Theatre Newsletter: November 2002

November 6 edition 11-02. St. Ambrose University
Department Chair- Dr. Corinne Johnson-  (563) 333-6427
Newsletter Editor: Megan O'Connell SAUTheatreNews@hotmail.com

"Raised in Captivity" Opens this Week!

Nicky Silver's dark comedy "Raised in Captivity" will be performed in the Studio Theatre Thursday and Friday at 7:30pm, and Saturday at 3:00pm. Tickets for Studio Theatre productions now cost $6 (see price increase article below). The play centers on Sebastian and Bernadette, twins, who are reunited through their mother's sudden death by her showerhead. The characters in the piece can be broad and comedic, but their choices and losses ultimately lead the plot with poignancy and truth.

Cast member Daniel Sheridan is ready for an audience. "I feel ready for the upcoming performances, everything is going really well."

Although the comedy at times is big, Sheridan's character, Sebastian, is quite honest.  "Sebastian is a difficult character to play, he doesn't have a gimmick. He has personality. Every time I read the script I find more in the text."

"Raised in Captivity" is directed by senior, Megan O'Connell.

To reserve tickets by credit card over the phone, contact the Galvin Box Office at 333-6251.
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Studio Theatre Ticket Price Increase

With its inception in 1994, the SAU Studio Theatre has hosted a variety of productions from comedies, dramas, and experimental pieces. The Studio Theatre provides an outlet for student creativity and leadership. Most of the productions are directed by SAU students, with student production teams.  However, as theatre costs rise, the studio was faced with the necessity of
increasing ticket prices. For the next production "Raised in Captivity", tickets cost $6. Head of the Theatre Department, Dr. Corinne Johnson commented on the increase. "We haven't changed the ticket prices since the Studio Theatre began. Production costs are victims of inflation.  
Therefore, we must pass it on to our constituents."

This year's Studio season proves exceptional. It began with Martin McDonagh's "Lonesome West", this week's "Raised in Captivity" by Nicky Silver, and the March, 2003 production of "Art" by Yazmena Reza.

Still troubled with the cost of the increase?  Look at it from Dr. Johnson's perspective: "It's still less than a ticket to the movies!"
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Senior Salute

Name: Megan O'Connell
Birthdate: 2/17/81
Hometown: Dubuque, IA
Majors: Theatre, Public Relations/Marketing
What are you fondest SAU Memories?  I have scads of favorite memories.  My top would have to be last year's ACTF when "Anton in Show Business" was a hit, and we had two people advance to semi-finals, and Jill Schmits to finals.  I would also have to admit fighting off randy jockeys with Cory and Joe Goodall in London would be another great memory.
What has been your favorite experience here thus far? My favorite experience is the hands-on learning. Of these great learning experiences, the opportunity to direct a full length play in the studio theatre ("Raised in Captivity" this week!), was incredible.
What have you learned so far in the Theatre department? I learned to appreciate the professional environment offered in this academic setting.
Favorite Past Productions: "Raised in Captivity" (director), "How I Learned to Drive" (Female Greek Chorus), "Anton in Show Business" (Kate/Ben/Jackey), "The Lady's Not for Burning" (Margaret Devize), "James and the Giant Peach" (Mrs. Trotter), "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" (Protean), and "Agnes of God" (Dr. Martha Livingstone).
Ideal Job/Role: Any female character in a Martin McDonagh or Nicky Silver play!
Favorite Actor/Actress: Colin Firth, Emily Watson
Quote/Motto: "One useless man is a disgrace.  Two are called a law firm.  And three or more become a congress."  - John Adams, 1776
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CAST LIST: Aladdin

Michael Kennedy is directing the upcoming children's musical "Aladdin." It will be performed in Allaert Auditorium December 4 - 8th. The cast list follows:

Scheherazad.........Lacey Jacobs
Malaki..............Sean Pankuch
Cashew..............Jody Leonard
Aladdin.............Dan McGinn
Princess Zenovia....Amanda Gagliani
Karim...............Rusty Koll
Genie...............Allison Costello
Magic Mirror........Benito Copiozo
Schmendrick.........Tony Seward
Prince Vanity.......Kris Konrady
High Priest.........Kevin Dill
Guard...............Scott Peake
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Congratulations ACTF Irene Ryan Nominees

Heather Starns and Trina Gillen were selected as the two Irene Ryans from "Gypsy." Starns played Mama Rose and Gillen portrayed Gypsy Rose Lee. The two complete the list of Irene Ryan nominees from SAU. The Theatre Department has six nominees to send to the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival in January. The other four are Beth Curley/Megan O'Connell (nominated from "How I Learned to Drive"), and Dan Hale/Daniel Sheridan (nominated from "MacBeth"). Each Irene Ryan is required to perform a scene with a partner, and is also allowed to perform a song, scene, or monologue to showcase the individual's talents. To see what scenes and monologues these actors choose come to the Showcase of Irene Ryans Monday, December 9th at 6:30pm on the Galvin main stage.  The Advanced Acting class taught by Dr. Corinne Johnson will also be performing their final scenes and monologues as well.  If you have any questions contact Dr. Johnson at 333-6427.
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Come Experience the American College Theatre Festival

The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KC/ACTF), is a collection of colleges and universities from around the United States.  The Midwest region consists of Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Missouri, Colorado, and Nebraska. January 21-26, this year's KC/ACTF will be held close to SAU. The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) will host the festival in Cedar Falls, IA. 

You don't have to be an Irene Ryan nominee to participate either!  The SAU faculty invites anyone who is interested in attending the festival to come along. The cost for registration is $40, and includes tickets to all of the plays at the festival, as well as numerous workshops and auditions.  It is a great opportunity to learn from other students and colleges.  If you have an interest in scenery, sound, or lighting design there are competitions in which you may enter your work. If interested, contact Kris Eitrheim at 333-6255 about entering your project. If you're interested in coming along to the festival or have any questions, contact Dr. Corinne Johnson at 333-6427; call soon, SAU has to register early!
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If you have any questions or suggestions please contact the editor of the SAU Theatre Department Newsletter, Megan O'Connell, at SAUTheatreNews@hotmail.com.

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