UW-Green Bay Theatre explores the world of ‘what ifs’ with production of ‘This Random World’
Green Bay, Wis.—University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Theatre will present This Random World by Steven Dietz Feb. 27-29 and March 4-7, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. in the Jean Weidner Theatre, Weidner Center for the Performing Arts. The production is directed by UW-Green Bay Associate Prof. John Mariano (Theatre and Dance) and performed by UW-Green Bay students.
Aisa Rogers and Sean Stalvey
In a world that seems to be filled with chaos, Dietz asks the audience to question the chaos and randomness of our lives and how they intersect with some people while missing connections with others. He looks at the lives of his characters and asks, “How much is chance and how much is choice?” We’ve all had the “what ifs” in our lives: What if I had left the house five minutes earlier, would I have been in that accident? What if I had asked her to marry me? What if I had gotten that job that I thought I wanted? Dietz looks at some of the “what ifs” in life and lets the audience see the lives of his characters from an almost omniscient perspective.
Brandon Otten and Isabelle Austgen
Director John Mariano describes the play as, “a wistful comedy about missed opportunities and connections. A group of interconnected characters move through a series of scenes unaware of the lives that are happening just outside of their perception.” This Random World follows a mother determined to maintain her independence, two sisters seeking common ground, a daughter longing for adventure and a son falling prey to an internet prank gone awry. Dietz’s characters demonstrate what it is to love, to lose and to be touched by the serendipity of life.
Sean Stalvey (Manitowoc) is playing Tim Ward, and Ashley Gardner (Saint Germain) is playing Rhonda (pictured above). Claire is played by Aisa Micaiah Rogers (Kanakee, Ill.). The role of Gary is portrayed by Brandon Otten (Buffalo, Minn.), and Bernadette is played by Isabelle Austgen (Sister Bay).
Tickets may be purchased online at www.weidnercenter.com and www.ticketstaronline.com, by calling Ticket Star (1-800-895-0071) or the University Ticketing & Information Center (920-465-2400), or visiting the Ticket Star Box Office at the Resch Center or the University Ticketing & Information Center, located in UW-Green Bay’s University Union. Tickets are $22 for adults in advance and $24 at the door, $17 for senior citizens and students in advance and $19 at the door. Tickets are $12 for UW-Green Bay students. The venue box office opens 90 minutes prior to the performance. The play is recommended for ages 12 and older.
For additional information on this event, please visit www.weidnercenter.com/events/mary-jane/. For a full listing of UW-Green Bay Theatre and Dance events for the 2019-20 season, please visit www.uwgb.edu/theatre/season/calendar-of-events.
Photos submitted. Top photo is Sean Stalvey and Ashley Gardner.
