Deborah Clifton and John Kishline in Success
Photo courtesy of the U.S. State Department
#5: Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soliel at the Bradley Center.
Why? Because we can’t tell which is “Immortal,” Michael Jackson or the World Tour. But in either case, this latest Cirque extravaganza pop music tribute serves up an ample dose of whiz-bang spectacle and King of Pop love-fest. Strange to think that pop music and circus shenanigans would be a heady mix. But Cirque has already done it with the Beatles, Elvis and now Jackson. With stage tricks like a human size dancing white glove and a DJ dressed as Bubbles the Chimp, this show is half tribute and half travesty. But that’s half the fun.
#4: The King’s Singers at the Wilson Center.
Why? Because they’re a little bit Monteverdi and a little bit Manhattan Transfer. One of the world’s best known choral groups, the King’s Singers have been going strong for four decades by playing the field and crossing over from serious classical to arrangements of pop favorites. At any given concert, you’re likely to hear everything from spirituals to Billy Joel to a 16th-century madrigal. And that’s part of the fun. And they’re from England, so they talk real purdy, too.
#3: Arpa Y Bandolas at Latino Arts.
Why? Because it’s been a while since you heard herding music from the wilds of Columbia and Venezuela, right? But wait, but this concert is hardly just for ethnomusicologists. The sound of the strings (harp and traditional guitars) is ethereal and soothing. And yes, it’s “authentic,” even though everyone seems to toss that word around these days. Go ahead, give it a try. Genuine discoveries are hard to find these days.
#2: Theatre MXT’s Success at Next Act Theatre.
Why? Because John Kishline, Deborah Clifton and Edward Morgan—along with Indian actress Kriti Pant–spent the fall in India, touring this play about politics and business, American style. First performed by Theatre X in 1991, Success was based on interviews with prominent Milwaukeeans. It’s been updated for the new decade to reflect changes in the political landscape and global relations. But it still asks the basic question: what is success? For an individual or a nation.
#1: Florentine Opera’s Susannah at the Marcus Center.
Why? Because it’s a big, bold America opera that has had a life after it’s first performance (in fact, it’s one of the most-performed American operas). Carlysle Floyd’s takes to the American South in the 1930s (we’ve been there a lot lately, with plays like 1000 Words and To Kill a Mockingbird), and tells the story of a 19-year-old girl branded as a “sinner” by her community. Look and listen for great performances by the lead singer-actors (including Betty Waynne Allison and Wayne Tigges), and some dynamic singing by the always accomplished Florentine chorus. Choral director Scott Stewart should have those old-time hymns ringing the rafters.
Home page photo of Susannah by Kathy Wittman
