What’s Going On Extra

Well, wouldn’t you know it…after putting this week’s post to bed, a couple more events popped up to share with you!

The British Isles, May 25-26, Marcus Center, 929 N Water St (mso.org)

The Milwaukee Symphony enters the stretch drive of their season with this, the first of four consecutive weekend performances.  Guest conductor Christopher Warren-Green, who conducted the orchestra for the Westminster Abbey wedding ceremony of Kate and Wills, leads a program filled with the rich tradition of British classical music.  The centerpiece of the program is Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony, the MSO’s first performance of the work since 1967, when the orchestra called the Pabst Theater home.  Believe it or not, the MSO has not performed all nine of this great composer’s symphonies.  Hopefully this weekend’s performance of the Fifth is a sign more will be coming in future seasons.

The balance of the program features William Walton’s audience favorite Crown Imperial and Max Bruch’s popular Scottish Fantasy, featuring guest violinist Jennifer Frautschi.  It’s truly a rare opportunity to get this kind of a program from the MSO.

Pixar Summer Movie Festival, May 25-28, AMC Mayfair Mall Theaters, 2500 N Mayfair Rd (amctheatres.com)

On one of the busiest movie weekends of the year, here’s an unexpected treat:  Four of Pixar Animation’s classic features playing back-to-back each day, Friday through Monday of Memorial Day weekend.  This festival is being presented at AMC Theaters across the country, including Milwaukee’s AMC Mayfair Mall.  The featured films include Toy Story 3, Wall-E, Ratatoullie, and Up.  The movies play from 10 am till 7 pm each day, so you can catch one or catch ‘em all.  And with this one last chance to catch some of the most glorious Pixar productions on the Big Screen, why not see ‘em all?

What’s Going On

For the week of May 21-27…

With the first holiday weekend of the summer on the horizon, it’s a pretty quiet week ahead on the arts front, with the notable exceptions of Skylight’s outstanding Sunday in the Park with George and the final week of John McGivern’s Summer Stories at Next Act (both of which were featured in previous posts).  But there are a few other events of note going on in town.  Check these out…

Alejandro Escovedo and the Sensitive Boys, May 24, Turner Hall Ballroom, 1034 N 4th St (pabsttheater.org)

About ten years ago, the odds of this piece being written were pretty slim.  Roots rocker Alejandro Escovedo (uncle of Sheila E), who made his claim to fame with 80′s bands Rank and File and True Beleivers, was stricken with a severe case of Hepatitis C that many felt he would not survive.

But survive he did, thanks in no small part to the help of many great musicians who were also great admirers, and the previous ten years have been one of the greatest comeback stories in rock history.  He has released three exceptional albums (The Boxing Mirror, Real Animal and Street Songs of Love) which will soon be joined by his new release Big Station.  All four albums had the production expertise of Tony Visconti, noted for his work with David Bowie and T. Rex, as well as great songs from Escovedo and his longtime songwriting partner Chuck Prophet.

Escovedo has also been a frequent visitor to Milwaukee, with Summerfest and Shank Hall gigs on his dossier.  On Thursday Escovedo returns to Milwaukee for a special “cabaret” show at Turner Hall Ballroom.  He’s always been a great live act, and anybody who regularly plays Mott the Hoople’s “I Wish I Was Your Mother” as part of his sets is all right by me!

Downtown Baseball Block Party, May 25, 4th and Wisconsin (pabsttheater.org)

OK, the Brewers will be on the road taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks (the team that provided the greatest moment in recent Brewers history when the Brew Crew took their playoff series last fall in a dramatic Game 5 in Miller Park as Nyjer Morgan drove in Carlos Gomez for an extra innings walk-off victory in the series deciding game), but the tailgating action will be going on in downtown Milwaukee at the first Downtown Milwaukee Tailgate Party.  The large parking lot across the street from the Downtown Hilton hotel will provide the setting, as fans can begin entering the free event at 6 pm for the 8:40 first pitch.  You can bring grills and lawn chairs to get your tailgate action going, but carry-ins of alcoholic beverages is strictly a no-no per Milwaukee City Ordinances.  Beer will be available on-site, as well as other beverages and food trucks for those who elect to forgo the traditional tailgating.  Bands will perform before the game, and once the game gets underway, there’ll be a live organist (perhaps Miller Park’s “Dynamite Dean” Rosko?) to help fire up the fans.  By the way, Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo is set to start against the D-Backs Friday night.  It should make for a fun way to get the holiday weekend started, if only the weather and the Crew cooperate!  Play ball…and watch out for racing sausages in the parking lot!

Lest We Forget, May 26, Turner Hall Ballroom, 1034 N 4th St (wmse.org)

A Facebook page celebrating the glory days of the Milwaukee music scene of the 70′s and 80′s attracted the involvement of WMSE Radio, and has now become a special Memorial Day weekend bash with a dozen of the era’s original bands, including the first performance by the legendary die kreuzen since 1992!  Others in the lineup include Dummy Club, Lubricants, Sacred Order, Tense Experts, 3 On Fire, Dominoes, 3XCleavers, Rock-A-Dials and Liv Mueller.  Another band on the schedule, the Blackholes, will be sadly absent with the recent tragic death of the band’s leader Mark Shurilla.  As a result, the show has become a memorial celebration of one of this city’s greatest music people.  And the event’s title has taken on additional meaning.

