The spring production from Valley Center Stage, opening Friday, March 24, is “Superior Donuts,” a comedy-drama by Tracy Letts, Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning author.

“Superior Donuts” takes place in the historic Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, one of Chicago’s most racially diverse communities. Arthur Przybyszewski, a despondent, aging 1960s radical owns a run-down, dated donut shop that has been in his family for 60 years. New employee Franco Wicks, a young, enthusiastic black man, aspires to infuse new energy into the shop but Arthur remains detached from investing in his business and life.

This provocative comedy drama explores the challenges of embracing the past while celebrating the redemptive power of friendship.

Performance dates are: 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturdays, March 24 to April 8; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 30 and April 6; and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 2. Doors open 30 minutes before all performances. All shows are at Valley Center Stage, 119 W. North Bend Way, North Bend.

Tickets are $17.50 for adults; $14 for seniors and students. Buy tickets at the door or in advance at http://bit.ly/SuperiorDonuts.

For more information, visit valleycenterstage.org.

Actors Michael Gavronski, Lamar Legend and Peter Cook perform in “Superior Donuts” opening Friday, March 24, in North Bend. Photo courtesy of René Schuchter

Michael Gavronski, Carson Boyle, Michael Murdock and Brenden Ellwood, gather around Peter Cook, who’s just been knocked down, in a scene from the play. Photo courtesy of René Schuchter

In a scene from “Superior Donuts,” Brynne Garman and Anthony Floyd confront each other in the donut shop. Photo courtesy of René Schuchter