the MadStage Podcast

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.

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

Direct download: Finding_Human-Nov15.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

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TRASH

Directed by Jessica Lanius

What do you save and what do you throw away?

Our disposable society has created tons and tons of trash. But the things we throw away aren’t always tangible – sometimes they are the chance to change, to risk, to love. Sometimes trash is the byproduct of greed, a source of beauty, or the result of destruction. Sometimes it’s just talk. Sometimes it’s the difference between life and death. Join us as we mine ordinary trash for extraordinary stories.

True to its mission, Theatre LILA is creating a collage of music, movement, and scenes from writers across the country, bringing it all to life in unexpected ways.
Authors contributing to the piece include James Caputo, Ajanae Dawkins, Olivia Dawson, Lee Ehmke, Amelia Cook Fontella, Karl Iglesias, Jessica Lanius, Mike Lawler, Tyler Marchant, Andy Arden Reese, Gwendolyn Rice, and Katrin Talbot. An original musical score accompanying the evening was composed by Erin Crabb.

The cast of Trash includes: Kelly Coffey, Olivia Dawson, Karl Iglesias, Mara McGhee, young performer Miranda Dove-García, and Michael Herold and Michael Huftile, who appeared in Theatre LILA’s The Suitcase Dreams last season.

Produced by Theatre Lila at Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State St, Madison

Performances: October 1-11, 2015

Performance Times: 
Thursday, October 1 at 7:30pm (Preview)
Friday, October 2 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 3 at 2:30pm
Saturday, October 3 at 7:30pm
Sunday, October 4 at 2:30pm 
Thursday, October 8 at 7:30pm
Friday, October 9 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 10 at 2:30pm
Saturday, October 10 at 7:30pm
Sunday, October 11 at 2:30pm

Ticket Prices: Adults - $29 Students - $15

Call 608-258-1414 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Trash.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Wisconsin Wrights recipient Karen Saari

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IN A CLEARING by Karen Saari (Madison, WI) - Thursday, October 1st, 7:30pm 
Set in a small town in Northern Wisconsin, In a Clearing centers around Mark, a newly recovering alcoholic embarking on a relationship with Pam, a childhood friend who has returned home in the wake of a family tragedy. As Mark copes with sobriety, he begins to suffer from flashbacks to an event that may eventually threaten his relationship and the life he is trying to rebuild.

 

For all three plays from the festival read the information below.

2015 Wisconsin Wrights Play Festival 

 

When: October 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at 7:30pm
Where: Frederic March Play Circle (2nd floor of UW Memorial Union, next to Wisconsin Union Theater)
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706

Direct download: Wisconsin_Wrights_Recipient_Karen_Saari.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Connect Produced by Madison Contemporary Vision Dance

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Connect

Directed by Sara Rohs

MCVD will be exploring the theme of Human Connection, using concepts such as relationships, aging, the life cycle, and the power of community. This theme is broad enough to be accessible to a diverse audience, but will also serve as a statement that motivates others to love their community and to come together to serve one another.

Produced by Madison Contemporary Vision Dance at Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State Street, Madison

Performances: September 19-20, 2015

Performance Times: 
Saturday Sept 19, 2pm and 7pm
Sunday Sept 20, 2pm

Ticket Prices: $14 for Students and Seniors $16 for Adults

Call 608-258-4141 or visit www.mcvdance.com for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Humankind.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

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RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN

By Gina Gionfriddo

Directed by Sara Beth Hahner

In this award-winning new comedy, 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. Each woman covets the other’s life, commencing a game of musical chairs – the “prize” being Gwen’s husband, Don! Throw in a mouthy babysitter and a mom who hands out wisdom in a martini glass, and you've got what The Boston Globe calls a "shrewd, incisive, thoroughly winning comedy."

The New York Times says it's "intensely smart, immensely funny."

Entertainment Weekly says "There's nothing more enjoyable than watching super-smart characters make exceedingly dumb decisions..."

