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I work in
an environment where creative people do creative things for
creativity’s sake; and I live in a community where people
appreciate and support that creativity.
We’ve had
some amazing Arts at the UW performances this holiday
season. We kicked off our run with the Holiday Concert on
Nov. 29. The event featured the choir under the direction
of Kathy Pearson, and the Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band
under David De Lyser. It was De Lyser’s first concert here
at “The Wood.” I think he was nervous. He had no reason to
be – the community came out in force and gave a standing
ovation at the conclusion of the concert which was one of
the finest this institution has ever experienced.
Last week,
guest director Emmy Kreilkamp put on Irwin Shaw’s “Bury the
Dead” in our Black Box theatre. I had my doubts – Bury the
Dead isn’t your typical holiday play. But the community
clearly disagreed – two of the performances, featuring
Campus Community Players, sold out. It was an excellent
production and we were very pleased with Kreilkamp’s
efforts.
On Sunday,
the UW-Marshfield/Wood County Symphony put on “The Journey
of Sir Douglas Fir.” Aided by a chorus, cast of characters
and the creative efforts of conductor Timothy McCollum, the
performance offered something for everyone. Once again, the
community turned out in force and the performance sold out.
Our apologies to those who tried to buy tickets at the last
minute and couldn’t.
The
Nutcracker, featuring dancers from Main Street Conservatory
of Dance and the Marshfield Youth Ballet Co., will be
performed in the Helen Connor Laird Theatre this coming
weekend. I’m sure those four performances will be equally
well attended.
It really
is my privilege to watch these creative endeavors develop
and unfold. It is even more rewarding to know that the
community shares my appreciation for the people who make
these events happen.
From all of
us here at The Wood – have a safe and happy holiday.
Dr. Andrew
Keogh is the dean and campus executive officer of
UW-Marshfield/Wood County, a freshmen-sophomore campus of
the University of Wisconsin.
