After a three year absence, the Port Washington Pirate Festival is set to invade downtown Port the first weekend in June, under a new crew (pun intended). As luck would have it, the festival coincides with a visit from the Tall Ship Denis Sullivan, which suits the organizers just fine. In addition, Port Washington will be busy with the City-Wide Rummage Sale, and the first Farmers Market of the year, on Saturday, June 4th, which will bring even more people into town over the course of the event. Many community organizations are getting in on the fun. In fact, to get yourself into a pirate-y-mood, start your Friday evening at the Port Exploreum for their First Friday free movie, which will be (of course) Pirates of the Caribbean, beginning at 6 p.m. Although organizers are working with a limited budget, they're packing a lot of fun into the Festival, including Breakfast with the Pirates at Newport Shores Restaurant, a Pirate Invasion at Rotary Park, Costume Contests, live music, food and shopping, and a parade on Sunday. The entertainment list is shaping up nicely, as well. Attendees from previous festivals may recall the impressive Knotty Bits, who will be making a triumphant return to the festival, along with Stellamani Belly Dancers. Renaissance performers, the Wonder Elixir of Life Company, are sure to entertain crowds, along with the Celtic music of HearthFire Band and the Celtic/Nautical music of Bard Jesse Linder. The Midwest Knife and Axe Throwers returns to the festival, while the Gypsy Moon Dancers will make their debut. Pirate storyteller and Anne Bonny impersonator, TS Rhodes, will also be on hand. A local sax quartet, 4th Dimension, from Port Washington, will entertain crowds, as well as the crowd-pleasing music of Stereotype. Various period entertainers/reenactors will be at the festival, including GSM Bristol, the River Valley Colonials, LarpCraft of Sheboygan, and the Pyrates of Portabello. Kids will be thrilled with the hysterical antics of the Cutlass Cooking Show, the Pirate Black Bart, and Lord Drake's Mystic Magic Show, as well as a bouncy house, S.E.A. Hamsters, and more. Some great vendors, such as Elysium Armory, Creative Fire Pottery, Rogue Maille, Ladies in Scarlet, the Yorkshire Dragon, and DaSue Dragon Designs will also be in attendance at the festival, along with a variety of food vendors and food trucks in the Gruel Galley. The Port Washington Pirate Festival runs Friday, June 3rd, from 6-10 p.m.; Saturday, June 4th, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, June 5th, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For a complete schedule of events, click here. Organizers are still in need of volunteers and donations. If you are interested in helping out, contact (262) 323-6612 or go to their facebook page or the facebook event page.
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If you're a child of the 70's, as I am, you may remember Gilda Radner's performance of a medley of songs from the famous operetta, The Pirates of Penzance, on The Muppet Show. Very likely, it was your first exposure to this bit of musical theater, but it was probably not your only exposure. Although The Pirates of Penzance, the most famous operetta by the amazing duo of Gilbert and Sullivan, was written in 1879, it is still widely performed throughout the world, and often borrowed from in all forms of art, literature, and entertainment. Playwright, W.S. Gilbert, and Composer, Arthur Sullivan, are often credited for inventing modern musical theater, as they were the first to do what really amounts to a parody of an opera. They also used this form of entertainment to make commentary about politics and society (all in a very witty manner, of course). There is certainly no shortage of political satire or witty social commentary in the Skylight Music Theatre's production of The Pirates of Penzance, and audiences are certain to recognize, and enjoy, this most loved and enduring musical. Skylight has been celebrating women throughout their season and, although it may seem out of place to end with a show about pirates, if you're familiar with the tale, you'll see that the women in the story are quite the powerful forces. Our tale begins with Fredric (Ben Robinson), who was accidentally apprenticed to a band of rather soft pirates until his 21st birthday when his nursemaid, Ruth (Diane Lane), mistook the word "pilot" for "pirate." Now that Fredric is free of his duty, he announces to the Pirate King (Andrew Varela), and the rest of the band, that he despises them and is leaving the pirate life. Fredric then comes across a group of fair sisters, and falls in love with the boldest of them: Mabel (Julie Tabash Kelsheimer). The pirates return with plans to run off with the other sisters, but they are foiled when the girls' father, the Major General (Drew Brhel), arrives to sing his well known, tongue-twisting song. With the help of a group of cowardly policemen, Frederic intends to arrest the band of pirates and return home to marry Mabel, but the Pirate Captain and Ruth discover a loophole in Fredric's agreement that they know will change his plans. Directed by Shawna Lucey, with Musical Direction by Robert Linder, The Pirates of Penzance is wildly entertaining, and the perfect show to bring the whole family to (though, not recommended for children under 6 years old). Audience members will agree, it is with good reason that this Gilbert and Sullivan production is still so popular, nearly 140 years after it made its debut. Performances run through Sunday, June 12th, in the Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center (158 N. Broadway, in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee). For more information visit www.skylightmusictheatre.org, email info@skylightmusictheatre.org, or call the Box Office at (414) 291-7800. About Skylight Music Theatre Skylight Music Theatre’s mission since 1959: To bring the full spectrum of music theatre works to a wide and diverse audience in celebration of the musical and theatrical arts, and their reflection of the human condition. Skylight presents productions “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 audiences, as well. Fans of the popular Wisconsin children's book author, Keven Henkes, might be surprised to know that his tale of the precocious mouse named Lilly turns 20 years old this year. The best way to celebrate is with First Stage, who has made a wonderful adaptation of the story for the stage in Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, which opens on Friday, May 13th, and goes through June 12th at the Todd Wehr Theater in Milwaukee.
