Center for the Arts NEWS

Former NFL Star Shines (UWP-Exponent)

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:13:00 +0000

Hairspray tour and more on sale soon at UWP Center for the Arts

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:00:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts at UW-Platteville has announced that tickets for the second half of the 2009-2010 Performing Arts Series will go on sale at 8am on November 30th. A special internet only pre-sale will begin at 10am on November 28.

“Ever since we starting doing big Broadway tours in 2006, the on sale day has been exciting,” said John Hassig, Director of Performing & Visual Arts, Programs & Facilities. “I think Hairspray and The Wedding Singer are going to generate some big first-day sales, and I encourage people to think about buying early if they plan on attending. It is a strong schedule and I think The Blanks will bring big crowds as well. ”

The season includes Broadway, classical music, jazz, bluegrass and vocal comedy.

I Musici de Montreal, February 2, 7:30pm
I Musici de Montreal is an orchestra from Montreal, Canada who play a variety of classical pieces ranging from Bach to Prokofiev to Tchaikovsky. The program will feature a multi media performance of Natasha Turovsky’s Award-Winning Film of Pictures at an Exhibition. The orchestra performs live before the large-screen projection of choreographed paintings. Tickets: GA $26, Senior Citizen & Faculty Staff $24, Under 18 $20, UWP Students $10.

The Matt Wilson Quartet, February 5, 7:30pm
The Matt Wilson Quartet is the culmination of Matt Wilson’s dream to have a working jazz ensemble. He is also the leader of the ensemble and the drummer for the band. The ensemble can be described as being “dedicated to bringing the music to the people. We perform music that is not afraid to challenge AND entertain. We have fun and so will you!” Tickets: GA $12, Senior Citizen & Faculty Staff $10, Under 18 $6, UWP Students $4.

The Wisconsin Brass Quintet, February 10, 7:30pm
The Wisconsin Brass Quintet is the ensemble-in-residence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The brass chamber group has performed in such places as Carnegie and Merkin Halls, and are regularly featured on Wisconsin Public Radio. Tickets: GA $12, Senior Citizen & Faculty Staff $10, Under 18 $6, UWP Students $4.

The Punch Brothers, March 6, 7:30pm
Featuring Chris Thile (formerly of Grammy Award-winning Nickel Creek) on mandolin, The Punch Brothers have as style that has been described as introducing bluegrass instrumentation and spontaneity in the strictures of modern classical. Unquestionably talented, the group’s bluegrass instrumentation is a new twist on familiar classical music creating a unique and interesting sound. Tickets: GA $20, Senior Citizen & Faculty Staff $18, Under 18 $12, UWP Students $8.

Hairspray, (National Tour) March 7, 3pm & 8pm
Hairspray is the winner of eight Tony Awards and is a musical-comedy which takes the audience back to 1962 Baltimore, as 16 year-old Tracy Turnblad sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a big girl with big dreams – and even bigger hair – change the world and still have time to win the boy she loves? Tickets: GA $42, Senior Citizen & Faculty Staff $40, Under 18 $36, UWP Students $22.

The Wedding Singer, (National Tour) March 21, 3pm & 8pm
The Wedding Singer is a musical based on the 1998 film starring Adam Sandler. Nominated for five Tony Awards, The Wedding Singer is focused around Robbie Hart, who is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. Featuring a score which pays homage to the pop songs of the 1980s, The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer just might be the coolest guy in the room. Tickets: GA $36, Senior Citizen & Faculty Staff $34, Under 18 $28, UWP Students $18.

The Blanks, April 15, 7:30pm
Starting as a quartet of friends who like to sing a cappella music, The Blanks or Ted’s Band, as they are better known, make regular guest appearances on the hit TV show Scrubs. The leader of the group, Sam Lloyd (Ted), is the hospital’s lawyer in the show. The Blanks sing TV and movie themes such as “Charles in Charge” and the “Superman March” and do not use any traditional instruments except for, as their pledge states, talking toys, hand claps, finger snaps and thigh slaps. Tickets: GA $22, Senior Citizen & Faculty Staff $20, Under 18 $16, UWP Students $8.

The Chris Norman Ensemble, April 25, 3pm
Hailed as one of the finest flute players of our time, Chris Norman proves over and over again that the simple wooden flute is the original - and still unsurpassed - woodwind of expression, passion, joy and subtlety. Norman’s flute playing can be heard in the Oscar winning soundtrack of Titanic as well as other films including Stone of Destiny and Soldier. The ensemble is devoted to bringing to life the energetic traditional dance music of Maritime Canada, Scotland, & Ireland. Tickets: GA $18, Senior Citizen & Faculty Staff $16, Under 18 $10, UWP Students $5.

