 Christian Wood as Michael and Emily Harris as Caitlin in the First Stage production of "Mockingbird." Photo by Paul Ruffolo  By Mary Boyle Perhaps the greatest worry for parents today is autism: the CDC estimates that 1 in 68 children will have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and experts still don't fully understand why. What we do know is that, with that statistic, autistic people are all around us, so it is imperative that we have a better understanding of this epidemic, and how we can best help the children who are affected by it. Amazingly, one of the best ways to do this may be through the theater; at least, that's what I discovered when I saw Mockingbird at First Stage. Live theater has this incredible way of giving the audience a heightened sense of walking in someone else's shoes; a path to empathy that is stronger and more real than any lecture, conversation, or story can create. In Mockingbird, based on the novel by Kathryn Erskine, we spend some time in Caitlin's shoes (Alex Salter/Emily Harris); an 11 year old autistic girl who is dealing with the loss of her brother in a school shooting. Caitlin's father (Dan Katula), a widower, is doing the best he can, but Caitlin doesn't process things the way most people do, and he is clearly overwhelmed. One of the things Caitlin and her brother loved was the movie, To Kill A Mockingbird. Caitlin envisions herself as Scout, her brother as Jem, and her father as the lawyer, Atticus Finch. While Jem is gone, it is up to her and her father to make things right, for themselves and their community. Directed by Marcella Kearns, Mockingbird is not a lighthearted look at autism, though it is not short on humor. As Caitlin narrates her own story, her honesty and insight can be as funny as it is brilliant, and the use of lighting and sound creates a very clear experience of what it is like to be Caitlin. This play should be required viewing for anyone who has any association with autistic people; it is, quite possibly, one of the most powerful, insightful, and moving performances I've ever seen at First Stage. Mockingbird runs through April 9th at the Todd Wehr Theater, located at 929 N. Water St. in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets are available by calling the Ticket Office at (414) 267-2961, or on the First Stage website at http://www.firststage.org. Mockingbird is recommended for ages 7 and up. There is a special Sensory Friendly Performance: Saturday, April 8 at 1:00 p.m. First Stage has recently announced its 2017/18 Season, which will include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Wiz, The Cat in the Hat, Spookly the Square Pumpkin, Antarctica, WI, Judy Moody and Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt. The season will also include two performances by the First Stage Young Company: The Skin of Our Teeth and Henry V. Theatergoers can save up to 50% off regular single-ticket prices and get the best seats of the season by ordering a Family Package before June 30th!
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 The Beast, Azor, in Skylight Music Theatre's production of "Beauty and the Beast (Zémire et Azor)", March 17-26th at the Cabot Theatre in Milwaukee  Gillian Hollis as Zémire in Skylight Music Theatre's production of "Beauty and the Beast (Zémire et Azor)" By Mary Boyle The classic story of Beauty and the Beast is all the rage right now, thanks to Emma Watson taking a turn as Belle in Disney's new live action version of their 1991 animated hit; however, long ago, before Disney got a hold of it, the story was a French fairy tale called La Belle et la Bête, which made its first appearance in print in the 18th Century, and inspired an opera by the name of Zémire et Azor, which is making a timely appearance at Skylight Music Theatre through March 26th. Written by Jean-François Marmontel, with music by André Ernest Modeste Grétry, this opera from 1771 has remained a favorite for audiences of all ages, and Director James Ortiz has added a very special twist to this production. “We have created a true spectacle, a visual feast, featuring giant-size puppetry to tell this fairy tale,” said Ortiz. “At its core, Beauty and the Beast is a rollicking evening of great music, magic and heart, with moments of real poignancy and tenderness. We have infused our production with vivid sets, elaborate costumes, compelling dance, and enormous puppets to transport the audience to another world where the power of love can break a curse.” To make the opera even more accessible to today's audiences, Skylight's music director, Shari Rhoads, and director/designer, Ortiz, have done their own translation of the original French into English, except for Zémire’s famous aria, Air de la Fauvette, which remains in its original language. Zémire (Gillian Hollis) is the youngest daughter of a wealthy, widowed merchant named Sander (Eric McKeever). While her older sisters, Fatme (Erin Sura) and Lisbe (Sarah Thompson Johansen), demand gifts from their father whenever he returns home, Zémire asks for nothing; when her father insists, she asks only for a rose. Sander and his servant, Ali (Nicholas Nestorak), lose their ship at sea and are driven to a seemingly abandoned castle to seek shelter from the storm. When Sander picks a rose for his youngest daughter, he is confronted by Azor (Chaz'men Williams-Ali), the beast, who demands that Sander give his youngest daughter to pay for his thievery, but that she must come willingly. Sander returns to his daughters empty-handed, except for the rose for Zémire, intending only to bid farewell to his daughters, and then to sacrifice himself to the beast, but Zémire learns of Azor's demand, and she forces Ali to bring her to the castle. This particular production is an excellent example of Skylight Style: "bringing fresh approaches or interesting twists to music theatre works; creating meaningful connections, not only between the characters on stage, but with the audience, as well." The massive form of Azor is an impressive, and endearing, piece of puppetry, while Gillian Hollis, as Zemire, looks as if she stepped right out of a Renaissance painting. Nicholas Nestorak, as Ali, gets all of the laughs, while the sisters get all the animosity. The beautiful Cabot Theatre enhances the elaborate set design and costumes, and the voices of the performers and music of the live orchestra are pure magic. Drama, romance, comedy -- audiences will find it all in Skylight's Beauty and the Beast. Beauty and the Beast (Zémire et Azor) runs through Sunday, March 26th in the Cabot Theatre, located at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee. Tickets are available at the Box Office, by calling (414) 291-7800, or online at http://www.skylightmusictheatre.org. About Skylight Music Theatre Since the beginning, Skylight Music Theatre has established a reputation for broad and adventuresome repertoire, encompassing baroque opera, European operetta, Gilbert and Sullivan, Broadway musicals, contemporary chamber operas, and original musical revues. This tantalizing mix of repertoire fulfills the mission of the Skylight, which is to bring the full spectrum of musical theatre works to a wide and diverse audience in celebration of the musical and theatrical arts and their reflection of the human condition.  First Stage Young Company performers in the World Premier of "TXT U L8R." Paul Ruffolo Photography  "TXT U L8R" with the First Stage Young Company. Photo by Paul Ruffolo. By Mary Boyle
Texting is the main form of communication for high school students, these days, and the inherent loss of nuance, tone, and body language that informs a face-to-face conversation has caused plenty of problems previous generations couldn't possibly imagine. In the World Premiere play, "TXT U L8R," performed by the First Stage Young Company, a group of students are getting strange texts from people they don't know that create all kinds of chaos, but is it a clever prank, or is there something more to their digital companions than meets the eye? Playwright, Eric Coble, has done several adaptations for the stage, including Sherlock Holmes: The Baker Street Irregulars, which made its world premier at First Stage in their 2014/15 season. "TXT U L8R," however, is an original that Coble wrote specifically for Young Company to perform at the 2016 New Visions/New Voices conference in Washington D.C. last May. The week-long conference, hosted by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, inspires new plays and musicals geared towards young audiences and families. Directed by Milwaukee favorite, Matt Daniels, who also happens to be the Associate Director of the Young Company, "TXT U L8R" is Clue meets The Breakfast Club, with a little bit of Horton Hears a Who, for good measure; in other words, kids ages 12 and up are going to love this fast-paced, funny, mystery that manages to shed some light on the people we see, but don't really see, every day. Tickets for TXT U L8R are selling fast! The remaining performances are on Saturday, March 18th, at 3:30 and 7 p.m. at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, located at 325 W. Walnut St. in Milwaukee. Tickets are $14, and can be purchased by calling (414) 267-2961, or online at http://www.firststage.org/. About First Stage Celebrating its 30th anniversary in the 2016-2017 season, First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young audiences and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves over 2,100 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs use theater to promote active learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students throughout southeastern Wisconsin each year. In 2012, First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. First Stage is the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award in 2013 and 2015, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education, and the arts. First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Theatre Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).  "Robin Hood" at First Stage at the Todd Wehr Theater from February 17th - March 12th  By Mary Boyle
