By Mary Boyle While not everyone may be familiar with Marc Brown's children's books about Arthur the aardvark, most people have encountered the cartoon, aired on PBS, simply because it is the longest running children's animated series in the U.S. In fact, the cartoon comes in second to being the longest running animated series in the U.S. after The Simpsons. Since 1996, there have been 25 seasons and 253 episodes of the cartoon; generations of kids have spent time after school with this lovable and relatable character, along with his family, friends, and the fictional community of Elwood City, as they tackle important topics such as cancer, autism, diabetes, and asthma while encouraging children to read and to believe in themselves. Now, the playwright duo of John Maclay and Brett Ryback have brought this iconic animated series to life in ARTHUR™ & FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL! with First Stage in Milwaukee. Directed by Khalia Davis, with music direction by Brett Ryback, the musical manages to accurately bring the feel of the cartoon to life, even without trying to transform the actors into the anthropomorphic characters they represent. By dressing the actors in the clothing worn by their cartoon counterparts, the characters are easily recognizable by anyone familiar with the show, even without the use of furry costumes or ears. While the cartoon’s iconic theme song, written by Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, is not featured in the production, the lyrics are clever and well suited to the cartoon and the musical styles vary, including an excellent nod to Hamilton that Lin Manuel Miranda fans will appreciate. The adults in the cartoon are played by adult actors: SaraLynn Evenson is Arthur’s mom, Zach Thomas Woods is Arthur’s dad, and the charismatic James Carrington, whose humor and energy really carries the production, plays Arthur’s teacher, Mr. Ratburn. The young performers are double cast and include Arthur (Vivian Madson/Sanaiah Hibbler), Arthur’s sister D.W. (Gia Love Deacon/Layla Katers), and Arthur’s friends: Francine (Alice Rivera/Lucia Santana), Muffy (Silver Anderson/Niamh Mayne), Buster (Ryon Davis/Alex Radtke), and Brain (Charlie Cornell/Jaloni Brown). I saw the Elwood Cast and was particularly enamored with Gia Love Deacon, who embodied D.W.’s mannerisms so perfectly. Vivian Madson was well cast as Arthur and Alice Rivera delivered an excellent performance as Francine. These are three young performers to keep an eye on. John Maclay, who has done significant work with First Stage, was the writer behind last season’s Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors and is particularly brilliant at working in child-appropriate humor directed at the adults in the audience. Much like the cartoon, the musical tackles some important topics that kids encounter in real life, like being accepting of yourself and others, but also includes the more progressive storylines from the cartoon, including the mention that their teacher, Mr. Ratburn, is gay, which the cartoon unveiled in its 22nd season. Where the musical falls short is in sound: the music is recorded, not live, which wouldn’t be so bad except that the sound system at Todd Wehr is not good, compounded by the fact that the mics on the actors are also not great; however, these flaws are due to the technical limitations of the Todd Wehr Theater, which is long overdue for an overhaul. Certainly, if you are a fan of Arthur, I wouldn’t let that stop you from seeing this production. First Stage is one of the best youth theaters in the country; we are so very lucky to have them in the area and they deserve our support. ARTHUR™ & FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL! runs through November 6, 2022, at the Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater, located at at 929 North Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets start at $32 and are available at https://www.firststage.org/ or by calling (414) 267-2961. Performance runtime is approximately 90 minutes, which includes a brief intermission. Suggested for families with young people ages 5+. Special events for ARTHUR™ AND FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL! Sensory Friendly Performance: Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. A Sensory Friendly Performance with accommodations for families with children on the autism spectrum. Sensory accommodations include lower sound, house lights up, a quiet area staffed by an educator experienced with the care of students on the autism spectrum and other developmental differences, and more. Tickets for Sensory Friendly Performances are $10. Order by phone at (414) 267-2961, weekdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. to reserve tickets. To learn more visit: firststage.org/plan-your-visit/sensory-friendly-performances/. ASL Interpreted Performance: Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. This performance will be sign language interpreted for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Assistive listening devices are also available at the Todd Wehr Theater. firststage.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility/sign-language-interpreted-performances/ About First Stage First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves nearly 2,000 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs promote literacy, character building and experiential learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students each year. First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (2012) and was the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education and the arts for its Next Steps program for students on the autism spectrum (2013, 2015). First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Milwaukee Arts Partners and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).
