Mitch Albom's Hockey - The Musical!

Led by the writing, producing and directing duo of brothers Mitch and Peter Albom, Hockey - The Musical! begins a five-week run at Detroit’s City Theatre on May 19. This 90-minute comedy is filled with high-sticking antics and a lively score sure to keep audience members laughing.

“We keep saying it is like Spamalot with hockey sticks,” said playwright and producer Mitch Albom. “Hockey on its own is incredibly funny.”

The storyline centers on God’s decision to eliminate one sport and an angel’s impulsive decision to make it hockey. When an avid fan named Stanley pleads with God to save hockey, the Lord gives him a chance to make his case by picking "five worthy hockey souls." But when the angel spells the names incorrectly, Stanley is left with an odd lot of characters like Duwayne Gratzkee, Dawn Cherry and others. Together, they must rally to save the sport from oblivion.

Hockey -The Musical! is the new definition of a power play.

Mitch Albom wrote the show’s book, original music and lyrics. In addition, nine musical numbers have been adapted for use in the show, including instantly-recognizable classic hits as “It’s in His Kiss,” “Tubthumping,” and “Kung Fu Fighting.”

Mitch Albom most recently wrote and produced the successful play Ernie, which has run for six years at the City Theatre. In addition to several best-selling books which have sold more than 35 million copies including “Tuesdays with Morrie” and the “Five People You Meet in Heaven,” the award-winning Detroit Free Press columnist has written five plays and produced two, but this is his first musical.

“Thankfully, my brother Peter is an accomplished dancer and choreographer so he made the transition to musical numbers on skates that much easier,” said Mitch.

Peter Albom’s credits include Broadway shows such as “Evita,” “Grease,”” West Side Story,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and various musical reviews throughout Europe. He danced with the Royal Ballet in the UK and the Alvin Ailey and Geoffrey Ballets in New York.

The nine-person cast is filled with acting veterans, eight from Michigan. Dual roles of Stanley/ Terry are filled by Greg Trzaskoma of Warren and Guy/Jagger roles by John DeLisa of Palm Harbor, Fla. Other roles are held by Shane O’Connor of Riley, Kelsey Pohl of Farmington Hills, Taurean Hogan of Detroit, Allyson Smith of Sterling Heights, David Dennison of Grosse Pointe Park, Matt Copley of Marine City and Will Bryson of Highland Park.

Shows take place Thursday through Sunday, with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets are $39.50 and can be purchased through:

• OlympiaEntertainment.com;
• Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices:
• Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (no service charge);
• all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com,
• By phone: 800-745-3000.
• Discounts are available for groups of eight or more at 313-471-3099.