Peace Through Music, May 27, Linneman’s, 1001 E Locust St (linnemans.com)

For years, Linneman’s club on Milwaukee’s east side has hosted annual benefit tribute shows for worthy causes in the area.  “Kneel to Neil” (saluting Neil Young on his birthday) and “Nod to Bob” (recognizing Dylan on Thanksgiving Eve) both take place in November.  But Sunday of Memorial Day weekend is reserved for “Peace Thru Music,” dedicated to John  Lennon, with the proceeds benefiting the Wisconsin Anti-Violence effort and the Brady Campaign to curb handgun violence, an even more daunting task in this era of concealed carry.  A star-studded lineup of many of Milwaukee’s finest musicians will be on hand, including Sam Llanas, Semi-Twang, Mrs Fun, Delta Routine, Mike Fredrickson, Sigmund Snopek, Mike Jarvis, the Danglers, Litmus Vinyl, Blonde on Blonde, Up & Atoms and the Dakotas, all performing John Lennon/Beatles tunes.  Club owners Jim and Marty assure a splendid time for all, and no song will be heard more than once, finishing up with all joining forces for a rousing rendition of “Give Peace a Chance.”  The music starts at 7 pm sharp, and it’s best you get there early, as the club will be packed by 7:30.

And please remember to take a moment this weekend to remember those throughout our history who made the Ultimate Sacrifice so we can enjoy the events mentioned above, as well as the freedoms and rights we so often take for granted!

What’s Going On

For the week of May 14-20…

The Edwin Booth Company Presents,  May 14, 10th Street Theater, 628 N 10th St (intandemtheatre.org)

Most people know Angela Ianonne as one of our community’s finest actors.  What they may not know she is also a playwright and director, and chairs the Theatre Department at UW-Whitewater.  Last fall, her play The Edwin Booth Company Presents had its premiere at UWW.  Not only did the production receive rave reviews, but also went on to win accolades at national collegiate theater competition.  On Monday night, Milwaukee audiences get the chance to see the show when a DVD screening of the production will take place at In Tandem’s 10th Street Theater.  As if all the accolades weren’t enough enticement for you, the subject of the play is plenty compelling, especially if you’re interested in American theater and/or Civil War history.  The focal point of the story is Edwin Booth, acclaimed as one of the greatest American actors ever (and the brother of another actor who went down in history for attending a play himself).  His troupe was arguably the hottest ticket of that era, and the play portrays what went on behind-the-scenes with Booth and the company.  It’s a pay-what-you-can affair, and the cast and writer/director will be on hand to meet and greet audience members.  Sounds like a terrific way to beat the Monday blues!

American Masters, May 14, 8 pm, channel 10.1, repeats May 18, 10:30 pm on channel 36.1

On October 1, 1962, Johnny Carson made his first appearance as host of the Tonight Show.  For the next thirty years, he was the King of Late Night TV, a title he still holds years after his death.  But this most public figure was an intensely private person.  Aside from a feature with Mike Wallace on 60 Minutes and a cover story in Rolling Stone back in the 70′s, Carson  repeatedly spurned requests for interviews.  After he stepped down from the Tonight Show in 1992, his only TV appearance was a cameo on The Simpsons!  Now his personal life will receive a thorough film documentation on this newAmerican Masterspresentation.  Carson’s nephew, who oversees the massive Carson archive, has granted the filmmakers unprecedented access to thousands of hours of footage.  Combined with new interviews with colleagues, friends (and former wives), previously unseen footage and classic clips (yes, Ed Ames and Tiny Tim are present and accounted for), the resulting film promises to rank alongside AM’s excellent documentary on Woody Allen last year.  Not to be missed, and by the way, you can also access the program by going to pbs.org and go to the “American Masters” page, along with outtakes from the many interviews done for the film.

The Invisible Man, October 18 and 19, Alchemist Theater, 2569 S KK (alchemisttheatre.com)

Wisconsin Hybrid Theatre is the feisty group that specializes in recreating radio dramas from days of yore with their own unique spin.  Although you can hear their performances every first Sunday of the month on WMSE Radio, they cannot capture the magic of their onstage performances.  This weekend, they’re offering a double feature show at the Alchemist Theatre.  First off, it’s another episode in the saga of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, set in Milwaukee as investigative reporter Frank Candor seeks to find out about the mysterious stomper who’s been attacking newsies on Brady Street (I told you it was unique).  The main attraction is WHT’s adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic The Invisible Man.  Although it takes place in the story’s original London setting, let’s just say a liberal amount of artistic license is taken with the story.  Tongue is firmly placed in cheek as Jack Farwell, Ira Hampton, Deborah Burnham, Joan Van Buren and Chris Knapp bring the same irreverence that marked their previous takes on War of the Worlds and Christmas Carol.  The intimate setting of the Alchemist adds to the fun.

