The UW–Platteville theatre program has released its production list for the 2015–16 Pioneer Players season, which includes comedy, drama, a musical and the student-directed One Act Festival.
Associate professors of the theatre department, Dr. Ann Dillon Farrelly and Dr. David Schuler, both noted that this season will be very different compared to previous seasons. “It’s a very ‘outside the box’ kind of season,” said Farrelly.
The season will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 21 with the comedy “OR,” by Liz Duffy Adams. “OR” is the Restoration-era inspired story of one of the first female playwrights, Alphra Behn, who must win her love, stop the king’s assassination and write a jaw-dropping play all in the same night.
Schuler, who will be directing this play, explained how dynamic and challenging this play will be. “This is the first full-on face we have done at UW–Platteville, and some of the actors will play multiple roles requiring quick changes between them,” he said. “It’s a very bawdy and cleverly-written play.”
The showing of “OR” will run Oct. 21 at 11 a.m., Oct. 22–24 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.
The second show that will be performed this fall will be “Marat/Sade,” by Peter Weiss. This play, originally titled “The Persecution of and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum of Charenton Under the Direction of the Marquis De Sade,” explores the history of the French Revolution as well as the history of inmate Marquis de Sade putting on plays with his fellow inmates of Charenton Asylum.
Farrelly, who will be directing this production, noted that this play will delve into complex topics. “It’s a play that debated the nature and purpose of revolution in a very theatrical way,” she said. “I am excited to explore new territory with the audiences and students. I expect the audience to be confronted in unexpected ways. If audiences walk away with a strong reaction, no matter what that is, we’ve done our jobs.”
“Marat/Sade” will run Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 11 a.m., Nov. 19–21 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
The Wednesday night performances of these productions will be benefit performances. All tickets for Benefit Wednesdays are $6 with all proceeds going to the Platteville Food Pantry and other Platteville community organizations.
The spring semester’s season will include Sarah Ruhl’s “Eurydice,” Lisa Lambert’s and Greg Morrison’s musical “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and the student-directed One Act Festival.
Schuler and Farrelly expressed their excitement for the season. “There is a great variety with this season,” said Schuler. “It’s always about challenging the students. We’re always pushing them; otherwise, what’s the point?”
“The season may seem weird, but it will be wonderfully weird,” added Farrelly.
Show times, ticket prices and other information can be found on the theatre program’s website at www.uwplatt.edu/theatre. Tickets may be purchased by calling the University Box Office at 342-1298 or by visiting the online box office at tickets.uwplat.edu.