More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

Tickets are available through the University Box Office located in the lower level of Ullsvik Hall at Hickory and Main streets in Platteville. The University Box Office is open Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Phone orders can be made by calling (608)-342-1298. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

U.S. debut of Natalie MacMaster's Christmas Show to be in Platteville

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Natalie MacMaster Christmas Show, December 1st at 7:30pm.

Respected and admired by famous performers such as Yo-Yo Ma and Santana, Natalie MacMaster is an electrifying performer whose passionate proficiency on the beloved violin amplifies the traditional East Coast sound of her home country of Canada.

“I’m very excited to have MacMaster’s holiday show U.S. debut here at the CFA” said John Hassig, Director of Performing & Visual Arts, Programs & Facilities at UWP. “Natalie is an artist that audiences have been requesting for years, so to have her here with this show makes it all the more special.”

Her majesty with the bow and her intricate technique in making the fiddle sing can only be described as electrifying, while her style of music, the Cape Breton tradition, is a lively regional violin style which falls within the Celtic music idiom. MacMaster and her band impress the audience with stylistic diversity reflected in such top-selling CDs as the Grammy-nominated My Roots Are Showing, Blueprint and Yours Truly.

Adding to the musical entertainment, Natalie began focusing on step-dancing when she was 16 and, as she put it, “began pulling it out of the hat so to speak when I needed to perk up the crowd, and it always did the trick.”

Natalie has resonated with world audiences through 10 albums, multiple gold sales figures and 27 years; numerous Juno and East Coast Music Awards; two honorary degrees (from Niagara University, NY, and Trent University) and an honorary doctorate (St. Thomas University); the Order of Canada – and a reputation as one of Canada’s most captivating performers.

Born in Troy, Inverness County, Nova Scotia, Natalie MacMaster’s impressive musical lineage includes a cadre of amazing fiddlers, including her uncle, fiddle prodigy Buddy MacMaster (with whom Natalie recorded the 2005 gem Traditional Music From Cape Breton Island); her cousin Andrea Beaton and the late, great Canadian folk icon John Allan Cameron.

Tickets for this event are $28 for General Admission $26 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $20 for Kids Under 18 and $10 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office located in the lower level of Ullsvik Hall at Hickory and Main streets in Platteville. The University Box Office is open Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Phone orders can be made by calling (608)-342-1298. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

The next event in the series is I Musici de Montreal on February 2nd at 7:30pm. I Musici de Montreal is a string orchestra founded in 1983 and will be performing Pictures on Exhibition, where long lost pictures have been recreated and animated based on previously written music. The animated pictures are displayed behind the orchestra on a screen while they are playing. Tickets for this show will go on sale on December 30th. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

DBQ 365: True European Circus

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:28:00 +0000

Cirque Le Masque (TH)

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Cirque Le Masque

ASIA club presents JIGU Thuder Drums of China

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Cirque Le Masque to bring ultimate theatrical experience to UW-Platteville

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:30:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Cirque Le Masque, November 21st at 2pm & 8pm.

Cirque Le Masque is company that pays tribute to the time-honored traditions of European Cirque troupes and unveils its artistry through sophisticated entertainment acts from around the world. Its gravity-defying performances and spellbinding special effects create the ultimate theatrical experience, perfect for audiences of all ages.

Cirque Le Masque has recently won the following awards at the International Circus Festival in Bucharest this past June: the Silver Medal Award, Best Modern Show Award, Best Stage Direction Award, and the Choice Award for Children’s Entertainment.

The performers of Cirque Le Masque bring an entirely new dimension to circus arts. In this sophisticated animal free European-style circus, brilliantly costumed jugglers, acrobats, comics, and aerialists perform gasp-inducing acts of balance, grace, strength and detailed teamwork, set to mesmerizing special effects and creatively inventive lighting, choreography and music. Carnivale is filled with energy, color and an original storyline.

The performers have been able to thrill audiences worldwide in such places as Paris, Athens, Dubai, Caracas, and cities in the U.S. ranging from Las Vegas to Atlantic City.

Tickets for this event are $28 for General Admission $26 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $20 for Kids Under 18 and $12 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office located in the lower level of Ullsvik Hall at Hickory and Main streets in Platteville. The University Box Office is open Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Phone orders can be made by calling (608)-342-1298. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

The next event in the series is Natalie MacMaster. Her UW-Platteville performance will mark the U.S. debut of her annual Christmas shows that have played to packed houses across her native Canada each year. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

Former NFL Star Bo Eason in one man show at CFA

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:54:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Runt of the Litter, November 12th and 13th both at 7:30pm.

Bo Eason, former NFL star player turned star of his own one-man show, "Runt of the Litter," inspires audience to make their dreams a reality. His unforgettable story is living proof that with enough determination, nothing can prevail over the human spirit.

