UW-Green Bay Theatre in the News

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Philanthropy boosts theatre program

A check presentation ceremony took place Monday, Nov. 29, to acknowledge the 1923 Fund's support of theatre arts at UW-Green Bay. Steve Dhein, grants administrator for the charitable foundation, met with members of the theatre faculty, Communication and the Arts faculty and staff, and University administration. The $10,000 gift will help underwrite production and costume expenses for UW-Green Bay student productions. The 1923 Fund was established by philanthropist Dr. David A. Cofrin. He and his family are longtime supporters of the performing arts in Green Bay, in their current hometown of Gainesville, Fla., and at various venues around the country.

Steve Dhein of the 1923 Fund is fourth from left in the photo, presenting a replica check to Theatre Chairperson Prof. Laura Riddle. From left, those present at the gathering included Steve Swan, Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement; Interim Dean Fergus Hughes; Prof. Jeffrey Entwistle; Dhein; Provost Sue K. Hammersmith; Riddle; Prof. Kaiome Malloy; Prof. John Mariano; COA Chairperson Prof. Curt Heuer; instructor Denise Carlson-Gardner; staff members Toni Damkoehler and Linda Parins; and Prof. E. Michael Ingraham.

‘How I Learned to Drive’ takes on sexual themes

By Warren Gerds

wgerds@greenbaypressgazette.com

Play review

“How I Learned to Drive”: 7:30 p.m. today-Saturday at Studio Two, Weidner Center, UWGB. Mature audiences. Free. (920) 465-2217.

31⁄2 stars (out of four)

In a bit of bravado, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Studio Productions and the student group Alternative Theatre are taking on “How I Learned to Drive.” The play by Paula Vogel comes with a pedigree, the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for drama. The bravado isn’t tackling a play of that caliber. It’s the subject matter, which is in the manner of “Lolita.” This time, a married man is obsessed with his niece through marriage — from ages 11 to 18. It’s a captivating 95 minutes, to say the least.

The story is told through a lot of time-flipping. The niece, Li’l Bit, is now almost 35 and looking back at various times of her youth. Uncle Peck gave Li’l Bit driving lessons, so the play is broken into segments of such instruction — first gear, second gear, reverse, detour — plus Li’l Bit’s earthy family is around for other colorful forays into sexuality. Innuendo, suggestion and double speak are at every corner.

Directing is student Terra Schultz, who earned the opportunity through her other work on UWGB stages. The complexities of this play and its leading characters are deep, but Jessica Thiers and Matt Fayfer give Li’l Bit and Uncle Peck (in a nice, soft, Southern accent) a strong run. The characters evolve, and audience opinions are shaped and reshaped as playwright Vogel reveals the characters’ workings. This is not clearcut “good vs. evil,” “sin vs. virtue.” Uncle Peck is basically a gentle soul. His fixation has Li’l Bit vexed, appalled, confused and yet somewhat intrigued.

Adding to the mix by playing multiple characters — relatives, school chums, restaurant wait, etc. — are Dena Holtz, Joshua Panter and Caroline Quinn. The production is performed in the intimate Studio Two of the Weidner Center. Action is up close, all the more to feel the steam of the story. “How I Learned to Drive” is a bit edgy and not for people squeamish about airing out matters of sex. On the other hand, it vents one character’s observations in sometimes comical ways.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' opens at UW-Green Bay

GREEN BAY - The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will present the musical, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12-13 and 19-20 in University Theater located in Theater Hall on the campus at 2420 Nicolet Dr.

Laura Riddle will direct the play that she calls “a wild romp.” It’s full of mistaken identities, cross-dressing for disguise, and miscommunication. Despite all that, says Riddle, “Everything is very neatly tied up in the end.”

Based on the comedies of the ancient Roman playwright Plautus, “Forum” tells the story of a young slave and his efforts to win his freedom by encouraging a romance between his master’s son and a young woman who is promised to someone else.

Stephen Sondheim created the lyrics and score for the musical that originally opened on Broadway in 1962 with a cast including Zero Mostel and Jack Gilford. Four years later it was made into a movie with Mostel, Gilford, Buster Keaton and Phil Silvers. There was a Broadway revival in 1972, and another successful revival in 1996 with Nathan Lane?later replaced by Whoopi Goldberg?as the slave.

