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.
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By Mary Boyle When it comes to opportunities to see Shakespeare’s work performed on an outdoor stage, there are few better places to see it in all of Wisconsin than the beautiful garden of Björklunden in Baileys Harbor, surrounded by the woods of Door County and just a short walk away from the shore of Lake Michigan. Since 1999, Door Shakespeare has produced 44 productions of classical theatre on their magical outdoor stage throughout the summer in all kinds of weather. The drive to Door County from Ozaukee is just 2 ½ hours and, if you plan it right and quickly, you can get a full Summer-in-Door-County experience in one day: Have breakfast at Al Johnson’s with the goats on the roof; shop, hike Peninsula State Park, take a kayak tour, or taste some wine, beer, or cider, and then finish your day with one of the Bard’s most popular plays: AS YOU LIKE IT. Directed by Leda Hoffman, As You Like It is a romantic comedy centered mainly around two lovers, Orlando (Jonathan Contreras) and Rosalind (Tina Muñoz Pandya), who meet at court when Orlando challenges the Duke’s wrestler to a match in the hope of making a name for himself. Orlando is being mistreated by his older brother, Oliver (Amro Ibrahim), who would prefer to inherit all the wealth of their late father’s estate and cut his younger brother out by whatever means necessary. Meanwhile, Rosalind is having family trouble of her own: her mother, the old Duke, has been banished from court by her aunt, the new Duke (Renée Lockett), and though she stays at court to be with her beloved cousin, Celia (Becky Keeshin), the new Duke worries that Rosalind’s presence invokes sympathy from the old Duke’s followers, casting a shadow on her rule. When the New Duke banishes Rosalind, Celia resolves to flee with her, along with her mother’s fool, Touchstone (Scott McKenna Campbell). For safety, Rosalind disguises herself as a man while Celia changes her name, and the three of them escape to the woods “like Robin Hood of old.” Shortly after they arrive in the forest, they find that the trees have been decorated by the poetry of the lovesick Orlando who, with his trusty old servant, Anna (Amy Ensign), has fled the wrath of his brother. They also find Rosalind’s mother, the old Duke, thriving in the woods with some followers, including the melancholy Jaques (Mark Corkins). Audrey (Isa Guitian), a dim shepherdess, helps Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone find shelter and introduces them to another lovesick gentleman, Silvius (Gabriel Smith), who is hopelessly infatuated with the scornful Phoebe (Lilah Weisman). In the wilderness, far away from the rules of court, and with two hidden identities, intrigue, romance, and hilarity ensue. Besides being a highly accessible renaissance RomCom, As You Like It features some of Shakespeare’s most famous quotes and biting insults, which makes it an audience favorite. Even if you’ve never seen the play, you’ll likely recognize Jaques’ “Seven Ages of Man” speech: All the world's a stage,
Mark Corkins, a very familiar face at Door Shakespeare and on many Milwaukee stages, delivers the speech brilliantly. The cast, as a whole, is very strong. The performance by Renée Lockett was notable because the roles of the Dukes are normally played by a man, but Lockett had the proper amount of ferocity to pull it off. Scott McKenna Campbell, another regular at Door Shakespeare, was outstanding as Touchstone, but my surprise favorites were some of the youngest cast members: Gabriel Smith as Silvius/Charles the Wrestler and Lilah Weisman as Phoebe were an absolute delight to watch. Because the majority of this play is set in the forest, the setting at Door Shakespeare couldn’t be any better, and the music, directed by Scott McKenna Campbell and performed by Isaiah Spetz as Amiens is a lovely accompaniment. Family-friendly and full of culture, nature, and fun, I highly recommend taking at least one day to make Door County and Door Shakespeare a part of your summer experience. Tell them Mary sent you! AS YOU LIKE IT runs through August 26, 2023, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. in the garden at Björklunden, located at 7590 Boynton Lane in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. Tickets are $40/$45/$50 (Students: $30/$33.75/$22.50; Children 11 years old and under: $/$20/$22.50/$25) and are available online at https://doorshakespeare.com/ or by calling the daytime Box Office at 920.854.7111. About Door Shakespeare Since 1999, Door Shakespeare has produced 44 striking productions of classical theater, which have been recognized and ranked in the top 10 theatrical experiences in the state of Wisconsin by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, in the Garden of Björklunden’s 405-acre estate on Lake Michigan in Baileys Harbor. Door Shakespeare’s presence continues to grow and is enriched by educational programming, including Door Shakespeare’s Camp Will, Will in the Woods, Shake it up Saturday, and Shakespeare in the Schools. As a professional theatre company, Door Shakespeare employs members of the Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. Door Shakespeare is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts and is a proud member of The Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA) and partner of the Folger Shakespeare Library. For more information, visit https://doorshakespeare.com/. By Mary Boyle Most of the area theatre companies take a break over the summer months, when everyone would rather be outdoors and soaking up the sun, but there are a few whose season only coincides with Wisconsin's warmest months, and they bring their performances outdoors, with an almost exclusive focus on the most famous