(Chelsea Update would like to thank Caitlin Cavannaugh for the information in this story.)
The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) recently announced the spring production of its 35th season, “Murder on the Links” a Michigan-premiere murder mystery comedy by Steven Dietz. Tickets are on sale now.
Something’s afoul on the private golf course at Merlinville-Sur-Mer — namely the body of Hercule Poirot’s newest client. Acclaimed playwright Steven Dietz brings the famed Belgian detective to life to solve one of Agatha Christie’s most intricate whodunits. Of course, there are the host of usual — and — unusual suspects. A cast of six versatile actors embody a myriad of characters as they navigate the twists and turns of this lively and fun new adaptation. You won’t want to miss a thrilling moment of this comic mystery.
This production of “Murder on the Links” contains adult content and may not be suitable for children under the age of 13.
STEVEN DIETZ (Playwright) At PRTC: More Fun than Bowling, Honus & Me. Off-Broadway: Fiction, Lonely Planet, God’s Country, Trust. Regional: forty-plus plays and adaptations at over one hundred theatres. International: plays in twenty-five countries worldwide. Film: Meg Ryan’s What Happens Later, from his play, Shooting Star. For the ’24-’25 season, Dietz was once again named one of the “Twenty Most Produced Playwrights in America” by American Theatre Magazine. Dietz was awarded the Steinberg New Play Citation for Bloomsday; the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays Award for both Fiction and Still Life with Iris; the PEN USA-West Award in Drama for Lonely Planet; and an Edgar® Award for Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure. He lives in Seattle and Austin.
Directed by David Bendena, the cast features Bill Simmons* (Indianapolis), Caitlin Cavannaugh* (Manchester), John Seibert* (Dexter), Ruth Crawford (Ypsilanti), John Bernos (Ann Arbor), and Ashley Wickett* (Bloomfield Hills). Set Design by Brian Dambacher, Properties Design by Danna Segrest, Costume Design by Suzanne Young, Lighting Design by Matt Taylor, Sound Design by Robert W. Hubbard. Stefanie Din* is the Stage Manager and Caridad Guy* is the Assistant Stage Manager.
*Appearing through an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
The Production Sponsor is Secret Crisis Comics. 2025-2026 Season Underwriters include The Rabbithood Fund, The Shubert Foundation, The Matilda R. Wilson Fund, Michigan Arts and Culture Council and National Endowment for the Arts.
Performance Schedule
Performances of ”Murder on the Links” at The Purple Rose run from Thursday, April 2 through Sunday, May 31, 2026. Previews, with reduced-price tickets, are available through Thursday, April 9, with talkbacks April 2 – April 4.
Special Events and Partnerships
On the Saturday evening performance of May 16, there will be a “30s & 40s Meetup Night,” a mixer with discounted tickets for anyone age 30-49 to make new friends with a cocktail hour at Ugly Dog Distillery (Chelsea, MI), followed by the performance. Those interested can call the Box Office at (734) 433-7673 to reserve a ticket.
“College Night,” in which students receive pizza, a ticket to the performance and a talkback with artists for a heavily discounted $15 ticket price, will be on the evening performance of Saturday, April 19. Those interested can call the Box Office at (734) 433-7673 or use the code “COLLEGE” at www.PurpleRoseTheatre.org to reserve a ticket.
For more information about these special events, email [email protected].
Ticket Information
Performances are Wednesday – Sunday at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St. The performance calendar can be found HERE.
Ticket prices start at $30 with special discounts for seniors, patrons 30 years or younger, members of the military, teachers, and groups (12+).
For more information or to make reservations call (734) 433-7673 or go to www.purplerosetheatre.org.
About The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Founded in 1991 by actor, director, playwright, musician, and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a professional, unionized theatre and creative home for local Michigan artists to produce original American plays. At the PRTC, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre without breaking the bank. Broadway quality at Midwest prices.
Continuing this season, The Purple Rose is leading with smart comedy: plays that allow audiences to feel good, laugh, and just maybe get a message out of it too.
The Purple Rose also provides preview talk-backs, free play readings, and ticket donations to local fundraisers. It commissions new work from established and early-career playwrights. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theatre, the PRTC operates under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association.
For more information contact PRTC Marketing Communications Specialist, Caitlin Cavannaugh at [email protected] or 734-210-1415.
