The Milwaukee Repertory Theater just announced their 2017/18 Season, and it promises an amazing mix of classic theater hits, as well as some new, World Premiere productions. If you've never been a Rep Subscriber, this may be the season to become one! SOUVENIR A Fantasia On the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins By Stephen Temperley Directed by Laura Braza September 8 – November 5, 2017 • Stackner Cabaret Eccentric Manhattan socialite Florence Foster Jenkins once declared, “People may say I can’t sing, but no one can ever say I didn’t sing.” And, oh, did she sing – often and loudly, but rarely on key. Her recitals brought her a legion of die-hard fans, and she capped her improbable career with a Carnegie Hall concert that famously sold out in two hours. Time Out calls Souvenir “a memorable illustration of the purely theatrical magic that can turn the tinniest ear to gold.” Her story was recently told in an Oscar-nominated film starring Meryl Streep. Souvenir is a charming and hilarious musical comedy that reminds us that you can achieve anything when you set your mind to it. GUYS AND DOLLS A Musical Fable of Broadway, based on a story and characters of Damon Runyon Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows Directed by Mark Clements September 19- October 29, 2017 • Quadracci Powerhouse After sold-out productions of Ragtime and Dreamgirls, Mark Clements reunites with Olivier Award-winning choreographer Stephen Mear for a dazzling new production of the Tony Award-winning Guys and Dolls. This celebrated musical comedy follows two small-time gamblers as they pursue love and luck, from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba. It’s no surprise that it tops Entertainment Weekly’s list of “Greatest Musicals of All Time,” as this granddaddy of American musicals has it all – show-stopping numbers, a timeless story, and some of the best show tunes ever, including “Luck Be a Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” It’s a sure bet you’ll leave the theater with a smile on your face. THE WHO & THE WHAT By Ayad Akhtar Directed by May Adrales September 27 – November 5, 2017 • Stiemke Studio From Milwaukee native Ayad Akhtar, the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer of Disgraced and The Invisible Hand, comes a thrillingly fierce and funny new play about identity, religion, and the contradictions that make us who we are. Growing up Muslim with her close knit family in Atlanta, Zarina is writing about women and Islam when she meets Eli, a young convert who bridges the gap between her modern life and traditional heritage. When her conservative father and sister discover her controversial manuscript, they all must confront the beliefs that define them. Called “a play not be missed” by the Chicago Tribune, The Who & The What is a passionate and searing look at a family divided by faith, bonded by love, and searching for truth in contemporary America. MURDER FOR TWO Book and Music by Joe Kinosian Book and Lyrics by Kellen Blair November 10, 2017 - January 14, 2018 • Stackner Cabaret Directed by JC Clementz Co-written by Milwaukee High School of the Arts graduate Joe Kinosian, Murder for Two is the perfect blend of music, mayhem and murder that has played to sold-out audiences all over the country! In this hilarious 90-minute show, 2 performers play 13 roles – not to mention the piano – in a witty and winking homage to old-fashioned murder mysteries. Called “ingenious” by The New York Times, this fast-paced whodunit is a highly theatrical duet loaded with killer laughs. HOLMES AND WATSON By Jeffrey Hatcher Directed by Joseph Hanreddy November 14 – December 17, 2017 • Quadracci Powerhouse Dr. Watson is called upon to disprove the many frauds, fakes, and charlatans who have popped up all over the world claiming to be Sherlock Holmes following his “death” at Reichenbach Falls. Watson travels to a remote mental asylum where three men have recently been admitted, each claiming to be the late detective and matching his physical description. Watson must confront the men and figure out which one is the real Holmes. This thrilling new drama, by the celebrated writer of the movies Mr. Holmes and Stage Beauty, is next up in our series of popular mysteries like The Mousetrap and The 39 Steps. GEORGE ORWELL’S ANIMAL FARM Adapted by Ian Wooldridge Directed by May Adrales January 9 – February 11, 2018 • Quadracci Powerhouse A co-production with Baltimore Center Stage Among the most famous political novels of all time, Animal Farm is a timeless and devastating allegory of idealism betrayed by the desire for personal power. When the animals of Manor Farm drive out their abusive farmer, they take over running the farm for themselves. Their experiment in collective leadership succeeds—until the pigs step into the vacuum of power created by the farmer’s expulsion, and betray the ideals of freedom and equality for all animals. This vibrant and moving production will breathe fresh life into a literary classic as resonant today as when it was first published. BLACK PEARL SINGS! By Frank