Nostalgic, Laugh-Out-Loud Parody, The Seven Castaways Opens at Planet Ant

A Musical Comedy that Ain’t the Gilligan’s Island You Remember.

HAMTRAMCK, MICH –  Detroit playwright Sean Paraventi ventured deep into a memory from his early childhood for inspiration for his latest comedy - and first musical - The Seven Castaways. Although inspired by one of his favorite TV shows as a kid, this play ain’t the Gilligan’s Island you remember.

The Seven Castaways updates the story to modern times. The characters may seem familiar, but they are also shockingly different. You will definitely recognize some themes from the TV show but here are some others you may have only imagined, in the more twisted corners of your brain.

“Gilligan’s Island was a show I loved as a child,” says Paraventi, “As an adult, I came to realize it was the perfect vehicle to parody. I consider The Seven Castaways a love letter to the original series. A raunchy, sort of immature love letter, but a love letter nonetheless.” 

The Seven Castaways is being directed by Cassandra Svacha, whose theatre experience spans Detroit, New York and the U.K. Svacha, who holds a Masters of Fine Art from Royal Central Speech and Drama in London, has put together a stellar cast: Allison Megroet, Bailey Boudreau, Dave Durham, Dez Walker, Maureen Paraventi, Alexia Allagreen and Joe Bailey.

“I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Sean Paraventi again – and this time, on a musical!” said Svacha. “Sean’s writing always challenges audiences to think deeply through the lens of comedy, and now he’s bringing that same sharp wit to the world of musical parody.”

The world premiere of The Seven Castaways runs September 5th through the 14th at the Ant Hall in Hamtramck, a venue well known for debuting original comedies that challenge conventional notions of taste and humor. Friday and Saturday night performances are at 8 p.m. and Sunday performances at 3 p.m.

“Audiences will get delightfully ‘lost’ with The Seven Castaways,” Svacha said. “It promises to be ridiculous, clever and a whole lot of fun.”

Written by: Sean Paraventi

Starring:

• Alexia Allagreen

• Joe Bailey

• Bailey Boudreau

• Dave Durham

• Dez Walker

• Allison Megroet

• Maureen Paraventi

• Dez Walker

Crew:

• Director: Cassandra Svacha

• Musical Director Jeremy St. Martin

THE SEVEN CASTAWAYS

Friday, September 5 @ 8:00PM

Saturday, September 6 @ 8:00PM

Sunday, September 7 @ 3:00PM

Friday, September 12 @ 8:00PM

Saturday, September 13 @ 8:00PM

Sunday, September 14 @ 3:00PM

All performances take place in the Ant Hall (Planet Ant Theatre) (2320 Caniff St, Hamtramck, MI). Tickets can be purchased at planetant.com/events for $30 or $35 at the door.

About Planet Ant Theatre

Planet Ant empowers people to discover their creative potential and share their talents with the world. Through training, guidance, and creative freedom, we’re building a community where artistic expression thrives. We aim to bring people together and make space for everyone’s ideas and creativity.

For more information, or to get involved, visit planetant.com or contact Lauren Bickers at lauren@planetant.com.