At nine years old, Bo Eason took a crayon and paper and made a plan. The plan was to play professional football in the NFL and become the best in the league at his position. His lifelong plan endured a few obstacles along the way. Coming out of high school, Bo was told he was too small to play and was passed over by every college in the country. He decided to try out for a small Division II college, but after two days of practice he was sent home. Instead of packing his bags, Bo decided to stay. He showed up at practice day after day, and with his desire and perseverance he eventually earned a spot on the team. Four years and seven knee surgeries later he was the first safety chosen in the 1984 NFL Draft. He went on to play five years for the Houston Oilers. His determination and killer instincts on the playing field remain the stuff of legend. His brother, Tony Eason, was the quarterback who led the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1986.

After retiring from football, Bo brought the same zeal to his career as a writer and performer. He appeared in television and movies before writing his one-man play, "Runt of the Litter," in which he also stars. "Runt" is based on Eason’s own life and takes place within the last hour of accomplishing his 20-Year Plan. "Runt" opened in New York to rave reviews. The New York Times named it, "One of the most powerful plays in the last decade."

Though resolutely American in its themes (the competitiveness and violence of sports, sibling rivalry, underdog makes good), it also contains elements of ritual theater and blood sacrifice that give the material a mythic resonance and power. This is a superb and substantive one-man show by Eason, who gives a sexy, tough, charismatic performance of size and scope. The show cuts across all demographics and has an across-the-board appeal for everyone, from sports enthusiasts to hardcore theater lovers.

Soon to be a major motion picture, Bo is adapting "Runt" for the big screen. Frank Darabont ("The Shawshank Redemption," "The Green Mile") is producing. After seeing a performance of "Runt," Leonardo DiCaprio hired Bo to write a screenplay for his company based on the 1924 Olympic Rugby Team. Eason continues to perform "Runt of the Litter" for audiences across the country, traveling to college campuses, corporations, pro sports teams and inner-city schools.

Tickets for this event are $30 for General Admission $28 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $20 for Kids Under 18 and $10 for UWP Students (with current ID). Runt of the Litter containts mature themes and is reccomended for adult audiences.

Tickets are available through the University Box Office located in the lower level of Ullsvik Hall at Hickory and Main streets in Platteville. The University Box Office is open Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Phone orders can be made by calling (608)-342-1298. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

The next event in the series is Cirque le Masque with two shows on November 21st at 2pm and 8 pm. The show has captured audiences worldwide with its blend of live theatrical entertainment and cutting edge special effects, enjoying a history of productions ranging from NBC Live to Atlantic City, Foxwoods Casino, Las Vegas and many more. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

White Ghost Shivers: Best Band in the World?

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:28:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents White Ghost Shivers, October 21st at 7:30pm.

If Tim Burton had collaborated with the Cohen Brothers in creating the musical characters in O' Brother Where Art Thou? they might resemble something similar to the White Ghost Shivers.

A joyous mixture of the absurd and sublime, the eight-piece ensemble gracefully creates a musical amalgam of Hokum Blues, Hillbilly Swing, Country and Hot Jazz. Simultaneously paying respects to their deft musical influences and irreverently destroying any notion of musical purism, they work hard at making it seem easy.

In just a few years, the band's unique and consistently exuberant live show has earned them an ever-expanding loyal fan base. Imagine a smorgasbord of Cab Calloway, circus sideshow, KISS, cabaret, Hee Haw and Robert Johnson served up at Andy Kaufman's bat-mitzvah. Like the great entertainers before them, the band's true gift is their ability to take their eclectic influences and combine them into something they can call their own.

Featuring a 7 foot tall banjo player whose instruments include: tenor banjo, ukulele, guitar, mandolin toe-tappin', mouth rappin' and nose flute, Shorty Stump (oh the irony) is one of those people that you don’t see every day, unless you were looking up, that is. Other band members include: Cella Blue (vocals, slide whistle, kazoo), Duchess Doyle (clarinet, tenor sax, ukulele), Hot Thomas (vocal, violin, tenor banjo), Poppiticus (string bass), and Smokebreak Slemenda (vocals, lead guitar).

Winners of best “Novelty” band at the 2007 Austin Music Awards, they placed in six other categories, including best Jazz, Bluegrass, Experimental, None of the Above, Female Vocals, and Horns.

Tickets for this event are $18 for General Admission $16 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $12 for Kids Under 18 and $5 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office located in the lower level of Ullsvik Hall at Hickory and Main streets in Platteville. The University Box Office is open Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Phone orders can be made by calling (608)-342-1298. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

The next event in the series is Runt of the Litter on November 12th and 13th and features Bo Eason, a former defensive back for the Houston Oilers in the 1980s. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

virsky ukrainian national dance co.