Higgins January 19 – March 18, 2018 • Stackner Cabaret Directed by Leda Hoffmann Music unites strangers and bridges racial divisions in this powerful story based on real life events. It’s 1933, and an ambitious song collector for the Library of Congress visits a Texas prison where she meets Pearl, an African-American woman with a soulful voice and steely spirit. Featuring more than a dozen beautiful a cappella renditions of spirituals and American folk songs, Black Pearl Sings! explores what it means to be a woman in a man’s world, being black in a white world, and fighting for one’s soul in a world where anyone can be a commodity. BroadwayWorld describes the play as “…a vivid reminder that the things that connect us are often stronger than the things which divide us.” ONE HOUSE OVER By Catherine Trieschmann Directed by Mark Clements February 27 – March 25, 2018 • Quadracci Powerhouse When Rafael and Camila Hernandez move in downstairs to help Joanne with her elderly father, Joanne breathes a little easier. She needs their help, and they need jobs. But she can't anticipate the complications that arise when "the help" starts to feel like family...and act like it. A brilliant new comedy by one of today’s hottest playwrights, it’s an empathetic but searing examination of boundaries, power, privilege, and fear in a single backyard. UNTIL THE FLOOD Written and performed by Dael Orlandersmith Directed by Neel Keller March 13 – April 22, 2018 • Stiemke Studio From Pulitzer Prize finalist and celebrated performer Dael Orlandersmith (Yellowman), comes an extraordinary theatrical event that explores the reactions of the St. Louis region to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. After conducting hundreds of interviews, Orlandersmith crafted a stunning play featuring eight real-life characters, all with unique and interesting perspectives. These stories reflect a range of human experiences – the drive to forward one’s prospects with education, the innate need to protect our loved ones from the harsh realities of the world and the urge to seek answers to life’s biggest questions. The result is a theatrical mosaic of diverse voices that explores how a community heals and grows together. MARK TWAIN’S RIVER OF SONG By Randal Myler and Dan Wheetman Directed by Randal Myler March 23 – May 20, 2018 • Stackner Cabaret From the creators of The Rep’s hit productions Low Down Dirty Blues and Back Home Again: On The Road With John Denver, comes this exploration of the music and culture of America’s first superhighway, the Mississippi River. From the iron red water in Minnesota to the deep, dark Southern Delta, the river carries the stories and songs of the people. Come take a ride on the Mississippi – guided by the voices of the men and women who lived and worked on the river, tied together with the observations and insights of the Mississippi’s most famous traveler, Mark Twain. Performed by three world-class musicians, including David Lutken (Woody Sez, John Denver), River of Song is a journey through America’s Heartland and features traditional songs like “Dance Boatmen Dance,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” and “Deep River Blues.” OUR TOWN By Thornton Wilder Directed by Brent Hazleton April 10 – May 13, 2018 • Quadracci Powerhouse Wisconsin native Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is one of the greatest American plays ever written. With poetic beauty and simplicity, Our Town illuminates the powerful bonds that hold communities together through everyday life and moments of crisis, as it follows the lives of the Gibbs, Webbs, and their friends and neighbors. With humor, wit, and exceptionally powerful storytelling, Wilder delivers universal truths about what it means to be human and encourages us to live life to its fullest. To purchase tickets, call (414) 224-9490, or visit The Rep's website at http://www.milwaukeerep.com
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By Mary Boyle Each season, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater chooses one production for their Community Conversations Program, which provides audiences the opportunity to discuss challenging topics, such as identity, religion, politics and Islamophobia, through panel discussions facilitated by leaders from the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion. This season, they wisely chose Disgraced, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Milwaukee Playwright and Rep Associate Artist, Ayad Akhtar. Timely, thought-provoking and, at times, shocking, Disgraced asks the questions that most people are afraid to ask about racism and religion in modern America. Amir (Maboud Ebrahimzadeh) appears to be living the American dream: he's a successful corporate lawyer, he has a classy apartment in the city, and he's married to his beautiful wife, Emily, (Janie Brookshire) who has a successful career of her own, as an artist. Of course, nothing is ever as perfect or simple as it appears on the outside; Amir has a secret: he is a Pakistani-American in a post 9/11 country that has some serious