Idomeneo, May 18 and 20, Marcus Center, 929 N Water St (florentineopera.org)

Fresh from their triumphant appearance at Carnegie Hall last week, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra returns to Uihlein Hall as the pit orchestra for this weekend’s performances of Mozart’s Idomeneo, the Florentine Opera’s final production of the season.  This early Mozart opera is set on the island of Crete following the Trojan War.  But for this production, the opera is set in the present day, a device that recently worked very well for the Milwaukee Rep’s hit production of Othello.  And just as the Rep’s production didn’t alter any of Shakespeare’s text, this production presents Mozart’s score intact, sung in Italian with supertitles translations provided above the stage.  So out go the togas and Greek columns and in come modern trappings including video screens to help enhance the story.  And soprano Georgia Jarman’s portrayal of Elettra will include her famous mad scene, providing an operatic version of Cruella de Vil.

Sunday in the Park with George, May 18-June 10, Cabot Theatre, 158 N Broadway (skylightmusictheatre.org)

Stephen Sondheim is an icon of American musical theater.  For many, included in the upper echelon of his many musicals in Sunday in the Park with George, inspired by Georges Seurat’s famous painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” (which resides in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago).  The first act features the characters that populate the painting.  Act 2 is the story of George, a struggling contemporary artist who visits the island of La Grande Jatte for inspiration and encounters Dot, the model and muse for his great-grandfather’s original painting, and the bridge between past and present.  Along with many great Sondheim songs, director Bill Theisen’s production features dazzling sets and costumes, along with a cast of many of Milwaukee’s finest actors, including Alison Mary Forbes, Becky Spice, Samantha Sostarich, Georgina McKee, Susan Wiedemeyer, Rick Pendzich, Karen Estrada and Tommy Hahn, all under the musical direction of veteran Skylight maestro Richard Carsey.  It promises to end the Skylight season on a high note indeed.

And as an extra bonus, all Friday and Saturday evening performances will be followed by the free cabaret show Women Who Still Can’t Sing in the upstairs bistro, featuring Karen Estrada (yes, she’s in Sunday as well), Angela Ianonne (I told you she’s a busy gal) and Tami Workentin, back again following their Christmas show at Next Act Theater.  The ladies (who definitely can sing) are ably accompanied by pianist Jack Forbes Wilson, who was the star of the Rep’s hit production Liberace! in 2010.

Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen, May 18, Caroline’s, 401 S 2nd St (jackandjilljazz.com)

Guitar ace Jack Grassel and his lovely vocalist/wife Jill Jensen are not only the First Couple of Milwaukee Jazz, but as granddaughter Gabby well knows, two of the coolest grandparents ever.  Any new release from this duo is cause for celebration, and I’m happy to announce they’re back with the followup to their 2010 release Live at the Carleton Grange Pub.  The new set, titled Jack and Jill Jazz, was recorded live at a gig in the Los Angeles area, and as the title says, it’s just the two of them, and they certainly don’t need anybody else to assist them!  The set’s nine tunes include standouts like “Don’t Let Me Lose This Dream,” “Take Five,” “Old Devil Moon,” “Joy Spring,” and “All or Nothing at All.”  As a bonus, the CD includes enhanced content featuring three concert videos that you can watch on your computer.  Like their previous releases, it’s a classy package all the way.  To celebrate the CD’s release, the pair will be throwing a release party Friday at venerable jazz club Caroline’s.  It’s a great way not only to celebrate the new CD, but also live Milwaukee jazz!

The Whiskeybelles, May 18, Lo-Cash Live, 124 W National Ave (whiskeybelles.com)

After getting down last week opening for Tweed Funk at Shank Hall, the Whiskeybelles return to familiar turf this Friday with another of their popular gigs at Lo-Cash Live, the home of great BBQ at very reasonable prices. The bodacious trio is also fresh from performing at the recent WAMI awards in Appleton, where they were nominated in several categories.  Rest assured Chrissy, Kimmie and Sara will keep things hoppin’, and you couldn’t ask for a better start for the weekend!

QUICK UPDATES…I previously posted a review of the Rep’s hit cabaret show Always Patsy Cline.  The show was originally scheduled to end its run on May 6th, but its huge success at the box office prompted management to extend the show’s run an additional two weeks! That means the show will now end this Sunday, May 20th.  So you procrastinators better get on your horse and head to the Stackner Cabaret soon so you don’t miss this great showcase of not only one of country music’s best singers, but one of the greatest pop vocalists ever.

And last, but certainly not least, kudos to our Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for wowing ‘em during last Friday’s performance at New York’s venerable Carnegie Hall as a featured ensemble during the hall’s prestigious Spring for Music festival.  After this weekend’s performances with the Florentine Opera, the MSO has a busy month ahead, including concerts during the first three weekends of June.  More on those in upcoming posts!