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Virsky Ukrainian National Dance co.
Telegraph Herald Article

UWP's Singing Pioneers hold 85th reunion concert

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The Singing Pioneers men's choir of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will hold their reunion concert on Sunday, Nov. 15 at the Center for the Arts on the UWP campus. The concert will bring current members and alumni of the Singing Pioneers together to help celebrate the history of men's choir on campus. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. and will be free for all who wish to attend. The event is sponsored by the UWP Office of Performing and Visual Arts and the Segregated University Fee Allocation Commission.

"We have documentation of a men's choir on campus since 1901," said Robert Demaree, director of choral activities and the Singing Pioneers since 1997. "With our best estimate, this will be 100 years of UWP having a men's choir."

The Singing Pioneers are the longest tenured choral group here on campus. "There wasn't a mixed choir on campus until the middle of the 20th century," said Demaree. "Having such a long-running men's group is deeply related to UWP's history as a mining school, just like the brewery in the Pioneer Student Center. It's a very special connection that we have with our past."

The concert will include performances from the women's and men's choirs, as well as a collaboration between the Singing Pioneers alumni and current members. They will sing eight to 10 pieces that will represent the past 30 years.

Some pieces will specifically represent the years James Hershberger directed the Singing Pioneers. "He was the most charismatic and iconic director the Singing Pioneers ever had," said Demaree. "He was like a pied piper to the men's choir." After serving for several decades as the director of Singing Pioneers, Hershberger passed away in 1992 after suffering a heart attack.

Demaree would like to formally invite any former member of the Singing Pioneers to come and participate at the concert. Anyone interested or who knows of anyone who was a Singing Pioneer is asked to contact Demaree by e-mail.

"These guys are a really special group. Choir has never had a curricular purpose here on campus. Students can get credit for participating, but it fulfills no requirements," said Demaree. "I liken these guys to the men that play football for a Division III team. They'll never get a scholarship and nearly all of them will never go pro, but they do it anyway because they love the game. That's why these men sing: they just love singing, and when you get 150 to 200 men together, they can make a phenomenal sound."

For more information about the concert or Singing Pioneers, contact Demaree at (608) 342-1446 or demaree@uwplatt.edu.

Renowned Ukrainian folk dance ensemble coming to CFA.

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:00:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company, October 12th at 7:30pm.

The renowned folk dance ensemble named after Pavlo Virsky is famous for its bright colors, the unity of content and form and the vivid embodiment of its stage concept. This magnificent artistic group of 70 features a live orchestra and has embraced the beauty of its native Ukraine, the wisdom of its people as well as the folk tradition of humor and optimism. The tour is the Official Tour of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts of Ukraine.

The ensemble’s diverse concert programs presenting the exquisite charm of Ukrainian folk dancing and the wealth of its traditions have been warmly received by audiences all over the world. The history of the ensemble goes back to 1937 when Pavlo Virsky and Mykola Bolotov, well-known Ukrainian ballet-masters, brought together a group of folk dancers.

From 1955 to 1975, Pavlo Virsky headed the ensemble, and his outstanding talent was magnificently implemented in the performances of the company. It was under his guidance that the ensemble matured into a highly professional dance company whose art has won the hearts of countlesss reviewers and the general public around the world. Myroslav Vantukh, Pavlo Virsky’s disciple and great expert in folk traditions and ethnography has been in charge of the ensemble since 1980. His main objective and continuing creative quest is the careful preservation and development of folk choreographic art.

The ensemble has toured many different lands quite far from its native Ukraine. Among the viewers who have welcomed the leading company have been people of Austria, England, Argentina, Bulgaria, Brazil. Belgium. Venezuela, Greece, Ecuador, Italy, India, Spain, Canada, Columbia, China, Cuba, Korea, Mexico, Mongolia, Germany, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, the United States of America, Hungary, France, France, Czech Republic, Chile and Switzerland.

Tickets for this event are $28 for General Admission $26 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $20 for Kids Under 18 and $10 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office located in the lower level of Ullsvik Hall at Hickory and Main streets in Platteville. The University Box Office is open Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Phone orders can be made by calling (608)-342-1298. Tickets are also available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu.

The next event in the series is on October 21 and features the White Ghost Shivers from Austin Texas. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

CFA Trip To Addams Family

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:24:00 +0000

The CFA is hitting the road again!

After the spring 2009 trip to Jersey Boys, the CFA has planned two trips. The first is on December 16 to see the WORLD PREMIERE of the Addams Family Musical in Chicago.

Don’t miss two-time Tony Award® winners Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth in this magnificently macabre new show created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning songwriter Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter).

