“Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B”

By Kate Hamill, cheerfully desecrating the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sept. 14-24
An irreverent, darkly comic, modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous sleuth and sidekick, this fast-paced romp re-examines the world’s most famous detective with a bold new feminist lens. In this highly theatrical escapade, oddball female roommates Sherlock Holmes (yes, it’s a girl’s name!) and Joan Watson join forces to emerge from a pandemic fog, solving mysteries and kicking butts — until they come face-to-face with a villain who seems to have all the answers.
“Twelfth Night” — a musical!
Conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub, music and lyrics by Shaina Taub
Nov. 9-19
Featuring an original jazz-funk score, this rousing contemporary musical, inspired by Shakespeare’s classic comedy, is full of pure joy, lots of laughs, and a deeper message of empathy and compassion. Viola washes up on the shores of Illyria, disguises herself as a man, is sent to court as a countess, and falls hard for a duke. As she navigates this strange and wonderful new land, she finds her true self and true love in the process.
Kelly wins Gold Medallion for excellence in theatre education

UW–Madison’s Baron Kelly is a recipient of the John F. Kennedy Center Gold Medallion for Excellence in Theatre Education.
Kelly is a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor in the Department of Theatre and Drama who also holds a concurrent appointment with the Odyssey Project in the Department of Continuing Studies.
The Kennedy Center Gold Medallion honors individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theatre and who have significantly dedicated their time, artistry, and enthusiasm to the development of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) across all festival regions. Recipients must have demonstrated a strong commitment to the values and goals of KCACTF and to excellence in educational theatre.
The Gold Medallion is the most prestigious regional award given by KCACTF and is considered one of the great honors in theatre education.
See the full list of awardees for KCACTF’s Festival 55 region.