The University of Toledo Department of Theatre & Film presented Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls, Friday, Nov. 9 through Sunday, Nov. 11, and Wednesday, Nov. 14 through Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007 in the Center Theatre of the Center for Performing Arts on main campus. Irene Alby, a lecturer at UT in acting, voice and movement, directed the play, which juxtaposes fantasy with reality for a postmodern look at capitalism, class, gender politics, and feminist theory. TICKETS...
On opening night, Friday, Nov. 9, patrons were invited to attend a panel discussion on the women's issues presented in the play. Panelists included the director of the Eberly Center for Women, Charlene Gilbert; assistant professor of women's studies, Ashley Pryor; as well as the play's director, Irene Alby; and cast members Nikki Soldner (Marlene) and Katie Rediger (Angie). Theatre and Film Department Chair, Holly Monsos, served as moderator. Thank you to all who either served as a panelist or joined our audience.
The UT Department of Theatre and Film also wishes to thank Maxwell's Brew, which donated a portion of the proceeds from our coffee and pastry sales nights.
About TOP GIRLS...
The story centers on the character Marlene, recently promoted to a new supervisory position 
at the Top Girls Employment Agency in 1980’s London.
The play is probably best known for its first scene in which Marlene (left) has a fantasy dinner party to celebrate her career advancement , inviting figures from history, literature and art to join her. These figures include Pope Joan, the alleged 10th century female pope (center); Lady Nijo, an Emperor's concubine and Buddhist nun, who wrote her confessions; Lady Isabella Byrd, a Victorian traveler who wrote 15 books on her travels; Dull Gret, from “Dulle Griet” painted by Bruegel (right); and Patient Griselda from Chaucer and Petrarch. These same actresses then reappear as their characters’ contemporary counterparts in and around the employment agency.
Below, Marlene's niece, Angie (Katie Rediger), has a teenaged rivalry fight with her best friend, Kit (Margaret Lute).
