County Commissioner gets in on the act
County commissioner gets in on the act Proceeds from production to go to Michigan Humane Society
By Sarah Cormier
C & G Staff Writer
MOUNT CLEMENS Macomb County Commissioner Carey Torrice is taking part in an upcoming play put on by a Mount Clemens theater group, a production that also raises money for an important cause.
What’s that Smell? Productions is putting on a production of Glengarry Glen Ross, a Pulitzer Prize winning play about a group of real estate agents living in Chicago in the 1960s looking to get rid of unwanted real estate.
It’s a very, very intense drama, explained John Forlini, co-owner of The Box Theatre, which opened in September 2009 in downtown Mount Clemens, where What’s That Smell? Productions holds its shows.
Mathew Raya, also co-owner of The Box Theatre and director of the show, said he thought Glengarry Glen Ross would be a good fit right now because deals with current events.
I thought that this play would be perfect for the time now, with the real estate market being so bad, Raya explained.
Raya said that Torrice, who covers District 16 as county commissioner, has a featured role in the show, playing a part in the opening scene.
This will be our first show that we will have a featured person, said Raya. We chose Carey Torrice ¦ because she showed interest when we were doing our very first show.
Torrice agreed, stating that when The Box Theatre first opened, she went to go see a production of the musical Nunsense Amen! and knew that she wanted to play a role in an upcoming show. When the idea for the part in Glengarry Glen Ross was pitched to her, Torrice was eager to get started working on her lines.
I’m very excited, I’ve been practicing a lot with the cast, she said, adding that she has acting experience.
Another big reason why Torrice said she wanted to participate is that about 10 percent of proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Michigan Humane Society a charity that Torrice picked herself to be the beneficiary.
Every one of our shows we give money to whatever charity either the group decides on or any special person we have (picks), explained Forlini.
Torrice said that earning money for the Michigan Humane Society is important right now.
That’s kind of the last thing that people can give to right now, so I just thought that would be a good way to give back, said Torrice. I knew what I got myself into. It’s for a good cause. I’m really honored to be a part of this, and I really enjoy this.
Raya said that donating to charity is important to him and Forlini, as well as others involved with What’s That Smell? Productions.
It’s important for us as a Mount Clemens business ¦ to help support local charities, and that’s something we decided when we first opened up that we were going to do that for every single show, he said.
Glengarry Glen Ross will be playing at The Box Theatre, which is located at 70 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, on Jan. 29, 30 and 31, and Feb. 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for seniors and students. For ticket reservations or for more information, call (586) 954-2311.
You can reach Staff Writer Sarah Cormier at [email protected] or at (586) 498-1095.
