A Comedyby Playwright Tracy Letts
TheatreBrockport invites audiences to experience Superior Donuts, a heartfelt and richly detailed comedy by acclaimed playwright Tracy Letts. Performances will run April 29 through May 3 in the Tower Mainstage Theatre.
Set in a modest Chicago donut shop, Superior Donuts explores themes of connection and community through the unlikely friendship between Arthur, a withdrawn shop owner, and Franco, his energetic young employee. As the two navigate personal struggles, generational differences, and the changing neighborhood around them, the play offers a poignant and often humorous look at resilience, identity, and the bonds that bring people together.
This TheatreBrockport production highlights both the emotional depth and comedic nuance of Letts’ writing, bringing to life a vibrant cast of characters whose stories intersect in meaningful and unexpected ways. Originally premiering on stage, the play later inspired the television series Superior Donuts, expanding its reach and introducing its characters and themes to a wider audience.
Costume Designer Ann Emo notes that one of the unique creative challenges of the production has been designing realistic stage makeup to age actors into their roles. “Many of the characters are much older than the actors,” she explains. “We want this to look realistic, so designing and implementing makeup well is something we are paying close attention to.” This attention to detail enhances the authenticity of the world on stage and supports the storytelling at every level.
Blending humor with deeply human moments, Superior Donuts is a moving portrait of everyday people searching for purpose, belonging, and connection in a rapidly changing world.
Performances are April 30 through May 3: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m., in the Tower Mainstage Theatre on the SUNY Brockport campus.
Tickets are $20 for the general public; $15 for seniors, Brockport alumni, faculty, and staff; and $9 for students. For tickets and more information, visit FineArtsTix.brockport.edu or contact the Tower Fine Arts Center Box Office at 585-395-2787.
Provided information and photo
Cast members Liam Houle (left) and Josiah Joseph (right) rehearse for the upcoming production of Superior Donuts by Tracy Letts.
