Campus Connection

Community theatre connects campus colleagues

Two UWL employees are taking the La Crosse Community Theatre stage this month for Agatha Christie’s “And then there were none.” Bonnie Bratina, associate professor of microbiology, and Joshua Kraft, a program assistant in the Center for Advanced Teaching and Learning, have supporting roles in the popular murder mystery. Bratina, who has been acting in plays since grade school, says this is her eighth production with the community theatre, along with many more backstage parts. She is reprising her role in the cast of the mystery, this time playing Mrs. Rogers. The actor playing her husband was also in a production of the show years ago. “So, it feels like we’ve been reincarnated from the younger couple to this older couple,” says Bratina. “It’s a lot of fun.” Her character gets killed early in the play, so she’s had chunks of time between rehearsals when she’s able to get grading done backstage. “I look pretty funny grading in costume,” she notes. Kraft, who participated in numerous plays during high school, says this was his first stab at a role in a murder mystery. He landed the role of Dr. Armstrong. This is the largest production Kraft had participated in. “I’ve been very impressed by all of the talented stage builders, costumers, prop-hunters, technicians, directors and everyone else behind-the-scenes who help make it happen,” he says. The two didn’t know each other before connecting on stage. “It’s crazy. I had to go off campus to meet one of my colleagues,” says Bratina. “It was a pleasant surprise to have a fellow UWL colleague on the cast,” adds Kraft. Performance dates, times Agatha Christie’s “And then there were none” takes the stage at the Weber Center in downtown La Crosse. Lured into the island home of mysterious hosts, 10 strangers gather for one last summer holiday. Shortly after their arrival, a recorded message accuses each of them of murder and then one drops dead – poisoned. One down and nine to go! The excitement never lets up. Based on Agatha Christie’s superlative mystery novel, this show will keep you guessing who the killer is, and who will be the next. Performances include:

• Oct. 19-21, 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 22, 2 p.m.
• Oct. 26-28, 7:30 p.m.
• Oct. 29, 2 p.m.

Get more info and tickets at: https://www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org/showsandtickets/shows/2017-2018-season-2/and-then-there-were-none/