TAPIT/new works

TNW Ensemble Theater

TNW Ensemble Theater (formerly known as TAPIT/new works Ensemble Theater) was founded in 1985 with the twin goals of artistic innovation and community connection. We pursue these goals through creation and performance of multi-disciplinary productions, arts education, and outreach. We have developed, produced and performed 39 new plays, 15 tap and jazz music performances, and 11 works for young audiences, touring throughout the U.S. and abroad. Through short and long-term residencies, we have reached thousands of under-served arts audiences, from older adults to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

TNW is committed to going beyond the “One Night Only” approach to the performing arts, and we continually strive to deepen and expand the ways in which people from different backgrounds connect with our work.

Productions

The Floridians Premieres!

Little old ladies turned spies and an intrepid FBI agent tangle with Russian money launderers who’d rather be doing musical theater in this zany new comedy.

The Floridians is the latest production from TNW Ensemble Theater, premiering Thursday, April 21, and running for a total of 10 performances at the Governor’s Mansion Inn, 130 East Gilman Street in Madison.

A send-up of cloak-and-dagger exploits, retirement living, and trying to keep it together during a pandemic, this show celebrates the quirky and good-hearted, even in difficult times.

In the show, the Governor’s Mansion Inn becomes various locations in Sunny Isles Beach, an actual community in North Miami Beach, Florida, often referred to as Little Moscow, due to the many Russians buying high-priced property there.

Russian money launderers Boris and Natasha hope their undercover operation as travel agents will help them work off their debt to sinister higher-ups, while they dream of working in musical theater. Retirees Florence and Sadie are frustrated and bored in the pandemic. They get suspicious of the inexplicably busy travel agents and decide to investigate, but get caught by Louise, an FBI agent tracking the dirty money flowing through Florida. Throw in Florence’s son, a young man at a crossroads, and Rhumba Rudy, whose advice is surprisingly with it, even if his jokes aren’t, and the stage is set for capers and comedy.

Written by Danielle Dresden and directed by Francisco Torres, The Floridians features Krystal and Andrew Lonsdale, Megan Mori, Joshua Paffel, Nelson Zane Eisman, Donna Peckett, and Dresden. Shane Heim is stage manager.

Click here for more information

The Floridians Program.pdf
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Performances

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, 7:30 pm, April 21 – 23 and April 28 – 30, with matinees at 2:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, April 23 – 24 and April 30 – May 1.

Tickets are $25.00 for adults, available through brownpapertickets.com. Seating is limited. The company will donate 10% of all ticket sales to GlobalGiving Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.

Contact TNW Ensemble Theater at info@tnwensembletheater.org or 608.244.2938 for more information.

Masks and proof of vaccination are required

TNW is offering in-person classes and workshops for ages 10-85+
May - August, 2022.
Masks and proof of vaccination are required. See you soon!

Summer 2022
Children and Adult Tap Classes, schedule now available

Check the Summer Schedule!

TNW Welcomes Teacher Shona Mitteldorf

Shona is teaching in-person classes from the TNW space this Spring, March 10 - April 14, Thursdays from 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Intermediate. Click link above for info.

Shona Mitteldorf started taking dance classes at a young age and has continued her training ever since. From early on, tap has been her primary dance form, but she has also trained in hip-hop, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. During her college years at Johns Hopkins University, she was active in student dance organizations, and she received the Homewood Arts Certificate in Dance. Focusing on tap classes for adults, Shona has been teaching dance classes in the Madison, Wisconsin area since moving here in 2014.

She also currently co-directs Breakthrough Dance Company. Apart from her dance life, Shona has been studying Education Policy at UW–Madison, and she works seasonally as a food tour guide.

Typhoid Mary

What do an Irish immigrant cook in the early 1900s, a French-Canadian flight attendant in the 1980s, and a mysterious 21st century outbreak striking foreign students and mosque attendees have in common?

Fish Fry

Comedy, Opera, and a Secret Recipe

Wit & Wisdom: Monologues of Ruth Draper

This immersive, cabaret-style performance introduces audiences to the work of Ruth Draper, the most famous actress you’ve probably never heard of.

Ben Franklin & Baron von Steuben vs. the Paine County School Board

Individuals of all political persuasions invoke the “Founding Fathers” to justify their positions – but have you ever wondered what the Founding Fathers themselves would think?

Calendar