Open Book Theatre Company Launches 13th Season with Explosive Dark Comedy BOOM
TRENTON, MI - What is worse than a terrible first date? A terrible first date in an underground
bomb shelter while a comet hurtles toward Earth. Open Book Theatre Company kicks off its 13th
season with Peter Sinn Nachtrieb’s fast-paced, wickedly funny dark comedy boom, opening
September 11 and running through October 4, 2026.
Directed by Hannah Niece, boom introduces audiences to Jules, an excitable, literal-minded scientist who might just be the last man on Earth, and Jo, a skeptical, no-nonsense date who is completely over the situation. Add a mysterious museum docent with timpani, a cabinet stocked with tampons and diapers, and some very stressed-out damselfish, and you have a wild, laugh-out-loud exploration of science, sex, and fate.
“People will enjoy this show because it’s weird, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt,” says director Hannah Niece. “One of the big challenges is that it’s a comedy about very heavy and dark things, the end of the world being only one of them. We had to find a balance between taking seriously what needs to be taken seriously and keeping things funny and wacky enough that it doesn’t shift into a drama. Happily, the actors are tremendously talented and make it look effortless as they walk that tightrope.”
The production features a tight-knit, powerhouse trio of actors, all of whom appeared in last season’s sold out run of Clue. Kevin T. Keller stars as Jules, bringing his theatrical journey full circle. "I used to perform a monologue from this show in college, assigned by one of the founders of Open Book." He adds that "Jules is very stern in his convictions while also completely oblivious to the emotions or intents of others and that lets us play some very funny misunderstandings and word play. I'm also literally rolling over couches and getting punched, so I feel like I'm getting to use every tool I love to pull out when acting in a show." Danielle Wright steps into the role of Jo, tackling intense physical and intimacy choreography. While Wright jokes about leaving rehearsal with a few new bruises she goes on to say "but it’s been a really cool process," Wright shares. "I also love getting to work with a smaller cast, especially a cast of people that I’ve worked with before. It makes for such a comfortable and supportive creative environment." Rounding out the cast is Open Book Artistic Director Krista Schafer as the overly passionate museum docent, Barbara. Schafer embraces her character's wild energy, saying "Barbara is ENTHUSIASTIC. I love this about her," says Schafer. "In high school I had a button on my jean jacket that said ‘I’m subject to bursts of enthusiasm,’ and it still hangs in my office. Because it’s still true. I love to let that enthusiasm out to play with Barbara. She gets swept up in it occasionally, which is a lot of fun to play." Schafer adds "The play is about the end of the world as we know it (to quote the famous REM song), but it’s also about hope and the legacy we leave. And it’s wickedly funny."
The production team bringing this underground world to life includes Stage Manager Sarah Root, Scenic Designer Amanda Bates, Costume Designer Katie Rain Auberle, Lighting Designer Harley Miah, Properties Designer Samantha Silva, Fight and Intimacy choreographer Joe Wright, and Sound Designer Krista Schafer.
