Purple Rose Theatre Will Preview New Plays Under Consideration

The Purple Rose Theatre Company will present two free concert readings of plays under consideration for future production at the Chelsea District Library in November and December.

As part of the theater's ongoing partnership with the Chelsea District Library, the readings will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 10, and Dec. 1.

Each reading will be followed by an audience talkback with the director and actors.

On Nov. 10, Purple Rose artists will read an untitled new play by Michael Brian Ogden, the author of Bleeding Red and Corktown. The story follows Nurse Rachel Migilny, who is ringing in the New Year with her husband and looking towards a bright future together when the unthinkable happens. Zombies attack!

Flash forward to a post-zombie apocalyptic society where a small band of survivors is trying to make their way to a safe zone where there may (or may not) be a cure. Will Rachel and her newfound allies survive the journey? This gripping new play pushes the bounds of theatrical conventions and asks audiences to go along for the ride. This play contains adult language and themes.

On Dec. 1 members of the Purple Rose will read a new play by David MacGregor (Consider the Oyster, Vino Veritas), called Scrooge Macbeth.

This yuletide comedy tells the story of Bob, Sylvia, Victor, and Renee: the last actors standing after a food poisoning outbreak sidelines the cast of their community theater's holiday production. But that’s not the only setback: Sylvia has just discovered a boatload of red ink in the theater group’s ledger.

With impending financial ruin, a shortage of cast members, and an expectant audience just outside the doors, can these four amateur thespians concoct some holiday entertainment in time to save their theater?

Both readings are free and open to the public.

Registration for these events is encouraged, due to limited seating. Registration is available by calling the Chelsea District Library at 734-475-8732.