HAMTRAMCK, MI – This parody of “Are you afraid of the dark?” serves as a hilarious spring-board to shed some comedic light on the absurdity of our modern world.

What do a family gathering, Kevin Arnold’s last heartbreak, aunties hell-bent on protecting their culture, a good guy with a gun, a robot assistant, a smiling woman, and the 2020 election have in common? Maybe everything! Maybe nothing! Come find out! “Is It Okay To Say This?” is a playful and hilarious comedy sketch show written by Mike McGettigan’s Sketch 5 graduate writing class. The show walks the often fine line between humor and horror and just might leave you crying from both.

Written and co-directed by Steve Branstrom, Sarah Budziak, Josh McDaniel, and Nazneen Miah

Directed by Mike McGettigan

Assistant Directed by Alex Meitz

Featuring Adam Bacigal, Brad Carter, LaShanette Harrison, Malachi Lee, Robyn Mewha, and Amanda Weted.

Quotes from the Cast and Crew:

“I’m not licensed in anything except for driving but I’m pretty sure this show cured my depression.” – Steve

“Oh good. It’s funny outside my head too.” – Josh

“I only wear tailored clothes. Ok, mostly fitted, some tailored.” – Adam

“I love the truth blended with humor.” – LaShanette

This sketch show will run from February 28 through March 15 at the Planet Ant Black Box Theater. $13 Adv | $15 Door -or- $20 for both Glamway | A Planet Ant Original One Act Comedy and Is It Okay To Say This? | A Planet Ant Sketch Comedy

Planet Ant Theatre is an epicenter for the arts in Hamtramck and the greater Detroit area. Throughout our 25-year history, we have been the birthplace and homestead for scores of artists and performers. Across our three venues, Ant Hall, Ghost Light, and the original Planet Ant Black Box, our stages provide emerging and established creatives with a platform to pursue and refine their crafts.

The Planet Ant Training Center offers a world class education in improv comedy, sketch writing, acting, and more. We are always striving to expand our curriculum by adding new classes and workshops that better serve our creative community. We continue to be vigilant in our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, providing a supportive learning environment and safe space for all. We are proud to be a longstanding institution and artistic hub for the Detroit creative community at large. Every week, hundreds of people are drawn to our myriad stages to enjoy live music, theatre, comedy, and other forms of performance art (e.g. film screenings, art exhibitions, burlesque shows, staged readings, live podcasts, etc.). We frequently host large events and festivals throughout the year (e.g. Hamtramck Music Festival and Detroit Women of Comedy Festival) highlighting local artists, performers and vendors from all mediums, and the City of Hamtramck itself.

Committed to expanding our impact beyond our zip code, we have recently introduced The Planet Ant Podcast Network and are currently developing The Planet Ant Studio, space for community members to develop and execute audio/video recording projects. We are also excited to be introducing a new scholarship program in our mission to offer more accessibility to those who wish to learn.

Dedicated to providing professional opportunities to active members of the creative community, our theatrical season prioritizes highlighting local writers, actors, and directors. Planet Ant is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theatre and performance organization that seeks to build community by facilitating artistic expression and collaboration in theatre, music, film and other visual and performing arts; to promote artistic freedom and expand stage access; and to nurture the creative potential in individual artists through training, coaching and community engagement.

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For more information contact sadie@planetant.com