Purple Rose Theatre unveils new brick pavers with ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 25

Posted: Oct. 20, 2012 at 10:40 a.m.

CHELSEA — Patrons walking up the sidewalk to The Purple Rose Theatre may have noticed the impressive new brick pavers that line the sidewalk alongside the building. Part of a yearlong renovation project to upgrade the smaller, fading pavers, some of which had been in place more than a decade, the new bricks were installed in late summer. The updated pavers, which feature a fine-grain surface to ensure readability of the engraving for decades to come, include three sizes, all of which are engraved with dedications, commemorations and names of the donors who help sustain the 22-year-old not-for-profit theater company.

"The brick pavers have been a wonderful way for donors to honor someone special or make a lasting contribution to theater, but in the last few years the engraving has faded and the bricks have deteriorated," says managing director Julie Brunzell. "With these new upgraded bricks, we are ensuring that the memories and dedications are visible for many years to come."

The new bricks were provided and engraved by Lincoln Granite in Clinton Township and installed by John Scott of Grass Lake's Alternative Paving Systems.

On Thursday, Oct. 25, donors and supporters who purchased brick pavers may attend a ribbon-cutting dedication ceremony at 7 p.m. The ceremony will include light hors d'oeuvres and a champagne toast followed by the ribbon cutting and remarks from PRTC staff. Guests may also purchase tickets for the 8 p.m. performance of "Superior Donuts" at a discounted price.

While the theater is not currently accepting new orders for brick pavers, development director Katie Frye Hammond stated that a second ordering period might be made available in spring 2013.

For more information on ways to support the Purple Rose Theatre Company, contact Hammond in the Development Department at 734-433-7782, ext. 15 or e-mail ReachUs@purplerosetheatre.org.