What’s Going On

For the week of May 7-13…

Yellow Submarine, May 8 and 12, Oriental Theatre, 2230 N Farwell Ave (landmarktheatres.com)

In 1967, the Beatles still owed United Artists one more film on their three-picture deal.  But their deepening commitment to studio work on their increasingly complex music left them little time to devote to a live-action movie, so they made an interesting decision:  The final film would be an animated film based on the hit song “Yellow Submarine.”  Given there was already a Beatles cartoon TV show on the airwaves, the initial reaction was one of outrage from many fans.  Over 40 years later, the resulting movie is now regarded as an animation milestone.  No less than Pixar chief John Lasseter has cited it as a major influence.  And of course, Blue Meanies, Apple Bonkers and Snapping Turks have become part of the pop lexicon.

In advance of the film’s debut on Blu-Ray DVD, the Oriental is presenting a special opportunity to see the restored 1968 release on the Big Screen in Dolby digital sound.  Ironically enough, the Oriental was the first place I saw the movie back in the 70′s, but it was in a very scratchy, cut-up print with muffled mono sound.  With this new print featuring Heinz Edelmann and George Dunning’s innovative work and a soundtrack featuring many great Beatles tunes (and a cameo appearance from the Fab Four themselves), this is a can’t-miss for all Beatles and/or animation fans.

Peter Pan, May 10-13, Marcus Center, 929 N Water St (milwaukeeballet.org)

Since the sensational debut of Milwaukee Ballet Artistic Director Michael Pink’s Peter Pan in 2010, fans have been clamoring for a return engagement, many of them unable to get tickets for the sold-out performances.  Their wishes will come true this weekend when the show returns to the Uihlein Hall stage, literally “by popular demand.”

Even better is the news is that Marc Petrocci will return as the irrepressible Peter.  The special effects created for the show combined with the great dancing from the MBC combine for a really special experience.  And it’s looking like another run of sold-out performances, so act quickly especially if you missed out the first time around.  And think happy thoughts.

A QUICK REMINDER…As mentioned last week, the WMSE Spring Membership Drive continues until 6 pm on the 11th.  You can help supply the juice to this community-powered station by calling 414-799-1917 or pledging online at wmse.org.  A $20 pledge will get you the great new volume 12 of the Local Live CD series.  This one collects some of the best performances from past volumes of the series, making it an awesome showcase for our great local musical talent.

What’s Going On

For the week of April 30-May 6…

WMSE Spring Membership Drive, May 2-11, WMSE (91.7 fm or wmse.org)

As a longtime volunteer at Frontier Radio WMSE, this is my shameless plug for our on-air Spring Membership drive going on from 9 am on May 2nd till approximately 6 pm on the 11th.  The station was recently named Radio Station of the Year by the Wisconsin Area Music Industry awards (WAMI’s).  We are proud to be totally community-powered;  in other words, the $260K annual shoestring budget is totally covered by the station’s listeners and our loyal supporters in the business community.  Sure, the station is located on the campus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering, but it’s up to us to generate the revenue to keep the station alive.  The army of great volunteer DJ’s (some of whom have been doing their thing for over 30 years!) with their incredible arsenal of music of all genres relies on you to keep them going.  So if you’re a fan of the offerings by folks including Paul Cebar, Dr Sushi, Jonny Z, Sonia, Jules, Tom Wanderer, Shopkeeper Ken, Dewey Gill, Dietrich, Kevin, Jerry Glocka, Andy, Buzz, Era, Marty, Erin, Dori, Melissa, Erik Void, Jayx, Radio Dave, Bob Midnight, Rich Mars, Alien Andre,  Craig and Barry’s “Boogie Bang Gang” and their other DJ cohorts, as well as engineering wiz Billy Cicarelli’s amazing work in making our local acts sound fantastic during their in-studio performances, would you please consider making a pledge of support during this drive?  When it comes to community gems as valuable as WMSE, one can never have too many friends.  And now, back to regular programming…

Vincent Herring and the We Six, May 3, Bader Recital Hall, 1584 N Prospect Ave (wcmusic.org)

Following in the footsteps of past greats like Slide Hampton and Charles McPherson, jazz great Vincent Herring joins the Wisconsin Conservatory’s house jazz band We Six for their season finale.  This alto sax giant has appeared on nearly 200 recordings with some of the best in the business, as well as performing with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz Orchestra at Lincoln Center and Jon Faddis and the Carnegie Hall Big Band.  This is a great opportunity to see a great jazz talent in the intimate confines of the Bader Recital Hall, backed by the rock solid We Six rhythm section.  There will be two shows, at 6:30 and 8:30, and both are certain to sell out.

Spring Choral Concert, May 4, Schwan Concert Hall, 8815 W Wisconsin Ave (wlc.edu/arts)

The acclaimed Wisconsin Lutheran College choral groups conclude their season with their annual spring program.  In contrast to their more formal performances like their Christmas Concerts, the spring concert gives these talented singers the opportunity to let their hair down in a more casual setting, as well as to celebrate the graduating senior members of the choirs.  A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

Carnegie Hall Preview, May 4-5, Marcus Center, 929 N Water St (mso.org)

On May 11, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will perform at New York’s venerable Carnegie Hall for the 12th time as part of the hall’s prestigious Spring for Music festival.  Milwaukee audiences get the chance to hear the centerpiece of the MSO’s Carnegie program at Uihlein Hall concerts this weekend under the direction of Music Director Edo de Waart.  On Chinese composer Qigang Chen’s Iris devoilee, the MSO will be joined by a number of Chinese artists, including Wu Man on the lute-like pipa.  The program also features Brahms’ great Third Symphony.  Be a part of Milwaukee arts history this weekend.