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Halloween comes but once a year, and it's the perfect opportunity to be someone (or something) else, for a change. Then there's the free candy, of course. Ozaukee has all kinds of fun Halloween happenings for all ages — here's the lineup! Cedarburg Scary Bloody Mary Walk Saturday, October 22nd from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Enjoy Bloody Marys while supporting the Cedarburg Friends of Parks & Recreation! Twelve sponsor bars compete for the title of Best Bloody Mary 2022, while participants compete for Best Costume. Participants vote for Best Bloody and Best Costume to determine the winners. Gothic History Tours October 21, 22 and 28 The Gothic History Tour returns for their 18th year with the Care and Feeding of Ghosts and Ghouls! This 90-minute walking tour is volunteer-led and benefits the non-profit Cedarburg Cultural Center. The Haunt celebrates its 15th year of scaring people silly! Head to the fairgrounds Friday and Saturday nights between October 14th and the 29th to experience the horror, if you dare! Pumpkin Walk Monday, October 31st from 5-9 p.m. The Pumpkin walk is truly Halloween fun for the whole family. Jack-o-lanterns line Washington Ave., and many of the main street businesses offer treats and specials for those who wander through. Thiensville Nightmare on Elm Street Thursday, October 27, 5-8 p.m. Food Trucks in the Park meets Dead Man's Carnival! A fun, free event for the whole family! Business Trick-or-Treat Thursday, October 27, 4-6 p.m. In conjunction with Nightmare on Elm Street, many downtown Thiensville businesses will participate in a Trick-or-Treat! Mequon Pumpkin Carving & Spooky Cave Tour Saturday, October 22, 11-4 at Foxtown Brewing Enjoy Halloween movies, drink and snack specials for adults and kids, and more! Habitat Haunting at the Mequon Nature Preserve Saturday, October 29, noon-2. Come dressed in your costume and hike the Streich Family Wetlands trail system! Stop at different stations along the way and receive candy and other goodies. Play some yard games and run around Marty's Playspace when you are all done! Leashed dogs are welcome (have them dress up too!). Grafton Fall into Grafton Friday & Saturday, October 14th & 15th This two-day event starts with a beer garden and live music on Friday night in the Paramount Plaza Stage. Bring your decorated jack-o-lanterns to light up the Paramount Plaza and enter in the Pumpkin Decorating Contest! Then, come back on Saturday for the second year of Puttin' Around Downtown Grafton, a kids zone with a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, face painting and more! Don't forget to decorate and prepare a pumpkin to enter in the Bank Five Nine Pumpkin Derby! Saukville Saukville Scare 5K Run/Walk Saturday, October 15th at Grady Park in Saukville, this family-friendly Halloween-themed event benefits the Saukville Elementary School free breakfast program. Trails & Treats Friday and Saturday, October 21st and 22nd at Riveredge A non-spooky night of fall family fun as you hike a mile loop of our trails and visit education stations featuring some costumed woodland creatures along the way! While there, these new friends will entertain and educate you about their habits and habitats, and give you some candy-free treats while they're at it! Harvest Moon Dance Saturday, October 22nd from 6-11 p.m. at the Saukville Legion is a great way for adults to celebrate Halloween for a good cause. Live music, food and prizes for the best costume! Port Washington Doggy Costume Parade & Contest Thursday, October 20st from 5-7 p.m. Who doesn't love a parade of dogs? Especially dogs dressed in costumes! The parade starts at 5 at the Heart of the Harbor and the contest will take place thereafter. No need to register your dog. Just come on down with a well-dressed pup to enter! Huntin' for Pumpkins Friday, October 21, 5-7:30 p.m. Kids will get a chance to hunt for the perfect pumpkin in Upper Lake Park and one lucky child who finds the great golden pumpkin will receive a special treat! There will also be a spooky maze, photos from VIP, hot cider, a spooky story walk present by W.J. Niederkorn Library, and more! Pre-Registration is required. Port Washington Ghost Walk Fridays and Saturday, October 28th & 29th Celebrate your Halloween Season in a most unique fashion and join in for the popular Port Washington Ghost Walk, featuring two options, this year, as well as a Ghost Hunt option. This popular event sells out fast! Downtown Trick-or-Treating in Port Saturday, October 29th from 1-3 p.m.. Wear your best costume and visit businesses downtown! Belgium Booo! at the Barn Saturday, October 29th from 8-11:30 p.m. Join Buechler Farms for an Adults Only Costume Party, featuring Live Music by Kid Ego, prize for the best costume, a photo booth, snacks, 50/50 Raffle and more! Eerie Street Cemetary Haunted House Friday, October 21, 6-10 p.m. The Eerie Street Cemetary is a family-run charity haunted house running 6-10 p.m. October 21, 22, 28 and 29 and 2-8 p.m. on Sunday, October 30th. Proceeds go to Fishing Has No Boundaries. Fredonia Fredonia Fire Dept. Annual Halloween Brat Fry Saturday, October 29th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Get a burger, brat or a treat for the trick-or-treaters! Trick-or-Treating in Oz
By Mary Boyle After two years of pandemic craziness, The Milwaukee Rep returns for its 69th Season with a strong opening round of shows at all three of their theaters located within the Patty & Jay Baker Theater Complex on Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee: TITANIC THE MUSICAL at the Quadracci Powerhouse, UNFORGETTABLE at the Stackner Cabaret, and WIFE OF A SALESMAN at the Stiemke Studio. TITANIC THE MUSICAL was originally part of last year’s season and enjoying great success when the show had to be cancelled due to a COVID-19 breakout within the cast and crew. Miraculously, the show was able to be remounted, with very little cast changes, for an exclusive 5 week run which comes to an end on October 23rd. Directed by Mark Clements, with musical direction by Dan Kazemi, the production is a powerful telling of a story whose ending everyone already knows. Many from the original cast were able to return to this production, including Milwaukee favorites Matt Daniels as Pitman/Etches, Kelly Faulkner as Caroline, Carrie Hitchcock as Ida Straus, and Andrew Varela as Ismay. New to this production are Alex Keiper (The Nerd, The Ring of Fire) who brought a lot of life to the production as Alice, and Jeffrey Kringer (West Side Story), who was fun to watch as Barrett. For those interested in the actual story of the Titanic, the show is rife with facts, figures, and conjectures on what caused the tragedy. The