Daily Pioneer News

Audiences have one final chance to catch UWP Heartland Festival shows "Annie," "The Odd Couple," and "Pump Boys and Dinettes (pictured)" this weekend, July 23-25. For the "Pump Boys" performance Saturday, July 24, the Center for the Arts Theater will be transformed into a dinner theater, complete with catered meals, costumed wait staff and live music before the show.

PLATTEVILLE - As the 2004 Heartland Festival at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville draws to a close, the July 23-25 weekend presents the last chance for audiences to take in festival performances of "Pump Boys and Dinettes," "The Odd Couple," and "Annie."

Gracing the Brodbeck Concert Hall stage for three final performances is the uplifting classic "Annie." The musical tells the story of the title character Annie, an embittered but enthusiastic orphan in search of her parents, and Oliver Warbucks, the wealthy businessman who takes her in. Audiences have been dazzled by the performances of Mark Brouwer as Daddy Warbucks and ten-year-old Lancaster resident Bethany White as Annie. Tickling many funny bones is Marcy Russell in her hilarious role as Miss Hannigan.

"It was just wonderful. I really enjoyed all the various ages and how well they performed. It was just so professionally done. It's great for a local place like Platteville to be able to put on something this wonderful," said Shirley Brokopp, Livingston.

"I thought it was incredible," said Bernie Ostby, Argyle. "I loved the sets, the music. Everyone was fantastic in it."

The Heartland Festival cast will stage "Annie" three final performances: 8 p.m., Thursday, July 22; 8 p.m., Friday July 23 and 2 p.m., Sunday, July 25. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for UWP students and for those under the age of 18.

Two other shows finish their Heartland Festival runs this weekend. Actors combine equal parts of humor and drama in "The Odd Couple," which will be presented in the Center for the Arts Theater at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 24. Written by Neil Simon, the play tells the story of friends-turned-roommates Felix Unger and Oscar Madison, suddenly single men who deal with divorce and depression in a changing culture. Playing the part of Felix, the up-tight, keen-to-clean divorcŽ, is Platteville resident Chris Bierbrauer. In the role of his rude and crude roommate Oscar is Milwaukee actor Paul Helm.

"I've seen many other Broadway performances, and this was a really well-done performance. The actors were enthusiastic," said Katherine Zaimes, Platteville.

Tickets for the July 24 performance of "The Odd Couple" are $12 for adults and $6 for UWP students and for those under the age of 18.

"Pump Boys and Dinettes" will delight audiences with its raucous antics and humble charm one final time at 8 p.m., Saturday, July 24. The country music review is set within a gas station/diner along Highway 57. There the pump boys-Jackson, L.M., Eddie and Jim-dream of going fishing while the lovesick dinette sisters-Prudie and Rhetta Cupp-lament the hardships of a thankless occupation. With nearly 20 songs celebrating the homegrown wisdom of a simpler time, "Pump Boys and Dinettes" is a musical with something for everyone, young and old.

"I wasn't sure exactly what it was going to be, but my wife said we should come and see what it was like," Platteville resident Randy Karsten said. "I'm glad we did. It was a lot of fun."

For its final performance July 24, the Center for the Arts Theater will be transformed into a dinner theater featuring catered meals, costumed wait staff and live music. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., preceding the 8 p.m. curtain. Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for UWP students and for those under the age of 18. Show-only tickets are available as well: $15 for adults and $8 for UWP students and for those under the age of 18. Call the university box office for more information or to order, (608) 342-1298.