In this comedy with adult humor, according to PRTC, "the biggest football match in twenty years is about to kick off across the pond in London. Tommy [to be played by the playwright], confirmed bachelor and passionate Liverpool fan, arrives at his best mate Bobby's flat to discover he's been dumped by his fiancée. Trouble is, Bobby is the linchpin of the all-important pre-game ritual. Tommy must get him on his feet before the game starts, even if it means recruiting the help of another traitorous female, Bobby's fetching sister Sarah."
Under the direction of PRTC artistic director Guy Sanville, the cast of Bleeding Red features Heidi Bennett, Matthew David, Matthew Gwynn, Stacie Hadgikosti and playwright Ogden.
Bleeding Red is the first play from PRTC playmakers playwright Ogden, who describes himself as "a great soccer fan." During his graduate work in the acting program at Wayne State University, Ogden wrote an early draft for a playwriting class and received the Louise Heck-Rabi Scholarship Playwriting Award for his work. After a student production at WSU and informal script workshops, the script came to the attention of PRTC artistic director Guy Sanville when Ogden made his professional acting debut in last season's world premiere of Growing Pretty by Carey Crim.
"What excites me most about directing this new play is the opportunity to work with these extraordinary young people just starting their careers," stated Sanville. "New, well-constructed comedies are getting harder and harder to find. Bleeding Red is a timeless comedy with wonderful relationships and a great deal of heart. It has gusto!"
The creative team includes set designer Vincent Mountain, properties designer Danna Segrest, costume designer Sally Converse-Doucette, lighting designer Dana White and sound designer Quintessa Gallinat. Jessica Garrett stage manages with Michelle DiDomenico as assistant stage manager. Ogden is a PRTC associate artist and playmakers playwright. He previously appeared in Apartment 3A and Growing Pretty. Ogden received his BA in Theatre from Western Michigan University, his MFA in Acting from Wayne State University, and has studied with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Moscow Art Theatre and the Society of American Fight Directors.
The Purple Rose Theatre Company is located at 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan. For tickets and more information, call (734) 433-7673 or visit purplerosetheatre.org.
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Founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a leading American theatre dedicated to producing the new American play and creating opportunities for Midwest theatre professionals.
The summer world premiere by PRTC will be Wake, about an agoraphobic mortician and her family, by Carey Crim, directed by Guy Sanville, June 18-Aug. 29.
