Theatre presents ‘Vinegar Tom’

The UW-River Falls University Theatre will present “Vinegar Tom” at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27-28, and March 1, 6-8 in the Syse Theatre in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building.

“Vinegar Tom,” written in 1976, focuses on the women of the 17th century who were suspected, charged or even hanged for allegedly practicing witchcraft. These women were often single, older and with knowledge of herbs and traditional methods of healing.

The action of the play is interrupted with a number of songs, sung by the actors in contemporary dress, which comment on the action and draw parallels to our present day society.

“The staging, costumes and songs are all done in a way to connect us to the current relevance of the story, forcing the audience to question the ways in which women are viewed and treated,” said Director Sean Dooley.

The cast includes: Freshman Ashley Sager of New Richmond as Goody, Junior Adam Witherspoon of Bloomington, Minn., as Jack, Sophomore Sophie Sieh of Hastings, Minn., as Susan, Junior Nic Ambroz of Waseca, Minn., as Doctor/Packer, Sophomore Kendra Yarke of St. Paul, Minn., as Betty, Sophomore Megan Rogers of Mendota Heights, Minn., as Joan, Freshman Hannah Tamminga of Rochester, Minn., as Margery, Sophomore Brent Bundgaard of Osceola as Man/Bellringer, Junior Vanessa Brooke Agnes of Forest Lake, Minn., as Ellen, and Junior Lisa Miske of Anoka, Minn., as Alice.

Given the subject matter, the play is intended for mature audiences only. Tickets are $11/ adults, $9/seniors 60+ and $6/students.

Tickets can be purchased at the University Theatre Box Office in the Kleinpell Fine Arts building from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning Feb. 17, and one hour prior to performances.

For more information or to order tickets by phone, call the Box Office at 715-425-3114.