Most people know of Robin Hood, the English outlaw/hero who robs from the rich and gives to the poor. Countless ballads, tales, books, plays, and movies tell the story of this nobleman who left his wealthy life to live with the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest; now, First Stage is taking a stab at it, with hilarious results, in their World Premiere of Robin Hood. Written by Joe Foust and John Maclay, who also act in the production, this new version of a celebrated classic stays very true to its roots, while being entirely engaging to today's audience. Fight scenes, non-stop humor, and a brilliant cast makes for a perfect play that the entire family can enjoy. In this version, Robin Hood (Dominique Worsley/Domonique Champion) and his Merry Men, led by Little John (James Fletcher) and Friar Tuck (Tommy Novak), are training a band of kids who wish to become Merry Men, themselves: Geoffrey (Jack Burns/Ben Kindler), Kate (Grace Berendt/Zora Allison), Joan (Taylor Loomans/Camara Stampley), Much (Nicholas Doermann/Jonathan Neustifter), and Elizabet(Anna Fitzsimmons/Jennie Babisch). Far from being a damsel in distress, Maid Marion (Allie Babich) is just as much of a match as Robin against the evil Archbishop of York (Joe Foust) and the Sherrif of Nottingham (John Maclay), who are quite possibly the most brilliant and entertaining evil duo ever to cross Todd Wehr's stage. There are two odd characters who manage to steal the show with the few lines they have: the Deputy to the Sherrif (Elliot Brotherhood/Jacob Badovski), and Sir Thomas, the Silent (Teddy Esten/Benjamin Sturcyz). As you might imagine, Sir Thomas really doesn't have much to say, and so his part requires a lot of body language. Teddy Esten, a senior at Cedarburg High School, plays Sir Thomas in the Sherwood Cast, and Robin Hood will be his final performance with First Stage. "Robin Hood has been very different from most of the other productions I've been in, and I think most of it has to do with the maturity and experience level of my cast," Esten explained. Many shows I've done have a large mix of younger and older performers, so you get a large skill gap within the group, where many of the younger kids don't understand exactly what the director wants. With this cast, there was a lot of immediate response from people. They all worked very hard and were very focused while rehearsing, but still knew how to have fun when on breaks; not to mention, having the playwrights in the cast with us was certainly interesting -- we would never know if lines were going to stay, because we kept adding and cutting different pieces as we went along, which is normally against copyright laws." "Bittersweet" was the word Esten used to describe his last production with First Stage. "It's amazing to think that I've been a very large part in this amazing community that is First Stage, but also really sad I won't be returning as a Young Performer at the Todd Wehr. I have absolutely loved every moment of working with this company, to the point where 'company' is a much less fitting word than 'family' is. The people there are absolutely one of a kind, and I doubt I will run into another group so dedicated to changing lives through theatre. I'm very proud of all the work I've done at First Stage, and I hope to return in a number of years as a part of the adult cast." While Esten intends to pursue a career in theater because of his experience in First Stage, he said that he learned so much more than acting. "Life skills through stage skills is more than just a motto or catch phrase at First Stage, it's a guarantee," Esten said. "The amount of things I have learned through my many classes that are applicable to my life is astounding; perhaps the most important being a skill many people my age don't have: the ability to be myself. I never have to put on a mask to go in public, or to school, or anywhere; I'm just me. [Furthermore], I find myself using more intelligent English than many other people, due to my experience with Shakespeare. I find myself raising my hand and not being afraid to offer a counter opinion to something I don't agree with. I find myself able to stand up to someone who is harassing or mistreating another person. These things all come from what I do in theatre, which is to feel for other people." First Stage, like most theater, hopes to bring current events and important discussions to people in the way only theater can. Director Jeff Frank explains that, underneath the grand adventure of Robin Hood, there are important questions asked within the play about what actions we take in the face of corrupt authority, whether it is acceptable to break a law to right a wrong, and what makes a leader. "[We've created] something quite wonderful that speaks to days of yore, but also reflects the issues that still plague us today." Robin Hood will have you laughing out loud while you simultaneously discover profound truths. As Robin says, "We must always strive for kindness...kindness can change the world." Robin Hood runs through March 12th at the Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater in Milwaukee (929 N. Water St.). Tickets can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center Box Office, by calling (414) 273-7206, or online at www.firststage.org. About First Stage Celebrating its 30th anniversary in the 2016-2017 season, First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young audiences and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves over 2,100 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs use theater to promote active learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students throughout southeastern Wisconsin each year. In 2012, First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. First Stage is the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award in 2013 and 2015, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education, and the arts. First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Theatre Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).  Samantha D. Montgomery, Malkia Stampley, Makayla Davis, Gavin Lawrence, and Kamani Graham in the First Stage World Premier of "Welcome to Bronzeville." By Mary Boyle
In the early to mid 1900's, there was an epicenter of African-American culture in Milwaukee; a place that celebrated jazz, blues, and the arts, and was frequented by the likes of Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Nat "King" Cole. Bordered by Brown Street on the north, Juneau Avenue on the south, Third Street on the east, and 12th Street on the west, it was one of many African-American neighborhoods that sprang up in northern cities in the early 1900's, as hundreds of thousands of Black Americans escaped the segregation and Jim Crow laws of the South. Many of these neighborhoods, including Milwaukee's, were informally dubbed "Bronzeville." This culturally-rich neighborhood is the focus of the new World Premier play at First Stage, written and directed by Sheri Williams Pannell, called Welcome to Bronzeville. The concluding production in The Wisconsin Cycle, a series of six plays highlighting Wisconsin's rich history and ethnic diversity, Welcome to Bronzeville returns to 1957, when this Milwaukee neighborhood was its own, self-sustaining community, with it's own vibrant economy and culture; a tight-knit community where an African-American family could own their own home and make a decent living working in one of Milwaukee's factories, breweries, and foundries. This coming of age story revolves around Mike (Collin Woldt/Kamani Graham), a Deacon's son who is trying to become his own man, which is a difficult thing to do while being endlessly watched and coached by his well meaning neighbors and Sgt. Felmers Chaney (Dominique Worsley), the local policeman. Michael Sr. (Gavin Lawrence) and his wife, Irene (Samantha D. Montgomery), expect a lot of their eldest son, as well as their daughter, Debbie (Kaysha Gail/Makayla Davis), and are dismayed to find their formerly responsible son getting into trouble with some neighborhood boys. Fortunately, the great Billie Holiday (Malkia Stampley) comes to stay in the family's attic suite, and she brings more than just great music. Parents and grandparents (even those who have always lived outside of Milwaukee) will recognize names like A.O. Smith, Gimbles, and Camp Minikani (which was established back in 1919, by the way), and enjoy a walk down memory lane. More importantly, Welcome to Bronzeville will hopefully inspire the continued renaissance of this culturally unique and important neighborhood in Milwaukee and, as Director Sheri Williams Pannell hopes, will inspire "the return to a mindset of investing in our community and being more thoughtful neighbors." Welcome to Bronzeville runs now through February 5th at the Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater, located at 929 N. Water Street in Milwaukee. Tickets start at $15, and can be ordered by calling (414) 273-7206, or online at www.firststage.org. About First Stage Celebrating its 30th anniversary in the 2016-2017 season, First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young audiences and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves over 2,100 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs use theater to promote active learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students throughout southeastern Wisconsin each year. In 2012, First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. First Stage is the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award in 2013 and 2015, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education, and the arts. First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Theatre Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).  Sydney Salter, Grace Becker, Megan Watson and Alex Salter in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.  Teddy Esten and Claire Zempel (back, left to right); Megan Watson and Sydney Salter (front, left to right) in THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. Photo by Paul Ruffolo. Each season, the First Stage Young Company (the advanced, college-level acting troupe consisting of area highschoolers) takes on one of Shakespeare's plays, and I have yet to see them fail to do it justice; this is certainly the case with The Comedy of Errors.