It’s an Addams Family portrait you’ve never seen before. Gomez, all mad impetuosity, Morticia, equal parts fire and ice, Fester, restless and romantic, Pugsley, for whom immediate gratification can’t come soon enough and Wednesday, eighteen years old and finally feeling what it means to be a woman. A family that’s quite shockingly, and endearingly, just like yours.

The second trip to see Blue Man Group is planned for April 2010.

Tickets for both trips are available now at 608-342-1298 or http://tickets.uwplatt.edu

PAS 09-10 Underway

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:08:00 +0000

The 2009-2010 PAS is underway! Kicking off the season with 100 Years Of Broadway (and two standing ovations) the Series has something for everyone! All events are available for purchase as part of a discounted subscription package (starting with as few as six events). Single event tickets are available for Fall events through Natalie MacMaster now. 2010 events will be available on a single ticket basis starting on November 30.

The events are as follows:

9.26.09 @ 7:30pm Karla Bonoff
Karla Bonoff's 1977 debut, Karla Bonoff released by CBS, was an immediate critical success. Containing brilliant self-written songs like Home and Someone To Lay Down Beside Me, Karla's songs and beautiful voice heralded the arrival of a major talent. Her profile was further raised when Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt chose to cover her songs.

10.12.09 @ 7:30pm Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company
The renowned folk dance ensemble named after Pavlo Virsky is famous for its bright colors, the unity of content and form and the vivid embodiment of its stage concept. This magnificent artistic group has embraced the beauty of its native Ukraine, the wisdom of its people as well as the folk tradition of humor and optimism.

10.21.09 @ 7:30pm The White Ghost Shivers
Imagine a smorgasbord of Cab Calloway, circus sideshow, KISS, cabaret, Hee Haw and Robert Johnson served up at Andy Kaufman’s bat-mitzvah. A joyous mixture of the absurd and sublime, the eight-piece ensemble gracefully blends a musical amalgam of Hokum Blues, Hillbilly Swing, Country and Hot Jazz. White Ghost Shivers won best “Novelty” band at the 2007 Austin Music Awards, and placed in six other categories, including best Jazz, Bluegrass, Experimental, None of the Above, Female Vocals(Cella Blue), and Horns(Jonathan Doyle).

11.12-13.09 @ 7:30pm RUNT OF THE LITTER
Written and performed by Bo Eason and directed by Larry Moss, RUNT OF THE LITTER opens in the final hour of Jack Henry's lifelong dream, only one thing stands in his way -- his brother. The play looks at what happens to two brothers in a family of over-achievers: when their parents assure their oldest son he is destined for football superstardom, and tell their youngest son he is too small to compete, a line in the family sand is drawn that colors the rest of their lives. Runt of the Litter is, in fact, a semiautobiographical account of Bo Eason's life and career as a defensive back for the Houston Oilers in the 1980s, where he played safety. His determination and killer instincts on the playing field remain the stuff of legend. His brother, Tony Eason was the quarterback who led the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1986.

11.21.09 @ 2pm & 8pm Cirque Le Masque
Cirque le masque has captured audiences worldwide with sold out shows and standing ovations and has enjoyed a rich history of productions ranging from NBC live to Atlantic city, Foxwoods Casino, Las Vegas and many more. Cirque Le Masque has achieved the perfect blend of live theatrical entertainment and cutting edge special effects that is pleasing and exciting to audiences of all ages.

12.1.09 @ 7:30pm Natalie MacMaster Christmas Show
With a talent that remains both raw and wondrously refined, and backed by a band any top musician would be proud of, Natalie MacMaster has grown to become the musical face of Atlantic Canada, and continuously stuns crowds around the globe with her feverish fiddling and mesmerizing step dancing. Her UWP Performance will mark the US DEBUT of her annual Christmas shows that has played to packed houses across her native Canada each year.

2.2.10 @ 7:30pm I Musici de Montréal
I Musici de Montréal is a string orchestra founded 1983 in Montreal. Comprising 15 musicians selected among graduates of McGill University, University of Montreal and Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal, I Musici was founded by its conductor, Yuli Torovsky. Although it recorded as an ensemble before it appeared in concert, it gave its inaugural concert 8 November 1984 at Redpath Hall, McGill University.

2.5.10 @ 7:30pm The Matt Wilson Quartet
The innovative and exciting Matt Wilson Quartet will be the featured artists for the annual UWP Jazz Festival. This continues the ongoing partnership started in the 08-09 season with the PAS sponsoring opening night of the festival. Led by percussionist Matt Willson, the quintet strives for an accessible but innovative sound.

2.10.10 @ 7:30pm The Wisconsin Brass Quintet
Founded in 1972, the Wisconsin Brass Quintet is ensemble-in-residence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Music. The brass chamber music experience of the Wisconsin Brass Quintet is nationally recognized.