Tickets can be purchased 24/7 at www.bartelltheatre.org

Produced by Mercury Players Theater at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Performances: September 18 - October 3, 2015

Performance Times: 
Friday, September 18–Saturday, September 19 @ 8pm
Thursday, September 24 @ 7:30pm
Friday, September 25–Saturday, September 26 @ 8pm
Sunday, September 27 @ 4pm
Thursday, October 1 @ 7:30pm
Friday, October 2 @ 8pm
Saturday, October 3 @ 4pm (FINAL PERFORMANCE - no evening show)

Ticket Prices: $20 General Admission $18 Students and Seniors SPECIAL $15 price on Thursdays (9/24 and 10/1)

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: RaptureBlister_Burn.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

The Boy Friend

The Boy Friend

By Sandy Wilson

Directed by Jim Chiolino; Music Director, Justin Wilder

A witty send-up of the frothy musicals of the 1920s, this musical, set in Madame Dubonnet's finishing school outside of Nice, 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. Mistaken identities and hilarity ensues!! Julie Andrews made her Broadway debut in this show. MTG celebrates its 70th season with the 4th production of this show in its history.

Produced by Madison Theatre Guild at Bartell Theater's Drury Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Performances: September 11-26, 2015

Performance Times: 

Ticket Prices: $20.00

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: The_Boyfriend.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Alice -  written by Dan Myers and Meghan Rose

One Night Only! 

After many years of composer submissions and being asked to premiere new pieces, MTM is thrilled to be able to bring its first series of musical theatre readings to Madison! This inaugural festival of new works showcases three innovative, thought-provoking pieces created by promising new voices in the musical theatre canon.

The first show in this series is Alice, written by Dan Myers and Meghan Rose. This is not your typical lookingglass. Alice in this story has escaped to Wonderland as a way to face her inner demons. She encounters a variety of characters along her way, seeing numerous parallels to her life as she travels on her bizarre journey. A world premiere from Madison's own Dan Myers (playwright for Broom St. Theatre's Finding Human, The Point of it All and Chat) and Meghan Rose. (Little Red Wolf, I Saw The Creature, and other local bands; composer of Z-Town, music director Xanadu, Bare, and MTM's 2008 production of john & jen.)

Featuring George Abbott, Rylie Butzbaugh-Patrick, Elizabeth Engle, Janine Gardner, Dee King, Liz Griffith, Krystal Lonsdale, Kate Mann, Erin McConnell, Gregory Reed, Hannah Ripp-Dieter, and Mark Snowden.

All readings are FREE, but reservations are recommended.

Direct download: Alice.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:10pm CDT

Bite the Apple

In the country of Proper, people are given a future path upon birth, a fate from which they mustn’t stray; otherwise, they are declared fateless and forced into camps. When a genderless individual with a mysterious past lands in one of these camps, the corrupt scramble to maintain order. Knowledge will set the fateless free, if only they have the courage to bite the apple.

A political thriller about free will and social injustice, Bite the Apple opens Friday, August 14th and runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through September 5th.

BTA Poster copyWritten and directed by: Malissa Petterson
Musical director: Meghan Rose
Choreographer: Simone LaPierre
Stage manager: Matthew Viktor Petterson
Starring:
Alex Brick
Heather Jane Farr
Morganna Grim
Donnovan Moen
Jordan Apollo Pulley
Heather Renken
John Siewert
Alyssa Stowe

Broom Street Theater is located at 1119 Williamson Street, Madison, WI. House opens fifteen minutes prior to curtain. To reserve tickets, please call 608-244-8338 or go to bstonline.org/reserve.

We’ll see you in Proper!

