2015-16 Theatre Season

UPROARIOUS

HAUNTING FRISKY

MISCHIEVIOUS

THEATRE

2015-16

SEASON

Josh Bartosch ’16 as Frank in The Drunken City

Theatre is one of life’s most rewarding treasures.

The chance to sit with others and experience life from another’s perspective offers so much—clarity, laughter, empathy, forgiveness, and redemption—and the opportunity to reflect on life’s many challenges and triumphs. I love the questions that linger long after a performance ends, the smile that comes from a remembered moment, and the flash of insight that touches me in an unexpected instant.

We have a thrilling season ahead, one that promises to surprise you at every turn.

We open with Noises Off, Michael Frayn’s laugh-out-loud comedy about an ambitious theatrical troupe and the bedlam that ensues when little goes right on or off the stage. Next up is the mega-hit musical Avenue Q, by Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx, and Jeff Whitty, where a young college graduate seeks new friends, a job, a love life, and a purpose—complete with puppets, people, monsters, and answers to all of life’s questions. Our season continues in February with Bryony Lavery’s chilling British thriller, Frozen, in which the lives of the mother of a murdered girl, her child’s killer, and a curious psychiatrist become enmeshed. Finally, we close our season with Molière’s holier-than-thou Tartuffe, which skewers everything in its path—religious hypocrisy, false piety, sexual deception, and familial devotion.

We will offer Backstage Pass again this season, giving you an inside look at how we will bring Avenue Q to the stage. Participants raved about their experience last year— be sure to sign up early because space is limited! We will also offer Friday Night Out on the first Friday of every production—giving you a chance to kick back and enjoy a drink and some appetizers before the show.

Join us for three days of theatre, conversation, and all that New York has to offer.

Mark your calendar for May 13, 2016, when we take the train to New York City for our first ever Broadway Weekend!

Finally, we are pleased to begin offering sign language interpretation on the second Thursday of each production. If you have friends, neighbors, or loved ones who can take advantage of a sign-interpreted performance, please let them know.

I hope you will plan to be a regular in Klein Theatre in 2015-16. Give us the opportunity to make a difference in your life—I know you will be glad you did.

Gregg Stull Producing Director

Cover: Jessica Lane ’15 as the Duchess of Berwick in Lady Windermere’s Fan

NOISES

by Michael Frayn

OFF

September 24 - October 4 As the actors in a mercurial British theatre company rehearse for their opening night performance of the adult comedy Nothing On, doors slam one after the other, sardines fly through the air, and hilarious mayhem ensues! Everything that can go wrong does in Michael Frayn’s farcical romp through an actor’s worst nightmares— missed cues, botched costume changes, forgotten props, and plenty more. Noises Off is a side-splitting look into the on- and off-stage antics of a theatre company aiming just a little too high as it lurches toward an opening night disaster.

“A spectacularly funny, peerless backstage farce. This dizzy, well-known romp is a festival of delirium.”

Noises Off is suitable for all audiences.

– The New York Times

music & lyrics by Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx book by Jeff Whitty

November 5 - 22 Known as the “Sesame Street for grown-ups,” this “Tony Triple Crown” winner (Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book) follows Princeton, a recent college graduate, as he discovers what real life (well, as real as you can get with singing puppets) is like when you wake up as a college grad. With songs like “What Do You Do With a B.A. in English?” and “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today,” this isn’t your typical “brought to you by the letter G” television show. With the help of his colorful (and sometimes fuzzy) neighbors, Princeton learns about the importance of having friends while navigating the sometimes disappointing waters of being a grown-up in a world where everyone is just a little bit special.

“Sweetly satiric and surprisingly fresh!”

– The New York Times

Avenue Q contains adult language, adult content, full frontal puppet nudity, and outrage

eous amounts of felt.

GE BACKSTA

PASS

F

FROZEN

by Bryony Lavery

February 11 - 21 When 10-year-old Rhona turns up missing in a small town in England, her mother, Nancy, retreats into herself and to a state of paralyzing longing for her daughter’s safe return. Over the next 20 years, Nancy speaks with Ralph, her daughter’s killer, to make sense of the madness. Agnetha, a psychiatrist from New York, also seeks out Ralph for her research into the mind of a serial killer. Their lives intersect, and all three begin to melt as they explore ideas of forgiveness, remorse, and change. Bryony Lavery’s dark play about horrific circumstances asks audiences, “Is it possible to forgive someone for an unthinkable act if the ability to move on with your life depends on it?”

“A taut, modern drama on an expedition to the far corners of human complexity.”

– The Washington Post

Frozen contains sophisticated themes and strong language; it is not suitable for children.

