Encore Michigan

Environmental activism at the center of Matrix’s next drama; opens April 6

Preview March 20, 2018 Encore Staff

DETROIT—Matrix Theatre Company continues its 2017–2018 Mainstage Season with the environmental drama, Kayak, opening April 6 and running through April 29. The production runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm.

Alone in a kayak on a vast stretch of water, Annie Iversen recounts the strange chain of events that got her there. A doting suburban mother, Annie was blindsided when her son, Peter, fell in love with Julie, a passionate environmental activist. Climate change, S’mores, SUVs, and Noah’s Ark are all part of Annie’s story as she sets out to save her son and unwittingly throws herself into the path of events larger than she ever could have imagined.

Written by Jordan Hall, the play stars Dan Johnson (Ann Arbor) as Peter, Claire Joliffe (West Bloomfield) as Julie, and Kez Settle (Clawson) as Annie. The production team includes Sarah Drum (Westland), Chantel and Charlie Gaidica (Royal Oak), and Casaundra Freeman (Detroit).

“Kayak is an exciting play about personal activism, and we feel this is an important topic to bring forward during these trying times,” shared Artistic Director Megan Buckley-Ball.

“What does everyday climate activism look like? How do we individually make a difference? One of the things I love about Kayak is how nuanced this show and these people are while they struggle with those very complicated questions,” shared Kayak director Amanda Grace Ewing (Northville). The final dress rehearsal on Thursday, April 5 is a “Pay What You Can” performance. To help eliminate the barrier between audiences and live theatre, patrons can choose to pay whatever amount they want at the door to see the preview show of Kayak. Tickets will be available at the door that evening and can be purchased in advance by calling the box office at 313-967-0599. Doors open at 7:30 pm for the 8:00 pm performance.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $17 for students, seniors, veterans, and active military personnel, and may be purchased in advance or, if available, at the door. Group rates are also available. For further information or to purchase tickets, visit www.matrixtheatre.org or call (313) 967-0599.

Week of 6/5/2023

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