The Express Yourself! winter performance features our adult and youth classes, as well as Breakthrough Dance Company and Kaleidoscope Kids.

2pm performance is SOLD OUT. Please email: expressyourselfmadison@gmail.com to be put on the waitlist.

Charles Busch’s hilarious comedy FINALLY comes to Madison. Imagine Gidget, Frankie Avalon & Annette Funicello combined with SYBIL & Mommie Dearest….and you’ve got the perfect show to chase away the winter blues!

It’s a manic party-mix of 50’s psychological thrillers, 60’s beach movies, and 70’s slasher films. The story is about Chicklet Forrest a sixteen-year old tomboy who’s desperate to be part of the in-crowd of Malibu beach surfers. She’s the typical American girl, except for one little problem — her personality is split into more slices than a pepperoni pizza. It’s a campy comedy, perfect to chase away the winter blues!

Directed by Michael Bruno
Produced by Justin Schober & Mark Albright
Music by Joey Broyles
Choreography by Angenette Spalink
Costumes and make up by Joel Duffrin
Set design by Dino Maniaci

Cast

Chicklet – Andi Joyner
Yo-Yo – Joshua Paffel
Nicky – Bob Sylvester
Provoloney – Sean Kramer
Star Cat – Edric Johnson
Kanaka – Noah Koebe
Berdine – Evelyn Gildrie-Voyles
Marvel Ann – Alison Tyler Sklenar
Mrs. Forrest – Terry Christopher
Bettina Barnes – Donnovan Moen
Dee Dee/Chorus – Melanee Ratman
Chorus – Clarel Algere

Spend New Year’s Eve at the 2nd Annual Ball Drop Blitz!

On December 31st at 8:00pm, the curtain rises on an evening of new plays that didn’t even exist 24 hours before!

Ya just never know what’s gonna happen…come ring in the New Year with an evening of adrenaline-soaked theatrical mayhem!

There will be live acoustic music from Sexy Ester in the lobby during intermission; all proceeds benefit the Bartell Theater.

General Admission: $15 / VIP Seats: $20 (includes a complementary drink)

A co-production of Mercury Players Theatre, OUT!Cast Theatre, and KnowBetter Productions

Proceeds will benefit the Bartell

Written by Sam D. White

Directed by David Pausch

Frank hates his life: he lost his job, his pregnant girlfriend’s marrying another guy, and he’s pretty sure he is going to turn into a “were-coyote” when the full moon comes up tonight. Maybe the best thing to do is lock a tow chain around his neck and…but then again…maybe not. Young Frank’s mom, his former fiancée, his neighbors and friends all gather to witness (and perhaps, enjoy) his growing distress as moon-rise draws nigh. Coyote Moon: a trickster love story with a small-town tavern, Eddie Arnold, the full moon, a touch of the supernatural – and a whole lot of beer.

The Cast:

Frank–Desmond Hawkins

Jenny–Stacey Garbarski

Barb–Deborah Hearst

Alden–Edric Johnson

Pete–John Jajewski

An original, British-style holiday “PANTO” by Nick Schweitzer

Directed by Stephen F. Murray

Amanda Finn of BroadwayWorld.com says it’s a “new holiday tradition…absurd and over the top…a welcome change…” Read the complete review HERE

What do you get when you combine a well-known fairy tale, silly song parodies, a cow, slapstick comedy, corny jokes, a touch of magic, and two wicked stepsisters–who are ­­played by men?

It’s a PANTO!

The British “panto” pre-dates Shakespeare, is performed more often than Shakespeare, and, quite frankly, is way funnier than Shakespeare! It employs a simple, recognizable plot to entertain the children, and other parts ­– topical political and local jokes, farce and even slapstick – to amuse the adults. Cross-dressing is essential, with the Prince being played by a woman, and the two wicked stepsisters played by men. But think Monty Python here, not La Cage aux Folles!

In Gadzooks! Cinderella! the “Royal Dairy Shakespeare Players” have to perform a panto in order to make money during the holidays. As they begrudgingly present the traditional fairy tale, they try to slip in some of the Bard’s most familiar lines and soliloquies – only to be reminded by the rest of the company: “this ain’t Shakespeare!”

Cheering for the heroes and booing for the baddies is strongly encouraged in this family-friendly theatrical treat, which Mercury Players offers as a charming alternative to traditional American holiday fare.

This project is supported by DANE ARTS, with additional funding from the Endres Manufacturing Company Foundation.

Check out the trailer!