Direct download: Bite_the_Apple.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:07pm CDT

Guys and Dolls
Direct download: Guys_and_Dolls.
Category:general -- posted at: 2:33pm CDT

Miss Julie

Miss Julie

By August Strindberg

Directed by Aliza Feder

Miss Julie is one of Strindberg's early, "Naturalistic" plays. Set against the backdrop of the Midsummer Eve holiday, the drama explores the intersection of class, power and sex. There are three speaking parts - Miss Julie, daughter of a nobleman (age 18-26), Jean, the valet (age 30-40) and the cook, Kristin (age 3-40). There are non-speaking roles (as peasants and other servants) for all ages.

Produced by Fermat's Last Theater Company at Fredric March Play Circle, UW Memorial Union

Performances: July 30 - August 9, 2015

Performance Times: 
Thursday/Friday/Saturday at 7 PM. Sunday matinee at 2 PM. Second week performances TBD

Ticket Prices: $10

Call 608-265-4206 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Miss_Julie.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Nine by Music Theatre of Madison

NINE

By Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit

Directed by Meghan Randolph

This stunning, Tony Award winning musical, featuring a cast of one man and 15 women, is often regarded as one of the most impressive achievements of contemporary musical theatre. Based on Fellini’s 8 1/2, the story is of filmmaker Guido Contini and the women in his life who both inspire and impede him: his wife, mistress, muse, boss, and more. Haunted by the past and tortured by the present, he struggles to complete a truly meaningful film, while what seems like the whole world watches, hoping for him to succeed...or fail.

Produced by Music Theatre of Madison at Brink Lounge, 701 East Washington Suite 105, Madison

Performances: July 23 - August 1, 2015

Performance Times: 
July 23: 7:30pm Preview 
July 24, 25, 31, August 1 at 7:30pm
July 39 at 7:30pm-Pay What You Can

Ticket Prices: $18-$20

Call TBA for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Nine.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

A Sky Painted Brown

By Naomi Bielefeldt, Nancy Craig, Clarice LaFayette, Donnovan Moen, Emily Morrison-Weeks, Gail Sterkel, Jan Levine Thal

Directed by Naomi Bielefeldt

A short play that asks the big question: whose fault is bullying?

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 talkbacks after each performance with clergy, social workers, and psychologists. The play is appropriate for middle-school age or older.

Cast: Lloyd Cosme, Nancy Craig, Chris Gelinskey, Brendan Hartmann, Codi Shandel Kline, Clarice Lafayette, Drew Lehmann, Sybil Levine, Emily Morrison-Weeks, Meg Murphy, Heather Renken, 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

Produced by Kathie Rasmussen Women's Theatre at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Performances: July 24 - August 1, 2015

Performance Times: 
Eight Performances — Two Matinees
July 24 through August 1, 2015
Friday July 24, 8pm
Saturday, July 25, 8pm
Sunday, July 26, 2pm Matinee
Wednesday, July 29, 8pm – half price tickets for all
Thursday, July 30, 8pm
Friday, July 31, 8pm
Saturday, August 1 – TWO SHOWS: 2pm Matinee and 8pm

Ticket Prices: $20 Group rates available

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: A_Sky_Painted_Brown.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Upstart Crows Productions, Inc 2015 Summer Season

By Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

Directed by Joshua Biatch

Based on the famous Scopes ‘monkey trial,’ this explosive drama explores the ongoing struggle between science and religion. Although set in the 1920s, the issues raised are still being debated today.

Produced by Upstart Crows Productions, Inc. at First Baptist Church, 518 North Franklin Avenue, Madison

Performances: July 8-11, 2015

Performance Times: 
July 8, 9, 10, and 11 at 7:00 pm

Ticket Prices: suggested donation $15

Call 608-827-9482 for reservations or more information.

 

The Iliad, The Odyssey, and All Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less

By Jay Hopkins and John Hunter

Directed by Samantha Biatch

"On a simple stage, with the clock ticking in front of everyone's eyes, the cast speeds through all of Greek Mythology. It’s funny, updated and made easy to understand. All the silly decisions, the absurd destinies, and the goofy characters are presented lightning-bolt fast with hysterical results as the clock is stopped with only seconds to spare." - Samuel French Just like it sounds: all the incest, intrigue, and amorality of ancient Greece in under 100 minutes.

