Always Brave. Always True.
The Detroit Repertory Theatre has a 55-year history of presenting works that are courageous, relevant and insightful. The tradition continues in “Taking Care of Mimi: A Morality Murder Mystery,” a world premiere opening Thursday, May 31.
Created by by Marilynn Barner Anselmi, the play tells the story of a police detective who investigates the suspicious death of a “demented” and beloved woman. The list of suspects includes kind and loving family members and a popular veterinarian who wonders why people can’t deal with loved ones as humanely as they do pets.
In the telling, “Taking Care of Mimi: A Morality Murder Mystery” examines themes familiar to all who have faced care for loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s and related illnesses that rob still-fully functional people of their critical faculties. The drama also examines the priorities of a society that seemingly values material matters over matters of the heart.
From Detroit Repertory Theatre:
Harriet’s employer, Veterinarian Dr. Luis Ferraro’s practice makes us wonder why we can’t deal with our loved ones as humanely as we do our pets. Does his practice provide Detective Helms with the motive for Mimi’s demise?
Detective Helms has to investigate Mimi’s death. She died by unnatural means and the murderer must be found. Mimi was a vital, sharp and active mother until she fell into the decimating clutches of Alzheimer’s. The family, two daughters, Susan and Harriet and Susan’s son, Mimi’s grandson, had to deal with the deteriorating long term results of the disease and had the task of Taking Care of Mimi. Harriet’s employer, Veterinarian Dr. Luis Ferraro’s practice makes us wonder why we can’t deal with our loved ones as humanely as we do our pets. Does his practice provide Detective Helms with the motive for Mimi’s demise?
Resident company member, Barbara Busby, one of the founders of the Repertory, directs Taking Care of Mimi. Barbara has long been recognized as one of Detroit’s premiere professional stage directors. Last season she directed the highly acclaimed, award winning Repertory Production, A Lesson Before Dying.
Barbara’s cast for Taking Care of Mimi features seasoned veterans, Barbara Jacobs-Smith as Mimi and Harold Uriah Hogan as Dr. Ferraro. Last season Barbara J. was the critically acclaimed Godmother in A Lesson Before Dying. Harold delighted audiences this season with his comical portrayal of the senior husband in the raved about Repertory comedy, Engagement Rules. The rest of the cast includes Scott Norman as Hal. Scott was last seen at the Rep as Lissa’s other lover in A Strange Disappearance of Bees. Angela King portrays Susan. Angela was last seen at the Rep as the sympathetic school teacher in A Lesson Before Dying. Nicole Haskins portrays Harriet. Nicole was a tough minded interrogator in this season’s Rep production Burying the Bones. And last but not least David Glover portrays Detective Helms. David returns to the Rep stage after some 20 years. David has spent the interim in film and television and as a stand-up comedian.
The image above shows, left-to-right, Nicole Haskins, Barbara Jacobs, and Angela King.
Taking Care Of Mimi opens May 31 and runs every Thursday through Sunday until June 24, 2012. General admission for all seats and all performances is $17 per ticket in advance and $20 at the door. The Rep’s “Anytime, Multi-use” Gold Double Subscription for two is $100 per year from the date of purchase. A Silver Single Subscription is $50 per year from the date of purchase. 10-ticket Bargain Booklets, Regular and Matinee, are $110 and $100 respectively and still make great mini-fundraisers.
For tickets, fundraiser bookings and information call or visit the Rep Box office, 313•868•1347. Tickets can be purchased by phone using Visa or MasterCard. There is no surcharge.
Curtain Times: 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 3 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Sundays.
General Admission for all seats, all performances is $17 for advance sales; $20 for door sales. For ticket availability, call the Box Office: (313) 868-1347.
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