NEVER NOT ONCE Makes World Premiere at Purple Rose Theatre Company

The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) will continue its 28th season with "Never Not Once", a world premiere by Carey Crim. Tickets are on sale now.

Eleanor, a biology major at Princeton, brings her boyfriend Rob home to meet her two moms. While there, she lets them know that she has hired a private investigator to help her find her biological father. She says, as a scientist, she is curious about her genetics. But it's evident she might also just want to meet her dad. Nadine, her non-biological mom thinks it's a great idea. Allison, Eleanor's biological mom is insisting that Eleanor's father, a one night stand in college whose name Allison doesn't remember, never even knew she existed. Eleanor is sent on a journey to an unexpected and explosive answer to the question "Where do I come from?"

"Never Not Once" contains adult language and themes and is not suitable for children under the age of 13.

"This play is a beautiful, searing and timely new play by one of America's most talented and prolific playwrights, Carey Crim. With uncommon humor, compassion and honesty, "Never Not Once" explores the costs of keeping secrets from loved ones, what defines a family in today's world and asks the question, 'are all sins worthy of redemption?'" says Artistic Director Guy Sanville.

"Never Not Once" marks Crim's 5th world premiere at The Purple Rose. Her most notable works include "Morning After Grace" (2016), "Wake" (2009), and "Growing Pretty" (2008).

"Never Not Once" was awarded the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award in 2017. "With a multi-racial cast of well-defined characters, complex development, and a nuanced lens on sexuality, non-traditional family and taking responsibility, this play is theatrically satisfying and socially urgent." Says Jen-Scott Molbey, co-coordinator of the Jane Chambers Feminist Playwriting Award.

Performances run from Thursday, January 17 through Saturday, March 16, 2019. Previews, with reduced-price tickets, are available through Thursday, January 24. Opening night is Friday, January 25.

Directed by Guy Sanville, the cast features resident artists Michelle Mountain (Grass Lake), Caitlin Cavannaugh (Chicago), Casaundra Freeman (Detroit), Rusty Mewha (Plymouth), and Jeremy Kucharek (Canton). Set design is by Sarah Pearline, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Shelby Newport, lighting by Noele Stollmack, and sound by Tom Whalen. Thomas Macias is the stage manager.

The production sponsors are Domino's Pizza and SafeHouse Center. Underwriting support for the season comes from the Ford Motor Company Fund, The Hamp Family Fund, the Richard & Jane Manoogian Foundation, the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, and the Matilda R. Wilson Fund. Media sponsors include Michigan Radio, ChelseaMich.com, The Sun Times News, Applied Storytelling, and HOME.fm.

Ticket Information

All performances will be held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118.

Ticket prices range from $23 to $47 with special discounts for students, seniors, teachers, members of the military and groups (12+). For more information or to make reservations call (734) 433-7673 or go to www.purplerosetheatre.org.

About The Purple Rose Theatre Company

Founded in 1991 by actor, playwright, musician and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, the Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for original American plays. In the 168-seat theatre, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre.

The PRTC also provides an apprenticeship program, performance classes, readings, lectures and tours. It commissions new work from established and early-career playwrights. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre, the PRTC operates under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors' Equity Association