Produced by Upstart Crows Productions, Inc. at First Baptist Church, 518 North Franklin Avenue, Madison

Performances: August 2-5, 2015

Performance Times: 
August 2, 3, 4, 5 at 7:00 pm

Ticket Prices: suggested donation $15

Call 608-827-9482 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Upstart_Crow_Summer_Season_2015.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

 Pudding from Broom Street Theater

Pudding

By Michael Tooher

Directed by Eric Holz

A driven young woman attempts to take control of a reclusive middle aged widower’s life.

Produced by Broom Street Theater at Broom Street Theater, 1119 Williamson Street, Madison

Performances: July 10 - August 1, 2015

Performance Times: 
8 pm Thurs/Fri/Sat

Ticket Prices: $11

Call 608-244-8338 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Pudding.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Avenue Q by Middleton Players Theatre

Avenue Q

By Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx, Book by Jeff Whitty, Based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx

Directed by Thomas J. Kasdorf & Matt Starika

Winner of the TONY "Triple Crown" for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, Avenue Q is part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart.

The laugh-out-loud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

Filled with gut-busting humor and a delightfully catchy score, not to mention puppets, Avenue Q is a truly unique show that has quickly become a favorite for audiences everywhere. Although the show addresses humorous adult issues, it is similar to a beloved children's show; a place where puppets are friends, Monsters are good and life lessons are learned.

Produced by Middleton Players Theatre at Middleton Performing Arts Center, Middleton High School, 2100 Bristol Street,Middleton

Performances: 

June 25, 26, & July 2, 3 at 7:30pm

June 27 & July 5 at 2:00pm

Ticket Prices: Adults $25 Seniors $20 Students $15

Call 800-838-3006 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Avenue_Q.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Violet produced by Capital City Theatre

Violet

By Jeanine Tesori and Brian Crawley

Directed by Stephen Amato

Capital City Theatre announces Violet. Christine Dwyer, most recently seen on Broadway as Elphaba in Wicked, stars in the title role. The production is directed by Stephen Amato with choreography by Joe Barros. Andrew Abrams, Artistic Director, will also serve as musical director.

Violet was recently on Broadway and nominated for Best Musical Revival of 2014 and is an adaptation of Doris Betts “The Ugliest Pilgrim.” This musical tells the story of a young woman’s quest for beauty amidst the image-obsessed landscape of the 1960s. Facially disfigured in a childhood accident, Violet dreams of a miraculous transformation through the power of faith. Convinced that a televangelist in Oklahoma can heal her, she hops a Greyhound bus and starts the journey of a lifetime.

Produced by Capital City Theatre at U.W. Old Music Hall, 925 Bascom Mall, Madison

Performances: June 12-21, 2015

Performance Times:

Ticket Prices: $25 - $45

Call (608) 622-7507 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Violet.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Spirits to Enforce Produced by Left of Left Center

Spirits to Enforce

By Mickle Maher

Directed by Ned O'Reilly and Sara Beth Hahner

Twelve superheroes in their everyday guises hold a telethon to raise money for a production of The Tempest. The complex natures of heroism and villainy are comically explored through overlapping dialogue, unrequited love, and empathy for the everyperson in this literate, funny, moving play by Chicago playwright Mickle Maher. Produced by the folks who brought you Beta Blockers in February, the play will be performed, barnstormer style, at The Goodman Community Center in Madison, Firefly Coffee House in Oregon, Watertower Chop House in Sun Prairie, I'm Board Game Store in Middleton, and Tapit/New Works in Madison. Some venues will offer beverage service and light fare. See leftofleftcenter.com for more details.

Produced by Left of Left Center.