of playwrights: William Shakespeare. Since 2014, the Summit Players, a group of mainly Marquette Alumni, have worked hard to make Shakespeare accessible to families by performing for free at State Parks throughout Wisconsin. This year, the production is the haunting Macbeth. Their plays use the original language, but they are edited for time and to be as family-friendly as possible, while still retaining the brilliance that the Bard intended. They even offer a pre-show workshop that is perfect for school-aged kids. The Players won't be at Belgium's Harrington Beach State Park this season, but they will be just north of Oz in Sheboygan at Kohler-Andrae State Park on Saturday, July 15th, and just west of Oz in Hartford at the Kettle Moraine State Forest on Saturday, August 18th. The workshop is at 5:30 p.m., and the show is at 7; note that you will need a vehicle admission sticker to get into the parks. To see the Summit Players full schedule and learn more, go to: www.summitplayerstheatre.com/ Optimist Theatre in Milwaukee has been doing Shakespeare in the Park since 2010; they return this season with the rarely performed Cymbeline. Since the pandemic, SITP has moved from the Peck Pavilion to a touring show that will travel around the Milwaukee area between July 9th and August 13th. The show, as always, is free and outdoors (you will need to bring your own chair/blanket) and walk ups are welcome, but you are encouraged to register at their website; space is always first come, first served. Members (a yearly donation of $75) are able to reserve seats at one show each season To see the full schedule and learn more about Optimist Theatre, please visit: http://www.optimisttheatre.org Door Shakespeare has been doing Shakespearean productions, as well as other classical works, in the Garden of Björklunden’s 405-acre estate on Lake Michigan in Baileys Harbor for over 20 years. This season they will perform the much-loved comedy As You Like It and The Old Man and the Old Moon, a newer musical tale, from June 29th through August 26th. A trip to Door County is made even better with the addition of live, outdoor theatre in the Garden of Björklunden. To learn more about Door Shakespeare, their play schedule, and their other programs, visit http://www.doorshakespeare.com. For those willing to travel just a bit further, one of the best outdoor theatre experiences in Wisconsin is just outside of Spring Green at the American Players Theatre. APT has multiple productions, both modern and classic, throughout the summer on two different stages, one outdoor and one indoor, but they never fail to perform at least one of Shakespeare's plays. This season, APT has selected two of the Bard's classics: Romeo & Juliet and The Merry Wives of Windsor. The APT season opens Friday, June 23rd, and runs through Sunday, November 19th. To learn more about APT's complete season, go to: https://americanplayers.org/ There is a reason that Shakespeare in the Park can be found in outdoor spaces throughout the country: in William Shakespeare's time, his plays were mainly performed in open-air theaters, so it feels right to recreate those conditions for today's audiences. The outdoor theatre experience, much like an outdoor concert, has an energy all its own that must be experienced to be understood. While every live theatre performance is unique, the weather and nature are crucial and unpredictable parts of the outdoor theatre production that give an entirely different, and highly individual, dimension to a play, and make for an unforgettable performance. Add to the itinery of your camping trip, or go just for the show, but make sure you add one of these performances to your summer calendar! By Mary Boyle One of the movies that took the 80’s by storm was the 1982 hit Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman and based on the story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards and featuring other big-name stars such as Jessica Lange and Bill Murray, as well as a debut performance by Geena Davis, the film was deemed worthy enough to be added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1998. In 2018, TOOTSIE joined the list of films turned into Broadway musicals, which now makes its World Premiere in Milwaukee as the final production in the Broadway at the Marcus Center series. With music and lyrics by David Yazbek and book by Robert Horn, Tootsie the musical comedy essentially follows the same story as the film, with some minor adjustments. Michael Dorsey (Drew Becker) is a New York based actor struggling to find work because he’s developed a reputation as being difficult to work with; so difficult that his agent, Fran Fields (Dianne Manaster), fires him. When his ex-girlfriend, Sandy Lester (Payton Reilly), who is also an actor, asks him for help preparing for a new role in a musical, Sandy is exasperated that Michael plays the role of a woman better than she can and – voila! – an idea is born. Michael auditions for the role as Dorothy Michaels and impresses the show’s producer, Rita Marshall (Kathy Halenda), much to the chagrin of Ron Carlisle (Adam Du Plessis), the womanizing Director who had previously banned Michael from any of his shows and finds something oddly familiar an annoying about Dorothy. Michael only tells his secret to his roommate, Jeff Slater (Jared David Michael Grant), who is alternately appalled and gleeful as Michael’s career as Dorothy takes off and he finds himself falling for his leading lady, Julie Nichols (Ashley Alexandra), and being the object of desire by the leading man, Max Van Horn (Matthew Rella). Unlike the film, which had Michael auditioning for a role in a soap opera, the switch to a Broadway musical makes this production a play-within-a-play and a bit of a quirky love letter to, as well as a spoof on, live