside Detroit, speaks to the fractious, frightened American moment more perceptively than any play seen since the start of the Great Recession. As Ben observes: “…and they like laid everybody off like literally. I don’t know who is doing the work anymore…”
Detroit is directed by Chris Ralph and features local performers Teri Loretto, David Whiteley, Stephanie Izsak, David Benedict Brown and Geoff Gruson.
Jan. 17-Feb. 1, 2014 (previews Jan. 15, 16) Tickets: Adult $34/Senior(65+)$30/Student/Artist/Unwaged $20/Previews(all)$18
The Gladstone. 910 Gladstone Ave. Ottawa ON K1R 6Y4
Box Office: 613-233-4523 / boxoffice@thegladstone.ca / www.thegladstone.ca
Photo Credit – Plosive Productions