Encore Michigan

NIXON/KING premieres at Planet Ant 1/10-1/25

Show Announcement January 09, 2025

HAMTRAMCK, MICH – January 10, 2025 – This January, Planet Ant invites audiences to experience a bold and thought-provoking theatrical event with NIXON/KING, a dramedy musical written by and starring Robert P. Young III. Running January 10th–25th at Ant Hall, located at 2320 Caniff Street, Hamtramck, MI, the production reimagines one of the most consequential moments in American history: the 1960 Presidential election and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s imprisonment.

Through gripping dialogue, humor, and original music, NIXON/KING imagines a covert confrontation between Richard Nixon and Martin Luther King, Jr., exploring themes of leadership, morality, and legacy. This innovative production uses drama and humor to spark conversations about civil rights and political power. The premiere is timed to honor Martin Luther King Day, adding historic and cultural resonance to the show’s message.

NIXON/KING isn’t just a historical ‘what if,’” said playwright and star Robert P. Young III. “It’s an exploration of the human choices that shape history, brought to life with music, humor, and thought-provoking drama.”

A Cast and Crew Bringing History to Life

The production features a talented ensemble cast:

  • John Demerell as Nixon
  • Robert P. Young III as King
  • Steve Pierce as Kennedy
  • Itaysha Walker as Lucy Ifer
  • Jacob Schwab as The Prison Guard

The creative team includes:

  • Jen Lee, Director
  • Dylan Mirisola, Assistant Director
  • Steve VanMaele, Stage Manager
  • Daniel Bachelis, Music Director
  • Zach Brummel, Music Arrangement
  • Joe Wright, Fight Choreographer
  • Sam Carroll, Poster Character Renditions
  • Mike McGettigan, Producer/Poster Design
  • Jarod Bardon, Marketing

NIXON/KING premieres on January 10th, just days before Martin Luther King Day, offering a timely exploration of civil rights history. Set in a Georgia prison, the play imagines a fictional meeting between Nixon and King as they debate the urgency of justice and the pressures of political power. With its mix of drama, humor, and music, NIXON/KING promises an unforgettable theatrical experience that challenges audiences to consider how history might have been rewritten.

Week of 1/13/2025

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