This hillarious tale of a most unlikely family reunion takes mistaken identities to a whole new level, courtesy of a set of twins who were separated at birth. Miraculously, each set of twins end up going by the same name, and paired with the other's brother; thus, there is Antipholus of Syracuse (Megan Watson) and his man, Dromio (Sydney Salter), as well as Antipholus of Ephesus (Grace Becker) and his man, Dromio (Alex Salter). The fact that the Dromios are actually played by twins makes the farce all the more confusing and hilarious. The two men of Syracuse go to Ephesus to find their brothers. When they do not return, their father, Aegeon (Abby Barbeau), goes looking for them, but is arrested when he cannot pay the Trader's fine. He tells the Duke (Ariana Padovano) the tale of his wife and twins, and the Duke grants him more time to pay. Meanwhile, the family and friends of Antipholus and Dromeo of Ephesus have come across the versions from Syracuse, and the wild ride begins! What transpires is a 17th century version of "Who's on First" that audiences will love. Three cast members from the production hail from Cedarburg, including CHS Senior, Teddy Esten, who plays Adriana, the wife of Antipholus of Ephesus. What's interesting about Teddy's role is that, in Shakespeare's time, the female roles were all played by men, as women were not allowed to be actors. Teddy, however, is doing just the opposite. "Ever since the show was announced last year, there were rumors that it was going to be cross-gendered," Teddy explained. "I had mixed feelings at the beginning, solely because my favorite character was not one of the females (It's actually Antipholus of Syracuse). However, once we got around to casting, I was super stoked to be playing Adrianna... she's a hilarious character." Fellow CHS students, Grace Reasoner and Sam Crevenston, play merchants in The Comedy of Errors. Grace was in the fall play with Teddy at CHS, but didn't know Sam until rehearsals began, while Sam has known Teddy for years, but was happy to get to know Grace in this production. All three students are bonafide fans of The Bard. "I will always believe that, no matter how old it gets, Shakespeare's work will always be incredibly relevant," Teddy said. "Social issues have this way of sticking around throughout all time, and the issues adressed in Shakespearean plays are still present and are therefore adressed in the same way. Not only is it relevant to society, but his masterpieces have a great educational value, as well." Grace was introduced to Shakespeare not through school, but through First Stage. "I am definitely a fan!" she said. "The number one thing on my Christmas list this year is individual copies of Shakespeare's plays. Since I haven't had too much exposure to Shakespeare before joining Young Company, I am taking it upon myself to delve into the depths of his works." Sam, on the other hand, came across Shakespeare early on: "I have had a very large amount of exposure to Shakespeare throughout the course of my life, and I am a huge fan." Besides their love of Shakespeare, the three have a common love of First Stage. "First Stage has been amazingly impactful on me," Teddy said. "I have learned almost everything I know about theatre from my teachers there -- specifically John Maclay and Matt Daniels. These two men have helped me grow infinitely as a performer and as a human. I can't thank the people at First Stage enough. On top of the people who work there, the environment that has been established is unlike any other. The people are all so kind and accepting to everyone. That in itself has shaped the way I view people. Everyone's individualism is just brought out in the best way, and it's really refreshing." Young Company has three more performances left for The Comedy of Errors: Saturday, December 17th at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 18th at 3:30. All performances take place at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, located at 325 W Walnut Street in Milwaukee. Tickets ($14) may be purchased at www.FirstStage.org/Comedy or through the First Stage Box Office at (414) 267-2961. About First Stage Celebrating its 30th anniversary in the 2016-2017 season, First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young audiences and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves over 2,100 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs uses theater to promote active learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students throughout southeastern Wisconsin each year. In 2012, First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. First Stage is the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award in 2013 and 2015, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education, and the arts. First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Theatre Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).  Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents "A Christmas Carol" at the Pabst Theater through December 24th. Photo by Michael Brosilow. "Marley was dead." If that isn't the best beginning to a Christmas story, I really don't know what is; you simply can't have Christmas without Charles Dickens' timeless tale. Then again, if you've never made The Rep's annual production of A Christmas Carol a holiday tradition, this is perhaps the best year to start, as The Rep begins its tradition anew, with a World Premier adaptation by Rep Artistic Director, Mark Clements, and a complete re-imagining, of this well-loved tale. The most stunning difference from past productions is the set design, by Todd Edwards Ivins, which is simply amazing. The streets of Victorian London swirl around the stage, merging seamlessly between the cold home of old Ebeneezer Scrooge to the warm and lively home of Bob Cratchit, giving a nice flow to Scrooge's journeys with the Spirits. Also different is the approach of the play, which now requires a bit of audience participation. This change is quite a departure from the past productions, but may prove more appealing to young children in the audience. Those familiar with past productions may recognize some familiar names in the cast, though not attached to familiar characters. Milwaukee favorite, Jonathan Smoots (who started out playing Young Scrooge back in 1981) returns to the production, but gives up his role as Scrooge to take a turn as a far more terrifying Marley, while Jonathan Wainwright gives up his role as Bob Cratchit to take a stab at Scrooge. Meanwhile, Chiké Johnson, who played Marley last season, brings an entirely new twist to the Ghost of Christmas Present in this production. Michael Doherty, who played a brilliant Mr. Topper last season, makes a perfectly pleasant Fred this season; and, another Milwaukee favorite, Deborah Staples, keeps her role as Christmas Past from last season, but with a very updated costume. New this year, but hardly new to The Rep and Milwaukee, are Jonathan Gillard Daly (who has appeared in sixty-one productions of A Christmas Carol since 1998) as Mr. Fezziwig, and Angela Iannone, as Mrs. Fezziwig, and more. Reese Madigan, a relative newbie who has appeared in 15 plays at The Rep, is a convincing Bob Cratchit, and young Milwaukee native, Edward Owczarski, plays Tiny Tim. While the audience participation can be slightly awkward, there is still that familiar holiday spirit that comes with the ornate Pabst Theater, falling snow, well-sung Christmas Carols, and the timely reminder that 'tis better to give than to receive. The Rep's A Christmas Carol continues to be a magical and welcome holiday tradition in Milwaukee. A Christmas Carol runs at The Pabst Theater through December 24th. Tickets can be purchased online www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by calling The Rep’s Ticket Office at 414-224-9490, or in-person at 108 East Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee. About The Rep In its 63rd Season, Milwaukee Repertory Theater is dedicated to providing the highest level of professional theater to Milwaukee and Wisconsin, in addition to offering a wide range of educational and community programs. Under the leadership of Artistic Director, Mark Clements, and Managing 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.  Ozaukee County is the place to be for the holidays! From Thanksgiving through the New Year, there are festive events happening everywhere you turn. Here's the complete listing:
Saturday, November 26th 37th Annual Grafton Christmas Parade at 11 a.m. Village of Fredonia Tree Lighting, beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, November 28th Cedarburg Tree Lighting beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, December 2nd Thiensville's Tree Lighting, beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 3rd Christmas on the Corner in Port Washington, beginning at 3 p.m. St. Nicholas Day Celebration in Belgium, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, December 4th Mequon Winter Wonderland, beginning at 4 p.m. Saukville Tree Lighting, beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 10th Christmas Parade in Belgium, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, December 17th Take your kids for a ride on the Polar Express, beginning at 8:45 a.m. Don't forget the full listing of Cedarburg's holiday events here. Happy Holidays!  Cedarburg Merchants Organization presents free Holiday Carriage Rides Friday evenings, November 18 - December 23, 2016 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m  There's nothing quite so magical as the holidays in downtown Cedarburg. On Fridays, when the downtown is decked out in luminaries and sleigh bells jingle on the horse drawn carriage, courtesy of the Cedarburg Merchants Organization, it's hard to imagine a better place to be. Fridays are also Festive Friday Eves from 5-9 p.m. at the Cedar Creek Settlement, when the shops stay open late, and activities and offerings abound with a different theme each week. Complimentary Cider & Cookies are offered each Friday, or sample Cedar Creek Winery’s award-winning wines! On Friday, November 18th, the Festivity begins with “Feliz Navidad.” Celebrate the Christmas season with a Latin flavor! Enjoy Live Music. Food Sampling, Holiday Crafts, Storytelling, and more. Friday, November 25 is "Home for the Holidays," when guests can enjoy Thanksgiving weekend with visiting friends and family. Free Make It & Take It projects, Live Music with Sinatra-style singer Ed Franks, and Easy Entertaining Tips for the Holidays. The first weekend in December is "The Settlement Showcase," which begins on Friday, December 2nd, from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m; continues on Saturday, December 3rd from 10 a.m .