ANN ARBOR- The Penny Seats Theatre Company is thrilled to announce its eighth summer season will be opening on Thursday, June 14 with The Gravedigger, a gothic drama by renowned local playwright Joseph Zettelmaier. This production, co-directed by Julia Glander and Lauren London, follows the tangled path of Frankenstein’s creation, the mad doctor himself, and a gravedigger who is more involved than you might expect. Zettelmaier’s work stays true to Mary Shelley’s novel while raising questions of right, wrong, and humanity itself.

The show stars Robert Schorr in the role of Kurt (The Gravedigger) and David Galido as Anton (The Creation), along with Annie Dilworth, and Daniel A. Helmer. The group will perform at Ann Arbor’s West Park, in the band shell area, the Penny Seats’ habitual summer home. Performances are June 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30. All shows are at 8:00 PM. More information and advance ticket sales (available at a discounted rate), are available at www.pennyseats.org or by phone at (734) 926-5346. Tickets are also available at the door.

 The Gravedigger is the first of the Penny Seats’ two-show summer season (affectionately called Hail to the Victors). The season continues in July with Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, based on the fan favorite film of the same title, directed by Phil Simmons. This show takes the classic comedy about Victor Frankenstein’s grandson trying, and failing, to separate himself from his family name, and douses it in Broadway flair. Young Frankenstein performs in West Park on July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28. All shows are at 8 PM.

ABOUT THE PENNY SEATS: Founded in 2010, we’re performers and players, minimalists and penny-pinchers. We think theatre should be fun and stirring, not stuffy or repetitive. We believe going to a show should not break the bank. And we find Michigan summer evenings beautiful. Thus, we produce dramas and comedies, musicals and original adaptations, classics and works by up-and-coming playwrights. We also provide cabaret shows, acting classes, and wacky improv evenings. And you can see any of our shows for the same price as a movie ticket.