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Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


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UW Snowy Range Summer Theatre Prepares for 63rd Season

man and woman standing face to face and hugging
Lynne and Pete Simpson starred in the 2015 Snowy Range Summer Theatre production of “On Golden Pond.” This summer’s schedule begins June 14-18 with Keith Reddin’s “The Missionary Position.” (Don Turner Photo)

A high-spirited season is expected for the 2016 Snowy Range Summer Theatre, featuring a comedy about the back-room dealings on the presidential campaign trail, a revival of a beloved Broadway musical, and a classic family tale about a reconciliation and reconnection.

The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance’s 63rd summer theatre season opens June 14-18 with Keith Reddin’s “The Missionary Position,” followed June 28-July 2 by Steven Schwartz’s “Godspell” and closing July 12-16 with Neil Simon’s comedy “I Ought to be in Pictures.”

All performances will be at 7:30 p.m. in the UW Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts Thrust Theater.

Tickets cost $10 for the public, and $7 for students, senior citizens and children age 5 and older. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people. For tickets and information, call (307) 766-6666, go online at www.uwyo.edu/finearts, or visit the Performing Arts box office or the Wyoming Union information desk.

Pragmatism and piety collide in the summer season opener “The Missionary Position,” a timely political comedy set during a presidential primary. Amid a backdrop of banal hotel rooms in cities from Houston to Detroit, Roger, an influential operative of a Christian organization, does battle with Neil, a cynical, no-holds-barred campaign manager, for the soul of an unseen presidential front-runner. In the mix is Julie, a wealthy donor who dreams of running for office herself.

Directed by UW Department of Theatre and Dance Assistant Professor Patrick Konesko, “The Missionary Position” uses biting humor to expose the hypocrisy inherent in today's politics. The production contains instances of language that some may find objectionable.

“Godspell,” Schwartz’s groundbreaking, energetic musical based on the Gospel of St. Matthew, is a celebration of worldwide community, filled with popular hit songs and irresistible goodwill.

“Godspell” is among the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway production successes of all time, receiving a 1972 Grammy Award for Best Score from an Original Cast Show Album, and a 1977 Tony nomination for Best Original Score.

Popular tunes such as the international hit “Day by Day,” “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side” share parables about the life of Jesus, with messages of kindness, tolerance and love.

Directed by UW Department of Theatre and Dance Chair Leigh Selting, the 2012 revival is a retelling of the original sensation, injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements. This family-friendly show is a perpetual favorite.

Closing the 2016 Snowy Range Summer Theatre season is Simon’s classic father-daughter comedy “I Ought to be in Pictures.” Set in 1980, struggling Hollywood screenwriter Herbert Tucker is surprised when his forgotten past reappears in the form of Libby, a teenage daughter who has trekked from Brooklyn with dreams of movie stardom. With Steffy, his sometime girlfriend at his side, Herb decides to take another stab at fatherhood and hopefully, this time, get it right.

Directed by Kevin Inouye, UW theatre and dance assistant professor, the play is poignant and amusing. “I Ought to be in Pictures” paints a dysfunctional family relationship with hilarity, honesty and heart.

For more information about the summer schedule, contact Kathy Kirkaldie, UW Fine Arts coordinator, at (307) 766-2160 or email kirsik@uwyo.edu, or visit the website at www.uwyo.edu/thd/whats-playing/snowy-range-festival/summer%20theatre.html.

 

 

Contact Us

Institutional Communications
Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


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