The story is actually a combination of three of Henkes' stories: Chester's Way; Julius, The Baby of the World; and, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. Henkes has written numerous picture books for young children that feature mice as the main characters, including Lilly and her best friends, Chester and Wilson. The New Yorker called Henkes, “One of the best writers of contemporary picture books,” and the New York Times has called him a "genius." I must agree. If you haven't introduced your children to Kevin Henkes' books yet, now is the time! In the play, Lilly (Emily Harris/Abigail Hanna) is not only the main character, she is also "the queen!" That is, until her new baby brother, Julius (Lina Singh/Madison Jones) arrives on the scene. Luckily, Lilly has her friends, Chester (Ben Usatinsky/Carlos Meyers) and Wilson (Spencer Tomich/Trevor Schmitt-Ernst), to occupy her, and her favorite new teacher, Mr. Slinger (Bo Johnson). When Lilly's Grammy buys her a sparkly new purple plastic purse, Lilly is sure that everyone will be wowed, but when she takes it to school, things don't go as she imagined. The characters in Henkes' books are so loved, in part because they are so familiar. Lilly makes the mistakes that we all make as children, but her mother (Elyse Edelman) and father (Chike Johnson) help guide her through. Any child with a younger sibling will relate to Lilly's reaction to her new baby brother and, perhaps, will be comforted to know that Lilly eventually realizes he might not be so bad, after all. Here's a fun fact: Elyse Edelman, who plays Lilly's mother, played Lilly in the 2001 production of the play at First Stage, and it was her very first stage performance! Tickets for Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse can be purchased on the First Stage website: www.firststage.org, or by calling (414) 273-7206. Performances take place at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee. About First Stage Since 1987, 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; unparalleled Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills; and dynamic Theater in Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community. 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 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). Water makes civilization. People need water to survive, of course, but in the Midwest, Native Americans and, later, European settlers used the rivers and lakes as roads - roads that were far easier to travel through than thick forests. The communities of Ozaukee exist, mainly, because of two bodies of water: Lake Michigan, and the Milwaukee River. The Milwaukee River begins in Fond du Lac County (there are three branches, but they all begin there). It becomes a significant river just north of Kewaskum, flows through West Bend, and eventually makes its way into Ozaukee county via Newburg, where it crosses County Y right near Riveredge Nature Center. It makes its way north, though the quaint little village of Waubeka, runs along the west side of Fredonia, and proceeds south through downtown Saukville. Most Ozaukeeans meet the Milwaukee River as they pass over it on Highway 60 in downtown Grafton. Just a little ways south of Lakefield Road, Cedar Creek, which runs through downtown Cedarburg, becomes one with the Milwaukee River, and it continues south through Thiensville and Mequon. It winds its way, 104 miles in total, eventually reaching the city that its name inspired, merging with the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic Rivers, and entering Lake Michigan just south of the Summerfest grounds. Nearly every community in Ozaukee County, besides the communities of Port Washington and Belgium, are a part of the Milwaukee River Basin, which means we are partially responsible for the health of the Milwaukee River. Luckily, there is a great organization working hard to make it easy to do our part: Milwaukee Riverkeeper. There organization has a number of events coming up that you may want to take part in. From Friday, May 20th to Sunday, May 22nd, Milwaukee Riverkeeper is one of Lowland Grand Cafes’ featured charities for their Cafe Hollander Mequon Grand Opening Benefit! When you dine at Cafe Hollander Mequon for brunch, lunch or dinner Friday, May 20 - Sunday, May 22, 2016, all food and Van Steenberge bier sales will go directly to Milwaukee Riverkeeper and two other charities. Help train Cafe Hollander Mequon's staff and sample their menu, while helping the Milwaukee River - who knew it could be so easy? In keeping with the beer theme, on Sunday, June 5, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, join Milwaukee Riverkeeper and Lakefront Brewery for Barrels and Beer, an afternoon of decorating your own rain barrels, while sampling some of Lakefront's finest, all while enjoying a relaxing riverfront view. For just $30, you get a 60 gallon, blue barrel and all of the supplies you need. Register early, as supplies are limited. If