By Mary Boyle Last season, a brand new theatre company popped up in Milwaukee called Vanguard Productions. They staged a reading of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 by Peter Rothstein, and it was such a hit that they remounted a full production inside the beautiful Calvary Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee for this season. There are only eight performances and, by the time of this review, there will only be one weekend left. For those of you looking for a new and moving holiday theatre experience, this is your ticket. Directed by Joshua Pohja, with music direction by Adam Qutaishat, All is Calm is based on the true story of a Christmas truce between the Germans and English on the frontlines in WWI. The production is fast-paced, with period music sung by the actors on the stage interspersed with quotes from the actual soldiers who wrote about it in letters home after the event. The church makes for a beautiful setting with good acoustics, which is important, because these performers can really sing. Dan Kerkman, F. Marvin Hannah, Jr., King Hang, Tomás Domínguez, Kai DeRubis, Elliott Brotherhood, Jake Badovski, Joe Picchetti, Joe Nolan , Jared Brandt Hoover, and George Lorimer come together in stunning harmony. Many of these performers were in the original reading by Vanguard. This story, which tells the tale of men who chose to disobey their commanders, lay down their arms, and celebrate the season for one night; to see each other as fellow human beings and not as enemies or others, is the ultimate example of the spirit of Christmas, of peace on earth, and of goodwill toward men, and it is a story that needs to be told right now. This production deserves to be a part of the holiday theatre standards in Milwaukee, right along with A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker ballet, and a yearly production is the goal for Vanguard. I strongly encourage you to attend All is Calm and to give what you can so we might see it again next year, and for many years to come. ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 runs through December 10, 2023, at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee, located at 935 W. Wisconsin Ave. Tickets may be purchased online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-is-calm-the-christmas-truce-of-1914-tickets-722955337877.
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By Mary Boyle Besides Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with his brilliant Sherlock Holmes, There may be no name more synonymous with the murder mystery and crime fiction genre than the great Agatha Christie, who wrote 66 detective novels, many featuring her famous characters, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. However, Dame Christie also holds the title for writing the longest running play, THE MOUSETRAP which, aside from a short break due to Covid, has been playing in the West End since 1952. Now through December 17th, Next Act Theatre brings this quintessential English production to Milwaukee audiences, so we can see what all the fuss is about across the pond. Set in a grand old home called Monkswell Manor in the winter of 1952, we meet young newlyweds Giles and Mollie Ralston (Josh Krause and Lillian Brown), who are opening their Inn for the very first time. With the news of a recent murder in London on the radio and blizzard conditions settling in outside, the couple are greet their unusual collection of first guest: Christopher Wren (Rudy Galvan), an eccentric and exuberant young man; Mrs. Boyle (Margaret Casey), a discriminating and condescending old widow; Major Metcalf (Doug Jarecki), a retired veteran; Miss Casewell (Libby Amato), a mysterious and modern woman; and finally, Mr. Paravicini (Jonathan Gillard Daly), an unexpected guest brought by the storm. Trapped in the manor by the storm, the Ralstons and their guests have varying reactions to the news that a Detective Sargeant Trotter (Casey Hoekstra) is being sent to the manor; after all, it must be serious if he insists on arriving in the midst of a snowstorm. Directed by Mar MacDonald Kerr, Mousetrap features a strong cast of mainly Milwaukee favorites. Josh Krause and Casey Hoekstra are both excellent and quickly becoming two of my favorite Wisconsin actors. They’ve both been making a name for themselves on the stage at American Players Theatre in recent years, but have also been seen at Next Act and several other Milwaukee stages. Doug Jarecki, Jonathan Gillard Daly and Margaret Casey are Milwaukee pillars, while Libby Amato, who is also the Managing Director at Next Act, has been a quiet but consistent local presence for the past decade. Lillian Brown and Rudy Galvan make impressive Next Act debuts. The cast lineup, alone, would be a draw to any local theatre aficionado, but if that doesn’t do it, then the appeal of seeing such a longstanding classic of English theatre should. Of course, I wouldn’t want to give any hints on this whodunnit, but I will say that Christie was brilliant at keeping audiences, and readers, wondering until the very end; after all, there must be a reason this show has lasted as long as it has and why Agatha Christie is still so well recognized. The set design by Lisa Schlenker and costumes by Jason Orlenko are as impressive as the cast, leading to a brilliant bit of theatre that truly shouldn’t be missed. On top of all of that, Next Act has a conveniently-placed, modern theater with good parking and accessibility, so you really have no excuse not to see this gem and solve the mystery of The Mousetrap for yourself. THE MOUSETRAP runs through December 17th at Next Act Theatre, located at 255 S. Water Street in Milwaukee. Tickets may be purchased at www.nextact.org or by calling (414) 278-0765. About Next Act Theatre Since 1990, Next Act Theatre has been engaging the hearts and minds of audiences with intimate, compelling productions intended to stimulate thought, foster the exchange of ideas, and promote the development of new perspectives and understanding. Next Act believes that stories work best when they involve characters in the midst of a struggle or a quest. Audiences identify with them, becoming emotionally and intellectually