LAUGHSEASON2022-23TOGETHER.LOVELet’s...DOTHETIMEWARP
Hannah Chester ’23 in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Cover: Randy Gore ’23 in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee UMW Theatre has been the ultimate catalyst in my career as an actor. The support and skills I’ve gathered within the walls of duPont Hall will stay with me for the rest of my artisticHannahjourney.”Chester ’23 “
As we begin our 2022-23 season, we are grateful for where we find ourselves. We celebrate that we have grown stronger these past two years— stronger as teachers, as students, and as artists. Most importantly, we have grown stronger as a community. Our students, faculty, and staff have remained focused on the important work of making theatre to engage the world in thoughtful and inspiring conversations, sometimes during the most challenging of circumstances. We are grateful that our audience began finding its way back to us last season, braving everchanging conditions and evolving mandates to take their seats in Klein Theatre in support of our students. We believe that theatre is a conversation; our dialogue depends on our audience—on you. You are a vital part of what we do; your presence makes a difference in the education of our students. Our upcoming season is a celebration of the power of theatre to inspire thoughtful dialogue, to traverse life’s bewildering moments, and to relish the connections we share with one another. We open with the West End and Broadway sidesplitting hit that pokes enormous fun at what we do, The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields. We follow with the energetic and unexpectedly life-affirming cult musical that we have been waiting to breathe life into for a very long time, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. We cannot wait to share with you Jaclyn Backhaus’ breathtaking tale of the volunteers who set out to map the Colorado River in 1869, Men on Boats—a retelling that will leave you ever so unsettled as you ponder how we choose to write our history. We close our season with Kate Hamill’s charming contemporary take on Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice in a production abundant with love, life, and laughter. I so hope you will join us this season—perhaps as a charter subscriber! For the first time in our history, we are offering a chance for you to support our students by purchasing a season subscription that will guarantee your seats in Klein Theatre for each of our four productions—at a price that makes it easy to say We“Yes!”.lookforward to greeting you in Klein Theatre in the coming months. I hope you will consider joining us as a charter subscriber—even better, ask a friend or two to join you! I know this is going to be a season to remember.
Gregg ProducingStullDirector
“The Play That Goes Wrong is just right: a ridiculously entertaining disaster.” —Entertainment Weekly
It’s opening night for a company of upstart thespians with starry ambitions, unbridled confidence, and staggering determination. As the curtain goes up on The Murder at Haversham Manor, one misstep leads to another, and mayhem and madness give way to an unspeakable and utter fiasco. A massive hit on Broadway and London’s West End, this energetic and sidesplitting play-within-aplay will leave you gasping for breath at the antics of this earnest troupe of wannabe stars as they try to rescue themselves (and their play), from out-and-out catastrophe. PlayGoesThatWrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields
Pay-What-You-Can Preview September 21 Afterwords September 25 Subscriber Exchanges September 2 Box Office Opens SEPTEMBER 8
September 22-October 2 The
“Rocky Horror is a loud and funny night out.” —Broadway World
by Richard O’Brien HorrorRocky
The
Pay-What-You-Can Preview November 9 Afterwords November 13 Subscriber Exchanges October 21 Box Office Opens October 27
Two sweethearts, a raging thunderstorm, a flat tire, and a foreboding mansion. Enter Columbia, Magenta, Dr. Scott, Eddie, Riff Raff, Dr. FrankN-Furter, and Rocky—and the innocent couple’s run-of-the-mill drive mutates into a reckless and raucous adventure destined to change them forever. With musical hits like Damn It, Janet, Sweet Transvestite, and Time Warp, The Rocky Horror Show is a spicy, twisted, and naughty cult classic that will awaken your innermost creature of the night as you give yourself over to absolute decadence and abandon.
NOVEMBERShow10-20
“. . . marvelously destabilizing both as history and theater.” —NY Magazine
A team of intrepid explorers take to the Grand Canyon on a quest to map the Colorado River in a mostly true story that lays bare the lore of over-confident men who think they know best. Hard-hitting and arrestingly funny, ten women take up the oars to portray the nonplussed and foolhardy travelers. Men On Boats is ingenious, gorgeously theatrical, and wildly comical. Join John Wesley Powell and his team as they explore the waterways of the American West in this historically true enough story of adventure and conquest!
