Jeff Daniels to Direct World Premiere of THE CLASSIC KING At Purple Rose Theatre

The new comedy by Richard Johnson explores veteran car salesmen navigating a changing industry.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The Purple Rose Theatre Company will present the world premiere of THE CLASSIC KING, a new comedy by Richard Johnson, directed by Jeff Daniels. The play follows veteran car salesmen at a Metro Detroit dealership as they navigate an industry shaped by changing technology and generational shifts.

Why it matters

The play marks the first production with the Purple Rose Theatre for playwright Richard Johnson, a former print editor of Automotive News, and will be directed by acclaimed actor Jeff Daniels, who founded the Purple Rose Theatre Company.

The details

THE CLASSIC KING centers on three veteran used-car salesmen at a Metro Detroit dealership who face challenges when a younger salesperson joins the team and proposes modernizing the business. The play explores themes of survival, relevance, and identity within the changing automotive industry.

  • The play will run at the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan from January 29 through March 8, 2026.
  • Previews will continue through February 5, with the press opening scheduled for February 6 at 8:00 p.m.

The players

Richard Johnson

The playwright of THE CLASSIC KING, a former print editor of Automotive News at Crain Communications who previously served as the publication's European Editor in Frankfurt and Asia Editor in Tokyo, and later launched Automotive News Europe in London.

Jeff Daniels

The director of THE CLASSIC KING, who is also the founder of the Purple Rose Theatre Company.

Rico Bruce Wade

One of the actors appearing in THE CLASSIC KING through an agreement with Actors' Equity Association.

Ryan Carlson

One of the actors appearing in THE CLASSIC KING through an agreement with Actors' Equity Association.

Owen Squire Smith

One of the actors appearing in THE CLASSIC KING through an agreement with Actors' Equity Association.

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What they’re saying

“THE CLASSIC KING marks his first production with the Purple Rose Theatre.”

— Richard Johnson, Playwright

What’s next

The production will feature special programming, including a '30s & 40s Meetup Night' on February 21 and a College Night on February 28.

The takeaway

The world premiere of THE CLASSIC KING at the Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, Michigan brings together acclaimed playwright Richard Johnson and director Jeff Daniels to explore the changing automotive industry through the lens of veteran car salesmen, showcasing the theatre's commitment to new works and diverse storytelling.