you love getting outdoors - and especially on the water - Milwaukee Riverkeeper and Clear Water Outdoor has a series of summer Paddle Tours led by a Milwaukee Riverkeeper staff member: Monday, June 27, 2016 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Fish & Fish Habitat) Monday, July 25, 2016 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (River Health Advocacy) Monday, August 29, 2016 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (Water Quality) You might also be interested in the 11th Annual Milky Moonlight Paddle on Monday, July 18th, from 6:15-9:30. This is an urban river adventure that is not to be missed! Bring your canoe/kayak, paddles, pdf's, and a light - drinks and sandwiches will be provided - and float down the Milwaukee River to where it meets Lake Michigan! Find out more about these great events, and others, at www.MilwaukeeRiverkeeper.org, and learn more about how you can help the Milwaukee River! Just a short drive north of Oz, in Sheboygan, lies a magical place to bring children: Bookworm Gardens; a place where your favorite childhood stories come to life, surrounded by beautiful gardens and ponds. Opening May 1st, the Bookworm Gardens is a wonderful place to visit on any day, but they have a series of great events throughout their 2016 season that deserve special recognition. Kick start their 6th season with the Daffodil Dash 5K Run & 1M Walk! Register for either a 5K trail run (non-chip timed) OR a non-competitive 1 mile walk around Bookworm Gardens and the UW Sheboygan Campus. The cost is $20 per person, or $50 for a family of four ($10 for each additional participant). Proceeds benefit Bookworm Gardens. This year, Bookworm has added a Book Club just for grown ups, which will meet on May 10th from 6:30-8 p.m. The first book is How to Raise a Wild Child: The Art and Science of Falling in Love with Nature by Dr. Scott Sampson, the creator of the popular "Dinosaur Train" show on PBS. The Book Club will continue to meet every second Tuesday of the month; it's free, open to the public, and food and drinks will be offered during the discussion. This summer, Bookworm Gardens has a variety of cool Summer Camps for children in preschool through 6th grade. Registration is open now. Questions? Contact Cate, Education Manager at education@bookwormgardens.org. Volunteers, donations, and supplies are always welcome and needed at Bookworm, from Tour Guides, Readers and Gift Shop Attendants to yarn, birdseed and paper towel. Visit Bookworm Gardens at 1415 Campus Drive in Sheboygan. For more information, call: (920) 287-7895 or visit the website: bookwormgardens.org By Mary Boyle I love going to the theater. For hundreds of years, this form of storytelling; of players connecting with audiences, has endured. Hands down, my favorite theater company to watch is the First Stage Young Company, the advanced, college-level actor training program at First Stage Theater Academy for high school students. I especially like it when they perform theater that has stood the test of time, such as Shakespeare or, in this case, an ancient Greek tale: Antigone. The story of Antigone comes from one of the greatest ancient playwrights, Sophocles, who wrote over one hundred plays during the Golden Age of Athens; the most famous being known as the Theban Plays, which begin with the story of Oedipus (made famous by Sigmund Freud). Antigone is one of the four children of Oedipus, and the story takes place after his death. Antigone's Uncle, Creon, has become King of Thebes after Antigone's two brothers, Polynices and Eteocles, have started a civil war and killed each other in battle. To set an example, Creon has ordered that Polynices will not have a proper burial, but will be left to rot. Antigone defies Creon and buries her brother, knowing that it will surely cost her her life. The modern version of Antigone was written in 1942 by French playwright, Jean Anouilh, during the Nazi occupation of France, and is his most produced work. Anouilh was inspired by a young man who, in solitary protest, fired into a group of French collaborationists (Frenchmen who chose to fight for the Germans instead of being sent to German labor camps). Anouilh thought the act caught the essence of a tragedy: heroic. lacking in sound reason, and pointless. His version of Antigone was a barely disguised political attack, which was immediately censored by the Nazis, and didn't make its debut until two years later. The Young Company's production, adapted by Lewis Galantiere and Directed by Joshua Pohja, brings the character and morality of both Antigone (Josie Trettin) and Creon (Lawson Mitchell) into question, leaving the audience to wonder who the real hero of the story is, if there is one at all. This is a must-see for fans of Greek mythology and classic theater, who will enjoy this thought-provoking retelling of an ancient tragedy. This performance is recommended for audience members ages 13 and up. Antigone opens on Friday, April 8th