3.6.10 @ 7:30pm The Punch Brothers
They’re like a classical string quintet with bluegrass instrumentation, original songs and varied covers, and they’re very interesting, unique and talented. Chris Thile (pronounced: THEE-LEE rhymes with steely) originally from Nickel Creek is the band leader and mandolin player.

3.7.10 @ 3pm & 8pm Hairspray
Broadway's Tony Award-winning musical-comedy phenomenon takes you back to 1962 Baltimore, as 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad sets out to dance her way onto TV's most popular show. Can a big girl with big dreams - and even bigger hair! - change the world . . . and still have time to win the boy she loves? This mega-hit is piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance - and enough deliriously tuneful new songs to fill a nonstop platter-party. It's the winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

3.21.10 @ 3pm & 8pm The Wedding Singer
In The Wedding Singer its 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey's favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party, until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding he plays as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. Only trouble is Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and unless Robbie can pull off the performance of the decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever. With a brand new score that pays loving homage to the pop songs of the 1980’s, The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up, and a wedding singer just might be the coolest guy in the room.

4.15.10 @ 7:30pm The Blanks (Ted’s Band)
The Blanks, a quartet of friends who like to sing a cappella music. For a few years now they’ve been appearing on the television show Scrubs as 'Ted's Band' where, as luck would have it, they pretend to be a quartet of friends who like to sing a cappella music. They’ve put out a CD, and they do live shows, where you can see them singing TV and movie themes such as "Charles in Charge" and the "Superman March." They also do songs with talking toys, that's right, four grown men who still play with dolls/action figures.

4.25.10 @ 3pm The Chris Norman Ensemble
With flutes, pipes, guitar, mandolin, mandola, harmonium, bass, percussion, drums & vocals, the Chris Norman Ensemble reaches across five centuries of traditional, renaissance and baroque music with a range of energetic programs.At the heart of the group is Chris Norman, whose brilliant and imaginative flute playing has contributed to groups as diverse as the The Baltimore Consort, Skyedance, Helicon, Chatham Baroque, Concerto Caledonia, as well as Hollywood soundtracks and seven solo recordings.

Grammy Award winner Karla Bonoff at the CFA.

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:34:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Karla Bonoff, September 26th at 7:30pm.

Karla Bonoff's legacy as a performer and writer could be summed up in a review of her "All My Life" recording in Billboard Magazine: "Long before Alanis and Jewel, there was a breed of singer/songwriters whose earthly anthems of soul-searching, heartache and joy touched souls in a way few can muster today."

Born and raised in Southern California, Karla Bonoff was a songwriter by the age of fifteen and always had a passion for music. Karla went on to become a backup singer for Linda Ronstadt and eventually, in 1977, was signed as a solo artist to Colombia Records. She did not look back from there, producing 6 more albums of her own and writing songs for other artists.

Bonoff hits include: “I Can’t Hold On”, “Baby Don’t Go”, “Please Be the One”, and “All My Life” which won a Grammy Award. Karla is the voice on the Tom Snow/ Dean Pitchford song from Footloose "Somebody's Eyes." In 1993, Karla's song "Tell Me Why," sung by the legendary Wynonna Judd, was the title song to Wynonna's second album, and a tremendous hit. In 1994, "Standing Right Next to Me" and a duet with Vince Gill on "When Will I Be Loved," brought Karla's sound to an even bigger Country music audience.

In 2007 Karla released a live double CD, a project she had talked about for years. Karla recorded all but one song of it at a small club in Santa Barbara with her long time touring band, Kenny Edwards and Nina Gerber, plus Scott Babcock on percussion. Bonoff said she did the live album for the benefit of fans who haven’t heard her live due to her so called “semi-retirement”, going on short tours a few times a month.

Tickets for this event are $20 for General Admission $18 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $14 for Kids Under 18 and $6 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts the University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 8am-5pm and can be reached by calling (608)-342-1298. The University Box Office is located in Ullsvik Hall located at the intersection of Hickory and Main Streets in Platteville. Tickets are now available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

100 Years of Broadway features five dazzling Broadway stars at UWP

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:22:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series University of Wisconsin-Platteville 2009-2010 series opens with 100 Years of Broadway, on September 20th at 3:00pm.

100 Years of Broadway recreates the greatest moments from the finest shows of the century featuring the actual stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, CATS, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Jekyll & Hyde. These amazing performers light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. Neil Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from Broadway’s newest hit shows.

