'Dog Sees God' opens 2008-09 theatre/dance season
Released: October 6, 2008
UW-Whitewater Theatre/Dance Department begins their 2008-09 Seasons with the edgy contemporary production, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, a darkly humorous “unauthorized parody” of the Peanuts gang as they experience the ups and downs of modern day high school life. Written by Bert V. Royal and directed by Jim Butchart, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead will perform on the Barnett Stage in the Greenhill Center of the Arts – October 7 through October 11 at 7:30pm. Audience Advisory: very strong language and adult subject matter. For tickets call 262-472-2222 or order online at http://tickets.uww.edu
On top of dealing with the death of his beloved dog from rabies, CB has to cope with the changes that are taking place in his life as he grows up. Now in high school, CB and his gang are faced with drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity. Written by Bert V. Royal and directed by Jim Butchart, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead is a darkly humorous play that is not for the young or faint of heart as we see that life can be amusing at times and poignant at others.
The language and subject matter is edgy, adult and may be offensive to some. Director Jim Butchart comments, “The play deals with: Sex, drugs, abortion, bullying, murder, and suicide from the point of view, and in the language of today’s high school students . . . when adults are not listening. My 15 year old son read the play and was not surprised or offended by the language or situations though he was surprised that an “Adult” would allow it to be put on stage.” He continues and explains, “The show is a comic parody that twists into some very serious events and topics. And one of the challenges is to keep the balance without tipping over into farce or melodrama.”
The production features a student cast including: David Franz (Waukesha, Wis), Saundra Montijo (Waterford, Wis.), Jason Rohn (Mukwonago, Wis.), John Lichtwalt (Antioch, Ill.), Chris Gonyo (Waukesha, Wis.), Amanda Franecki (Hartland, Wis.), Savannah Hardyman (Darlington, Wis.), Shantelle Szyper (Germantown, Wis.) as well as understudies Cole Nelson (Chippewa Falls, Wis), Sarah Bartow (Waupun, Wis.), Kaitlin King (Jefferson, Wis.) and Zach Kunde (Waukesha, Wis.). These students, many of whom are not that far out of high school, add greater depth to their characters. Saundra Montijo’s role as CB’s Sister is her senior project which is a degree requirement of the Bachelor of Fine Arts – Performance program.
The production team includes UW-Whitewater faculty members: Marshall Anderson, costume design and Stephen Chené, scenic design as well as students Louis M. Kreienkamp (Fitchburg, Wis.), light design; Cassy Schillo (Westmont, Ill.), sound design and Rebecca L. Ruge (Green Bay, Wis), stage manager.
Tickets are only $10 – General Public, Seniors (over 65) – $8, Under 18 – $5.50 and UW-W students with an ID – $4.50. Order your tickets now over the phone at (262) 472-2222 or in person at the Greenhill Center Box Office from 9:30 pm – 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
The 2008-09 Theatre/Dance season is sponsored by The Daily Jefferson County Union and The Whitewater Register.
The rest of the 2008-09 Season includes: Stuart Little on October 25 at 2:00 pm, The Rose Tattoo – December 2 – 7 at 7:30 pm, The Marriage of Figaro – February 22 at 2:00 pm and 24, 26 and 28 at 7:30 pm, DanceScapes ’09 – March 15 at 2 pm and March 16 and 17 at 7:30 pm and Macbeth – April 28 – May 2 at 7:30 pm. All performances are on the Barnett Theatre stage in the Greenhill Center of the Arts. Season tickets are available and are only $40 – General Public, Seniors (over 65) – $35, Under 18 – $24 and UW-W students with an ID – $18. Order your tickets now over the phone at (262) 472-2222 or in person at the Greenhill Center Box Office from 9:30 pm – 5 pm Monday through Friday. Season tickets are not available online. If you’ve already purchased your season tickets – your guest tickets will be mailed to you shortly.
The Theatre/Dance Department is dedicated to producing high quality, entertaining productions highlighting the talent of not only Theatre majors, but a myriad of other students as well. The department is designed to give students as much of real-world experience as is possible in a learning environment. The costumes, sets, and lights are often designed by students, thus giving the students an opportunity to apply their craft and gain experience. Every school year they produce six shows and another three every summer. To find additional information about the department, visit their Web site at academics.uww.edu/CAC/Theatre/Index.html
- Sarah Altermatt,altermas@uww.edu
