Mention Detroit in 1967, and you automatically conjure images of burning storefronts and police in riot gear. These scenes create a provocative backdrop for Detroit ‘67, a new drama about race and family that’s set in a west-side basement speakeasy during the city’s disastrous July 1967 riot. Written by Dominique Morisseau and directed by Noah Diaz, Detroit ‘67 makes its regional premiere on March 9 and runs thru April 2, 2017.
Winner of the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History and described as “A poetic play of fire-fueled dreams and frustrated love that is set against a backdrop of historic social unrest in Motown.”—Star Tribune, Detroit ‘67 effectively captures a community coming to grips with its history and its future.
It’s the summer of 1967, and the irresistible music of Motown is breaking records and breaking down barriers. Siblings Chelle and Lank make ends meet by running an unofficial nightclub in their Detroit basement, a risky business as police crack down on after-hours joints in black neighborhoods. When Lank offers shelter to an injured white woman, tensions escalate both in their home and in their community—and they find themselves caught in the middle of the ‘67 Detroit riots. Dominique Morisseau’s deeply-felt drama explores an explosive moment in a great American city. “CRACKLING WITH HUMOR! Fire up some Motown, get those hips moving and everything will work out fine.” —The New York Times
Diaz has amassed a great cast of actors to bring to life gritty 1967 Detroit: Doriette Jordan (Chelle), Raydell Cordell III (Lank), Regina Palmer (Bunny), Andre McGraw (Sly) and Jodi Vaccaro (Caroline). Detroit ‘67 is fortunate to have assembled the following production staff: Shannon Smay (Sound Design), Jayma Smay (Stage Manager/Booth Operator), Sharon Diaz (Set/Property Design), Michal Simson (Producer) and Rick Goble (Lighting Design).
A few special notes, our THURSDAY, MARCH 9th performance will be a TAG Night Out preview show which will benefit the Theatre Arts Guild Scholarship Fund.
Book now for Dominique Morisseau’s engaging drama Detroit ‘67 which will run from March 9– April 2, 2017 at 3225 California Street. Curtain times are 8:00 pm, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 6:00 pm on Sundays. The Sunday, April 2nd show will start at 2:00 pm. The theater opens a half hour before curtain time. Reservations must be made on-line at the SNAP! Productions website: www.snapproductions.com. Tickets are $20.00 for Adults; $15.