According to Riddle, the characters are two-dimensional and the comedy is broad, with a lot of asides to the audience. “I’m looking at it as a cartoon,” she says. Yet the play has its serious side. Riddle has been struck by the song, “Free,” in listening to Lane’s recording of the music. “This man is on a quest for his freedom,” she says of the slave.

The play has a large cast of 21, which in the UW-Green Bay production includes theater majors and music majors, as well as students from other academic areas.

Choreography is by Denise Carlson-Gardner.  John Plier is vocal music director and Paul Bhasin is instrumental music director and conductor. Community member Kent Paulsen, who was guest musical director for last season’s production of “The Christmas Schooner,” will be the guest pianist.

Scenic design for the production is by Jeffrey Entwistle, costume design is by Kaiome Malloy, and lighting design and technical direction are by R. Michael Ingraham. Students with design responsibilities include Andrew Atienza, sound, and Eric Klingbeil, properties.

UW-Green Bay performing arts events are supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.

Posted Nov. 14, 2004

Laughs abound in UWGB’s ‘Forum’

By Warren Gerds

Musical review

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday at University Theater, Theater Hall, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. $17 in advance, $20 at door general public; $12 in advance, $15 at door senior citizens and students; (920) 465-2217 or (800) 328-8587.

31⁄2 stars (out of four)

Youthful energy sweeps through the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”

The musical has bounce, bawdiness and bundles of laughs.

Friday night, a four-performance run opened to a near-full house. The crowd gave up long applause and big cheers at the end.

“Forum” has its roots in uninhibited collegiate humor through one of its authors, Burt Shevelove. Playing characters of varying ages and genders, UW-Green Bay’s cast feeds on all the tongue-in-cheek, double-meaning, over-the-top byplay and action.

Leading the way is Nathan Boese as Pseudolus, a slave in ancient Rome determined to get his freedom by whatever shenanigans it takes. With a brothel and comely courtesans across the square, there’s a bumper crop of shenanigans.

Boese plays the comedy to the hilt, with a rubbery face, nimble body English and an impish way. He, like most in the cast, sings well.

As funny as Boese is through Pseudolus’ conniving capers, DJ Wierschem scores time after time as Hysterium. He’s another slave and another comedic foil, often panic-stricken because of situations Pseudolus throws him into — like playing a dead virgin girl. When the laughs roll, Wierschem is in his element.

Other players pull the most of key roles — Zach McLain as wannabe lover Senex, Jamie Kearns as his harpy wife, Derek Meyer as the oh-so-vain warrior Miles Gloriosus, Quinn White as the shifty pimp Marcus Lycus, Jacob Kaltenberg as the starry-eyed lover Hero and Carrie L. Weis as the empty-headed beauty of Hero’s dreams.

The stage continually bustles as the ensemble plays myriad comic characters.

A strength of director Laura Riddle is comedy, and that shows again here. The drilling that went into the constant call for timing worked better than the sound system on opening night.

The pit band conducted by Paul Bhasin sets the pace for some of the nuttiest songs Stephen Sondheim has written. One is “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid,” about four guys wishing for a plaything.

Jeffrey Entwistle’s three-building set is in keeping with the cartoony atmosphere set up by the opening song with lines that include “bring on the liars, lovers and clowns.”

UW-Green Bay commencement is May 15

GREEN BAY - University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Founding Chancellor Edward W. Weidner will be the speaker at commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 15 on the University campus. 

Weidner was named chancellor-and the first employee-of UW-Green Bay in 1966 before the University had either campus or academic program. He was the principal architect of an academic plan for UW-Green Bay that won worldwide attention then and which includes principles that other institutions are only now instituting.

Weidner served as chancellor for 20 years, stepping down in 1986, and in retirement continues to be an ambassador and advocate for UW-Green Bay.

The student speaker will be Sunam Ellis, Appleton. Ellis, who is graduating with highest honors, has completed majors in Human Development and Theater, and has distinguished herself in both majors. Many of her activities blend interests in the two fields.  Ellis is also the recipient of the Chancellor’s Medallion. The award recognizes leadership and academic achievement during the student's college career. 