Gadzooks! Cinderella! (It Ain’t Shakespeare!) TRAILER from Rob Matsushita on Vimeo.

What is a Panto? Director Stephen F. Murray answers that on the Bartell Update!

“Meeting at your mother’s grave on her birthday is no picnic”

Kathie Rasmussen Women’s Theatre (Krass) presents:

Rumors of Truth
By Marcia Jablonski, 2009 Wisconsin Wrights winner
Directed by Sarah Whelan
Cast: Annie Jay, Katherine Mitchell, and Liz Light

Three sisters meet at their mother’s grave on her 50th birthday. As this delightful seriocomic play progresses, memories give way to confrontations and no-one leaves unchanged.

Thursday, Feb 4 is Sister’s night! Bring your sister, biological or not, and you qualify for reduced ticket and entry into a drawing for a fabulous prize!

OUT!Cast Theatre and Mercury Players are excited to announce the cast and crew of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW!

Katie Cass as Trixie, the Usherette
Michael Costanzo as Brad Majors, the Hero
Katie Debs as Janet Weiss, the Heroine
Kurtis Hopp as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the Mad Scientist
Alex Van Handel as Rocky Horror, his Creation
Robert Helfinstine as Riff Raff, the Castle Butler
Holly Elsberry as Magenta, the Castle Maid
Alyson Barrett as Columbia, a Groupie
Britton Rea as Eddie, the Delivery Boy
Patrick Chounet as Dr. Everett Scott, a Rival Scientist
and Jim Chiolino as The Narrator
With the Transylvanians…
Kiki Moritsugu
Hannah Ripp-Dieter
Katie Mann
Alyssa Beasley
Adam DuVall
Kenneth Ingram, Jr
Stephanie Frank
Ruel Mundth

Central Midwest Ballet Academy’s The Little Matchstick Girl is an original ballet based on the classic Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale.  Using Tchaikovsky music the narrator (Dr. J. Adam Shelton), leads us through the tale of Matchstick Girl peddling her wares during the Christmas Festival and encountering a love story.  With traditional caroling before the show and during intermission provided by the Yuletide Carolers, this is a family friendly show that’s sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!

Appropriate for all ages.

Approximately 1.5 hours including an extended intermission which includes caroling.

Tickets going fast!

Elizabeth Richardson is an accomplished Canadian actress with over 30 years experience. A graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) she has performed in major theatre, film and television productions in England and Canada. Elizabeth has worked with acclaimed international actors and directors including Peter O’Toole, Brian Cox, John Madden, Adrian Noble and Roger Michel, and played leading parts in London’s West End, the Bristol Old Vic, the Neptune Theatre in Halifax, the Shaw Festival in Ontario and Canadian Stage in Toronto. Parallel to her acting career, she has over 20 years’ experience as a practitioner and teacher of mindfulness meditation, leading meditation and awareness programs in Canada, New Zealand and Chile. For more, see: http://elizabeth-richardson.com/going-on

An annual benefit show raising funds for Second Harvest Foodbank. Lo Marie started this show in honor of her late grandfather, Clarence Edwards, who was one of the founders of Second Harvest.
The show will involve music, dance, art, and poetry!
Beer, wine, and snacks available
Easy parking in a ramp across the street
$15 suggested donation at the door

We are honored to have State Representative Robb Kahl as our MC for the evening.

Performances by:
Louka
-look & listen: www.loukascatalog.com
Lesley Goff
Jordan Gerlach
Jeanette and Elizabeth Newberry
Lo Marie
-look: www.lomariemusic.com
-listen: www.soundcloud.com/lomariemusic

Artwork by:
Jim Edwards
Annette Durkin

Poetry by:
Deb Noltner

StageQ, Inc. is proud to present local playwright Dan Myers’ captivating drama Finding Human running November 13th through November 28th on the Evjue Stage in the Bartell Theater.

Synopsis: 10 years ago, James was sentenced to Florida’s death row for the brutal murder of a priest. He never provided a reason for his actions, but rather accepted his guilt in silence. This is the story of the last week of this man’s life and some of the people that share his immediately world. Each of them trying their best to answer the question: Why?

Finding Human had its first run in January 2015 at Broom Street Theater, where it received strongly favorable audience reactions and reviews.

