The world premiere of Wendy Hammond’s The Hole continues to Mar. 20 in a presentation by the Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, MI.

Hammond (Julie Johnson) explores the relationship between Mary and Peter, a young Mormon couple who start a new life beyond their native Utah. The drama covers decades between their young married life in the 1940s and into their old-age, and show how their “personalities are shaped by the influences of the outside world and the changing political times,” according to production notes.

Michelle Mountain plays Mary and Jim Porterfield is Peter. Mountain and Porterfield were seen in the PRTC world premiere of Lanford Wilson’s Book of Days.

Previews for The Hole were Jan. 28-Feb. 4, with a Feb. 5 opening.

PRTC artistic director Guy Sanville directs a production designed by Vincent Mountain (set), Seth E. Reinick (lighting) and Colleen Ryan-Peters (costumes). Hammond’s plays include Jersey City, The Ghostman, Family Life: 3 Brutal Comedies, Wendy in the Wacko Ward and Mormons in Malibu.

She earned a master of fine arts degree from New York University’s Dramatic Writing Program and currently serves as the coordinator of dramatic writing at the University of Michigan.

The Hole was developed in summer 1997 at Carnegie Mellon. Hammond’s Julie Johnson was produced at the Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville and, later, by the PRTC in 1998.

The PRTC, founded by Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, the movie actor, is known for its commitment to new works by Michigan and Midwestern writers, including comedies by Daniels. Small-town Chelsea is located 60 miles west of Detroit.

Tickets are $15-$30. Call (734) 475-7902 for information.

-- By Kenneth Jones