2016 Full Brochure - Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre

Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre, Inc
220 3rd Avenue South, Ste #6
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
715-421-0435
www.wrctheatre.org
NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
WISC RAPIDS WI
54494
PERMIT NO. 31
Central Wisconsin
Cultural Center
Home Brew
Press
McMillan
Memorial Library
RCCA Media
WISCONSIN RAPIDS
COMMUNITY
THEATRE
INC.
SWC Historical
Museum
MARCH 10-19
2016
Get Your Tickets Today!
Call 715-421-0435 or Email wrct@wctc.net
For more information go to wrctheatre.org/artigras
The festival wraps up with high spirited festivities!
A feast of international cuisine, special festival drinks,
entertainment by the exciting The Eclectic String
Quintet, dancing in the Studio Disco, raffles galore,
and an evening of unparalleled fun! Come with a
date, come with a group, or come on your own –
come all dressed up, come in costume, or come as
you are…. Just bring along your pARTy spirit!
Tickets are $25 each in advance, $35 at the door • Call 715-421-0435 to reserve yours today!
FESTIVAL MAIN PARTNER
Wisconsin Department of Tourism
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
Wisconsin Arts Board I Renaissance Learning, Inc. I U.S. Bank Foundation I Wisconsin Humanities Council
incourage Community Foundation I Hotel Mead I Tara Center Stevens Point
FESTIVAL MAIN SPONSORS
Aspirus I Bell Foundation I HoChunk I Solarus
FESTIVAL SPONSORS
Anonymous I Atrium Care I Bull’s Eye Credit Union I Corenso I Duncan Disability I Erco Worldwide
Herman-Taylor Funeral Home I LaChapelle, Kryshak & Nettesheim, LLP I River Cities Bank I Venus Gentlemen’s Club
Wisconsin River Orthopaedics I Nekoosa Port Edwards State Bank
The UWSP Opera Club was
formed just over five years ago
to provide opportunities for
people to experience opera.
It is open to any student who
has an interest in an honest
dialogue and participation in
the operatic world.
ARTi Gras performance held at
Wisconsin Rapids Community
Theatre auditorium
Internationally acclaimed
variety entertainer Timothy
Noel Tegge reinvents classic
vaudeville, blending magic
and illusions, ventriloquism,
theatrical clowning, and
stand-up comedy with a fresh
look and sound for today!
There is no other show like it in
the U.S. and Canada.
The Origins of Boris & Sergey
A magical and comical children’s puppet
theatre show. Two mischievous puppets take
you on a journey from their humble
beginnings as they discover the world. Will
brotherly love win out over sibling rivalry?
Children and adults alike will delight in the
charm and wit of the irrepressible Boris and
Sergey. Afterwards, enjoy milk and cookies
with Boris and Sergey as they greet the audience and sign
autographs. Suitable for children ages 4-8 and adults of all ages.
WRCT
Stage Hams
The WRCT Stage Hams will tickle your funny
bone with their audience participation
improv. Bring a hearty sense of humor and
laugh the night away.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS
COMMUNITY THEATRE, INC.
Madison
Comics
SILVER FOXES
WI Poet Laureate - Bruce Detlefsen
Last year’s poetry
slam was a big hit!
Bring your own
work and compete
for cash prizes or
come for the
entertainment and
beignets!
Harp Concert and
Tea Reception
featuring Sue Popelka
Germany 1916: Art + War
South Wood
County
Historical
Museum
Leon
Schmidt, Jr.
Tobias
Barske
Richard
Ruppel
4 on the floor
Friday, March 11
to Friday, April 29
"Local Vision"
Juried Annual
Central Wisconsin
All-Media Exhibit
WISCONSIN RAPIDS
COMMUNITY
THEATRE
INC.
Fringe Spotlight
This year, ARTi Gras imports two flawless productions that
won critical acclaim at the world famous Edinburgh Fringe
Festival and beyond. Be the first in the U.S. to see
Flabbergast Theatre!