Review from the Broom Street run: http://www.broadwayworld.com/madison/article/BWW-Reviews-FINDING-HUMAN-And-Accepting-It-20150112

When Michael Bruno, President of StageQ, Inc. and Dan Myers first discussed bringing Finding Human to StageQ’s 2015-2016 season, Dan Myers only had one request: that it comes with the same cast. So, returning in the roles they originated at Broom Street Theater are:

Bob Moore as James Anderson
Jim Chiolino as Father Martin
Donnovan Moen as William (Bill) Shaw
Kirk Baumbach as Sergeant McGovern

For more information about the show contact Producer Michael Finnegan at finn@stageq.com.

by Theresa Rebeck

Directed by Dana Pellebon

March 4 – 19, 2016 in the Evjue.

Stamp collecting is far more risky–and funny–than you might imagine. A woman inherits her mother’s stamp collection.  Or does it belong to her half-sister?  The stamp collection seems to contain some very valuable stamps.  Or does it?   Enter three seedy, high-stakes collectors, willing to do anything to get hold of the possibly rare find.  Theresa Rebeck, with her extensive experience writing for “NYPD Blue” and “Law & Order:  Criminal Intent,” fills this show with nuanced tensions and quirky humor to create a very dramatic comedy.

With:

Carrie Sweet
Molly Vanderlin
Scott Stanley
Donovan Armbruster
Dennis Yadon

by Sarah Ruhl

Directed by Betty Diamond

November 6 – 21, 2015 in the Drury

By the author of Dead Man’s Cell Phone, In The Next Room, or the vibrator play, and Eurydice.  A 2005 Pulitzer Prize Finalist.  Matilde, the Brazilian housekeeper of a married couple who are both doctors, hates housework.  She really wants to be a stand-up comedian.  Lane, the lady of the house, has a sister who loves housecleaning, and she takes over the cleaning so Matilde can work on creating jokes, which she sometimes delivers in Portuguese.  Trouble comes when Lane’s husband reveals that he has found his soul mate in a cancer patient he has treated. This wildly funny play is a whimsical and poignant look at class, comedy, and the true nature of love.
The second event of Madison Theatre Guild’s 70th Season!

Cast:

Lane – Rosy Bayuk
Matilde – Isabella Virrueta
Virginia – Judy Kimball
Charles – Edric Johnson
Ana – Laura Varela

**This page is for the 2015 performance**

**For future performances, please refer to the Bartell Theatre homepage**

The one-hour show features over a dozen fabulous felines (all former orphans, rescues, and strays) walking tightropes, pushing carts, skateboarding, jumping through hoops, ringing bells, balancing on balls and turning on lights. NOLA, our newest addition to the troupe, will be sure to delight and amaze you with her energy and ability. We also have a new celebrity in the troupe, Alley, who was just awarded Guinness Book World Records title for longest jump made by a cat – but wait there’s more! Tuna, the star of the show, is the leader of the ONLY CAT BAND IN EXISTENCE – The Rock Cats. With Oz on guitar, Dakota on drums, Nue on keyboards, and Sookie on chimes – Tuna (who plays cowbell) and her backing band really strut their stuff with their own style of original music. Cluck Norris, a chicken on cymbal and tambourine, isn’t “kitten” around – she usually steals the show!

Samantha Martin, Chief Executive Human (or CEH for short) of the Amazing Acro-Cats, challenges the idea that “cats can’t be trained.”  Tuna and the gang are REAL house cats who have learned all their talents through clicker training. The shows feature a cat or kitten learning some basic s using this method that highlights positive reinforcement. Although she has studied and worked with many species, today Martin’s primary focus is on cats. Training builds richer and more meaningful relationships between animals and humans and it can even save time and lives in emergencies. A lifelong fascination and unique bond with animals motivated Martin to study and earn her degree in animal husbandry and behavioral sciences. Her dedication and love for these felines can be seen in each and every purrformance.

A portion of every shows’ ticket sales go toward helping Treehouse rescue efforts! Martin advocates adoption from local shelters and other organizations, and works with them in many ways – especially by taking adoptable cats on the road, making the Amazing Cat-Bus a mobile fostering unit. Over the past four years, Martin has purr-sonally found homes for over 152 cats and kittens and continues to take cats in need and help them find their furr-ever homes.

See what the New York Times had to say about us!

For more show details and information about the cats, visit our website at www.ciruscats.com

Presented by Madison Ballet
W. Earle Smith, Artistic Director

“Madison Ballet really has arrived.”
— Susan Kepecs / Cultural Oyster

{GET CLOSE}
Madison Ballet’s repertory programs present ballet in its purest form—athletic, sensual, and intimate. And the Drury Stage is an ideal setting for showcasing shorter works by both established and up-and-coming choreographers.

