Helm returns to Heartland Festival in many roles

PLATTEVILLE - Paul Helm is returning for his fourth summer to the Heartland Festival at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. On stage, he performs multiple roles in "Frog and Toad," and "I Love You, You're Perfect ... Now Change," as well as the roles of director, musical director and choreographer of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," this year's musical extravaganza.

According to John Hassig, executive director of the Heartland Festival, Helm has played an important role in the festival's success.

"Paul is a huge asset to the festival. Not only is he a key player onstage, he is becoming a powerful force behind the scenes. He is the first actor I hired five years ago when I took the executive director position with Heartland. The fact that he keeps coming back means a lot to me. His growth has been nothing short of amazing to watch. I admire his talent and value him as a brilliant performer, visionary director and good friend," said Hassig.

Though he is becoming a veteran, Helm said he finds each new season invigorating and educational.

"As an actor, I've learned so much from both Vivienne Elborne and Ann Farrelly, and each year, I'm working with professionals and learning more about my craft. The actors here, even the volunteers, have their hearts in their work, and you can tell they are enjoying themselves," he said. Elborne directs "I Love You, You're Perfect ... Now Change," and Farrelly, directs the storybook come-to-life tale of "Frog and Toad."

The task of directing both the acting and musical numbers might have seemed daunting to anyone, since the story of "Joseph" and his coat of many colors is told entirely though musical narration. Joseph is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams, and his father's favorite son. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, he endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged.

"Joseph is about two things: dreaming and storytelling," explained Helm. "Joseph is a dreamer, both revered and hated for his interpretation of dreams. Such is the case today as dreamers are often outcasts. They see things, they understand things, but many times the world is not ready to hear what a dreamer has to say."

Helm has performed widely in the region since first becoming a professional actor in 1999. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he has performed, directed and music-directed regionally with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, First Stage Children's Theater, Skylight Opera Theatre, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Circa 21' Dinner Playhouse, and the Florentine Opera Company.

"I am so grateful to the Heartland Festival. It's been absolutely wonderful working with such a fantastic team of highly-skilled actors and designers. I got my first directing break here, so I will always be thankful for John Hassig and UWP," he said. Helm directed the 2007 production of "Seussical."

His other Heartland Festival Production credits include the roles of Oscar Madison in "The Odd Couple," L.M. in "Pump Boys and Dinettes," Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz," and Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors."

Following this summer's festival, Helm will perform in the world premiere of "Sometimes A Song: The Music of Dan Fogelberg" with American Folklore Theatre in Door County, and return to Milwaukee to appear in Harry Connick Jr's "The Happy Elf" with First Stage Children's Theater, directed by Tony-Award winning Broadway director John Rando. Helm is also being considered for national tours of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Sweeney Todd."

The Heartland Festival runs through Aug. 3. Anyone interested in learning more about the Heartland Festival may call the University Box Office at (608) 342-1298 or visit the Heartland website at www.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland. The University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on the ground floor of the newly renovated Ullsvik Hall at the intersection of Hickory and Main streets. The CFA Box Office location opens one and a half hours before scheduled performances. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

Contact: John Hassig, Executive Director of the Heartland Festival(608) 342-1298, hassigj@uwplatt.edu Written by: Evelyn Martens, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, martense@uwplatt.edu

Heartland Festival has another hit show with ‘Joseph’

The audience attending “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was barely able to keep its standing ovation from turning into a dance number at the close of this opening night extravaganza at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Center for the Arts on July 11.

This fourth offering in the sixth season of the Heartland Festival had the audience raving.

“Outstanding – truly first class. I feel fortunate to get to see something this good so close to home,” said Steve Baldus, who came from Dodgeville with his daughter, Hannah.

Was it the harmonious lament of the 11 brothers singing “Those Canaan Days,” the tropical tunes of the “Benjamin Calypso” or the “Poor, Poor Pharaoh’s” wild, Elvis-like gyrations which got the crowd’s toes tapping?

“I can’t pick a favorite number,” said Bethany Jarding of Platteville. “It’s one of the best ensemble productions I’ve ever seen.”

“And the coat was really cool,” added Hannah Baldus.

The story of Joseph, described by director and musical director Paul Helm as being essentially about dreaming and storytelling, follows the trials of Joseph as he is exiled and enslaved, but ultimately restored and redeemed. “Like many great dreamers of the world, Joseph is an inspiration to us all as he uses his courage and faith to make his dreams come true,” said Helm.

The role of Joseph is performed by Heartland Festival newcomer, Aaron Sitrick. The narration of the tale is provided entirely through song, performed by Abby Shultz and Kelsey Klug. The supporting cast, including a children’s chorus drawn from regional talent, includes over 70 actors.

“It just felt like every single person was made for the part,” said Margaret Dalsing of Platteville, who attended with her granddaughters, Emily and Katie Hinderman. “It’s wonderful that these young kids get an opportunity to be in the chorus at such an early age. I will definitely be back next year,” she said.

