2016 full brochure

NON PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDWISC RAPIDS WI

54494PERMIT NO. 31

Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre, Inc220 3rd Avenue South, Ste #6Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495715-421-0435www.wrctheatre.org

Tickets are $25 each in advance, $35 at the door • Call 715-421-0435 to reserve yours today!

The festival wraps up with high spirited festivities! A feast of international cuisine, special festival drinks,

entertainment by the exciting The Eclectic String Quintet, dancing in the Studio Disco, raffles galore, and an evening of unparalleled fun! Come with a date, come with a group, or come on your own –

come all dressed up, come in costume, or come as you are…. Just bring along your pARTy spirit!

Wisconsin Arts Board I Renaissance Learning, Inc. I U.S. Bank Foundation I Wisconsin Humanities Councilincourage Community Foundation I Hotel Mead I Tara Center Stevens Point

Aspirus I Bell Foundation I HoChunk I Solarus

Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Anonymous I Atrium Care I Bull’s Eye Credit Union I Corenso I Duncan Disability I Erco WorldwideHerman-Taylor Funeral Home I LaChapelle, Kryshak & Nettesheim, LLP I River Cities Bank I Venus Gentlemen’s Club

Wisconsin River Orthopaedics I Nekoosa Port Edwards State Bank

FESTIVAL MAIN PARTNER

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

FESTIVAL MAIN SPONSORS

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Home BrewPress

McMillanMemorial Library

SWC HistoricalMuseum

Central WisconsinCultural Center

RCCA MediaRCCA Media

WISCONSIN RAPIDS

INC.

COMMUNITYTHEATRE

Get Your Tickets Today!Call 715-421-0435 or Email [email protected]

For more information go to wrctheatre.org/artigras

MARCH 10-192016

MARCH 10-192016

South WoodCounty

HistoricalMuseum

LeonSchmidt, Jr.

Germany 1916: Art + War

TobiasBarske

RichardRuppel

Por Piedad Teatro

The UWSP Opera Club was formed just over five years ago to provide opportunities for people to experience opera. It is open to any student who has an interest in an honest dialogue and participation in the operatic world.

Internationally acclaimed variety entertainer Timothy Noel Tegge reinvents classic vaudeville, blending magic and illusions, ventriloquism, theatrical clowning, and stand-up comedy with a fresh look and sound for today! There is no other show like it in the U.S. and Canada.

ARTi Gras performance held atWisconsin Rapids CommunityTheatre auditorium

Inspired by Ettore Scola's 1977 Oscar-winning film, “Una Giornata Particolare,” two actors explore the life-changing

encounter between an overworked housewife and a mysterious bachelor, set against the backdrop of rising fascism on the day of Hitler’s 1938 visit to Mussolini's Italy.

The WRCT Stage Hams will tickle your funny bone with their audience participation improv. Bring a hearty sense of humor and laugh the night away.

Ana Graham & Antonio Vegain Working on a Special Day

UWSP Musical Theatre

MadisonComicsMadisonComics

Fringe Spotlight This year, ARTi Gras imports two flawless productions that won critical acclaim at the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival and beyond. Be the first in the U.S. to see Flabbergast Theatre!

WI Poet Laureate - Bruce Detlefsen

The Origins of Boris & Sergey

A magical and comical children’s puppet theatre show. Two mischievous puppets take you on a journey from their humble beginnings as they discover the world. Will brotherly love win out over sibling rivalry? Children and adults alike will delight in the charm and wit of the irrepressible Boris and Sergey. Afterwards, enjoy milk and cookies

with Boris and Sergey as they greet the audience and sign autographs. Suitable for children ages 4-8 and adults of all ages.

Boris & Sergey’sVaudevillian Adventures

Six puppeteers and two leather puppets create an uproariously entertaining evening starring Boris and Sergey, the Balkan Bad Boys of Puppetry. This cheeky and clever show combines audience

participation, rude humor, and high voltage energy. “Two foul-mouthed puppets make for a perfect evening of dark, surreal comedy.” The perfect show for Millennials and hipsters who like their humor deliciously twisted. Recommended for adults only.

Retirement Community of Nekoosa

TomMetcalf

Blue Monday Band

McMillanMemorial

Library

Currently touring as the John Jorgenson Quintet, Jorgenson creates a unique musical experience that equally enthralls the most discerning and the casual music fan. The group’s style has been called “gypsy jazz” after the

dynamic string-driven swing created by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli in 1930s Paris, but Jorgenson’s compositions draw in elements from Latin, Romanian, Classical, Rock and Greek music, so “21st Century World Music” is perhaps a more apt description.

Harp Concert and Tea Reception

featuring Sue Popelka

America’s favorite housewife columnist is fondly recalled in this selection of some of her wittiest, funniest observations. Performed by Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre’s popular Silver Foxes. Stay after the show to meet the actors and enjoy afternoon refreshments.