Graduating Theatre major, Jessica Powers of St. Paul, MN, will be receiving a University Leadership Award.  Other Graduating Theatre majors are Justin Gulmire, Pulaski, Lyn Ross, Appleton, Rachel Lehman, Merrill, Daniel Van Dellen, Wausau, Julie Flayter, Greenfield, Chad Lussier, South Milwaukee, Beth Noonkester, Cedarburg, Christopher Woller, Michigan; and Dustin Haugen, Minnesota.  (May 2004)

Comedy at UW-Green Bay gives glimpse of goofs on-stage and off

GREEN BAY - University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Theater will present "Noises Off," the acclaimed comedy by British playwright Michael Frayn, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 23 and 24 and Thursday through Saturday, April 29-30 and May 1 in University Theater located in Theater Hall on the campus at 2420 Nicolet Dr.

"It's the funniest play I have ever seen in the theater," says director Laura Riddle, a member of the UW-Green Bay faculty. The play shows everything that can go wrong when a troupe of inept actors tours a play called "Nothing On." The audience sees the goofs on-stage and off-stage.

"It's a wonderfully constructed play," says Riddle. In the first act, the audience sees a disastrous dress rehearsal; in the second act, the set turns to reveal what happened backstage while things go badly on stage, and in the third act, the audience sees the play fall apart at the end of its tour. Riddle says the moveable set not only reveals to the audience things audiences usually don't get to see, but poses a challenge for set design and construction.

Jeffrey Entwistle is the scenic designer, and R. Michael Ingraham is technical director and lighting designer. Kaiome Malloy designed the costumes. All are members of the faculty. Student Christopher Woller is the sound designer.

"Noises Off" first opened in London in 1982 where it ran for four years and won an Evening Standard award for Best Comedy of the Year. It opened in the U.S. in 1983 and was nominated for a Tony Award the following year. A new production of the play opened on Broadway in 2001.  (April 2004)

Moliere's 'Tartuffe' opens Feb. 26 at UW-Green Bay

GREEN BAY - "Tartuffe," a comedy by a 17th century French playwright whose work influences dramatists to this day, opens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 and continues Friday and Saturday, Feb. 27-28 and Wednesday through Saturday, March 3-6 in Studio Two of the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Dr.

"I think Moliere is one of the most important playwrights in the Western canon, and 'Tartuffe' is one of my favorite plays by any playwright," says faculty member John Mariano, who directs the play.

Moliere declined to follow his father's upholstery trade and instead devoted his life to theater. He began writing plays while touring the provinces with a troupe he organized with his actress wife and friends. Eventually they gained favor with King Louis XIV, who made a theater in Paris available to them.

In "Tartuffe," the lead character masquerades as a pious man, insinuating himself into a contented household, where his real intentions wreak havoc. "The play is a wise and funny examination of religious hypocrites, con men and their gullible victims," says Mariano.

Dan Van Dellen, Wausau, portrays Tartuffe. Van Dellen has a long list of UW-Green Bay stage credits, and was nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition at the regional American College Theater Festival in 2003. Orgon, the head of household, is played by Todd Dively, Green Bay, who also has had numerous roles at UW-Green Bay. Dively has twice been nominated to the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition. Orgon's wife, Elmire, is portrayed by Carrie L. Weis, Sauk Prairie, who advanced to the semi-final round in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship in January. She was nominated for her role in last fall's production of "The Christmas Schooner."

Jeffrey Entwistle is the scenic designer, Kaoime Malloy is the costume designer, and R. Michael Ingraham is the technical director. All are members of the faculty.

Lighting design is by student Zachariah Viviano, Green Bay, whose lighting design for "Flyer" won first place at the 2004 regional American College Theater Festival. His design will advance to national competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Associate scenic designer is Eric Klingbeil, Trempealeau, who has a list of technical theater credits including UW-Green Bay, Pamiro Opera Company, and community theater.  (February 2004)

UW-Green Bay Theater program wins Golden Hand Truck, other awards

GREEN BAY - The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Theater program had a strong showing at the American College Theater Festival regional gathering Jan. 14-18 in Bloomington-Normal, Ill.

The UW-Green Bay production of "The Christmas Schooner" received the festival's Golden Hand Truck award — the only production award given at the festival for technical preparation and execution. It was the second time in three years that a UW-Green Bay production brought home the Golden Hand Truck.

In addition, numerous student designers and actors from UW-Green Bay received individual recognition in the ACTF Region III competition. One student, Zachariah Viviano of Green Bay, won first place for his lighting design of "Flyer" and advanced to national competition at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in April.