Classical and contemporary music styles drive these ballets where every dancer shines. And these mixed programs are the perfect artistic “flight,” featuring a little something for everyone. Rest assured, all of it is unforgettable.

Program: To Be Announced

Tickets $30/adults, $25 child (12 and under)/senior*
*Note: When purchasing online tickets, child/senior
ticket selection is made AFTER choosing the number of seats.

The Mousetrap
by Agatha Christie
Directed by Jan Levine Thal
Produced by Scott Albert Bennett

The Mousetrap is famous around the world as being the longest running show of any kind in the history of theatre (now in its 62nd year!) and now it’s back in Madison, produced by Strollers by popular demand.

The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover that there is a murderer in their midst. Who can it be? One by one the suspicious characters reveal their pasts until at the last, nerve-shredding moment the identity and the motives are finally revealed.

In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

Audience members will have an opportunity to win a prize for guessing the murderer.

‘The cleverest murder mystery of British Theatre’
The Telegraph

‘A truly entertaining classic thriller’
The Sunday Times

‘Deservedly a classic among murder thrillers’
The Observer

‘One of the most skillfully written murder mysteries ever produced’
New York Times

Cast:

Mollie Ralston – Alicia McCanna
Giles Ralston – Britton Rea
Christopher Wren – Sean Langenecker
Mrs. Boyle – Rebecca Raether
Miss Casewell – Cindy Klawitter
Major Metcalf – Coleman
Mr. Paravacini – Dunes
Sgt Trotter – Bryan Royston

www.strollerstheatre.org

Bartell Update
October 8th-October 22nd

by Gina Gionfriddo

Directed by Sara Beth Hahner

In this award-winning new comedy by the playwright who penned BECKY SHAW, Catherine is a “rockstar” academic feminist and Gwen is a brilliant wife and homemaker; they reunite years after their grad school days, unfulfilled in polar-opposite ways. Throw in a mouthy babysitter, a lazy dean of students, and a meddling mom who hands out wisdom in a martini glass, and the comedy of gender politics is complete!

“…intensely funny, immensely smart…” – The New York Times

“A shrewd, incisive, thoroughly winning comedy.” – The Boston Globe

“There’s nothing more enjoyable than watching super-smart characters make exceedingly dumb decisions…” – Entertainment Weekly

Gwen Rice of Isthmus says: Mercury Players’ “Rapture, Blister, Burn” is buoyed be a terrific cast Read the entire review HERE

THE CAST: 

• Gwen: Kate Boomsma
• Don: Whitney Derendinger
• Catherine: Deborah Hearst
• Avery: Katy Briggs
• Alice: Sarah Whelan

Camp Createability is a Video and Entertainment program for individuals with Autism or other disabilities.The event is to celebrate the films made during the participants’ 7 day film camp. The films and PSA’s will be shown along with the short movies that they made and a behind the scenes film. We will culminate the event with an award ceremony.

Tickets are suggested donation. Note: Online donations do not guarantee tickets for show.
Contact Debbie Armstrong: 608-577-5733 or darmstrong@biomat4autism.com for donations.

“Creating a film is a monumental effort for any group, but for those with Autism or other disabilities, vital skills must be mastered to succeed, including cooperation, negotiation, listening, and taking direction. Participants will learn those skills as well as be introduced to many trades, animation, set design, script-writing, acting, dancing, singing, prop/set building, ward-robe, make-up, budgeting, directing, filming, editing, and other tasks necessary for a film.” Camp Createablity

Schedule of Event (subject to change)
4:00 – Parade of Participants & Welcome
4:15 – Guitar/Vocalist Solo
4:45 – Volunteer Awards
5:00 – 7 Short Movies
6:00 – Award Ceremony

A musical comedy of the roaring ’20s!!
by Sandy Wilson

Directed by Jim Chiolino / Music Direction by Justin Wilder / Choreography by Heidi Hakseth. 

In honor of MTG’s 70th season, we will be remounting a production that MTG has done 3 times in its history. A witty send-up of the frothy musicals of the 1920s and set in Madame Dubonnet’s Finishing School outside of Nice, THE BOY FRIEND tells the story of Polly, an English heiress, who longs for a boyfriend. Her father, who believes any boy who isn’t wealthy will court Polly only for her money, has forbidden her to date below her class. Polly, of course, falls for Tony, the messenger boy, and leads him to believe she is a working class girl. The mistaken identities multiply from there until the inevitable happy ending. Julie Andrews made her Broadway debut in this show!

