Saint Mary’s students to stage drama ‘Pentecost’ Nov. 6-9

Art, religion, and politics collide in the Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre and Dance production of the complex British drama “Pentecost” Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 6-9.

Written by David Edgar and directed by Judy Myers, “Pentecost” tells the story of Gabrielle Pecs, a beautiful and passionate art curator in a small village in an unnamed Eastern European post-communist country. Gabrielle believes she has discovered something wonderful in an ancient, abandoned church near her country’s border. Realizing that a celebrated art historian from England is arriving in her country to give a talk, Gabrielle brings him face to face with what very well may be a work of art that will change the course of history.

This play contains adult language and adult situations. Patron discretion is advised.

Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 6-8, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, in Page Theatre.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the box office, 457-1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Saint Mary’s Page Series to present Curious George

There’ll be a lot of monkeying around as Theatreworks USA presents Curious George Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Saint Mary’s.

In this delightful new musical, the inquisitive, lovable little monkey Curious George, star of books, movies, and the award-winning PBS television show, works to help his friend win the world-famous Golden Meatball Contest in Rome.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and features a Page Series returning favorite, Theatreworks USA. Famous Theatreworks alumni include actor Henry Winkler, four-time Tony-winning director Jerry Zaks, two time-Tony Award winner Robert Lopez, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, John Glover, and many more. The theatre company’s goal is to continue doing what it has successfully accomplished for more than 50 years: giving America’s children their first thrilling day at the theatre.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Saint Mary’s Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Saint Mary’s Page Series to present Curious George

There’ll be a lot of monkeying around as Theatreworks USA presents Curious George Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Saint Mary’s.

In this delightful new musical, the inquisitive, lovable little monkey Curious George, star of books, movies and the award-winning PBS television show, works to help his friend win the world-famous Golden Meatball Contest in Rome.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and features a Page Series returning favorite, Theatreworks USA. Famous Theatreworks alumni include actor Henry Winkler, four-time Tony-winning director Jerry Zaks, two time-Tony Award winner Robert Lopez, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, John Glover and many more. The theatre company’s goal is to continue doing what it has successfully accomplished for more than 50 years: giving America’s children their first thrilling day at the theatre.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the Saint Mary’s Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Enjoy a Curious George read-aloud 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Winona Public Library; tickets to the Page Series performance on Oct. 7 will be given away.

Saint Mary’s students to stage ‘Rabbit Hole’ Sept. 25-28

The Saint Mary’s Department of Theatre and Dance will stage “Rabbit Hole” Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 25-28.

Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart. “Rabbit Hole” is a story of loss, honesty, compassion and wit during a time when a family tries to pick up the broken pieces to try to move forward with their daily lives.

This winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize, written by David Lindsay-Abaire and directed by Saint Mary’s senior theatre major Kathleen Bryant, confronts the emotions surrounding human loss and the unique, and at times hilarious, ways we cope with grief.

The show runs 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25-28 and 3 p.m. Sept. 27-28 in the Studio Theatre of Saint Mary’s Performance Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the box office, 507-457-1715, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Page Series offering brings graphic novel to life

Science-fiction, radio play drama, and a graphic novel combine to bring Robot Planet’s “Intergalactic Nemesis” to the Page stage Friday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m.

Using the sound effects of radio drama, super-sized projections of a graphic novel, a live keyboard player, and live actors playing various parts, the premise is simple: a period adventure story (with no small share of laughs) featuring Pulitzer-winning reporter Molly Sloan, her intrepid assistant Timmy Mendez, and a mysterious librarian named Ben Wilcott face the most serious threat Earth has ever known: an impending invasion of sludge monsters from the planet Zygon.

Appropriate for all ages, this show will have gamers, science fiction fans, radio drama fans, and people just looking for an entertaining evening of adventure and fun on the edge of their seats, shouting for more.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students and are available at the box office 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday through Friday at ext. 1715 or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Page Series offering brings graphic novel to life

Science-fiction, radio play drama, and a graphic novel combine to bring Robot Planet’s Intergalactic Nemesis to the Page stage Friday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m.

Using the sound effects of radio drama, super-sized projections of a graphic novel, a live keyboard player, and live actors playing various parts, the premise is simple: a period adventure story (with no small share of laughs) featuring Pulitzer-winning reporter Molly Sloan, her intrepid assistant Timmy Mendez, and a mysterious librarian named Ben Wilcott face the most serious threat Earth has ever known: an impending invasion of sludge monsters from the planet Zygon.