TA

ARTUFFE

by Molière translated by Constance Congdon

April 7 - 17 First performed for the court of King Louis XIV in 1664, Molière’s comedy Tartuffe has stood the test of centuries. As slippery as its title character, the play focuses on a con man hell-bent on swindling the patriarch of a well-to-do family out of everything he holds dear. Despite Tartuffe’s best efforts, the rest of the family does not fall for his cunning, joining forces to expose him for the hypocrite they believe him to be. Tartuffe is at once an unrelenting examination of religious hypocrisy, 17th-century French upper-class society, and a laugh out loud comedy of unequalled stature.

“Silly and bright.”

– The Washington Post

Tartuffe is suitable for all audiences.

LEARNING BY

DOING.

We showcase the boundless creative energies of our student directors, actors, designers, and playwrights throughout the season in our flexible and intimate Studio 115 on the first floor of duPont Hall. One-acts, festivals, full-length plays and musicals, solo performances, scenes, and monologues comprise the rich and diverse array of Studio 115 offerings during the fall, winter, and spring.

For more information about Studio 115, call (540) 654-1397.

S TO DATES AND TIME BE ANNOUNCED.

Stephen Nickens ’16 as Father Flynn in Doubt.

SEPT. / OCT.

Noises Off

SU

TU

WE

TH

FR

SA

24

25

26

8pm

27

2pm*

8pm§

1

2

8pm

3

OCT

8pm†

8pm

2pm 8pm

WE

TH

FR

SA

4

2pm

SU

MO

TU

5

NOVEMBER

Avenue Q

MO

6

7

8pm

8pm§

8pm

8

12

13

14

8pm

2pm 8pm

15

19

20

21

8pm

2pm 8pm

TH

FR

SA

11

12

13

18

19 8pm

20 2pm *

FR

SA

2pm*

8pm†

2pm

8pm

22 2pm

Frozen

FEBRUARY

SU

MO

TU

WE

8pm

14

2pm*

8pm§

8pm†

8pm

21 2pm

SU

MO

TU

WE

TH

APRIL

7

Tartuffe

8pm

10

2pm*

8

9

8pm

8pm§

8pm

14

15

16

8pm†

8pm

2pm 8pm

*

17 2pm

§

Friday Night Out Post-Show Discussions Sign-Intepreted Performance

*AfterWords †

Noises Off

Avenue Q

Frozen

Tartuffe

Standard

$18

$24

$12

$18

Student/Senior

$16

$20

$10

$16

Military ID/UMW Alumni

$16

$20

$10

$16

Groups

$14

$16

$8

$14

GCC or UMW ID

$8

$10

$5

$8

Friday Night Out

$35

$35

$35

$35

GE BACKSTA

PASS

Backstage Pass is back! Join us for this innovative audience seminar featuring faculty conversations, production rehearsals, and special events. Take a journey with us as we nurture Avenue Q from the printed page to a fully realized theatrical event.

Grown Up Puppets–

The Making of the Musical

September 15 @ 7pm Gary Richards, associate professor of English Discover how this musical drew inspiration from an iconic children’s television show and became a much-loved, slightly naughty, yet ever-optimistic musical about finding purpose in life.

Puppets Singing Catchy Tunes–

The Music of the Musical

September 22 @ 7pm

Christopher Wingert, music director

and adjunct professor of theatre

Experience the genius of how the composer and lyricist created a streetscape for this one-of-a-kind musical.

Meet the Neighbors on Avenue Q–

Our Puppets

September 29 @ 7pm

Kevin McCluskey, puppet designer

and associate professor of theatre

Discover the process of bringing life to the puppets designed and created for our production.

Avenue Q “First Rehearsal” October 6 @ 7pm Gregg Stull, director & professor of theatre Christopher Wingert, music director & adjunct professor of theatre Niffer Pflager, scene designer & visiting assistant professor of theatre Kevin McCluskey, puppet designer and associate professor of theatre Explore the world of Avenue Q as imagined by the artistic team.

Inside the Rehearsal Room The week of October 20 Sit in on a rehearsal of Avenue Q and observe the actors in action.

The Sitzprobe October 25 @ 7pm Be there when the cast sings with the orchestra for the very first time!

Invited Dress Rehearsal November 4 @ 7pm

Join other invited guests to be the first audience to experience Avenue Q at UMW!

Wrap-Up Conversation December 1 @ 7pm Gather with the cast after Avenue Q closes to talk about the production and your experience in Backstage Pass.

Bonus Events Throughout the process we will invite you to several other events—a backstage tour to see the shops in action building the scenery and costumes, an inside look at the puppet workshop, and conversations with the actors.