Foreign Film Festival
McMillan
Memorial
Library
EVENTS
Retirement Community of Nekoosa
RCCA Media
Por Piedad Teatro
Inspired by Ettore
Scola's 1977
Oscar-winning film,
“Una Giornata
Particolare,” two
Ana Graham & Antonio Vega
actors explore the
in Working on a Special Day
life-changing
encounter between an overworked housewife and a
mysterious bachelor, set against the backdrop of rising
fascism on the day of Hitler’s 1938 visit to Mussolini's Italy.
RIVER CITIES COMMUNITY ACCESS MEDIA
Tom
Metcalf
Pete Revelle
Six puppeteers and two leather
puppets create an uproariously
entertaining evening starring Boris
and Sergey, the Balkan Bad Boys of
Puppetry. This cheeky and clever
show combines audience
participation, rude humor, and high voltage energy.
“Two foul-mouthed puppets make for a perfect evening
of dark, surreal comedy.” The perfect show for
Millennials and hipsters who like their humor
deliciously twisted. Recommended for adults only.
Provides a medium for information, promotion
and entertainment through video serving
the Wisconsin Rapids community.
Watch past local events filmed at the Wisconsin Rapids
Community Theater & Cultural Center during ARTi Gras
March 11- 19, 2016
Solarus Ch. 3 HD - Charter Ch. 985 - rccamedia.org
Boris & Sergey’s
Vaudevillian Adventures
UWSP Musical Theatre
Currently touring as the
John Jorgenson Quintet,
Jorgenson creates a
unique musical
experience that equally
enthralls the most
discerning and the casual
music fan. The group’s
style has been called
“gypsy jazz” after the
dynamic string-driven swing created by Django
Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in 1930s Paris, but
Jorgenson’s compositions draw in elements from Latin,
Romanian, Classical, Rock and Greek music, so “21st
Century World Music” is perhaps a more apt description.
March 11: 9:30 am & 2:30 pm
Blue Monday Band
Silver Foxes: A Tribute to Erma Bombeck
America’s favorite housewife
columnist is fondly recalled in this
selection of some of her wittiest,
funniest observations. Performed by
Wisconsin Rapids Community
Theatre’s popular Silver Foxes. Stay
after the show to meet the actors and
enjoy afternoon refreshments.
March 12: 11 am, 1 pm, 8:30 pm & 10:30 pm
March 14: 11 am, 6 pm & 10 pm
March 17: 9 pm & 11 pm
March 18: 9:30 am & 2:30 pm
March 19: 11 am & 2 pm
(715) 423-0441
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
FESTIVAL MAIN PARTNER
bigger and
ARTi Gras is back for the third year,
, how will
ices
cho
ny
better than ever. With so ma
arts
of
s
you make the most of these 10 day
s
tion
and entertainment? We’ve got sugges
ts,
for everyone, based on your interes
k.
boo
your age, and your pocket
FESTIVAL PARTNERS
If music be the food of your love, catch one or more of our many
concerts. Opera, blues, harp, musical theatre, mariachi, bluegrass,
new wave, and old favorite piano tunes – playing all
around the tri-city area.
Families and kids? Check out magical children’s
puppet show, or the magic show designed for family
viewing. Comedy? There’s improv and stand-up
comics, and Flabbergast Theatre.
The International Fringe Festival comes to ARTi Gras!
This year, ARTi Gras hosts two award-winning
international companies that burst onto the
scene at the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe
Festival. Want to see what’s thrilling international
audiences? Get your tickets to the puppet comedy of
Flabbergast Theatre from England and the creative
imagination of the award-winning play “Working on a
Special Day” by Mexico’s Por Piedad Teatro.
Tara Center LLC
WoodTrust-Bell
Foundation
FESTIVAL MAIN
SPONSORS
FESTIVAL
SPONSORS
NEKOOSA PORT EDWARDS
STATE BANK
CREDIT UNION
Anonymous
AtriumHealth
and Senior Living
Herman-Taylor
RIVER CITIES BANK
Your Community Bank
Want to add a little more international spice to your life?
Check out the two critically acclaimed foreign films at McMillan
Library, or head to the Historical Museum of South Wood County
for a panel commemorating the centennial of WWI
and how it affected German arts and culture.