Veronica’s Position, May 4-20, Tenth Street Theatre, 628 N 10th St (intandemtheatre.org)

In Tandem closes its season with a political comedy as relevant as today’s headlines.  Rich Orloff’s comedy is the story of a veteran movie actress attempting to jump start her career by teaming up with her actor ex for a stage play.  While rehearsing in Washington DC, she falls for a senator, resulting in an amusing situation where love, arts and politics collide.  Milwaukee favorites T. Stacy Hicks, Steve Koehler, Tiffany Vance and Libby Amato are among those in the cast.  It’s a great send-off for In Tandem’s season.

Summer Stories with John McGivern,May 2-27, Next Act Theater, 255 S Water St (nextact.org)

Local favorite John McGivern brings his hilarious Summer Stories back for 2012, this time at the spanking-new Next Act Theater, after presenting the play several years back at the Rep’s Stiemke Studio.  It’s a nostalgic look back at a kid’s most glorious time of the year, the school vacation from Memorial Day to the dreaded return to school after Labor Day.  Also included are McGivern’s reminiscences of the 4th of July, summer camp, family vacation and the dog days of August.  Like his Christmas shows, Summer Stories has become as much a part of summer as the season itself.  And it’s a great opportunity to check out Next Act’s great new performing space.  And there’s oodles of free parking!

 

The Rep’s Othello: It Might Get Loud

Othello,  now-May 6, Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, 108 E Wells St (milwaukeerep.com)

Some years back, Mark Clements, a Harley “enthusiast,” had the idea of staging a production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello where the conflict that sets the scene for the story was not between Venice and the Turks on Cyprus, but warring motorcycle gangs called the Venetians and the Turks.  Even with the characters in full biker gear and Harleys rumbling about the stage, not one word of Shakespeare’s text would be touched.

Clements, after becoming Artistic Director of the Milwaukee Rep in 2010, saw the opportunity to being his vision to reality, and with considerable input from production sponsor Harley-Davidson, this is the production of the tragedy of the Moor of Venice that closes the Rep’s current season.  This is a production that probably could have only been produced in Milwaukee, and we’re all the better for it.  Like Baz Luhrmann’s film version of Romeo and Juliet with Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes some years back, this updating is bound to spur interest in the Bard in a younger audience that otherwise would never even think of immersing itself in these classics of English literature.

One enters the Powerhouse Theater and is immediately awestruck by the show’s set, another of Todd Edward Ivins’ creations that, like his remarkable work on previous Rep shows Cabaret and Next to Normal, makes an instant impact on the audience.  And being serenaded by Metallica, Guns ‘N Roses and ZZ Top upon entering the theater also helps to set the mood before the show opens.

The pyrotechnics are concentrated in Act One, culminating in the Venetians’ decisive victory over the Turks at Cyprus in a hail of gunfire.  In addition to his dual roles as Brabantio and Montano, Rep stalwart Lee Ernst serves as Fight Choreographer for the battle scene, making the action especially effective.

Act Two is pretty much carried by the Shakespearean text, and might have been rendered awkward by the cast decked out in their biker gear.  But the terrific performances by the actors here lead the audience to buy into the idea, and the result is just as powerful as any traditional production of the play, perhaps even more so.

Rep newcomers Lindsay Smiling and Mattie Hawkinson score bullseyes in the pivotal roles of Othello and his beloved Desdemona.  The Rep’s Intern Ensemble sees plenty of stage time as well, performing admirably all around.  Special kudos for Melissa Graves’ performance as Bianca, Cassio’s girl.  Speaking of Michael Cassio, Reese Madigan’s portrayal as Othello’s lieutenant is his 12th Rep production, and one might think he’s actually a member of the Rep’s Resident Actors Group.  His Cassio is up to the high standard of his previous Rep performances.

And the Resident Actors corps brings this production home.  In addition to the aforementioned Ernst, other Rep “all-stars” include Jim Pickering as a totally commanding Duke of Venice in biker gear, and Deb Staples as an equally convincing Emilia, Iago’s wife and Desdemona’s BFF.

Special praise, however, is reserved for Gerard Neugent’s stunning performance as the treacherous Iago, whose jealous rage over being passed over by Othello for a promotion sets in motion the plot which eventually consumes the entire cast.  Neugent’s gripping portrayal totally draws in the audience and doesn’t let go.

Last, but certainly not least, Clements’ solid direction and devotion to the text ties everything together.  It’s a fitting end to the season, whetting one’s appetite for what he and his Rep colleagues will have in store for us next season.

