Detroit, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The Detroit Mercy Theatre Company will kick off its 55th season with a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at the newly opened Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre. The venue, located on the McNichols Campus, represents a return for DMTC after hosting performances away for over a decade. The adaptation features students and faculty and aims to enrich the community with accessible arts experiences.
Detroit – The Detroit Mercy Theatre Company (DMTC) is set to open its 55th season with a new adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic play, “Twelfth Night.” The inaugural performance at the new Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre will take place from November 7 to November 16, 2025. This production will mark a significant milestone for DMTC, as it symbolizes their return to the McNichols Campus after over a decade of hosting performances at various locations.
The new Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre, located at 4001 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI, is a state-of-the-art facility that spans 13,000 square feet. Made possible by an anonymous donation of $2 million, the venue includes advanced lighting and sound technology, a costume shop, and a green room for performers. Andrew Papa, chair of the Department of Performing Arts, has emphasized the transformative opportunities this space will provide for students and creative work.
“Twelfth Night” tells the whimsical tale of shipwrecked twins Viola and Sebastian, who each believe the other to be lost at sea. Viola disguises herself as a young man to secure a position in the household of Duke Orsino, whom she falls in love with, while he is attempting to woo the aloof Countess Olivia. The plot thickens as Olivia unknowingly falls for Viola’s male persona, leading to a series of mistaken identities and comedic scenarios.
For this adaptation, DMTC has teamed up with acclaimed playwright Marc Palmieri, who has created a fresh interpretation of the beloved Shakespearean play. The production will showcase a cast composed of students from the Department of Performing Arts, as well as faculty and alumni members. This collaborative effort reflects DMTC’s commitment to enriching the educational experience through hands-on involvement in the arts.
The opening of the Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre will be celebrated with a series of special events. Friends and Family Night is scheduled for November 7, coinciding with the first performance of “Twelfth Night.” A Grand Opening Celebration will take place on November 8, inviting the community to experience the new space. Additionally, a Community Night is set for November 15, offering $10 tickets to make the arts accessible to a broader audience.
DMTC plans to utilize the new theatre not only for performances but also to serve the university and the surrounding community. The venue will host workshops, lecture series, and other cultural events aimed at fostering an appreciation for the performing arts. This initiative underscores DMTC’s dedication to being a vital part of the local cultural landscape.
Tickets for “Twelfth Night” can be purchased online at DetroitMercyArts.com or directly from the DMTC Ticket Office. The upcoming production is poised to be a significant cultural event for Detroit, inviting both theatre enthusiasts and newcomers to experience the magic of live performance.
As DMTC embarks on this new chapter, the combination of innovative space and engaging storytelling promises to create an enriching experience for all involved, solidifying the company’s place within the vibrant Detroit arts community.
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Additional Resources
- Broadway World: Twelfth Night Opening
- Wikipedia: Twelfth Night
- WXYZ: Detroit Mercy Opens Black Box Theatre
- Google Search: Detroit Mercy Theatre Company
- Cleveland Scene: Great Lakes Theater Twelfth Night Review
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Theatre
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