February 9-19 Pay-What-You-Can Preview February 8 AfterWords February 12 Subscriber Exchanges January 20 Box Office Opens January 26 by Jaclyn Backhaus Men On Boats
“. . . completely and delightfully different Pride and Prejudice… adapted with fizzy, festive freedom . . . —The” Wall Street Journal
PRIDE PREJUDICEANDApril6-16
A rarely reticent and fiercely independent woman of a certain age feels mounting pressure from her hovering and meddlesome mother to secure a husband suitable to her position in life. When a somewhat handsome, blatantly aristocratic, often irritating (yet vaguely witty) man comes to town, her mother’s wishes become–improbably and surprisingly–possible. Kate Hamill’s retelling of the classic novel is an inventive, vivacious, and a refreshingly modern take on Austen’s famous and astute commentary on privileged society.
Pay-What-You-Can Preview APRIL 5 AfterWords April 16 Subscriber Exchanges March 17 Box Office Opens March 23
by Kate Hamill based on the novel by Jane Austen
The Kennedy Center
Sign me up!” Karen
Our ever-popular UMW Theatre Road Trip is back! Join us for exceptional performances in Washington, DC, a world class theatre city. We make it easy for you! Park your car at duPont Hall and board our charter bus where a faculty host will talk with you about the production you are about to experience as you travel to the city. The bus will drop you at the front door of the theatre and will return to pick you up. On the way home, your host will lead you and your fellow theatregoers in a post-performance discussion about the show. Come along for the ride—going to the theatre in Washington could not be easier!
in
Background image: Studio Theatre love UMW Theatre Road Trip! There isn’t way great theatre DC. perfect! Clark, Road Tripper Theatre
to see
“ Ford’s Theatre Signature
Just
I
an easier
Into the Woods by Stephen sondheim and james lapine • january 15 @ 2 PM • Signature Theatre Trip to bountiful
Seating is limited. Reserve your seats today!
No one would accuse Clyde of having a soft heart: Sure she hires former convicts for the greasy kitchen of her truck-stop sandwich joint, but she knows what they owe her and holds that power tight. Her line cooks might be stuck, but their hopes haven’t flickered out yet, fed by tentative connections and a fierce competition to create the perfect sandwich. Pulitzer-Prize winner Lynn Nottage’s sweet and savory comedy trades in wonder, Wonder Bread, and the healing powers of food. This unique whodunit takes place in the Shear Madness hairstyling salon and is chock full of up-to-the-minute spontaneous humor driven by some of the zaniest characters you will ever meet. During the course of the play, a murder is committed and the audience gets to spot the clues, question the suspects, and solve the funniest mystery in the annals of crime. The outcome is never the same in this long-running, laugh ‘til you hurt blockbuster comedy. We will arrive at the Kennedy Center with time for you to grab lunch at the KC Café or eat the lunch you bring on the terrace overlooking the Potomac.
$90 $90 $90
Questions?www.FredTix.com/RoadTripCall(540)654-1243
by Horton Foote • OCTOBER 9 @ 2 PM • Ford’s Theatre
SHEAR MADNESS
Escape into a fantastical fairytale adventure where dreams come true, but not free. A trove of storybook characters’ paths intertwine as they chase their deepest desires through an enchanted forest. However, once they receive their happily ever after, the unintended consequences of granted wishes unravel their worlds. Weaving a euphoric score including the songs “Giants in the Sky,” “On the Steps of the Palace,” “No One Is Alone,” and “Children Will Listen,” with a darkly humorous book, Into the Woods is a sophisticated musical twist on beloved childhood fables.
By Paul Pörtner • MaY 21 @ 3 PM • The Kennedy CenteR Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage • March 19 @ 2 PM • Studio Theatre Carrie Watts dreams of escape from the bustling city and of a return to simpler times in her beloved Bountiful, Texas. She sets out on a risky journey to her beloved hometown, with her family in hot pursuit. Along the way, she encounters kindness and compassion … and makes a remarkable discovery about the true meaning of home. One of the foremost interpreters of Horton Foote’s work, Michael Wilson directs Nancy Robinette as Carrie Watts with Tom Story as her son, Ludie, and Kimberly Gilbert as her daughter-in-law, Jessie Mae. This classic American drama is a touching portrait of family, what we hold onto and what we leave behind. $90
The
—James Lau ’24, Studio 115 Chair “
Our talented students learn by doing in Studio 115 on the first floor of duPont Hall where directors, actors, designers, and playwrights sharpen their skills in one-acts, full-length plays, solo performances, scenes, and monologues. You will find yourself swept away by the energy and variety of these performances in this intimate space that puts you only a few feet away from the action. Follow us for more information & events! & TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED.