at 7 p.m. at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (325 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53212), and runs through April 17th. Tickets are just $14, and can be purchased on the First Stage Website: www.firststage.org, or by calling (414) 267-2961. First Stage has offered a special promotion: Purchase two tickets to either ELLA ENCHANTED (ages 6 & up) April 1 – May 1, or ANTIGONE (ages 13 & up) April 8 – 17, for just $20 per pair of tickets. Order by phone only at (414) 267-2961. Mention code "GIRLPOWER" when you call. *This offer is not valid on previously purchased tickets. Must be ordered by phone at least 48 hours in advance of the first performance. Valid for select seats and select performances only. Subject to availability. What is the most powerful word in the English language? Arguably, it is the word "No." To stand up for oneself; to protect one's independence, the word "no" is absolutely essential. Now, what if you couldn't say no? That is the question explored in the fairy tale-based novel by the popular YA author, Gail Carson Levine, which is making its debut as a World Premier Musical at First Stage Theater in Milwaukee: Ella Enchanted. Ella (Alison Pogorelc/Taylor Kass) is given the gift of obedience by a well-meaning fairy. The "gift," of course, turns out to be a curse. Her mother (Niffer Clarke) begs the fairy to take back the gift, to no avail, and does her best to teach Ella to live with her curse, commanding her to tell no one, lest it be used against her. Then, of course, her mother dies. No matter what anyone tells her to do, Ella must obey, and it doesn't take long for her wicked stepsisters, Hatie (Grace Becker/Madison Penzkover) and Olive (Elizabeth Robbins/Mari Duckler), to figure out Ella's secret and to use it to their advantage. Ella's father (Milwaukee favorite, Matt Daniels) is completely clueless, and marries Dame Lucinda (Bree Beelow) to deal with his affairs, including his quirky daughter. Luckily, Ella has a true friend in Prince Char (Max Pink/Cole Winston), but her jealous stepsister means to have the Prince for herself, and will do anything to keep Ella out of her way. Can Ella overcome her curse and live happily ever after? Anyone who loves a good fairy tale will fall in love with Ella Enchanted. Directed by John Maclay, with stage play and lyrics by Karen Zacarias, and music and additional lyrics by Deborah Wicks LaPuma, Ella Enchanted is the result of the First Stage commitment to new play development, and their willingness to collaborate with other theaters and artists; in this case, Adventure Theatre MTC in Maryland. "We believe in the power of theater and our responsibility to tell meaningful stories to which young people and families can relate," said First Stage Artistic Director, Jeff Frank. First Stage has received national recognition for their new play development by being invited, once again, to participate in the Kennedy Center's New Visions/New Voices biennial festival for playwrights and theaters this spring in Washington DC with another World Premier Play making its debut next season, TXT U L8R. See all of the plays in First Stage's 30th Season here. Tickets for Ella Enchanted, which runs from April 1st through May 1st, can be purchased on the First Stage website: www.firststage.org, or by calling (414) 267-2961. For a really great theater experience, purchase two tickets to performances of either the premiere musical, Ella Enchanted (ages 6 & up) on April 1 – May 1, or for Antigone (ages 13 & up), April 8 – 17, for just $20 per pair of tickets. Order by phone only at (414) 267-2961. Mention code "GIRLPOWER" when you call. On Sunday, April 17th, attend a special Author's Brunch with Gail Carson Levine, author of Ella Enchanted, at the InterContinental Hotel, located across the street from the Todd Wehr Theater. Director John Maclay will be on hand to share behind-the-scenes insights about the creative process behind this world premiere musical, and guests will enjoy a sneak-peek musical performance by two young performers in the show. About First Stage Founded in 1987, First Stage is one of the nation’s most acclaimed children’s theaters, and the second largest theater company in Milwaukee. 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; unparalleled Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills; dynamic Theater in Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community. First Stage is a member of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Arts Wisconsin and TYA/USA, the international association of theater for children and young people. First Stage is a proud cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund. What better way to celebrate Spring in Ozaukee than to run around in the barely thawed grass, collecting as many plastic eggs as you can? Who knows what mysteries one might find inside? Well, if it sounds like a good time to you, there are several of them to choose from around Oz.
