the MadStage Podcast

Buzz Kemper talks backstage with Betty Diamond of Madison Theater Guild about their upcoming season at the Bartell Theatre Season Announcement event for 2017-2018.

Direct download: Bartell_609_MTG.mp3
Category:podcast -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

Actors Alexandria Chapes and Christian Stevenson talk with Suzan and Buzz about University Theatre's upcoming production of "Almost, Maine."

Almost, Maine

By John Cariani

Directed by David Furumoto

On a cold, clear night in the remote northernmost part of Maine, the residents of a small town discover the sparks of love. Perhaps. Maybe. Almost. Under the magic spell of the northern lights, John Cariani’s play depicts a series of encounters that offer the funny, poignant, and mysterious ways people fall in and out of love. UW-Madison’s University Theatre offers a refreshing breath of cold, crisp Northern air for a romantic summer production.

“A whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance. Magical happenings bloom beneath the snowdrifts. ALMOST, MAINE explores the thunderclap of love and the scorched earth that sometimes follows.” – NY Times (2006)

The cast features UW students Erik Bergeson, Alexandria Chapes, Jessie Reynolds, and Christian Stevenson as the various residents of Almost, Maine.

Produced by University Theatre (UW-Madison) at U.W. Vilas Hall, 821 University Avenue, Madison

Performances: June 8-25, 2017

Performance Times:
Thursday-Saturday 7:30 PM, Sunday 2:00 PM

Ticket Prices: $10-$20

Call 608-265-2787 for reservations or more information.

http://madstage.com/Shows/almostmaine170424.html

Direct download: MSP_020_AlmostMaine.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

Suzan and Buzz chat with director Kathleen Tissot and actor Matthew Korda about Strollers Theatre's production of Amadeus at the Bartell.

Amadeus

By Peter Shaffer

Directed by Kathleen Tissot

In the court of the Austrian Emperor Josef, Antonio Salieri is the established composer. Enter the greatest musical genius of all time: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri has given himself to God so that he might realize his sole ambition to be a great composer. Mozart is a foul-mouthed, graceless oaf who has that which is beyond Salieri’s envious grasp: Genius.

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

Performances: June 2-17, 2017

http://madstage.com/Shows/amadeus170123.html

Direct download: MSP_019_Amadeus.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

Suzan and Buzz talk with actor Annalyse Lapajenko and director Emily Morrison Weeks about Madison Shakespeare Company's upcoming production of "As You Like It."

As You Like It

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Emily Morrison Weeks

We that are true lovers run into strange capers.

In As You Like It, Shakespeare introduced the world to Rosalind, one of the all-time romantic and comedic heroines. It’s a tale of betrayal and destiny, of love and pursuit, of sheep and trees, and of learning to be the best you can possibly be.

Produced by Madison Shakespeare Company at Edgewood College Amphitheater, 1000 Edgewood College Dr, Madison, WI 53711

Performances: June 2-11, 2017

Ticket Prices: $15 suggested contribution

http://madstage.com/Shows/asyoulikeit170224.html

Direct download: MSP_018_AsYouLikeIt_MSC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

Suzan Kurry and Buzz Kemper talk with Justin Schober and Cam Shimniok about the upcoming production of Of Dice and Men.

OF DICE AND MEN

By Cameron McNary

Directed by Suzan Kurry

OF DICE AND MEN shows the world that most gamers aren’t isolated, virgin-for-life losers: theirs is a social hobby not unlike poker or fantasy football. The play explores the rich friendships and romantic lives of a group of lifelong friends who are NOT stereotypical, Cheetos-stained, acne-blighted geeks. AT ALL. These men and women are attractive, smart, charming…and facing some major changes in their lives. Humor, brutal honesty and the good-natured kidding of people who know each other far too well culminate in an unforgettable evening that will make you laugh and think – and do so in a way that celebrates the power of gaming to bring people together, never once apologizing for it.

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

Performances: May 19 - June 3, 2017

Performance Times:
Friday-Saturday, May 19-20 @ 8:00pm
Thursday May 25 @ 7:30pm
Friday-Saturday, May 26-27 @ 8:00pm
Sunday, May 28 @ 4:00pm
Thursday, June 1 @ 7:30pm
Friday, June 2 @ 8:00pm
Saturday, June 3 @ 4:00pm (FINAL PERFORMANCE)

Ticket Prices: General Admission $20, Students & Seniors $18, Special $15 tickets on 5/25, 5/28, 6/1 and 6/3

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

http://madstage.com/Shows/ofdiceandme170217.html

Direct download: MSP_017_DiceMen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

A Year with Frog & Toad

By Robert & Willie Reale

Directed by Erica Berman

Nominated for 3 Tony Awards, this whimsical show follows two friends -- the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad -- as they celebrate their differences and discover just how much caring and fun you can squeeze into every season of the year. Part vaudeville, part make believe, all charm.

Produced by Children's Theater of Madison at Overture Center for the Arts, 201 State Street, Madison

Performances: May 12-21, 2017

Performance Times:
Saturdays & Sundays 1pm & 4pm; Numerous weekday student matinees (9:30am & noon)

Ticket Prices: $10-$35.