Theater Chairperson Laura Riddle said she was delighted with UW-Green Bay's showing at the regional festival. "UW-Green Bay was really outstanding in the awards ceremony," Riddle said. "I'm very proud of the recognition we received."

The Golden Hand Truck is awarded for the best technical work and most professionalism in getting production materials — set, lighting, sound system, costumes and props — ready for the performance and then taken down afterward. The production must adhere to strict time limits. The award winner was selected by house stagehands, all union members.

"The Golden Hand Truck honored our entire department for the technical work and actually running the show at the festival," Riddle said.

The following individuals from UW-Green Bay were recognized at the ACTF regional festival:

• Viviano won first place for student lighting design for "Flyer" and received an "award of merit."

• Christopher Woller of Kingsford, Mich., took second for his sound design of "Flyer" and is the alternate for the national festival. Woller also received an "award of merit."

• Darci White of Hartford took third for scenic design of "Flyer." White also received an "award of merit."

• Kent Paulsen, guest musical director of "The Christmas Schooner," received an "award of merit" for musical direction.

• Carrie Weis of Sauk Prairie, nominated for her performance in "The Christmas Schooner," advanced to the semifinal round of 36 actors from an original pool of 325 in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition. The competition is named for the actress who played Granny in the television series, "The Beverly Hillbillies," and who left a legacy providing scholarships for young actors.

• Riddle was the region's nominee for a fellowship to study acting in New York City in June at The Actor's Center. Each of eight regions nominates one acting teacher for the fellowship. The selection for the fellowship will be made in April.

"The Christmas Schooner" first was performed at UW-Green Bay in November 2003. "Flyer" was performed in February and March 2003.  (January 2004)

Guest artist joins UW-Green Bay in Pulitzer-prize winning play

GREEN BAY - Guest artist Amy McKenzie will play the lead role in "Wit" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11 in University Theater at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Dr., and at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 16 and 17 in the Meyer Theater in downtown Green Bay.

The play by Margaret Edson garnered critical acclaim in its off-Broadway run, and won the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for drama. It is being produced by UW-Green Bay in collaboration with Unity Hospice of Green Bay. Prof. Laura Riddle, chairperson of the Theater academic program, directs.

The central character in "Wit" is a 50-year-old professor diagnosed with advanced cancer, who is a patient in an experimental treatment program. The professor has devoted her academic career to the work of late 16th-early17th century English poet John Donne, particularly to his "Holy Sonnets," or devotional lyrics.

As the professor looks at her life and her situation, the play also looks at the "science" of poetry and the science of medicine, says Riddle adding, "One message is that you can get so immersed in the detail that you forget that what you are talking about is life."

Riddle describes the play as "overwhelmingly uplifting and full of hope." Says Riddle, "It's about the human journey and as such, there is a great deal of humor. It takes humor to get through some of the darkest moments of our lives."

Guest artist McKenzie, the founding artistic director of Sturgeon Bay's Third Avenue Playhouse, has performed frequently at Peninsula Players in Fish Creek, and in national touring productions, films, and television productions. She is a member of Actors' Equity Association, and Screen Actors' Guild.

Dan Van Dellen, Sunam Ellis, and Mike Eserkaln portray significant members of the medical team. Van Dellen, Wausau, and Ellis, Appleton, are UW-Green Bay students who've had many roles in UW-Green Bay productions. Eserkaln is co-owner of Comedy City in Green Bay. UW-Green Bay faculty member Ellen Rosewall portrays the professor's teacher and mentor, and Craig Berken, managing director of Evergreen Productions, has the role of the professor's father.

Scenic and lighting design is by Jeffrey Entwistle, technical direction is by R. Michael Ingraham, and Kaoime Malloy is the costume designer. All are members of the UW-Green Bay faculty.

The production is a more ambitious undertaking than most at UW-Green Bay, according to Riddle. Among the challenges: Taking the show "on the road" from University Theater to the Meyer Theater, which means that sets must be designed to be moved, and to function in two settings with different technical requirements.

Riddle credits Prof. Illene Noppe, director of the UW-Green Bay Institute on Dying, Death and Bereavement, with the idea of producing "Wit," and using it as a learning experience. Their discussions led to creation of the Wit Collaborative, an alliance among Unity Hospice of Green Bay; the UW-Green Bay Human Development, Nursing, and Theater academic programs; the UW-Green Bay Institute on Dying, Death and Bereavement; UW-Green Bay Outreach and Extension; and the Coalition to Support End-of-Life issues. Marti Spittell Ziegelbauer is serving as Collaborative spokesperson.

