This world premiere is being created by WT artistic director Tony Caselli, Annie Martin and Suzi Regan for a run May 8-June 1, 2008.

The original piece is inspired by real-life women of all walks of life, and "tells the stories of the women from the Midwestern United States," according to the company. "Exploring the common thread linking women of all ages and backgrounds, we'll shine a light on the modern woman's experience and reach into history to look at the influences that touch us today. With stories ranging from the hilarious to the heartbreaking, we'll examine the life of the Midwestern Woman."

The production is the first installment of Williamston Theatre's new series, "Voices From the Midwest." According to WT notes, "By assembling stories from people all over this part of the world, this three-season project will explore the challenges and gifts of a life in the American Midwest."

Created by disciples of The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, MI, Williamston Theatre, like Purple Rose, is committed to resident talent and Midwest voices, creating "moving, entertaining, professional theatre for and about this part of the world."

The Williamston Theatre began as the Williamston Theatre Project in the spring of 2004 when four Michigan-based theatre professionals — actor John Lepard, director Tony Caselli, arts administrator Christine Purchis and actress and producer Emily Sutton-Smith — chose Williamston, MI, as a location to found a not-for-profit, small, professional live theatre company, modeled closely after the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea. The community rallied, a home in a former retail space was found, and its second full season dawns this October.

Additional Particulars, a comedy by Ed Simpson, was the Theatre's first full production (following readings of other plays) in June 2006 at the troupe's 88-seat home. This was a Midwest premiere for the work.

In addition to Maidens, Mothers and Crones, the 2007-08 season will offer the popular regional musical, Guys On Ice; a collaborative production of the Tony Award-winning play Art with the Michigan State University department of theatre; the Midwest premiere of Hate Mail; and a revival of Midwest writer Lanford Wilson's Talley's Folly.

For more information, visit www.williamstontheatre.org.