2009 Heartland youth auditions planned

PLATTEVILLE- The Heartland Festival at the University of Wisconsin Platteville has
scheduled auditions for its youth production for the 2009 season. This year is the ninth outing for the annual Festival.

On March 10 at 6:30pm the Festival will hold auditions for its production of Godspell Junior. Godspell Junior boasts a string of recognizable songs, led by the international hit, "Day By Day." Based on the gospel of St. Matthew, Godspell Junior is a celebration of the life and teachings of Jesus. The audition will be open to individuals in middle and high school. Individuals will be taught a song from the show at the audition. No prepared song or reading is required, however, those audition should bring a list of conflicts from June 29 until July 25. Godspell Junior will be directed by UWP Theatre Department faculty member Ann Farrelly, and will rehearse for four weeks with performances the weekend of July 25.

Those interested in auditioning are asked to sign up in advance by calling 608-342-1398 or sending an email to cfa@uwplatt.edu.

For the most up to date information visit Heartland on the web at www.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland

CFA Trip To Jersey Boys

April 29, 2009
Bank of America Theatre, Chicago Illinois

Join the CFA for a trip to Chicago to see JERSEY BOYS on Wednesday April 29. The price includes round trip transportation on a super comfortable Stratton Charter Bus and a great seat to the show. We'll leave in the morning for the 2pm performance and return that evening. How convenient is that? Lunch and dinner stops will be made, but those will be on your own. Total package is only $90! Considering gas, parking and Chicago traffic - its a bargain!

"JERSEY BOYS ROCKS CHICAGO!" raves the Chicago Tribune of the 2006 Tony Award-winning best musical that takes you up the charts, across the country and behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Discover the secret of a 40-year friendship: four blue-collar kids working their way from the streets of Newark to the heights of stardom becoming one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sound and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty! Experience electrifying performances of the hits that took these guys all the way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "Oh What A Night," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and more.

Secong Coming

Second Coming

What's the buzz? 'Jesus Christ Superstar' comes to UW-P, with star Ted Neeley
BY MEGAN GLOSS TH STAFF WRITER
This Article Appeared in the 2/6/09 Issue of the Telegraph Herald

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. -- It's as timeless and ageless as "J.C." himself.

That's how the legendary Ted Neeley has come to view his role as the Messiah in the blockbuster musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" in his 37-plus years portraying the character on stage, on tour and on the big screen.

"As always, it's remarkable, amazing and invigorating to me that I have had the honor of portraying this role and telling this story for the years that I have," Neeley said in a phone interview. "It's such a strong and personal piece for all the generations that have seen it, and we all have our own reasons for seeing it and our own sense of spirituality we take from it.

"But it touches all of those who have experienced it, which is why it has remained such a powerful piece of work. It's ageless. It can appeal to anyone, regardless of their beliefs. There's just something remarkable about it. It's a language we all can understand and relate to."

The national touring production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice penned rock opera, along with Neeley -- the man who is hailed by critics and fans alike for defining its title role -- will be coming to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Center for the Arts for a pair of performances at 3 and 8 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 15.

Neeley, 65, who originally appeared as a reporter, leper and Jesus Christ understudy for the 1971 Broadway debut, headlined the first touring production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" in 1972. In 1973, he starred in the Oscar-nominated film version, shot on location in Israel.

The film went on to make Neeley a household name, as well as earning he and co-star Carl Anderson (Judas) Golden Globe nominations for their roles. Neeley returned to the role he is most often associated with in 2006 for the production's national tour.

"I've evolved over the years," Neeley said. "With age comes a deeper appreciation and understanding of what this show means, what the message of this story is, why it's important to share and how these characters fit together and relate to one another. It's added more depth to the role for me. But it's still like stepping into a pair of comfortable shoes. I embrace it. And, virtually every single night I experience something new with it."

Neeley said he is amazed -- but never surprised -- at the show's longevity and lack of boundaries.

Despite its long-standing controversy -- mainly attributed to the telling of the Christ tale through the eyes of Judas Iscariot and exploring the deep connection, kinship and love between the two -- the production tours regularly. It is one of the most performed shows among the community and high school theater circuits and is considered a classic and favorite among generations.

"The best thing of all is seeing several generations come and see the show," Neeley said. "People who remember their parents listening to the record or seeing the movie and then now bringing their children to see the stage show, and they are filled with admiration and wonder -- it's very fulfilling.

"I'm very thankful and fortunate to be a part of that. I've been blessed. Every night the entire cast is looking so forward to presenting this piece. It's the audience taking part of that celebration that the real growth and revelation happens. We don't even scratch the surface until the audience is a part of it."

Neeley is joined by a young cast of performers, including 29-year-old James Delisco, who carries the role of Judas, as well as the show's signature title song. "This has been a great experience for me," Delisco said in a phone interview. "It's a challenging role and a lot to carry. I want to portray Judas as a sincere and sympathetic character. There also are a lot of physical demands that come with it.
"Judas is a weighty character and is one of my dream roles, and it's an honor and a privilege for me to learn and be on stage every night with someone as dedicated as Ted Neeley. It's inspiring."

For Delisco and others in the cast, "Jesus Christ Superstar" marks their major national tour.

"It's a truly amazing group of talent," Neeley said. "The characterization and dedication -- they are so well-prepared. These people have definitely stepped up to do what is necessary for this piece."

Hate crime docudrama opens at UWP

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts and the Pioneer Players will open their spring theater season with Moisés Kaufman's "The Laramie Project." The production opens with a matinee on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m. and continues through Sunday, Feb. 22 with evening performances Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and a final matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. All performances are in the Center for the Arts theatre on the UWP campus. "The Laramie Project" contains strong language.

On Oct. 7, 1998, a young gay man was discovered outside Laramie, Wyoming, savagely beaten and left to die in an act of brutality and hate that shocked the nation. Matthew Shepard's death became a symbol of intolerance not only for America but also for much of the world.

"The Laramie Project" chronicles the life of the town of Laramie in the year after the murder. From rural ranchers to university professors, the people of Laramie tell the story in their own words.

The 12-member cast, who play over 60 different roles, includes Jared Baker, Bob Briggs, Todd Chojnowski, Matt Feldman, Kari Fitzgerald, Patrick Hagen, Lizzie Hansen, Tiffany Hess, Erin McDermott, Mittie Nimocks, Greg Schulz and Amanda Valiquette.

While many cast members are veterans of previous UWP productions, there are a few new faces and two members of the faculty performing in this production. Nimocks is dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education, and Hagen is the chair of the humanities department at UWP.

"One of the missions of the UWP theater program is to offer drama that tackles social problems currently confronting not only the campus community but also our society in general. We feel it is our responsibility to mount a production like this," David Schuler, director, said.

Tickets are available at the University Box Office located on the ground floor of Ullsvik Hall. Tickets may also be purchased over the phone at (608) 342-1298 or on the web at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $6 for UWP faculty and staff and $5 for seniors, current UWP students or anyone under 18.

Interview with Ted Neeley

Bob Middendorf from WPVL Radio did a fascinating interview with Ted Neeley. Ted, of course, is playing the title role in the upcoming performance of JC Superstar here at the CFA on Feb 12. It is amazing - no one knows more about this show than Mr. Neeley. Enjoy the interview and we hope you come to see the show!