The War of the Worlds (September 26 - October 11, 2008)

by Howard Koch, adapted from the H.G. Wells’ novel

Directed by Tony Simotes

Mitchell Theatre September 26 ,27 and October 3,10, 11 at 7:30 pm

October 4 at 8 pm

October 5 at 2 pm

In October 1938, millions of American radio listeners tuned in to Orson Welles’ seemingly factual chronicle of a Martian invasion of Grovers Mill, New Jersey. It would become one of the most celebrated media events of the century and make a star of its young director. University Theatre marks the seventieth anniversary of the legendary broadcast with a “radio performance” of the horrifying events that sent a nation into panic and demonstrated the power of electronic media.

Produced in cooperation with Wisconsin Public Radio.

Live broadcast at 8 pm on October 4 on WPR

Post performance discussion on October 3

Click here for tickets

The Love of the Nightingale (October 17 - November 1, 2008)

by Timberlake Wertenbaker

Directed by Talish Barrow

Hemsley Theatre October 17,18,23-25, 30,31 and November 1 at 7:30 pm

October 26 at 2 pm

A lonely queen sends her husband to retrieve her sister from faraway Athens, an ill-fated trip that results in betrayal and violence. Timberlake Wertenbaker’s retelling of the Ancient Greek myth of the rape of Philomela, this powerful drama tells of sisterly love, revenge and the consequences of enforced silence.

Post performance discussion on October 23, 2008

Click here for tickets

The Merry Widow (October 24 - 28, 2008)

By Franz Lehár

English version by Ted and Deena Puffer

Sheri Williams Pannell, Director

James Smith, Conductor

William Farlow, Choreographer

UW Symphony Orchestra

A collaboration with UW Madison’s University Opera

Carol Rennebohm Auditorium Music Hall

October 24, 28 at 7:30pm October 26, at 3:00pm

Franz Lehar’s delightful Viennese operetta swept the United States in the early twentieth century with a succession of show-stopping favorites. Full of cabaret dancers, marches and the spectacular Merry Widow Waltz, it was considered bold and risqué and has now become the gold standard by which other similar works are judged. University Opera is delighted to bring this timeless classic back after an absence of 25 years and honored to showcase Sheri Williams Pannell in her University Opera debut. Let the waltzing begin!

University Opera gratefully acknowledges the support of the Dara Elizabeth Welty Memorial Fund for making this production possible.

The Greeks (November 7 - 23, 2008)

by John Barton and Kenneth Cavender

Adapted from works by Euripides and Homer

The Playhouse – Overture Center for the Arts

Produced in partnership with the Madison Repertory Theatre

November 7, 12,13,14,19,20,21 at 7:30 pm

November 8, 15, 22 at 4 pm and 8 pm

November 9,16,23 at 2 pm

What is the aftermath of war and how does it affect the people left behind? This adaptation of three Greek stories is vibrant, bloody, sexy, provocative and poetic. The Greeks was first adapted for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Tickets for The Greeks are available through the Overture Center box office.  608-258-4141 or online at www.overturecenter.com

Sponsored by Associated Bank

Post performance discussion on November 19

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (February 27 - March 14, 2009)

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Norma Saldivar

Mitchell Theatre

February 27, 28 and March 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 pm

March 8 at 2 pm

We’ve set Shakespeare’s magical world of royalty and lovers in the heat and steam of a Caribbean jungle. This comedy will dazzle and delight all your senses and leave you yearning for more!

Post performance discussion on March 5

Click here for tickets

Falling Girls (March 28-April 11, 2009)

By Moniek Merkx

Translated & Directed by Manon van de Water

Hemsley Theatre March 28,29 and April 4 at 2 pm

“Real beauty is most of the time invisible.” This tale of three girls and their drawings, musings and adventures in the desert is a non-traditional exploration of imagination and creativity. All ages will enjoy this new translation from the internationally renowned Dutch playwright.

(Theatre for Youth production- appropriate for ages 4 and up)

Click here for tickets

HAIR (April 17-May 2, 2009)

Book and lyrics by Gerone Ragni & James Rado

Music by Galt MacDermot

Directed by André De Shields

Mitchell Theatre April 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and May 1, 2 at 7:30 pm

April 19, 26 at 2 pm

Recapture the spirit and energy of the 1960s with this reincarnation of the iconoclastic “American Tribal Love Rock Musical” directed by UW alum and two-time Tony Award nominee André De Shields. With equal parts humor, rebellion and unquenchable optimism, Hair is an exhilarating tumble into the ideals that shaped a generation.

Co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Union Theater This production is made possible, in part, by a grant from the H .Douglas and Elizabeth B. Weaver Fund for the Performing Arts.

Post performance discussion April 23

Click here for tickets