Sure, it’s Spring. But it’s dang freezing out there. Stay inside another weekend and get out to some great theater or music.
#5: 100 Dresses at First Stage Children’s Theatre.
Why? Well…because you’re sick of “iCarly.” And “The Wizards of Waverly.” And whatever manufactured teen-pop sensation is on the kids’ ol’ iPod. This story about how a Polish immigrant adapts to life in America is lovely and charming. And it gives the kids something interesting to talk about, lessons to learn. Based on the award-winning children’s novel by Eleanor Estes, Mary Hall Surface’s adaptation will certainly draw the school groups. But don’t ignore the chance for a nice family outing on the weekend.
#4: The Milwaukee Symphony at the Marcus Center.
Why? Because you probably don’t know who Johann Stamitz is. But if you’ve listened to a symphony or concerto by Mozart or Beethoven, you probably should. One of the composers who created the conventions of the “modern” symphony orchestra, his clarinet concerto was also one of the first written for the instrument. And the MSO’s talented Todd Levy will certainly make it sound fresh and modern. There’s also Handel and Mozart – a two-piano concerto performed by sisters Christina and Michelle Naughton.
#3: Volcano Choir at Turner Hall.
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| Photo by Kat Berger |
Why? Because Collections of Colonies of Bees is back from SXSW and Japan. And they have joined Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon in a project that blends everyone’s interest in electronics devoted to creating warm and human sounds rather than buzzes and bleeps. Jon Mueller and Chris Rosenau and friends keep evolving into original material, and they are just the right kind of collaborators for Vernon. This is one not to miss.
#2: Next Act Theatre’s A Sleeping Country at 10th Street Theatre.
Why? Because you may not know Melanie Marnich, but her plays have been produced all over the country, revered for their wit, their modern spin on historical events, and their beautiful language. You might also know her words if you watch a little TV show called “Big Love.” Here, she turns her sights on the age old problem of insomnia, focusing on a psychiatrist who tries to deal with her sleeplessness by traveling to Italy. Angela Iannone and Tami Workentin star.
#1: In Acting Shakespeare at Renaissance Theatreworks.
Why? Because you have watched Jim DeVita perform minor theatrical miracles in shows like Glengarry Glen Ross and Burn This, and you’ve picnicked with him up in Spring Green. The American Players Theatre actor comes to Milwaukee with a show about his life in the theater, from Long Island fishing boats to enchanged Elizabethan isles.
