Peppermint Creek Theatre Company Presents Staged Reading of Hurricane Diane in Partnership with Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council
March 29, 2026
Peppermint Creek Theatre Company, in partnership with the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council (MidMEAC), invites audiences to a bold and thought-provoking staged reading of Hurricane Diane by Madeleine George. This special event is part of MidMEAC’s NEA Big Read Community programming centered on Mary Roach’s book Fuzz. The staged reading is directed by Dinah Dewald.
Performances will take place for two nights only—April 22 and 23 at 7:00 PM—at the MSU Horticulture Gardens Conservatory, 1066 Bogue St, East Lansing (or old home)! The event is free and open to the public.
A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, Hurricane Diane is a wildly entertaining and subversive comedy that reimagines the Greek god Dionysus as “Diane,” a charismatic gardener with a mission to wake up suburban homeowners to the realities of climate change. Blending sharp humor with urgent themes, the play explores humanity’s complicated relationship with nature—and what it might take to change our ways.
This staged reading aligns with the themes of Fuzz, which examines the often surprising and sometimes absurd interactions between humans and wildlife. Together, these works spark conversation about our place in the natural world and the consequences of ignoring it.
“This collaboration is a unique opportunity to engage our community in environmental storytelling through both literature and live performance,” said Chad Swan-Badgero, PCTC Artistic Director. “Hurricane Diane is funny, fierce, and exactly the kind of play that gets people thinking—and talking.”
Attendees are encouraged to explore the full lineup of NEA Big Read events hosted by MidMEAC. More information can be found at: https://www.midmeac.org/the-big-read/
Event Details:
Hurricane Diane by Madeleine George (Staged Reading)
Directed by Dinah Dewald
April 22 & 23, 2026
7:00 PM both evenings
MSU Horticulture Gardens Conservatory, 1066 Bogue St, East Lansing, MI
Free and open to the public
Cast:
Diane – Oprah Jrenal
Beth – Maddie Elliott
Carol – Taren Going
Pam – Carmen Zavala
Renee – Savannah Detzler
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