Friday, March 11to Friday, April 29

"Local Vision"Juried Annual

Central WisconsinAll-Media Exhibit

Silver Foxes: A Tribute to Erma Bombeck

RCCA MediaRCCA Media

RIVER CITIES COMMUNITY ACCESS MEDIAProvides a medium for information, promotion

and entertainment through video servingthe Wisconsin Rapids community.

Watch past local events filmed at the Wisconsin RapidsCommunity Theater & Cultural Center during ARTi Gras

March 11- 19, 2016

Solarus Ch. 3 HD - Charter Ch. 985 - rccamedia.org

March 11: 9:30 am & 2:30 pm

March 12: 11 am, 1 pm, 8:30 pm & 10:30 pm

March 14: 11 am, 6 pm & 10 pm

March 17: 9 pm & 11 pm

March 18: 9:30 am & 2:30 pm

March 19: 11 am & 2 pm

(715) 423-0441

WISCONSIN RAPIDSCOMMUNITY THEATRE, INC.

SILVER FOXES

S tage amsHWRCT

Foreign Film Festival

Pete Revelle

4 on the floor

WISCONSIN RAPIDS

INC.

COMMUNITYTHEATRE

EVENTS

Last year’s poetry slam was a big hit! Bring your own work and compete for cash prizes or come for the entertainment and beignets!

PERFORMANCES - in green SPECIAL EVENTS - in red

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

7 P.M. Opening Concert and Champagne Reception “A Night at the Opera”

Presented in partnership with the Arts Council. The UWSP Opera Club presents an evening of arias and duets featuring highlights from some of the world’s most beloved operas. Sure to delight your inner diva! WRCT Auditorium - $20

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

5:30 P.M. Local Vision 2016 Opening ReceptionCentral Wisconsin mixed media arts on display. Meet the artists over wine and appetizers.

Central Wisconsin Cultural Center - Free

7 P.M. John Jorgenson Bluegrass BandGrammy winner John Jorgenson returns to Wisconsin Rapids with his four-piece bluegrass band for a night of toe-tapping music. Sponsored by the Mead Witter Foundation.

McMillan Library - Free

8 P.M. “The Vaudevillian Adventures of Boris and Sergey”After their successes in Australia and Europe, England’s favorite leather puppets are ready to conquer America! “Profanely hilarious!” For discerningly twisted adult audiences. Meet the cast behind Boris and Sergey at the after party revelry.

WRCT Studio Theatre - Show and after party $15

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

11 A.M. “The Origins of Boris and Sergey”Puppet theatre for children, parents, and the young at heart. Post-show autograph session with the puppets (and puppeteers) along with milk and cookies. Sponsored by Members Advantage.

WRCT Auditorium - $5 children/$10 adults

2 P.M. Silver Foxes: A Tribute to Erma BombeckAmerica’s favorite housewife columnist is fondly recalled in this selection of some of her wittiest, funniest observations. Performed by Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre’s popular Silver Foxes. Stay after the show to meet the actors and enjoy afternoon refreshments. WRCT Auditorium - $10

7 P.M. WRCT Improv NightThe WRCT Stage Hams are back! Audience participation and general zaniness make this show a laugh a minute. Drinks available for purchase. WRCT Studio - $5

8:30 P.M. “The Vaudevillian Adventures of Boris and Sergey”After their successes in Australia and Europe, England’s favorite leather puppets are ready to conquer America! “Profanely hilarious!” For discerningly twisted adult audiences. Meet the cast behind Boris and Sergey at the show. Drinks available for purchase. Sponsored by Surgical Associates of Wisconsin Rapids. WRCT Studio Theatre - $10

The International Fringe Festival comes to ARTi Gras!

This year, ARTi Gras hosts two award-winning international companies that burst onto the scene at the world-renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Want to see what’s thrilling international audiences? Get your tickets to the puppet comedy of Flabbergast Theatre from England and the creative imagination of the award-winning play “Working on a Special Day” by Mexico’s Por Piedad Teatro.

Want to add a little more international spice to your life? Check out the two critically acclaimed foreign films at McMillan Library, or head to the Historical Museum of South Wood County for a panel commemorating the centennial of WWI and how it affected German arts and culture.

If music be the food of your love, catch one or more of our many concerts. Opera, blues, harp, musical theatre, mariachi, bluegrass,

new wave, and old favorite piano tunes – playing all around the tri-city area.

Families and kids? Check out magical children’s puppet show, or the magic show designed for family

viewing. Comedy? There’s improv and stand-up comics, and Flabbergast Theatre.

Did someone ask for theatre? We’ve got it. WRCT serves up comedy, romance, and drama. And of

course, you won’t want to miss our guest artists, Flabbergast Theatre and Por Piedad Teatro.