 

Whats Going On

For the week of April 23-29…

Things That Go Ding!April 27-May 6, Studio Theatre, 158 N Broadway (skylightmusictheatre.org)

If  the names Spike Jones, Carl Stalling or Raymond Scott are familiar to you, get yourself to the Studio Theater for this showcase by percussionist extraordinaire Mike Lorenz, a longtime fixture on the Milwaukee music scene.  Backed by several of his Skylight cohorts, Lorenz presents a program that includes “ill-advised” renditions of works of Bizet, Liszt and Gilbert & Sullivan.  Shades of Jones’ classic album Spike Jones is Murdering the Classics? 

Anyway, for a guy who spends most of his time in the pit away from audience view, here’s your chance to see this wizard in action!  And who knows, perhaps someday we might get that Spike Jones revue!  I’d just love to hear Dance of the Hours performed live (complete with Doodles Weaver narration)!

The Crawford Chronicles, April 28, Pittman Theater, 3401 S 39th St (alvernopresents.alverno.edu)

For the past year storytelling group Ex Fabula has embarked on the Terminal Milwaukee project, through which Milwaukee history has been presented through the eyes of lifelong Milwaukeean Tom Crawford, station manager at WMSE Radio.  Sites from a barbershop to Groppi’s Food Market to the WMSE Studios have been employed for the project.

And now comes the grand finale at the Pittman Theater at Alverno College.  It promises to be a bang-up ending:  Crawford and his stories will be joined by the Billy Mitchell Pipe and Drum Corps, Milwaukee polka king Steve Meisner,  a reunion of Milwaukee punk band the Lubricants, a gospel choir…and more!

How does all this all fit together?  You’ll just have to show up at the Pittman on Saturday to find out.  You can be sure it’ll one of the most unique evenings you’ll ever spend.

UPDATE:  In case you missed last Sunday’s live radio plays at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre on Wisconsin Public Radio, you get another chance to check out this fun evening in the comfort of your own computer at your leisure!  Go to wpr.org/otr and click “Audio Archive.”  Look for the programs on 4/22/12 and fire up the first and second hour and hear the recreations of Arch Oboler’s Rocket from Manhattan and the classic Suspense episode The Lonely Road, both featuring fine local talent.  As a bonus, stay tuned after the plays for a classic Jack Benny episode in which Jack’s long-suffering violin teacher Professor LeBlanc (the legendary Mel Blanc) tries to collect his fee for 5 violin lessons (total $7.50).  The Professor hits up every character in the cast to help him in his quest, including Jack’s “neighbor” Ronald Colman.  One of the funniest episodes in the long-running series.

Whats Going On

For the week of April 16-22…

Bus Stop, now through April 29, Cabot Theater, 158 N Broadway (milwaukeechambertheatre.com)

It’s a movie that featured Marilyn Monroe.  Now William Inge’s classic comedy Bus Stop is the final offering of Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s season, this production a joint effort with the Theater Department of UW-Parkside.  Three of the show’s actors are Parkside students or faculty, the other characters portrayed by professional actors.  In an inspired bit of casting,  Parkside professor Jamie Cheatham plays a professor in the play!

It’s the story of a bus stranded in a 1950′s rural town during a snowstorm.  The bus passengers take shelter at the local diner to wait out the storm, and get to know the locals, and vice versa, in the process.  There’s the bus driver, diner owner, the local sheriff, the waitress, the aspiring nightclub singer, the cowboy, and the aforementioned professor.  Theater department chairman Lisa Kornetsky directs the production.

Early reviews indicate it’s a lively show not to be missed.

Steel String Guitar Icons, April 19, Bader Recital Hall, 1584 N Prospect Ave (wcmusic.org)

Among the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music’s annual series of faculty performances, one of the most eagerly awaited is the annual recital from Guitar Department chairman Matt Schroeder.  One of the area’s most talented guitarists, Schroeder always tweaks his programs to present different aspects of guitar playing, and this year’s offering is no exception.  Schroeder will be joined by another local guitar great, Peter Roller, to present a tribute to the masters of steel string guitar.  One can expect to hear tunes from legends including John Fahey, Ry Cooder, Merle Travis and Leo Kottke.  Each guitarist will take turns playing solo pieces and then team up for duets.  Sure to be a highlight is the duo’s take on the Allman Brothers classic “Little Martha.”

Nick Lowe, April 19, Turner Hall Ballroom, 1034 N 4th St (pabsttheater.org)

No less than Paul Cebar calls him “a man on top of his game.”  He’s talking about the great Nick Lowe, known for his production work for Elvis Costello, a member of the legendary band Rockpile, writing the classic “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” and his own big hit “Cruel to be Kind” (which he didn’t write!).  But the music he’s been doing in recent years is some of the best of his career, including 2011′s The Old Magic.  After opening on last year’s Wilco tour, Lowe will be making a rare American appearance with a backing band for a special cabaret performance (complete with candles!) on Thursday at Turner Hall Ballroom.  And if my recommendation isn’t enough, Mr Cebar’s endorsement should seal the deal.

