Five UW-Platteville students performed this past week in “Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” at the Center for the Arts Nov. 12-15.

Photograph by Stephanie Coren


Nov 12-15 “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” was performed in the CFA. The cell phone symbolized distractions in life that can divert our attention from what is really important.

The play was focused on what happens after we die and how we might be remembered. The characters want to be remembered and find comfort in knowing someone will be waiting for them in the end. The cell phone was used as a symbol for the distractions in life that can divert our attention from what is really important. One of the character’s jobs was trafficking organs, which was tied into the theme of finding the parts to complete us and finding loved ones to spend this and our after lives with.

“It is a thoughtful and insightful exploration of how human beings reach out to one another and how it is sometimes perfectly fine to allow yourself to miss a call,” Director Ann Farrelly said in her director’s note.

The cast consisted of senior theatre majors Jared Baker, Lizzie Hansen and Craig Schlagel; junior, psychology major Kalynn Raifsnider and sophomore undecided major Erin Cummins McDermott. The show was directed by Ann Farrelly, who has been directing shows at UW-P for four years.  The cast was all pleased with the performances.

“It’s nice having actual reactions,” Hansen said. “Every night the reactions are a little different, depending on the audience.”

Farrelly said because the cast was smaller, they were easier to work with and coordinate. It also made building an ensemble within the group successful.

“They seem to be a very close cast and worked well together,” James Kersten, senior physical education major, said.

Although the cast was small, there was a great deal of time that was put into the show. Cast members began rehearsals in early October, meeting five days a week for three hours a day. In addition to the cast’s hard work, there was also plenty of help behind scenes. Brad Carlson, technical director, and Karalyn Fitzgerald, stage manager, were also included in the production staff. Carlson created special lighting designs to enhance the show, as well as a customized stage floor to manipulate space. Schlagel designed the costumes.

There were 367 tickets sold for this performance. Among audience members were Kersten and junior psychology major Kayla Parrish, who both said they enjoyed the show.

“It was funny,” Parrish said. “It gave a new perspective on cell phones and that it’s okay to let it ring.”

The cast said they were both sad and relieved after the performance. The five cast members all agreed this performance brought them closer, but are happy to not have rehearsals anymore.

“This was one of my favorite casts to work with,” Hansen said.