Performances: June 5-14, 2015

Performance Times:

  • FRIDAY JUNE 5 7:30 pm Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa Street, Madison
  • SATURDAY JUNE 6 7:30 pm Firefly Coffeehouse, 114 N Main Street, Oregon
  • FRIDAY JUNE 12 7:30 pm Watertower Chop House, 109 W Main Street, Sun Prairie
  • SATURDAY JUNE 13 7:30 pm I’m Board game store, 6917 University Avenue, Middleton
  • SUNDAY JUNE 14 3:00 pm Tapit/New Works, 1957 Winnebago Street, Madison

Ticket Prices: $10 suggested contribution

Call 608-617-4917 or visit http://www.leftofleftcenter.com/tickets for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Spirits_to_Enforce.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Held

Held

Written by: Kelly Maxwell & Directed by: Kelly Maxwell

Playing: May 29 - June 20

Season: 

Held sliderThis dark, dreamy musical is the culmination of Broom Street Theater’s 45th Anniversary season. Three childhood friends, one with extraordinary powers, find themselves trapped in a place where time seems to stand still and the only way out is unthinkable. Traveling on a twisted timeline, Held follows the three as they struggle to grow within the bonds of lifelong friendship and discover what really holds them together. A piano, a cello, and an upright bass accompany the cast through a poetic script and nine hauntingly beautiful original songs.

Held is an original musical created by Kelly Maxwell (book and lyrics) and Meghan Rose (music). It is Maxwell’s directorial debut. These two women have been collaborating musically since 2008 with their band Little Red Wolf (Isthmus Favorite New Band 2009, Madison Magazine Alt/Indie Bronze 2015 ) and theatrically since 2014, when Rose was the Musical Director and Maxwell played the lead role in a wildly successful production of Xanadu: the Broadway Musical at the Bartell Theatre (nominated for 19 Bartell Theatre awards, of which Rose won for Best Music Direction and Maxwell for Best Lead Actress in a Musical).

They first teamed up to write for the stage in April, 2014 for Are We Delicious? Musical Fantasy (http://www.isthmus.com/isthmus/article.php?article=42644) . That project resulted in a 5- minute musical called I Have To, which was the inspiration for Held. They have spent the past year developing the story, the characters, the music, and the world of the show. With just three actors, three musicians, and nine original songs by Meghan Rose, whose songwriting has been called “Smart, strong, poised, delicate and roaring” (Rick Tvedt, Local Sounds Magazine), Held tells a poignant story of childhood friends growing apart in a world where reality is fluid and time can stand still. Presented in Broom Street Theater’s intimate space, Held promises a powerful evening of original musical theatre.

 

 

Friday, May 29-Saturday, June 20

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm

Tickets $11, available at Brown Paper Tickets

Advance Tickets for Held can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets

Direct download: Held.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Work the Act

Work the Act

By Danielle Dresden

Directed by Francisco Torres

Catskill humor meets performance art in this new comedy by Danielle Dresden for TAPIT/new works Ensemble Theater's 30th anniversary season. After a series of comic mishaps get them fired from a gig at the Holiday Inn in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, the Rolling Bag Players try to pass themselves off as an avant-garde theater troupe. Their new show -- "Take the Spanish Civil War... Please!" -- is a raging success, but the players are dissatisfied. They jump at the chance to return to their honest, baggy pants roots and perform as themselves once again.

Produced by TAPIT/new works Ensemble Theater at TAPIT/new works Studio Theater, 1957 Winnebago Street, Madison

Performances: May 28 - June 7, 2015

Performance Times: 
Thursday, May 28, Friday, May 29, Saturday, May 30, 7:30 PM
Friday, June 5, Saturday, June 6 (both at 7:30 PM)
Sunday, June 7, 3:00 PM, Performance and Gala Reception following with food.

Ticket Prices: $20 General, $17 Students. June 7th Gala, $30 General.

Call 608-244-2938 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Work_the_Act.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Broom Street Theater is proud to announce the creation of a new feature of our theater experience: Broom St. Late Night!

Broom Street Late Night is a new series of shows that take place after our main stage shows. These shows are a bit darker, have a sharp edge and a visceral experience. The criteria given to the writers for each show is that they are one hour or less, have a small cast and little or no set. These are limited runs and will only have 6 to 8 performances.