issues with people from the Middle East. While he tries to distance himself from his culture, his wife is inspired by the beauty of Islam, and his nephew, Abe (Imran Sheikh) is struggling with his own identity. Secrets are revealed at a dinner party with Amir's African American coworker, Jory (Austene Van), and her Jewish husband, Abe (Jason Babsinksy), that bring to light our most painful fears, our most close-held beliefs, and our most shameful thoughts. Directed by Marcela Lorca, Disgraced compels conversation around these difficult topics in the way that only theater can, in a time when they are sorely needed. Playwright, Ayad Akhtar, is a novelist and author of American Dervish, which has been published in over 20 languages worldwide. Disgraced won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and was nominated for the 2015 Tony Award for best play. Akhtar was listed as the most produced playwright for the 2015/16 season by American Theatre. Disgraced runs through February 12 in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. Tickets can be purchased online at www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by phone at 414-224-9490, or in person at the Ticket Office, located at 108 E. Wells Street in Milwaukee. Disgraced has been chosen as the one play this season for The Rep’s Community Conversations Program. This means that after every performance of Disgraced, The Rep will provide audiences the opportunity for facilitated dialogues with leaders form the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, and Intercultural Dinners moderated by InterFaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee. This program is sponsored in part by Cream City Foundation, Will Radler Fund. For more information and to join the conversation online visit www.TalkIdentity.com. 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). The well-known children's book author, Barbara Joosse, of Cedarburg was once a little girl. Well, of course she was, but she was also one of those little, little girls, who dreamed of a big friend who could protect her. This little girl idea became the inspiration for a series of books about Girl and her friend, Dragon, and their adventures together. Now, the first three books in the series has inspired a World Premier Musical with First Stage in Milwaukee, which is named for the first book in the series, Lovabye Dragon. "It's so out of the box and so full of energy," said Barbara, when describing the musical. "It shimmers in magic." For the past three years, First Stage Artistic Director, Jeff Frank, Nathan Meckel of the band Happy Racers, and Barbara have worked together to create the musical, which opens on January 21st at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center in Milwaukee. Not only did Barbara write the books, but she also co-wrote the lyrics with Nathan, who she has worked with in the past. "First Stage is really an incubator theater," Barbara explained. "Jeff and I wanted to make it so anyone could do the play, with any budget. After its premier here, it's going to travel." Before the musical even opened, it won the 2017 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant for the creation of Dragon, who is a 12 foot puppet, as well as tabletop and shadow puppets used in the musical, created by Brandon Kirkham, Scenic and Puppet Designer. Since 1982, the Jim Henson Foundation has made over 850 grants for the development and presentation of new works of contemporary American puppet theater. Barbara and the Happy Racers will be participating in a related event at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center on Thursday, January 19th at 6 p.m.: A Beginning With No End. The evening will feature book readings from Barbara, followed by a concert for families with The Happy Racers. Tickets are just $5. Lovabye Dragon runs through February 19th at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, located at 325 W. Walnut Street in Milwaukee. The performance is geared towards children ages 3-7 years old. Tickets are $14, and may be purchased at www.firststage.org or by calling (414) 267-2961. 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). "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. With the recent election of Donald Trump, the US has been thrown into scary times. Our country, seemingly so divided, is plagued by incidents of racism, xenophobia, bigotry, and nationalism almost every day on the news. What we all need is a good laugh, and a good reminder that we need each other more than we think; The Foreigner is just the ticket. Of course, there's no way that The Rep could have predicted how the election would turn out when they chose this particular play to run at this particular time. The writer, Larry Shue, was a popular Rep actor and playwright in the late 70's and early 80's, and the play saw its world premier at The Rep on January 13th, 1983 -- long before the Donald was even a Republican. The play was a hit -- so much so that it moved Off-Broadway in '84, and became the Best Off-Broadway Production and Best New