UIS theatre presents Spinning Into Butter

The Theatre Program at the University of Illinois Springfield will debut its second production of the 2010-11 season with the play Spinning Into Butter by Rebecca Gilman, opening Friday, April 8. Six performances will be presented in the Studio Theatre, on the lower level of the Public Affairs Center at UIS - on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, April 8, 9, and 10, and Thursday, Friday, Saturday, April 14, 15, and 16. All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. except the Sunday performance (April 10), which will begin at 2 p.m.

Spinning Into Butter explores the dangers of both racism and political correctness in America today. Curtain Up and Library Journal summarize the play as follows: Sarah Daniels, the Dean of Students at fictional, idyllic northeastern Belmont College, is dedicated to helping students like Patrick Chibas obtain an available scholarship and persuades him that "the ends justify the means" when he balks at identifying himself as a standard minority. Then an unprecedented incident of racism on the campus forces Sarah to confront her own demons of prejudice and fears. According to Dramatic Publishing company, “Her self-examination leads to some surprising discoveries and painful insights, the consequences of which even she can't predict.”

Seven actors/actresses are playing various roles in the production. The cast includes UIS alumnus Roger Boyd playing the role of Ross Collins, UIS student Tommy Caldwell playing Patrick Chibas, community member Tom Hutchison as Mr. Meyers, student Lindsey Ninmer as Sarah Daniels, community member Patrick O'Brien as Dean Burton Strauss, community member Linda Schneider as Dean Kenney, and student Ben Voloshin as Greg Sullivan.

UIS Associate Professor of Theatre Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson directs Chicago playwright Rebecca Gillman’s provocative and challenging play. Crew members include UIS students Megan Johannsen, Sarah Steinhour, John Aten, Duran Simmons, and Emily Watts. Alumnus Chris Ray, staff member Wes Abbott, and faculty member Kate Goodman are also assisting.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens (65 or older with a picture I.D.), $8 for UIS Faculty/Staff and $6 for UIS students with a valid i-card*. Tickets are now available at the Sangamon Auditorium Ticket Office, located on level two of the Public Affairs Center. Purchase tickets in person, by phone at 217/206-6160 or 800/207-6960 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.uis.edu/theatre. Tickets will also be available at the ticket office on the day of the performance, beginning 90 minutes before curtain time. *Please note that a $2 Sangamon Auditorium “Stage Operating Surcharge” is added to all tickets purchased, and for mail and phone purchases, an additional $4 service fee is added. On-line tickets are assessed a convenience fee by Sangamon Auditorium Ticket Office based on ticket price.

For more information about this year's UIS Theatre season, contact Eric Thibodeaux-Thompson at 217/206-6613 or email ethib1@uis.edu.