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Andrew Voss and Marti |
Five is a nice number. Quite often, “five” will do just
fine: “Take Five.” “Gimme Five.” And even though the iPhone 5 hasn’t set the
world afire, it doesn’t distract from the solid and smart utility of “five.”
But some weekends here in Culture Club, “five” just won’t
do. While I still like the sound of The Friday Five, there are sometimes we
have to think outside the box—or the pentagon, if you will.
So this weekend, prepare yourself for many choices. More
than usual. I’m not quite ready to honor the alliteration and initiate The
Friday Fifteen. But for this week, “Five” will just have to step aside until
next week. Yes, “Five” will be back.
But to avoid hurt feelings, let’s just keep the numbers to
ourselves this week. Here are some things to consider for the coming weekend
and days following. In no particular order.
Why? Because you won’t see lines outside theaters any other time during the year. And because Jonathan Jackson and the MFF team have again put together an eclectic and fascinating survey of American, international and local films. See the catalog and pick your favorites, but don’t delay–many shows have sold out already.
Bay View
Gallery Night at various locations.
Why? Because
everybody knows Bay View is cool. And Saturday, it will be particularly cool
thanks to the folks at Alchemist Theatre, who got the community together for
what promises to be a fine night of wandering, with food, drink and art to keep
you moving.
“What’s
So Funny?” at Danceworks Studio.
Why? Improv
comedy meets modern dance. Improv dance meets modern comedy. Dance comedy meets
modern improv. Whatever way you slice it, this mix ‘n’ match collaboration
between “The Show” and the Danceworks Performance Company is a potent
combination.
Milwaukee
Symphony Orchestra at the Marcus Center.
Why? Russians. Names that are best uttered in a vodka-fueled
shouting match (and please—none of those “salted caramel” or peach-flavored
varieties) Mussorgsky!! Borodin!! Peter! Illych! Tchaikovsky!!! Come hear the
music. Then retire to a dusty bar to drink Stoli from dirty glasses and wonder
about the whereabouts of Princess Anastasia. Sebastian Lang-Lessing conducts.
Theatre Gigante’s
“Me, You, Art and Trout.”
Why? Because
Gigante is the local “Theatre of Big Ideas,” and the ideas flow fast and
furious when Mark Anderson is on stage. An inventive and elegant monologist in
the tradition of Spalding Gray, Anderson’s latest work (his first in 15 years)
will cover much imaginative territory, including the “Trout” of the title,
Richard Brautigan’s Trout Fishing in
America.
Microcrisis at Next Act Theatre.
Why? Because Mike Lew’s play
takes a satirical look at the Wall Street world and the ravages it hath
wrought, and includes a host of Milwaukee acting talent, including David
Cescarini, John Kishline, and Michael Cotey. We think it’s the perfect Night
Out for you and your broker.
Milwaukee
Chamber Theatre’s Broken and Entered at
the Broadway Theatre Center.
Why? Because Kurt
McGinnis Brown’s play takes us right to the heart of some testy American
issues—racial discord, economic inequality, urban blight—but does so with a
comic sensibility and a knack for capturing human foibles in all their absurd
glory. Susan Fete directs a production with a trio of great Milwaukee actors,
Marti Gobel, Andrew Voss and Jonathan Wainwright.
Milwaukee
Rep’s The Mountaintop at the Steimke Theatre.
Why? Because
Katori Hall’s play earned awards in London and A-List talent in New York (the
Broadway production starred Angela Bassett and Samuel L. Jackson). Not
surprising, since it portrays the last night of Martin Luther King, Jr., spent
at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis. Here, the parts of King and a hotel maid are
played by New York veterans J. Bernard Calloway and Nikiya Mathis.
Radiolab Live: In the Dark
at the Riverside Theatre.
Why? Because “Radiolab”
is one of the most sonically inventive things you’ve ever heard on radio—or heard
anywhere for that matter. And producers Robert Krulwich and Jad Abumrad, always
pushing the envelope, have decided to take their soundscapes on the road. But never
fear, it won’t be dark all the time. At least we assume from the presence of
comedian Dave Foley, musician Thao Nyugen, and dance troupe Pilobolus on the
bill.
