Krista Schafer Ewbank News

It seems like everything is getting cancelled these days. But cancellations can create new opportunities, as Open Book Theatre Company (OBTC) in Trenton is discovering. In the wake of the cancellation of three previously scheduled performances at their theatre, they are offering an outdoor, socially distanced play about how everything is being cancelled!

Even as other businesses begin to open up, theatres must keep their doors closed. So Open Book Theatre looked for ways to fulfill their mission a?oeto promote connection through theatrical storytellinga?? and found a unique way to bring theatre our into the community.

Open Book Theatre Company is excited to present the latest in their series of improvisational comedy: Off Book at Open Book.

Warm up this winter with Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (Jan 24- Feb 22, 2020) at Open Book Theatre Company. “The play is deceptively simple,” explained director Wendy Katz Hiller, “two middle-aged 'losers' have what could be a one-night-stand or, possibly, the start of a relationship. The tension between our wants and our fears, masks and vulnerabilities, alienation and connection are explored throughout one important night. But the playwright, Terrence McNally, doesn't let this fall into melodrama or pontification. The play is filled with funny, biting, ironic moments, as well as the sweet hope of the possibility of love.”

Warm up this winter with Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (Jan 24- Feb 22, 2020) at Open Book Theatre Company. 'The play is deceptively simple,' explained director Wendy Katz Hiller, 'two middle-aged 'losers' have what could be a one-night-stand or, possibly, the start of a relationship.

Fans of Downton Abbey, Hallmark Christmas movies, or Jane Austen will delight in Open Book Theatre's latest offering, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, running November 15 – December 14 at their intimate space in Trenton, which will be transformed into a beautiful English Manor for this witty and fun holiday romp.

Fans of Downton Abbey, Hallmark Christmas movies, or Jane Austen will delight in Open Book Theatre's latest offering, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, running November 15 a?" December 14 at their intimate space in Trenton, which will be transformed into a beautiful English Manor for this witty and fun holiday romp.

Raise your hand if you have ever discovered something new, Googled it, found the Wikipedia page, which then made you go off on a flurry of related topics and suddenly time has just passed by? I'll raise both hands because I'm not ashamed to say that this happens to me often. Sunday was one of those days, all thanks to the fantastic production of Silent Sky at Detroit Mercy Theatre Company who educated me on Henrietta Leavitt. The Lauren Gunderson play is the fascinating true story about the 19th century astronomer who was hired to join a group of women a?oecomputersa?? and living in an age when women could neither vote nor express an original idea. Despite not being allowed to touch a telescope, Leavitt and her female colleagues at the Harvard Observatory made ground-breaking discoveries about the universe that remain vital more than a century later. The simplicity and elegance of this production of Silent Sky made the importance of Gunderson's words stand out to the audience and the cast of five worked seamlessly together to bring this impactful and moving production to life. It is a brilliant piece of Michigan theatre.

Open Book Theatre Company will open their sixth season with the time-jumping story of The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence, playing September 13 a?" October 12.  The play by Madeleine George examines how we use technology to connect - and sometimes disconnect - from each other, weaving together 4 Watsons: Dr. Watson, trusty sidekick to Sherlock Holmes; Thomas A. Watson, loyal engineer who built Bell's first telephone; Watson, the unstoppable super-computer that became reigning Jeopardy! champ; and Josh Watson, an amiable techno-dweeb just looking for love.  Joe Zarrow, a newcomer to the Open Book stage, discussed the challenges and rewards of playing the 4 Watsons.

Local audiences are looking forward to another season of thought-provoking, professional theatre at Open Book Theatre Company (OBTC) in Trenton as they gear up for their sixth season. Open Book theatre was named Trenton Business of the Year for 2019, has won several Michigan theatre awards, and is quickly becoming a key player in the cultural scene Downriver. The theatre hires professional actors, directors, and designers from the Metro Detroit area. With so many wonderful, local eateries nearby many patrons go out for dinner or drinks before or after the show, making it a full night out with friends or a wonderful date.

Love stories aren't always roses and chocolate and holding hands. Love can make us passionate and desperate, tender and angry, determined and forlorn. Sometimes all within the span of a few hours.  Love can turn us into fools.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time brings the mystery novel to life on the intimate stage at Open Book Theatre in Trenton

A wet, wild and wacky comedy is just the thing for these cold, dreary months. Wonder of the World, on stage at Open Book Theatre Company from January 11 to Feb 9, will take audiences on an adventure as they follow Cass to one of the seven wonders of the world: Niagara Falls.

Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the poet Lord Byron, is credited with writing the first computer program.  Although she has a computer language named for her, and is celebrated for her contributions to computer science, many people don't know her name.  

Open Book Theatre Company in Trenton gears up for another season of plays worth talking about

Open Book Theatre Company is pleased to announce its fifth season.  The award winning professional theatre will present 5 plays, including a Michigan Premiere.  Two of the plays won Tony Awards for Best Play, and one of those also earned the Pulitzer.

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Donald Margulies' Time Stands Still focuses on a couple trying to maintain a relationship as they make a living reporting on the world's atrocities. Photojournalist Sarah is home recovering from injuries sustained from a roadside bomb in a war-torn country, eager to return to work.

The "deliriously funny" (NY Times) 2013 Tony Award winning play Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike is set to take the stage at Open Book Theatre February 23 - March 18.

Emilie introduces us to a brilliant scientist who fought for a women's place at the table in 18th century France

Emilie introduces us to a brilliant scientist who fought for a women's place at the table in 18th century France