The Amateurs

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Ross Zentner

Ty Fanning (left) and Josh Krause in the Forward Theater production of "The Amateurs."

Canceled when COVID-19 hit in March 2020, the Wisconsin premiere of The Amateurs, directed by Jen Uphoff Gray for Forward Theater, is now on stage. In what must surely count as irony, the play concerns Hollis, who's a member of a troupe of actors attempting to outrun the Black Plague in the 14th century. Of course it's a comedy. Because at a certain point you do just have to laugh. But it's also a look at the importance of art in bad times. ALSO: Friday (7:30 p.m.), Saturday (2 and 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.), Nov. 19-21. Also: The company offers an intriguing series of lectures related to themes in the play, free and open to all, at 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays in the Playhouse lobby. Find more info at forwardtheater.com.

press release: For their second production in the 21-22 season, Forward Theater Company will present The Amateurs by Jordan Harrison. Performances are in the Playhouse at Overture Center for the Arts, November 4-21. 

Hollis is a performer in an itinerant troupe of actors attempting to outrun the Black Plague in this 14th century-set comedy. The Renaissance is still in the future, and so is the concept of self-determination. So when Hollis stops a performance to wonder why Mrs. Noah would get on that ark, she throws her castmates into chaos.

A story set in the past that eloquently reflects our present, this centuries-spanning play delights in the imaginations of theater-makers and theater-goers everywhere. And in a tale as inventive and hilarious as its characters, The Amateurs considers the purpose of art in a dark world.

The Amateurs was just a week away from debuting at Forward in March 2020, before being cancelled due to COVID-19. Much of the artistic team has returned to bring this production to life. “We relish the opportunity to re-visit this production, and returning most of the original artistic team is so rewarding - their past and present work deserves to be seen by our audiences,” said Artistic Director Jen Uphoff Gray. “Most importantly, the themes are even more relevant than before - this is a funny and thought-provoking play that couldn’t come at a better time.”

The Amateurs features James Carrington, Matt Daniels, Ty Fanning, Emily Glick, Josh Krause, and Kat Wodtke.

Directed by Jen Uphoff Gray; Scenic Designer: Nathan Stuber; Lighting Designer: Jason Fassl; Costume Designer: Monica Kilkus; Sound Designer/Composer: Joe Cerqua; Props Master: Pam Miles; Dramaturg: Mike Fischer; Stage Manager: Sarah Deming-Henes; Asst. Stage Manager: Abbi Hess  

Lecture Series: Embracing the themes of The Amateurs, Forward Theater will present three lectures that give audiences a deep dive, each one presented in the Overture Playhouse lobby on Saturdays during the production run. Free to public.

The History of AIDS in Madison, Saturday, 11/6 at 6:30pm, Presented by Dick Wagner: Dick Wagner is a local historian and author of “We’ve Been Here All Along: Wisconsin’s Early Gay History.” He will speak about issues relating the LGBTQ+ community and the history of AIDS in Madison.

Traditions of Medieval Theater, Saturday, 11/13 at 6:30pm, Presented by Martin Foys:  Martin Foys is a professor in Medieval Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The Macabre and the Performance of Death, Saturday, 11/20 at 6:30pm, Presented by Thomas Dale: Thomas Dale is the UW Director of Medieval Studies and Professor of Art History, and will give a lecture on the macabre and the performance of death in late medieval art and visual culture.

Tickets for the production are now on sale and can be purchased online at forwardtheater.com, or via overture.org. Tickets can be purchased via phone at 608.258.4141 

Adults: $34-$52

42 Below (Discount for ages 42 and under): $20

Artist rate: $15 

November 4 preview performance ticket prices - General public: $20,

Students/Educators: $10 

Sponsors 

The Amateurs is generously sponsored by Nancy Ciezki & Diane Kostecke, Steve & Jacqui Suleski, DeWitt, and State Bank of Cross Plains  

Founded in 2009, FTC creates a home base for Wisconsin theater professionals and audiences that expands the cultural and economic life of the greater Madison area.