REGISTER TODAY! Registration for Backstage Pass is only $75 per person. This gives you exclusive admission to the eight seminar discussions plus the additional bonus events. Online registration begins July 15. www.fredtix.com/backstagepass For more information, call Jon Reynolds at (540) 654-2233 or email jreynol2@umw.edu

BROADWAY Join Gregg Stull in New York for a weekend of Broadway! Experience New York like never before with inspiring conversations, backstage tidbits, and thrilling performances, as you take a peek at the world’s most important theatre city.

The trip includes:

• a get acquainted party one month prior to departure • round trip Amtrak from Fredericksburg to Penn Station New York • two nights at the spectacular Marriott Marquis in Times Square • a welcome party at the legendary Playwright Tavern • orchestra seats to Broadway’s hottest hits (opposite page) • optional walking tour of Broadway’s sights and sounds • post-show chats with Gregg • brunch at the festive Bourbon Street on Restaurant Row • free time for shopping and other activities • all hotel taxes, porter, and driver gratuities • a $100 per person tax-deductible donation to Friends of Theatre

price per person $1,969 double occupancy $905 single supplement

Y WEEKEND

May 13-15, 2016 Winner of 4 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical!

Set in 1860s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the imperious King brings to Siam to tutor his many wives and children.

Winner of 5 Tony Awards, including Best Play!

Christopher, 15 years old, has an extraordinary brain — exceptional at math, though ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he discovers that someone has killed Mrs. Shears’ dog, Wellington, he records each fact about the event in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of the murder.

Winner of 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical!

Based on a true story of a conservative but failing British men’s footwear factory that switches gears and starts producing kinky boots. The score is by Cyndi Lauper and the show features UMW alumna, Natalie Joy Johnson ’00.

To reserve your spot in Broadway Weekend 2016,

go to FredTix.com to download a registration form.

Space is limited! Reserve today!

Friends of Theatre Let's be friends!

While our students love the applause they hear following every performance, your appreciation for their outstanding contributions to our production program doesn’t help them pay their tuition or buy their books and supplies. You can, however, help them with that, too!

A tax-deductible gift to Friends of Theatre helps us help our students through scholarships, classroom supplies, and artist residencies. Your gift makes an extraordinary theatre education at the University of Mary Washington possible for our deserving students.

JOIN TODAY! Membership in Friends of Theatre enables you to: • give scholarships and sponsor special educational activities for theatre students • receive acknowledgement in production programs • receive advance notice of special opportunities and events For more information, and to join online, visit cas.umw.edu/theatre/make-a-gift

TAKE YOUR SEAT!

For just $500, you can name a seat in the beautiful Klein Theatre. Most importantly, you will be personally responsible for creating amazing opportunities for our students as they discover themselves, the theatre, and the world beyond our campus.

Visit cas.umw.edu/theatre/take-your-seat to learn more.

Austin Bouchard ’15 as George in Sunday in the Park with George.

The Fine Print Location

Klein Theatre is located in duPont Hall on College Avenue at Thornton Street.

Parking

There is plenty of free parking along College Avenue and in Lot 28 on Thornton Street.

Two short-term box office parking spaces are available in Lot 28 during box office hours.

Tickets

Tickets become available at the Klein Theatre Box Office in duPont Hall starting one week before opening. Tickets are also available online through our website. Handling fees apply to telephone and online purchases. Student projects in Studio 115 are free.

Groups

Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call the Klein Theatre Box Office at (540) 654-1111.

AfterWords

AfterWords post-show discussions follow the first matinee performance of each production. Be sure to stick around to hear from our students about their experience working on a show with us!

BackStage Pass

Join us for a series of lectures and VIP experiences that will give you an insider’s look into the work we do with our students. Visit rehearsals, get a tour of the backstage spaces, learn about all the hard work it takes to get a show from choosing a title to opening night, and much, much more!

Friday Night OUT

Take some time to enjoy the end of the week with a drink or two, some light hors d’ouevres, and the chance to win a door prize before taking your seat in Klein Theatre for the evening’s performance.

Information

Season subject to change. For more information, call the Klein Theatre Box Office at (540) 654-1111 or visit cas.umw.edu/theatre

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible seating is available. Please inquire when purchasing tickets.

Accessible parking is available in Lot 28 and in the rear of duPont Hall.

We offer sign language interpretation on the second Thursday performance of every production. Please let the box office know if you would like to have a seat in view of the interpreters.

Assistive listening devices are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the Klein Theatre Box Office.

Large print programs are available at the Klein Theatre Box Office.

We are eager to help you plan your visit. For more information on accessibility or parking, please call the Klein Theatre Box Office at (540) 654-1111.

Join us for our 2015-2016 Season!

1301 College Avenue Fredericksburg, VA 22401-5300

The cast of The Drunken City

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