World Premiere Play Frankie and JohnnyBuild a Prison at Planet Ant Black Box
- Encore Staff Writer
- Feb 27
- 3 min read
Would you try to run or would you hold the one you love and know that’s the best
option?
Frankie and Johnny Build a Prison is a world premiere play by local playwright Matt Harmon.
When novice carpenter Frankie and incarcerated Johnny meet while building a visitation window in a county prison, security cameras loom in the corner of the room, watching their every move. A work assignment gives way to romantic interest, and the two must confront their captors, their pasts, and time to be together. As the story unfolds and roles are reversed, Frankie and Johnny learn what must be sacrificed to create something new.
“One aspect that I do love about this play and with Matt [Harmon’s] writing is the important
themes that it touches on. It touches on the incarceration of queer people and how they’re treated differently, as well as how non-binary people are treated in our society,” said Director Dani Poppe. “I feel so honored that I was given the opportunity to handle these fragile topics, and I
really hope that the audience takes away an important message after seeing this show.”
“The necessity, especially in current climates, of [depicting] queer identity and experience, more
specifically within being non-binary … [makes] this show very special,” said Mikey Vultaggio,
who plays Frankie. “There are so many incredible aspects to this show: the voiceover work, the
materialization of certain scenes that play in and out of each other, and the perspectives that are
being offered throughout the entirety of the piece.”
X. Alexander Durden, who plays Johnny, said “I think the depth that Matt has been able to
accomplish in this character alone is really reflective of the story of a lot of people who are
incarcerated in the United States. It’s a beautiful story that [shows] the connection between two
people, regardless of time or space.”
An innovative drama, Frankie and Johnny Build a Prison examines the cyclical prison industrial complex and pushes the boundaries of the two-person play.
Written by Matt Harmon
CAST:
Mikey Vultaggio as Frankie
X. Alexander Durden as Johnny
Nick Smathers as Frankie U/S
David Grivas as Johnny U/S
VOICE CAST:
John DeMerell as Smuggler/Dominic
July Campbell as Martin/Cellmate/Sandy
Mario Cadwell as Coworker
Jason Clinton as Green
Quinn Jacob as Officer
Dinah Tutein as Commissioner/Bus Driver
Anish Kumar as Landlord
CREW:
Dani Poppe - Director
Luka Collins - Stage Manager
Jackson Meade- Sound Designer/Director
Alec Ehnis-Clark - Set Designer
Betsy Cooper - Poster Design
Frankie and Johnny Build a Prison
Friday, February 14 @ 8:00PM
Saturday, February 15 @ 8:00PM
Sunday, February 16 @ 3:00PM
Friday, February 21 @ 8:00PM
Saturday, February 22 @ 8:00PM
Sunday, February 23 @ 3:00PM
Friday, February 28 @ 8:00PM
Saturday, March 1 @ 8:00PM
All performances take place at the Planet Ant Black Box (2357 Caniff St, Hamtramck, MI).
Tickets can be purchased at planetant.com/events for $25 or $30 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