invested. The character’s situation, tragedy or triumph becomes the audiences’ to endure, mourn or celebrate. The theatre proves itself, then, as essential to the nourishment of our human spirit by bringing us together to examine, experience and explore the human condition, perhaps coming away with knowledge and perspective that only a good story can deliver. By Mary Boyle Are you looking for the perfect play or concert to brighten your holiday experience? Look no further! Here is a complete listing of offerings, from ballets and live-theatre to concerts, in Ozaukee and the greater Ozaukee area (Milwaukee, Washington and Sheboygan Counties). For specific theatre reviews, keep your eye on www.ozaukeelivinglocal.com/editorofozreviews/! Theatre Acacia Theatre Co. - MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLY Nov. 10- Dec. 3 First Stage - THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL Nov. 24 - Dec. 24 Sheboygan Theatre Co. - A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec. 1-9 West Bend Theatre Co. - A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec. 1-10 The Commercialists: Charlie Brown Christmas Dec. 4 Cedarburg Children's Theater - THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS Dec. 15-17 Milwaukee Ballet - THE NUTCRACKER Dec. 8-28 Concerts Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra - Elf in Concert Nov. 24-26 Festival City Symphony - Holiday Songs & Dances Pajama Jamboree Dec. 6 MSO Holiday Concert at the CPAC Dec. 7 MSO Handel's Messiah Dec. 8-10 MSO Holiday Pops Dec. 14-19 A Rockapella Christmas at the CPAC Dec. 16 By Mary Boyle When Harper Lee’s book, To Kill A Mockingbird, was published in 1960, she had no idea the impact it would have in our country. A Southern Gothic based on events from her own hometown of Monroeville, Alabama in 1936, when Lee was just ten years old, the novel became an instant American classic that has never been out of print. Just two years after the novel was published, the film, starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, was released, also achieving instant success and awarding Peck with an Oscar for Best Actor. Interestingly, it took until 1990 for a play to be created – a production in Monroeville by Christopher Sergel that has become a beloved tradition for the townspeople. While this play made several tours in the UK, it has never seen a Broadway production until Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin unveiled his new version on Broadway in 2018 starring Jeff Daniels as Atticus Finch. In 2022, the production went on tour, which is why Milwaukee area audiences are finally able to see Sorkin’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD on the big stage. Directed by Bartlett Sherr, To Kill A Mockingbird is a story told by a young girl, modeled after Lee, named “Scout” Finch (Melanie Moore), who lives in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama during the Great Depression. Her widowed father, Atticus (Richard Thomas), the town’s lawyer, is called to represent Tom Robinson (Yaegel T. Welch), who has been accused of beating and raping Mayella Ewell (Mariah Lee), the eldest daughter of Bob Ewell (Ted Koch), one of the town’s most vocal KKK members. While the trial rocks the community, Scout and her older brother, Jem (Justin Mark), befriend Dill Harris (Seven Lee Johnson), who is staying with his aunt for the summer. These three children, despite the best efforts of their father and caretaker, Calpurnia (Jacqueline Williams), become as caught up in the trial as Atticus, learning both the horrors and the wonders of the people in their community. I wish I could say that this story was no longer relevant; alas, it’s clear that we need it now every bit as much as we did in 1960 – not just because racism continues to be a problem, but because the story presents themes that we still wrestle with today, such as gender roles, class, and justice. Moreover, it is such an important snapshot of where we have been, how far we have come, and where we don’t want to go ever again. In truth, I can’t ever imagine a time when this story will not be essential. Although the main character of the book is Scout, subsequent versions of the story focus more on Atticus, and this version of the tale is no different. Lee, herself, had issues with this; in fact, the production would have happened sooner but for a dispute about this very issue. Thankfully, both sides came to an agreement, and Scout has a prominent role as the narrator of the play, as it is her innocence that makes the story so profound. Despite dealing with some serious topics, such as rape and murder, there is plenty of laughter to be found over the course of the play, which makes the two hour and thirty-five minute run time pass efficiently. Richard Thomas is a gem as Atticus, but the rest of the cast is equally well cast, with great costuming by Ann Roth. The set design by Miriam Buether can be a bit clumsy, but everything else is so good you won't really notice. There’s a reason why hundreds and thousands of high school students had to read this book: if you think you know the story, I urge you to see it again as a play; if you’ve never experienced To Kill A Mockingbird, the theatre is the best way. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD runs through November 12th at the Marcus Performing Arts Center's Uihlein Hall, located at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets can be purchased online at www.marcuscenter.org/ or by calling 414-273-7206. About Marcus Performing Arts Center A mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC)brings high-quality arts and cultural programming to Southeastern Wisconsin. MPAC strives to act as an energizing force that connects the community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement, and the transformative power of the performing arts. Through multiple performance series, community events, and educational experiences, MPAC brings a diverse range of celebrated artists to the region. A fixture in Milwaukee for over 50 years, MPAC is proud to be part of the Milwaukee Theater District as well as a dedicated War Memorial facility. Learn more at www.MarcusCenter.org. Johnson Financial Group, with offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, is a privately owned financial services company offering banking, wealth and insurance solutions through its subsidiaries, Johnson Bank, Johnson Wealth, and Johnson Insurance Services. For more information visit johnsonfinancialgroup.com. Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. Led by 18-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon and Hamilton. Current and past productions include Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge! and To Kill A Mockingbird. By Mary Boyle Looking for some seasonal live theatre? Halloween is an excellent time to tell a story about a WITCH, and Renaissance Theaterworks has one to tell. Though it's not particularly scary, in the traditional sense, you may find that this play makes you squirm in your seat a little, nonetheless, while keeping you laughing, throughout, as well as giving you something to think about on the way home. American playwright Jen Silverman seems to enjoy a good, dark tale. Her 2017 play, The Moors, which is set in England in the popular Regency period, has enjoyed great success, as has The Roommate, which RTW did in their 2019 season. Witch is her newest play and is based on an English play from 1621 called The Witch of Edmonton, which itself is based on the real story of Elizabeth Sawyer, who was burned as a witch not long before the play was written. WITCH bridges the gap between modern time and Jacobean England by using completely modern language and shifting the story just enough to keep it attached to its roots, while demonstrating how the struggles and views of the past are still very much the ones we suffer with today. The Devil (Neil Brookshire - There Is A Happiness That Morning Is) has come to visit the small village of Edmonton, looking to purchase some souls. Cuddy Banks (James Carrington - Airness) seems like an easy sell; as the only son and heir to his father, Sir Arthur Banks (Reese Madigan - A Christmas Carol), Cuddy is consumed with jealousy over his father's open preference for Frank Thorney (Joe Picchetti), a poor villager elevated in station by Sir Arthur. Meanwhile, Frank, as good and charming as he seems, is another easy sell: after all, Cuddy is in the way of his aspirations. Then there's Winnifred, a serving girl at the castle who's carrying a secret. But, most tempting of all is Elizabeth Sawyer (Mati Gobel): known by the villagers as a witch, why wouldn't she want to sell her soul for some vengeance? Directed by Susan Fete, WITCH is a study of the spectrum of human emotions - fear, love, anger, jealousy and, above all, hope - and what their overabundance or lack can do to us. While this sounds quite serious, the play is every bit as funny as it is thoughtful. Filled with a talented cast of familiar Milwaukee-based actors, this production will hardly scare you; in fact, just like the 1600s play it was based on, it will leave you with a healthy dose of sympathy for the witch, and maybe even some for the Devil. WITCH runs through November 12th at Next Act Theatre, located at 255 S. Water St. in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets may be purchased online at www.r-t-w.com/, by calling the office at (414) 273-0800, or at the Box Office at 158 N. Broadway St. in Milwaukee's Third Ward Monday through Friday from noon - 5 p.m. and 2 hours before each performance. Special Events Captioned Performances: Sat, 4pm Oct. 21 & 28, Thurs. 7:30pm Nov. 2 & 9. Wine Wed!: Enjoy a FREE glass of wine on Wed. evening performances. Arrive early! Must be 21+ to consume alcohol. Wed. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 8 Post-Show Talk: Stay after the show to discuss the play. Fri. Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. Wed. Nov. 1, 1:30 p.m. Play Club: This enhanced subscription includes a digital copy of the script, an invitation to the First Rehearsal and a private post-show discussion, with wine and cheese, led by RTW Artistic Director, Suzan Fete. Must be a Play Club subscriber to participate. Sun. Oct. 29 2:00 p.m. Pre-Show Talk: Artistic Director Suzan Fete leads a conversation at 6:45pm. Fri. Nov. 3 7:30 p.m. ASL Interpreted Performance: Sun. Nov. 5 2:00 p.m. Sensory Friendly Performance: a specially modified and relaxed performance for people with sensory sensitivities. Wed. Nov. 8 1:30 p.m. Audio Described Performance: Fri. Nov. 10 7:30 p.m. Contact Community Engagement Manager Ryan Rehak (rrehak@r-t-w.com) for information on these community events. About Renaissance Theaterworks RTW is Milwaukee’s first professional theater company founded and led by women and the nation’s second-oldest professional theater devoted to gender equality. RTW is a resident company at 255 South Water St. in Milwaukee’s Harbor District, with increased capacity and improved accessibility. By Mary Boyle Nothing makes you feel old like realizing the children who were born when Disney's animated film, Aladdin, was released are now old enough to drink. I was in my Senior year of high school when the film came out, but you're really never too old for a Disney movie, and this one was a hit. I mean, who could ever forget Robin Williams' amazing performance as the voice of the Genie? I had no idea that there has been a musical based on the film running on Broadway since 2014 (with a small break for the pandemic), or that it has become the 10th highest grossing musical of all time, but thanks to a North American Tour and the Marcus Performing Arts Center's Broadway at the Marcus Center Series, Milwaukee audiences can experience ALADDIN live on the stage! The tale of Aladdin is associated with the book One Thousand and One Nights, the collection of Middle Eastern folktales often referred to as "Arabian Nights." Aladdin (Adi Roy) is an orphan living on the streets of Agrabah, trying to stay alive while not getting caught stealing by the palace guards. Meanwhile, at the palace, the Sultan (Sorab Wadia) is constantly searching for a suitor for his daughter, Princess Jasmine (Senzel Ahmady), who stubbornly refuses every prince she meets. This agrees with the Sultan's evil plotting advisor, Jafar (Anand Nagraj), who is next in line for the throne should Jasmine fail to