Campus Connection

Hang on to the edge of your seats! From an exposé on love and relationships to a steaming hot, controversial Broadway musical, there is sure to be something for everyone in UW-L's Department of Theatre Arts 2012-13 season. First up is the beguiling adaptation of a 12th century poem, "Mirror of the Invisible World," by Tony Award-winning playwright/director Mary Zimmerman. At the center of this tale is a young Persian king who falls for seven princesses of seven lands, constructing a pavilion for each in varying hues. The diverse group of wives spins tales of mystery, seduction, romance and mysticism as King Bahram pays visits to them all in turn. Next is the heart-rending drama "These Shining Lives" by Melanie Marnich. This is the story of four women — Catherine, a newly-married, happy-go-lucky young mother of two; Pearl, the perpetual joker; Charlotte, the crass chick; and Francis, the company conscience — four Depression-era women with everything going for them: an unlikely job at the respected Radium Dial Watch Company, families and friends until it becomes evident that their sicknesses are being brought on by that very work. In the face of stark opposition, the four friends refuse to let the company that stole their lives kill their spirits, instead giving their fates a public stage in a dramatic court battle. Join us in this powerful production based on true events. Then it’s on to the current hit Broadway musical that everyone is raving about: "Spring Awakening." Set in Germany in 1891, juxtaposed with the catchy rock music of pop singer-songwriter Duncan Shiek and lyrics by Steven Slater, this is a musical that shies from nothing. It’s a story about teenagers: all the hormones, the irresistible urges and the desperate loneliness. But it’s also a story about parents too reserved to discuss those dilemmas and the resulting dire consequences. The musical includes explicit language and subject manner and is recommended for mature audiences. Wrapping it up is the big production of "Big Love" by Charles Mee. Inspired by one of the western world’s oldest plays, "The Danaids" by Aeschylus, this show proves to be the battle of the sexes on steriods. Alternately hilarious and horrifying, it holds up the mirror to love in a really big way. "Big Love" manages to bare the sometimes ridiculous, sometimes damaging fundamentals behind arranged marriages, abuse, societal expectations, masculinity and femininity. Get ready to love, love, LOVE this uproarious end to a winning season. The Department of Theatre Arts will offer two performances in the Frederick Theatre as well. David Ives’ "All in the Timing," a collection of one-act comedies which humorously makes comments on relationships, language and mortality. And for the young in all of us is the annual children’s show "Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse" from the Wisconsin-native author Kevin Henkes, in a tale about the lovable Lilly and her enthralling new accessory. Frederick Theatre performances are not included in the season ticket package. UW-La Crosse Theatre has been creating entertaining, thought-provoking live theatre in the Coulee Region for more than 30 years. Join us for yet another thrilling season! Early bird season tickets are on sale now through July 16, 2012, and include ticket vouchers for five season productions, postcard reminders and early ticket reservation privileges. Early bird season subscriptions are $45 for general public, $35 for senior citizens and non-UW-L students/high school students, and $14 for UW-L students. To purchase tickets call the UW-L Department of Theatre Arts at 785.6701. Now is a great time to become a part of the theatre’s growing audience and to see for yourself what all the buzz is about. UW-L's Department of Theatre Arts 2012-13 Theatre Season: "Mirror of the Invisible World" by Mary Zimmerman Oct. 19-20 & 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21 & 28 at 2  p.m. Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts "All in the Timing,"* by David Ives Nov. 7-10 at 7:30 p.m. Nov.  11 at 2 p.m. Frederick Theatre, Morris Hall "These Shining Lives" by Melanie Marnich Nov. 30- Dec.  1 & 6-8 at 7 p.m. Dec.  2 & 9 at 2 p.m. Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts "Spring Awakening" — Book and lyrics by Steven Sater. Music by Duncan Shiek March 1-2 & 7-9, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. March 3 & 10, 2013, at 2 p.m. Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts "Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse"* — Book by Kevin Henkes. Adapted for the stage by Kevin Kling Saturday, April 13, 2013, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Frederick Theatre, Morris Hall "Big Love" by Charles Mee April 26-27 & May 2-4, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. April 28 & May 5, 2013, at 2 p.m. Toland Theatre, Center for the Arts * Not included in the season ticket package.