The play is one of two Wit Collaborative efforts. It also is sponsoring a related workshop on Friday, Oct. 17, "The Power of Wit," for professionals who deal with end-of-life issues. Information about the workshop at UW-Green Bay is available on-line at www.uwgb.edu/outreach/profed/w;t, or at (920) 465-2642.  (October 2003)

'Wit' guest artist has stage, screen, television credits

GREEN BAY-Amy McKenzie, who is portraying the lead role in "Wit" at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, has credits as an actor and director on the regional and national stage, and in film and television.

"Wit" is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11 in University Theater at UW-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Dr., and at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Oct. 16 and 17 in the Meyer Theater in downtown Green Bay. Theater Chairperson Laura Riddle directs.

Guest artist McKenzie portrays Prof. Vivian Bearing, an expert on the poetry of late 16th century-early 17th century poet John Donne, as she confronts her life and the medical profession during experimental treatment for cancer. The play by Margaret Edson won critical acclaim during its off-Broadway run, and received the Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1999. Reviewers also wrote about the demands of the role, whose character is on-stage for the entire performance.

At Peninsula Players in Fish Creek, McKenzie has performed onstage, and directed "Spider's Web" and "All My Sons." She is the founding artistic director of Sturgeon Bay's Third Avenue Playhouse.

McKenzie has performed in national stage tours of "Crimes of the Heart" and "M. Butterfly," and in films and television productions. She also has directing credits on the stage in Los Angeles and Chicago, and in film and television.

McKenzie is a member of the Actors' Equity Association, the union for professional stage actors, and Screen Actors' Guild, the union for film actors.  (October 2003)

Play inspires end-of-life issues workshop at UW-Green Bay

GREEN BAY-A Pulitzer-prize winning play about a cancer patient facing the end of her life is the inspiration for a workshop, "The Power of Wit," from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 in University Union at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Dr.

The workshop will serve professionals who deal with end-of-life issues, and it offers continuing education credits and units through the Northeast Wisconsin Alliance for Social Worker Continuing Education sponsored by UW-Green Bay and UW-Oshkosh. A fee discount applies to registrations received on or before Oct. 3.

The play, "Wit," by Margaret Edson, will be produced by UW-Green Bay Theater in collaboration with Unity Hospice of Green Bay at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 11 in University Theater at UW-Green Bay, and at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 16 and 17 at the Meyer Theater in downtown Green Bay. Prof. Laura Riddle directs.

Conference keynote speaker is Barbara Bates Smith, who has played the lead role in "Wit," and who is a cancer survivor.

Three choices of breakout sessions follow. Art therapist Jody Larson will speak on "Using the Expressive Arts as a Resource for Someone Who is Critically Ill"; Unity Hospice and Palliative Care presenters Dr. Rance Hafner, Dana Hansen, MSN, and Gail Trimberger, LCSW, will present "Communicating the Bad News," and UW-Green Bay Prof. Illene Noppe, director of the Institute on Dying, Death and Bereavement, will talk on "Death in Popular Culture: Why is Death an 'In' Topic Now?"

A second set of breakout sessions will offer an opportunity to hear theater critic Wayne Streiinterview guest artist Amy McKenzie who'll portray the leading role in the UW-Green Bay play; or "Caring for the Whole Person at the End of Life," by Anne LeMere and Maribeth Braspennickx, certified trainers in the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium; or "How to Care for Yourself While You Care for Others," by bereavement specialist Kathy Baumann.

Marti Spittell Ziegelbauer, Wit Collaborative spokesperson, will be the luncheon speaker on "How to Advocate for Others Through Your Cancer Experience."

The Wit Collaborative, which is sponsoring both the workshop and productions of the play,includes Unity Hospice and Palliative Care; the UW-Green Bay Human Development, Nursing, and Theater academic programs; the UW-Green Bay Institute on Dying, Death and Bereavement; the UW-Green Bay Office of Outreach and Extension; the Coalition to Support End-of-Life Issues; and Ziegelbauer. (October 2003)

Two receive 'Featured Faculty' honors at UW-Green Bay

GREEN BAY -- Two members of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay faculty have been named Featured Faculty members for 2003-2004. They are Professors Kaoime Malloy and llene Noppe.

