September 12, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dana Werdmuller: (831) 459-3160
[email protected]
SHAKESPEARE SANTA CRUZ BRINGS BACK THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS FOR HOLIDAY SHOW 2008
SANTA CRUZ, CA – In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the publication of Kenneth Graham’s beloved tale of friendship and adventure, Shakespeare Santa Cruz and the UC Santa Cruz Theatre Arts Department bring back their inaugural holiday show, The Wind in the Willows for the 2008 Holiday Season. The 2008 production will bring to life a new version by Kate Hawley and Paul Whitworth. Randall Stuart will direct.
The Wind in the Willows follows the seasonal adventures of Mole and his friend Ratty along the riverbank as they cross paths with Badger of the Wild Wood, and the jovial and irrepressible Mr. Toad of Toad Hall, whose latest obsession is the motor car.
“O, Ratty! You have no idea how glad I am to see you! I’ve been
through such times! Such trials! Such sufferings! And all so nobly
borne! Such escapes, such disguises--Wait until I tell you—“ – Mr. Toad
Director Stuart, a Portland, Oregon-based theatre director and educator whose repertoire includes classical, modern, contemporary, and musical theatre talks about what drew him to the Wind in the Willows production: “[It is] the sheer delight of tipping one's theatrical hat to a classic piece of literature upon its 100th birthday. Secondly, the chance to use classically trained actors for exactly what they are meant to do: endowing character of a past era with panache - for it is not much of puddle-jump from an Elizabethan Hamlet to a delightfully Edwardian Mole. Thirdly, to facilitate a theatrical event which will vibrate with spectacle and shine a light on the ingenious design team's imaginings. Grahame's masterpiece is a dream for humans of all ages, and as such, we are pouring our love into every bit of preparation for the presentation.”
Shakespeare Santa Cruz acting veteran (and UCSC Theatre Arts lecturer) Mike Ryan will play the role of Mr. Toad. The set design by Kate Edmunds (UCSC Theatre Arts professor) will evoke the pastoral charm of the English countryside while costumes by B. Modern (with over 33 SSC productions on her resumé) will dress its inhabitants in designs perfectly suited to “messing about in boats,” a common pastime on the river.
The Shakespeare Santa Cruz annual Holiday Show is a very special treat for kids of all ages, kids at heart, and the people who love them. SSC is delighted to bring back The Wind in the Willows to its many fans and introduce it to new ones.
WHO: Shakespeare Santa Cruz and the UC Santa Cruz Theatre Arts Department
WHAT: 2008 Holiday Show, The Wind in the Willows
WHERE: UC Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Theatre Arts Center, on the Mainstage Theatre,
WHEN: November 21 – December 14, 2008
COST: $14.50 – 39, TICKETS ON SALE NOW
INFO: www.shakespearesantacruz.org or www.santacruztickets.com or (831) 459-2159
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