Preparations are well under way for the upcoming production of Afternoon of the Elves.  University Theatre students are in the last week before performances start, and the actors have been working very hard to pull it all together. 

Director Cheryl Starr was a former teacher at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and has been invited back to direct this production.  She said that she is having a very positive experience with the students and staff who are all new since her original time here.  

Afternoon of the Elves is primarily a children’s play, not the usual folk or fairy tale, but a contemporary piece.

“Beyond entertainment the play provides you with a moral and a feeling of inspiration,” said Andrew Kirov who plays the role of Mr. Lenox.  

A girl named Hilary Lenox (played by Gabrielle Ford) has to decide between the popular girls and the outcast Sara Kate (Jessica Boe) who has a very big secret.  Along the way she will find out some secrets that even Sara Kate is trying to keep.  The play is not just for children though. 

“It talks about real life,” said Hannah Fiedler who plays the part of Mrs. Lenox.

The production will be Feb. 25-26h and March 4-5 at 7 p.m., then on Feb. 27 and March 6 at 1 p.m. in the Manion Theatre located in the Holden Fine Arts building.  Tickets are $2 for UWS students who present their student ID. Pope Wright’s art class will be providing a special display of art inspired by the play, in the lobby during the production.   

 “Theatre is fun, if you’ve never experienced it you don’t know what you’re missing!” said Ford.