Cast:

Polly Browne – Tiffany Orr
Tony – Jordan Humpal
Madame Dubonnet – Sarah Streich
Percival Browne – Terry Christopher
Hortense – Danielle Olstead
Lord Brockhurst – Jim Chiolino
Lady Brockhurst – Ilona Pinzke
Bobby – Robert Helfinstine
Maisie – Stephanie Frank
Dulcie – Katie Brotherton
Fay – Ami Eckard-Lee
Nancy – Jane Hobson
Marcel – Espere’ Eckard-Lee 
Pierre – Matt White
Alphonse – Alec Moeser
Ensemble – Kurtis Hopp, Hilary Carpenter, Christine Chang, Hillary Dadio-Perrone, Sheri Meland, Louise Stout

By Mart Crowley
Directed by Steve Noll
Produced by Michael Bruno and Deborah Hamil
Stage Manager: Jordan Rockman

Dates:
October 2-10, 2015

Ticket Prices: $15 & $20

Michael is hosting a birthday celebration for a pal when he gets an unexpected visit from old friend Alan. The problem is, Alan is straight — and extremely straitlaced — and everyone else at the party is gay. Michael hopes to conceal his sexuality from Alan, but this charade doesn’t last. After being outed, Michael turns on Alan, accuses him of being a closeted gay and forces him to partake in a revealing party game that has devastating consequence.

Cast

Michael: Dennis Yadon
Donald: Greg Hudson
Emory: Joshua Paffel…
Hank: Paul Lorentz
Larry: Jeremy Pagel
Cowboy: Adam Williams
Harold: Donnovan Moen
Alan: Edric Johnson
Bernard: Duane A Campbell

Earthman is a theatrical trip hop collective that combines elements of alternative rock, hip-hop, afrobeat and electronic music with operatic themes while remaining dance worthy.

Come celebrate the release of their new EP. Complete with opening acts Joe Shaffer (director), and indie musician Able Baker!

You can find out more about them on their facebook page,
or on Soundcloud for a sneak peak of their new single!

Tell your friends!

International Men of Leather Presents: Mr Wisconsin Leather 2015!

Events Hosted at The Bartell Theatre

Friday Aug 21: FireSide Chat!

Dirk Caber and Jesse Jackman present the first in our FireSide Chat Series. They will be speaking on their experiences being a prominent gay couple, both good and bad, on social media; what is image and what is reality in being adult performers; and about the reactions, challenges and triumphs of sharing their lives and their love for each other on social media.

Saturday Aug 22:
The Main Event! Hosted by Pup Nitro and Pup Ryker, join us as we select our next Mr. Wisconsin Leather!

More information can be found at Mr Wisconsin Leather

Tickets available for FireSide Chat and for full Weekend Events.

Kathie Rasmussen Women’s Theatre (Krass) presents:

WRONG FOR THE PART 2015 – Two Performances!!! ONE NIGHT ONLY!!!! SUNDAY JULY 26

She’s always wanted to play Hamlet. He hankers to be Blanche Dubois. They’re no longer ingénues but want to do that famous love scene or they’re still young but find Linda Willy Loman intriguing . . . Well, now’s their chance! Now in its fourth year, Wrong for the Part has offered performances from Tennessee Williams, Shakespeare, Neil Simon, and dozens more. This year promises to be just as diverse.

Inspired by Music Theater of Madison’s “Miscast,” The Kathie Rasmussen Women’s Theatre (Krass) presents “Wrong for the Part,” featuring skilled area actors in monologues and scenes that no director would ever sanction. But you will. Come laugh, love, be moved, and donate to Madison’s only theater whose mission is to promote women playwrights and directors.

Tickets: $15 Donation suggested
(no online ticket sales)
Plenty of seats — arrive early to get the best one.
When: July 26, 2015 at 7:00pm AND 9:00pm

Info: 608-663-5814 or artistic@madwomenstage.org

Kathie Rasmussen Women’s Theatre in cooperation with StageQ presents

A Sky Painted Brown, an original play by Madison-area playwrights, exposes the daily indignities a bullied student endures in tandem with the well-meaning but sometimes misguided responses from friends, parents, and teachers. With humor and pathos, honesty and sensitivity, the play’s journey is difficult yet rewarding.

It runs one hour and includes talk-backs after each performance with clergy, social workers, and psychologists. The play is appropriate for middle-school age or older.

