My Mother and the Michigan/Ohio War will open Farmers Alley Theatre’s 19th season on September 17 and must close October 4. It got glowing reviews such as, “Stroili beautifully combines belly-laughing humor with some very poignant moments,” (The Sun Times News) in its Michigan premiere at the Purple Rose Theatre, so it is sure to be a hit in Kalamazoo. Ready for some insight into the mind of Paul Stroili and his play? Read on!
You might recognize the name “Paul Stroili” from our Season 17 smash hit, A Jukebox for the Algonquin. As that play was full of humor and genuine moments, Michigan/Ohio War is sure to produce a similar effect. “The greatest joy from the first three productions of the show that I’ve seen is how much audiences identify with the characters – flaws and all,” Stroili reveals, “Make no mistake – this is a comedy. I’ve watched people doubled over with laughter watching this which is such a joy to experience. There are a number of poignant moments as well, and while people are not expecting them – they comment on how moved they are.”
You will also recognize Paul from our March production of Misery where he played the tortured Paul Sheldon opposite Laura Jordan’s Annie Wilkes. Paul loved working with Laura so much that he has cast her as the Mother, Izzy. Izzy is a recent widow who is downsizing from the family home to a condo. In the process of moving, she enlists her daughter and son (a Wolverine and a Buckeye respectively), but she has an ulterior motive...
You may be asking what this play has to do with the Michigan/Ohio War, also known as The Toledo War (1835-1836). Well, Stroili reflects on his inspiration for the play by saying, “When I was asked to write another play for the Purple Rose Theatre, Artistic Director Jeff Daniels mentioned how much the Michigan audiences enjoy seeing themselves on stage. So, I knew I wanted to set it in Michigan, and I’ve always been fascinated with odd history as well as historical reenactments. The Michigan/Ohio War actually happened, but to call it a ‘war’ is beyond comical. That said, it’s not really about the war, or even heavily into the football rivalry. Much like A Jukebox for the Algonquin (my other play that played so beautifully here at Farmers Alley), this is a story about family, and how those you love the most can make you the most crazy.” It seems that the topic of war in this piece is actually a metaphor for the ups and downs of familial relationships, which everyone can relate to, therefore making it a pretty entertaining play to witness on stage (and of course, the inside jokes will bolster that too).
Stroili will also be returning to the theatre to direct. Having the actual playwright direct their own piece allows for a depth and understanding that might have otherwise been missed. Stroili mentions that all of his plays are like his children in a way and that he couldn’t be more excited to direct this one, “The other [productions of Michigan/Ohio War] have played beautifully (one in Colorado and one in Connecticut) but there’s no way around the fact that a Michigan audience finds a few more things to laugh at. Not inside jokes so much but a joyous camaraderie of shared experience.”
You won’t want to miss this relatable, crazily comedic, thought-provoking story coming to downtown Kalamazoo this fall.
Written by Abigail Doonan