Central WI
Cultural Center
Venues in
Wisconsin Rapids
THURSDAY, MARCH 10
7 P.M.
ALEXANDER HOUSE
Port Edwards, WI
In a class all its own, the ARTi Gras Poetry Slam returns for
a second year! All poets are invited to bring a poem, or bring
your own team to cheer you on. And for our stay-at-home
audience, River City Community Access TV will make sure you
can enjoy the arts in your own home.
And the grand finale: ARTi Party! Our celebration on the festival
closing night, with entertainment, special guests, dancing, raffles,
gift bags (yes!!) and lots of creative culinary treats, along with the
festival’s selection of special drinks!
ARTi Gras 2016 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
LA CHAPELLE, KRYSHAK & NETTESHEIM, LP
Funeral Home & Cremation Center
Did someone ask for theatre? We’ve got it. WRCT
serves up comedy, romance, and drama. And of
course, you won’t want to miss our guest artists,
Flabbergast Theatre and Por Piedad Teatro.
SATURDAY, MARCH 12
Opening Concert and Champagne
Reception “A Night at the Opera”
Presented in partnership with the Arts Council.
The UWSP Opera Club presents an evening of
arias and duets featuring highlights from some of
the world’s most beloved operas. Sure to delight
your inner diva! WRCT Auditorium - $20
11 A.M.
WRCT Auditorium - $5 children/$10 adults
2 P.M.
FRIDAY, MARCH 11
5:30 P.M.
Hollyrock’s
Local Vision 2016 Opening Reception
Central Wisconsin mixed media arts on display.
Meet the artists over wine and appetizers.
Central Wisconsin Cultural Center - Free
7 P.M.
McMillan
Memorial
Library
South Wood
Co. Historical
Museum
NEKOOSA RETIREMENT CENTER
Nekoosa, WI
John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band
8 P.M.
7 P.M.
Grammy winner John Jorgenson returns to
Wisconsin Rapids with his four-piece bluegrass
band for a night of toe-tapping music.
Sponsored by the Mead Witter Foundation.
McMillan Library - Free
“The Vaudevillian Adventures of
Boris and Sergey”
After their successes in Australia and Europe,
England’s favorite leather puppets are ready to
conquer America! “Profanely hilarious!” For
discerningly twisted adult audiences. Meet the cast
behind Boris and Sergey at the after party revelry.
WRCT Studio Theatre - Show and after party $15
PERFORMANCES - in green
“The Origins of Boris and Sergey”
Puppet theatre for children, parents, and the
young at heart. Post-show autograph session with
the puppets (and puppeteers) along with milk and
cookies. Sponsored by Members Advantage.
8:30 P.M.
Silver Foxes: A Tribute to Erma Bombeck
America’s favorite housewife columnist is fondly
recalled in this selection of some of her wittiest,
funniest observations. Performed by Wisconsin
Rapids Community Theatre’s popular Silver Foxes.
Stay after the show to meet the actors and enjoy
afternoon refreshments. WRCT Auditorium - $10
WRCT Improv Night
The WRCT Stage Hams are back! Audience
participation and general zaniness make this
show a laugh a minute. Drinks available for
purchase. WRCT Studio - $5
“The Vaudevillian Adventures of
Boris and Sergey”
After their successes in Australia and Europe,
England’s favorite leather puppets are ready to
conquer America! “Profanely hilarious!” For
discerningly twisted adult audiences. Meet the
cast behind Boris and Sergey at the show. Drinks
available for purchase. Sponsored by Surgical
Associates of Wisconsin Rapids.
WRCT Studio Theatre - $10
SPECIAL EVENTS - in red
SUNDAY, MARCH 13
11 - 2 P.M.
Poetry Slam
Wisconsin Poet Laureate Bruce Dethlefsen
returns for the second annual Poetry Slam. Join in
the competition or enjoy the poets over New
Orleans style coffee and beignets, along with our
special comedy guests, Boris and Sergey of
Flabbergast Theatre. Competitions for student
and adult poets with cash awards.
MONDAY, MARCH 14 (CONT.)
4:30 P.M.
2 P.M.
The Guitar Stylings of Tom Metcalf
Former New York Yankees major league baseball
pitcher Tom Metcalf is a man of many talents.
Join Tom for an afternoon of mellow songs and
guitar strumming, accompanied by his home-run
personality! Stay after the show to meet Tom
over coffee and cookies.
