Nov. 7, 2024
Contact Benjamin Gonzales at 608-796-3791 or bmgonzales@viterbo.edu
VITERBO UNIVERSITY CONSERVATORY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS TO PRESENT ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD AT THE WEBER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS NOV. 15–17
LA CROSSE, Wis. – Experience the existential hilarity as two of William Shakespeare’s iconic characters from Hamlet embark on a journey through life’s big questions with humor and wit in the Viterbo University Conservatory for the Performing Arts production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Friday, Nov. 15–Sunday, Nov. 17 in the Weber Center for the Performing Arts Lyche Theatre.
Written by Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is an absurdist tragicomedy that takes place parallel to Hamlet, with brief intersections with scenes from the iconic Shakespeare play. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern express their confusion at the progress of events occurring onstage without them, and of which they have no direct knowledge. The play seamlessly blends philosophy and farce to deliver a thought-provoking yet very funny exploration of fate, free will, and the absurdity of existence.
“First and foremost, the play is a comedy on many different levels—wit, physical comedy, and theatrical inside jokes,” said Benjamin Gonzales, the Viterbo faculty member directing the production. “It’s a modern classic written in the 1960s that is extremely accessible and brings together many different types of audience members to laugh, think, and connect the notes in this symphony of a play.”
This Viterbo production stars students Jess Schneider as Rosencrantz and Vera Shipley as Guildenstern. The production team includes student assistant director Ashlyn Cox, costume designer Braeden Jackson, and stage manager Alli Austin.
“From top to bottom, the work of our incredibly talented students on this production has been extremely impressive and professional grade,” Gonzales said. “I invite people to attend multiple performances. I’ve been involved with this play more than a dozen times during my career, and each time I discover a new layer, double entendre, or joke.”
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is a humorous exploration of life, free will, and the nature of reality. It includes portrayals of death, violence, and language that may be considered inappropriate for younger audience members.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15–16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17. Tickets are $28, plus taxes and fees. For more information or to order tickets, contact the Viterbo box office at 608-796-3100 or visit www.viterbo.edu/tickets.
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