Appropriate for all ages, this show will have gamers, science fiction fans, radio drama fans, and people just looking for an entertaining evening of adventure and fun on the edge of their seats, shouting for more.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students and are available at the box office 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday through Friday at ext. 1715 or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Page Series offering brings graphic novel to life

Science-fiction, radio play drama, and a graphic novel combine to bring Robot Planet’s Intergalactic Nemesis to the Page stage Friday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Using the sound effects of radio drama, super-sized projections of a graphic novel, a live keyboard player, and live actors playing various parts, the premise is simple: a period adventure story (with no small share of laughs) featuring Pulitzer-winning reporter Molly Sloan, her intrepid assistant Timmy Mendez, and a mysterious librarian named Ben Wilcott face the most serious threat Earth has ever known: an impending invasion of sludge monsters from the planet Zygon.

Appropriate for all ages this show will have gamers, science fiction fans, radio drama fans, and people just looking for an entertaining evening of adventure and fun, on the edge of their seats, shouting for more.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students and are available at the box office 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday through Friday at (507) 457-1715 or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Page Series offering brings graphic novel to life

Science-fiction, radio play drama, and a graphic novel combine to bring Robot Planet’s Intergalactic Nemesis to the Page stage Friday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Using the sound effects of radio drama, super-sized projections of a graphic novel, a live keyboard player, and live actors playing various parts, the premise is simple: a period adventure story (with no small share of laughs) featuring Pulitzer-winning reporter Molly Sloan, her intrepid assistant Timmy Mendez, and a mysterious librarian named Ben Wilcott face the most serious threat Earth has ever known: an impending invasion of sludge monsters from the planet Zygon.

Appropriate for all ages this show will have gamers, science fiction fans, radio drama fans, and people just looking for an entertaining evening of adventure and fun, on the edge of their seats, shouting for more.

Tickets are $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students and are available at the box office 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday through Friday at (507) 457-1715 or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

HCO presents ‘Seussical’ in Page Theatre

Home and Community Options will present “Seussical” at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre. Performances are 7 p.m. June 13-14 and 16-17, and 5 p.m. Sunday, June 15. Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for seniors older than 62 and $8 for students. Call the box office at Ext. 1715 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or order online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Showcase Kaleidoscope is Sunday

The Department of Theatre and Dance will present Kaleidoscope on Sunday, May 4, at 3 p.m. in Page Theatre.  Kaleidoscope is a showcase of performances by the musical theatre workshop (Judy Myers, instructor and pianist) and dance composition course (Tammy Schmidt, instructor). The performance also showcases the designs of students in the lighting design course (Jason Underferth, instructor), and stage managers are provided by the stage management class (Tammy Honesty, instructor). Take Note!, Southeast Minnesota’s Showtune Choir, under the direction of Judy Myers, will also perform with the musical theatre workshop.  All are invited to attend.

Page Series event Jan. 28 brings favorite stories to life

Theatreworks USA will perform “Teacher From the Black Lagoon and Other Storybooks” Tuesday, Jan. 28, as part of the Page Series.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Introducing children to the wonderful world of live theatre is something Theatreworks USA knows about. For 50 years they have brought together some of the finest young talent and seasoned professionals to tour the country, bringing literature to life on stage.

This production is a new musical adaptation of seven story books including “The Teacher From The Black Lagoon,” “Dogzilla,” “Grumpy Bird,” “I Want My Hat Back,” “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse,” “Love Splat (Splat The Cat),” and “The Grasshopper And The Ant.” These classics are on every child’s must-read story list.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

A gathering at the Winona Public Library is planned for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. Everyone is invited to a reading of the seven storybooks to be featured in the Jan. 28 performance. Tickets to the Page Series performance will be given away.

Page Series event Jan. 28 brings favorite stories to life

Theatreworks USA will perform “Teacher From the Black Lagoon and Other Storybooks” Tuesday, Jan. 28, as part of the Page Series.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Introducing children to the wonderful world of live theatre is something Theatreworks USA knows about. For 50 years they have brought together some of the finest young talent and seasoned professionals to tour the country, bringing literature to life on stage.

This production is a new musical adaptation of seven story books including “The Teacher From The Black Lagoon,” “Dogzilla,” “Grumpy Bird,” “I Want My Hat Back,” “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse,” “Love Splat (Splat The Cat),” and “The Grasshopper And The Ant.” These classics are on every child’s must-read story list.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

A gathering at the Winona Public Library is planned for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. Everyone is invited to a reading of the seven storybooks to be featured in the Jan. 28 performance. Tickets to the Page Series performance will be given away.

Theatreworks USA to present ‘Peter Pan’ Nov. 14

Audience members of all ages will enjoy a unique retelling of the classic tale “Peter Pan” as Theatreworks USA takes the Page Theatre stage Thursday, Nov. 14.