wed; but, to make sure he succeeds, Jafar is searching for a magic lamp hidden in the desert. When Jasmine decides to escape her gilded cage to see what life is like outside the palace walls, she meets Aladdin in the marketplace. Unaware that the pretty girl he is falling for is the Princess, Aladdin helps her navigate the marketplace, but their blossoming friendship is soon interrupted by the palace guards, who arrest Aladdin for stealing and reveal that Jasmine is the Princess. Jafar purchases Aladdin's freedom and sends him to the cave of wonders to get the magic lamp; however, though Aladdin is warned to touch nothing but the lamp, he is tempted by the teasure in the cave and becomes trapped inside. Wondering what is so great about a dirty old lamp, Aladdin tries to polish it up and discovers the Genie (Marcus M. Martin), who will grant Aladdin three wishes. Aladdin is certain that, if he were a prince, he would be able to win the heart of the Princess and, with the Genie to help him, he returns to Agrabah in style. Directed by Thomas Schumacher and with book by Chad Beguelin, the Broadway musical of Aladdin is fairly close to the animated film, and features the songs by Alan Menken and Tim Rice from the film that people know and love, such as "Arabian Nights," "Friend Like Me," "Prince Ali," and "A Whole New World;" but, there are also several added songs with lyrics by Beguelin and Howard Ashman that, unfortunately, largely only help to move the musical along as a musical, and don't seem to really fit with the feel of the original music. The other big change from the film is that the animal characters are replaced by people, but it doesn't take away from the story. Iago, who is Jafar's sarcastic parrot in the film, is instead a sarcastic sidekick played by Aaron Choi, while Aladdin's animal friends are replaced by three human friends: Babkak (Jake Letts), Omar (Nathan Levy), and Kassim (Colt Prattes). Jasmine has an entourage of ladies (Lizzy Marie Legregin, Sonia Monroy, and Adriana Negron) instead of a tiger, but they don't really play much of a part in the tale. A colorful feast for the eyes, Aladdin is full of sparkly costumes, magical special effects, and big Broadway dance numbers that are simply fun to watch and, while you might think the stars of the show are Aladdin and Jasmine, it's the Genie who drives this production. Let's be honest: Robin Williams is a tough act to follow, but Marcus M. Martin does it right by putting his own spin on the character, while still delivering the stream of punchlines and rapid-fire impressions that Williams' Genie was known for, leaving the audience laughing and clapping. This is a family-friendly production and a great first Broadway performance for kids, yet entirely palatable for adult audiences (especially those who grew up loving the animated film). See it while you can! ALADDIN runs through October 22nd at the Marcus Performing Arts Center's Uihlein Hall, located at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets can be purchased online at www.marcuscenter.org/ or by calling 414-273-7206. Run time is 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission. There is a Sign Language Interpretation on October 21 at 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com/tour. About MarcusPerforming Arts Center A mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, the Marcus Performing ArtsCenter (MPAC) brings high-quality arts and cultural programming to Southeastern Wisconsin. MPAC strives to act as an energizing force that connects the community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement, and the transformative power of the performing arts. Through multiple performance series, community events, and educational experiences, MPAC brings a diverse range of celebrated artists to the region. A fixture in Milwaukee for over 50 years, MPAC is proud to be part of the Milwaukee Theater District, as well as a dedicated War Memorial facility. Learn more at www.MarcusCenter.org. Johnson Financial Group, with offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, is a privately owned financial services company offering banking, wealth and insurance solutions through its subsidiaries, JohnsonBank, Johnson Wealth, and Johnson Insurance Services. For more information visit johnsonfinancialgroup.com. Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. Led by 20-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets withover 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, and Hamilton. Current productions include & Juliet, Hadestown, Hamilton, Kimberly Akimbo, MJ: The Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical. By Mary Boyle Skylight Music Theatre has always had a knack for producing classic musicals: not yet what we think of when we think of a Broadway musical, but not the opera, either - the ones that are somewhere in between. In 2017, they did an amazing job with Beauty & the Beast, thanks to Director James Ortiz's brilliant vision and puppetry. This went so well, Ortiz was scheduled to return for another classic production, but it was delayed by the pandemic. Thankfully, Skylight and Ortiz stuck with it, so Milwaukee audiences can experience the gem of a classic musical that is CANDIDE. Based on a novella of the same name written in 1759 by the French Enlightenment writer, philosopher, satirist, and historian known as Voltaire, Candide was made famous as a musical in 1956 by the great American composer Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story, On the Town, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue). With book by Hugh Wheeler and Lyrics by Richard Wilbur, as well as some by the iconic composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim (West Side Story, Into the Woods, Sweeny Todd), the pedigree of the musical, alone, is enough to draw a crowd and, though it doesn't quite fit with our modern sensibilities, its cultural significance is undeniable. Candide (Sam Simahk) is truly a lucky bastard. Taken in by a wealthy family, he is raised alongside their adored son and daughter, Maximillian (Doug Clemons) and Cunegonde (Susie Robinson), receiving lessons all together from their tutor, Pangloss (Andrew Varela), a great