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for Weidner Center, local performing arts Greetings and Happy New Year from Green Bay’s University of Wisconsin! I sincerely hope you had an enjoyable holiday season and found time to share it with family and friends. It’s a time of year when we can relish those things that mean the most to us. For those of us who have the good fortune of living in Northeastern Wisconsin, it also serves as a reminder of what makes this place we call home so special. From seasonal musical and theatrical performances to our annual holiday men’s basketball tournament, the season offers a wide array of the types of events and activities that bring us together as a community. This year, Cyndie and I had the pleasure of being part of the cast of the Northeastern Wisconsin Dance Organization’s production of “The Nutcracker.” Your university’s chancellor found the experience entertaining, enlightening — and a whole lot of fun. “The Nutcracker” was a collaborative effort of various area dance studios and institutions. It was a huge success, playing to large and responsive audiences at the Meyer Theatre downtown and to positive reviews. The Green Bay Press-Gazette’s distinguished entertainment writer Warren Gerds said members of the talented dance company created “moment after nice moment.” From my vantage point as a cast member, I had an up-close view of all that goes into such a major production. I simply could not take my eyes off the incredible performers who shared their talents with the community. The experience deepened my admiration for all those involved on stage and behind the scenes. On the same day as the final performances of “The Nutcracker,” the lights at the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts shined brightly on the traditional “Holiday Pops” concert of the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra, the Dudley Birder Chorale of St. Norbert College, and the Performers Workshop. The popular concert featured singers and players from throughout the region. Our Weidner Center and University Theatre also were the venues for outstanding performances throughout the holiday season by UW-Green Bay’s talented student musical ensembles. And there’s still a buzz on campus over our Theatre and Music programs’ adaptation of the popular dance musical “Chicago” in November. This showcase of campus and community performances demonstrated that there is a robust demand in Northeastern Wisconsin for quality music, dance, theater and other performing arts. It highlighted the important role of vibrant performing arts and entertainment in our lives. |
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 In the midst of it all, we were able to share with the community some important news that bodes well for the region’s fine arts and overall quality of life. After nearly a year of hard work and serious discussion involving university and community leaders, we and our community partners announced a major step toward securing a successful future for the Weidner Center. At a well-attended news conference at the Weidner, UW-Green Bay and a nonprofit, independent group known as Weidner Center Presents, Inc. (WCPI) announced a multi-year agreement under which WCPI will be the center’s lead programmer. Its efforts will build on the foundation of campus and community events at the Weidner. In addition, WCPI will have a leadership role in generating philanthropic support for Weidner Center programming. With performances by UW-Green Bay theatrical and musical groups, the Green Bay Symphony and other local groups, outside bookings, the Bellin Health LifeLines speaker series, and now WCPI bookings, the Weidner will enjoy extensive use. Its stage performances and other events will attract audiences with a variety of tastes and interests. |
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