"Getting Out"

(L-R: Lisa Dixon, Tucker Brown, Anne Stoll, Todd Seage)

"Getting Out"

Performance Network of Ann Arbor presents "Getting Out": the compelling story of a woman's first days "out"--after serving eight years for robbery, kidnapping, and murder. Brilliantly crafted by Marsha Norman (Pulitzer and Tony winner for "Night Mother") this script uses two actresses to portray the teenaged criminal and the nearing-thirty parolee. In a winding sequence of parallel action the playwright shows Arlie/Arlene's struggle with her past and her present, ultimately unifying the character as she comes to terms with her family, new environment, friends and self.

Through the wild, out-of-control Arlie we find neglected and abused childhood, violence out-of-desperation with a completely intact and unsinkable sense of humor--even as she sits in solitary or interacts with obtuse prison guards. While Arlene goes through the motions of settling into her new home; dealing with her mother, ex-pimp, ex-guard, and finally, the sharp-witted neighbor, Ruby--who becomes her friend.

Gritty, heartbreaking, and sometimes funny, this production is directed by Susan Lupo and features Tucker (Lori) Brown, Anne M. Stoll, Bob Laine, Kathy Klein, Lisa Dixon, Todd Seage, Romy Suskin, Darren Ayres, and Jeffrey Guss. "Getting Out" will be presented July 28-August l4 at the Performance Network, 408 W. Washington. Showtimes are Thursday-Saturday, 8 pm; and Sunday, 6:30 pm. Tickets are $8 general admission and $6 for students and seniors. For reservations or more information call 663-0681.