believer in the philosophy of optimism. When their beautiful maid, Paquette (Samantha Sostarich), has an affair with Pangloss, Cunegonde sets her eye on Candide, only to find that her parents weren't such believers in equality, after all. Candide is thrown out of the home for reaching too high, and thus begins the crazy and perilous journey of these two lovers, and the people they meet along the way, such as the Old Woman (Sara Stem), Cacambo (Shawn Holmes), Martin (Ben George) and Vanderdender (Nathan Marinan). Ortiz decided to set the play in the time of Berstein and Sondheim, and the Leave it to Beaver vibes work brilliantly with the early optimism of the story, where everything seems light and silly. What's interesting about the play is it veers suddenly from sillliness to horror and tragedy and back again; one moment you're laughing, and the very next you're wondering if the musical is actually supposed to be funny at all. Describing the play, Ortiz explained that Candide is “about the quest we all continually go on to become the best version of ourselves. The only way to do that demands that you peel back the layers of what you've been taught in order to form your own unique identity. We get to watch these characters of every age be forced to ‘grow up’ in sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes hilarious ways.” Quite often with classic musicals, you will recognize a song or two from them, even when you've never seen them before, but that was not the case with this musical; I think, because they still retain an operatic quality that renders them not as catchy and singable. Nonetheless, the music is both clever and lovely, with layers of song intertwining to create something magical. Robinson's voice as Cunegonde, in particular, is truly impressive, but the cast all together is greater than the sum of their parts. One of the highlights of this production is definitely the puppets — something Ortiz has become well known for beyond Skylight; he created the puppet design for the 2022 Broadway revival of Into the Woods, as well as earning the 2022 Drama Desk Award for his puppet design for Lincoln Center’s The Skin of Our Teeth. Much like in Beauty & the Beast, Ortiz's puppets make characters larger than they could possibly be than by being performed by actors, alone. Make no mistake that the addition of puppets makes this musical family-friendly; this is absolutely a production for mature audiences, as it features very mature themes. After all, Voltaire was a great philosopher of his time; this is a play that will make you think. CANDIDE runs through October 29th at the beautiful Cabot Theatre, located in the Broadway Theatre Center at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee's historic Third Ward. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.skylightmusictheatre.org/, email info@skylightmusictheatre.org or call the Box Office at (414) 291-7800. Special Events Skylight Insights. In-depth discussions with Artistic Director, Michael Unger and special guests take place one hour before all Wednesday and Sunday performances. ASL Performance. Candide will be interpreted in American Sign Language on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets for this performance, email tickets@skylightmusictheatre.org or call Skylight Music Theatre's Box Office at (414) 291-7800. Mention ASL performance for seating in the appropriate section. Supported by UPAF Connect. About Skylight Music Theatre Founded in 1959, Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional Equity music theatre company and the state's largest employer of Wisconsin actors. Skylight produces the full range of music theatre from blockbuster Broadway musicals to reimagined operas, and from exciting world premieres to contemporary off-Broadway hits. Skylight’s mainstage home is the Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center, which was built by Skylight in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward in 1992. Considered to be one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful theatres, the Cabot Theatre is based on the design of an 18th-century French opera house. With just 350 seats it offers audiences great views of the action onstage and an undeniable connection with the performers. Skylight Music Theatre marks its 64th season in 2023-2024. Skylight Music Theatre is a proud Cornerstone Member of the United Performing Arts Fund. By Mary Boyle This past year, the Milwaukee theatre scene came dangerously close to losing the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, a company that is now entering its 49th season and that fills a certain niche among the live theatre companies. Thankfully, the community rallied, and MCT is back to doing what it does best: producing both classics that are not often produced, such as last season's WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, to brand new productions by emerging playwrights that push the boundaries of theatre, such as their 2023-24 Season opener, LAUGHS IN SPANISH. Written by Alexis Scheer and directed by Anna Skidis Vargas, Laughs in Spanish is a modern look at the relationship between a mother and daughter, but interestingly set in Miami amongst the unique culture of the "pero pura Latina" (half-Columbian and half-Jewish). While the setting makes the play quite specific, already, the story makes it even more so. We meet Mariana (Isa Condo-Olvera), a trendy art gallery owner in an up and coming neighborhood in Miami, who is preparing for an Art Basel opening featuring the work of a well known artist. Unfortunately, the art is missing and, as if that wasn't enough trouble enough, her mother, Estella (Rána Roman), has picked this most unfortunate moment to pay a visit, dragging her personal assistand, Jenny (Jenna Bonofiglio), with her. Mariana's intern, an art student by the name of Carolina (Ashley Oviedo), sees this as a golden opportunity to show her own work and put her name on the map. With any luck, her boyfriend Juan (Arash Fakhrabadi), a newbie police officer, won't have any luck finding the artwork before Carolina can take her chance. One of the things that makes MCT great is their committment to hiring local actors, and Rána Roman