7 P.M.
TUESDAY, MARCH 15
“The Gin Game” by D.L. Coburn
10 - 3 P.M.
Bunraku Puppetry Workshop
Flabbergast Theatre takes you through the basics
of Bunraku puppetry, an art that finds its origins
in Japan, with three people manipulating each
puppet. The workshop starts with puppetry
exercises and group work, then moves on to
object manipulation and short improvisations.
Space is limited, and advance registration is
strongly recommended. Appropriate for ages
12 through adult. WRCT Studio Theatre - $15
MONDAY, MARCH 14
11 A.M.
Foreign Film Special Program 1:
An Oscar-nominated French drama and
romance about a Christmas truce set in
the trenches during WWI.
McMillan Library Fine Arts Center - Free
1:30 P.M.
Foreign Film Special Program 2:
Argentina’s Oscar-nominated black comedy
about the delicious nastiness of revenge.
McMillan Library Fine Arts Center - Free
1:30 P.M.
Blue Monday Band
The best in blues performed by top area
musicians. A high energy show sure to get
your feet tapping and your hands clapping, with
special guest Dennis Provisor of The Grass Roots.
Hollyrocks Bar - Free admission
1 P.M.
Pete Revelle Sing-along
Professional piano bar musician Pete Revelle
presents a high-energy show of your favorite
tunes and plenty of laughs, too. Stick around after
the show to share refreshments and a joke or a
memory with Pete.
Retirement Community of Nekoosa - Free
10 - 3 P.M.
1:30 P.M.
A WWI centennial exhibit of German posters
and memorabilia.
7 P.M.
Join “4 on the Floor” for some great music,
merriment and fun banter. Requests taken
seriously - bet you can’t stump these guys.
1:30 P.M.
“The Gin Game” by D.L. Coburn
The winner of the 1978 Pulitzer Prize, recently
revived on Broadway, uses a card game between
two residents of a retirement home as a
metaphor for life. A Wisconsin Rapids Community
Theatre production starring Bev Ross and Gregory
Valentine. Followed by refreshments and
a chat with the cast.
Retirement Community of Nekoosa - Free
7 P.M.
Sponsored by American Family Insurance.
WRCT Studio Theatre - $15
PERFORMANCES - in green
SPECIAL EVENTS - in red
8:30 P.M.
8:30 P.M.
The best in blues performed by top area
musicians. A high energy show sure to get your
feet tapping and your hands clapping! Refreshments following the performance.
WRCT Auditorium - $10
Sponsored by the City of Nekoosa.
Retirement Community of Nekoosa - Free
FRIDAY, MARCH 18
“Working on a Special Day”
by Por Piedad Teatro
1:30 P.M.
Musical Theatre Night
Students from the UWSP professional musical
theatre program present an evening of musical
theatre highlights. See the stars of tomorrow on
the WRCT stage with special guest star, Joel
Goodness! Drinks available for purchase.
7 P.M.
SATURDAY, MARCH 19
1 P.M.
WWI Exhibit
South Wood County Historical Museum - Free
1:30 P.M.
“Love Letters” by A.R. Gurney
Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre actors Jody
Steinke and Michael Barrett return with their
outstanding production of A.R. Gurney’s touching
and amusing story of a life-long friendship and
romance told through 50 years of letters. Meet
the cast over refreshments after the show.
Sponsored by Ritchay Funeral Home.
Retirement Community of Nekoosa - Free
Timothy Tegge Magic Show
Magic and comedy make an irresistible combination in this family friendly show for all ages!
Sponsored by Mike O’Leary DDS.
WRCT Auditorium - $10
THURSDAY, MARCH 17
A WWI centennial exhibit of German posters
and memorabilia.
Silver Foxes: A Tribute to Erma Bombeck
America’s favorite housewife columnist is fondly
recalled in this selection of some of her wittiest,
funniest observations. Performed by Wisconsin
Rapids Community Theatre’s popular Silver
Foxes. Stay after the show to meet the actors and
enjoy afternoon refreshments.
Retirement Community of Nekoosa - Free
WRCT Auditorium - $10
10 - 3 P.M.