American Play in '85. It ran at The Rep again in '93, when it became the best-selling production in the history of the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, and yet again in 2003. While there's no arguing the popularity of The Foreigner, it's almost eerie how much it speaks to our current state of affairs. Taking place in rural Georgia, we meet Staff Sergeant Froggy La Sueur (the amazing James Pickering, celebrating his 43rd season at The Rep) from England, who's been making regular, military visits to this area for years, and is a favorite at the backwoods lodge of Betty Meeks (Linda Stephens). This visit, though, Froggy has brought his old friend and fellow Englishman, Charlie Baker (Matt Zambrano), a shy and bumbling copy editor who is badly in need of some peace and quiet. To encourage Betty and the guests of the lodge to leave him alone, Froggy convinces them that Charlie is a foreigner, and doesn't speak a word of English. Cue the loud, slow talking and hysterical antics! Three local guests in the lodge round out the cast: the Reverend David Marshall (Marcus Truschinski), who is considering buying the old lodge from Betty, and his fiance, Catherine (Cristina Panfilio), who is responsible for her younger brother, Ellard (Brendan Meyer), after the death of their parents. Also appearing in the lodge is Owen Musser (Eric Parks), the local property inspector, and the epitome of a backwoods, southern Klansman. While Owen can't resist trying to insult and harass Charlie, Betty, Catherine, and Ellard, for reasons of their own, find that Charlie is just the person they need in their lives at that moment. Meanwhile, the once awkward Charlie becomes what his new friends need him to be, and the greatest of foes to his enemies, to the delight of the audience. Directed by Laura Gordon, who has appeared in over 80 productions at The Rep herself, The Foreigner is exactly what our country needs right now: hysterically funny, yet laced with the very message we all need to hear. As Hamlet said, "The play's the thing." Indeed, this play is "the thing," though nobody involved in bringing this production to The Rep at this moment in time could have guessed just how important of a thing it would be. The Foreigner runs now through December 18th at The Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. Tickets are available online at www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by phone at (414) 224-9490, or in person at the Ticket Office (108 E. Wells St. in Milwaukee). About Milwaukee Repertory Theater Milwaukee Rep is a nationally recognized company that presents compelling dramas, powerful classics, award-winning contemporary works, and full-scale musicals housed in its three, unique performance venues: the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio, and Stackner Cabaret. The Rep also produces an annual production of A Christmas Carol, featuring a World Premier of a new adaptation in 2016, at the historic Pabst Theater. 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. Even if you aren't a music aficionado, I'm willing to bet that the name Irving Berlin rings a bell, and even if you can't bring yourself to name a specific tune he wrote, I guarantee that you'll recognize several during the performance of Irving Berlin's I Love A Piano at The Rep. Considered one of the greatest American songwriters ever, Irving Berlin was actually born in Russia in 1888, but arrived in the US when he was just five years old, and died a New Yorker in 1989. His music spans generations, from Ragtime music around World War I to Swing music during World War II, and encompasses favorite Broadway Musicals and Film scores, such as Annie Get Your Gun and White Christmas. In The Rep's intimate Stackner Cabaret theater, four amazing performers (Kelley Faulkner as Ginger, Jane Labanz as Eileen, Eric Shorey as George, and Steve Watts as Alex) take an old piano with a broken key on a journey through time; singing, dancing, and changing the set (and even their clothes!) right on stage as they go; living up to the iconic status of Berlin's songs as they do it. This thoroughly entertaining performance will have you laughing, clapping, and singing along until the very end. Written by Ray Roderick and Michael Berkeley, and Directed by JC Clementz, with Music Direction by Dan Kazemi (Man of La Mancha), and Arrangements by Michael Berkeley, I Love A Piano runs from November 4th through January 15th at the Stackner Cabaret. Tickets can be purchased online at www.milwaukeerep.com, by phone at (414) 224-9490, or in person at the Ticket Office (108 E. Wells Street in Milwaukee). I Love A Piano is sponsored by Executive Producers, Adlon Partners, Pete and Beth Gottsacker, and Wayne and Kristine Lueders. The Rep is sponsored in part by The United Performing Arts Fund.
