Action moves as an interlocking puzzle in “This Random World (The Myth of Serendipity).” The trickiness is typical of playwright Steven Dietz, whose “Becky’s New Car” has been popular in this area. This time, Steven Dietz’s characters are weighing in on mortality. UW-Green Bay Theatre and Dance has an excellent production of “This Random World (The Myth of Serendipity)” running for three more performances in Jean Weidner Theatre on campus. Director John Mariano has his cast honed in on the many angles of the pieces of the interlocking puzzle. Source: Warren Gerds/Critic at Large: Review: ‘This Random World’ explores meanings of being in Green Bay
Warren Gerds/Critic at Large: Week ahead: Originality part of Northeastern Wisconsin theater scene
In Manitowoc, UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus Theatre will present four performances of “Big Fish: The Musical” in University Theatre of Lakeside Hall on campus. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 5-7 and 2 p.m. In Green Bay, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Theatre will present its final performances of Steven Dietz’ “This Random World (The Myth of Serendipity)” in Jean Weidner Theatre at 7:30 p.m. March 4-7. In Green Bay, UW-Green Bay Music will present its Concert Choir and University Singers at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, in Cofrin Family Hall of Weidner Center for the Performing Arts on campus. In Manitowoc, the Lakeshore Wind Ensemble will feature music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in its “Winds of March” concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, in Capitol Civic Centre. In Green Bay, UW-Green Bay Music’s 6:30 Concert Series continues at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, with “Future/Primitive: Percussion & Technology” in Cofrin Family Hall of Weidner Center for the Performing Arts on campus. In Green Bay, UW-Green Bay Music will present its Jazz Ensembles at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, in University Theatre of Theatre Hall on campus. In Green Bay, Weidner Center for the Performing Artswill host Joe Bonamassa at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 12. Source: Warren Gerds/Critic at Large: Week ahead: Originality part of Northeastern Wisconsin theater scene
University Theatre at Manitowoc Campus to present Big Fish: The Musical | Seehafer News
The University Theatre at the Manitowoc Campus is opening Big Fish: The Musical this Thursday. Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some. Source: University Theatre at UW-Green Bay Manitowoc to Present Big Fish: The Musical | Seehafer News
Warren Gerds/Critic at Large: Steven Dietz play ‘This Random World’ opening in Green Bay
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Theatre will present seven performances of “This Random World” by Steven Dietz starting this week in Jean Weidner Theatre of Weidner Center for the Performing Arts on campus. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27-29 and March 4-7. Info: weidnercenter.com. Directing is John Mariano of the theater faculty. Performing are UWGB students. According to a press release: The play is recommended for ages 12 and older. In a world that seems to be filled with chaos, Steven 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. Source: Warren Gerds/Critic at Large: Steven Dietz play ‘This Random World’ opening in Green Bay
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.
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.
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.
UW-Green Bay Theatre presents ‘This Random World, (The Myth of Serendipity)’
Don’t forget to support the arts during Homecoming Week. UW-Green Bay Theatre presents “This Random World, (The Myth of Serendipity)” at the Weidner Center. Performances are Feb. 27, 28, 29 and March 4, 5, 6 and 7. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. See here to purchase tickets or for more information.
Reminder: ‘Words & Music – A Program of Monologues’ at the Weidner on Feb. 11
Join UW-Green Bay Music and Theatre and Dance for “Words & Music—A Program of Monologues,” Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m at the Weidner Center. This is the final event in the Weidner Center’s “Think Theatre Series” launched in 2019-20 and a collaboration of faculty from three of UW-Green Bay’s four campuses.
This is a free event for the public and a collaboration with UW-Green Bay Music’s 6:30 Concert Series. Performers and performance pieces:
-Rebecca Stone Thornberry, Marinette Campus and Michelle McQuade Dewhirst (Reckless by Craig Lucas)
-Alan Kopischke and Luis Fernandez (Amadeus by Peter Shaffer)
-Kelli Strickland and Luis Fernandez (The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams)
-Thomas Campbell, Sheboygan Campus and Michelle McQuade Dewhirst (Original text by Campbell)
-Noah Simon and John Salerno (Clarity by Mark Young)
-Laura Riddle and Courtney Sherman (PSA: National Anthem by Laurie Anderson)
– Noah Simon/Kelli Strickland and Adam Gaines (Improvised text and music)
Warren Gerds/Critic at Large: Review: Youth embrace ‘Anne of Green Gables’ in Marinette
“Anne of Green Gables” is a beloved story that’s more than a century old. A current production is at the tip of a stack of stories. Children’s theater is taken seriously in the Marinette-Menominee area, maybe more so than in many places. A youth training program is nurtured, and plays are produced. Area teachers look to the plays to broaden the scope for their students in class and as a field trip to see a live performance. Daytime performances are given for school groups, AND six evening performances are given for the public. The same cast performs. I attended the Thursday morning performance of the UW-Green Bay, Marinette Campus Children’s Theatre in Herbert L. Williams Theatre. Also attending were primarily elementary level public and parochial students from the area, home-school students/teachers and some senior citizens. Source: Warren Gerds/Critic at Large: Review: Youth embrace ‘Anne of Green Gables’ in Marinette
Big Fish The Musical at Manitowoc Campus, March 5-7
“Big Fish: A New Broadway Musical” will be performed at the UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus on March 5-7, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2 p.m. at the University Theatre. Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart, humor and spectacular stagecraft, Big Fish is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre—for an experience that’s richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself. This musical is directed by Michael Sheeks, with music direction by Erin Renae and choreography by Shannon Page. More information and tickets, here.
Reminder: ‘Importance of Being Earnest’ auditions, coming up at Marinette Campus
Theatre on the Bay announces auditions for Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” on Feb. 12 and 13, 2020 from 6 to 9 p.m. All roles are available. See more.