Currently at the Theatre...
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The Effects of Gamma Rays on Still resonating deeply with audiences today is the winner of the 1971 Pulitzer Prize, the Obie Award and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. This powerful portrait of an embittered widow, Beatrice, and her young daughters, Tillie and Ruth, is hailed as one of the most significant and affecting plays of the 20th Century. Tillie’s triumph affirms what her science experiment proves, that something beautiful and promising can grow in even the most barren soil. This show runs from April 18 – 27. Contact the box office for ticket prices and availability. |
Coming up...
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Nathan Detroit bets his pal, high roller Sky Masterson, that Sky cannot make the next lady he sees fall in love with him. When she turns out to be Miss Sarah Brown of the Save-A-Soul Mission, Sky has his work cut out for him. Meanwhile, Nathan is doing his best to avoid marriage with long-suffering fiancée, Miss Adelaide, star attraction at the Hot Box nightclub. This show runs from May 16 - June 8. Contact the box office for ticket prices and availability. |
2008 - 2009 |
While RTG’s celebratory 70 th season continues to unfold, we’re already busy preparing for season 71. The play’s the thing, and overwhelmingly, people prefer comedies and musicals. That’s why in 2008-2009 we’re offering an irresistible season filled with laughter and song. Season tickets are on sale now. Contact the box office for Season Ticket Information. |
The Racine Theatre Guild invites kids to act up this summer! Registrations are now being accepted for two sessions of summer theatre classes taught in Racine by professional actor/instructors from Milwaukee. Find out more. |
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Ongoing...
| You can have your name permanently at the Guild on one of our new seats. |  |
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Do you need a large space to hold a party or meeting? Do you have an event but no place to hold it? Then call the Theatre to see about reserving it. |  |
Powerful and Inspiring Play at Racine Theatre Guild
Compelling and harsh, yet poetic and gentle—these seemingly contradictory phrases accurately describe Paul Zindel’s critically-acclaimed, autobiographical play being presented by the Racine Theatre Guild and sponsor SC Johnson. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and multiple awards, “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” runs two weekends at the Guild, 2519 Northwestern Avenue (Highway 38).
In this realistic and moving portrayal of the struggles of a single-parent household, optimism and hope are kept alive and personified by Tillie (Kelsey Hoff), the younger daughter of a bitter and vindictive mother. Left by her husband years ago, Beatrice (Mona Lewis) has become deeply distrustful of men and increasingly reclusive. She earns a meager income by taking in a string of decrepit old boarders, Nanny (Donna Peterson) being the current resident. Beatrice lashes out at those around her, primarily her two teenaged daughters. Older daughter Ruth (Kathryn Perry) is a temperamental and fickle girl subject to seizures. Tillie is an introverted and thoughtful dreamer who excels in school, particularly science. Encouraged by her teacher, Tillie undertakes a gamma ray experiment with marigolds, hence the play’s title, and enters her project in the school science fair. Just as Tillie’s experiment proves that something beautiful can emerge and bloom in even the most barren soil, so does Tillie herself triumph. She takes first prize, defeating her main competition, Janice Vickery (Erin Zimmerman), whose project involving a cat skeleton brings comic relief. In the end, Tillie rises above her environment, full of promise.
Author Paul Zindel, who based the character of Beatrice on his mother, had been a science teacher before becoming a playwright (“And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little”) and writer of novels for young people (“The Pigman”).
The play met with great success when it was presented Off Broadway in 1970, with Sada Thompson in the role of Beatrice. That production won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award and the Obie Award, then became only the second Off-Broadway production to receive the Pulitzer Prize. In 1972 a film version was produced and directed by Paul Newman, with Joanne Woodward starring as Beatrice and their daughter Nell as Tillie.
Directing the Racine production is Norm McPhee, who headed the RTG for 32 years before retiring from full-time duties in 2001. He first directed “Gamma Rays” for Racine Theatre Guild at its playhouse on High Street in 1974. The SC Johnson Company is the sponsor and underwriter of workshops and performances for schools. Skelly Warren designed the set. Russ Stetler serves as production stage manager.
Weekend performances of “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” take place April 18-20 and 25-27. Show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 1:30 and 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Tickets cost $16 for the 8 p.m. shows and $14 for all others. Discounts are available for seniors, season subscribers, groups and students; however, the play is not recommended for young (elementary-school age) children.
Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and one hour prior to each curtain time. On performance Saturdays, the box office opens at 2 p.m. For reservations, call 262-633-4218. To learn more about the many entertainment and enrichment opportunities offered by the Racine Theatre Guild, a nonprofit community theatre, visit www.racinetheatre.org.
Here’s the slate:
Side by Side by Sondheim
This musical tribute to Stephen Sondheim features gifted singers offering a brilliant array of hits from landmark shows: Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, West Side Story, Gypsy, etc. July 18-27
The Nerd by Larry Shue
Rick once saved Willum’s life, so when Rick unexpectedly turns up on his doorstep, Willum is elated. His joy is short-lived, however, as Rick proves to be a bumbling oaf whose continued presence leads to one uproarious incident after another. Sept. 5-28
Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling
In the haven of Truvy’s beauty salon, six women gather to share their secrets and bare their souls, throwing in a little gossip for good measure. Together they face every event with grace, determination and perfectly coifed hair. Oct. 24-Nov. 2
Beauty and the Beast
A magic spell has transformed a handsome prince into a hideous beast. To reverse it, he must find someone to love him despite his appearance. Thanks to Disney’s Midas touch, this timeless tale has become one of the most dazzling Broadway musicals ever. Nov. 28-Dec. 21
Dearly Departed by David Bottrell and Jessie Jones
A dysfunctional backwoods family attempts to pull together for the funeral of their surly patriarch. You’ll die laughing as their ongoing problems and peculiarities overshadow the solemn occasion. Jan. 9- Feb. 1, 2009
Leading Ladies by Ken Ludwig
Two down-and-out actors try to pass themselves off as the long-lost nephews of a rich old lady. Their scheme becomes increasingly complicated after they discover that the future heirs are actually nieces. Feb. 20- Mar. 15, 2009
The Boys Next Door by Tom Griffin
Arnold is a hyperactive chatterer. Lucien has the mind of a 5-year-old. Norman is obsessed with keys. Barry fantasizes that he’s a golf pro. This very funny yet compassionate play focuses on their unusual lives in a group home. April 17-26, 2009
Godspell
Drawing from various theatrical traditions, the parables and teachings of Jesus are humanly and joyously brought to life. New lyrics refresh the sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz, composer of “Wicked.” May 15- June 7, 2009