This Page Series offering will begin at 6:30 p.m.

A story within a story, this version of “Peter Pan” is an adapted version of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale created by John Caird and Trevor Nunn. The performance begins with a group of children in turn-of-the-century London who use their imaginations — and some props from their room — to reenact the story of Peter Pan. This story empowers children to create their own world of make-believe. As the children fly to Neverland and escape the evil Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, they recognize the importance of friendship as well as the value of being part of a family.

Theatreworks USA often visits the Page stage; last season they performed “Bunnicula.” Since their founding in 1961, they have presented more than 90 million children and their families with opportunities to enjoy their theatrical productions in 49 states and Canada.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available at www.pagetheatre.org or at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Winona National Bank is also sponsoring this performance.

Theatre students perform in London

Saint Mary’s University theatre majors, under the direction of Dr. Gary Diomandes, are staging the tragic play, “The Triangle Factory Fire Project,” Oct. 22-26 at TARA Studio in London.

“1 CIGARETTE, 28 MINUTES, 148 DEAD”

On Saturday, March 25, 1911 at Triangle Waist Factory off downtown Manhattan's Washington Square, 500 immigrant workers from Poland, Russia and Italy are toiling 14-hour days making lady’s dresses. Suddenly, a cigarette is tossed into a bin of fabric scraps.

Despite desperate efforts, flames sweep through the eighth, ninth and 10th floors. Panic-stricken workers run in all directions. On the ninth floor, some make it to the fire escape, only to have it collapse beneath their weight. Others run to the exit door but find it locked—many, including the soon-to-be-married Margaret Schwartz, die with their hands on the doorknob. Dozens leap from the windows to their deaths, shocking the crowd of onlookers gathered below. And some, through bravery or sheer luck, make it out alive. In the space of 28 minutes, the fire is under control, but 146 people, mainly young immigrant girls, have died.

The Triangle Factory Fire Project uses eyewitness accounts, court transcripts and other archival material to create a dramatic moment-by-moment account of this historic fire and the social upheaval that followed. It culminates in the manslaughter trial of the owners, Isaac Harris and Max Blanck, whose shocking acquittal inspires new outrage across New York and the entire country, the repercussions of which shaped social, political and economic policies for decades to come. By using real words spoken by real people, from Ukrainian seamstresses to millionaire Fifth Avenue socialites, The Triangle Factory Fire Project paints a heartbreakingly clear picture of a disastrous day in American history and explores the human toll such a tragedy takes on us all.

Qualified theatre majors at Saint Mary’s are studying theatre in London, England, this semester through the Stefannié Valéncia Kierlin Theatre in London Program. Under the guidance of Saint Mary’s faculty, the program includes a variety of classes in theatre, as well as courses focusing on broader enrichment. Students have the unique opportunity to attend numerous performances at London’s West End, Off-West End, and Fringe theatres.

For more information, go to http://tara-arts.com/whats-on/the-triangle-factory-fire-project.

Page Series to bring classic fairy tales with twists to life

Young and old alike will enjoy the Griffin Theatre Company performance of “Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” Thursday, Oct. 3.

This Page Series production will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Jack has a problem. He’s successfully grown an enormous beanstalk, scaled to the top, and stolen a golden harp and gold-laying goose from the sleeping giant. Things get a bit sketchy when said giant wakes up. Find out how old, slightly warped, fairy tales come to his rescue.

Over the past 22 years, the Griffin Theatre Company of Chicago has provided a wide range of work including world and Midwest premieres of acclaimed scripts, critically lauded productions of Shakespeare and original adaptations of novels.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students and are available online at www.pagetheatre.org or at the SMU Box Office, Ext. 1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A “Gathering for Jack” will begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the Winona Public Library Children’s Room. Enjoy some tall tales and fabulous shorts, and take a chance at winning tickets to the Oct. 3 performance.

HCO presents ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ in Page Theatre

Home and Community Options will present “Fiddler on the Roof” at Saint Mary’s Page Theatre. Performances are 7 p.m. June 14-15 and 17-18, and 5 p.m. Sunday, June 16. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors older than 62 and $8 for students. Call the box office at Ext. 1715 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or order online at www.hco.org/Musical/FiddlerontheRoof.php.

Saint Mary’s announces next Page Series season

The 27th season of the Saint Mary’s University Page Series is once again filled with music, dance, theatre and family-friendly offerings from around the world! You don’t have to travel far for world-class entertainment. Season subscriptions go on sale June 19. Individual tickets go on sale Aug. 20.