Our Late Night Season contains 3 shows:

The Point of it All – Written by Dan Myers
Boogie After Dark – Written by Rob Matsushita
Basic Help – Written by Ben Clawson

Our first show, The Point of it All, opening April 30th, will run after Doug Reed’s "The Nails" for 8 performances.

The Point of the All is a very dark look into the lives of those caught in the grip of addiction and just how often the things we do for love are often the same things that we are driven to by that disease. A young couple with big dreams discovers that their reality is paid for in the cost of their addictions.

This show features: Alissa Taylor, Bob Moore, John Jajewski, Luke Kokinos and Sara Beth Hahner. Written and Directed by Dan Myers.

Also, during the run, the pre-show show music will be performed by Meghan Rose. Ticket Prices are 9$. If you see both shows, Tickets are 16$.

Direct download: BST_Late_Nite.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Are We Delicious? Musical Rebellion

Are you ready to ROCK!

Are We Delicious? Musical Rebellion will CRUSH IT

Five righteous Madison rock gods join five outrageous Madison singer/performers for a rock-solid hour of giving it to THE MAN

Can you HANDLE IT?

Where: High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington, Madison
When: May 12 & 13 @ 7:00 pm
Admission: $12, cash only
Reservations: http://www.growingshows.com/reservations/
Running time: one hour with intermission

Are We Delicious? is an ensemble of Madison writer/performers/musicians who conceive, write, rehearse and perform an original one-hour show of short plays *and musicals* in a single week. Everyone writes, everyone acts, *everyone sings, everyone plays* and no one can rest until *the upholstered prison of our oppressive society is a SMOKING RUIN*.

Direct download: AWD_MR.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Death Of A Salesman

Death Of A Salesman

By Arthur Miller

Directed by Christopher Wolter

 

“Death Of A Salesman” shares a rightful place on the top rung of the canon of classic American plays and this new production of the play seeks to re-imagine Arthur Miller's unflinching look into the heart of the American Dream for a contemporary audience. 

Willy Loman's journey is a painful one, that of an aging salesman and father at the end of his road. Plagued by his own mind and his inability to reconcile his bitter reality with his lofty dreams, Willy struggles against all odds to hold onto dignity in a world which has cast him aside. 

In an era supposedly free from ideology, "Death of a Salesman" is more necessary than ever. It is a play about a dream, a dream which we experience as our greatest freedom, yet for the vast majority of us is nothing but a bitter burden, and ultimately, a cruel lie.

 

Produced by Strollers Theatre at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Performances: April 24 - May 16, 2015

Performance Times: 
Friday, April 24, 2015 - 7:30pm
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 7:30pm
Sunday, April 26, 2015 - 2:00pm
Thursday, April 30, 2015 - 7:30pm
Friday, May 1, 2015 - 7:30pm
Saturday, May 2, 2015 - 7:30pm
Wednesday, May 6, 7:30 PM
Thursday, May 7, 2015 - 7:30pm
Friday, May 8, 2015 - 7:30pm
Saturday, May 9, 2015 - 7:30pm
Thursday, May 14, 2015 - 7:30pm
Friday, May 15, 2015 - 7:30pm
Saturday, May 16, 2015 - 2:00pm

Ticket Prices: $20 General, $15 Strollers Members/Students/Seniors

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Death_of_a_Salesman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

The Nails

By Doug Reed

Directed by Rob Matsushita

Broom Street Theater is proud to present The Nails, written by Doug Reed ("The Lamentable Tragedie Of Scott Walker", "Nottingham!") and directed by Rob Matsushita ("900", "Civil"). This is a fast-paced corporate fairy tale about love, business, and dismemberment. Also, talking animals.

