This weekend, Ann Arbor Civic Theatre presents Arcadia by Tom Stoppard, directed by Melissa Freilich, April 19-22, 2018, at the University of Michigan’s Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave, 48109. Performances are Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Come early to the performance (or catch us during intermission) on Saturday, April 21 for a Rare Book Meet & Greet with the Special Collections Research Center, displaying early 19th century books on landscape architecture, mathematics, dancing, and poetry.
Director Melissa Freilich calls Arcadia “funny, smart, and heartfelt. The connections between math and poetry have never been so fascinating, or so entertaining.” In an English country house in 1809, Thomasina asks her tutor Septimus some uncomfortably difficult questions (ranging from the definition of carnal embrace to a formula which defines the universe) while Septimus attempts to duck out of duels over love affairs or poetry. Meanwhile, in the present day, scholars dig through the records of the house, sparring with each other over their interpretations of the events of the past. As the play moves between the two eras, the audience becomes privy to the truths that the characters can only guess at. Covering topics ranging from Byron to gardening to chaos theory with humor, heart, and sex appeal, Arcadia, called “possibly the greatest play of our age” and “a masterpiece,” finds the fun in the human quest to outwit the universe.
Ticket prices are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $17 for tickets on Thursday, with student tickets just $11 for any performance. Tickets are available online at www.a2ct.org, by calling the office at 734-971-2228, at the A2CT office at 322 W. Ann St., or at the door. Additional information is available by visiting www.a2ct.org.