Purchase tickets to three or more events to receive a 10 percent discount for new subscribers; returning 2012-13 subscribers receive 25 percent off the total order. Subscribers also have exchange privileges and guaranteed seating choice.

To order after June 19, go online to www.pagetheatre.org or call the box office, (507) 457-1715, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The 2013-2014 Page Series

• Thursday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m.
Second City Comedy: On Tour
Improv from America’s best
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
• Tuesday, Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m. 
Christopher O’Riley
NPR’s most famous pianist
Tickets: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students
• Thursday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m.
Stinky Cheese Man and Other Stories
A fun twist on family favorites
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students

• Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Susan Werner
Folksinger’s Hayseed Project
Tickets: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students
• Thursday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.
Peter Pan by Theatreworks USA
Neverland by our favorite company
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students

• Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.
River North Dance Chicago 

One of Chicago’s most physical dance ensembles
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students
• Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Doktor Kaboom
Mad science
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
• Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
The Travelin’ McCourys
Legendary sons of bluegrass
Tickets: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students
• Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Stories
Theatreworks USA Production
Tickets: $14 for adults, $6 for seniors and students
• Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
South African a capella legends
Tickets: $27 for adults, $24 for seniors and students

* PLEASE NOTE: Online orders will incur additional fees.

Student price includes ages 4 and older. $10 student rush tickets may be available for some events 20 minutes before curtain.

A limited number of $6 tickets will be available for 5- to 14-year-olds for the following shows: Christopher O’Riley, Susan Werner, River North Chicago Dance Company, The Travelin’ McCourys, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Page Series brings ‘The Gruffalo’ to life Feb. 27

Saint Mary’s Page Series is hosting the Tall Stories production of “The Gruffalo” 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in Page Theatre.

Children ages 4 and older (and their parents) will enjoy watching as Mouse goes on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark woods in this magical, musical adaptation of the Blue Peter award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

Mouse can scare hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined? Let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun.

Tall Stories, from London, England, was founded in 1996 by artistic directors Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell. The company has grown to become a highly acclaimed, internationally touring, not-for-profit organization. They present old, new and timeless stories in fresh and exciting ways, and their productions tour to theatres, community venues and schools in the UK, Europe, North America and Asia. Tall Stories aims to tell stories in a physical, visual style, and their performances link original music with movement and a lot of laughs.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for seniors and Ext. 1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or go online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Rockwell Kent play Feb. 8-10

Judy Myers, Department of Theatre and Dance, will direct Theatre du Mississippi’s presentation of “Angels in the Trees” Feb. 8-10 at the Historic Masonic Theatre as part of Winona’s Rockwell Kent Centennial Celebration.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9, and again at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. More information can be found at http://rockwellkentwinona.org/events/play.html. Tickets are $15, $7 for students and are available at brownpapertickets.com.

Myers to direct play about Rockwell Kent

Judy Myers, associate professor and chair of the  Department of Theatre and Dance, is serving as the director of “Angels in the Trees: Rockwell Kent in Winona,” a locally written and produced play about Rockwell Kent.

Theatre du Mississippi will present “Angels in the Trees” Feb. 8-10 at the Historic Masonic Theatre as part of Winona’s Rockwell Kent Centennial Celebration.

Kent came to Winona in 1912 as a liaison for a New York architect designing the Prentiss and Bell Briarcombe mansions.  An internationally known artist and illustrator, Kent is perhaps best known for his illustrations for “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” and “Moby Dick.”

Myers has worked with Theatre du Mississippi on numerous projects, and she has worked with developing playwrights in Chicago. “I really like working on new pieces; you have to take a new approach,” she said. She began collaborating with the play’s author, Lynn Nankivil, early in the writing process.

“Angels in the Trees,” Myers said, has a unique storyline because Kent was such a character. An adventurer and a philanderer, the artist’s time in Winona made for an interesting tale.

Myers said other highlights include old photos of Winona, which have been incorporated into the production, and stories about the other people in Winona who crossed paths with Kent.

The cast of 14 includes Vickie Cada’s (Development) son Colin (as a young Rockwell Kent), SMU student Keara Hannon as Kent’s wife Kathleen and Steve Bachler (Business Department) as Old Andrew. Additionally, Nancy Edstrom Bachler is serving as the music director.

“The best part has been getting to know these community actors and musicians and the collaboration that has occurred to tell Rockwell Kent’s interesting story,” Myers said.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 8-9, and again at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10. More information can be found at http://rockwellkentwinona.org/events/play.html. Tickets are $15, $7 for students and are available at brownpapertickets.com.