Ben and Mary live in a decaying suburb hard hit by economic downturn. He’s lost his job and she’s discovered alcohol. They fire up the barbeque to welcome the arrival of new neighbours; a couple broke and fresh out of rehab. As the night wears on confessions are shared, inhibitions are shed and bacchanalia ensues.
 

Photo 1 by Helen White, photos 2-8 by Gez Xavier Mansfield

Cast 

Lisa Chappell
Ronald Falk
Claire Lovering
James O'Connell
Ed Wightman

Reviews

“The performances are subtle, nuanced but with a niggling sense of an eruption about to burst. Detroit is a well-executed play with a lot to say but which doesn’t have to work too hard to say it and never lets its thematic concerns interrupt its compelling story” Daily Telegraph

"This is such a great play. I’m trying to figure out when I can see it again... Detroit is as edgy as it is hilarious" Same Same

"It’s smart and unsettling, believable and insightful, crafted yet fluid" 4/5 stars The Brag

"Detroit at @darlotheatre is a well observed slice of middle America" Daily Review

"Darlinghurst Theatre’s production Detroit did not disappoint. In fact, it soared" Lip Magazine

"Detroit is one of the best things I’ve seen at the Darlinghurst Theatre, and a play not to be missed in 2015. Highly recommended" Lisa Thatcher

"A first-class production...this is must see theatre" The Buzz from Sydney

"All performances are excellent. Heading the pack is Lisa Chappell, in this brilliantly rendered portrayal of the fear-haunted Mary" Dinner & Show

"[Claire] Lovering’s flighty, fragile yet weirdly robust Sharon is especially magnetic" Daily Telegraph

"Ed Wightman’s tender portrayal of Ben provides the authentic centre of the production" Suzy Goes See

"James O’Connell is impressive as Kenny" Daily Review

"Funny, touching, charming, emotional, eye opening, brilliant" Sandra Pekez, via Twitter

Reviews from US productions

"This scary-funny comedy...speaks to the fractious, frightened American moment more perceptively than any play I’ve seen on a New York stage." The New York Times (2010)

"A sharp X-ray of the embattled American psyche as well as a smart, tart critique of the country’s fraying social fabric, Ms. D’Amour’s dark comedy is...rich and addictively satisfying" The New York Times (2012)

"Sly, timely and neatly surprising"  Time Out (New York)

Performance Dates

• Previews: 17 - 19 July
• Season: 22 July - 16 August

Performance Times

• Tue - Sat: 8pm
• Sun: 5pm
• Wed Matinee: 12 August, 11am 
• Sat Matinees: 1, 8 & 15 August, 3pm

Performance Details

• Read Detroit Event Program (PDF)
• Duration: 2hrs 15mins, inc interval
• This production includes smoke effects