From Oct. 10 through Nov. 2, Theatre Nova, an Ann Arbor-based theatre that often centers Michigan performers and writers, will put on “Dry Summer” written by local playwright Robert Axelrod. The play’s setting is Ann Arbor, referencing local staples, including Roos Roast Coffee, Necto and other well-known Ann Arborite locations. The story follows Ethan, who returned to his Ann Arbor family home, taking on the role of a “sober companion” for his neighbor.
“I think any time that we can empathize with experiences that are normally sort of stigmatized or put into really negative and harsh lights, I think that it is really powerful,” Director Brittany Connors said. “This show really does that on multiple fronts. So I wanted to help promote that story.”
Connors, an actor and director originally from Ann Arbor, is joining Theatre Nova in a directorial debut for the world premiere of this story. Connors details many reasons why they chose to join the production, including wanting to support the message and showcase Ann Arbor culture.
“At best, Ann Arbor is very compassionate, and at best, Ann Arbor teaches people about empathy, and I think that’s a word that is in people’s rolodex here,” Connors said. “I don’t really know that there’s a better place to put this show on.”
Connors and Theatre Nova Artistic Director of the show Briana O’Neal’s artistic team have spoken with playwright Axelrod throughout the process of helping the show come to life.
“All of our artistic directors read through the script, and we all just fell in love with it,” O’Neal said. “I think it’s a beautiful show. It’s so sweet, there’s so much empathy in it, and then it has this really cool connection of being so hyperlocal to our community that we really thought our community and our audiences would really connect with it.”
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After many months of planning and rehearsing, the show is ready to be unveiled to the public. Connors details that the development process has been extremely smooth and collaborative.
“The most challenging thing we’ve had is I’ve got an incredible group of thinkers,” Connors said. “I’m also a thinker, and what comes with that sometimes is overthinking. So I would say just getting artists out of their heads and back into their bodies, trusting text, trusting impulses and just staying in the joy, staying childlike, I think that’s been the biggest challenge. But it’s been a really delightful challenge to tackle.”
On Saturday, Oct. 11, the first Saturday matinee performance will include a talk-back after the show with playwright Axelrod. This date is also student night, featuring $5 tickets for students. Although any showing of this play will be special, the Saturday matinee will be truly a unique opportunity to understand the thought and effort that went into the performance. Regardless of whether an audience member is new to Ann Arbor, or has called the town their home for years, both Connors and O’Neal felt that the essence of the Ann Arbor community can be felt through the play.
“There’s something really special about Ann Arbor,” O’Neal said. “It has its frustrations, and just like any city, things that we would all like to improve. But I think that there’s a sense of community here that is woven into this script that I really love, that the first time I read it, the first time I saw them read it, it just feels like home. So I think our audiences are going to come, and hopefully, what we’re aiming for is that they feel that same sense of home and of comfort and welcomeness, that I think when it’s at its best, the city can be.”
Purchase tickets to see “Dry Summer” at Theatre Nova on 410 West Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 here. Learn more about “Dry Summer” and Theatre Nova here.