set design by Timothy R. Mackabee is simple and clean, but impressive and made very effective using video superimposed on the stage, including some actual historical footage. The cast is immense, and though it is filled with individually talented singers, it is when they sing collectively that the music soars and swells within the theater and the hearts of audience members, alike. Hop on board this production while you still can. UNFORGETTABLE: John-Mark McGaha sings NAT KING COLE was created by Chicago-based Artists Lounge Live’s Angela Ingersoll, who wrote and performed in last season’s Get Happy: Angela Ingersoll Sings Julie Garland. The Rep also hosted their production of First Lady of Song: Alexis J. Roston Sings Ella Fitzgerald. The goal of AAL is to combine superb musicianship with intimate storytelling, and the Stackner Cabaret is the perfect venue for this type of production. McGaha is an incredibly talented singer and musician, in his own right, and shares many similarities with the great Nat King Cole: both were born in Alabama; both began piano lessons at a very young age and their mothers were their teachers; and, both considered themselves musicians more than singers. Besides singing, McGaha plays piano and guitar over the course of the show and is backed by four other very talented musicians who play drums, upright bass, piano and flute/saxophone. As he covers Cole’s greatest hits, along with some lesser-known songs, McGaha shares Cole’s story, including insight into Cole’s all too early death from lung cancer at the age of 45. From Cole’s early iconic jazz tunes like “Straighten Up and Fly Right” to the R&B classic “Route 66” to his most memorable love songs like “Unforgettable” and “Mona Lisa,” the music of Nat King Cole is a part of our culture – even my 17-year-old son, who saw the performance with me, recognized over half of the songs, and I can assure you that he is not a jazz aficionado. These are talented people making great music and telling a good story while they do it; that being said, I also was seated next to a woman who could only be described as a true Nat King Cole fan and, while she was pleasantly surprised by some of the lesser-known tunes that made it into the show, she was also a bit disappointed that there were drums, saxophone and flute, which were historically not a part of the King Cole Trio’s instrumental lineup (Fun Fact: The King Cole Trio’s Live at the Circle Room was recorded in Milwaukee!). I am not enough of a Cole fan to weigh in on such matters, but I’d love to get feedback from those who are. You have until November 6th to catch this performance. WIFE OF A SALESMAN is, to paraphrase a character in the play itself, “a deconstruction” of Arthur Miller’s 1949 classic play, Death of a Salesman, “through the feminist lens.” Written by new playwright Eleanor Burgess, whose play The Niceties was a part of the 2019/20 Season at The Rep, Wife of a Salesman is a World Premier in collaboration with Writers Theatre in Glencoe, IL and is, without a doubt, one of the most moving works of theatre I have ever witnessed. In Death of a Salesman, we learn that the salesman is having an affair with a woman from Boston. In Wife of a Salesman, the story begins when the salesman’s wife (Heidi Armbruster) confronts her husband’s mistress (Bryce Gangel) with the hope of breaking up the affair. Then, in a mind-boggling instant, that is not the play you are seeing at all. That shocker, I can assure you, is nothing to how surprised you will be at the play’s end. Directed by Marti Lyons, Wife of a Salesman raises major questions about marriage and motherhood, and how the way we view them has changed over generations. As a wife, mother, and as a woman, I have never felt so called out, nor so seen, heard, and validated, by a play. I was so shell-shocked at the end that it took a moment to remember to clap; then, once I was safely in my car on my way home, I felt a warm flush come over me as if I was embarrassed – but embarrassed by what? Then, out of nowhere, I began to sob uncontrollably (I was truly thankful I saw this one on my own, I can tell you). Honestly, I haven’t been able to stop thinking of this production; of all the ways I saw myself in the wife; of how I, too, put so much love into my family, only to wonder where it all went. Here is a story that never gets told and so desperately needed to be. Please go and see this play and be a part of this conversation – tell them Mary sent you. Tickets to these productions and the rest of the 2022/23 season may be purchased online at www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by calling the Ticket Office at 414-224-9490, or in-person at 108 E Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee. Group tickets are available for parties 10+ by calling 414-290-5340. Titanic The Musical runs through October 23rd at the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater; Unforgettable: John-Mark McGaha sings Nat King Cole runs through November 6th at the Stackner Cabaret; Wife of a Salesman runs through November 6th at the Stiemke Studio. For more information, please visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com. For Ozaukee Audiences – Know Before You Go Due to construction on I43, it is best to plan to leave 1 hour before showtime (1 ½ hours for those in northern Ozaukee) to allow time to park and find your seats. Purchasing a parking pass with your tickets is highly recommended and allows you to park directly below the theaters without having to go outdoors to get to the show. Planning dinner before or after performances can be a bit tricky; note run times and know that sometimes performances run late – many area restaurants close their kitchens by 10:30 p.m. Pre-show dinners are available on site at the Stackner Cabaret. If you are seeing a performance at the Stackner Cabaret, you must be at your seat 30 minutes ahead of show time to order food and drinks prior to the start of the show. Always remember to turn off your phone during the performance – you don’t want to be that guy. About Milwaukee Repertory Theater Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin with three unique performance venues in the Patty & Jay Baker Theater Complex– the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio and Stackner Cabaret. For over six decades, Milwaukee Rep has been a centerpiece of Milwaukee’s vibrant arts and cultural scene with productions ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare to American Classics and New Works that are entertaining, inclusive, and impactful. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mark Clements and Executive Director Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Repertory Theater ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity. Port's Brenda Peterson Releases New Book Documenting Her Experiences As A Messenger For The Spirit WorldBy Mary Boyle Brenda Peterson was around 7 years old when her family moved to Port Washington; it was also when she first saw and felt who she now refers to as "the peeps" – spirits, guides, and angels who she sometimes feels around her, and occasionally actually sees. "I was always an empath – I feel what other people are feeling – but then it became something more." When she was a teenager, she was able to shut out the communications for a time; she just wanted to be "normal." Then, shortly after graduating from Port Washington High School, she developed an intense craving for spiritual knowledge, becoming a Reiki Master, reading books, joining groups, and developing her abilities; however, not many people knew about her skill set since, for most of her adult life, she worked with non-profits and kept her other talents mostly to herself. Finally, seven years ago, she decided it was time to embrace her gifts as a medium, as well as focusing on her art; in fact, she even found a way to combine the two. People who knew her from the non-profit world were often shocked when they learned about her career change. "One guy actually started laughing – he thought I was joking," Peterson laughed. In fact, helping people connect with their loved ones, guide them on their journeys, or even develop their own intuitive abilities is something that Peterson takes quite seriously. Through her website, clients can register for art classes that help to develop their creativity and intuition, purchase Peterson's art, or book an intuitive reading, reiki session or a mentorship session, among other opportunities. "I love to feel that curiosity building in clients," Peterson shared, "That's my favorite; when I feel the heart and spirit open; when they feel the love they didn't know was there." Peterson hadn't planned on writing a book about her experiences as an intuitive but, during the pandemic, she sat down and began to write, and the words just poured out of her. The book, Marvelous Mystical Messages, brings attention to all of the different ways "the peeps" communicate, which often depends on who the message is for. "They communicate how you would know them," Peterson explained, meaning that they use language or images that mean something to the person the message is intended for, but it may not make any sense to Peterson or anyone else. Sometimes the message feels like her conscience talking, but sometimes they communicate in pictures that appear in her mind. Interestingly, they never seem to use names. People have been coming to Peterson for the past six years, during transitions in life when they need help getting balanced, or often after the death of a loved one. Peterson feels that regular visits with a medium are very heathy. "We get facials and massages, but what are we doing for our spirit?" she asks. Peterson considers herself a very spiritual person, but not a religious person; however, if she had a religion, it would be love. In telling the stories of the people she has delivered messages to, Peterson hopes to open readers up to the possibility that they may be able to develop the same gift or, if nothing else, to bring them to the realization that they are not alone; that there are loved ones, guides and angels looking after them and that they can learn to notice the signs of their presence if they are willing to. There are several upcoming events as part of the book launch for Marvelous Mystical Messages, including an Intuitive Reading and Book Signing at Eclectic Avenue in Port Washington on October 20th, a Book Signing at Art of Joy in Cedarburg on October 29th, and an Intuitive Reading and Book Signing at Village Point Commons in Grafton on October 30th. Peterson is a participating artist on the Studio Art Tour, where her book will also be available, and her art can be found at the Grafton Arts Mill Roastery, the Cedarburg Art Museum and Cedarburg Cultural Center, Eclectic Avenue in Port Washington, and Sheboygan Visual Artists and Book Maven in Sheboygan. Above all, Peterson considers herself a messenger, and the overall message that she brings is love. "We're all brothers and sisters; we're all made of energy," Peterson said. "Once people leave this place, there are no issues, they're pure love." To learn more about Brenda Peterson, go to: https://brendapetersonllc.com/ Fall is here, and that means it's time to get your pumpkins and apples! Luckily, finding a humble pumpkin patch, or a sweet-smelling orchard in Oz is not too difficult a task.
One of the best ways is to let the farmers come to you at one of the area's Farmers Markets: Port Washington and Cedarburg on Saturday, Saukville on Sunday and Thiensville on Tuesday. Of course, if you're looking for a farm to visit, we have plenty of those, too: Cedarburg Creek Farm has just about every pumpkin hunting experience you could hope for: a kid's straw bale, a corn maze, and much more fall fun, close to home. Add in no admission fees and FREE Hay Wagon Rides, and they are THE place for affordable family fun. Cedar Creek Farm is located at 649 Hwy. 60 in Cedarburg and opens for the season on September 17th. Appleland in Fredonia has apples, of course, and a stunning variety of them, at that, but they also have pumpkins to pick or already picked, and an assortment of jams, bakery, caramel apples, cider, and more in their market store. Free wagon rides on the weekends. Appleland is located at 4177 Highway 57 in Fredonia. Buechler Farms offers a fun family fall experience on the weekends, beginning September 30th with their three day Fall Festival, which coincides with more events celebrating Belgium's Centennial, including a Water Lantern Release, and more. The farm is located at 587 South Royal Ave in Belgium. Regular pumpkin season will continue every weekend in October. Creekside Valley Farm opens for their season on Saturday, September 17th, with a pumpkin patch, hay maze, petting zoo, fall decor, pedal tractors, and more. Find them at 13101 N Wauwatosa in Mequon, open daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Nieman Markets, located at 14335 N. Wauwatosa Rd. in Mequon, has apple picking, a corn maze, pumpkins, a petting zoo, a market, and more. Barthel's Fruit Farm is synonymous with apple picking. Located at 12246 N Farmdale Rd. in Mequon, the barn has plenty of already picked pumpkins and gourds, or you can go to the field to pick your own. Barthel's apples are also available at Outpost in Mequon. Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily, Barthel's offers homemade bakery as well as a Beer Garden (weather permitting) from noon-6 Fridays through Sundays. If you're willing to venture a bit out of Oz, there are a few places worth the trip: Spieker's Pumpkin Farm in Random Lake features a massive corn maze, hay rides, and an incredible variety of pumpkins and gourds, as well as a petting zoo, and more. Find it at N1181 Hwy. 57 in Random Lake. Meadowbrook Pumpkin Farm and Market in West Bend has quite the exotic petting zoo, and a haunted corn field, a totally unstaged and hair-raising adventure through 8 plus creepy houses and 3/4 miles of narrow trails in tall, dense corn, on narrow confined trails. Not exactly family fun with young children, but possibly a great outing with your teenagers or adult friends. Find Meadowbrook at 2970 Mile View Road in West Bend. Happy picking!! By Mary Boyle Every Summer, I write an article about Shakespeare in the Park that always includes American Players Theatre; but, APT is so much more than Shakespeare in the Park. With its 1,089 seat outdoor theater known as The Hill situated in the beautiful driftless region of Spring Green, Wisconsin, APT is the second largest outdoor theater in the country, after The Muny of St. Louis. This is where Wisconsin's finest actors come to play in the woods, and where you will see some of the best live theatre in the state. Whether you are a theatre fanatic or just looking for a nearby weekend getaway, a visit to Spring Green and APT is just the ticket. Devoted to the classics, APT always has at least one or two works by the Bard. This season, they take on the rarely staged LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST and Shakespeare's greatest tragedy, HAMLET. Being a bit of a rabid Shakespeare fan, myself, I made sure to see these two productions. With the Regency period being all the rage, and being a Jane Austen fan, I also had to see SENSE & SENSIBILITY. Finally, just for pure fun, I chose THE RIVALS. The only disappointment from my weekend was that the rain caused me to miss the second half of S&S, and though LLL was interrupted by the weather, it was worth the hour wait to see the rest. From casting to costumes to set design, APT is at the top of their game. I was particularly excited to see Love's Labour's Lost, as I have never had the opportunity; in fact, it's been two decades since APT has done it. Directed by Brenda DeVita, the production is brilliantly set in the 1950's at the "University" of Navarre, where a group of steadfast male students solemly vow to apply themselves to their studies so loyally that they swear off even the presence of any females for the next three years. This, of course, is just before an evenly matched group of determined ladies show up on the University's doorstep, resulting in the expected hijinks. This one is perfection, but I would be remiss if I didn't note Josh Krause as Dull, the Constable, who steals the show, as he so often does. While watching this wonderfully funny and witty production, you will wonder why this particular tale isn't staged more often, but you will find your answer at the end. See it, anyway, and hurry – Love's Labour's Lost only runs through October 2nd . Then, just when you think you couldn't possibly see a better version of Hamlet than the filmed National Theatre production starring Benedict Cumberbatch, APT shows up. The ghost king is formidable and terrifying, Horatio is cast as a woman, and Nate Burger plays the role of Hamlet so brilliantly, it is a joy to behold. Directed by James DeVita, this is another very strong cast, but I particularly loved Chiké Johnson's take on Polonius. The stark, gritty set design and lighting by Takeshi Kata and Jason Fassl truly makes the production. Sure, you may have seen Hamlet a few times, but you've never seen one like this. You have until October 8th, and I can't think of a better ghost story to kick off your October with. Who doesn't love Jane Austen?! When Mr. Dashwood passes, Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters are quite destitute after being thrown out of their own home in Sussex by their Uncle John and his horrible wife, Fanny. As they adjust to their new, and much poorer, life in Devonshire, their new neighbor, Mrs. Jennings, makes it her mission to get the young ladies married off. Directed by Marti Lyons, Sense & Sensibility is sweet, funny and, dare I say, terribly romantic. Marcus Truschinski as Colonel Brandon could not be any more awkward and heartbreaking. Fans of Austen, the Regency era, or hopeless romantics, this one's for you; you have until October 9th. Now, what can I say about The Rivals? This one reminds me of last season's Rough Crossing, with Josh Krause in a very similar role with hysterical results; at any rate, The Rivals is three hours of clever, laugh-out-loud fun. Directed by Aaron Posner and written in 1775 by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the great Irish satirist, poet, playwright and owner of Drury Lane, the rivals are all of the men who are trying to win the hand of one Miss Lydia Languish, who can't possibly wed Captain Jack Abolute, the man her Aunt Malaprop wishes her to wed, but insists on marrying Ensign Beverly, a man of no means, wealth or name and with whom she's infatuated with. The funny thing is, they're the same man. The highlight of this show is James Ridge, who is in his comedic element as Sir Lucious O'Trigger (seriously, watch for the little Irish jigs he throws in – it's priceless!). This one only runs through September 17th, so you really need to get on it. Also at The Hill this season is Lorraine Hansberry's classic, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, which runs through October 7th. American Players Theatre is also home to an intimate indoor theater called The Touchstone, where you can see THE BROTHERS SIZE by Tarell Alvin McCraney, THE RIVER BRIDE by Marisela Treviño Orta, THE MOORS by Jen Siverman, and STONES IN HIS POCKETS by Marie Jones, which ends the season on November 20th. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to: americanplayers.org/ or call the Box Office at 608-588-2361. Know Before You Go