Cast: Lloyd Cosmé, Nancy Craig, Chris Gelinskey, Codi Shandel Kline, Clarice Lafayette, Ashton Lareau, Drew Lehmann, Sybil Levine, Emily Morrison-Weeks, Meg Murphy, Heather Renken, Michelle Sanchez, Emma Staudenmaier

Friend our characters on Facebook for backstories and teasers: Camille St Vincent, Charlie Rogers, Tiffany Rochet, Nick Wilson, Lexie Davidson, Amy Brown, and Lydia Palmer

TALKBACKS AFTER EVERY SHOW

Join us for a funny look at life through the eyes of local comedian Frandu in this week-long special engagement. It is “a ride through life, laughter and the other L in the pursuit of finding yourself lost in the jungle of urban living, and still feeling confident owning your space and accepting the unexpected.”

Tweet/Follow Frandu @franduthem

Learn more about Frandu in the State Journal’s Know Your Madisonian interview!

608tv & So Grateful Films present
The Living Room

on the Drury Stage

Written & Directed by Rafael Ragland

We all have situations that happen in our living room, but this living room will have you laughing, clapping and maybe even crying. A funny and soul touching play, The Living Room is the story of a granddad left to raise his three grandchildren, all of whom are going through different life changes.

With the talents of:
Evangela Williams Gullens
Lacee Blair
Sab Betts
Monica Howard
Shibon Patterson
Isaac Hill
Aisha Chestnut
Rafael Charles Ragland
Jason Ragland
King El Awntre
John Owens

The Living Room is a one-day-only engagement, with two shows on Sunday, May 10th at 2:30pm and 6:30pm.

So don’t get caught sitting in your living room this Mother’s Day–come see someone else’s!

StageQ proudly presents our tenth anniversary of Queer Shorts – Queer Shorts 10 “Remembrance”. During this evening of 13 short plays, we will be honoring all things remembered, from joy to sadness, from individual to community. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and be thoroughly entertained!

DIRECTORS & CAST

Strollers Theatre, ltd. Presents – Death Of A Salesman by Arthur Miller
Directed by Christopher Wolter, Produced by Matthew Korda

“Death Of A Salesman” shares a rightful place on the top rung of the canon of classic American plays, and is as relevant today as when it was first performed on Broadway in 1949. This deceptively simple story follows Willy Loman, a traveling salesman, along his tragic road as he spirals down through depression toward suicide. Loman is a classic everyman, whose struggle to realize his dreams of success resonates within us all. Universal questions about the nature of happiness and success, of aging and of family responsibility are primary themes in this seminal play by one of America’s greatest playwrights.

Featuring:

Willy – Coleman
Linda & The Woman – Jamie England
Biff – Jordan Peterson
Happy – Joshua Paffel
Charley – Joseph Lutz
Ben & Howard – Christopher Purdy
Bernard & Stanley – Britton Rea
Miss Forsythe – Jo Krukowski
Jenny/Letta – Katy Briggs

Help us out! See the show for Free! Box Office, House Managing, and Ushers — please visit:
http://www.volunteerspot.com/group/475239090096#!/show

Madison Theatre Guild presents [title of show], on the Drury Stage
April 24 – May 9, 2015

Music and Lyrics by Jeff Bowen

Book by Hunter Bell

Directed by Steven M. Peterson

Music Direction by Thomas Kasdorf

Produced by Jim Chiolino

Let’s put on a show! And let’s submit it to a musical theater festival! But the deadline is only three weeks away. We don’t have anything to write about. How about we write about what to write about? What should we put in the space on the application that asks for the show’s title? Let’s just say [title of show]. In this love letter to musical theater and the joy of collaboration, two guys write a musical about writing a musical.

With the talents of:

Hunter – Trevor Bass

Jeff – Dan Jajewski

Heidi – Mari Borowski

Susan – Danielle Olstead

On a beautiful Sunday morning in mid-October, three housemates decide to have scotch for breakfast in this play by the author of Spike Heels, The Family of Mann and Loose Knit.

Elly is pregnant and considering an abortion, Jen is being harassed by a co-worker who is obsessed with her, and Gayle just feels a bit lost. Their problems are compounded by a fourth roommate, Jessica, a religious young woman who has little compassion for their confused attempts to make sense of life in the nineties. As they drink, joke and argue, it becomes clear how difficult it is to make a moral decision in an increasingly complex world.

Running is approximately 2 hours with intermission.

Ticket prices are $20 for all performances ($15 with a valid student ID).

