#5: Sins of Sor Juana at UW-Milwaukee Mainstage Theatre.
Why? Because Karen Zacarias’s historical drama is about Juana Ramirez de Asbaje, considered by many to be the first woman intellectual on the American continent. Joining the convent as a way to lead a life of ideas, Sor Juana faces the challenges you might expect a woman to face in 17th-century Mexico, and Zacarias’s play chronicles those travails with a touch of magic realism and a dose of melodrama.
#4: Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam at the Bradley Center.
Why? Because the Cirque has been going strong for 27 years, and they seem to raise the bar with every show. Touring to “smaller cities” is only a recent phenomenon (they use existing arenas like the Bradley center for short runs, rather than erecting their own tent for months-long stays), so grab a chance to see the show without traveling to Las Vegas or New York. Quidam was first staged in 1996, and is a typical Cirque extravaganza, with amazing circus-style acts embellished with elaborate design (with nods to surrealism) and production values, knitted together with a storyline.
#3: LGBT Film Festival at UW-Milwaukee’s Union Theatre.
Why? Because you may have already missed Weekend, the opening night film (Thursday at the Oriental Theatre) that is sure to claim space on 2011 award and Top 10 lists. But there are many more films to discover, including the high-powered musical, Leave It on the Floor, set in the Los Angeles vogue culture. And Gun Hill Road, a tense family melodrama starring Esai Morales. There are also two evenings of short films, and plenty of receptions and gatherings for those post-screening gab fests.
#2: The Debo Band and Fendika at Alverno Presents.
Why? Because this pairing – a Boston-based collective specializing in Ethiopian 1970s funk and a traditional dance ensemble from Ethiopia – wowed New York at this summer’s Lincoln Center Festival. Debo has a horn-heavy R&B beat with the polyrhythmic overtones of great Afro-pop. Fendita boasts the exhilarating dancer Melaku Belay. Together, they are loose, generous and terrific fun, as anyone who caught their great performance at the 2010 Global Union will tell you.
#1: Lombardi at the Milwaukee Rep.
Why? Because he was one of the most fascinating figures in the history of football. Because he lead the NFL’s greatest team in an era before end-zone showboating, multi-million dollar contracts, and, yes, even before the Lambeau Leap. And because it will probably be another three or four decades before someone writes a play called McCarthy, if they ever do. Lee Ernst stars as St. Vince under Sandy Robbins direction. The show is practically sold out, so jump now to grab tickets for Lombardi’s just announced extension.