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). Even if you have never read Cervantes' famous novel, Don Quixote, or have never attended a production of the Tony winning musical, Man of La Mancha, written by Dale Wasserman, I promise you will recognize the story, the music, and the lyrics when you hear them. Through the month of October, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater will be performing this most beloved of musicals, and this is one production that is not to be missed. The story of Don Quixote is referenced so often in modern culture, most people would be surprised to learn that it was written over 400 years ago by Miquel de Cervantes of Spain. Cervantes, a veteran of the Spanish military, was captured by pirates after his service and sold into slavery, where he remained for five years, and struggled financially for the rest of his life. Despite the novel's popularity, Cervantes never made much money from his great work. Interestingly, the tale of Dale Wasserman, the writer of Man of La Mancha, is nearly as fantastic as Cervantes'. Born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin in 1914, Wasserman was orphaned before he was even 10 years old. Instead of going to school, he traveled the country from job to job, until he eventually began working in theater as a lighting designer, and then progressed to writing scripts. He originally wrote a made-for- television play about Cervantes in 1959. Then, in 1964, he and Director Albert Marre turned the TV play into a stage musical, with composer Mitch Leigh and lyricist Joe Darion to write the music and lyrics. Not only is Wasserman remembered for Man of La Mancha, which went on to win five Tony awards, he is also known for writing One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Man of La Mancha is both the story of Don Quixote and of Cervantes (played brilliantly by Milwaukee's own Nathaniel Stampley). In the musical, Cervantes and his servant have been imprisoned in Seville, and are awaiting their trial by the Spanish Inquisition for their "crimes against the church." The prisoners, however, have a trial of their own. They confiscate Cervantes' belongings, including the unfinished manuscript of his novel, Don Quixote. In his defense, Cervantes presents a play of his manuscript for his fellow prisoners, involving them in the production, and becomes Don Quixote, the Lord of La Mancha, himself; an aging man with a wild imagination, who fancies himself a knight errant, bent on restoring chivalry and righteousness to the world. His servant becomes Quixote's worthy squire, Sancho Panza (Michael J. Farina). Don Quixote does all for the love of his lady, "Dulcinea," whom he imagines to be the peasant lady, Aldonza (Leenya Rideout). Quixote's family is embarrassed by his behavior, and believe they need to cure him of his delusions but, perhaps, a big imagination isn't such a bad thing, after all? Directing his seventh musical on the Quadracci Powerhouse stage is The Rep's Artistic Director, Mark Clements, with Musical Direction by Associate Artist, Dan Kazemi. Besides Stampley, Man of La Mancha features a string of some of Milwaukee's favorite actors, including Jonathan Gillard Daly, Bethany Thomas, Gavin Gregory, Beth Mulkerron, Michael Doherty, and Michael Accardo, as well as Matt Daniels, who is making his Rep debut. While this 50 year old musical, and the 400 year old story it is inspired by, may seem irrelevant today, there is a reason it has endured: Quixote's belief. His belief in his own values; his belief in the good in others, even when they can't see it in themselves. His ability to not just "see life as it is, but...as it ought to be," and to believe that we can attain that. In these times, that belief is something we all need. Man of La Mancha is not only one of the greatest musicals ever written, it is easily the greatest musical I've ever seen The Rep perform, and one of the finest Rep performances I've ever seen, period. Man of La Mancha opened Saturday, September 24th and runs through October 30th in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. Tickets can be purchased online at www.milwaukeerep.com, by phone at (414) 224-9490, or in person at the Ticket Office, located at 108 E. Wells Street in Milwaukee. A variety of events, including Rep-in-Depth, a pre-show conversations with actor Matt Daniels, post-show Talk Backs with the cast and creative team, and Community Conversation Panel Discussions are happening in conjunction with the production, as well as a Singing Workshop on Saturday, October 1st from 2-3 p.m. and a Flamenco Dance Workshop in collaboration with Siempre Flamenco on Saturday, October 15th from 2-3 p.m. For more information on these events, go to www.milwaukeerep.com/On-Stage/Events/. About Milwaukee Repertory Theater Milwaukee Rep is a nationally-recognized company that presents compelling dramas, powerful classics, award-winning contemporary works, and full-scale musicals, housed in its three unique performance venues: the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio, and Stackner Cabaret. The Rep also produces an annual production of A Christmas Carol, featuring a World Premiere of a new adaptation in 2016, at the histroic Pabst Theater. 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. |
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