Emmy Winning Jeff Daniels Back Home for 'Unplugged'

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Jeff Daniels has become a huge star, landing roles in Oscar contenders “The Martian” and “Steve Jobs” and winning an Emmy Award for lead actor in HBO’s acclaimed series, “The Newsroom,” but he hasn’t forgotten where he got his start.

Daniels is returning to the state of the Purple Rose Theatre Co. in Chelsea, which he founded in 1991, to perform “Onstage and Unplugged” from Dec 26-31. Tickets to Purple Rose donors go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, and to the general public at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 16.

A prolific songwriter, actor, and playwright, Daniels will perform songs that are alternately humorous and poignant. This year’s lineup will feature old favorites, never-before-heard ballads and songs from his most recent album, “Days Like These.”

He is currently on a 23-city tour with his son Ben and The Ben Daniels Band.

Daniels’ critically acclaimed comedy “Casting Session” is also playing on the Purple Rose stage through Dec. 19. Daniels is also filming the final two movies in the Divergent series saga.

“Jeff Daniels is one of the busiest men in show business,” Purple Rose Artistic Director Guy Sanville said in a news release. “The fact that he chooses to spend his holidays with us performing ‘Unplugged’ speaks volumes to his dedication to the PRTC and to our community. We could not be more excited.”

Daniels’ first album, “Jeff Daniels Live and Unplugged,” was recorded in 2001 during a concert at the Purple Rose Theatre and sparked this annual music tradition. His other albums include “Live at the Purple Rose,” “Grandfather’s Hat,” “Together Again with Jonathan Hogan,” “Keep It Right Here” (featuring Brad Phillips and Dominic John Davis), and “Days Like These.” They may be purchased at the PRTC box office and online at JeffDaniels.com.

If You Go

What: Jeff Daniels “Onstage and Unplugged”

When: 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26; 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 27-30; 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31.

Where: Purple Rose Theatre Co., 137 Park St., Chelsea

Tickets: All tickets $75, except for New Year’s Eve 8 p.m. show, when they’re $85. To buy tickets go to PurpleRoseTheatre.org or call (734) 433-7673.

» Photo via JeffDaniels.com