U of M and Related Theatre Openings April 11

April is a big month for U of M Theatre events:

University Theatre & Dance presents "The Wiz" April 11-19 at Rarig Center. Directed by Dominic Taylor, this new spin on a classic brings the Emerald City to the U of M campus, and Dorothy is a college student, who needs to find her way through the college experience. More on "The Wiz" at theatre.umn.edu/thewiz.

Also, the Senior Company of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Traning Program opens its "New Plays" at the Guthrie Theater April 11-27. See three new, challenging works performed by the Twin Cities next wave of acting talent. For more information, visit www.guthrietheater.org.

Plus, U of M theatre alumni Charles Nolte and Shirley Venard, along with Bill Semans, star in "Exit Strategies" at the Mixed Blood Theatre. With the slogan "You're never too old. NEVER." this show provides a unique perspective on aging. It runs now through May 4th. For more information, visit www.exitstrategytheplay.com .

Be sure to check out all of the amazing events happening in the West Bank Arts Quarter, and sign up for email updates at www.artsquarter.umn.edu.

"The Wiz" rehearsal blog is unveiled

The University Theatre has unveiled its new "rehearsal blog," which allows anyone to get a behind the scenes glimpse of the rehearsal process leading up to our April 11-19 subscriber series production of "The Wiz." Link to the blog and learn more about this musical production — where Oz is turned into a university campus — at www.theatre.umn.edu/thewiz

Watch the "Peace Crimes Backstage" video documentary

Please take some time to watch "Peace Crimes Backstage," a recent production by Twin Cities Public Television about the Minnesota Eight and how they influenced the world-premiere production of "Peace Crimes." "Peace Crimes" was presented February 22 - March 9 at Rarig Center by the History Theatre and the University of Minnesota Theatre.

Media Mill Video

Peace Crimes Press

"Peace Crimes: The Minnesota Eight vs. The War," which previews Thursday and opens on Friday, Feb. 22nd is hot in the press. Read about this exciting collaboration between the University of Minnesota Theatre and History Theatre:

MinnPost.com: http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2008/02/21/942/peace_crimes_tells_minnesota_8s_war_story

Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/onstage/15842477.html

Minnesota Monthly
http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/February-2008/Patriot-Acts/

City Pages
http://articles.citypages.com/2008-02-20/calendar/peace-crimes-the-minnesota-eight-vs-the-war/

Minnesota Daily
http://www.mndaily.com/articles/2008/02/21/72165692

"Peace Crimes Backstage" to air on TPT

Twin Cities Public Television has produced a half-hour backstage special that tells the story of the Minnesota 8, as seen through the eyes of the playwright, director and actors of "Peace Crimes," as well as through interviews with some of the original participants. The program premieres on Saturday, February 23 at 8:00 pm on TPT Channel 17. Check tpt.org for additional broadcast times.

Michael Sommers wins United States Artists Fellowship

Michael Sommers, an assistant professor in the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance and the new Interdisciplinary Program in Collaborative Arts (IPCA), was just named one of 50 fellows for 2007 by United States Artists. Sommers was named along with several notable artists such as Robert Woodruff, Bill T. Jones, and Ann Hamilton, as one of the recipients of a $50,000 unrestricted award.

Two Theatre Arts & Dance grads named "Artists on the Verge" in the Minneapolis Star Tribune

Namir Smallwood, a 2006 graduate of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater BFA Actor Training Program, and Vanessa Voskuil, a 2001 graduate of the BFA Dance Program, were recently named by the "Minneapolis Star Tribune" as two of eight "Young Artists on the Verge."

Theatre Critic Rohan Preston wrote that Smallwood has shown "rare versatility" since entering the professional acting community, citing his roles as Jesus in "On the Open Road" at Penumbra Theatre and Byron in "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" at Children's Theatre Company (CTC). His upcoming work includes another role at CTC, this time in "Bud, Not Buddy" and in April, he will play Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Guthrie Theater.

Dance Critic Camille LeFevre said of Voskuil "see one of her compelling performances, interlaced with surrealist sensibility and bracing intelligence, and you won't forget her." Her upcoming performances include shows with Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater at the Ritz Theater; a performance with Live Action Set, which she is one of the founders of, in April at the Southern Theater.