By Chris Jordan

The Purple Rose Theatre Company’s latest original play is a comedy/drama about Detroit car culture. “The Classic King” is the debut play by Richard Johnson, a long-time Detroit automotive journalist who retired in 2019 as the print editor of Automotive News. Johnson said that he always thought the automotive world would be a great subject for a play with its rich history, unique language and memorable characters.

After Johnson’s retirement, he developed “The Classic King” at The Purple Rose in Chelsea, workshopping and refining it with Jeff Daniels and the theatre’s company of actors. Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company’s founder and artistic director, is directing the play running now through March 8.

“The Classic King” follows the cross-generational staff of a struggling used car dealership in Detroit as they try to keep the business afloat. It’s a mix of comedy and drama about classic car culture, workplace dynamics and business struggles and generational disconnects. Actor Ryan Carlson, who plays one of the car dealership’s veteran salesmen, describes it as a love letter to car enthusiasts but also a workplace comedy that anyone can relate to.

“Even if you don’t know a lot about cars, if you’re from Michigan, you’re going to understand because our car culture here in Michigan runs deep,” Carlson said.  

One Detroit’s Chris Jordan sat down with playwright Richard Johnson and actors Ryan Carlson and Rico Bruce Wade to discuss the play and the collaborative workshopping process at The Purple Rose Theatre Company. The piece also shows a rehearsal with director Jeff Daniels, giving viewers a glimpse into his creative process.