ABBA Mania, April 20-21, Marcus Center, 929 N Water St (mso.org)

Even though they disbanded in the early 80′s, Sweden’s ABBA maintains to this day a level of popularity worldwide surpassed only by the Beatles.  Thanks to the hit musical Mamma Mia! which is filled with the group’s songs, entire new generations of fans have been swept up in the ABBA magic.  And a whole crop of ABBA tribute bands have sprung up around the world.  ABBAmania is considered one of the very best, and they’ll be doing all the ABBA classics this weekend with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.  The MSO’s dynamic young Associate Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong will be leading the program.

Mavis Staples, April 20, Northern Lights Theatre, 1721 W Canal St (paysbig.com/entertainment)

Here’s another show where you may run into Paul Cebar, and for good reason.  Since her days as a member of the gospel R&B group the Staples Singers, Mavis Staples has become a legend in her own right.  Now in her 70′s, her recent work (including the albums You Are Not Alone and Nobody’s Turning Us Around,a tribute to the civil rights movement) ranks among the very best of her career.  She will be performing in the awesome setting of the Northern Lights theater, which earlier this year saw an amazing show from Bettye Lavette, another soul great.  I think Paul would agree with my saying that you would be wise to catch this legend while you can.  And trust me, she’ll “take you there.”

Record Store Day, April 21, various locations worldwide (recordstoreday.com)

Saturday marks the 5th Record Store Day, a celebration of that music institution, the local mom and pop record store.  For music fans, this day has become like Christmas.  Many special exclusives (most of them on vinyl only) will be released for the occasion.  I would direct you to the above mentioned website for more information on the several hundred titles and artists being featured.  In addition, local stores will have many instore specials along with instore music performances and spins from local DJ’s.  In Milwaukee, Bay View’s Rush Mor and the Exclusive Company locations will be participating.  Contact the individual stores for information as to their plans for the day.

Sam Llanas, Semi-Twang, Nineteen Thirteen, April 21, Shank Hall, 1434 N Farwell (shankhall.com)

Here’s an all-Milwaukee show that would be hard to top.  The headliner is Sam Llanas, founding member of the beloved Bodeans now embarking on a solo career.  He’ll be featuring songs from his solo debut album 4 AM (The Way Home), and some Bodeans tunes may be added for good measure.  Opening the show is another veteran Milwaukee band, Semi-Twang, which made a triumphant return last year behind their great album The Wages of Sin.  The band have completed another album, and you can be sure you’ll hear some of the new songs at this show.  Also on the bill are Nineteen Thirteen, a unique trio featuring cellist Janet Schiff backed by two percussionists, one of whom is Victor DeLorenzo, formerly of the Violent Femmes.  The ensemble plays an intoxicating mix of originals and unique covers (Kraftwerk, anyone?).  The show gets underway at 8 pm, so make sure you’re on time.  You won’t want to miss a single note.

Radio Drama Showcase, April 22, Cabot Theater, 158 N Broadway (milwaukeechambertheatre.com)

Since 1992, Norman Gilliland has been spending weekends presenting programs from the Golden Age of Radio on Wisconsin Public Radio.  For this special occasion, live presentations of several classic radio plays will be performed at the beautiful Cabot Theater, providing the audience the chance to experience how America was entertained at home before the arrival of television.  The featured plays come from two classic programs of the “Theater of the Mind”:  Suspense and Arch Oboler’s Plays.  The cast includes familiar local faces including David Flores and Marcella Kearns, students from Lawrence University…and Gilliland himself!  If you’re a fan of this unique form of theater like me, you can’t miss out on this rare opportunity.

Whats Going On

For the week of April 9-15…

One Time, now through April 29, Next Act Theater, 255 S Water St (nextact.org)

Two of Milwaukee’s best known actors are paired again in this world premiere production at Next Act Theater.  Linda Stephens and Jon Daly have worked together on a number of previous occasions-most recently as Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz, the doomed couple in the Milwaukee Rep’s 2010 smash hit production of Cabaret-here portray Sonia and Mason, an elderly pair who meet weekly in the park to swap stories.  Seems innocent enough, but Richard Lyons Conlon’s play shows the couple’s relationship evolving over time, but still having reservations, even at this late stage of their lives.  Will the pair be able to overcome them?  You’ll just have to check out this  final production of Next Act’s season to find out.  You’ll get to enjoy performances from two fine actors in the process.

West Side Story, now through April 15, Marcus Center, 929 N Water St (marcuscenter.org)

In 2007, Broadway celebrated the 50th anniversary of the premiere of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s immortal musical West Side Story with a new revival production.  That production’s national touring company is now at the Marcus Center as part of its Broadway Across America series.  While this version of the Romeo and Juliet story as a turf struggle between warring teenage gangs has received generally favorable notices, one should be made aware of a major tweak in the show.  For a number of their scenes and songs, the Puerto Rican Sharks gang perform in their native Spanish instead of the broken English that long characterized the original stage and movie versions.  Book author Arthur Laurents claimed this would give the musical a greater edge of reality.  Whether he is right I will leave for you to decide.  However, I would certainly embrace the opportunity to see this classic performed by a full professional cast live onstage, where songs like “Maria,” “Tonight,” “America,” “One Hand, One Heart,” and “Somewhere,” along with Jerome Robbins’ dazzling choreography truly come alive.

