Snowy Range Summer Theatre Closes Season with Romantic Musical

July 5, 2012
Two people rehearsing scene
Nicole Lamartine and Larry Hensel rehearse a scene from “Romance/Romance,” which runs July 10-14 at 7:30 p.m. nightly in the UW Fine Arts Studio Theatre. (UW Photo)

A perfect offering for a summer night out and the last production of the 2012 Snowy Range Summer Theatre season, Tony-nominated tuner “Romance/Romance” pairs two distinctive one-act musicals to explore the roller coaster of love.

Produced by the University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance, and directed by faculty member Lee Hodgson, “Romance/Romance” runs July 10-14 at 7:30 p.m. nightly in the UW Fine Arts Studio Theatre.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students, seniors and children over 5. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. For tickets and information, call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts.

Written by Barry Harman and Keith Herrmann, “Romance/Romance” was an Off-Off-Broadway sensation that moved successfully to Broadway in 1988, going up against “The Phantom of the Opera” at the Tony Awards that year.

The musical’s two acts are set in vastly different times and places, but are linked by the common theme of love and a song that is performed in both.

The first act, set in late 19th century Vienna and based on Austrian writer Arthur Schnitzler's tale “The Little Comedy,” follows the whimsical affair between a well-off confirmed bachelor and a socialite -- both who are each secretly slumming. Wealthy playboy Alfred has tired of a seemingly endless round of inconsequential affairs. High-society player Josefine is weary of the lifestyle provided by her upper-class beaux. Bored and cynical, the two pose as paupers in search of a true love. They meet and fall for each other immediately. When their charade is revealed, they discover that what they were looking for was right in front of them the whole time.

The second act,  based on Jules Renard's 1898 play, “Le pain de ménage,” and updated to the late 1980s, is a modern look at affection and disaffection between two married couples sharing a summer house in the Hamptons. Best friends Sam and Monica have always had a platonic relationship but, when their mates Barb and Lenny retire early one summer evening, they find themselves gradually progressing from harmless flirtation to something possibly more serious.

The 2012 Snowy Range Summer Theatre production of “Romance/Romance” features UW Department of Music faculty members Larry. L. Hensel and Nicole Lamartine as the leads in both acts. Hensel is coordinator of the department’s vocal arts area and director of opera theatre, and founder of Opera in a Gym, a touring program for young audiences. Lamartine is the director of choral activities at the university.

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