Comedy Show
Laugh along with four of Madison’s top comics,
headliner Nick Hart, Eve Crutcher, Marty Clarke
and host Anthony Siraguse. Beer and wine
available for purchase.
Sponsored by Timeless Quality Imaging.
WRCT Studio Theatre - $10
“Working on a Special Day”
by Por Piedad Teatro
Por Piedad Teatro of Mexico City brings its
award-winning play. Set in Rome during WWII,
the production uses uniquely creative staging in
this tale about housewife and a journalist who
meet by chance on the day of Hitler and Mussolini’s parade through the streets of Rome. Laughter, romance, drama, and a pair of performances
that won the two top prizes of the Prague Fringe
Festival. The special opening night show will be
followed by a fiesta with refreshments and a
mariachi band! Get your tickets early for this
festival highlight!
Sponsored by Buena Vista Investment Management.
WRCT Studio Theatre - $10
Blue Monday Band
Por Piedad Teatro of Mexico City brings its
award-winning play. Set in Rome during WWII,
the production uses uniquely creative staging in
this tale about housewife and a journalist who
meet by chance on the day of Hitler and Mussolini’s parade through the streets of Rome. Laughter, romance, drama, and a pair of performances
that won the two top prizes of the Prague Fringe
Festival. Drinks available for purchase.
Central Wisconsin Cultural Center - Free
“Working on a Special Day”
by Por Piedad Teatro
Por Piedad Teatro of Mexico City brings its
award-winning play. Set in Rome during WWII,
the production uses uniquely creative staging in
this tale about housewife and a journalist who
meet by chance on the day of Hitler and Mussolini’s parade through the streets of Rome. Laughter, romance, drama, and a pair of performances
that won the two top prizes of the Prague Fringe
Festival. Drinks available for purchase.
WWI Exhibit
A WWI centennial exhibit of German posters
and memorabilia.
South Wood County Historical Museum - Free
WWI Exhibit
4 on the Floor
7 P.M.
Sponsored by Paul Gross Jewelers.
Alexander House - Free
South Wood County Historical Museum - Free
Sponsored by Becker & Kumm CPA.
WRCT Auditorium - $10
4 - 7 P.M.
Foreign Film Special Program 2:
McMillan Library Fine Arts Center - Free
7 P.M.
Harp Concert and Morning Coffee
with Sue Popelka
THURSDAY, MARCH 17 (CONT.)
Sue Popelka has been charming area music
lovers with her accomplished harp playing. The
gracious atmosphere of the Alexander House in
Port Edwards is the perfect setting to enjoy the
lovely sounds of the harp, along with morning
coffee and pastries.
Argentina’s Oscar-nominated black comedy
about the delicious nastiness of revenge.
Retirement Community of Nekoosa - Free
The winner of the 1978 Pulitzer Prize, recently
revived on Broadway, uses a card game between
two residents of a retirement home as a
metaphor for life. A Wisconsin Rapids Community
Theatre production starring Bev Ross and
Gregory Valentine. Join Bev and Greg for
a gin and tonic after the show!
10 A.M.
McMillan Library Fine Arts Center - Free
Sponsored by Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets and
Home Brew Press. WRCT Studio Theatre - $5
1:30 P.M.
Foreign Film Special Program 1:
An Oscar-nominated French drama and
romance about a Christmas truce set in
the trenches during WWI.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16
Germany 1916: Art + War
Professor emeritus Richard Ruppel, UWSP
Department Chairman Tobias Barske, and German
historical and military expert Leon Schmidt, Jr.,
explore the relationship between art and war in
Germany in this WWI centennial presentation. A
display of WWI German posters and memorabilia
accompany the panel discussion. After the discussion, enjoy coffee and strudel and meet our experts.
South Wood County Historical Museum - Free
6:30 P.M. - ?
ARTi pARTy: Around the World in 80 Bites!
The festival wraps up with high spirited festivities!
A feast of international cuisine, special festival
drinks, entertainment by the exciting The Eclectic
String Quintet, dancing in the Studio Disco, raffles
galore, and an evening of unparalleled fun! Come
with a date, come with a group, or come on your
own – come all dressed up, come in costume, or
come as you are!
Centralia Center/WRCT Auditorium/WRCT
Studio - $25 in advance, $35 at the door