It’s an arts weekend equivalent of those Spring days when you suddenly see scores of daffodils poking through the last layer of melting snow. There’s just too much going on to limit things to five choices. Call it our own bit of March Madness. Here is the Nifty Nine, in no particular order.
Cosi fan Tutte at the Skylight.
Why? Because Dimitri Toscas’ version of Mozart’s comic masterpiece is set in the late ’50s, early ’60s. And because we’ve always thought Don Draper would be right at home in Mozart’s world of sexual intrigue.
The Italian Girl from Algiers at the Florentine.
Why? Because Rossini doesn’t mess around. He gets right to the bel canto heart of things with soaring melodies and irresistible humor and energy. And because the Skylight’s Bill Theisen will make his Florentine directing debut, and he has a way with a well-timed joke.
Bomb-itty of Errors at the Milwaukee Rep.
Why? Because Shakespeare was never as irreverent as in this hip-hop version of his much loved comedy. No need to fight for your right to party here.
Vijay Iyer at Alverno Presents.
Why? Because he’s the most talked about jazz musician in the world right now. Period. Really. Look up the reviews of his latest CD if you don’t believe me.
Young Playwright’s Festival at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre.
Why? Because playwriting is alive and well in our own high schools. And MCT’s festival of one-act plays was culled from dozens of entries from the Milwaukee area. It features pro actors and directors, and accomplished writers who can speak for a generation in more than 140 characters.
“D/IVA” at Present Music.
Why? Because Iva Bittova combines violin and voice into an ethereal blend of sound and sense. And because the PM ensemble will perform Steve Reich’s Double Sextet, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 2009.
Frankly Music at Schwan Concert Hall.
Why? Because Frank Almond and friends continue their tribute to Schumann and Chopin, both celebrating their 200th anniversary. Almond’s fall installment was one of the highlights of the season. This concert, featuring pianist Adam Golka and others, should be just as remarkable.
Sinfonia New York at Early Music Now.
Why? Because you’ve heard Chaconne’s by Bach and others, but you’ve never seen it performed like this, with dancers as well as accomplished musicians.
We Six at the Wisconsin Conservatory.
Why? Because Billy Strayhorn quietly lived in the shadow of Duke Ellington, but was one of the great American composers of the 20th Century. The excellent Wisconsin Conservatory sextet will show you why.
