Theatre & Dance

PARKING LOT CONSTRUCTION:

Please note that the parking lot next to the Lowe Center for the Arts will be under construction beginning April 1, 2024. Arrive early to find alternative parking. Patrons may park in the ramp on the corner of Farwell & 17th Streets for free after 7:00 p.m. and on the weekends.  For those with mobility issues, there is a drop off site next to the Lowe Center for the Arts on the corner of 15th & Pine Streets.  The Parking Ramp can be located on the campus map (#30).

2024-2025 THEATRE SEASON 

Puffs

By Matt Cox
Directed by Nic Barilar
Puffs PosterFor seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil.  This, however, is not his story.  This is the story of the Puffs who just happened to be there too.  Wayne Hopkins is a regular boy who finds he’s a wizard and goes to school in England where he makes two best friends and has adventures.  Perhaps this sounds familiar.  But, Wayne is sorted as a Puff, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders who simply want to learn how to be wizards and avoid attacks by evil wizards.  Their heartfelt and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.  A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.

CONTENT WARNING:  Recommended for mature audiences.  Contains mature language and content.

Performance Dates:
October 11-12 & 17-19, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
October 13 & 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
333 N. 16th Street, La Crosse
Assigned Seating.

ONLINE TICKETS: $20 adults; $18 senior citizens/non UWL students/military; $8 UWL students.  Online tickets will have a small credit card processing fee added at checkout.  Patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets online and download the tickets to their phone/email.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-and-dance  beginning October 1, 2024.

IN PERSON/PHONE TICKETS:  $22 for adults, $20 for senior/non UWL students and $10 for UWL students (processing/printing fee already included in the price); call (608) 785-6696.  Box office opens October 7 for in person/phone ticket sales.  Box office hours are Monday through Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance.

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (www.concordtheatricals.com)

Art in Motion:  A Concert of Dance

Choreography led by Ashley Dobrogosz

Art in Motion PosterThe Department of Theatre and Dance is proud to remount Art in Motion with the addition of new works led by choreographer Ashley Dobrogosz.  The concert will showcase the unique ability dance has to blend artistry and athleticism. Audiences will enjoy multiple dances in a variety of styles including jazz, modern, and tap while incorporating themes of love, loss, mental health, and more.  The show will feature a mix of ensemble and solo dance works created by both UWL dance faculty and student dance minors. Art in Motion will leave audiences energized and inspired.

Performance Dates:
November 1-2, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
November 3, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
333 N. 16th Street, La Crosse
General Admission.

ONLINE TICKETS: $20 adults; $18 senior citizens/non UWL students/military; $8 UWL students.  Online tickets will have a small credit card processing fee added at checkout.  Patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets online and download the tickets to their phone/email.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-and-dance  beginning October 1, 2024.

IN PERSON/PHONE TICKETS:  $22 for adults, $20 for senior/non UWL students/military and $10 for UWL students (processing/printing fee already included in the price); call (608) 785-6696.  Box office opens October 28 for in person/phone ticket sales.  Box office hours are Monday through Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance.

What the Constitution Means to Me

By Heidi Schreck
Directed by Greg Parmeter

What the Constitution Means To Me posterDirect from Broadway, playwright Heidi Schreck’s boundary-breaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans.  Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States.  In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

Performance Dates:
November 14-16, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
November 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Frederick Theatre, Morris Hall
1615 State Street, La Crosse
General Admission.

ONLINE TICKETS: $20 adults; $18 senior citizens/non UWL students/military; $8 UWL students.  Online tickets will have a small credit card processing fee added at checkout.  Patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets online and download the tickets to their phone/email.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-and-dance  beginning October 1, 2024.

IN PERSON/PHONE TICKETS:  $22 for adults, $20 for senior/non UWL students and $10 for UWL students (processing/printing fee already included in the price); call (608) 785-6696.  Box office opens November 11 for in person/phone ticket sales.  Box office hours are Monday through Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance.

Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (www.concordtheatricals.com)

The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley

By Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon
Directed by Mary Trotter
Christmas at Pemberly posterPlaywrights Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon once again bring Jane Austen’s beloved characters to the stage for a yuletide sequel to Pride and Prejudice.  The Wickhams takes audiences to the downstairs servants’ quarters as the newly wed Darcy’s celebrate Christmas upstairs.  Mrs. Reynolds, a no-nonsense housekeeper; Cassie, an eager new maid; and Brian, a lovesick footman, are bustling with preparations for holiday guests.  The servants find themselves in the midst of a holiday scandal when their work is interrupted by the midnight arrival of the definitely not invited Mr. Wickham—Lydia’s rogue of a husband and Mr. Darcy’s sworn enemy.  Before long, old grudges and new misunderstandings reach a boiling point, and the festivities spiral into chaos. Pemberley’s residents struggle to keep the peace without taking sides.  The Wickhams is a charming holiday tale that explores the confines of class, privilege, family, forgiveness, and what it truly means to give in the season of giving.

Performance Dates:
December 5-7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
December 7-8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
333 N. 16th Street, La Crosse
Assigned Seating.

ONLINE TICKETS: $20 adults; $18 senior citizens/non UWL students/military; $8 UWL students.  Online tickets will have a small credit card processing fee added at checkout.  Patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets online and download the tickets to their phone/email.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-and-dance  beginning October 1, 2024.

IN PERSON/PHONE TICKETS:  $22 for adults, $20 for senior/non UWL students and $10 for UWL students (processing/printing fee already included in the price); call (608) 785-6696.  Box office opens December 2 for in person/phone ticket sales.  Box office hours are Monday through Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance.

Presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, serving the Dramatists Play Service collection (www.dramatists.com)

Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Greg Parmeter

Much Ado About Nothing posterThis Shakespeare romcom of sun, sea, and mistaken identity takes on the ancient theme of a woman being accused of unfaithfulness and brings it to brilliant comedic heights.  The legendary family-run Hotel Messina on the Italian Rivieria has been visited by artists, celebrities, and royalty.  But when the owner’s daughter, Hero, weds a dashing young soldier, Claudio, the course of true love doesn’t run smoothly.  Fast-flying gossip and thick-headed pride threaten to bring down the fairytale marriage as it goes from swoon to scandal.  With honor and friendship on the line, adversaries Beatrice and Benedick put their savage battle of wits on hold to restore order.  For Beatrice and Benedict, love is a force they believe they’re above even though their friends can see past their stubborn souls to see the truth hiding in their hearts.

With fun, warmth, and depth, Shakespeare combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious meditations on honor, shame, and court politics.

Performance Dates:
February 28-March 1 & March 7-8, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
March 2 & 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
333 N. 16th Street, La Crosse
Assigned Seating.

ONLINE TICKETS: $20 adults; $18 senior citizens/non UWL students; $8 UWL students.  Online tickets will have a small credit card processing fee added at checkout.  Patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets online and download the tickets to their phone/email.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-and-dance  beginning October 1, 2024.

IN PERSON/PHONE TICKETS:  $22 for adults, $20 for senior/non UWL students/military and $10 for UWL students (processing/printing fee already included in the price); call (608) 785-6696.  Box office opens February 24 for in person/phone ticket sales.  Box office hours are Monday through Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance.

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse

By Kevin Henkes
Adapted by Kevin Kling
Directed by Mary Trotter

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse PosterLilly loves school, idolizes her teacher, Mr. Slinger, and adores her brand new, purple plastic purse. After all, it holds her shiny quarters, movie star sunglasses, and plays a jaunty tune. That is, until Lilly’s purse becomes such a distraction in the classroom that Mr. Slinger takes it away. Lilly is outraged by Mr. Slinger’s “betrayal”, which propels her to some pretty inappropriate reactions.  With a little help from her Grammy and her friends Chester and Wilson, Lilly learns that sharing, cooperation, and some crunchy cheese snacks can go a long way.  Commemorating the 20^th anniversary of the book by Kevin Henkes, join us in Lilly’s colorful world of imagination. 

School Performance Dates:
April 2-4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. 
Beginning Monday, August 25, please contact the UWL Department of Theatre and Dance at 608-785-6701 to register your school group.  Seating is limited.
**Please Note:  The 9:00 a.m. performances will be sensory-friendly versions with reduced sound effects, additional house lights, etc.