is about as local as it gets. Seen last season as Eva Perón in Skylight Theatre's production of EVITA, Roman is an incredibly talented actor who is frequently seen on stages all over Wisconsin and who also happens to be a graduate of the Milwaukee High School of the Arts. Ashley Oviedo is a UWM Peck School of the Arts graduate who was seen in last season's HOOPS at MCT, as well as in AIRNESS with Forward Theater Co. in Madison, among other area stages. Jenna Bonofiglio, another Milwaukee-based actor, was fabulous last season in NOISES OFF with Skylight. All three give an admirable performance in this production, as do Condo-Olvera and Fakhrabadi, who make their MCT debuts, but even great actors could not save this play from a terrible case of bad writing. To me, it seems as though the playwright had a list of boxes they wanted to check and then tried to write a play around them: Mixed Latino culture - check; Miami art scene - check; healing the mother-daughter wounds - check; a lesbian relationship - check; wanting traditional family values inside an untraditional relationship - check. The characters are simply not believable, though the actors try so hard to make them so, and it all comes off as trying too hard to make the story cohesive, relatable, and realistic. Is there a such thing as being too woke? Because that's what this play is. There is one line by Estella that resonates: "...that's what moms do. We ruin our daughters with our good intentions." Those words are what the director grabbed onto, and though the sentiment is a worthy one, it wasn't enough to carry the whole play. And yet, I can see why MCT chose it for their season: it represents a minority culture; it represents normalizing the LGBTQ community; it represents healing, empathy, and forgiveness in our relationships. These are boxes that we absolutely want to be checked, I just wish that the story that contained those ideals was one that would move audiences to adopt those ideals. Alas, it was not this story; nevertheless, I give MCT kudos for trying. LAUGHS IN SPANISH runs through October 8th at the Broadway Theatre Center, located at 158 N. Broadway Street in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Box Office at (414) 291-7800 or online at https://www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org/. There is an ASL-Interpretation at the Friday, October 6th performance at 7:30 p.m.; call the box office to purchase tickets in the reserved section. About Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Founded in 1975 by Montgomery Davis and Ruth Schudson, guided until 2020 by Michael Wright and Kirsten Finn, and now led by Brent Hazelton, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) partners with other arts organizations, community-based organizations and universities to produce thought-provoking productions and innovative outreach programs on an intimate, human scale. As a leader in developing Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s theater community, MCT provides regular employment and a stable artistic home to local theatre professionals through a five-play subscription season, the Young Playwrights Festival (YPF), and the Montgomery Davis Play Development Series (MDPDS). MCT performs at the Broadway Theatre Center in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward and is a proud Member Group of the United Performing Arts Fund. By Mary Boyle I was wrapping up first grade at Westlawn Elementary School in Cedarburg in May of 1981 when Christine Schultz was found murdered in her Southside Milwaukee home. That name probably doesn’t ring a bell but, as young as I was, even I recall the name of the woman convicted of murdering her: Laurie “Bambi” Bembenek. I knew enough to know that something bad had happened, but that was all and, though Bembenek’s tale didn’t end with her conviction and wound its way well into my adult years, I still never made sense of the drama that surrounded her name, only that she was connected with a terrible crime. As a young adult, the Southside of Milwaukee managed to grab my attention in a different way: the music of The Violent Femmes. So, when I heard that the Femme’s frontman, Gordon Gano, had written the music and lyrics for a new musical about Laurie Bembenek, it was the music, and not the drama, that drew me in; what I left with, though, was something unexpected. Something, I think, that will be with everyone who goes to see the World Premiere of RUN BAMBI RUN with the Milwaukee Rep. Directed by Mark Clements, RUN BAMBI RUN was a team effort by Gano and writer and director Eric Simonson, also a Milwaukee native, who wrote the book for this “New Rock Musical” that manages to accomplish in one evening of live theatre what Bembenek was never able to gain in her short, chaotic lifetime: justice. That may seem like an impossibly tall order for one musical, but I can’t imagine anyone leaving this performance with any other impression than that Bembenek was not only innocent of the charges against her, but that her entire adult life was nothing but a series of horrific injustices from the moment she signed on to become a Milwaukee police officer until her early death in 2010, at age 52, from liver and kidney failure. What’s more, the musical manages to be a sweet ode to Milwaukee’s Southside and the Polish immigrants who settled there, while also shining a bright light on the corruption, racism, and misogyny that plagued not only the Milwaukee police department, but all of the powers of justice up to the top of the State over the course of Laurie’s story. This is a musical, of course, and the music, directed by the great Dan Kazemi, is quite diverse. While some of the songs, not surprisingly, bear the distinct sound of The Violent Femmes, there’s also a polka and a waltz that are two of the best pieces of the show. Several of the actors make the music right on the stage, as they’re acting, including Milwaukee’s own Matt Daniels, who puts his own brilliant trademark ukelele spin on Milwaukee’s Police Chief Harold Breier. Erika Olson, who has an incredible voice, makes her Rep debut as Laurie Bembenek, and really carries the bulk of the show, though she is supported by a very talented cast. The