UWO-Fond du Lac Campus Spring Play: The Good Doctor by Neil Simon and Anton Chekhov

An unnamed writer (obviously meant to represent Chekhov himself) suffers from writer’s block and his own artistic temperament as he narrates to the audience several of his stories.

The Good Doctor takes place in turn-of-the-century Russia. A young writer welcomes the audience to join him as he brings to life eight short stories based on the writings of Anton Cheykov – with the comic genius of Neil Simon. A novice dentist attempts to extract a stubborn molar – without the benefit of Novocain! An enterprising entertainer sells a ticket – to his own drowning! A cad seduces his friend’s wife – without uttering a word to her! An enchanting evening of heart and humor from the minds of two of the world’s greatest writers.  

 UW Oshkosh will be closing its Fond du Lac campus in June 2024 and The Good Doctor marks the end of university-produced shows. The Good Doctor follows the charter of the school’s program by including performers, designers, and crew from the university as well as the general community. Students from Fond du Lac High School will participate as actors (Hailey Wessels and Korbin Braun) and crew (Johnathon VanderGrinten and Zaiden Benzel); UW-Oshkosh at Fond du Lac students Sarah Hurtgen will perform alongside Kira Downham, Meaghan Lefeber and Hayden Binversie serving on the stage crew.

Actors from the community and surrounding areas include Matt and Julia Ragalie (Oak Creek), David Neese (Sheboygan), Daniel Schneider (Kewauskum), Jacob Badovsky, and Leslie Fitzwater (Milwaukee). Costume design by Wanda Martin and light design courtesy of Andy Brault (Fond du Lac); sound engineer Samuel Fitzwater-Butchart (Milwaukee) and set design by Chris Flieller. Fond du Lac’s Paul Thelen provides musical direction for the scene titled “Too Late for Happiness” which includes a sweet song about love in one’s later years sung by Neese and Fitzwater.

This will likely be the final live performance for the UWO/FDL Theatre Program in the Prairie Theater, as the school will be transitioning to all virtual programming after June 2024. At this point the future of the building is uncertain. It has been my great joy and privilege to have produced and directed six productions in my tenure here at UWO/FDL. I have met so many talented students and members of the community, and I shall miss them and the many ways that we have been able to contribute to the area’s cultural landscape. I’m hoping that the theatre-going public comes out in force to celebrate the many accomplishments of this great program.

General Public $15, Seniors/Faculty/Staff $10, Students $5