Public Performance Dates:
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Frederick Theatre, Morris Hall
1615 State Street, La Crosse
General Admission Seating.
**Please Note:  The 9:00 a.m. performance will be a sensory-friendly version with reduced sound effects, additional house lights, etc.

ONLINE TICKETS: $10 adults/senior citizens/non UWL students; $8 UWL students/children.  Online tickets will have a small credit card processing fee added at checkout.  Patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets online and download the tickets to their phone/email.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-and-dance  beginning October 1, 2024.

IN PERSON/PHONE TICKETS:  $12 adults/senior/non UWL students and $10 for UWL students/children (processing/printing fee already included in the price); call (608) 785-6696.  Box office opens March 31 for in person/phone ticket sales.  Box office hours are Monday through Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance.

Performed with permission from Greenwillow Books, an Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Cabaret

Book by Joe Masteroff
Based on the play by John Van Druten
Stories by Christopher Isherwood
Music & Lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb
Directed by Nic Barilar
Music Direction by Kathryn Skemp Moran

Cabaret PostersKander and Ebb’s superb musical immerses us in a turbulent pre-war Berlin, where the dynamic and garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes audiences to the seedy Kit Kat Klub.  With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady, and tumultuous life of Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.  Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, falls for the Kit Kat Club’s star, Sally Bowles.  Daring, provocative, and exuberantly entertaining, Cabaret explores the dark and heady life of Bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.

Winner of eight Tony Awards (1967), New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical (1967), four Tony Awards for Revival (1998), three Drama Desk Awards (1998), three Outer Critics Circle Awards (1998), Two Tony Awards nominations (2014), seven Olivier Awards including Best Musical Revival (2022).

CONTENT WARNING: Recommended for mature audiences.  Contains mature language and content.

Performance Dates:
April 25-26 & May 1-3, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
April 27 & May 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts
333 N. 16th Street, La Crosse
Assigned seating.

ONLINE TICKETS: $22 adults; $20 senior citizens/non UWL students; $8 UWL students.  Online tickets will have a small credit card processing fee added at checkout.  Patrons are encouraged to buy their tickets online and download the tickets to their phone/email.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.uwlax.edu/theatre-and-dance  beginning October 1, 2024.

IN PERSON/PHONE TICKETS:  $24 for adults, $22 for senior/non UWL students/military and $10 for UWL students (processing/printing fee already included in the price); call (608) 785-6696.  Box office opens April 21 for in person/phone ticket sales.  Box office hours are Monday through Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance.

Presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC (www.concordtheatricals.com)

Digital Programs

Beginning Fall 2022, the UWL Department of Theatre and Dance will transition to digital programs.  In an effort to reduce waste and reduce our carbon footprint, we will no longer be offering printed programs for any theatre production.  But, don't worry...you'll be able to access the program online!

Accessing Show Programs

When you arrive at the theatre, there will be postings with a QR code in the lobby and as you enter the theatre.  You simply scan this code with your phone's camera to access the online program.

Benefits to Patrons

Programs will be mobile-friendly, will be available sooner, and will be archived on our website.  Programs can also be accessed before and after the production on your laptop or computer.

Using mobile devices during shows?

We strongly encourage patrons to view the programs before the start of the performance, during intermission, or when the performance concludes.  As always, cell phones are distracting to the actors and other patrons, so viewing the programs before or after the production is ideal.

Will we return to printed programs?

The short answer is probably not.  While there still may be special instances where print programs are needed, the UWL Department of Theatre and Dance is committed to providing this digital platform to our patrons in order to be more environmentally friendly and encourage sustainable business practices.

2024-2025 Theatre Season Digital Programs

Puffs (2024)
Art in Motion: A Concert of Dance (2024)
What the Constitution Means to Me (2024)
The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley (2024)
Much Ado About Nothing (2025)
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse (2025)
Cabaret (2025)

Archived Digital Programs

Cinderella (SummerStage 2023)
Dr. Faustus (2023)
Fuddy Meers (2023)
The Wolves (2023)
Art in Motion: A Concert of Dance (2024)
James and the Giant Peach (2024)
Orlando (2024)

Murder on the Orient Express (2022)
The Last Train to Nibroc (2022)
A Christmas Carol (2022)
The Secret in the Wings (2023)
Dragons Love Tacos (2023)
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (2023)