Janice Fronczak
UNK Department of Music and Performing Arts, 308-865-8670
Murder for the sake of their son’s spot at an upscale preschool is at the center of the Eric Coble dark comedy, “Bright Ideas,” being performed this spring at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
The show, which will be performed nightly Wednesday – Sunday, April 18 – 22, in the UNK Miriam Drake Theatre, is directed by Janice Fronczak, UNK associate professor of theatre. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
“Bright Ideas” centers on Genevra and Joshua Bradley, parents who will do anything, including murder, to get their three-year-old son Mac into the fancy Bright Ideas Early Childhood Development Academy.
“I chose this show, because it is very funny,” Fronczak said. “I saw it 10 years ago in Denver and loved it, and I have been wanting to do it ever since.
“It is wonderful acting experience too, because it is double and triple cast, so the students get to try on many different characteristics, and the leading roles are challenging as well,” Fronczak said.
Tickets may be purchased at the UNK Box Office, located in the Fine Arts Building, or by calling 308.865.8417. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for seniors, non-UNK students, and UNK faculty and staff; and $5 each for groups of 10 or more. UNK students receive free admission with a valid student I.D.
Members of the faculty, staff and artistic team include: Darin Himmerich, UNK senior lecturer of theatre, technical director; Sara Ice, UNK lecturer of theatre, costume designer; Rick Scholwin, UNK sound production coordinator and events technician, sound designer; and Mark Wethington, UNK assistant professor of theatre, scenic designer
Student cast members are listed below, alphabetically by hometown.
Axtell – Jacey Anderson as Lynzie
Bennet – Stacey Ockinga, assistant stage manager
Burwell – Dillon Nelson as Mr. Scott, airline steward, Coach Angus, Bix
David City – Megan Buresh as Genevra Bradley
Fremont – Jamie Bentley, lighting designer
Humphrey – Molly McPhillips as Cate, Ms. Labradour, Miss Caithness
Kearney – Natalie Potts Burling as Denise Kearney; Katherine Ridder, assistant stage manager
Lincoln – Charisa Ramsey as Mrs. Heath, Ms. Lennox, Mom #1; Spencer Wolfe as Joshua Bradley
Omaha – Madison Hoge as Mrs. Menteith, Mrs. Malcolm, Mom #2; Crystal Schroeder, stage manager
Western– Matthew Schwan as Ross