evening I saw the play, the role of Fred, Laurie’s husband at the time of the murder, was played by the understudy for Armando Gutierrrez, Ken Allen Neely, and I thought he was fabulous in the role. Jess Kantorowitz, who plays Laurie’s friend, Judy, is also blessed with a tremendous voice. The roles of Laurie’s parents, Joe and Virginia, are played by John Carlin and Megan Loomis, respectively, and are both powerhouse talents. Look out for their song that argues the correct pronunciation of “Kosciuszko” – it’s sheer brilliance. While not all of the songs are hits and I’m not certain how this musical will fare outside of Milwaukee, RUN BAMBI RUN is clearly a winner for Milwaukee area audiences and, if nothing else, a testament to the power of live theatre’s ability to change hearts and minds. Laurie clearly placed a lot of importance on the value of her family’s name and had a deep love for the place she grew up; if this production does nothing but clear her name in the place she called home, then I think it’s a solid win. RUN BAMBI RUN: A NEW ROCK MUSICAL runs through October 22nd at the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, located in the Associated Bank Theater Center at 108 E. Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets are available for purchase 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. For more information visit www.Milwaukeerep.com. Talks and Events Pay What You Can: September 13 at 7:30pm and September 17 at 7pm Early Bird Performance: October 17 at 6:30pm Bus Matinee: October 4 at 1:30pm TalkBacks: Following the performance on September 29, October 6 and 13 PRIDE Night: Thursday, September 14 at 7:30pm. Pre-show social hour with members of the LGBTQ+ community. For more information and to purchase tickets click here. Special TalkBack with Creators: Thursday, September 14 following the 7:30pm performance. Join playwright Eric Simonson, Composer/Lyrist Gordon Gano and Director Mark Clements as they talk about the journey to bring this World Premiere musical to the stage. Book Club: Tuesday, September 19 at East Branch 2320 N. Cramer St For the first session of Milwaukee Rep’s Book Club, we will read excerpts from Kris Radish’s Run Bambi Run and Lawrencia Bambenek’s Woman on Trial. Learn more about Book Club and register here. College Night: Wednesday, September 20 at 7:30pm. Pre-Show pizza party for Greater Milwaukee Area College Students. For more information and to purchase tickets click here. Post Play Panels Join us after the following performances for free with the purchase of a ticket. Learn more here. Thursday, September 28 – Women in the Police force Thursday, October 5 – Milwaukee Journalism, Reporting on a Moment in Time Wednesday, October 11 – Double-Edged Sword of True Crime Dinner Dialogue: Monday, October 9, 5-8pm at Milwaukee Brat House (1013 N Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Dr) Join a discussion about Policing in the Community and Police Reform with guest speaker Dr. Kimberly Hassell PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at UWM. To learn more and to register visit click here. More information on all Talks and Events can be found at: www.MilwaukeeRep.com/RunBambiRun Access Services Audio-Described Performance: Tuesday, October 17, 6:30pm – the show will be described for patrons who are blind or have low vision. ASL Interpreted Performance: Thursday, October 5 7:30pm – the show will be signed for patrons who are deaf or have low hearing. Captioned Theater Performance: Sunday, October 8, 2pm– the show includes captions. About Milwaukee Repertory Theater Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin with three unique performance venues in the Associated Bank Theater Center. For over seven 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. By Mary Boyle As a theatre critic, I have the distinct pleasure of seeing a lot of live theatre but, if I'm being honest, my very favorite place to see it is at American Players Theatre in Spring Green. The beauty of Wisconsin's Driftless Area, decked out in its summer finery and full of delightful places to eat and visit, is certainly a draw, but there is no other theatre company in the State that can claim such an incredible variety and quality of theatre over the course of one weekend than APT. With its 1,075 seat outdoor theater known as The Hill, APT is the second largest outdoor theater in the country, after The Muny of St. Louis, but they also have the intimate indoor Touchstone Theatre. This is where many of Wisconsin's finest actors come to play in the summer and into the fall; all it takes is one visit to understand why. Whether you are a theatre fanatic or simply looking for a nearby weekend getaway, a visit to Spring Green and APT is just the ticket. Over the course of a three-day weekend, I was able to see 6 of APT’s 9 shows in their 2023 season and, interestingly, each day’s shows fit the same vibe: heartbreaking, hilarious, and high-minded. You might consider seeing the productions that fit your preference or mood, since I truly cannot pick a favorite from among these six plays – they were all incredible in their own way. The heartbreaking shows began with MALA, written by Melinda Lopez and directed by Rosa Joshi. This fast-paced show takes place at the Touchstone, which is the perfect venue for a one-actor show. Nancy Rodriguez is Mala, a middle-aged woman who is the primary caregiver for her 92-year-old mother. Rodriguez is exquisite, phasing into her mother and sister seamlessly while making the audience feel as though they are having an intimate conversation with a dear friend. She takes the audience from laughter to tears again and again as she navigates a journey nearly all of us will take, but that nobody is ever prepared for. “The most ordinary thing you can do is die. The second most ordinary thing is to bear witness.” I strongly encourage you to bear witness with her; you won’t regret it. Thornton Wilder’s classic, OUR TOWN, broke my heart way back when I was in eighth grade when I first read the play, and it has broken my heart again every time I see it; however, I will continue to see this play at every opportunity, because we all need the reminder from time to time how very short