Danstage 2023

May 5-7
Jenkins Theatre

Gorgeous dancing, inspiring premieres!

Danstage is a special evening of new works created by UWSP dance faculty Michael Estanich, Jeannie Hill, and Sarah Olson. Each year, a special guest artist from around the country also contributes an exciting dance experience. This annual dance event features the extraordinary talents of UWSP student dancers and highlights the artistry of the dance faculty.

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Pre-show Chat with the Directors on Saturday, May 8
1-1:45 p.m. Noel Fine Arts Center 221

 

A Staged Reading - Wausau, Stevens Point, Marshfield
Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig 
Directed by Laurie Schmeling

September 29 - October 2,  2022 

Winter, 1934: The Orient Express departs Istanbul for Paris. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the luxurious train in its tracks. At daybreak, an American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – before they can strike again.

PROGRAM



By Sarah DeLappe
Directed by Tyler Marchant 

October 14-16 & 20-22, 2022
Studio Theatre 

Left quad.  Right quad.  Lunge.  A girls indoor soccer team warms up.  From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. A portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals. 

Pre-show Chat with the Director on Sunday, October 16 |  1-1:45 p.m. Noel Fine Arts Center 221

PROGRAM



 


November 10-13, 2022
Studio Theatre

Directed by student choreographers. 
  • Afterimages is an evening of original dances created performed and designed by students. Each year Afterimages features a variety of dance styles including jazz, tap, modern/contemporary, and ballet. The evening is sure to dazzle and has something to satisfy every dance lover's palate. 


Pre-show Chat with the Director on Sunday, November 13
1-1:45 p.m. Noel Fine Arts Center 221

PROGRAM




Music by ALAN MENKEN
Lyrics by LYNN AHRENS
Book by MIKE OCKRENT & LYNN AHRENS
Based on the story by Charles Dickens
Original Choreography by Susan Stroman
Originally directed by Mike Ockrent
Directed by Mark Hanson 

December 2-4 & 8-10, 2022
Jenkins Theatre 

A Christmas Carol - The Musical is a spectacular adaptation of Charles Dickens’ well-known story by Broadway heavy hitters Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island). The story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his ghostly visits has delighted audiences for generations! Join us this holiday season for this family friendly musical.

Pre-show Chat with the Director on Sunday, December 4
1-1:45 p.m. Noel Fine Arts Center 221

PROGRAM





A Staged Reading - Wausau, Stevens Point, Marshfield 
By George Orwell
Directed by Greg Pragel

February 9-12, 2023

George Orwell’s satire on the perils of Stalinism has proved magnificently long-lived as a parable about totalitarianism anywhere and has given the world at least one immortal phrase: “Some are more equal than others.” The animals on a farm drive out their master and take over and run the farm for themselves. The experiment is successful, except that someone must take the deposed farmer’s place. Leadership devolves upon the pigs, which are cleverer than the rest of the animals. Unfortunately, their character is not equal to their intelligence.

PROGRAM




Molière
Translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur
Directed by Elizabeth Parks 

March 3-5 & 9-11, 2023
Jenkins Theatre

Outraged by the empty flattery and dishonesty of men, Alceste declares he will speak only truth—no matter who it may offend. Philinte counsels him to temper his rashness, but Alceste claims he can no longer tolerate the two-faced conventions of the world. Ironically, Alceste is enamored with Celimène, whose malicious tongue and unceasing flirtations make her the embodiment of everything Alceste professes to loathe. Upon discovering Celimène’s scathing commentary on her lovers, Alceste rejects her affection and declares that he will renounce the world and seek a place where honesty can still flourish. 

Pre-show Chat with the Director on Sunday, March 5
1-1:45 p.m. Noel Fine Arts Center 221

PROGRAM



 


Music by DANIEL MESSE
Lyrics by DANIEL MESSE & NATHAN HANSON
Book by CRAIG LUCAS
Directed by Mark Hanson 

April 14-16 & 20-22, 2023
Studio Theatre  

Amélie is an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Be inspired by this imaginative dreamer who finds her voice, discovers the power of connection, and sees possibility around every corner.


Pre-show Chat with the Director on Sunday, April 16
1-1:45 p.m. Noel Fine Arts Center 221

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