One cold night, Kella Winter is tossed from her home into a frozen wasteland with only a toy penguin named Xylorc to keep her company. Desperate for shelter, she takes a job with The Corporation - a company entirely composed of talking animals. She fights to keep her mind and body together among evil walruses, sentient copiers, and a vengeful Alexander Graham Bell from an alternate dimension.

It's Lewis Carroll with a desk job. It's Aesop on acid.

The cast of The Nails features a number of longtime Madison stage favorites including Caitlin Robb as Kella Winter, Damon Butler as Xylorc - her stuffed penguin, and Sam White as Ralph Waldo - the walrus from Accounts Receivable who makes their lives miserable.

Rounding out The Corporation are Kate Boomsma as Sandra the Swan, Andrew Miller-Rhoads as John The Badger, and Emmaline Friederichs as Ernestine the Sphinx. Meanshile, in an alternate dimension, Donnonvan Moen as Blackbeard and Benjamin Otto as Alexander Graham Bell work out the problems in their complicated relationship.

Produced by Broom Street Theater at Broom Street Theater, 1119 Williamson Street, Madison

Performances: April 24 - May 16, 2015

Performance Times: 
Friday, April 24, 2015 @ 8:00PM
Saturday, April, 25 2015 @ 8:00PM
Thursday, April, 25 2015 @ 8:00PM
Friday, May 1, 2015 @ 8:00PM
Saturday, May 2, 2015 @ 8:00PM
Thursday, May 7, 2015 @ 8:00PM
Friday, May 8, 2015 @ 8:00PM
Saturday, May 9, 2015 @ 8:00PM
Thursday, May 14, 2015 @ 8:00PM
Friday, May 15, 2015 @ 8:00PM
Saturday, May 16, 2015 @ 8:00PM

Ticket Prices: $11, $9 discounted tickets

Call 608-244-8338 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: The_Nails.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

My Life is a Sitcom

By Rob Matsushita, Karen Saari, Sunny Schomaker

Directed by Karen Saari

People were asked to enter submissions telling why some aspect of their life may just be great sitcom fodder. Writers chose the top two premises and have written original sitcoms based on them. Composer Andrew Rohn (VO5, Walmartopia) is composing theme songs for each.

The two shows within "My Life is a Sitcom" are “Palmer.” written by Rob Matsushita, about a local cabbie who plays in the Madison Gay Hockey Association. The second is “Band for Life,” by Karen Saari and Sunny Schomaker, about local disco band VO5 as the members juggle the music scene, families and day jobs.


For more information, Karen Saari via e-mail at brokendartplayers@yahoo.com. 

Produced by Broken Dart Players at Brink Lounge, 701 East Washington Suite 105, Madison

Performances: April 16-17, 2015

Performance Times: 
Thu. April 16 @ 7:30 p.m.
Fri. April 17 @ 7:30 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $15 at the door. Or purchase online at thebrinklounge.com

Call for reservations or more information.

Direct download: My_Life_is_a_Sitcom.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Deliciously Queer

Deliciously Queer

Directed by Suzan Kurry, William Bolz, Dana Pellebon & Sean Langenecker

StageQ, Inc., partners with the creators of 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!

Produced by StageQ at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Performances: March 22 - April 11, 2015

Performance Times: TBA

Ticket Prices: TBA

Call TBA for reservations or more information.

Direct download: DQ.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Bare: A Pop Musical

Bare: A Pop Musical

By Jon Hartmere, Jr and Damon Intrabartolo

Directed by Steve Noll

"Bare" is a rock musical with a book by Jon Hartmere, Jr. and Damon Intrabartolo, lyrics by Hartmere and music by Intrabartolo. The story focuses on two gay high school students and their struggles at their private, Catholic boarding school. The show has been compared to Spring Awakening or Rent with a modern rock score and dealing with issues such as sexual identity, drug abuse, teen suicide and self-image.

Produced by Mercury Players Theater at Bartell Theater's Drury Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St. , Madison

Performances: March 20 - April 7, 2015

Performance Times: Thu: 7:30pm, Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun (March 29) 2pm

Ticket Prices: $20.

