#5: Quasimondo Physical Theatre’s Buboes: A Bouffon Medicine Show at Studio G at the Grand Avenue Mall.
Why? Because nothing says “happy holidays” like “a grotesque examination of anatomy and contagion” that promises “human depravity at its finest.” Hats off to Quasimondo, which goes to the dark side (and the Dark Ages) at a time when all is tinsel and fairy dust. The theater collective mixes the traditions of clowning and Commedia Del Arte with a fresh avant-garde, DIY sensibility to stage this original “Bouffon,” a term coined by French mime legend Jacques Lecoq that suggests this story about plague victims will boast a healthy dose of satire and mockery. And will be for adults only, as well. Brian Rott, directs.
#4: Latino Arts presents GlamourTango at the United Community Center.
Why? Because nothing promises to heat up a chilly winter night than the Argentine art of seduction, otherwise known as tango. But this ensemble and show offers an interesting twist—a celebration of the women who contributed to the tradition. Uruguayan pianist Polly Ferman created the show, which features a musical quintet and a host of dancers—all female.
#3: Gigante’s Theatre’s Holidays on Ice at Gigante Studio, 706 S. Fifth St.
Why? Because David Sedaris’s wry and slightly 
subversive stories about his Christmases past have become a tradition with public radio listeners, who wait each year to hear about his time as a Macy’s elf, or his satiric critic’s pan of a grade-school Christmas pageant. Since Sedaris is likely enjoying the holidays at home in the French countryside, Theatre Gigante offers the next best thing—a live performance of some of the best stories with Michael Stebbins. Gigante is making a party of it—with door prizes, snacks and a whole lotta fun.
#2: The Prometheus Trio at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.
Why? Because in December, the music scene takes a turn down candy-cane lane–with perhaps a stop at Messiah-ville. But there are still a few non-holiday concerts around, and this promises to be one of the most memorable. Stephanie Jacob and Scott Tisdale welcome guest violinist Margot Schwartz (sitting in for Timothy Klabunde) to play a typically adventurous program: two short pieces by modern pioneer Elliot Carter, a late trio by Mozart, and Tchaikovsky’s challenging Trio in A minor.
#1: Milwaukee Rep’s A Christmas Carol at the Pabst Theater.
Why? Because The Rep’s long-running holiday tradition continues to bring just the right kind of holiday cheer: impeccably sung carols, an assortment of British accents, and a sweet Victorian charm. This year, an impressive cast (Brian Mani, Hollis Resnick, Marti Gobel, Chiké Johnson, Jonathan Wainwright and Beth Mulkerron) is led by Jonathan Smoots, who is finally getting his crack at Uncle Scrooge after several years of understudying the role. God bless us, every one!
