#5: Liz Phair at the Pabst Theatre.
Why? Because Liz Phair’s strange journey since the rock classic Exile in Guyville has made her a sort of Kim Kardashian of indie pop. With one hairpin turn after another, she’s abandoned the hard-edged cynicism of Guyville, embraced fluffy girl-pop, and recently experimented with rap (which sent her manager and record label running for the hills). Despite her well-publicized history with stage fright, she’s touring again. We want to see what she’s up to now.
#4: Next Act’s Big Boys at 10th Street Theatre.
Why? Because you’ve read The Big Short. Kept up with Paul Krugman’s columns. And even seen the documentary Inside Job. But what do the thespians have to say about the 21st century financial debacle-meltdown. Rich Orloff’s comedy is almost 10 years old, but since it’s an “on-target skewering of the ethically murky cesspool among corporate America’s elite” (New York Times), we’re thinking it’s ahead of its time and right on target. See it with someone you bought credit default swaps from.
#3: Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra at Uihlein Hall.
Why? Because where does your mind go when it’s cold and snowy. Germany, of course! And the MSO is happy to help your winter reverie with a whole month of Deutsch Musik. Beethoven and Strauss and Wagner, Oh my! It kicks off with a heady combination from both ends of the 19th Century: Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto (with soloist Ronald Brautigam) and Richard Strauss’ monumental Ein Heldenleben.
#2: Youngblood Theatre’s Red Light Winter at Alchemist Theatre.
Why? Because it was on your To-Do List a year ago, when this terrific production was cut short after opening weekend. Because the same terrific cast has returned in the same terrific play, a raw and visceral examination of friendship and creativity. And because it’s probably the only theater production in town that people have been waiting a year to see. Literally.
#1: Gallery Night and Day.
Why? Because there’s something stirring about watching art mavens brave the slush, the frigid January temperatures, the soggy floor mats. But there you’ll be – on the hunt for that perfect painting. Something perhaps to unveil during halftime of the Packers-Bears game. And because there’s an impressive lineup this year. Della Wells curates a show of African-American work at Peltz. A major photography show (including work by Thomas Ruff) at the Haggerty Museum of Art. And another one from CoPA at Walker’s Point. Cuban conceptualism at INOVA. And lots of color and light at Tory Folliard. And, to honor the new Speaker of the House (seriously), lots of orange at Green Gallery.
