Big shows, small shows; holiday shows, and definitely “not-holiday” shows. They are all here as local companies ply their seasonal wares. Many, many concerts and openings this week. Here are the highlights.
Who Killed Santa? at the Soulstice Theatre.
Why? Because local playwright Neil Haven’s Holiday Whodunnit is a little bit Avenue Q, a little bit Rudolf, and a little bit Agatha Christie. Haven’s irreverent murder mystery has four different endings—and the audiences chooses. The evening also features some short comedy sketches known as Neil’s Dirty Shorts.
The World’s Stage Theatre Company’s The Dutchman at The Underground Collective.
Why? Because World’s Stage Gretchen Makhorn selected Amira Baraka’s incendiary 1964 play months ago, but the production arrives in a post-Ferguson America, when race relations are again on the minds of most Americans (aren’t they always?). Baraka’s play undoubtedly is of the 1960s, but it will certainly spark discussion and debate about where we are and how far we have (or haven’t) come. Sherrick Robinson directs.
For Elfish Reasons at Alchemist Theatre.
Why? Because Jason Powell is one of the funniest guys in town, and he pays tribute to his comedy heroes in this send-up of a Santa’s workshop story that features some decidedly Marxist characters (Groucho, Chico and Harpo, that is). Music and mayhem—and egg nog, too.
Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Marcus Center.
Why? Sugarplums. Handsome prince. Evil mice. Nasty little brother. Happily ever after. Milwaukee’s favorite holiday tradition returns with incomparable Milwaukee Ballet in Michael Pink’s beautiful and sensitive production.
Early Music Now presents Lionheart at St. Joseph’s Center Chapel.
Why? Because Innocentius Dammonis used to be on your Spotify playlist, but he hasn’t come around in a while, and you’re missing some of those 14th-Century grooves. Lionhart to the rescue. The acclaimed vocal sextet presents Italian music dating back to the 12th-Century (including some of Inno’s greatest hits). They’ve earned raves from performances around the world, and are here for two evening concerts at the acoustically perfect chapel at St. Joseph’s Center.
Bel Canto Chorus Christmas in the Basilica at St. Josaphat’s Basilica.
Why? Because Richard Hynson’s group of superb singers knows how to bring it for the holidays: Beloved carols, classical favorites, and perhaps a few songs that are new to your ears. The concert features brass and the Bel Canto Boy Choir along with the flagship ensemble.
First Stage Young Company’s Once Upon a Mattress at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.
Why? Because some of the city’s most talented high school actor-singers will be on hand in this production of this classic 1959 musical, made famous by its national television broadcast in 1972 (Carol Burnett, Jack Gilford, Ken Berry, and—yes—Wally Cox). It’s presented here in a one-weekend-only production.
George Winston at South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.
Why? Because Winston has been off your radar for a while, but you still remember those classic albums from the 1980s, which seemed to go perfectly with a cup of tea in your winter dorm room after a long day of studying for finals. He’s back with music for the season, and we’re betting it will include some of his meditative songs as well as some barn burners from Charlie Brown’s Christmas.
Boulevard Ensemble Theatre’s A Concert of Note at Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire.
Why? Because it’s a triple header of seasonal words and music. The Plymouth Chorale joins Boulevard’s Mark Bucher in a program that includes a reading of Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales, poetry by Emily Dickinson (performed by Beth Monhollen, who is taking a break from The Rep’s A Christmas Carol) and choral music settings of Frost poems.
Your Mother Dances’ Burlesque Blowout at the Brenner Brewing Company, 706 S. Fifth St.
Why? Because Elizabeth Johnson’s itinerant dance group goes all Gypsy and stuff in a cabaret evening that features regular YMD dancers (Joele Worm, Maryhelen Wesner Annette Grefig) as well as special guest, drag performer Dora Diamond. Be prepared for strip teases, tap dances, and a very different brand of modern dance. And Mike Brenner manning the taps (kegs, not shoes).
