BEMIDJI, Minn. (Oct. 26, 2010) — The Bemidji State University theatre program presents “Butcher of Baraboo,” a dark comedy written by Marisa Wegrzyn, for five performances beginning Friday, Nov. 5, and closing with a matinee performance on Sunday, Nov. 14.

“Butcher of Baraboo” opens Friday, Nov. 5 with a 7:29 p.m. opening curtain, and will be performed Saturday, Nov. 5, and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12-13, also with 7:29 p.m. opening curtains. The production will close Sunday, Nov. 14 with a 2 p.m. matinee. All performances will be held on the main stage of Bemidji State’s Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex.

Bemidji State’s production of “Butcher of Baraboo,” which will mark the play’s debut in the state of Minnesota, will be directed by Patrick Carriere, assistant professor of theater and communication arts. Scenery and lighting are designed by Ellen Jones, assistant professor of theater.

“Butcher of Baraboo” is a dark comedy about a family in chaos, that family’s dirty little secrets and a sharp meat cleaver. Valerie is the town butcher in Baraboo, Wis., with a husband who has been mysteriously missing for a year. Valerie’s daughter, Midge, is a pharmacist who’s clientele extends beyond the drug store. During a particularly cold week in February, the town’s sheriff — who just happens to be Valerie’s meddling sister-in-law — will attempt to uncover this family’s secrets.

“Butcher of Baraboo” was written by Chicago-based playwright Marisa Wegrzyn; it debuted at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 2006. A 2003 graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Wegryzn won the third annual Wasserstein Prize in 2009; the award, named for the late Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein, is given to a female playwright under 32 who has yet to receive national attention.

Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for students, children and senior citizens. BSU students are admitted free with a valid student ID. “Butcher of Baraboo” contains sensitive material and is intended for adult audiences.

Tickets are available in the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex box office, located in Bangsberg 101 on the BSU campus. The box office is open from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekdays; call (218) 755-3935 for more information.

For more information, please contact Patrick Carriere at the Bemidji State University Department of Humanities at (218) 755-3901.

ON THE WEB
•  Marisa Wegryzn: http://www.chainsawcalligraphy.com/