The Badger Herald: ArtsEtc.: University Theatre ‘sets sail’ with musical ‘Dames at Sea’

ArtsEtc.

University Theatre ‘sets sail’ with musical ‘Dames at Sea’

Drama department offers new students chance to get involved on campus

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Also by Tony Lewis:

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By Tony Lewis
Saturday, July 18, 2009 11:08 a.m.

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This summer, there is only one surefire spot in Madison for watching big boats and beautiful women while listening to great music —- and, surprisingly enough, it is not the Terrace. Indeed, if you are looking for some true nautical entertainment, look no further then “Dames at Sea,” the latest electrifying production from the creative minds at University Theatre.

A parody of large, flashy 1930s Busby Berkeley-style movie musicals, “Dames at Sea” is a lighthearted musical about a girl named Ruby who comes to New York with aspirations of becoming a big Broadway star. Along the way, she falls in love with a sailor named Dick and befriends Joan, a sassy chorus girl determined to help Ruby rise to stardom.

“The show’s style is very different from other productions,” said UW senior Katie Olsen, who stars as Joan in the show. “It is just very silly and fun. The moment you try to get too deep with the show, it starts losing its edge and sense of humor.”

As has become the norm for UT productions, “Dames at Sea” is a dazzling display of talented performers, imaginative scenery and show-stopping musical numbers. Complete with a brilliant blend of tap-dancing, soft-shoe numbers and lots of twirling umbrellas, the show is an endearing gem that is sure to please audiences of all ages.

However, “Dames at Sea,” however, is only the hors d’oeuvre to the UT’s exciting entrée of upcoming shows, which will begin in October with the opening of “The Revolt of the Beavers,” a family-friendly musical adaptation about bullying, environmental stewardship and teamwork. What makes University Theatre different from other companies in the surrounding area , though, is that they areit is willing to take on shows that other companies would not risk performing.

“As a university theater, I think our program tends to be a little broader,” said David Furumoto, the newly appointed Director of University Theatre. “I cannot think of any other theater company in town that would have this kind of variety on their plate right now. This season in particular is a very wide-ranging one.”

Shows in the upcoming season will range from the rarely performed Henrik Ibsen piece, “The Lady from the Sea,” to Stephen Sondheim’s popular fairy tale musical, “Into the Woods.” One production that Furumoto is especially thrilled about , though, is “Narukami —- The Thunder God,” a classic Kabuki performance featuring highly stylized dance and drama, exquisite costuming and comedy.

“Not to toot my own horn (laughs), but I am very excited to take on the challenge of directing a Kabuki play,” Furumoto said. “It is the first time in a long, long time here at Wisconsin that we have done something like this, so I want to give the audience as an authentic experience as possible.”

Yet,But putting on an engaging season for the people in the Madison community is only part of what University Theatre does. As the producing side of the Department of Theatre and Drama, UT also serves as a crucial educational tool.

“The performances being produced by us are almost like laboratories for our student actors, designers, directors and technicians,” Furumoto said. “It is here that students get a chance to practice what they are learning on campus and hone their craft.”

For this reason, University Theatre is a remarkable opportunity for incoming students who plan on majoring in theatre, as well as students who are interested in performing but are not quite sure if it is something they want to do fulltime. Although she had been performing in school and community theatre her entire life, Olsen came to UW as a marketing major but changed her mind once she started taking acting classes. at the university.

“The decision came when I realized that I would not be happy doing anything but theatre,” Olsen said. “I did not want to be in a cube all day. I mean there are ways to be creative in those fields and many other fields but not in the way that I wanted to be.”

Now an aActing sSpecialist in the department, Olsen encourages incoming students who are interested in theater to get involved with University Theatre in any way possible.

“I would just say go check it out and give it a try,” Olsen said. “Audition for something, try doing crew or even go get a ticket and see a show. There are many different ways to become inspired. My best advice is to go explore it and make time for it.”

Nonetheless, Olsen and Furumoto agree one of the best aspects of University Theatre is that you immediately become part of something that is truly special.

“I think we have a really great group of people here,” Furumoto said. “I have been constantly amazed at what our students come up with. Rather than going with safe things, people are trying different things and that is one of the great benefits of being here.”

Olsen addedsaid, “You cannot find a nicer group of people. We have great directors and people who are really interested in their students and care about fostering artistic abilities.”

All in all, University Theatre has a little bit of everything for everyone, no matter whether you want to become actively involved with the program or just want to sit down and watch a spectacular show.

“We have a saying in Hawaii, ‘E Komo Mai,’ which means, ‘Come in, the house is yours,’” said Furumoto, who originally hails from the island state. “We invite everyone to please come and join us in our house.”

“Dames at Sea” runs through July 26 at Mitchell Theater. Visit www.utmadison.com for tickets or for more information about University Theatre and its upcoming season.