University Theatre wraps up summer with Smash

University Theatre concludes its summer season with a production of Smash, an adaptation by award-winning Minneapolis playwright Jeffrey Hatcher of George Bernard Shaw’s novel An Unsocial Socialist.

Smash tackles political and social institutions with a rapier-sharp wit. Guest director, James Donondio, describes Smash as a “comedy with depth,” ranging from near farce to realistic, intimate moments without ever “becoming preachy.”

Smash depicts the trial and tribulations of millionaire socialist Sidney Trefusis, who ditches his beautiful bride, Henrietta, at the alter so he can devote all his “energies” to the socialist cause. Sidney declares only two possibilities for Britain’s future: “Socialism or Smash.”

Disguising himself as a grounds keeper, Sidney installs himself at a posh ladies’ finishing school, to plant the seeds of Marxist revolution. Sidney reasons that revolutionizing women is the first step to revolutionizing the nation. Henrietta, with radical ideas of her own, does not passively accept Sidney’s abandonment nor his political ideology. Against a backdrop of romantic entanglements rages a battle of wits and a battle of the sexes.

Smash will be performed in Mitchell Theatre. Remaining performances are July 29-31 at 7:30 p.m. and August 1 at 5:oo and 8:30 p.m. Tickets, $11 for the general public and $8 for students, can be purchased through the Vilas Box Office, 262-1500.