and precious our lives are. This three-act play follows the lives of two families, the Gibbs and the Webbs, along with the people who make up the little town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire in the early 1900s. Directed by Tim Ocel, this production stays true to Thornton’s original stage directions, with a very sparse set of two ladders and two kitchen tables with four chairs around them. With such minimal set design and no props, the actors must work extra hard to tell this story well, and they do. Jim DeVita as Simon Stimson and Nate Burger as Howie Newsome, in particular, demonstrated such amazing depth that I found myself wanting to know more about these characters who are often overlooked. Sara Day was lovely in the role of the omniscient Stage Manager and James Ridge was flawless as Dr. Gibbs. There is a reason Our Town is often called the greatest American play ever written; you will discover that reason when you see it at APT. Looking for a laugh? Look no further than THE LIAR by David Ives. This play was adapted from a 17th Century French farcical romantic comedy by Pierre Corneille; it’s set in Paris in 1643 and is spoken entirely in rhyming couplets, which may sound stuffy and historical but, though it works in much the same way as a Shakespearean comedy, the language is thoroughly modern and thoroughly funny. This production, I assure you, will have you laughing from start to finish! Daniel José Molina plays Dorante, a pathological liar who is new to Paris and quick to start drama. Directed by Keira Fromm, The Liar is full of mistaken identities, romance, duels, and tall tales galore, with a barrel of laughs, to boot. THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR is one of Shakespeare’s funniest comedies starring one of his most beloved characters: the rotund drunken knight known as Falstaff, who is played brilliantly by David Daniel. In this play, Falstaff, who finds himself in need of funds, hopes to fill his coffers and have fun by wooing the wives of two wealthy men, Mr. Page (Reginald André Jackson) and Mr. Ford (Nate Burger). Ridiculously, he decides the best way to do this is to send Mrs. Page (Kelsey Brennan) and Mrs. Ford (Dee Dee Batteast) identical love letters. Little does Falstaff know that the ladies are dear friends and, when they discover they’re both the object of Falstaff’s desires, they plan to have a bit of fun at the old knight’s expense. Directed by Terri McMahon, this version of Merry Wives has fun, modern costumes and set design but stays true to the language of Shakespeare. Especially dedicated to the language is Josh Krause as Sir Hugh Evans, a Welsh parson, and Jim DeVita as Dr. Caius, a French physician – these two manage to steal the show with their linguistic hijinks that left the audience roaring. Also noteworthy is Nate Burger as the insanely paranoid, insecure, and jealous Mr. Ford. Merry Wives is about the most fun you can have with Shakespeare and is sure to please both the Shakespeare enthusiast and those new to the Bard. For those of you who love live theatre, you’ll find truth in the words of Anton Chekhov, the great Russian playwright and short story writer who was perhaps the greatest fan of theatre who ever lived, but who also had a remarkable understanding of people that was way ahead of his time. ANTON’S SHORTS, Brief Plays & Vaudevilles by the Young Anton Chekhov, adapted by Aaron Posner (who happens to be a Madison, WI native), is narrated by the venerated writer, himself, played so earnestly by Nate Burger. These short pieces are full of insight and humor. The entire cast is wonderful, but Marcus Truschinski’s Ivan Vasilevich Lomov is a wonder of physical comedy that really stood out. My very favorite piece, though, was played by the incomparable James Ridge as Vasili Svietlovidoff, an old actor who has given his whole life to the theatre. I’ve never seen James Ridge be anything but impressive, but here he demonstrates the full power of his brilliance and I count myself lucky to have seen it. My final production was Shakespeare’s ROMEO & JULIET, adapted by Joshua Castille and John Langs and directed by John Langs. The word “adapted” is a clue that this version of the Bard’s most famous tragedy has been somewhat altered, which is not uncommon. I’ve seen R&J with the genders reversed, with an all-female cast, set in modern times, and more, but this production is the first I’ve ever seen with deaf actors and sign language; a bold and ground-breaking adaptation that brought out an entirely new layer to this timeless tale of tragic young love in Verona. In this story, both Romeo (Joshua Castille) and Friar Lawrence (Robert Schleifer) are deaf but, in this Verona, they are treated as anyone would be who spoke another language. Romeo’s words are most often translated by his companion, Benvolio (Nathan Barlow), but are sometimes spoken by rotating cast members, which can be a bit distracting, at times. To make this adaptation work, a scene was added in which Juliet (Isabelle Bushue) asks her faithful nurse (Colleen Madden) to assist her in learning “Romeo’s words.” As a general rule, I am not keen on Shakespeare’s language being changed and, while I understand the reasoning behind adding text, I think the play would’ve worked fine without it; nevertheless, this version made up for those sins by having the best fight scene between Mercutio (Daniel José Molina) and Tybalt (Rasell Holt) I’ve ever seen and for pure emotional power. Molina may be my most favorite Mercutio, yet, and Madden as Juliet’s nurse was spectacular, as was Jim DeVita as Lord Capulet. You may think you’ve seen Romeo & Juliet before, but I promise you’ve never seen one like this. Also playing at APT this season is THE ROYALE by Marco Ramirez and ONCE UPON A BRIDGE by Sonya Kelly. Later in the season is PROOF by David Auburn. 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 Homecoming Restaurant. 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 there’s 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. |
Mary BoyleReviewing live theatre in Wisconsin since 2014. Proud member of the American Theatre Critics Association. #OzTheatre
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