Neil Berg is the composer/lyricist of the hit off-Broadway musical The Prince and the Pauper, which ran for two years at the Lamb’s Theater in New York City. The New York Times described it as “...soaring on the wings of theatrical fun.” Berg is currently writing the music for the Broadway bound musical Grumpy Old Men, based on the hit film. Two of Berg’s new musicals have been selected for the prestigious New York Musical Theater Festival: The Man Who Would Be King, a musical realization of Rudyard Kipling’s novella, and Tim and Scrooge, the sequel to A Christmas Carol.

According to San Francisco’s KABC radio theater critic, Jerry Friedman, “This revue features some of the best songs from the best Broadway shows, all sung by some of the most talented performers working today singing many of the hit songs that they have sung on Broadway.”

Music pulled from the pages of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Frank Loesser and (reflecting recent trends on Broadway) Billy Joel and Frankie Valli among many others, paint a good picture of what one can expect to hear through amazing performances brought to you in a way that could only be done by these Broadway stars.

Tickets for this event are $26 for General Admission $24 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $18 for Kids Under 18 and $10 for UWP Students (with current ID).

Tickets are available through the University Box Office in the Center for the Arts the University Box Office is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm and can be reached by calling (608)-342-1298. The University Box Office is located in Ullsvik Hall located at the intersection of Hickory and Main Streets in Platteville. Tickets are now available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

2009-2010 PAS Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Sat, 02 May 2009 02:44:00 +0000

The Performing Arts Series for 2009-2010 will be announced on Sunday May 3 with events at 2pm and 7pm (prior to each performance of Gilligan's Island) in the CFA. No ticket is required to attend the announcements.

2009-2010 Season Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Fri, 01 May 2009 20:19:00 +0000

UWP One Act Festival showcases student directors

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:18:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts and the Pioneer Players will conclude their theater season with a One Act Festival: An Evening of Short Plays. The production opens on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. and continues with evening performances on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m. All performances will be held in the Center for the Arts, located on the UWP campus.

Every major in UWP's theater program is required to take a directing class as part of their skill development and production experience. As an upper level course, the directing class encourages students to incorporate the skills and knowledge they have acquired from previous classes in acting, design, play analysis, theater history and dramatic literature. In the class, students focus on learning how to communicate with designers by developing a concept envisioning the visual world of the play. They also learn how to guide and translate their ideas effectively to actors and compose imaginative, evocative stage pictures.

This year's One Act Festival showcases the work of nine student directors and 25 actors. All of the directors in this year's class, Jared Baker, Ben Barlow, Kady Beekman, Quincy Bufkin, Todd Chojnowski, Matt Feldman, Bryan Kerian, Dan Schultz and Amanda Valiquette, are veterans of past UWP productions. The 25-member cast features Pearl Balch, Jarod Boerst, Josh Blanchette, Forrest Carufel, Ryan Currie, Nick Flinner, Katie Follmann, Lizzie Hansen, Patrick Harker, Tiffany Hess, Becky Hobson, Aaron Howard, Nikki Juhlke, Jeremy Keene, Jacob Lange, Jaci Leonard, Adam Lovell, Erin McDermott, Suzi Morath, Cassie Murdaugh, Kalynn Raifsnider, Kevin Randle, Craig Schlagel, Greg Schulz and Corey Straubhaar. While many of the cast members have acted in previous UWP productions, there are several new faces as well.

From the sublime to the ridiculous, from comedy to drama, this year's slate of short plays are written by some of America's most respected contemporary playwrights including Christopher Durang, David Ives and Nina Shengold. The production is recommended for mature audiences. 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 online at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $6 for UWP faculty and staff, and $5 for seniors, current UWP students with a valid ID or anyone under 18.

For more information, contact David Schuler, assistant professor of theater, at (608) 342-1198 or schulerd@uwplatt.edu

TV show turned musical tours to Platteville

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:50:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The Center for the Arts Performing Arts Series University of Wisconsin-Platteville presents Gilligan’s Island the Musical, May 3rd at 3pm and 8pm.

America’s most beloved TV show is back and better than ever as Gilligan’s island – The Musical! Gilligan’s Island The Musical features everyone’s favorite characters including Gilligan, The Skipper, Mary Ann, Ginger, The professor, The Millionaire and his wife! Written by the same man who created the hit series Gilligan’s Island, and the creator of The Brady Bunch, Sherwood Schwartz, Gilligan’s Island the musical features 20 original songs written by Paul McCartney’s lead guitarist, Lawrence Juber.

The story of the eight characters "Gilligan’s Island: The Musical" is simple. Beginning with the theme song (selected the #1 TV theme song of all time) these seven familiar characters are shipwrecked and try to get off the island. Natural disasters befall them...hurricanes, quicksand, etc. as they learn to get along and survive.

