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Few people are aware that a thriving record company existed during the early part of the 20th century in Grafton, and that it was one of the first companies to encourage the recording of black artists. It was almost like having a precursor of Motown right here in our midst.
Doug Clemons, center left, Tim Rebers, center right, and the cast of “Ruddigore,” also known as “The Witches Curse,” which runs through Jan. 19.
Despite the rather atypical winter weather we’ve been having, theaters in the surrounding area have many an interesting play to offer for your enjoyment as an alternative to cross-country skiing or other winter pursuits.- Through Jan. 19 - “Ruddigore” - Skylight Music Theatre, 158 N. Broadwa…
With a cast of 30 comprised of mostly young people, Skylight Music Theatre’s production of “Newsies” provided plenty of energy and gritty conviction when it took the stage in November. Sincerity, surprise and irony came through in the story line of the downtrodden taking on the rich and powerful.
Pedro Ka’Awaloa as the King of Siam in “The King and I.” The touring Broadway production visited the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in Milwaukee in April. In the cross-cultural musical revival, the choreography, acting and songs were among the standouts in the performance.Photo by Mat…
As another year ends, one always looks back on those productions that stand above others in creativity, power and entertainment value. Because we have so much good theater in the greater Milwaukee area and beyond, these choices are difficult, but here goes my assessment of the best of 2019.
Sunset Playhouse nicely delivered the story’s surprises in “Mamma Mia!”
MILWAUKEE - The British humorist P. G. Wodehouse continues to have appeal, whether it is by means of his many books, his TV series or in Margaret Raether’s adaptations of some of his short stories into four stage plays. She is presently working on her fifth. Milwaukee Chamber Theatre has pro…
ELM GROVE - Ken Ludwig never disappoints. We’ve enjoyed his witty creations before in “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Moonlight over Buffalo ” and “Leading Ladies,” to name a few. Now a mystery-comedy set on Christmas Eve unfolds at William Gillette’s mansion in Connecticut where he has invited a few gu…
WEST ALLIS - ”The Lilies of the Field,” a novel by William E. Barrett, was glorified in 1963 by the very successful film starring Sidney Poitier, an Oscar-winning role for him. It is back and now playing at the Village Playhouse in West Allis , and a charmer it is, thanks in large part to R…
Randy Tranowski plays Homer and Mary Ferwerda is Sister Mary Marthe in the
The cast in “The Game’s Afoot,” which runs through Sunday at the
MILWAUKEE - What is art and who decides what qualifies? This is the question that is struggled with in the fascinating play now running at the Boulevard Theatre.“Bakersfield Mist” by Stephen Sachs pits an art expert against an unemployed bartender living in a trailer park, a woman who thinks…
David Flores as art critic Lionel Percy in the Boulevard Theatre’s concert reading of “Bakersfield Mist.” The painting is “Summertime: Number 8A, 1947” by Matt Specht.
WAUKESHA - ”Bad Seed” is an older play, the language is somewhat dated, but the subject matter is still relevant. It raises the age-old question of nature vs. nurture, genetics vs. environment.
MILWAUKEE - The long-awaited, much-touted musical “Hamilton” is finally here. Some people couldn’t wait so they drove down to Chicago to see it, but many are seeing it again here. Though it has a much longer run than is the usual Broadway series schedule, tickets are selling fast.
MILWAUKEE - In the 1950s and ‘60s, our TV palettes often featured shows that glorified marriage and family life.Edward Albee, always a controversial playwright, came along and started stripping off stereotypical veneers and disregarding societal proprieties, uncovering the darker side of hum…
MILWAUKEE - A roommate is always a gamble, whether it be with a friend, family member or stranger. Even a significant other or marriage partner can elicit some mutual surprises when one starts sharing space together.
MILWAUKEE - The title of The Milwaukee Rep’s production of “Niceties” is somewhat ironic, for there are few niceties exhibited in this escalating fiery dialogue between a teacher and her student at a prestigious university, probably an Ivy League one, though that is never specifically cited.
ELM GROVE — A musical that has a lot to offer, “Mamma Mia!” is a favorite for those who love ABBA’s music and like a good story with its share of emotion. Sunset’s production, well-directed by Nate C. Groonwald, features a stellar cast, a harmonious ensemble, vigorous dancing, and a surprise…
MILWAUKEE - The scene opens as we observe Mark Rothko contemplating his latest abstract expressionist paintings. He is diligently working on a series of them for the upscale Four Seasons restaurant, designed by the prestigious architect Mies van der Rohe’s for his Seagram Building, presently…
MILWAUKEE - I vividly remember seeing my first musical, “Oklahoma!,” on my 16th birthday. Considering that was in 1948, it tells you how long this show and I have survived. Recently hitting Broadway again, this 1943 Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration continues to entertain audiences.
MILWAUKEE — "Loves Labour's Lost" is one of Shakespeare's original plays. And the production harkens back to entertaining techniques from the period.
MILWAUKEE - Playwright Stephen Karam was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize for "Sons of the Prophet" in 2012 and the recipient of the Drama Critics Circle Award the same year. The honors were well-deserved.
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