[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 22]
[Senate]
[Page 30296]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DETROIT REPERTORY THEATRE

  Mr. LEVIN. Madam President, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize 
the 50th anniversary of the Detroit Repertory Theatre, one of 
Michigan's oldest, continuously operating professional theatre 
companies. Located in the heart of Detroit, this theatre company has 
made significant contributions to the arts landscape in Detroit and 
across Michigan, forging an enduring legacy over the last half century.
  The arts play an important role in building and sustaining 
communities by bridging cultural, ethnic, economic differences, and by 
being an important economic catalyst. Since its inception in 1957, the 
Detroit Repertory Theatre has been at the forefront of this effort and 
has provided world-class theatre productions for the greater Detroit 
community. Its ongoing emphasis on racially and ethnically diverse 
casting and its focus on theatrical relevancy have allowed it to carve 
out an important niche in the grassroots theatre world.
  The Detroit Repertory Theatre's golden anniversary is particularly 
impressive considering the myriad challenges grassroots theatre 
companies face. This theatre company has not only weathered and adeptly 
overcome every challenge but continues to provide quality performances, 
while focusing on making their productions both relevant and accessible 
to the community. Integral to the theatre's mission is reaching out to 
a broader theatre audience through various successful outreach efforts, 
including Arts in Education Programs, Free Acting Workshops, the New 
Playwrights' Program, and the Charitable and CMO Partnerships.
  True to its bold tradition of forging ahead, this anniversary not 
only celebrates past achievements but concurrently looks forward and 
embarks on new challenges. On Saturday, the Detroit Repertory Theatre 
will hold a black tie benefit to formally celebrate its golden 
anniversary and to kickoff its 50th Anniversary Challenge. This effort 
seeks to raise the funds necessary to execute its operational and 
community development initiatives, seeking to position the theatre to 
meet the challenges that lie ahead.
  When an organization enjoys the type of success the Detroit Repertory 
Theatre has over the years, there are many who have sacrificed much and 
deserve acknowledgement and our heartfelt gratitude. It is in this 
spirit that I know my colleagues join me in recognizing and 
congratulating all those who have contributed to the Detroit Repertory 
Theatre's many successes over the last 50 years, in particular Bruce 
Milan, an original cofounder and the theatre's artistic and managing 
director, as well as his fellow cofounders, Barbara Busby and Dee 
Andrus. The community looks forward to an equally impressive record of 
success over the next half century. Break a leg!

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