What to do in Spring Green Spring Green is the home of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin, as well as the iconic Wisconsin attraction, House on the Rock. Spring Green, itself, is an adorable little main street community with some lovely shops and restaurants; I highly recommend making a stop at Arcadia Books and the Last Leaf Public House. There are also two State Parks nearby: Tower Hill and Governor Dodge. For the history buffs, you can see two State Historical Sites just a bit further south down 151: in historic Mineral Point you can see Pendarvis, and you will find the First Capitol in Belmont. There's also historic Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, where you can check out the trollway and visit the nearby Cave of the Mounds. By Mary Boyle For the past 17 years, Aaron Rossmiller and Kat Chronis have been running at least one version of Lakeside Music & Naturals – a venture that has combined both of their interests in one business: one part music store (offering instruments for sale, lessons, repairs & appraisals) and one part natural childrens store/boutique (offering everything from wooden toy instruments to fair trade jewelry and clothing, to personal care products made with natural ingredients). Music, though, is what has tied it all together, from the concerts they attend on a regular basis to the Music Together classes for young children that Kat has been offering for the past several years. After the couple opened their first store in Sheboygan in 2005, they spent several years trying to find the right location in Ozaukee County, beginning at the Cedar Creek Settlement and then trying two different locations in Grafton, but they couldn't find the right fit. Interestingly, it was another mutual love that brought them to Port Washington: coffee. A manager at the Smith Bros. Coffee House, who regularly hosted live music and was a customer of theirs, told them about a space opening up across the street. Regular visits to Smith Bros. saw them through the growth of their store, Kat's music classes for children, the birth of their second child, hours of Kat's grad school work, adopting a new puppy, and the opening of a third store in Manitowoc. Then, Smith Bros. closed in September of 2021. "Downtown traffic dropped after Smith Bros. left," Kat said. "You did not have the people walking through like you once did." With their convenient coffee supply gone and reduced traffic to their store, the couple decided to start yet another venture: a coffee shop of their own inside Lakeside Music & Naturals. The name, Banjo's Brews Coffee, comes from the rescue pup they adopted, whom they aptly named Banjo Kazoo. They sourced their fair trade organic coffee from local Milwaukee roasters, Colectivo (the same coffee roaster Smith Bros. used) and Aaron, himself, has not only built the counters and set up the kitchen, but he's also the one making their bakery. Music remains the theme, even for the coffee shop. The menu offers "Classicals" (such as a cappucino, latte or Americano) or "Melodies" (such as fruit smoothies or frozen lemonade); drink specials are named with musical inspiration, such as this week's "blackbird," a frozen blackberry lemonade slushie that is delightful and refreshing. Regular live music is something the couple really hopes to add to the Banjo's Brews schedule, along with soups and sandwiches, come fall. The focus of the menu will be plant-based and cater to vegetarians, vegans, and those with other dietary restrictions. Although the opening took a bit longer than they'd expected, it came just in the nick of time: Kat is due with the couple's third child on September 11th and is about to start her final year of grad school, which will make her a family nurse practitioner when she's done. If anybody needs coffee, it's these people. For now, they're working out the kinks, continuing to work on the space, and planning for their Grand Opening, which will take place on Saturday, August 27th from noon to 4 p.m., where they'll be offering delicious bakery for both people and their dogs, as well as live music from 2-4 p.m. from the students of Annette Meyer Studio in Grafton. Ten percent of the bakery and drink proceeds from the day will go to the Ozaukee Campus of the Wisconsin Humane Society. For more information about Lakeside Music & Naturals and all they have to offer, go to www.lakesidemusicstore.com/. To keep up with what's happening at Banjo's Brews, go to www.facebook.com/banjosbrewscoffee. Fredonia’s Jacqui Fulcomer is leading the charge to preserve Waubeka’s buildings with the creation of a Historic DistrictMary Boyle Jacqui Fulcomer is known for growing things. Her and her partner, Dan Bertram, own Willoway Farm in Fredonia, which began as a traditional produce CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) operation and evolved to include Jacqui’s Waggle Dance Flowers, a flower CSA that offers a variety of weekly bouquets throughout the growing season, as well as a number of opportunities on their farm, including weddings, photo and painting sessions, workshops, and even camping. More recently, though, Jacqui has been working on growing something entirely new: a passion for preserving the Village of Waubeka. And, just like everything else Jacqui grows, she really wants to share it with everyone. Given Jacqui’s interest in Waubeka, one would think she grew up here, but she is in fact from New Jersey. She met Dan in Whitefish, Montana while they were both employed at the same restaurant, and the two quickly discovered a common love of nature and the outdoors. After several years of working on various farms and learning about sustainable agriculture, the couple found the