The resident Equity theatre founded by actor-writer Daniels announced a four-week extension for the new comedy Escanaba in Love. Originally scheduled to close before Christmas, Escanaba in Love will now run until Jan. 20, 2007.

Performances for the remainder of the engagement will be Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 PM with Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 3 PM and Sunday matinees at 2 PM. All performances are at the Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park Street in Chelsea, MI.

The additional performances are being added to accommodate record ticket sales. "Positive word-of-mouth created an overwhelming demand for tickets," said managing director Alan Ribant. "We hope that adding another month of performances will allow thousands of additional patrons the opportunity to enjoy Escanaba in Love over the holidays and into the new year."

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Daniels' 11th new play, Escanaba in Love "is a hilarious prequel to the legendary Escanaba in da Moonlight, set in the Soady deer camp during World War II and outfitted with a whole new cast of Wacky Yoopers. Eighteen-year-old Albert Soady, Jr. is celebrating his final hunting season before he becomes a sharpshooter for the U.S. Army when he falls head-over-heels for the legendary Big Betty Balou — the woman destined to become Reuben and Remnar's mother. The question is, does she have what it takes to become part of Escanaba's 'royal' family?" The world premiere is directed by PRTC artistic director Guy Sanville. The cast of this new comedy includes Paul Hopper, Wayne David Parker, Will David Young and the professional acting debuts of former PRTC apprentices Jake Christensen as Albert Soady, Jr. and Charlyn Swarthout, as Big Betty Balou.

For more information, visit www.purplerosetheatre.org.