theatre. For those looking for a deep and thoughtful dive on the disparities between women and men in showbusiness, you will not find it here – this is a largely lighthearted and rather shallow comedy, though Michael does come to the eventual conclusion that “being a woman is no job for a man.” Directed by Dave Soloman, with choreography by Denis Jones, this musical version of Tootsie too often sacrifices heart and depth for comedy, often coming off as corny – some of this is the writing and some of it is due to the acting. Jared David Michael Grant, who plays Michael’s roommate Jeff, gives a wooden performance, and neither Drew Becker or Ashley Alexandra has the vocal talent that the stars of a Broadway show require. That being said, the character of Sandy, played by Payton Reilly, absolutely steals the show, though it helps that her character’s songs are well-written and hysterical. Overall, this production was still a good time and full of laughs and, if you’re a Broadway musical aficionado, you’ll likely want this one under your belt. TOOTSIE runs through June 11th at the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall. Tickets start at $40 and are available online at www.MarcusCenter.org, by calling 414-273-7206, or in person at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street in Milwaukee. Groups of 10 or more can secure their seats by calling 414-273-7207. Ticket buyers are reminded that the Marcus Performing Arts Center Box Office/Ticketmaster are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at Marcus Performing Arts Center. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Marcus Performing Arts Center is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance. About Marcus Performing Arts Center The Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) serves as a performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin, bringing high-quality arts and cultural programming to the region for over 50 years. As a mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, 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 performing arts. Through multiple performance series and community events, MPAC brings a diverse range of performing arts to the region. Presented series include Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center, MPAC Presents, Dance, Jazz, National Geographic Live, Rainbow Summer, and additional special performances from internationally renowned artists. MPAC's education, community engagement, and inclusion initiatives provide free experiences that annually engage students and life-long learners in Milwaukee. MPAC is proud to be a dedicated War Memorial facility, honoring those who bravely served our country. For more information, visit 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 The theatre world was probably one of the hardest-hit during the pandemic: theaters closed and shows closed with them; some of those theaters never reopened, and some of those shows never made it back. There was one show, however, that was a bit of an anomaly. SuperYou, a small show that never got to open as it was scheduled to in May of 2020, made its way instead to playing concerts on pick-up trucks during the pandemic, garnering over 22 million views on TikTok, then on to selling out concerts at Carnegie Hall, to being the only new musical featured on the mainstage at the inaugural 2022 MusicalCon in London. With a devoted fan base, SuperYou music has been sung and shared by thousands of fans around the world who have been featured weekly for the last 2 1/2 years on SuperYou’s Fan Cover Fridays. With a planned opening in the West End in 2024, this little musical may be the most popular show that has yet to be seen on Broadway. Amazingly, you can see its World Premiere right here in Milwaukee, thanks to Skylight Music Theatre. Written and composed by visionary Filipino-American rock artist Lourds Lane, SuperYou is the story of a young girl named Katie (Serena Parrish) who can't seem to fit in. Frequently bullied at school and seemingly ignored by her mother (Melissa Anderson), who struggles with alcoholism, Katie's best friend is her older brother, Matty (Chris Oram), who encourages Katie to turn her struggles into creativity, as he does with his comic book characters. Katie names her nightmare/nemesis Mi Roar (Blake Zelesnikar) and creates her superhero self, "Lightning Girl," as well as a character for other "misfits" in her school who are struggling: Ash/Blast (Jenna Rubaii), Samantha/Seven (B. Noel Thomas), Jo Jo/Rise (Wren Rivera), and Missy/Ima-Mazing (Shelby Griswold). As a young adult, Katie (Kennedy Caughell) and her brother are still creating their characters, but caring for their mother has clipped both of their wings and they've struggled to fly. When Katie meets Jay (Justin Mattthew Sargent) in the coffee shop she's working in, things seem to be looking up for her, at last, until tragedy strikes. While Katie struggles to find her way forward, she realizes the superheroes she created as a child are still able to help her, and others. The grassroots success of SuperYou has given Lane a platform for more outreach with her educational arts and music-based 501c3 SuperYou FUNdation, where Lane teaches global youth and adults to connect to their most empowered superhero selves. The musical also brought together a creative team of talented women with a wealth of Broadway credits among them, including Joann M. Hunter, Director and Choreographer, who has 21 Broadway shows to her credit; Wendy Bobbitt Cavett, Music Supervisor; Anna Lousizos, Scenic Designer, who is a three-time Tony award nominee for In the Heights, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and High Fidelity; and, Cynthia Nordstrom, whose designs have been seen on Broadway and the Marvel Universe, among other