farm of their dreams while visiting Dan’s family, who happen to reside in Fredonia, and the two have been growing their farm and their family since 2006. Like many of the communities in Ozaukee, Fredonia houses a couple of unincorporated villages, and it didn’t take long for Jacqui to discover and fall in love with Waubeka: a quaint and often overlooked area of Ozaukee with a number of charming historic cream city brick, frame, and field stone structures, intersected by the Milwaukee River. Waubeka’s known claim to fame is being the birthplace of Flag Day. Each year on the second Sunday of June, thousands of people visit the historic Stony Hill School, where a young teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand started the first Flag Day celebration, and attend the Flag Day parade down Waubeka’s main street. However, as Jacqui learned, the Stony Hill School and the story of Flag Day are not the whole of Waubeka’s history or appeal. Waubeka was a very industrial town in the mid to late 1800’s, according to an article in the Port Pilot from 1976. The community had a doctor, dentist, general store, two tailor shops, a drug store, two cigar shops, a saw mill, a casket shop, a slaughterhouse and meat market, saloons, a large mill used for feed and the manufacturing of flour, and a button factory which, prior, was a furniture shop run by a Mr. Kendall (a box flume from the mill supplied water power for running the machinery). There were three blacksmith shops, a millinery shop, a pump factory, a cooper shop that made wooden barrels and cisterns, and a photograph gallery operated by a Miss Paulus. Perhaps most notably, there was the Klessig Cheese Factory and the Cooley Cheese Box Factory, which employed a large number of young men and boys in the community. Then, in the 1870’s, the railroad was routed through the east side of Fredonia, causing Waubeka’s decline. While Cedarburg and Port Washington are considered the historic areas of Ozaukee County, their buildings often needed to undergo extensive renovation to unearth their original look after decades of modernization. Waubeka, meanwhile, has essentially been frozen in time, with many of its structures unchanged from its industrial heyday. Unfortunately, not all of the structures have weathered time well; without a collaborative effort to preserve them, Waubeka could easily lose its quaint and authentic character. In 2018, the Klessig Cheese Factory was for sale and Jacqui and Dan, along with Dan’s brother, Greg, and a few of their friends, formed the Klessig Riverside Group and purchased the property with the hope of restoring the historical integrity of the building and kickstarting the preservation of Waubeka. The more research Jacqui did on the property, the more enamored she became of Waubeka’s history, and the more determined she became to save it. “I have grown quite fond of the Waubeka history and admire its founders,” said Jacqui. “Dan and I, and our friends, find the properties in Waubeka charming and want to see it flourish for generations to come.” When the neighboring Bidinger Blacksmith House became available, another group called the Bidingers Haus, LLC, also consisting of Jacqui, Dan, Greg, and some friends, was formed. The trouble is, both structures are near the Milwaukee River and considered to be in a flood plain; therefore, there is a cap on the amount of money that can be invested into the structures – basically, enough to stabilize them, but not enough to restore them. However, should the area be named a State Historic District and the buildings listed in the district, the cap is removed. Furthermore, buildings in a State Historic District are eligible for state and federal income tax credits for rehabilitation, as well as for federal grants and the use of the state’s Historic Building Code, which may help to facilitate the rehabilitation. Jacqui and Dan raised some funds by selling Christmas trees the past two winters on their properties in Waubeka and were able to hire Preserve, LLC, a historic preservation consulting firm, to help begin the process, which consists of identifying which structures are recommended to be included in the district and putting together a step-by-step plan, which begins with getting the community on board. To that end, Jacqui has arranged a public meeting at Boots Q ‘n Boogie (the former Waubeka Fire Hall) on Wednesday, August 17th from 5-7 p.m. to size up interest. Preserve, LLC will be present at the meeting, as well as Jason Tish, the Preservation Education Coordinator from the Wisconsin Historical Registration Office, to present the proposed district and to answer any questions from members of the community. Some members of the community have already reached out to help. Local artist, Katie Musloff, donated a drawing based on a photo from June 7, 1895, of the Singer Society’s 25th anniversary parade, a primarily German glee club that built the Singers Hall in Waubeka in 1871, held song festivals, and even established a German theatre program in the community. Some of the notable members were Julius Klessig, the Founder of Klessig Cheese Factory, as well as several other Klessig family members, M.T. Neuens, and Nicholas Cigrand, the father of Bernard Cigrand – names that are familiar to anyone who resides in the community. Should there be enough interest, the next step will be to create a non-profit Waubeka Historic District Support Association, which will make it easier to raise the funds needed to obtain the listing on the State Register. Creating a non-profit, Jacqui estimates, will cost around $900, while getting the historic district can cost over $20,000. To help defray the cost of the meeting, Jacqui will be selling flowers at the event. For anyone who would like to support the project, but cannot attend the meeting, Jacqui invites them to purchase flowers ahead of the event for pick up at the Klessig Cheese Factory porch (N5412 Cigrand Dr.); any flowers that are not picked up will be delivered to Forest Haven Assisted Living in Fredonia for their residents to enjoy. For more information about the Waubeka Historic District or to purchase flowers, contact Jacqui at klessigriversidegroup@gmail.com. To learn more about the State Register of Historic Places, visit https://www.WisconsinHistory.org/Records/Article/CS4330. To