“And it’s really funny in many places,” added Katie Hinderman.

Often, the audience burst into spontaneous applause simply in appreciation for the set, costuming and staging.

“The sets were beautiful, the pyramids were gorgeous, and it was so interesting the way they wove everything in and out. I would like to see it again just for that,” said Joyce Hanson of Madison, who attended with her daughter, Tina Roth, a frequent Heartland Festival fan.

“It was magnificent,” said first time Heartland Festival visitor, Vicki Schmitt, of Lancaster. “It was hard to sit still with so much energy in the room. This was a fabulous production.”

Evening performances of “Joseph,” starting at 7:30 p.m., will be held on July 17, 20, 22, 24 and 31. Matinee performances, starting at 2 p.m., will be held on July 19 and 27;and Aug. 3. Ticket prices are $17 for adults or $9 for children under 18 and UWP students with I.D.

Anyone interested in learning more about this or other Heartland Festival shows may call the University Box Office at (608) 342-1298 or visit the Heartland website at www.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland. The University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5p.m. and is located on the ground floor of the newly renovated Ullsvik Hall at the intersection of Hickory and Main streets. The CFA Box Office location opens one and a half hours before scheduled performances. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

UWP Heartland Festival features new faces

Three new actors have joined the Heartland Festival this year at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Jason Slattery, Ryan Bartscher and Jay Cullen all came to the festival after auditioning at the Midwest Theater Auditions in St. Louis, Mo.

Slattery is a junior music theater major at Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music in Cleveland, Ohio. His background includes regional theater at Cleveland's Playhouse Square and a national tour of "The Sound of Music," in which he played the role of Friedrich von Trapp. He plays the role of Timothy O'Reilly in "Wake Me When I'm Dead," the role of the Man (actually multiple roles) in "I Love You, You're Perfect ... Now Change," and the role of the brother and the baker in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," which opens July 11.

He says he chose the Heartland Festival because of the variety of roles he was offered. In addition to performing in multiple productions, he plays several different parts within "I Love You," which is a musical revue of the mating and dating game and has been very warmly received by audiences since it opened June 20.

"I've been wanting to do this show for a long time. Each new character I become is totally different - with a new scene and a new song. It's very challenging and so much fun to do," he said.

Bartscher is a junior musical theater major at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. In his hometown theater, he played such roles as Cornelius in "Hello Dolly," Lion in "The Wiz," and Jesus in "Godspell." He performs the role of Sean O'Brien in "Wake Me When I'm Dead," the role of Toad in "Frog and Toad," and the brother and butler in "Joseph."

One of the most enjoyable experiences for Bartscher, he said, was working with the cast and crew to bring the story of "Frog and Toad" to life.

"The set is perfect and the orchestra for this production is wonderful. I didn't know what to expect from the audience, so it's been phenomenal to watch the kids sit mesmerized through the whole show. It's like we are stepping out of the pages of a storybook," he said.

Cullen is also a student at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and is pursuing a degree in acting. His credits include Lefou in "Beauty and the Beast," Leading Player in "Pippin," Max in "Lend Me a Tenor," and Bobby Child in "Crazy for You." He performs the role of Father Patrick O'Rourke in "Wake Me When I'm Dead," Frog in "Frog and Toad," and the brother and the pharoh in "Joseph."

Cullen said it is difficult to pick a "favorite" part as all three shows are unique and offer something special for the audience.

" 'Joseph,' obviously, is the 'big' show and I know people are going to love it. The set alone is worth the price of admission. But 'Frog and Toad' is also very special. The way the crew has worked to duplicate the storybook feel is awesome. And of course, 'Wake Me,' offers people an interactive chance to solve a murder mystery, so that's been very fun as well," he said. Cullen said that he has also enjoyed his stay in Platteville. "I love Chicago and plan to make my career there, but it's been nice to bike around here and get this breath of fresh air," he said.

Evening performances of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held on July 11, 17, 20, 22, 24 and 31. Matinees, beginning at 2 p.m., will be held on July 12, 19 and 27; and Aug. 3.

Ticket prices are $17 for adults or $9 for children under 18 and UWP students with I.D. All opening night performances include a post-show reception sponsored by Platteville Dairy Queen.

Anyone interested in learning more about this or other Heartland Festival shows may call the University Box Office at (608) 342-1298 or visit the Heartland website at www.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland. The University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on the ground floor of the newly renovated Ullsvik Hall at the intersection of Hickory and Main streets. The CFA Box Office location opens one and a half hours before scheduled performances. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

Sitrick returns home to play ‘Joseph’

Aaron Sitrick had no idea when he performed his first audition for the Midwest Theater Auditions in St. Louis, Mo. that he would end up at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Heartland Festival, just a little over an hour away from his hometown of Beloit. Sitrick was cast as Joseph for the production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” which will open at the Richard and Helen Brodbeck Concert Hall in the Center for the Arts on July 11.