places. SuperYou replaces Skylight Music Theatre’s previously announced world premiere of The Song of Bernadette and is Skylight’s entry into World Premiere Wisconsin, a first-of-its-kind festival celebrating nearly 50 new and diverse works on stages throughout the state of Wisconsin, many of which have taken place in Milwaukee. The festival runs through the end of June. There is no denying that immense talent surrounds this production, both at the production level and within the cast. Kennedy Caughell, who plays older Katie and is no stranger to Broadway, has an amazing voice that is well suited to the vocal challenges of the songs, which veer from genre to genre, and she is surrounded by other national vocal talent, such as Oram, Griswold, Rubali, Sargent, and Rivera. They are joined by local artists, Gabriel Manuel Burdette, as well as King Hang, Sarah Zapiain, and Alexis Cimoch, who are all Early Career Professionals and were recently seen in Evita with Skylight. The characters of Katie's mother and Mi Roar are both dancers. Milwaukee native Melissa Anderson, who has worked with both the Milwaukee Ballet and Danceworks and who teaches at UWM and around the Milwaukee area, is a fantastic addition, while Blake Zelesnikar as Mi Roar, who has been in multiple national tours, makes his Skylight debut. Despite all of the undeniable talent, both local and nationally, and the draw of a World Premiere that has an almost cult-like following, I had a difficult time getting into this show, though I wholeheartedly support the message of it. To me, it felt too "feel good;" I found it predictable and lacking in depth, and it bothered me a bit that Katie, a young white girl, is the savior of the misfits, including the black trans character, Samantha/Seven (though I have no doubt that the song "The Truth is Coming for You" will be the new trans anthem). Finding your superhero inside yourself is certainly an excellent message, but the way this message is presented feels firmly rooted in a youth theatre production, not for the Broadway stage. SuperYou wants to be the new Fun Home, but it is missing the truth and heart that makes Fun Home work. However, if you are a person who likes to be on top of trends, this is your show because, despite how I felt about it, I suspect this one will make its way to the Tony Awards in the future, once it takes the West End by storm. Milwaukee truly has an incredible live theatre scene, and the fact that this production is making its World Premiere here is evidence of that. Don't wait until it comes back to town as a very expensive ticket - be among the first to see a Broadway production in the making. SUPERYOU runs through June 18th in the beautiful Cabot Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center, located at 158 N. Broadway in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee. Tickets are available to purchase at the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office in person or by calling (414) 291-7800, emailing tickets@skylightmusictheatre.org, or online at https://www.skylightmusictheatre.org/upcoming-shows-events/superyou/. SPECIAL EVENTS Skylight Insights. In-depth discussions with directors and special guests take place one hour before Wednesday and Sunday performances. ASL (American Sign Language) Performance. SuperYou will be interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 7:30 PM. 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. Support for ASL performance provided by UPAF (United Performing Arts Fund). ABOUT SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE Founded in 1959, Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional Equity music theatre company and the largest employer of Wisconsin actors in the State. Skylight produces the full range of music theatre ranging 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 18thcentury French opera house. With just 350 seats it offers audiences great views of the action onstage. Skylight Music Theatre marks its 63rd season in 2022-2023. By Mary Boyle Milwaukee's First Stage, one of the nation's most acclaimed children's theaters, is no stranger to creating new work, having over 70 world premiere productions under their belt since their founding in 1987. Back in 2018, Milwaukee-based playwright Alice Austen chose the First Stage Young Company for the world premiere of her inspiring play about the first US Women's Rowing Team called GIRLS IN THE BOAT. Now a Playwright in Residence, Austen has returned to First Stage Young Company with yet another world premiere play, THE GRACIOUS SISTERS, which is also a part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a brand new statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals across the state. Directed by Matt Daniels, the Director of Young Company, Austen's new production is also steeped in the empowerment of women, but inspired by Alice in Wonderland and an ancient Greek play called The Eumenides by Aeschylus, which is the story of Agamemnon and the murder of Clytemnestra. In this story, Alice (played by Angel Rivera, who was also in Girls in the Boat) is an archeological intern exploring Greek ruins when she "falls" through a portal that takes her to ancient Greece. There, Alice stumbles upon Pythia (Reiley Fitzsimmons), an Oracle of Apollo, who she mistakes for a historical reenactor until she meets the spirit of Clytemnestra (Elena Marking), the former Queen of Mycenae, whose first husband and child were killed by Agamemnon so he could have her as his wife. Following the Trojan War, Agamemnon comes home with another wife, Cassandra, which is the last straw for Clytemnestra, who then kills Agamemnon. The God Apollo (Zachary Nowacek) commands Clytemnestra's son, Orestes (John Eash-Scott), to kill his mother to avenge his father, which he does. Now, the spirit