Call 608-255-2080 for reservations or more information.

http://madstage.com/Shows/ayearwithfr160615.html

Direct download: MSP_016_CTM_Berman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

Suzan & Buzz talk with director Patrick Mahoney about Edgewood College's biennial student directed one-act play presentations for 2017.

Student Directed One-Acts

By various playwrights

Directed by Directing Students

Produced by Jeanne Leep.

Contemporary one-act plays directed by Edgewood Theatre Arts students: fresh, funny, thought-provoking and smart, this variety pack of plays showcases the talents of our students onstage and behind the scenes.

Produced by Edgewood College Theatre at Edgewood College's Diane Ballweg Theatre, 1000 Edgewood College Drive, Madison

Performances: May 4-6, 2017

Performance Times:
May 4, 5, and 6, all 7:30pm shows with an additional matinee on May 6 at 2pm

Ticket Prices: $7 for students/seniors/vets, $12 for adults

Call 608-663-6710 for reservations or more information.

http://madstage.com/Shows/studentdirect160511.html

Direct download: MSP_015_EdgewoodOneActs_PMahoney.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

Suzan and Buzz talk with playwright/director Stephen Murray about Broom Street Theater's upcoming production of his play Geppetto.

Geppetto

By Stephen F. Murray

Directed by Stephen F. Murray

Inspired by the classic story by Carlo Collodi, Geppetto is told from the point of view of the father. Geppetto starts as an angry drunk who creates a puppet to save him from his loneliness. Sadly, Pinocchio’s desire for independence leads him to run away leaving Geppetto alone once again. He then has a decision to make: to stay at home and continue in his dreary life or to take a risk and go after the puppet who may once again reject him. As both search the whole wide world for what defines them, their journeys ultimately lead them to the same place: each other. After the to emerge from the belly of the whale with their lives transformed, they can face their new adventures together. This telling combines the classic children’s tale combined with other familiar myths and fables (such as the biblical tales of the prodigal son and Jonah and the whale) mirrors the challenges we face every day as we strive to shake off our own woodenness and become more human.

This world premier will build on the work of the 2014 In the Works Residency through the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The laboratory helped Murray incorporate clowning, puppetry, music, and masks into the construction of this play for a magical evening of theater.

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

Performances: April 28 - May 20, 2017

Performance Times:
Thursday, Fridays, and Saturday at 7:30pm.

Ticket Prices: $11 at bstonline.org

For more information please visit bstonline.org or stephenfmurray.zohosites.com/geppetto-2017.html

Direct download: MSP_014_Geppetto_StephenMurray.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

Director John Siewert talks with Suzan and Buzz about the upcoming performances of StageQ's "Perfect Arrangement."

Perfect Arrangement

By Topher Payne

Directed by John Siewert

“Perfect Arrangement” by Topher Payne, takes a hard look at the issue of government persecution and blacklisting of LGBT people during the McCarthy era. The work is part of a broader initiative by StageQ to open community dialogue on LGBTQ visibility. Two couples – one gay and one lesbian – seem to have an ideal arrangement posing as heterosexual couples by swapping partners publicly. Madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two “All-American” couples are forced to stare down the closet door. Their perfect lives begins to unravel when Bob and Norma, who work at the State Department are tasked with rooting out sexual deviants from among their ranks. “Perfect Arrangement” opens April 21 and runs through May 6. Tickets available at www.bartelltheatre.org.

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

Performances: April 21 - May 6, 2017

Performance Times:
Friday, 4/21 8:00pm
Saturday, 4/22 8:00pm
Thursday, 4/27 8:00pm
Friday, 4/28 8:00pm
Saturday, 4/29 8:00pm
Sunday, 4/30 2:00pm
Thursday, 5/4 8:00pm
Friday, 5/5 8:00pm
Saturday, 5/6 2:00pm

Ticket Prices: Thursday & Sunday $15 Friday & Saturday $20

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information

http://madstage.com/Shows/perfectarrang170308.html

Direct download: MSP_013_PerfectArrangement_JohnSiewert.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

The Nance

By Douglas Carter Bean

Directed by Steve Noll

In 1930s New York, burlesque is a dying art. Between the dancing girls were male comedians. Chauncey is one of the best, and his signature act is playing a sissy man, what was called a "nance." But Chauncey harbors a secret. While he pretends to be a straight actor pretending to be gay on stage, in real life he is a very closeted gay man. When new-to-the-city Ned hooks up with Chauncey, he finds his personal life crashing into his on-stage life while the mayor of New York starts cracking down on the "perverts" in the city. A comedic drama with music, from the author of As Bees in Honey Drown and The Little Dog Laughed.

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

Performances: April 21 - May 6, 2017

Performance Times:
Friday, Apr 21 - 7:30, Saturday, Apr 22 - 7:30, Thursday, Apr 27 - 7:30, Friday, Apr
28 - 7:30, Saturday, Apr 29 - 7:30, Sunday, Apr 30 - 2:00 pm, Thursday, May 4 - 7:30, Friday, May
5 - 7:30, Saturday, May 6 - 2:00 pm

Ticket Prices: $20

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

http://madstage.com/Shows/thenance170105.html

Direct download: MSP_012_TheNance_SteveNoll.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT