Life imitates art in ‘Magic Time’
For Hub City Times
MARSHFIELD — Go behind the curtain to see what happens when the audience is not watching in “Magic Time,” presented by UW-Marshfield/Wood County’s Campus Community Players Nov. 9-11 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. in the Helen Connor Laird Theater.
“Magic Time,” written by James Sherman, is a backstage comedy about a troupe of actors preparing for its last performance of “Hamlet.” A common theme throughout is the challenge to find balance between love for work and love for life and others in the entertainment industry.
“As someone who has spent most of my adult life employed in the world of theater, a precarious occupation for anyone who makes that commitment, the challenges that face the characters are those that I have witnessed and can sympathize with, and I would like our audiences to contemplate those experiences as well,” said Damian Ernest, director and assistant professor of communications and theatre arts.
The play-within-a-play format of “Magic Time” also brings portions of “Hamlet” to stage as the audience sees how the actors’ lives echo the struggles of their characters’ experiences.
“The play also requires that the director have a better-than-rudimentary understanding of Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ and a familiarity with swordplay, and I have had a lot of exposure to both. It’s been great to re-engage with Shakespeare in these ways,” Ernest said.
The cast brings together theater veterans and newcomers. Chad Breitzke (Larry), Greg Jackan (Scott), Roxie Wetterau (Ann), Joshua Carr (David), and Carly Rhyner (Laurie) have performed on the Helen Connor Laird Theater stage before. Edgar Ausbourne (Alan) is an experienced community theater actor but a newcomer to the Campus Community Players. Students Cassius Griesbach (Chris) and Montana Smith (Joan) are making their acting debuts on campus after working backstage many times in the past. Roiya Meyer, a new freshman, is an assistant director and the house manager.
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at msftickets.uwc.edu or by calling the campus box office at 715-389-6534. Box office hours during the week of the production are each day 4:30-6:30 p.m. or until show time and for the Sunday matinee from noon to 2 p.m.
This production is sponsored by the Laird Fund for the Arts.
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