In a class all its own, the ARTi Gras Poetry Slam returns for a second year! All poets are invited to bring a poem, or bring

your own team to cheer you on. And for our stay-at-home audience, River City Community Access TV will make sure you

can enjoy the arts in your own home.

And the grand finale: ARTi Party! Our celebration on the festival closing night, with entertainment, special guests, dancing, raffles, gift bags (yes!!) and lots of creative culinary treats, along with the festival’s selection of special drinks!

ARTi Gras is back for the third year, bigger and

better than ever. With so many choices, how will

you make the most of these 10 days of arts

and entertainment? We’ve got suggestions

for everyone, based on your interests,

your age, and your pocket book.

WoodTrust-BellFoundation

Anonymous

FESTIVAL MAINSPONSORS

FESTIVALSPONSORS

Herman-TaylorFuneral Home & Cremation Center LA CHAPELLE, KRYSHAK & NETTESHEIM, LP

CREDIT UNION

RIVER CITIES BANKYour Community Bank

NEKOOSA PORT EDWARDSSTATE BANK

FESTIVAL PARTNERS

Tara Center LLC

FESTIVAL MAIN PARTNER

AtriumHealthand Senior Living

Central WI Cultural Center

McMillan Memorial Library

South Wood Co. Historical Museum

Hollyrock’s

Venues in Wisconsin Rapids Venues in Wisconsin Rapids

ALEXANDER HOUSE Port Edwards, WI ALEXANDER HOUSE Port Edwards, WI

NEKOOSA RETIREMENT CENTER Nekoosa, WI NEKOOSA RETIREMENT CENTER Nekoosa, WI

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

ARTi Gras 2016 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

PERFORMANCES - in green SPECIAL EVENTS - in red

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

10 A.M. Harp Concert and Morning Coffee with Sue Popelka

Sue Popelka has been charming area music lovers with her accomplished harp playing. The gracious atmosphere of the Alexander House in Port Edwards is the perfect setting to enjoy the lovely sounds of the harp, along with morning coffee and pastries. Sponsored by Paul Gross Jewelers. Alexander House - Free

10 - 3 P.M. WWI ExhibitA WWI centennial exhibit of German posters and memorabilia.

South Wood County Historical Museum - Free

1:30 P.M. Blue Monday BandThe best in blues performed by top area musicians. A high energy show sure to get your feet tapping and your hands clapping! Refresh-ments following the performance. Sponsored by the City of Nekoosa.

Retirement Community of Nekoosa - Free

7 P.M. “Working on a Special Day” by Por Piedad Teatro

Por Piedad Teatro of Mexico City brings its award-winning play. Set in Rome during WWII, the production uses uniquely creative staging in this tale about housewife and a journalist who meet by chance on the day of Hitler and Mussoli-ni’s parade through the streets of Rome. Laugh-ter, romance, drama, and a pair of performances that won the two top prizes of the Prague Fringe Festival. Drinks available for purchase. Sponsored by Timeless Quality Imaging.

WRCT Studio Theatre - $10

8:30 P.M. Musical Theatre NightStudents from the UWSP professional musical theatre program present an evening of musical theatre highlights. See the stars of tomorrow on the WRCT stage with special guest star, Joel Goodness! Drinks available for purchase.

WRCT Auditorium - $10

THURSDAY, MARCH 17



1:30 P.M. “Love Letters” by A.R. GurneyWisconsin Rapids Community Theatre actors Jody Steinke and Michael Barrett return with their outstanding production of A.R. Gurney’s touching and amusing story of a life-long friendship and romance told through 50 years of letters. Meet the cast over refreshments after the show. Sponsored by Ritchay Funeral Home.


THURSDAY, MARCH 17 (CONT.)


Por Piedad Teatro of Mexico City brings its award-winning play. Set in Rome during WWII, the production uses uniquely creative staging in this tale about housewife and a journalist who meet by chance on the day of Hitler and Mussoli-ni’s parade through the streets of Rome. Laugh-ter, romance, drama, and a pair of performances that won the two top prizes of the Prague Fringe Festival. Drinks available for purchase.

Sponsored by Buena Vista Investment Management. WRCT Studio Theatre - $10

8:30 P.M. Comedy Show Laugh along with four of Madison’s top comics,

headliner Nick Hart, Eve Crutcher, Marty Clarke and host Anthony Siraguse. Beer and wine available for purchase.

WRCT Auditorium - $10

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

1:30 P.M. Silver Foxes: A Tribute to Erma BombeckAmerica’s favorite housewife columnist is fondly recalled in this selection of some of her wittiest, funniest observations. Performed by Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre’s popular Silver Foxes. Stay after the show to meet the actors and enjoy afternoon refreshments.


