UW-La Crosse
Dr. Faustus (Toland Theatre)
(CLOSING WEEKEND, )
Would you sell your soul? And, if you would, for what? Faustus is a brilliant but embittered academic, a solitary scholar who has exhausted the confines of human knowledge. Frustrated with the futility of religion, law and science he is desperate for a deeper understanding of the universe – and for the worldwide fame that it will bring. Risking everything, he conjures the demon Mephistophilis and asks him to strike a deal with Lucifer. Twenty-four years of absolute knowledge and infinite power in exchange for his soul. Despite being tormented by doubt, Faustus agrees to the deal and signs in blood. But as he begins to revel in his new powers, the world around him starts to collapse and the clock inexorably counts down to the final moment of reckoning. Evening shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday; matinee on Sunday.
La Crosse Community Theatre
Fiddler on the Roof (Weber Center – Lyche Theatre)
CLOSING WEEKEND
Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, the universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness. Evening shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday; matinee on Sunday.
Grey Area Productions
The Thin Place (Pump House Regional Arts Center)
OPENING WEEKEND
The Thin Place is the story of two women, Hilda and Linda. Linda communicates, professionally, with the dead, who are still here, just in a different part of here, in the “thin place.” She can make those who believe hear them, offering them peace and closure, and meaning. Originally from rural England, she’s reestablished herself in the U.S.—birthplace of spiritualism—where she has continued to build a career out of her gift. Hilda, a keen listener and observer who’s grappling with loss, takes a great interest in Linda’s abilities. She befriends the veteran medium, seeking answers that lie across the fragile boundary between our world and the other one. Free preview Thursday night. Evening performances Friday and Saturday; matinee Sunday.
The Muse
Rocky Horror Show (The Muse Theatre)
OPENING WEEKEND
The Rocky Horror Show is a musical with music, lyrics, and a book by Richard O’Brien. A humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the 1930s through to the early 1960s, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, unveiling his new creation, Rocky, a sort of Frankenstein-style monster in the form of an artificially made, fully grown, physically perfect muscle man complete “with blond hair and a tan.”
The Main – An Event Space
FRIDAY
FRIDAY NIGHT COMEDY: Phil Johnson has an action-packed show filled with his two loves, comedy and music. It’s a show filled with sharp unexpected turns, sneak attack jokes, and hilarious songs that don’t shy away from controversial territory… race, sex, religion, and doughnuts – so many doughnuts – all delivered from the viewpoint of a guy who happily grew up in the deeply multi-everything community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Senthil Rajasekharan is a standup comedian who started doing comedy in Minneapolis/St. Paul in 2010. Senthil performs at clubs, bars, and other top venues across the Midwest including Goonie’s Comedy Club, Sisyphus Brewing, New Hope Cinema Grill and many more.
Local comedian, Lizz Brannon, will be the host for the festivities. Brannon’s unique take on the world around her will have you in stitches long after the night has ended.
Saturday
MR. BLINK ‘SHINE’ TOUR FINALE: Mr. Blink’s final stop on the “Shine” Tour and they are pulling out all the stops. The Mascot Theory from Madison will be opening. They’ll be doing some fundraising for Jam for Jamaica. It’s going to be a Pre-Midwest Music Fest party to get you in the mood for the La Crosse MWMF version on Nov. 3rd and 4th. And the Mr. Blink drummer of over 35 years will be retiring after this show. You don’t want to miss the action.
Sunday
Samhain Nite Market Sponsored by: The Pagan Society of the Coulee Region 4 pm to 9 pm
FREE ADMISSION
VENDORS: Art by Zoe, Art by Zerro, Morbid Maven, Forest Witch Enchantments, Art by Bri Kilby, Jason Robertson, Risky Bismuith, Alura Celeste, Kiki Reavis, Amber Oliver, Astrology – Arial Kann, Driftless Enchantments, Chandra Crane Ph0tography, Ruthless Stitches, Helena, Kaitlyn Seager, On Your Left Designs, Foxy Roxy, The Dark Moon Apothecary & armory, Art by Sal, Art by Sully, Naughty Nerp – Tiffany Lavender, 6-11 Crystals, Art by Ethan Schandelmeier, Alesha and Olivia Schandelmeier, Azure Alison Wonderland, Lacey Hackett, Twist of Fate – Tokata Fate, Red Feather Reiki – Patricia Nesler, Spellbound from Viroqua, Jenny Thorsdotter, Keriwyn Hershberger
ENTERTAINMENT: Tenacious Eddie & Reignyn Khaos, Marley the Juggler, Enchanted vocals of Michael Angelo, Djinn Blossoms, Luke Sampson-Squared
Apothik Food Truck on hand from 5-8 pm
Trick or Treating from 4-6 pm (minors must be accompanied by legal guardian)