Sitrick, who graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 2007, is enrolled as a musical theater major at Webster College, which hosts the regional auditions every year. Like all first-year theater students he was required to prepare something for the auditions, whether he actually decided to audition or not. He chose “Go the Distance,” from “Hercules.”John Hassig, executive director the Heartland Festival, said Sitrick’s voice seemed perfectly suited to the role of Joseph.

"He was my far and away my first choice for the role - exactly what we were looking for," said Hassig.

So, getting to come home for the summer turned out to be quite a happy coincidence for Sitrick, especially to play this role, which he’s been unknowingly rehearsing for years.

“It’s my mom’s all time favorite musical, so everytime we went on a road trip, we would all listen to the CD over and over, so I knew the music pretty well before I got here,” he said.

More than 70 people in the cast, ensemble and children’s choir will share the stage in this story of the Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Joseph is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams, and his father’s favorite son. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged.

“This is an upbeat, positive show which kids and adults will be able to relate to. Paul Helm (the director) does a wonderful job and really focuses on the idea of Joseph as a dreamer and about the importance of listening to and following one’s dreams,” said Sitrick. Helm, who has numerous acting and directing credits, including directing last year’s Heartland Festival production of “Seussical,” is returning to UWP for his fourth season.

Sitrick also appears in “I Love You, You’re Perfect … Now Change,” which has several performances remaining in July and August. The musical is a series of short skits and songs performed by six actors playing the roles of several different characters. The musical examines the truths and myths behind “the relationship” by using humor and heart, portraying all too familiar situations in dating and marriage.

“Everyone can relate to something in this show. It peers into many different kinds of relationships, with great music and lots of fun. It’s a wonderful ensemble piece, and I’m so happy to be working with the other five actors,” he said.

Sitrick plays another role in the Heartland Festival, that of stage manager for “Wake Me When I’m Dead,” which is a new experience for him. He said he was nervous when he began but has since learned that the most critical part of the job is to stay organized and be prepared every day. “Wake Me” is an interactive Irish comedy murder mystery, during which an entire meal is served.

“It was very important to the director, VivienneElborne, that the meal and the show both flow very smoothly, without time for the audience to get impatient for either, so that was an important part of this job,” he said. Audience reviews for both the meal and the performance have been outstanding, according to Hassig.

Evening performances of “Joseph,” beginning at 7:30 p.m., will be held on July 11, 17, 20, 22, 24 and 31. Matinees, beginning at 2 p.m., will be held on July 12, 19, and 27; and Aug. 3. Ticket prices are $17 for adults and $9 for children and UWP students with I.D. All opening night performances include a post-show reception sponsored by Platteville Dairy Queen.

Anyone interested in learning more about this or other Heartland Festival shows may call the University Box Office at (608) 342-1298 or visit the Heartland website at http://www.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland. The University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on the ground floor of the newly renovated Ullsvik Hall at the intersection of Hickory and Main streets. The CFA Box Office location opens one and a half hours before scheduled performances. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

‘A Year With Frog and Toad’ is a comical adventure for kids and adults

The opening night performance of “A Year With Frog and Toad” had kids and adults laughing the entire evening at the playful adventures of two best friends. This comical and high-spirited musical, performed at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Center for the Arts, is the third show in UWP’s 2008 Heartland Festival Series.

“I think it was very good. I enjoyed it. It was creative. I liked the costumes. It’s a play kids would love because it keeps their attention because it moves quickly. It’s cute,” said Kathryn Lomax, director of the Office of Sponsored Programs at UWP.
With bright and colorful costumes, the musical follows the adventures of two best friends, the cheerful and popular frog and the grumpy toad through all four seasons. The story encompasses the value of friendship. Frog and Toad are joined by birds, moles, a mouse, a turtle, a lizard and a snail as they play, work and help one another.

“It was absolutely hilarious. Toad was my favorite,” said Lizzie Hansen, a UWP student.

Added Bridget Rathman, also a UWP student, “It’s great for everyone.”

The cast featured Kelsey Klug, Abby Schultz, Paul Helm, Ryan Bartscher and Jay Cullen.

“It was very enjoyable. I liked the birds ¬– the whole thing. The singing was great,” said Deb Meis.

Tari McCabe, an administrative assistant at UWP said, “It was awesome, hilarious. I loved the snail.”

Remaining performances will be held July 23 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees will be held on July 5, 13, and 20; and Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. A 10 a.m. show will be held July 26. Ticket prices are $17 for adults and $9 for children and UWP students with I.D. Shows are held in the UWP Center for the Arts on the UWP campus.

Anyone interested in learning more about this or other Heartland Festival shows may call the University Box Office at (608) 342-1298 or visit the Heartland website at http://www.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland. The University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located on the ground floor of the newly renovated Ullsvik Hall at the intersection of Hickory and Main streets. The CFA Box Office location opens one and a half hours before scheduled performances. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.