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Bare.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Ten Dollar House

Ten Dollar House

By Rick Kinnebrew & Martha Meyer

Directed by John Siewert

Ten Dollar House is based on the true story of the life and love of the two men that founded Pendarvis in Mineral Point, WI.

Produced by Broom Street Theater at Broom Street Theater, 1119 Williamson Street, Madison

Performances: March 20 - April 11, 2015

Performance Times: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8PM

Ticket Prices: $11

Call 608-244-8338 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: TDH.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

Lavinia

By Betty Diamond

Directed by Betty Diamond

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.

Produced by Madison Theatre Guild at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Performances: March 19-21, 2014

Performance Times: The Evjue Stage at the Bartell Theatre, Madison
Thursday, March 19--7:30 pm
Friday, March 20--7:30 pm 
Saturday, March 21--2:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Janesville Performing Arts Center
Saturday, March 28, 2015

UW-Marathon County Auditorium, Wausau:
Saturday, April 11, 2015.

Ticket Prices: $20; Lower prices for matinee on March 21 - $10

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: LA.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CDT

The House of Yes

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House of Yes
by Wendy MacLeod

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

TALKBACKS after every show except Feb 21.

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 Mcleod’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. 

TALKBACKS after every show except Feb 21.

Bartell Theater, Evjue Stage
113 East Mifflin Street, Madison, WI 53703

For reservations and tickets call 608-661-9696. For more information about the show, call 608-663-5814.

Direct download: The_House_of_Yes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:33am CDT

Greetings From Fitzwalkerstan

Greetings From Fitzwalkerstan

By Brian Leahy Doyle

Directed by Odari Kimani

As Wisconsin celebrates the 4th anniversary of the 2011 Act 10 protests, Broom Street Theater breathes new life to the old “song and dance” of political warfare with Greetings from Fitzwalkerstan, written by Brian Leahy Doyle. This farcical tale chronicles the rise to power of S. Winsome Walker, the notorious “budget repair bill” and its impact throughout the beer & cheese state!!
No matter what side of the fence you’re on, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Laugh out loud at renditions of your favorite capitol cronies. Sing along to original songs by Michael Dilthey and Brian Leahy Doyle. Directed by Odari Kimani, the ensemble cast showcases the incomparable talents of Lee Hayes, Andy Lindgren, Brandon Barwick, Amit Jalan, Eric Futon, Dillon Hanson, Scott Frazier, and Codi Shandel Kline. 
"You Want A Revolution?" Join in solidarity by reserving your seat TODAY! You won’t want to miss this innovative & ALREADY controversial production that promises to have you marching for more. 
Greetings From Fitzwalkerstan runs February 13 - March 7, 2015 with performances Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 PM.
Visit bstonline.org/reserve OR call 608-244-8338 for reservations.

Produced by Broom Street Theater at Broom Street Theater, 1119 Williamson Street, Madison

Performances: February 13 - March 7, 2015

Performance Times: Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 PM.

Ticket Prices: $11

Call 608-244-8338 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: Greetings_from_Fitzwalkerstan.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:32pm CDT

The Beautiful Dark

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The Beautiful Dark

By Erik Gernand

Directed by Suzan Kurry

The eldest son of a divorced couple is expelled from college but no one knows why, until the dark and terrible secret is finally revealed: Jacob has written a play...about a mass school shooting.

Produced by Mercury Players Theater at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Performances: January 23 - February 7, 2015

Performance Times: Friday-Saturday, January 23-24 @ 8:00pm
Thursday, January 29 @ 7:30pm
Friday-Saturday, January 30-31 @ 8:00pm
Sunday February 1 @ 2:00pm
Thursday, February 5 @ 7:30pm
Friday-Saturday, February 6-7 @ 8:00pm

Ticket Prices: $20 General Admission $18 Students & Seniors available at www.bartelltheater.org

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

Direct download: The_Beautiful_Dark.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:27pm CDT

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