Better Left Unsaid, April 11, Stonefly Brewery, 735 E Center St (exfabula.com)

While Wisconsin has been captivated by Donald Driver’s pursuit of the Dancing with the Stars championship, Ex Fabula’s current season is also coming down to the wire.  Wednesday night’s show is the final regular event of the storytelling group’s season, and will provide the final qualifier for the spring all-star showcase at Turner Ballroom.  The last time Ex Fab performed at Stonefly in February, an overflow crowd turned out, so a word to the wise is to arrive at least an hour before the 7:30 starting time to ensure getting a seat, although the SRO crowd didn’t seem to deter many folks back in February.

Juniper Tar, Black Eagle Child, and Trapper Schoepp, April 11, Hotel Foster, 2028 E North Ave (junipertar.com)

Any new album from Juniper Tar, one of Milwaukee’s best bands, is cause for celebration.  But the band has taken the CD Release Party ritual to a new level for their impending release Since Before, which will be celebrated on April 27 at Turner Ballroom.  Ramping up to the release is the band’s four week Wednesday night residency at Hotel Foster, one of the East Side’s coolest clubs.  Wednesday marks Show 3 of the 4-show set.  Like the other shows, the band is joined by special guests from Milwaukee’s finest.  On this occasion Black Eagle Child and Trapper Schoepp will be backed by JT.  With these shows the band has established a new standard that hopefully other local bands will emulate.

Talkin’ Music with Ryan, Evan and Matt, April 11, 12 noon, WMSE Radio (91.7 fm or wmse.org)

A few weeks ago, a new talk show made its debut on WMSE, replacing the long running Milwaukee Midweek with Ann DeKorsi.  Scheduled to appear the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month (alternating with Best of Ex Fabula programs), this lively program features Frontier Radio’s Promotions Director Ryan Schleicher hooking up with  Shepherd Express music writer Evan Rytlewski and The Onion’s A.V. Club Milwaukee Editor Matt Wild to chat about recent music developments.  For example, the debut program featured a discussion about the venerable SXSW Festival in Austin, TX, and speculation on whether Milwaukee could handle an event of this magnitude.  It made for 30 minutes of engaging conversation, and hopefully a positive sign this show will be around for a long time to come.  By the way, Talkin’ Music is not the program’s official title-that’s a work-in-progress.

Patsy Cline’s Star Shines at the Stackner Cabaret

Always…Patsy Cline, now through May 20, Stackner Cabaret, 108 E Wells St (milwaukeerep.com)

It is no surprise that Patsy Cline continues to be as popular as ever.  Not only is she a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, she is considered one of the greatest pop singers ever.  Her songs, including “I Fall to Pieces,” “Walking After Midnight” and “Crazy” (which played a major part in the career of a young songwriter named Willie Nelson), are classic examples of the  genre known as “countrypolitan,” which enabled country music to cross over to the mass pop music audience and begin its ascent to the worldwide popularity it enjoys today.  Her life story was told in the 1985 film Sweet Dreams, which earned Jessica Lange an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Cline.

Now her life story comes to the Milwaukee Rep’s Stackner Cabaret in Always…Patsy Cline, the season’s final Cabaret show.  Unlike Sweet Dreams, this show takes the approach of last year’s Cabaret hit Nobody Lonesome for Me, about another country legend, Hank Williams Sr.  Both shows take an incident in the main characters’ lives and use it as a springboard to tell their life stories.  Here, Cline’s fateful meeting with devoted fan Louise Seger serves as the catalyst for us to learn about the singer’s career.  In fact, it’s the Seger character that prevents this show from becoming just another jukebox musical.  Louise is an endearingly sassy character, and in the hands of talented actor Angela Ianonne, is equal to Cline in the show’s success. Good thing too, since the show’s script never really lets Patsy tell us about herself in her dialogue, but lets the music do the talking.  Louise is our tour guide, providing us with the details about Patsy’s life story.  And with Ianonne’s deft touch in portraying Louise’s sincere devotion to Patsy, one easily overlooks this shortcoming.

As Patsy, Kelley Faulkner shows her spectacular Rep debut as Sally in last year’s smash hit Cabaret was definitely no fluke.  Faulkner sings over two dozen songs in the course of the show, a feat that gives one a greater appreciation for the talents of the legendary star.  And thanks to costume designer Alex Tecoma, Faulkner and Ianonne look as great as they sound.

Show director Sandy Ernst and Music Director Dan Kazemi keep things moving at a brisk pace, and Patsy’s backing band “The Bodacious Bobcats” (Kazemi, Patrick Morrow and Jonathan Ziegler) provide solid backup, though there were times I would have loved to hear the wail of a steel guitar on some of the songs.  But that’s nitpicking on my part.  While not as emotionally charged as Nobody, Always… is a highly satisfying experience, especially for those who appreciate great songs performed by a great singer.

And if my telling you isn’t enough, the Rep has already extended the show’s run an additional two weeks, through May 20.  In other words, I wouldn’t wait too long to get tickets for this one.