learn more about Waubeka’s historic buildings, walk the Chief Waubeka Historical Trail created by the National Flag Day Foundation. There's nothing quite as Americana as the 4th of July in the small town communities of Oz. Looking for a celebration near you? Look no further! Thiensville Family Fun Before the 4th is a nearly all-day event, and a great day for the whole family! On Saturday, June 25th, the massive parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m. Follow it to the Village Park, where free ice-cream, live music, and a variety of events await, followed by fireworks at dusk. Fun Before The 4th in Fredonia will happen at Fredonia's Fireman's Park at 3:30 p.m. where food, fun, free ice cream and music awaits, with fireworks at dusk. Grafton's Holidaze Grafton's Holidaze returns with a parade downtown at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration at Lime Kiln Park from 5-10 p.m., with live music and fireworks at dusk! Rotary Music Festival in Cedarburg The Drum Corps International Tour will return to Cedarburg's CHS Athletic Field on Sunday, July 3, at 7:30 p.m. for the 22nd Annual Rotary Music Festival, featuring drum and bugle corps. Freistadt Fourth It doesn't get any more Americana than Trinity Freistadt's 4th of July Parade and Picnic! Spend your day enjoying one of Ozaukee County's best kept secrets, beginning with an outdoor worship service at 10 a.m. (weather permitting) followed by a picnic, a tour of the Trinity Historical Grounds, and the very German music of the Alte Kameraden Band and dancing by the Pommersche Tanzdeel Dancers. The parade begins at 1 p.m. parade, followed by a flag raising, with the picnic continuing until 4 p.m. Port Washington Port has a Community Picnic at Veterans Memorial Park from 11-2 and a Pool Party at the Waterpark from 1-4; plus, the Amercan Legion, across from the park, is hosting a Patriotic Summer Celebration from noon-5, complete with a Patriotic Pet Costume Contest! The day ends with fireworks at dusk on the lakefront. Saukville Saukville's parade begins at 1 p.m. on the 4th, going through downtown and ending at Grady Park for a picnic, music and games from noon-5. The fun then moves to Peninsula Park, where there will be more music, games, and food from 5 p.m. until dusk, and fireworks are at dusk. Cedarburg Cedarburg's 4th of July Hometown Celebration boasts the largest parade in Ozaukee (roughly 2 hours long!), which begins at Fireman's Park at 10 a.m., and heads south along Washington Ave., making its way to Cedar Creek Park, where a picnic, music, and activities can be found until 9:30 p.m., when the fireworks begin. Happy Independence Day, Ozaukee! One of the best parts of summertime in Ozaukee County is the plethora of outdoor concerts to attend. From Summer Sounds to Gathering on the Green, there's something for everyone. Here's the 2022 lineup: Summer Sounds in Cedarburg Summer Sounds kicks off Friday, June 17th, at Cedar Creek Park and continues every Friday through August 19th. Each concert begins 6:30 p.m., and there is plenty of food and drink available on site, as well as a playground for the kids nearby. Bring a blanket or chairs, find your spot, and plan on an evening of fun! Live at the Triangle in Saukville's Veteran's Park will return with 6 free concerts this summer on Wednesday evenings from 7-9:30 p.m., beginning June 22nd and running through August 24th. Food and beverages are available for purchase on site. Belgium Summer Nights LIVE Belgium's Community Park will feature live music and family fun for all. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and sign up for kickball! Join them on Friday, June 3rd and Friday, July 22nd from 6-9 p.m. Shully's River Sounds in Thiensville will have free concerts on the first Thursday of June, August and September from 5:30-9 p.m., rain or shine, with some delicious food available, made (of course!) by Shully's. Bring your own chairs; no carry-ins. Gathering on the Green at Mequon's Rotary Park returns Thursday, July 7th with Bruce in the USA, Friday, July 8th with Roots & Boots, Saturday, July 9th with Night Ranger and 38 Special and Sunday, July 10th with Danny Gokey. the baaree Thiensville's Nepalese restaurant, the cheel, still runs their outdoor beer garden, the baaree, located at 105 S. Main St., while beginning construction on the restaurant. The baaree has amazing live music all summer long, along with great food and drinks. Beanies Summer Rock the Patio concert series happens every Sunday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m. through Labor Day weekend. Grab a famous Beanies Margarita, relax, and listen to some great tunes near the lake in downtown Port Washington! The Cedarburg Art Museum Beer Garden will have live music and food Thursday evenings from 5:30-8:30 p.m. beginning on June 9th and through September 15th, as well as during Strawberry Festival and Wine & Harvest Festival. The Mequon Public Market/Spur 16 Summer Patio Music Series has some great live music planned for their outdoor patio over the summer! Keep an eye on their website for more details. Oz has several places to catch live music year round, just hit on their links to see who's playing next! The Stagecoach Inn's Five20 Pub in downtown Cedarburg Rebellion Brewing Co., right on Cedar Creek in downtown Cedarburg The Bridge in Grafton Boot Q 'n Boogie in Waubeka If you don't mind the drive, Sheboygan has the amazing Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series kicks off on Thursday, June 23rd, with most of the music starting at 6 p.m., but check their lineup for details. The Series also incorporates the Midsummer Festival of the Arts on Saturday and Sunday, July 16th and 17th, on the JMK Arts Center Festival Green. Also not too far from Oz, the Homegrown Music Festival returns to Regner Park in West Bend on Sunday, July 10th from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., with a great lineup of Wisconsin bands. Parking is free, and a $10 donation is recommended. To stay informed about all of the great live music happening in and around Oz, make sure to stay tuned to the Ozaukee Living Local Events Page, and subscribe to our Friday Newsletter! Am I missing a series or place to catch live music in Oz? Let me know! |
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