Studio 115 captured my attention when I was deciding what university to attend. It’s extremely rare that a theatre program would grant students such freedom to explore and learn what it truly means to create theatre. I’m thankful that I get the opportunity to express myself in a safe space.”
DATES
LEARNING BY DOING@UMWSTudio115
Wrong Rocky Boats Pride $25 $20 $20 $18 $5 Student/SeniorStandard Military ID/UMW AlumniGroups GCC or UMW ID SEPT./OCT. *AfterWords Post-Performance Discussion MO TU WE TH FR SA SU 21 7:30 pm† 22 7:30 pm 23 7:30 pm 24 7:30 pm 25 2 pm* 29 7:30 pm 30 7:30 pm 1 7:30 pm 2 2 pm NOVEMBER MO TU WE TH FR SA SU 9 7:30 pm† 10 7:30 pm 11 7:30 pm 12 7:30 pm 13 2 pm* 17 7:30 pm 18 10:00 pm§ 19 7:30 pm 20 2 pm FEBRUARY The Play That Goes Wrong The HorrorRockyShowMenonboats $30 $25 $25 $23 $5 $25 $20 $20 $18 $5CALENDARSEASON † Pay-What-You-Can PreviewFantastic! Very professional, fabulous sets, recommend!”contemporary.veryHighlyCathyHerndonUMWTheatrePatron “ APRILPride Prejudiceand MO TU WE TH FR SA SU 8 7:30 pm† 9 7:30 pm 10 7:30 pm 11 7:30 pm 12 2 pm* 16 7:30 pm 17 7:30 pm 18 7:30 pm 19 2 pm MO TU WE TH FR SA SU 5 7:30 pm† 6 7:30 pm 7 7:30 pm 8 7:30 pm 12 7:30 pm 13 7:30 pm 14 7:30 pm 15 7:30 pm 16 2 pm* $25 $20 $20 $18 $5 § Special Late-Night Performance of The Rocky Horror Show
FOUR GREAT SHOWS FOR ONE LOW PRICE GET YOUR SEASON SAVETODAY!PASS30% off the standard ticket price! SAVINGS!BIGSCAN CODE TO BUY NOW! OR FREDTIX.COMVISIT THE BEST SEATS! THE LOWEST PRICE! FREE EXCHANGES! THE MOST FLEXIBILITY! JOIN THE FUN! Standard Senior Subscription $25 $30 $25 $25 $105 $24 $129 $20 $25 $20 $20 $85 $24 $109 $80 $10 Play Goes Wrong Rocky Horror Men On Boats Pride & Prejudice TotalSubtotalFeesCost
The cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
The amazing faculty taught and trained me to enter the world of professional theatre confidently and successfully. I was given some of the most important and life-changing experiences I’ve had thus far in my theatrical career.” —Tommy Kelleher ’22
BRINGGROUPA
“
—Sean Coady ’22 “
Emily Kile ’24 and Sean Coady ’22 in Julius Caesar Bring a Group to Klein Theatre! Gather your friends and colleagues for a memorable performance in Klein Theatre. Our productions offer perfect and affordable opportunities to celebrate a special occasion, escape for a night out, or just get together with the favorite people in your life. We work with all kinds of groups to create a special experience—businesses, social and civic clubs, faith gatherings, student organizations, fraternities, sororities, and alumni chapters. Our personal touch makes creating a group experience convenient and effortless. Gathering a Group is Easy! If you have 10 or more people, you are a group! This entitles you to early booking, discounted tickets, and flexible payment terms. Booking Tickets is Simple! Our Group Sales staff will work closely with you to reserve your tickets before single tickets go on sale to the public— ensuring you great seats as well as availability for performances that sell out quickly. We will work with you to establish a date for you to commit to a final number of tickets and pay for them. Our flexible approach makes it easy for you to bring your group to the theatre. Get in Touch! For more information about Group Sales, email groups@fredtix.com or call (540) 654-1243. We would love to help you plan a theatre event for your group!
Cameron Zakreski ’24 in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time UMW Theatre has been more than just an academic department for me; it has been a home, a support system, and a creative outlet. I feel nothing but joy and gratitude for the UMW Theatre community.”