The Faculty Development Council makes the awards each year to recognize exemplary teaching.

Malloy, an assistant professor of Communication and the Arts, joined UW-Green Bay in fall 2000. She teaches primarily in the Theater unit where her expertise is in theater costume design. Noppe, a professor of Human Development, also teaches in the Psychology and Women's Studies programs. She has been on the faculty since 1984.

The two will make presentations about their teaching at the Faculty Development Council's 8th annual faculty development conference in January 2004. Award winners receive an honorarium and a plaque.

(June 2003)

UW-Green Bay theater students win awards, scholarships

GREEN BAY-Six theater students at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay received end-of-year awards for 2002-2003, and scholarships for 2003-2004 at the annual "Coarse Awards" event sponsored by the Alternate Theater Organization.

Sunam Ellis was named Outstanding Theater Student. During the past year, Ellis had major roles in three plays, "Our Town," "Flyer" and "Arcadia," and directed a student-led play, "Spinning Into Butter." She was a finalist in the Irene Ryan Acting Competition at the regional American College Theater Festival in January.

Steven Marzolf and Terra Schultz received Excellence in Performance awards. Marzolf had leading roles in "Dames at Sea" and "Arcadia," and directed a student-led production of Samuel Beckett's "Endgame." Schultz portrayed lead characters in "Our Town" and "Flyer." Based on their performances, Marzolf and Schultz both received nominations to the Irene Ryan Acting Competition at the regional American College Theater Festival in January.

The Excellence in Production award went to Christopher Woller. Woller was stage manager for "Dames at Sea," and sound designer for "Flyer," and served as assistant technical director for "Arcadia."

Ellis and Eric Klingbeil received Theater First Nighter scholarships for next academic year. Klingbeil is emphasizing studies in technical theater and has had responsibilities as props master, fly master, technical director and scenic design assistant in various UW-Green Bay productions. The First Nighters are a community-campus group that supports the theater program.

Erica Fuss won the Louis O. Erdmann Memorial Scholarship. Fuss had a leading role in "Arcadia," as well as serving as dramaturg for the production. She was stage manager for "Flyer," and performed in the cast of "Our Town." Erdmann was a member of the Theater faculty at UW-Green Bay.  (June 2003)

Guest artist to appear in UW-Green Bay play

GREEN BAY -- Tina Marie Wright, Chicago, will be the guest artist in the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay production of "Flyer" at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28; Saturday, March 1; and Thursday through Saturday, March 6-8 in University Theater located in Theater Hall on the campus at 2420 Nicolet Dr.

Wright will portray Bessie Coleman, an early 20th century aviator and barnstormer who was the first African-American woman to earn a pilot's license.

Wright has numerous regional acting credits including Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Unforgettable: Nat King Cole" with the Black Ensemble Theatre, and Chicago Jeff Award-winning productions, "The Good Times are Killing Me," and "Young, Gifted and Black." Among other credits, Wright is a drama instructor for Columbia College's Camp Gear-Up.

The character of Bessie Coleman serves as inspiration for the play's lead, a character based on the women pilots who sought to become astronauts in the early 1960s, but who were ultimately denied entry to NASA's space program because they were women.

"The play is about the determination in people that gives them the strength to follow their passion, even when there are great obstacles," says Director Laura Riddle, chair of the UW-Green Bay Theater program.

Guest artist support is being provided by a grant from the Northeast Wisconsin Arts Council, a UW-Green Bay Campus Diversity Grant, the UW-Green Bay Theater First Nighters, and the Weidner Family Endowment. UW-Green Bay performance events also receive support from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin.  (February 2003)

UW-Green Bay play dramatizes first women in space program

GREEN BAY-"Flyer," a play about the first women who sought to become astronauts, will open at 7:30 p.m. Friday Feb. 28 in University Theater, located in Theater Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Dr. The performances presented by the UW-Green Bay Theater program continue on Saturday, March 1, and Thursday through Saturday, March 6 - 8.

Director Laura Riddle, chair of the UW-Green Bay Theater program, says the tragedy of the space shuttle Columbia breakup on Feb. 1 has given the play immediacy that she could not have imagined when she selected it months ago.

