June 19, 2002

Contact: Charla Jenkins, University Theatre, (785) 864-2684.

Kansas Summer Theatre to present 'Prairie Fire' in July

LAWRENCE -- Two new plays based on reminiscences and oral histories about the early period of Kansas history will be presented in July as part of Kansas Summer Theatre, staged by The University Theatre at the University of Kansas.

"Prairie Fire, Parts I and II" by John Gronbeck-Tedesco, KU professor of theatre and film and associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, will be staged at 7:30 p.m. July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.

"Lift Off" and "Flight & Denouement" are the first two plays in a four-part series Gronbeck-Tedesco is writing to explore the larger themes and events of history made possible only because of the small moments made by human beings who seldom are remembered.

The final two parts will be staged by The University Theatre in future seasons.

While on a sabbatical in the mid-1990s, Gronbeck-Tedesco traveled throughout Kansas in search of stories about the immigrants and settlers who came to the state just before the Civil War.

He visited libraries, searched through historical collections and talked with people throughout the state. During his research, Gronbeck-Tedesco discovered that large moments in history are not the only ones that contribute to the present. "Private sufferings and personal achievements and failures also contribute to the larger scheme in which we live," he said.

Marianne Kubik, assistant professor of movement and resident movement coach for The University Theatre, is director and choreographer for "Prairie Fire." Delbert Unruh, professor of theatre and film, is scenic and lighting designer, and Mark Reaney, professor of theatre and film, is costume and mask designer.

"Prairie Fire" tells the story of a family of Irish immigrants, the Fultons, who come to the Northeast Kansas Territory in 1854 and live in a soddy. In both plays, the future, in the form of a contemporary astronaut, impatiently chides them to get on with their lives in order to produce him, their direct descendant.

Music for "Prairie Fire" will be provided live by the Euphoria Stringband, a Lawrence-based quartet.

Reserved seat tickets for "Prairie Fire" are on sale at University Theatre, (785) 864-3982; Lied Center, (785) 864-ARTS; SUA, (785) 864-7469; and online at www.kutheatre.com. Tickets are $10 for the public, $5 for all students and $9 for senior citizens.

Members of the ensemble for "Prairie Fire" include (listed by name, class, parents' name, home address, and roles):

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Baldwin
Jesse Brecheisen, fourth grade at Baldwin Elementary School, son of Jeff Brecheisen and Sally Hoffsommer-Brecheisen, 304 High; pioneer boy.
Sommer Brecheisen, seventh grade at Baldwin Junior High School, daughter of Jeff Brecheisen and Sally Hoffsommer-Brecheisen, 304 High; pioneer girl.

From Lawrence
Lisa Donnelly, May 2002 graduate, daughter of Jerry and Ileene Donnelly, 3148 Campfire Drive; Tillie Joad, pioneer chorus and pony.
Christopher Wheatley, junior, son of Kathy Pryor and Jim Peterson and Ken Wheatley, 1128 Cynthia; Skip, pioneer chorus, and Pony Express rider.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood
Ryan Colwell, May 2002 graduate, son of Jim and Doreen Colwell, 2808 W. 131st; Reverend Joad, Russell, pioneer chorus and Pony Express rider.

From Lenexa
Aron Carlson, May 2002 graduate, son of Jeannie Carlson, 7915 Park; Apollo Challenger Star-Reacher Fulton.

From Overland Park
Aaron Champion, senior, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Champion, 9316 Dearborn; John Fulton.
Matthew G. Simon, senior, son of Mark and Ellen Simon, 6808 W. 101st Terrace; John Fulton Jr.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Hannah Ballou, senior, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Ballou, 210 S.W. Broadmoor; Maggy Fulton.
Jennifer Fletcher, graduate student, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Phil Van Bruggen, 1035 S.W. MacVicar; pioneer chorus and pony.
Allison Gabbard, senior, daughter of Rebecca O'Malley and Glen Gabbard, 700 Crest Drive, Pioneer Chorus and Pony.

MICHIGAN
From Clio
Matt Hislope, May 2002 graduate, son of Mr. and Mrs. William D. Hislope, 1305 Brenner Pass; William Fulton.

MINNESOTA
From Eden Prairie
Mo Perry, senior, daughter of Richard and Deborah Perry, 11198 Burr Ridge Lane; Lucille Reider, pony and pioneer chorus.

NEBRASKA
From Omaha
Patrick Pugh, May 2002 graduate, son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Pugh,1721 S. 113th; Jep, Majors, Dru Reider, pioneer chorus and Pony Express rider. I. Alex Wolfson, senior, son of Robert and Sheryl Wolfson, 912 S. 131st Ave.; Waddel and pioneer chorus.

OKLAHOMA
From Cushing
Sara K. Armstrong, graduate student, daughter of Thomas and Judith Armstrong, Rt. 1; Anna Fulton.