The Ringwald Theatre kicked off its 18th season with the Michigan premiere of “The Grown-Ups,” running through Nov. 4. This production is being staged at The Ringwald’s venue inside Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center in downtown Ferndale, bringing a unique immersive experience to its intimate setting.

“The Grown-Ups,” written by Simon Henriques and Skylar Fox, takes the audience into the world of a group of summer camp counselors facing unprecedented challenges. As unsettling events unfold in the outside world, the camp’s safe environment crumbles, forcing the young adults to navigate their responsibilities and the looming threats.

According to Director Jennifer Goff, “The Grown-Ups” explores the traditions that change people, what it takes for someone to change those traditions, and how to change yourself when tragically unprepared.

Goff emphasizes the play’s powerful commentary on societal issues.

“’The Grown-Ups’ shines a light on the dangerous toxicity of extremity and ‘othering,’” Goff said. “The characters in this play are dealing with catastrophic consequences that fracture families and communities. It looks at how these fractures affect young adults when forced to compensate for the broken systems around them.”

This production, performed originally around a campfire in Brooklyn, will stay true to its roots. Two VIP outdoor performances are offered — on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 — where attendees can gather around a real campfire to enjoy the play. For those who prefer the indoors, the realistic experience is available inside the theater.

Artistic Director Joe Bailey said: “’The Grown-Ups’ is being presented in an immersive style. It’s about a group of young counselors at a summer camp. When extreme events happen in the outside world, they must adjust as things slowly encroach upon them and their charges. The audience will feel like they’re right there in the woods with the counselors.”

The Ringwald Theatre, a Ferndale staple since 2007, has built a reputation for daring and dynamic productions. After moving into the Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center in 2021, the theater strengthened its community engagement, making inclusivity a central part of its mission.

“We are an open and inclusive space, and anyone is welcome. Well, anyone who is open to new ideas, inclusivity, and some good old fun,” Bailey said. He also highlights the ongoing collaboration with Affirmations as a key part of The Ringwald’s outreach efforts.

The season is structured to be adaptable and filled with handpicked shows that resonate deeply with the company.

“Last year, we decided to abandon planning full seasons. We decided to plan shows as we go,” Bailey said. “It allows us to be more nimble and find a show we really love, and to devote our entire attention and talent to it. So far, the experiment is working out. Every show last year made money, and we were extremely proud of the work. You can’t ask for more than that.”“The Grown-Ups” is the season’s opener, but Bailey said he’s also is excited about the future shows.

“We’re really looking forward to this one,” he said. “But we’ve got some really exciting shows lined up after this one, too, including our irreverent annual holiday parody ‘The E(X-Mas)cist’ where Regan is possessed by Krampus and only Santa can save her.”

The Ringwald opened 17 years ago on May 11, 2007, with “Fatal Attraction: A Greek Tragedy,” becoming a mainstay of Detroit’s theater community. The Ringwald was named 2009, 2012, and 2013 Best Theatrical Troupe by Real Detroit and Best Place to See Local Theatre in 2010, 2011, and 2012 by readers of Metro Times.

Tickets for “The Grown-Ups” start at $15 for Monday performances, with regular Friday through Sunday performances priced at $25. VIP outdoor performances, including s’mores and hot beverages, are available for $35. For tickets and more information, visit theringwald.com. The Ringwald Theatre is located at 290 W. 9 Mile Road in downtown Ferndale.