Directors

Casem AbuLughod, Suzan Kurry, Sean Langenecker & Dana Pellebon

About

StageQ, Inc., partners with the creators Are We Delicious? to present Deliciously Queer, a show written and staged in a mere 7 days. Deliciously Queer will feature pieces inspired by two compelling subjects in the queer experience: Coming Out and Commitment. Who doesn’t have a coming out story or an opinion about commitments in the queer community? Join us to see how those stories come together, unfold, and simply make you laugh.

Delicious Ensemble Theatre is a simple, exhilarating ensemble theatre project where a small group of daredevil writers and performers conceive, write, rehearse, and perform an original one-hour show of short plays in a single week. Everyone writes, everyone acts, and no one can rest until the final curtain!

Using the Delicious Ensemble Theatre formula that brought you past shows Are We Delicious? Xmas, Are We Delicious? Delicious Festival at Broom Street, and the upcoming Are We Delicious? Superstition, this new StageQ production will present three weeks of Deliciously Queer entertainment.

“The energy, talent and creativity of StageQ combined with the insane deadlines and Outward-Bound-like bonding of Delicious is sure to create an unforgettable show. Writing for each other, with the themes we’ve chosen, I’m sure we’ll create a show packed with laughs and fortified with raw honesty. It’s a special opportunity and I can’t wait to begin.” — Tony Trout, impresario, Are We Delicious?

Cast
Deliciously Queer: Coming Out
Tiffany Orr
Salman Mushtaq
Katy Briggs
Heather Jane Farr
Darrell Durham
Romana Shemayev
Deliciously Queer: Commitment
Mark Albright
Simone LaPierre
Cooper Talbot
Akshat Sharma
Paulina Kababie
Ben Siedensticker

House opens at 7:30pm on all evenings

Ticket prices are $15.00 for Thursday, Friday & Saturday performances, $10.00 for the Late Night Variety Show

Combo Tickets for the Deliciously Queer and the All Queer Variety Show are $20.

The House of Yes
by Wendy MacLeod

Presented by Kathie Rasmussen Women’s Theatre (KRASS) in cooperation with Strollers Theatre, Ltd.

Not suitable for children under age 13.

Cast: Danielle Bormann Davidson, Tim Lom, Jenny Maahs, Sarah Whelan and Adam Williams.

Thanksgiving 1983. A violent hurricane swirls outside. Inside the Pascal house the storm of the century–brewing since JFK’s assassination–is about to erupt…and you’re invited. What could be funnier than death and incest?

The Kathie Rasmussen Women’s Theatre (Krass) in cooperation with Strollers Theatre invites you home for a twisted holiday at Wendy MacLeod’s The House of Yes, directed by Jan Levine Thal. This black comedy depicts the Pascals, an unabashedly self-centered lot stricken with Kennedy envy, dwindling resources, and a fondness for guns. When their first visitor breaches their bizarre household, they respond with sex and violence while struggling for impossible normalcy. Their story is vile yet accessible, disturbing and yet gripping, and ultimately presents a hilarious and menacing satire of privilege, humanity, and love. A wickedly funny tale perfect for anyone who has ever fallen in love with the wrong person.

February 13, 14, 18*, 19, 20 & 21 at 8 pm
*Half-price tickets on Wednesday, February 18
February 15 & 21 at 2 pm — TWO MATINEES
Tickets $20

TALKBACKS after every show except Feb 21.

Madison Ballet’s repertory performances bring the breathtaking beauty of ballet to the intimate space of the Bartell Theatre.

Repertory II sends the season off in quintessential Madison Ballet style, combining grace and athleticism in an unforgettable performance. The program features an impressive lineup of some of ballet’s most iconic works, paired with W. Earle Smith’s signature neoclassical style.

Program:
Tschaikovsky Pas de Deux, by George Balanchine
Palladio, by W. Earle Smith
White Swan Pas de Deux, adapted from Marius Petipa
Elégie, by George Balanchine*
Expressions, by W. Earle Smith
*©The George Balanchine Trust.

The Madison premiere of Lavinia, a new play by Betty Diamond.  Presented by the Wisconsin Law Foundation and the Madison Theatre Guild!

On the Evjue Stage

In an infamous decision written by Chief Justice Edward G. Ryan, Lavinia Goodell was  denied admission to the bar of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1876 because she was a woman.

Originally commissioned by the Director of State Courts Office of the State of Wisconsin, and the Office of the Chief Justice of the State of Wisconsin, Lavinia follows  Lavinia Goodellʼs feisty entry into what was then a manʼs world, just in time for Women’s History Month.

