University Theatre Serves Up Nostalgic Comedy in ‘The Dining Room’

A new University Theatre production will take audiences back to a bygone era when the dining room table was the hub of family life. ‘The Dining Room’ by A.R. Gurney humorously chronicles in 18 sketches the changing social mores of the American family from the Depression to the 1980s. While the character’s times and situations change throughout the years, the primacy of family as the center of their emotional lives remains the same.

Professor Karen Ryker, director of the production, believes that the familiar situations in the comedy “will strike a chord or two in most hearts.”

Eight actors portray 57 characters without the benefit of make-up and elaborate costume change. Ryker says the fun and intrigue for the audience “is seeing the actors take on a variety of immediate characterizations ranging from the deliciously quirky fiercely clinging to their standards to familiar people engaged in poignant, life-changing moments.”

Ryker was recently recognized with a Distinguished Teaching Award for her work as a master vocal coach and her expertise in Shakespearean performance.

‘The Dining Room’ will be performed in the Mitchell Theatre. Tickets are $11 for the general public and $8 for UW students. Dates and times follow. For ticket information, call Vilas Box Office at 608-262-1500.

SHOW TIMES
July 11            7:30 p.m.
July 12            5:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
July 16            7:30 p.m.
July 17            7:30 p.m.
July 18            7:30 p.m.
July 19            5:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m.