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StageQ announces its production of Terrence
McNally’s Corpus Christi. The show opens Friday, March 5,
2004, and runs through Saturday, March 27, 2004. Eleven performances
are planned at the Bartell Theatre, 113 E. Mifflin Street in
Madison.
The story, a modern take on homophobia, casts Jesus Christ and his
disciples into a contemporary tale of persecution, love, and betrayal, and
how society views those who are different. The strong religious tone of
comparing early Christianity to the modern gay-rights movement has brought
a firestorm of controversy for this and earlier productions of the play.
“Madison may not be the liberal thinking town it likes to believe it is.”
Says Thomas McClurg, StageQ’s Artistic Director. “However, the outpouring
of support we have received for this production reinforces my belief that
Madison does support alternative ideas and freedom of speech.” Producer
Steve Noll adds, “The attention we’ve received from religious groups is so
similar to how Jesus was persecuted by the religious leaders of His time.
It’s an interesting reversal.” Several thousand protest postcards have
been sent to the Bartell Theatre, newspaper media and the Mayor’s Office.
Director Pete Rydberg says, “We’ve been lucky in getting such a strong
cast. It really is making for a very powerful and eye-opening production.”
The cast is a combination of past StageQ alumni, other area company
regulars and several new faces. “I’m especially pleased in the diversity
of the cast,” Says Rydberg. “It really helps tell a story of modern-day
discrimination and hatred of those who are different.”
Performances are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at
8pm. at the Bartell Theater, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison. The play
opens Friday, March 5, and runs through Saturday, March 27. Tickets
are $16 and can be purchased online at www.StageQ.com.
Reservations can be made by calling 608-204-0306. Advanced
purchases are recommended due to strong early sales (several performances
are almost sold-out).
Funded in part through a grant from New
Harvest Foundation.
More about
the Corpus Christi Production
StageQ is a non-profit theatre company
dedicated to bringing quality theatre to Madison with Gay/Lesbian themes
and/or works by Gay/Lesbian playwrights. |