 With the talents of:

Deborah Hearst………………………..Lavinia Goodell
Teressa Antivilo………………………..Miss Stafford
Ilona Pinzke, Sheri Meland,
Tim Irvin, Francisco Torres,
Brian Belz, and Jim Chiolino………….Company

Funded in part by the Wisconsin Humanities Council, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the State of Wisconsin.

Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Prize winning play tells the story of how Li’l Bit learned the rules of the road from her loving Uncle Peck.  This powerful, sweet, generous, and surprisingly funny play deals with child abuse in a disconcertingly compelling way.  Vogel brilliantly puts us in the same position as Li’l Bit:  as much as we despise Uncle Peck, we see his charms.  As NY Times critic Ben Brantley wrote, it is “one of the most discomfiting love stories to emerge from the American theater.”

With the talents of:

Liz Angle……………………..  Li’l Bit
Edric Johnson……………….  Uncle Peck
Bryan Royston …………….   Male Greek Chorus
Carrie Sweet………………..   Female Greek Chorus
Heather Jane Farr…………   Teenage Greek Chorus

This rock musical (think Rent or Spring Awakening) is set in a Catholic boarding school in the late 1990s. BARE tells the story of a doomed romance between Jason and Peter. Both popular and attractive (and secretly in love with each other), they are the center of a group of friends obsessed with drugs, parties and secrets. Nadia, Jason’s food obsessed sister, hates her body and feels everyone else hates her for it. Matt, the jock, thinks no one understands he can be sensitive and loving. Ivy, the popular pretty girl, hates (and loves) her reputation as a slut. The local Priest and Peter’s mom both obsess over “normal” lives for the kids.  But one drunken night leads Ivy and Jason down a path that will change all of their lives forever.

This show is appropriate for people 16 and older.
All tickets are $20 general admission. Run time: 2:30.

Peter: Aaron Insko
Jason: Kurtis Hopp
Ivy: Sami Sobaski
Nadia: Katie Cass
Matt: Dan Pietrangelo
Luca: Annemae Collins
Tanya: Isabella Virrueta
Kyra: Alyson Barrett
Diane: Lindsay Shimizu
Zack: Patrick Chounet
Alan: Kenneth Ingram, Jr
Katie: Katie Debs
Liz: Liz Chen
Sister Chantelle: Janine Gardner
Claire: Jessica Jane Witham
Priest: Dave Durbin

Directed by Steve Noll
Music Director: Meghan Rose
Choreographed by Lyn Pilch
Produced by Steve Noll, Bonnie Balke & Deborah Hamill
Light Design by Phil Koenig
Set Design by Erin Baal
Sound by Chris Barker & Bonnie Balke

Costumes by Sophia C. Luchianni

Props: Kirk Stantis
Stage Manager: Rosa Hernandez

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Greg Harris, produced by Karla Weber ~ Presented by Strollers Theatre, ltd.

Shipwrecked twins. A lovesick duke and a countess in mourning. A social-climbing servant and the drunken partiers who want to take him down. Shakespeare’s classic comedy receives a modern twist in this production from the director of Strollers’ successful 2013 A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Propelled by the case of mistaken identity at its heart, Twelfth Night takes audiences to the land of Illyria where revelry, disguises and pining lovers abound. The tale centers on shipwrecked Viola, who, thinking her identical twin lost at sea, disguises herself as the young man ‘Cesario’ to serve Illyria’s Duke Orsino. The Duke repeatedly – but unsuccessfully – sends Cesario as an intermediary to woo the beautiful Olivia, who falls head over heels for Cesario. Add a singing fool and an elaborate practical joke – chaos ensues!

Shakespeare draws on the carnivalesque spirit Elizabethans associated with Twelfth Night – the Feast of the Epiphany in the Roman Catholic Church. The play presents a world of disorder characteristic of the celebration, where social norms are disregarded and gender roles inverted. Director Greg Harris’ production takes place in the present. His relatable interpretation focuses on the fluid nature of desire and emphasizes the boisterous comedy underlying the themes of inversion and disguise.

By Erik Gernand

Directed by Suzan Kurry

Jacob has been expelled from college, but he won’t say why – until an ex-girlfriend reveals his dark and terrible secret: Jacob has written a play… about a mass school shooting. His divorced parents disagree on how to handle the situation, and his adoring younger brother simply can’t believe his idol could ever do anything wrong. A former teacher joins in the emotional conversation: What can we do to help Jacob? Does he even NEED our help?

Reviews

Isthmus/The Daily Page Review

Broadway World-Madison Review

Madison Magazine Review