7 P.M. Timothy Tegge Magic ShowMagic and comedy make an irresistible combina-tion in this family friendly show for all ages!

Sponsored by Mike O’Leary DDS. WRCT Auditorium - $10

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

1 P.M. Germany 1916: Art + WarProfessor emeritus Richard Ruppel, UWSP Department Chairman Tobias Barske, and German historical and military expert Leon Schmidt, Jr., explore the relationship between art and war in Germany in this WWI centennial presentation. A display of WWI German posters and memorabilia accompany the panel discussion. After the discus-sion, enjoy coffee and strudel and meet our experts.


6:30 P.M. - ? ARTi pARTy: Around the World in 80 Bites!The festival wraps up with high spirited festivities! A feast of international cuisine, special festival drinks, entertainment by the exciting The Eclectic String Quintet, dancing in the Studio Disco, raffles galore, and an evening of unparalleled fun! Come with a date, come with a group, or come on your own – come all dressed up, come in costume, or come as you are!

Centralia Center/WRCT Auditorium/WRCT Studio - $25 in advance, $35 at the door

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

11 - 2 P.M. Poetry Slam Wisconsin Poet Laureate Bruce Dethlefsen

returns for the second annual Poetry Slam. Join in the competition or enjoy the poets over New Orleans style coffee and beignets, along with our special comedy guests, Boris and Sergey of Flabbergast Theatre. Competitions for student and adult poets with cash awards.

Sponsored by Wisconsin Fellowship of Poets and Home Brew Press. WRCT Studio Theatre - $5

1:30 P.M. The Guitar Stylings of Tom MetcalfFormer New York Yankees major league baseball pitcher Tom Metcalf is a man of many talents. Join Tom for an afternoon of mellow songs and guitar strumming, accompanied by his home-run personality! Stay after the show to meet Tom over coffee and cookies.


2 P.M. “The Gin Game” by D.L. Coburn The winner of the 1978 Pulitzer Prize, recently

revived on Broadway, uses a card game between two residents of a retirement home as a metaphor for life. A Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre production starring Bev Ross and Gregory Valentine. Join Bev and Greg for a gin and tonic after the show! Sponsored by Becker & Kumm CPA. WRCT Auditorium - $10

4 - 7 P.M. Bunraku Puppetry Workshop Flabbergast Theatre takes you through the basics

of Bunraku puppetry, an art that finds its origins in Japan, with three people manipulating each puppet. The workshop starts with puppetry exercises and group work, then moves on to object manipulation and short improvisations. Space is limited, and advance registration is strongly recommended. Appropriate for ages 12 through adult. WRCT Studio Theatre - $15

MONDAY, MARCH 14

11 A.M. Foreign Film Special Program 1:An Oscar-nominated French drama and romance about a Christmas truce set in the trenches during WWI.

McMillan Library Fine Arts Center - Free

1:30 P.M. Foreign Film Special Program 2:Argentina’s Oscar-nominated black comedy about the delicious nastiness of revenge.


1:30 P.M. Pete Revelle Sing-alongProfessional piano bar musician Pete Revelle presents a high-energy show of your favorite tunes and plenty of laughs, too. Stick around after the show to share refreshments and a joke or a memory with Pete.


MONDAY, MARCH 14 (CONT.)

4:30 P.M. Foreign Film Special Program 1:An Oscar-nominated French drama and romance about a Christmas truce set in the trenches during WWI.


7 P.M. Foreign Film Special Program 2:Argentina’s Oscar-nominated black comedy about the delicious nastiness of revenge.


7 P.M. Blue Monday BandThe best in blues performed by top area musicians. A high energy show sure to get your feet tapping and your hands clapping, with special guest Dennis Provisor of The Grass Roots.

Hollyrocks Bar - Free admission

TUESDAY, MARCH 15



1 P.M. 4 on the Floor Join “4 on the Floor” for some great music,

merriment and fun banter. Requests taken seriously - bet you can’t stump these guys.

Central Wisconsin Cultural Center - Free

1:30 P.M. “The Gin Game” by D.L. Coburn The winner of the 1978 Pulitzer Prize, recently

revived on Broadway, uses a card game between two residents of a retirement home as a metaphor for life. A Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre production starring Bev Ross and Gregory Valentine. Followed by refreshments and a chat with the cast.



Por Piedad Teatro of Mexico City brings its award-winning play. Set in Rome during WWII, the production uses uniquely creative staging in this tale about housewife and a journalist who meet by chance on the day of Hitler and Mussoli-ni’s parade through the streets of Rome. Laugh-ter, romance, drama, and a pair of performances that won the two top prizes of the Prague Fringe Festival. The special opening night show will be followed by a fiesta with refreshments and a mariachi band! Get your tickets early for this festival highlight! Sponsored by American Family Insurance.

WRCT Studio Theatre - $15

2016 full brochure

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