of Clytemnestra commands the Furies (Silver Anderson, Rose Campbell, and Hazel Dye) to avenge her and kill her son. Hounded by the Furies, Orestes begs help from the goddess Athena (Terynn Erby-Walker), who decides that Orestes must stand trial. Greek history enthusiasts will recognize characters in this lesser known story within the story of The Iliad, or the story of Troy, in which Clytemnestra's sister, Helen, leaves her husband Menelaus and runs off to Troy with Paris, thus causing the Trojan War. In this story, what could be a weighty historical production is broken up and often made humorous by Alice and her modern sense of justice, morality, and women's rights, as well as her knowledge of Greek history. As she confronts the ancient characters, she becomes part oracle, part chorus to an old tale, creating an entirely different story with a new perspective. The players, particularly Alice and the Furies, make music together as they go, which veers from rap to spirituals, using only their voices for the melodies and bodies for the rhythm, some of which is quite beautiful and haunting. The Young Company is a group of high school students who are trained at a college level; I've been watching them for over a decade and have never failed to be impressed by their productions, which offer some of the best value in live theatre in the area, and this production is no exception. Each season, the YC does two productions at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, one of which is always a classic and usually Shakespeare. This next season, YC will take on Henry IV, Part I and An Enemy of the People. The newly renovated Goodman Mainstage Hall is an intimate theater-in-the-round and an excellent place to expand your theatre horizons. Get your tickets while you can. THE GRACIOUS SISTERS runs through May 21st at the Goodman Mainstage Hall inside the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, located at 325 W. Walnut Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets are $15 and available online at firststage.org or through the First Stage Box Office at (414) 267-2961. Performance runtime is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Suggested for families with young people ages 13+. Special event for THE GRACIOUS SISTERS Pay What You Choose Performance: Friday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. Pay What You Choose tickets are available on a first come, first served basis with a minimum suggested donation of $5 per person. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on the day of the performance. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early. Tickets may also be reserved in advance by phone at (414) 267-2961, weekdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. To learn more visit: firststage.org/events-tickets/tickets-offers/pay-what-you-choose/ About First Stage Founded in 1987, First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families, and a driving force behind the creation of the best and most innovative plays for family audiences, theater training programs for young people and education initiatives for its schools and community. First Stage ensures that all programming is not only accessible to its community but that it is reflective of the community it serves. First Stage produces plays that honor the young person’s point of view, include diverse and traditionally underrepresented voices and inspire meaningful conversations. First Stage has presented more than 70 world premiere productions that address important subject matters relevant to today’s youth. The Theater Academy is one of the nation’s largest high-impact theater training programs for young people (3 – 18 years old). Through a challenging curriculum taught by professional teaching artists, the Academy nurtures life skills through stage skills and includes the Next Steps Program that tailors Theater Academy classes to the needs of young people on the autism spectrum and with other developmental disabilities. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education Programs cleverly blend theater activities with standard curriculum – allowing more than 10,000 students annually to learn traditional academic subjects through creativity and self-expression. 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). firststage.org About Young Company First Stage Young Company, the Theater Academy’s award-winning training program for advanced high school actors, is open to students who want to take their work to the next level. Accepted students will complete college and graduate-level training in Acting, Voice, Movement and Shakespeare as well as electives ranging from Auditioning to Stage Combat to Dialects. Traditionally, the Young Company hosts master classes with guest artists from across the nation, produces a season of three plays and facilitates special excursions to the Utah Shakespeare Festival and American Players Theatre. To learn more, please visit: firststage.org/theater-academy/young-company/
