UW-Whitewater Theatre/Dance Department presents a spine-tingling thriller, Angel Street (Gaslight), written by Patrick Hamilton and directed by Kymberly Mellen May 1-4 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on May 1 at 10:00 a.m. and May 5 at 2:00 p.m. in Barnett Theatre. Angel Street is one of the greatest thrillers ever written and pulls back the curtain on the suavely handsome Jack Manningham who has slowly been driving his devoted wife Bella to the edge of insanity with seemingly overt kindness and concern. Tickets are on sale: General Admission $12, Over 65 $10, Under 18 $7.50, and UW-W students with valid ID $5.50. Tickets can be purchased by calling (262) 472-2222, online at tickets.uww.edu or visiting the box office with two locations, Greenhill Center of the Arts, 950 W. Main Street or the James R. Connor University Center Ticket and Information desk, hours are M-F 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. * Be advised, this play contains themes of abuse.

The director Kymberly Mellen has this to say about what makes this play relevant today. “The play’s premise and depiction of gaslighting were powerful enough to coin a term used commonly today. If we do our job right as contemporary story-tellers, this play, set in 1880, may remind you of 2019 relationships and people you know. Perhaps you have interacted with individuals so practiced in their gaslighting techniques that you have doubted their capacity for damage until it was too late.”  

“Why here? Why now? Because there are still relationships and marriages where psychological gaslighting makes people doubt their own reality, turning the fingers of shame and blame towards themselves. Angel Street is a vigorous narrative of finding one’s own power through the unexpected efforts and kindness of strangers. It is my hope that after seeing Jack’s tactics laid bare, we will be inspired by Bella’s recovery and courage.”

The cast includes: Simon McGhee as Mr. Jack Manningham with understudy Steven Kornkven, Carlee Wuchterl as Mrs. Bella Manningham with understudy Samantha Pinchard, Sam Bochat as Detective Rough with understudy Nathan Broege, Alexa Farrell as Nancy with understudy Ivy Steege, Kory Friend as Elizabeth with understudy Jamie Love, Policeman #1 Nathan Broege, and Police # 2  Steven Kornkven. The production crew includes: Alexander Carey, stage manager; Jon Mickel, student sound designer/composer; Nicolas Sole, student lighting designer, and Megan Grove as student set designer assistant.

The cast recently participated in an intensive stage combat workshop. They worked closely with fight choreographer D.C. Wright to create dramatic fight scenes and moments of intimacy. As a cast, they studied the patterns of psychological abuse in romantic relationships to produce an accurate portrait of an abusive relationship.

“Audience can expect a night of whodunnit near-melodrama with its requisite plot reversals, surprises, near misses, and mistaken identities. But they will also be surprised by the nuanced characterizations, sensuality, and humor in the play. It should keep the audience on the edge of their seats.  The student sound designer, Jon Mickel, is composing an original score for the play,” reveals director Kym Mellen.

The Theatre/Dance Department is dedicated to producing high quality, entertaining productions showcasing the talent of theatre majors, and a variety of other students. The department is designed to give students a real-world experience; costumes, sets and lights are often designed by students, giving them the opportunity to apply their craft. Every school year faculty and students produce six shows and a smaller Summeround season. To find additional information about the department, visit their website at http://www.uww.edu/cac/theatre-dance or find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UWWTheatreDance.

The Theatre/Dance Department 2018-19 Season is sponsored by the Daily Union, 940AM/WFAW and, 1230AM/92.7FM/WCLO .

If you have a disability and desire accommodations, please advise us as early as possible. Requests are confidential. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater provides equal opportunities in employment and programming including Title IX and ADA requirements. Please contact Audra Lange (262) 472-5943 for further information.