The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Department of Performing and Visual Arts and Pioneer Players will conclude their theatre season with Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Plays in 60 Minutes). The production opens on Thursday, May 1, at 7:30 p.m. and continues with evening performances on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. All performances will be held in the Center for the Arts–Theatre at UW-Platteville.
Too Much Light was the longest-running show in the history of theatre in Chicago and was the only open-run Off-Off-Broadway show in New York. Originally performed by the Neo-Futurists, an experimental theatre troupe co-founded by creator Greg Allen, the show opened in Chicago in 1988 and ran 50 weekends a year through 2016. As its subtitle states, the show consists of 30 original short plays performed in 60 minutes. All were written, directed and performed by an ensemble.
“The beauty of this show is that the actors perform the plays in whatever order the audience determines each night,” said Ann Dillon Farrelly, professor of theatre and director of the production. “The audience is given a menu of plays and is encouraged to shout out play numbers throughout the evening. There is also a timer visible onstage to keep the actors honest.”
The acting ensemble for the show includes Technical Director Aaron Brown, Ella Brunner, El Dalbey, Taryn Dolan, Gabe Farr, Tim Fleener, Brandon Fowler, Hannah Franzen, Elijah Fuchs, Samuel Fuchs, Nik Swiggum, Ethan Gallo, Max Konop, Olivia Kurth, Josh Landowski, Erin Lenz, Victoria Logan, AJ McCord, Jessee Pilon and Matthew Siekierski. The show also features Student Scenic Designer and Assistant Director Amber Bornheimer, Student Lighting Designer Jamie Wodack and Student Costume Designer Kyra Liske. Student Sophia Rowell is the production stage manager.
“This is an amazing opportunity to show our audiences something a little unusual while still featuring our talented student performers and designers. We hope you will join us for this choose-your-own-adventure theatrical experience,” said Farrelly.
Due to the adult content and situations in some of the plays, the production is recommended for mature audiences only. 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 tickets.uwplatt.edu. Ticket prices are $15 for general admission and $7 for current students or anyone under 18. (Please note that the ticket prices above include a $2 box office fee).
For more information, contact Ann Farrelly at 608-342-6045 or farrellya@uwplatt.edu.