Get your tickets while you can!

That's right! Phoenix opened this past Friday to RAVE REVIEWS!  The Free Press gave us three out of four stars (you can read the full review here), and Carolyn Hayes from Encore Michigan gave us an awesome review, too!

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors (65+), BUT if you are purchasing an adult ticket and you use your smart phone to check in on Foursquare, Yelp!, Facebook, or Twitter and then show the box office attendant, you'll get 10% off your ticket price!  How easy is that?!

And really, what else is there to do right now anyway?

So what are you waiting for?

An invitation?

Great!  Glad we got that worked out.  

So we'll see you at the theater!

Nothing to fear but fear itself...

I'm betting FDR wasn't talking about relationships when he said that famous line in his inauguration speech, but it certainly sets the mood for the theme of our upcoming show!  

Have you ever met someone that you really liked?  Someone in whom you saw some serious romantic potential?  Did you go for it, or did you stop yourself?  Were you afraid of being hurt?  Were you so afraid of what *might* happen, that you didn't let anything happen at all?   These are some of the topics we touch on in the very sweet, incredibly disarming production of Phoenix that opens one week from today!  

Starring Samer Ajluni (Dr. Miranda, Death and the Maiden) as Bruce, and Tricia Turek (New to the Matrix stage!) as Sue, this production might just make you think twice about stopping yourself before you even get started. 

Samer Ajluni as Bruce and Tricia Turek as Sue in
Scott Organ's Phoenix, opening March 1st at Matrix Theatre!

A few days ago, we posted a letter addressed to "Dear Abby," written by Bruce.  We put it up here and on our Facebook page, and got some really great responses!  Today, it's Sue's turn.  Take a look at what she has to say, and then add a comment with your advice for her!  And when you're done with that, head on over to our website to reserve tickets - or better yet - purchase tickets to see this light, funny show!  (Also, it'll run right around 90 minutes in length, so it's the PERFECT opportunity to grab dinner or a couple drinks after the performance!  Looking for some suggestions on where to go?  We'll be happy to help you out with that when you reserve your tickets!  313-967-0599)

Dear Abby,

I met a guy in a bar four weeks ago, and we really hit it off - so much so that we ended up spending the night together.  I enjoyed his company very much but have not been in touch with him since.  I travel a LOT for work, which it makes it extremely difficult to be in any type of relationship.  I just didn't want to get his hopes up.  However... I just discovered that I am pregnant.  It is definitely his.  He thinks he is unable to have children.  Do you think he deserves to know that he can?  Do I owe that to him?

Sincerely, 

Not Sure What To Do

Our very own "Dear Abby" column!

Hello, Matrix fans!  

The countdown is on, and we're only

10 DAYS AWAY 

from Phoenix making its Michigan debut

on Matrix Theatre's stage on March 1st!

Did you get your tickets yet?  

The show is about Sue and Bruce, 
two people living in New York City that meet by chance.  

But following a GREAT night together, 
Bruce doesn't hear from Sue.  

Check out the "Dear Abby" letter below, and 
leave your advice in the comments section!  
Come back on Friday for the "other side" of the story!

Dear Abby,

Ok, so I had drinks one night with a woman I met at this party.  We were playing this trivia game, getting along, talking for hours, and one thing led to another...and we ended up, how shall I put this... co-mingling... in bed.

Needless to say, I am really into her, and she, well... apparently not so much, as far as I am concerned.  I have not heard from her, and this happened a month ago...

Any advice on how I could change her mind about this chance meeting, for whom this awesome night would never have happened?  I really feel like there's something there that makes it worth it.

Sincerely,

Frustrated in NYC

Talking about L*O*V*E! (Or maybe not...)

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

Tomorrow is Valentine's day, and, in sticking with the theme of our upcoming show, Phoenix, 

we want to hear about your best (or worst) first date story!  

You can submit your story by commenting on this blog post, or by going to our facebook page and commenting there.  We will be using the anonymous stories to create an art installation of sorts in the lobby for opening night (which we think will look pretty cool), but it will only work if you help us out by submitting your story!  And think of how much fun it will be to read all the great stories while you're waiting for the show to begin!

Oh, the places we'll go!

How does Phoenix, Arizona sound?

