FERNDALE—Inspired by true events, Puzzle Piece Theatre is inviting audiences to attend this challenging exploration of social and cultural difference, human exploitation and crimes of opportunity; set close to home in a city like Detroit.

The summer heat is sweltering. It’s so hot DD (Dan Johnson) has to get out. He leaves the house and stumbles upon an empty storefront where Leo (Sergio Mautone) a newly-arrived businessman is fixing up an “outpost” on an almost vacant street. DD and Leo, become fast-friends, but what does either have to gain from the relationship; Leo, the long-haired biker and DD, who is 24 but has the IQ of a ten-year-old? Tensions rise when Grand, DD’s grandmother (Karen Minard) becomes suspicious of this unlikely friendship. DD moves in a dangerous direction egged on by his cousin, Roy, also called “Thug Life.” Can Grand save DD, or will Leo do the right thing?

Kristin Andrea Hanratty’s explosive drama will leave audiences wondering, “what happens when good motives get caught up in bad circumstances?”

Bird opens April 21 and runs through May 7 with performances on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm, and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 pm. All performances take place at the Slipstream Theater, where Puzzle Piece is in residence, 460 Hilton in Ferndale, MI 48220. Tickets are $20, by advanced reservation, and can be purchased at www.puzzlestage.org