Chekhov comedy plays to be presented online March 26-28

A streamed production of “Chekhov’s Short Farces” will be presented March 26 through 28 by the Ripon College Department of Theatre. The production will be presented free of charge via Zoom and feature three great short farces: “The Bear,” “The Reluctant Tragic Hero” and “The Proposal,” all written by one of the world’s finest playwrights.

“These are plays that I have always wanted to produce at Ripon, and the unique qualities of streaming performance gives them new life and focus,” says Professor Kenneth Hill, the Chemerow Chair in Theatre.

A link for viewing the production on the scheduled dates is available at ripon.edu/Chekhov.

Performers will include:

• In “The Bear,” Wil Bridenhagen ’21 of Neenah, Wisconsin; Evan Jensen ’24 of Janesville, Wisconsin; and Mattie Ryback ’22 of New Berlin, Wisconsin.
• In “The Reluctant Tragic Hero,” Mackenzie Gibson ’24 of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; and Logan Zeinert ’22 of Wittenberg, Wisconsin.
• In “The Proposal,” Katelyn Dano ’22 of Hubertus, Wisconsin; Maria Reber ’21 of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; and Billy Stiggers ’22 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The stage managers are Devon Giesler ’22 of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin; Abbe Lane ’22 of Sturgeon, Bay, Wisconsin; and Breana Smits ’22 of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The assistant stage managers are Grace Luebke ’24 of Ripon, Wisconsin; Ethan Mans ’24 of Ripon, Wisconsin; and Kylie Zenz ’23 of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. The lighting and props crews feature Lanie Kish ’22 of Jefferson, Wisconsin; and Lindsey Wigand ’22 of West Allis, Wisconsin.

Associate Professor of Theatre John Dalziel designed the sets, lighting, and is the technical director. In their final show at Ripon College, retiring Professor of Theatre Kenneth Hill and Visiting Professor of Theatre Susan McDaniel Hill directed and designed the period costumes.

(Photo: Wil Bridenhagen ’21, left, and Mattie Ryback ’22)