Open Book Theatre Company's
2024-2025 Season Productions

Ann Eskridge, Gail Parrish, Forest Hudson, Maureen Paraventi, and Shawntai Brown

November 8, 2024 - December 1, 2024

Breaking Laws to Gain Freedom: Liberating Stories from Detroit is a theatrical piece penned by Extra Mile Playwrights Theatre retelling of true local events that had an impact on the civil rights and liberties of Black people nationwide. Spanning 1833-1959, these stories offer glimpses into the narratives of fugitives who escaped to Canada, soldiers who took up arms, and neighbors who fought for their rightful places in the city. The writers of this show include Ann Eskridge, Gail Parrish, Forest Hudson, Maureen Paraventi, and Shawntai Brown. The Extra Mile Playwrights Theatre is a group of Detroit-area playwrights, actors, directors and producers dedicated to showcasing local theatre. The mission of EMPT is to build community by creating and developing transformative stories through the written word, storytelling and performance.

The show runs appx 1 hour, 50 minutes, including a 10 minute intermission. A water based haze is used.

Theresa Rebeck

January 10, 2025 - February 2, 2025

A sparkling, witty comedy that brings to life the indomitable Sarah Bernhardt as she tackles one of Shakespeare’s most iconic roles—Hamlet, in a production that could make or break her career. Set in the late 19th century, this play follows Bernhardt’s audacious decision to take on the traditionally male part, challenging societal norms and theatrical conventions. With a blend of humor, drama, and backstage intrigue, the story showcases her larger-than-life personality, relentless determination, and the power of breaking boundaries in the world of theater.

David Lindsay-Abaire

March 14, 2025 - April 6, 2025

When prickly Abby is forced to share her room at Bristol Place Senior Living Facility with the sunny and chipper Marilyn, she decides to get rid of the intruder by any means necessary. A seemingly harmless bet between the old women creates some hilarious battles, escalating into a game of one-upmanship that reveals the tenacity and wit of these worthy opponents, as well as some hidden secrets.

Lauren Gunderson

May 16, 2025 - June 8, 2025

Artemisia Gentileschi was the most celebrated female painter of the 17th century, yet her name was all but lost for centuries. Attacked at just seventeen, publicly shamed and tortured to prove her truth, Gentileschi nevertheless fought for her art and the freedom to make it on her own terms. Always contending with her father, consumed with passion for her lover, and ferociously devoted to her children, Artemisia is a modern woman before her time. Artemisia is a work of humor and warmth that celebrates the courage, artistry, and humanity of a woman who attacked the glass ceiling with every brush stroke.