This Saturday, March 19th, in Grafton, kids in preschool through third grade can bring their baskets and join the hunt at Centennial Park. Pictures with the Easter Bunny will available between 12:30 and 1, and the hunt will begin at 1 p.m. Port Washington has two Egg Hunt Events on the 19th. Kids ages 2-9 should go to the Possibility Playground at 10 a.m. for the Hippity Hoppity Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bonnet Contest (even pets can get dressed up!)! Photos can be taken with the Easter Bunny at the park, and families can enjoy live music by Shana Harvey. Then, "hop" to downtown Port, where many of the local businesses will be handing out additional treats between 11 and 1 p.m. From 1-2 p.m. at the 1860 Light Station, kids can bring their baskets and enjoy another Egg Hunt, thanks to the Port Washington Historical Society. Kids in Belgium who are 10 or younger can meet at Heritage Park at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 26th for their hunt. Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg has three different hunts the same day, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. This is a candy-free hunt and prizes will be awarded to all participants. After the hunt, discover the wonders of Wisconsin’s egg-laying animals and color eggs using natural dyes. This event will appeal to the whole family. For everyone’s enjoyment, group sizes for the hunts will be kept small, children will be divided according to age, and bag limits will be set. Pre-registration required ($7/non-member child & $5/member child). Happy Easter, everyone! Since 2011, Milwaukee's premier Youth Theater Company, First Stage, has been introducing one play each season that discusses important issues and reflects the stories, histories, and ethnic diversity of the Milwaukee community, hoping to foster cultural understanding among audiences from all backgrounds. This series of plays is called The Wisconsin Cycle, and the world premier of The Snow marks the 5th play in the series.
Written by Finegan Kruckemeyer, and commissioned and developed by First Stage, Oregon Children's Theatre, and Magik Theatre, The Snow tells the tale of Theodore Sutton (Seth Hoffman/Zach Duckler), a small boy from a small village called Kishka. The village has been surrounded by a snow so deep that the villagers cannot get food to eat and wood for their fires, but Theodore, though he is only a small child, has a solution that will - maybe - work. Written in the style of a German folk tale, but with plenty of modern humor, audiences of all ages will find something to relate to over the course of Theodore's journey. "[The Snow] explores what it means to be heroic, what it is to be a true community, the pain of regret, the damages of hate, and the power of listening to our children," says Director, Jeff Frank. A highlight of the play is the live music played by several of the actors, including Milwaukee's own master of the ukulele, Matt Daniels, who appears, brilliantly, in several roles, as well as Andrew Crowe, a classically trained violinist who is also the Music Director of The Snow. Rounding out the talented adult cast is Karen Estrada as Margot and Margaretta, Tim Linn as the giant, Oliver, and Jonathan Williams as Roll Ark. Friendship, giants, adventure, darkness, laughter, bravery - The Snow is a nice way to wrap up a Wisconsin winter. The Snow opens Friday, February 26th at the Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St., in Milwaukee, and runs through March 20th. Tickets can be purchased online at www.firststage.org, or by calling (414) 267-2961. About First StageFounded in 1987, First Stage is one of the nation’s most acclaimed children’s theaters, and the second largest theater company in Milwaukee. 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; unparalleled Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills; dynamic Theater in Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community. First Stage is a member of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Arts Wisconsin and TYA/USA, the international association of theater for children and young people. First Stage is a proud cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund. On Friday, January 15th, First Stage Theater will open one of their most popular plays, Holes, based on the 1998 Newberry Award-Winning children's novel by Louis Sachar, and written by the author, himself. Directed by First Stage Artistic Director, Jeff Frank, Holes is the story of Stanley Yelnats (Kaden Rhodes/Preston Carr), who has been sent to a camp in the desert for troubled youth for a crime he didn't commit and, with a rag-tag group of other boys, is forced to dig holes to "build character." But was it chance, bad luck, a family curse, or serendipity that brought him there? And why are they really digging the holes? You needn't have read the book or seen the movie to enjoy this performance. In this tale of good versus evil, past and present will collide, drama and humor will intertwine, and old mysteries will be solved; it's an engrossing tale that both children and grown ups will enjoy. Holes runs through February 14th at the Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St., in Milwaukee. For more information, tickets, and show times, go to www.firststage.org. About First StageFounded in 1987, First Stage is one of the nation’s most acclaimed children’s theaters, and the second largest theater company in Milwaukee. 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; unparalleled Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills; dynamic Theater in Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community. First Stage is a member of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Arts Wisconsin and TYA/USA, the international association of theater for children and young people. First Stage is a proud cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund. |
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