As the weather flips from the rainy 50s to the humid 90s (and back to the overcast 50s), we get the feeling that summer is finally here. So it’s time for Culture Club to make a pitcher of mint juleps and hit the screen porch for a few weeks of R&R (Reading and Recombobulation). Before we go, here are some events in the coming weeks that should definitely be on your iCal – this weekend and beyond.
THIS WEEK
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra at Uihlein Hall.
Why? Two words: Mahler’s Second. Symphony, that is. Glorious and transcendent, it’s obvious why this is one of the favorites of the Mahler canon. Edo de Waart conducts a “really big shew” complete with off-stage horns and trumpets, chorus and two female vocal soloists.
“A Night in Vienna” with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Voices.
Why? Because a summer without Strauss is like a Cafe mit Schlag without strudel. And this Milwaukee vocal group delivers a host of light opera favorites (Strauss, Offenbach, Lehar) for soloists and chorus. For this concert, MMV Producer Trefor Williams turns to emerging vocal talent in the area, including soprano Heidi Boyd, baritone Bryan Elsesser, and Susan Wiedmeyer, who was last seen in Milwaukee Opera Theatre’s production of Meditations on Arion.
“China” at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Why? Because the controversy over the imprisonment of Ai Weiwei has made this the cultural event of the summer. Go for the protests, stay for the exhibit, which is actually a whole set of exhibits, ranging from contemporary work (Zhan Wang), ceramics (“Way of the Dragon: The Chinoiserie Style, 1710–1830”), drawings (“Emerald Mountains: Modern Chinese Ink Paintings from the Chu-tsing Li Collection”) and the main event, a collection of objects from the so-called “Forbidden City.”
Theatre Gigante’s “The Good Thief” at Paddy’s Pub.
Why? Because “pub theater” is a tradition in the British Isles (we have our own version here, which is more driven by actual liquor and drunken “improvisation”). And Conor McPherson’s hour-long monolog is a perfect fit for Gigante’s site-specific season closer. The fine actor Malcolm Tulip performs McPherson’s tour through the Dublin underworld and his subtle meditation on modern morality.
ON THE HORIZON
Present Music with Amy X Neuberg at Turner Hall.
Why? Because Neuberg’s voice swoops and loops into delicate electro-acoustic constructions. PM’s season finale will also feature music by Wynton Marsalis and Kamran Ince. June 18.
UWM Dance Showcases.
Why? Because dance keeps on going through the summer in Milwaukee, and this trio of UWM-sponsored showcases features some cutting-edge contemporary work by choreographers from around the country. Carey Foster and Amii LeGendre create “The Museum of Narrow Places” at Inova on July 8 and 9. Daniel Burkholder/The Playground offer “The Chemistry of Lime Trees” at Danceworks on July 15 and 16. And Dancemakers 2011 offers a variety of work by UWM graduate students on July 29 and 30.
Eiko & Koma at Lynden Sculpture Garden.
Why? Because Eiko and Koma are pioneers of the meditative Japanese dance form called Butoh, and “Raven” is a perfect piece for the quiet environs of the garden. July 23.
Linda Eder at Wilson Center for the Arts.
Why? Because you’re looking for some Broadway pizzazz to spice up your summer, and Eder will surely pay homage to some of the big and torchy singers from days gone by. July 23.
Milwaukee Comedy Festival at ComedySportz.
Why? Because the festival brings comedy groups from around the country together to perform and hang out, and you get to chuckle and guffaw along with them. This years festival promises to be the biggest one yet. August 4-7.
Crimes of the Heart at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre.
Why? Because you’ve gone without your theater fix for the whole summer, and MCT is kind enough to get a jump start on the season with an August debut production. Beth Henley’s late ‘70s comedy hasn’t lost any of its edge or humor, and is a great showcase for the three actresses who play three sisters in search of some southern solace. Laura Gray, Laura Frye, and Georgina McKee star. August 11-28.
