Detroit '67

A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Detroit '67

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  3w, 2m

Morisseau's powerful play unfolds an explosive moment in our history – the race riots that ravaged the city of Detroit in 1967 – set to a vibrant soundtrack of the day's music.

Image: 2013 Public Theater Production (Joan Marcus)

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    3w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Not Applicable
  • Suggested Use
    • Monologues
    • Scene Work
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Teen (Age 14-18)
Accolades
Accolades
  • Winner! Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History

Details

Summary
In 1967 Detroit, Motown music is getting the party started, and Chelle and her brother Lank are making ends meet by turning their basement into an after-hours joint. But when a mysterious woman finds her way into their lives, the siblings clash over much more than the family business. As their pent-up feelings erupt, so does their city, and they find themselves caught in the middle of the '67 riots. 
History
Detroit '67 was first presented Off Broadway at the Public Theater in association with Classical Theatre of Harlem and the National Black Theatre in New York City on March 11, 2013. It was directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah.
CHELLE (MICHELLE) – Black woman, late 30’s, strong, steadfast, firm, and not easily impressed. A widow, mother, and sister. A loving heart beneath her pride.
LANK (LANGSTON)– Black man, early 30’s, cool, loving, and charismatic. A dreamer. Has a special affect on women – but not a womanizer. Chelle’s younger brother.
BUNNY (BONITA)– Black woman, mid-late 30’s, fun, spunky, sexy, and joyful. A friend and sometimes a lover… Never lets nothin’ get her down.
SLY (SYLVESTER)– Black man, late 30’s, hip, slick, and sweet-talking. An honest hustler and numbers man. Fiercely loyal. Lank’s best buddy.
CAROLINE– White woman, late 20's/early 30's, beautiful, quiet strength, troubled, soft, and mysterious. There is a world of danger behind her eyes.
  • Time Period 1960s
  • Setting Detroit, Michigan. July 1967. A furnished basement.
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Additional Features Not Applicable
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“Must-see theater... Detroit ’67 effectively captures a community coming to grips with its history and its future.” – Detroit Free Press

Detroit '67 features a number of classic Motown tunes. Listen to the songs below, and be sure to check out Reach on Out for Me: The Playlist of Detroit ’67.  



REVIEWS

“CRACKLING WITH HUMOR! Fire up some Motown, get those hips moving and everything will work out fine.”
- The New York Times, Read More

“If Detroit '67's sequels prove as good as it does, the search for the next Wilson or Hansberry could nearly be over.”
- Talkin’ Broadway, Read More

"3 STARS! An endearing new play...it will draw you in!"
- New York PostRead More


ON BREAKING CHARACTER

Scene Study and Classroom Reading: Plays for Colleges and Universities
by Becca Schlossberg
August 23, 2019

Reach On Out for Me: The Playlist of DETROIT '67
by Annette Storckman
February 11, 2015

Coming Out On Top
by Gianfranco Lentini
December 22, 2014

Videos

  • Detroit '67 at Northlight Theatre (Scene 1) youtube thumbnail

    Detroit '67 at Northlight Theatre (Scene 1)

  • Detroit '67 at Northlight Theatre (Scene 2) youtube thumbnail

    Detroit '67 at Northlight Theatre (Scene 2)

Photos

  • Detroit '67

    Image: 2013 Public Theater Production (Joan Marcus)

  • Detroit '67

    Image: 2013 Public Theater Production (Joan Marcus)

  • Detroit '67

    Image: 2013 Public Theater Production (Joan Marcus)

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)
  • Chorus Size N/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:

Add-Ons

Take a look below at how you can enhance your show!

Authors

Dominique Morisseau

Dominique Morisseau is the author of The Detroit Project (A 3-Play Cycle), which includes the following plays: Skeleton Crew (Atlantic Theater Company), Paradise Blue (Signature Theatre), and Detroit ’67 (Public Theater, Classical Theatre of Harlem and NBT). Additional plays ...

View full profile

Now Playing