"Gilligan's Island: The Musical" features Ryan Bates as Gilligan, Shaun Rice as The Skipper, Danni Simon as Ginger, Kevin Spencer as The Professor, Katie Venezia as Mary Ann, Joshua Nicholson as Mr. Howell, and Alexia Tate as Mrs. Howell.

Sherwood Schwartz believes that the classic elements of his Gilligan are very much like "Annie" and contain the same ingredients that made that American icon a timeless musical... classic characters that come together to change the world.

To date, there have been many productions in as widely varied places as Winston-Salem, Maryland, Cincinnati, Scottsdale, Hicksville, Fargo, Alliance, Auburn, Birmingham, San Bernadino, Orlando, Washington D.C., Sacramento and Brisbane, Australia with productions in Noosa, Queensland and Manitoba Canada about to open.

Tickets for this event are $28 for General Admission $26 for Faculty and Senior Citizens $20 for Kids Under 18 and $14 for UWP Students (with current ID).

The University Box Office is located in newly renovated Ullsvik Hall located at the intersection of Hickory and Main Streets in Platteville. The Box Office is open Monday 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday through Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. The Office can also be reached by phone by calling (608)-342-1298. Tickets are now available online 24/7 at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. More information on the Performing Arts Series and other performance events can be found at http://uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa.

'Thoroughly Modern Millie' brings 1920s Manhattan to life at UWP

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:10:00 +0000

PLATTEVILLE-The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Pioneer Players and musical theater group of the Department of Performing and Visual Arts presents "Thoroughly Modern Millie" at the Center For the Arts in the Richard and Helen Brodbeck Concert Hall on the UWP campus. The production opens with a matinee at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1 and continues throughout the week with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2; Friday, April 3; and Saturday, April 4. The production finishes its run with a matinee performance at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 5.

Based on the 1967 film, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" won the Tony Award for best musical in 2002. "Thoroughly Modern Millie" tells the story of a small-town girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York City to marry for money, not for love, which was a very modern idea in 1922. Dillmount soon finds herself a part of the flapper lifestyle, but problems arise when she checks into a hotel owned by the leader of a white slavery ring in China. "Millie" is full of high-energy dancing and musical numbers, such as the classics "Gimme Gimme" and "Forget About the Boy."

The 26-member cast includes Katie Follmann as Millie, Ryan Currie as Jimmy, Ben Barlow as Mrs. Meers, Kalynn Raifsnider as Miss Dorothy, Josh Blanchette as Trevor Graydon, and Kady Beekman as Muzzy.

"It was important to the theater program that we follow up on the success of last year's 'Anything Goes' with an even more challenging song-and-dance show," said director Ann Farrelly, UWP associate professor of theater. "This production really requires that all of our cast members be triple threats. Everyone sings, dances and acts in this one, and our talented cast is more than up to the challenge."

As is true with any musical production, "Millie" has been a collaboration. Joining Farrelly on the production team are Susan Savage Day, UWP professor of voice and musical director, and choreographer Connie SaLoutos Furlan, an adjunct UWP faculty member in theater and speech communications.

"Sue and Connie have done an amazing job and have worked so hard. I could not have done any of this without their commitment and dedication," said Farrelly. "I am lucky to work with two such talented women and artists."

Brad Carlson, the UWP theater program's technical director/designer, took on the job of recreating the Manhattan of the 1920s. Cole Muth, a 2008 graduate of UWP and lighting designer for last year's "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Anything Goes," designed the lighting for this production. Designing the costumes are Ann Fulton and Mary-Carel Verden of Creative Connections from Stoughton. Fulton and Verden also designed the costumes for last year's "Anything Goes" and last fall's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Bob Demaree, UWP professor of music, will be conducting the orchestra.

The musical numbers are by Jeanine Tesori, and book and lyrics are by Dick Scanlan and Richard Morris. The musical both satirizes and celebrates the musical comedies of the past, so "raise your skirts and bob your hair" and enter the world of "Thoroughly Modern Millie."

Tickets are available through the University Box Office located on the ground floor of Ullsvik Hall. The University Box Office hours are Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are available by phone at (608) 342-1298 or at http://tickets.uwplatt.edu. Tickets are also available from the CFA location beginning one hour before ticketed performances. Ticket prices are $7 for adults, $6 for UWP faculty, and $5 for anyone age 17 and under, senior citizens and UWP students with a valid ID. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the CFA Box Office on the ground floor of Ullsvik Hall on the UWP campus or call at (608) 342-1298.

Contact: Ann Farrelly, UWP associate professor of theater, (608) 342-6045, farrellya@uwplatt.edu Formatted by: Morgan Spitzer, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, spitzerm@uwplatt.edu

2009 Heartland youth auditions planned

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:15:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:32:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:16:00 +0000

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."

noreply@blogger.com (HassigJ) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:13:00 +0000

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.