AMADEUS opening October 17

University Theatre Presents "Amadeus" Oct. 17-21

MACOMB, IL - - “Amadeus,” a provocative work that weaves a confrontation between mediocrity and genius, will be performed by the Western Illinois University Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Oct. 17-21 in the Horrabin Hall Theatre.

The Tony Award-winning play is set in the 18th century Vienna and is told through the eyes of Antonio Salieri, the Austrian Emperor’s established composer whose only ambition is to be a great composer. However, Salieri’s talents are average, not great; and when the heavenly-gifted Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart enters his world, Salieri, driven by envy and hatred, tries to destroy Amadeus.

The production, directed by MFA directing student Fulton Burns, includes MFA acting student Peter Eli Johnson (Beaverton, OR) as Salieri, and senior musical theatre major Tristan L. Tapscott (Hampton, IL) as Mozart.

Designers for the play include MFA student Conya Thompson (Rhineland, MO), costume, and theatre professors David Patrick (set) and Tim Kupka (lighting). Choreographer is MFA student Jamie McCoy (Berryton, KS).

The 19-member cast for “Amadeus” includes the following:

MFA students – Colin Wasmund (Morris, MN); Jonathon Self (Greenbrier, AR); Nick Schell (Jacksonville, IL); and Melody Betts (Chicago, IL.).

Senior theatre majors Adam Habben (Homewood, IL) and Greg Foster (Edelstein, IL);
Junior theatre majors Steve Svec (Downers Grove, IL) and Susan Knobloch (Edwards, IL), and musical theatre majors Cari Downing (Coal Valley, IL) and Tori Ekstrom (Frankfort, IL);

Sophomore theatre majors Jillian Weingart (Crystal Lake, IL); Zack Meyer (Aurora, IL); and Maren Lundgren (Rockford, IL);

Freshmen – Matthew Wyss (Plainfield, IL), a communication major; Lily Blouin (Anchorage, AK), a theatre major; Trevor Mitchell (Rushville, IL), an English major; and Sara King (Lebanon, IL), a musical theatre major.

Tickets – $13 for adults and $11 for senior citizens, students and children – may be purchased at the Browne Hall Hainline Theatre Box Office from noon-5 p.m. weekdays, telephone 309/298-2900.

Copy By: Bonnie Barker, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606