GiveTHEATRETo Mina Sollars ’23 in Nickel and Dimed During my time at UMW Theatre, I have realized what a real community looks like. It has set the standard for the sense of community I will look for when I graduate and start working in the professionalMinatheatre.”Sollars ’23 “
When you join us for a performance, you are a part of our students’ educational journeys.Without an audience in the theatre, they cannot have the conversation that our plays and musicals inspire. You play an important role in helping them to develop as young theatre artists.
Producing theatre and creating learning opportunities are costly endeavors. We want to do everything we can to bring in guest artists to help our students gain new perspectives and network in the professional world. We want to support them when they have a chance to go to a national conference or to audition for summer theatre. We want to be sure we can help them produce plays in Studio 115 where they grow in the skills and knowledge they get in our classrooms and studios. Many of our students struggle to make ends meet with tuition, room and board, books, and supplies. We want, more than anything else, our students to be fully focused on their work in order to be the strongest they can be when they leave UMW. This is critical in order for them to be competitive when they seek their first job after graduation. We are committed to doing everything we can to support our students. We hope you will partner with us to provide what our students need to succeed at UMW. Won’t you consider joining UMW Theatre and supporting our talented students? Join today!
Help us help them!
Membership with UMW Theatre enables you to:
The incredible community that the faculty and staff have built at UMW Theatre breathes life into every ounce of work that we, as students, do here. Through teaching, both in and outside of the classroom, they help us to reach our full potential so we can have amazing careers when we leave UMW.”—Shannon Nichols ’23
Shannon Nichols ’23 stage managing in Klein Theatre “
• receive advance notice of special opportunities and events
•
For more information, and to join online, visit cas.umw.edu/theatre/make-a-gift
• give scholarships and sponsor unique educational activities for theatre students receive acknowledgement in production programs
The cast of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time UMW Theatre is where I found my strongest group of friends. I was welcomed so quickly and strongly everyone there just accepts you with open arms to explore and create art.” Cameron Zakreski ’24 “
Tickets Tickets are available at the Klein Theatre Box Office in duPont Hall starting two weeks before opening. Tickets are also available online through our website, www.FredTix.com and by calling (540) 654-1111. UMW/GCC pricing requires visiting the box office in person and presenting a student ID. Handling fees apply to telephone orders and convenience fees apply to online orders.
The Fine Print
Accessibility
Pay-What-You-Can Preview Our preview performance is Pay-What-You-Can. Simply go to the Klein Theatre Box Office two hours before curtain and pay whatever amount you wish for your general admission ticket. Arrive early to guarantee your seat in the theatre! Health and Safety Please visit fredtix.com/health for the latest health and COVID-19 related information. Content Advisories Please visit fredtix.com for content advisories.
Photography by Geoff Greene, Jon K. Reynolds, and Taryn Snyder
Please visit cas.umw.edu/theatre for Box Office hours. Free exchanges are offered prior to the Box Office opening to the public for single ticket sales.
Location Klein Theatre is located in duPont Hall on College Avenue at Thornton Street. Parking There is plenty of free parking along College Avenue and in the lot on Thornton Street. Two short-term box office parking spaces are available during Box Office hours. Information Season subject to change. For more information, call the Klein Theatre Box Office at (540) 654-1111 or visit cas.umw.edu/theatre.
Production Artwork by Justin Slone
Season Passes Season Passes are available online at www.fredtix.com anytime and at the Klein Theatre Box Office in-person and over the phone until the first production closes.
Groups Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call the Director of Group Sales at (540) 654-1243 or email groups@fredtix.com. AfterWords AfterWords post-show discussions allow you the opportunity to speak to the actors and ask questions about the process of mounting a production. Be sure to stick around to hear from our students about their experiences working on a show with us!
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available. Please inquire when purchasing tickets. Accessible parking is available in the Thornton Street lot and in the rear of duPont Hall. Assistive listening devices are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis at the Klein Theatre Box Office. Large print programs are available at the Klein Theatre Box Office. We are eager to help you plan your visit. For more information on accessibility or parking, please call the Klein Theatre Box Office at (540) 654-1111.
UMW Theatre has prepared me for a career in the arts more than anywhere else could. As a student here, I’m consistently presented with opportunities for hands-on experience in all facets of theatre. Thanks to the trust and support I feel from my classmates and professors, I’ve learned to suppress any fear of failure when trying new things. It’s the perfect environment for growth as an actor.” —Seth Drenning ’24
@UMWTHEATREFOLLOWUS!
Seth Drenning ’24 in Julius Caesar “
1301 College Fredericksburg,AvenueVA22401-5300 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Fredericksburg,PermitPAIDPostageNo.227VA