By Mary Boyle Next Act Theatre's outgoing Artistic Director, David Cecsarini, is a huge fan of playwright Bill Cain, so it's no surprise that he chose to direct one of his plays for his last turn as Artistic Director and the final play of Next Act's season. Cain's EQUIVOCATION ran in 2018 at Next Act and HOW TO WRITE A NEW BOOK FOR THE BIBLE in 2019. Then, in March of 2020, Next Act had to cancel Cain's 9 CIRCLES because of the pandemic, which was later released as a virtual production in 2021. In 2022, Cecsarini also directed the world premiere of Cain's THE LAST WHITE MAN and now shares anther world premiere with GOD'S SPIES. Interestingly, it was during the pandemic when Cain wrote this play, which is the imagined tale of how Shakespeare may have come about writing King Lear in the Elizabethan pandemic known as The Plague. The year is 1603 and the story is set in a bawdy house near The Globe Theatre in London, where a prostitute named Ruth (Eva Nimmer) is trying to throw out her most recent client, a naive Scottish lawyer and scrivener named Edgar (Zach Thomas Woods). Edgar has made his way to the city to see his beloved King Jamie VI be crowned James the First of England, but became distracted at the theatre by the lovely Ruth. Before Ruth can throw him out, a man enters who is looking for Edgar, as he hired him to copy a sonnet. The man is none other than the Bard, himself (Mark Ulrich), and Ruth, who finds her gentlemen at The Globe, knows all of his plays by heart. What might have been a brief encounter for all of them suddenly becomes a long acquaintance when their door is marked by a red "X" and they are forbidden to leave because of The Plague. While King Lear is predominantly a heavy tragedy, God's Spies is surprisingly funny for a play set during The Plague, especially considering we aren't too far out of our own recent pandemic. The Shakespeare of this play is quite accessible, human, and relatable and, in between the jokes about Scottish accents and the English monarchy, there are moments of great insight and poignancy, all woven in with bits of the actual text of King Lear. Woods, Nimmer, and Ulrich work beautifully together and, combined with a convincing set design by Rick Rasmussen and costumes by Amelia Strahan, it isn't hard to be transported to Elizabethan England while also realizing the similarities to our own time. Audiences members who enjoy Shakespeare will have no problem being intrigued by this story, which is set near the time when historians believe King Lear was actually written; however, one does not need to be a fan of the Bard, or even English history, to appreciate this tale, which actually centers on Ruth who, though she is a "small person," has more courage, understanding, and wisdom than either of the learned gentlemen she is housebound with. There is a universal truth to the suffering our characters endure and it is one that, hopefully, we will learn from our trials, as well: that, above all, we are here to love one another. This is not so much a historical play as it is a timeless and timely one - go see it while you can. GOD'S SPIES runs through May 21st at Next Act Theatre, located at 225 S. Water Street in Milwaukee. Tickets may be purchased by going to www.NextAct.org or by calling (414) 278-0765. Masks may be required or optional, based on Milwaukee's CDC Covid-19 transmission level. Masks are provided. GOD’S SPIES is sponsored by Jan Serr & John Shannon and Donna Martynski and is presented as part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a state-wide festival celebrating new plays and musicals from March 1 – June 30, 2023, presented by the Ten Chimneys Foundation. To learn more, visit www.worldpremierewisconsin.com. Next Act Theatre is excited to announce its 2023-24 season. This season is the first chosen by Next Act’s new Artistic Director, Cody Estle. He assumed the role in December 2022. It represents a significant change for Next Act Theatre after the retirement of former Producing Artistic Director David Cecsarini, who held the role for 30 years. Estle, formerly the Artistic Director of Chicago’s Raven Theatre, was named one of Newcity Stage’s “Fifty People Who Really Perform For Chicago” and called “a masterful director of mid-American realism” by Chicago writer Kerry Reid. The 23-24 season includes two Wisconsin premieres (SPLASH HATCH ON THE E GOING DOWN, THE TREASURER), one Midwest premiere (SCARECROW) and a revival of a timeless play (THE MOUSETRAP). It showcases Milwaukee talent, including directors Mary MacDonald Kerr (THE MOUSETRAP) and Laura Gordon (SCARECROW). In addition, the latter play is a home-grown story – SCARECROW takes place on a dairy farm outside of Madison, and this is the first time the play will be performed in Wisconsin. Heidi Armbruster, recently seen in the Milwaukee Rep’s GOD OF CARNAGE and WIFE OF A SALESMAN, will perform the play she wrote. Estle’s directorial debut will take place at the end of the season with THE TREASURER. About Next Act Theatre Next Act Theatre engages 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. Led by Producing Artistic Director, David Cecsarini for 30 seasons, Next Act welcomed Cody Estle in December of 2022 as the new Artistic Director. Next Act continues its tradition of creating high-quality, professional theatre in Milwaukee. The past 30 seasons have earned the company its strong reputation for producing engaging work that feels intimate, powerful and personal. The plays presented are passionate, often bold, sometimes humorous, and always up-close-and-personal presentations of life. A strong, vibrant and financially stable company, Next Act produces a four-show season of contemporary drama. The company is particularly noted for its acting excellence, accessible performance style, and for a varied and consistently interesting selection of plays, chosen from the best new works and off-Broadway hits. Next Act has mounted more than 100 main stage productions, including over 100 area premieres and six original scripts. By Mary Boyle In Greek mythology, Eurydice was the wife of Orpheus, who was known for his musical skills. When Eurydice dies shortly after their wedding, Orpheus travels to the underworld, the land of the dead, to bring her back with the lure of his enchanting music. There, he encounters Hades, the ruler of the dead, who agrees to let Orpheus take Eurydice back to the light, but on one condition: he must lead the way, while Eurydice follows, and he must not look back. This ancient tale, sad as it is, has been retold countless times through the ages, but now it has reached the world of the Broadway