Beyond the Score®: Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring

A multimedia presentation starring American Players Theatre actors, visual projections and live musical examples with the entire work performed in the second half! 

Transforming simple ancient folk music from Russia and Lithuania into a perfect storm of rhythm, harmony and melodies that were unlike any heard before its time, Stravinsky created the biggest scandal in the history of music in 1911. The Rite of Spring put him at the very forefront of the avant-garde and spread his name to the corners of the world. Experience this artistic masterpiece by discovering the history behind the groundbreaking composition during the first half of the presentation, then listen with a deeper understanding of the work from start to finish following intermission.

Visuals span art, photography, dance, Lithuanian songs, Russian folk music, rituals, and colorful scenes.

Beyond the Score® is a production of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Gerard McBurney, Creative Director for Beyond the Score®

The sublime upsurge of self-renewing nature … the beating pulse of Spring … an outpouring of rhythm … the Dance of the Earth.  – Igor Stravinsky

About the Guest Performers

James Ridge
James Ridge is a core company actor with American Players Theatre in Spring Green. Over 22 seasons, roles with APT include King Berenger, Cyrano, Iago, Mr. Bennet, Teach, Richard III, Jacques, Touchstone, Shylock, Malvolio, Puck, Charles Dickens, Lickcheese, and Bluntchli. Having played Scrooge for four seasons with CTM, he now directs the translation written by his talented wife, Colleen Madden. He has also worked with Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Next Act Theatre, Forward Theater, Madison Repertory, as well as Madison Symphony Orchestra, WI Chamber Orchestra, and Con Vivo.

Kelsey Brennan
Kelsey first began at APT as an acting apprentice in 2008. Since then, favorite roles include: Liz Morden in Our Country’s Good, Masha in Three Sisters, Eurydice, Dromio, Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice, and Cecily in both The Importance of Being Earnest and Travesties. Kelsey has also been seen at Milwaukee Rep (The Glass Menagerie, Trouble in Mind), Next Act, Madison Children’s Theatre, Indiana Rep, and on various stages in Chicago.

Jonathan Smoots
Jonathan is a charter member of APT. He played Theseus in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Lucius in Titus Andronicus in the theater’s inaugural season in 1980. In the past 38 years, he has returned for 28 seasons and played Shakespearean roles from Mercutio to Macbeth; from Bottom to Malvolio; from Friar Laurence to King Lear. He’s also taken on some terrific 17th – 20th century characters from Sir Antony Absolute (The Rivals) to Master Sparkish (The Country Wife) to Joe Keller (All My Sons), and last season’s Doctor in Three Sisters. In the Touchstone he’s been featured in Old Times (Pinter), and Seascape (Albee), both directed by his wife, Laura Gordon, as well as The Cure at Troy, Heroes and Molly Sweeney. 

Health and Safety Information

○ Overture Center’s Health Protocols: All who enter the Overture Center building must wear a face mask and show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test. Patrons not vaccinated, including children under age 12, are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to the performance. Please visit overture.org/health for more information on masks, vaccination proof, negative COVID test criteria, and more.

○ New Overture Security Measures: Overture will be utilizing new walk-through security screening technology that you will be required to move through on arrival. This should eliminate lines and allow foot traffic to quickly flow into the spaces. Additionally, large bags and backpacks are prohibited from entering the theater and can be checked after being inspected. For your convenience, we suggest you make other arrangements for these items before arriving. Visit overture.org/security for more information on these policies.

○ Read MSO’s Health and Safety FAQs: More information about our ticket policies, concessions, and answers to other frequently asked questions can be found at madisonsymphony.org/faq. Programs, dates, and artists subject to change.

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