Well, okay, maybe we won't *actually* go to Phoenix, but with a little imagination, we'll take our audiences there!  In our upcoming play, Scott Organ's Phoenix - coming soon to Matrix Theatre's stage - we'll follow the story of Sue and Bruce; two people living in New York City.  They go out on a... well, maybe it isn't a date... we'll call it drinks.  They go out for drinks.  One thing leads to another and, well, you know... And four weeks later, which is where the play begins, Sue has some pretty important stuff to say to Bruce.

Phoenix rehearsals started last night at Matrix Theatre Company, and we're REALLY excited about this one!  Here's a couple of shots from the first read-through:

From left to right:  Tricia Turek playing Sue, Samer Ajluni playing Bruce,
David Woitulewicz (stage manager), and Stephanie Nichols (director).

Samer Ajluni, reading the part of Bruce
 in the first read-through of Phoenix.

Does Samer look familiar?  He should, if you had the chance to see this past fall's Death and the Maiden on the Matrix stage!  But don't worry - we'll treat him a little better this time... and he'll get to wear more clothes.  ;)

Karen Kron, Samer Ajluni, and Patrick Loos in
Death and the Maiden, Fall of 2012

We can't wait for all of you to meet Tricia - she's very sweet and a great actress!

Tricia Turek, reading the part of Sue
in the first read-through of Phoenix.

And to think back even further, Stephanie Nichols might look VERY familiar to some of you, as well - especially those of you that saw Samuel Beckett's Happy Days, directed by our very own Dr. Shaun Nethercott.  Stephanie played the part of Winnie in that show.

Stephanie Nichols as Winnie in Matrix Theatre's
Happy Days, circa 2009.

She looks a lot happier when she's not buried up to the waist in a mound of dirt, wouldn't you say? ;)

Stephanie Nichols, director, and David Woitulewicz, stage
manager, at the first read-through for Matrix Theatre
Company's production of Scott Organ's Phoenix.

Check back here often for updates on how the show is coming along, as well as some upcoming contests where you could win SUPER COOL prizes!  Oh, and you wanted the info on when the show is happening?  

Look for this postcard in your mailbox over the next week or so!  And check out info about the show here!

With only three performances of Puppet Scrooge left in this production season, it's a bittersweet moment as we watch it go.  It is always an amazing experience to bring such joy and spirit to so many people, and I'm so proud of our production team and puppeteers for the great work they've done to bring this story to life.

Looking on to the future, our staff is very excited to bring the inaugural Detroit Dreaming Film Festival to the space!  We've received submissions from many film makers and can't wait to share them with all of you! The Film Festival will take place January 25-27, and we'll be releasing a screening schedule shortly.  Check out our Detroit Dreaming Film Festival website, the Matrix Theatre website, and our Facebook page and Twitter Feed for up to date information!

Puppet Scrooge is almost here!

Marley makes his haunting appearance!
(But don't worry - he's not too scary!)

The annual Matrix Theatre Company holiday tradition of Puppet Scrooge is back again!  This delightful, family-friendly puppet production is gearing up for its fifth year of performances, and we can tell you it's the best one yet!

Each year, the creators or Puppet Scrooge focus on making the show better than the year before.  This way, if you've seen the show in years past, it's still a new and fun experience for you!

This year's director, Carrie Morris, has focused a lot on bringing in an element of audience participation for the kids!  Benches will provide added up-close seating for children, which is where a lot of the audience participation will take place.  Not to worry, though, parents - you won't be too far away.  The 50-seat theater creates a very intimate experience for the audience, and you'll be able to see your child from any seat in the house!

Director Carrie Morris takes a moment of
rehearsal to make sure all of the puppetry
details are absolutely perfect!

We are happy to announce that the Make & Take Workshops are making a grand return with the production this year!  Starting one hour before each performance, children will be able to make their way upstairs to the studio and create their own hand puppet - that will then get to participate in the show!  Make & Takes are included in the price of a child's ticket, but ANYONE can make their own puppet for just $5!

Looking for more information?  Check out the production page on our website, or take a look at the preview published on EncoreMichigan.com!  When you're ready, you can send us a message to reserve tickets, or you can simply call the box office at 313-967-0599 to reserve or purchase your seats!

Puppet Scrooge runs from November 30 - December 16, 2012.  Performances are Fridays at 7pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm.  All performances will take place at:

Matrix Theatre Company

2730 Bagley Street

Detroit, MI 48216

We can't wait to see you for this fantastic family-friendly event!