Friday Five for Jan. 22

 #5: The Thief Lord at First Stage.
Why? Because Venice has a pretty good track record as a locale for dramatic adventures. Because Cornelia Funke’s has all the elements of a Dickens novel, including displaced orphans, noble-minded thieves and magical mysteries. And because it’s a world premiere, adapted by no less than actor-author-playwright

#4: Almost, Maine at Milwaukee Rep.
Why? Because charm, thy name is Elizabeth Ledo. And Deborah Staples. And Gerard Neugent. And because a little magical romantic comedy never hurt anyone, and this play has several! And because Maine is almost as filled with eccentrics as Wisconsin.

#3: Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Why? Because Edo de Waart is back in town, and he’s brought a few hundred of his newest friends. Not only his new orchestra, but the MSO Chorus as well, who will take the stage for Faure’s gorgeous Requiem. And because the music of Danish violinist Nikolaj Znaider, who will play the Elgar Violin Concerto, has been called “extraordinarily intelligent, soulful and impassioned.”

#2: Anthony Bourdain at the Riverside Theater.
Why? Because we all relish a little sarcasm and attitude with our main dishes, and Bourdain’s thoughts about the cuisines of the world – as well as our various American culinary obsessions – are savvy, unorthodox and often pungent. And because we’re dying to hear about his stay in Milwaukee and his meals therein. What do you think? Kopps or Sanford?

#1: Youngblood’s Red Light Winter at Alchemist Theatre.
Why? Because the folks at this upstart theater company take their drama seriously, digging deep into ragged human emotions and behavior. Because they’ve found a perfect vehicle in Adam Rapp’s dark exploration of an evolving friendship, which has made him the go-to playwright for today’s 20-somethings. And because theater is for 20-something’s, too. Really it is.