Parkside Theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside presents plays by some of theater's greatest writers during its 2009-2010 season. With comedy by Neil Simon, drama from Arthur Miller, and a bit of both during two Shakespearean productions, along with an off-beat play by Caryl Churchill, this season's line-up is generating excitement inside and outside the department.
"I know this is a strong line-up because people from outside the theatre department keep saying what a great season we have planned. I think audiences will agree," said Theatre Arts Professor Jamie Cheatham. "Thematically, our individual shows fit well together. The fall shows deal with families relating to war--in this case World War II--both humorously and dramatically; our spring shows, in part, deal comically with gender confusion."
The season starts with the coming-of-age comedy "Brighton Beach Memoirs." Neil Simon's homage to the Brooklyn neighborhood of his adolescence, this is a humorous and bittersweet look back at a family fighting hard times and a young man's dreams filled with girls and baseball. Seven performances run Oct. 23 to 31 and are directed by Dr. Dean Yohnk.
Set in post-World War II America, Cheatham directs Arthur Miller's classic drama "All My Sons." Two families struggle with the loss of loved ones and guilt from war profiteering. Despite the turmoil, two young people move toward a brighter future. Staged in the Wegner Theater, the play runs for seven shows Dec. 4 to 12.
Director Lisa Kornetsky brings the absurdist tragic-comedy "Cloud Nine" to the Wegner Theater Feb. 26-March 6, 2010. Churchill's blend of farce and pathos skewers post-colonial England for its sexual repression and unbending gender rules with a message of acceptance and self-exploration. It's unconventional and very funny theater.
The season concludes with the presentation of Shakespeare's romantic comedy "As You Like It." Enter the mystical Forest of Ardenne. Here Rosalind seeks to control her own destiny by disguising herself as Ganymede--a handsome young man--to tutor her beloved Orlando in the ways of the heart and steer him toward the woman he loves...who happens to be Rosalind! Cheatham directs seven performances of The Bard's "green" play April 23 to May 1 in the Communication Arts Theater.
In December, Parkside Theatre presents the original production "The Billy Shakespeare Project." Created by guest artist Kevin Rich, "Billy" mingles scenes from
"A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Hamlet," and "Julius Caesar" with historical facts about Shakespeare's life to create a unique theatrical experience. "The Billy Shakespeare Project" is presented Dec. 18 and 19 in the Student Center Cinema. Admission is free.
Tickets for Parkside Theatre productions are $15 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $7 for students. Season tickets and a buy 2/get 1 free Thursday offer saves patrons money on every show. For tickets, visit www.uwp.edu keyword tickets, or call 262-595-2564.
Caption: Surrounded by elaborate, often innovative sets; staged with professional production values, and energized by young actors growing in their craft, Parkside Theatre offers an exceptional entertainment experience. The 2009-2010 season features plays by Neil Simon, Arthur Miller, and William Shakespeare.Publish date: 9/24/2009