musical in the form of HADESTOWN, winner of eight Tony awards, four Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical. In short, it was a hit, and thanks to the Broadway at the Marcus Center series, the show has made its way to Milwaukee. Directed by Rachel Chavkin, with music, lyrics and book by celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, the North American touring production of Hadestown stars Nathan Lee Graham as Hermes, who serves as a very enignmatic narrator of the story; Maria-Christina Oliveras as Hades' frustrated wife, Persephone; Matthew Patrick Quinnas as the dark and formidable Hades; J. Antonio Rodriguezas, who is a stand-out, vocally, as Orpheus; and, the lovely Hannah Whitley as Eurydice. The Fates are played by Dominique Kempf, Belén Moyano, and Nyla Watson, and they are a little band in their own right, often playing with the live band that is on stage throughout the production. The Workers Chorus features Jordan Bollwerk, Jamal Lee Harris, Courtney Lauster, Eddie Noel Rodríguez, and Racquel Williams. The music is what makes this production really shine - a blend of modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz that won the 2020 Grammy for best Musical Theater Album. Paired with the costumes by Michael Krass and scenic design by Rachel Hauck and the entire production comes off as a sort of steam punk meets O Brother Where Art Thou vibe that is entirely compelling. Hermes says, "It's a sad song, but we sing it anyway," and it is sad, but what the audience ultimately walks away with is hope. Orpheus sees the world the way it could be instead of how it is and reaches towards love above all. There is a profound lesson here, should you choose to learn it. HADESTOWN runs through May 7th at the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall. Tickets to Hadestown start at $40 and are available online at www.MarcusCenter.org, by calling 414-273-7206, or in person at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street in Milwaukee. Groups of 10 or more cansecure their seats by calling 414-273-7207. Ticket buyers are reminded that the Marcus Performing Arts Center Box Office/Ticketmaster are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at Marcus Performing Arts Center. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Marcus Performing Arts Center is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance. About Marcus Performing Arts Center The Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) serves as a performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin, bringing high-quality arts and cultural programming to the region for over 50 years. As a mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, 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 performing arts. Through multiple performance series and community events, MPAC brings a diverse range of performing arts to the region. Presented series include Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center, MPAC Presents, Dance, Jazz, National Geographic Live, Rainbow Summer, and additional special performances from internationally renowned artists. MPAC's education, community engagement, and inclusion initiatives provide free experiences that annually engage students and life-long learners in Milwaukee. MPAC is proud to be a dedicated War Memorial facility, honoring those who bravely served our country. For more information, visit 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 When you hear the title of The Rep's season closer on the Quadracci Powerhouse stage, you might jump to the conclusion that it is something violent and terrifying involving war or murder, when in fact it’s simply about a meeting between two sets of parents regarding a fight between their eleven year old sons; a meeting that could happen to anyone who has children. This meeting, however, does not go well and, while there is no war or murder involved, the GOD OF CARNAGE certainly makes an appearance. Veronica and Michael (Heidi Armbruster, recently seen in Wife of a Salesman at The Rep, and Adam Poss) have invited Annette and Alan (Makha Mthembu, who makes her Rep debut, and Elan Zafir) to their home to discuss a fight between their sons. Annette and Alan’s son, Benjamin, hit Veronica and Michael’s son, Henry, in the face with a stick, causing significant damage to two of his teeth, but Veronica and Michael see no reason why they can’t discuss the incident and come to a resolution like mature adults. Unfortunately, the maturity levels drop rather quickly and it’s not just one couple against the other, but each couple fighting with each other, as well. Originally written in French by playwright Yasmina Reza, who based it on a real-life experience she had with her own son, GOD OF CARNAGE was translated into English by Christopher Hampton and made its London premiere in 2008 and its Broadway premiere in 2009, starring Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini, and Marcia Gay Harden as Veronica, who won a Tony for Best Actress, while the play won a Tony Award for Best Play. The play was made into a film in 2011 called Carnage, which starred Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Chistoph Waltz, and John C. Reilly, and has gradually made its way across the country. Directed by Ryan Quinn, who returns to his hometown to direct his fourth production for The Rep, it seems that the point of this play is to make the audience as uncomfortable as possible while still making them laugh – and you most certainly will laugh, though some of it will be the nervous kind. While the struggles of children being violent and the marital and family struggles each of the characters are experiencing are entirely relatable, some of their behavior is simply beyond the bounds of normal and entering into the realm of ridiculous – and yet, nobody could possibly complain about the acting in this production, as each of the cast members fully embody their characters, even when they’re behaving completely erratically. What is certain is there will be plenty of fodder for discussion after the play, which is always a good thing. GOD OF CARNAGE runs through May 14th at the Quadracci Powerhouse theater, located at 108 E. Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets 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 Milwaukee. Group tickets are available for parties 10+ by calling 414-290-5340. 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. By Mary Boyle Since 2013, anyone who has had a child in their life has probably had the song “Let It Go” from Disney’s animated film, Frozen, stuck in their head at some point. In fact, you may be thinking at the very reading of this, “Thanks a lot – I just finally got it out of my head and now you’ve put it back in there!” People, I’m here to tell you that Disney’s FROZEN, The Hit Broadway Musical, is here in Milwaukee and it is worth getting that song stuck in your head again, I promise. Frozen is the story of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, who are princesses of the Kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa, the eldest, is born with a peculiar magic: she can create snow and ice out of thin air. Her parents, the King and Queen, make sure to remind Elsa to keep her magic a secret, but Anna is enchanted by it and begs Elsa to demonstrate her skills whenever they’re alone. One night, Elsa accidentally hits Anna with a blast of magic that nearly kills her. From that point on, the King and Queen close up the castle and keep the girls apart, for the safety of both of them. Unfortunately, in true Disney fashion, the parents both perish in a shipwreck soon after, leaving Elsa to prepare to be Arendelle’s future Queen and to learn to control and continue to hide her magic on her own, even from her own sister. However, upon Elsa’s coronation, when the castle is finally opened up to guests, Elsa’s secret is revealed. Now, it’s up to Anna to show Elsa and the rest of the Kingdom that Elsa is not the monster they believe her to be. Directed by Michael Grandage, Frozen the musical follows essentially the same story as the animated film. Jennifer Lee, who wrote the film, wrote the book for the musical, with added music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The creative team for Frozen also includes fantastic scenic and costume design by two-time Tony and Olivier Award winner Christopher Oram and all kinds of special effects in lighting by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, as well as video design by Tony winner Finn Ross. Everyone’s favorite characters, Sven the reindeer (Collin Baja/Dan Plehal) and Olaf the snowman, are puppets designed by Michael Curry. Sven is an actor inside the puppet, while Olaf is controlled and voiced by the amazing Jeremy Davis. Young Anna (Avelyn Choi the night I attended) truly steals the show with her adorable sassiness, while grown Anna (Lauren Nicole Chapman) is also funny and sassy – what might be a bit too sassy for some audience members. In their effort to make the musical appeal to all ages, the production does push a bit on the boundaries of appropriateness for young children, particularly between Anna and Hans (Will Savarese) and Anna and Kristoff (Dominic Dorset). Then there is the hysterical, but naughty, “Hygge” scene with Oaken (Jack Brewer), which features a nearly nude ensemble from the sauna; nonetheless, when Elsa (Caroline Bowman) sings her signature song, you’d have to be made of ice to not be moved by it. From the same producers as The Lion King, Frozen is a perfect show to introduce young children to Broadway musicals, with plenty of magic for all ages. Tickets to FROZEN start at $40 and are available online at www.MarcusCenter.org, by calling 414-273-7206, or in person at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Groups of 10 or more can secure their seats by calling 414-273-7207. VIP Ticket Packages, which include prime seat locations and a VIP Fan Pack, are also available. Frozen will play Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Ticket buyers are reminded that the Marcus Performing Arts Center Box Office/Ticketmaster are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at Marcus Performing Arts Center. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Marcus Performing Arts Center is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance. About Marcus Performing Arts Center The Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) serves as a performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin, bringing high-quality arts and cultural programming to the region for over 50 years. As a mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, 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 performing arts. Through multiple performance series and community events, MPAC brings a diverse range of performing arts to the region. Presented series include Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center, MPAC Presents, Dance, Jazz, National Geographic Live, Rainbow Summer, and additional special performances from internationally renowned artists. MPAC's education, community engagement, and inclusion initiatives provide free experiences that annually engage students and life-long learners in Milwaukee. MPAC is proud to be a dedicated War Memorial facility, honoring those who bravely served our country. For more information, visit 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. |
Mary BoyleReviewing live theatre in Wisconsin since 2014. Proud member of the American Theatre Critics Association. #OzTheatre
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