- 6 p.m.; and goes through Sunday, December 4th, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Featuring beautiful handmade and artisan objects of desire, and live music Friday with Joey LaVie. Festivals of Cedarburg also has other events planned during this weekend that you don't want to miss, such as free tours of historic Kuhefuss House, a Holiday Craft & Gift Sale with the Cedarburg Senior Center, The Little Show at the Cedarburg Cultural Center, and the Holiday Art Fair Show & Sale in the Community Gym. Friday, December 9th is the annual “Santa's Workshop." Visit with Santa Claus in his winter wonderland! Live music featuring “Songs of the Season” by everyone's favorite elf, David H.B. Drake, and children’s holiday ornament craft and cookie decorating make this a great evening for families. Finally, Friday, December 16th is “A Taste of Christmas." This is a night for grown-ups to leisurely shop in a festive atmosphere. Complimentary munchies and wine tasting, live holiday music with pianist/singer Kathy Fry, and the strolling Sweet Adeline quartet, Swizzle Chix, along with the Cedarburg High School Carolers are sure to put you in a festive mood.  Festivals of Cedarburg brings a variety of events over the season with A Cedarburg Christmas, including a visit to Santa's Workshop!
Plan to stay in shape for the holidays? Don't miss Santa's Dash Away 5K on December 10th, and then enjoy McMann & Tate's return to the Cultural Center's stage to tickle yourholiday funny bone. After 16 years of holiday skit shows, the resident comedy troupe is putting a new spin on poking fun at this special time of year by presenting one of their popular improv shows. When you get tired of shopping, the Rivoli, Cedarburg's beautifully restored movie theater, features a Holiday Film Festival from December 9th through the 23rd, with films such as Polar Express, White Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, A Christmas Story, and It's A Wonderful Life, among others. You can't beat the ticket prices, or the nostalgic feel of a quieter time. Happy Holidays!  "GOOSEBUMPS the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium" opens First Stage's 30th Season on October 14th at the Todd Wehr Theater in Milwaukee.
First Stage kicks off its exciting 2016-2017 season with GOOSEBUMPS the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium, beginning Friday, October 14th. Based on a book from the bestselling Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine, this world premiere is the first in a season of both family favorites and new premieres commemorating First Stage’s 30th anniversary season of Theater You Never Outgrow. “R.L. Stine grabs readers and takes them on a roller coaster ride that is equal parts scary and funny,” commented First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank. “You don't sell 400 million books by accident. He knows what he is doing, and we are thrilled to bring one of his adventures to our stage -- and thankful to once again be working with our friends at Oregon Children's Theatre, with whom we are collaborating on this world premiere play.” With book and lyrics by First Stage Associate Artistic Director John Maclay, along with music and lyrics by Danny Abosch, this production promises a silly, spooky adventure that will keep the whole family at the edge of their seats. GOOSEBUMPS the Musical runs from October 14th through November 13th at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, located at 929 N. Water Street in Milwaukee. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center box office, by phone at (414) 273-7206, or online at www.firststage.org. About First Stage Celebrating its 30th anniversary in the 2016-2017 season, First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young audiences and families. First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain. Its Theater Academy, the nation’s largest high-impact theater training program for young people, fosters life skills through stage skills and serves over 2,100 students each year. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education programs use theater to promote active learning throughout the curriculum, serving over 20,000 students throughout southeastern Wisconsin each year. In 2012, First Stage was selected to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. First Stage is the recipient of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Eureka Award in 2013 and 2015, recognizing creativity and innovation in business, education, and the arts. First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Theatre Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). |
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