The facts underlying "Flyer" are this: In 1961, a number of women pilots underwent rigorous screening for NASA's space program. Thirteen were admitted, but after they had undergone grueling training, a U.S. Senate subcommittee decided that women astronauts would be an "unnecessary complication" in the U.S.-Soviet space race, and the trainees were denied the opportunity. It was nearly 20 years after the events dramatized in "Flyer" that the first women finally became astronauts.

"Fran, the central character, is representative of all of the women who went through this experience," explains Riddle.

Guest artist Tina Marie Wright, Chicago, will portray Bessie Coleman, a real person who was the first African American woman to receive a pilot's license. Wright has numerous regional acing credits including Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Unforgettable: Nat King Cole" with the Black Ensemble Theatre, and Chicago Jeff Award-winning productions, "The Good Times are Killing Me," and "Young, Gifted and Black."

Bessie Coleman serves as the inspiration for Fran as she pursues her dream of becoming an astronaut. A few other "real" characters appear, including Orville Wright and pilot Jacqueline Cochrane.

Terra Schultz, Withee, has the role of Fran. Schultz's performance in "Our Town" in October 2002 earned her the opportunity to compete in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition at the regional American College Theater Festival in January.

"This play is very much about the determination in people that gives them the strength to follow their passion, even when there are great obstacles," says Riddle, adding that while watching interviews with their survivors, she sensed that same quality in the astronauts who perished on Feb. 1.

Riddle says "Flyer" initially appealed to her on several levels: It is about women's history, and it would be being performed during March, which is Women's History Month; and there's a campus tie-in because the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium is located at UW-Green Bay.

Kaoime Malloy is the costume designer, and R. Michael Ingraham is the technical director. Both are members of the faculty. Three students have major design responsibilities: Darci White, Hartford, is the scene designer; Zachariah Viviano, Green Bay, is lighting designer; and Chris Woller, Kingsford, Mich., is the sound designer. Eric Klingbeil, Trempealeau, is supervisor for the sequences where Fran "flies."

Guest artist support is being provided by a grant from the Northeast Wisconsin Arts Council, a UW-Green Bay Campus Diversity Grant, the UW-Green Bay Theater First Nighters, and the Weidner Family Endowment. UW-Green Bay performance events also receive support from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin.  (February 2003)

UW-Green Bay theatre production gains recognition at regional festival

GREEN BAY - An award called the Golden Handtruck may sound a little odd, but University of Wisconsin-Green Bay theatre students, faculty and staff are proud to have it.

The University's production of "Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls" won the award at this month's American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) Region III gathering in Evansville, Ind.

The Golden Handtruck is awarded for the best technical work and most professionalism in getting production materials — set, lighting, sound system, costumes and props — ready for the performance and then taken down afterward. The production must adhere to strict time limits.

"It's perhaps the best recognition that a production can hope for because the entire company earns it," said Theatre Chair Laura Riddle. "It's actually a tremendously complicated process."

Riddle credited technical director R. Michael Ingraham for coordinating the entire process.

The award winner was selected by house stagehands, all union members. The award, an actual gold-painted handtruck, will be displayed prominently, Riddle said. "It's such a great honor," she said. "We don't want it just tucked away somewhere."

The UW-Green Bay production of "Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls," which Riddle directed, was one of six chosen from a five-state region to perform at the ACTF regional festival. About 50 productions from colleges and universities were in the running.

Numerous UW-Green Bay individuals also were recognized at ACTF for their work in "Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls" and other productions.

Student actor Todd Dively, Taylorville, Ill., was one of 16 regional finalists in the Irene Ryan Scholarship acting competition. He was nominated for his performance in "Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls." Shayne Steliga, Wauwatosa, made it into the second round of the competition, which reduced the pool of 350 to 40. Steliga was nominated for "A Lie of the Mind."

Riddle said scene partners contributed to the actors' success in the Irene Ryan competition. Johnny Yoder of Green Bay was Dively's partner, and Dan Van Dellen of Wausau was Steliga's partner.

Last spring's production of "Twelfth Night" earned an ACTF Award of Merit for Riddle's direction and for the entire design team, including Riddle for concept and Professors Jeffrey Entwistle for scenic design, Kaoime Malloy for costumes and Ingraham for lighting design and technical direction.

Student stage manager Briana Fahey, Marshfield, received an Award of Merit for excellence in stage management for "Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls." Fahey also has been nominated for the Kennedy Center stage management competition, a first for UW-Green Bay.  (January 2002)