POLAR BEAR PLUNGE
January 1
Bradford Beach
Welcome the New Year by saying goodbye to 2017’s unwanted baggage – and clothing. At this free event, which begins around noon, swimmers strip down to their skivvies for a midwinter dip in the lake. There’s no official prize for the plunge, but bragging rights are better than trophies anyway.
WAITRESS
January 2-7
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
This musical, inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s 2007 film of the same name, satisfies as much as a slice of protagonist Jenna’s pie. Jenna dreams of winning a small-town baking competition and spending her winnings on a new, better life. Her story is sweet, but not cloyingly so.
50TH ANNUAL WONDERFUL WORLD OF WEDDINGS SHOW
January 6-7
84th & Greenfield Ave.
More than 175 wedding professionals roll out the white carpet at this annual event, peddling cake-decorating, dress-making, photo-taking and just about everything else you might want for your walk down the aisle. The twice-daily fashion shows aren’t to be missed.
ANIMAL FARM
January 9-February 11
The Milwaukee Repertory Theater
George Orwell wrote Animal Farm more than 70 years ago, but his story about the residents of Manor Farm is still startlingly relevant. The Rep’s adaptation of the classic political novel reminds us that power still corrupts, and many politicians still care more about lining their pockets than providing for their constituents.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS VS. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
January 12
BMO Harris Bradley Center
Can Giannis Antetokounmpo measure up to the towering talents of Steph Curry and Kevin Durant? Find out, at what’s sure to be one of the most talked-about games of the season.
FUTURE CITY COMPETITION
January 13
The Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Kern Center
STEM Forward takes the old adage that “children are our future” literally, inviting middle school students to create and present a city of tomorrow using SimCity software and recyclable model materials. The winning team scores an all-expense-paid trip to Space Camp.
THE ZACH PIETRINI BAND
January 18
Good City Brewing
Milwaukee’s masters of Americana are launching a multi-city tour, with stops as far afield as Nashville and Tampa. See them here before they fly south for the winter.
LESLIE ODOM JR.
January 19
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
The inimitable Leslie Odom Jr. has been working “non-stop” since leaving the cast of Broadway’s Hamilton: An American Musical. Fortunately, the Tony winner has found time, after releasing a Christmas album and taking a star turn in Murder on the Orient Express, to sing alongside the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
RUSSIAN TRANSPORT
January 19-February 11
Renaissance Theaterworks
Milwaukee’s only entirely women-founded, women-run professional theater company celebrates its 25th season. Join in the anniversary festivities by attending its latest production, which puts a spotlight on a family of Russian immigrants beguiled by a sinister relative.
ALLIED IN THE FIGHT: JEWS, BLACKS AND THE STRUGGLE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
January 19-March 25
Jewish Museum Milwaukee
This inspiring exhibition shows us how the leaders of our local black and Jewish communities worked (and continue to work) together to fight for civil rights. Photos, letters and other archival materials bring their legacy to life.
WISCONSIN RUMMAGE-O-RAMA
January 20-21
Wisconsin State Fair Park
Didn’t get what you wanted over the holidays? Maybe you’ll find something you like among the thousands of items at this indoor flea market, chock-full of antiques, collectibles, handicrafts and overstock goods. Go early to beat other bargain hunters.
DR. SEUSS’ THE CAT IN THE HAT
January 21-February 25
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
One of Dr. Seuss’ most iconic characters, the Cat in the Hat reminds us that we can “find magic wherever we look.” We can certainly find it in this spirited and family-friendly play, produced by First Stage.
BØRNS
January 26
The Riverside Theater
Only 25, Garrett Clark Borns (stage name Børns), has already come close to topping indie charts with his electroloop hits. And the Michigan native is slated to release a new album this month, just in time for his Milwaukee appearance.
WAYNE BRADY
January 27
The Riverside Theater
Wayne Brady headlines Laugh It Up Milwaukee 2018, an annual fundraiser and comedy showcase. The actor, singer and host of “Let’s Make A Deal,” has been making audiences laugh for decades, since being cast in “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
MEMBER SWAP DAY
January 28
Participating Milwaukee Museums
Seven Milwaukee museums are participating in this literal free-for-all. If you’re a member of the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Charles Allis Art Museum, Grohmann Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Pabst Mansion, Milwaukee Public Museum or Villa Terrace Art Museum, you can get into the other six cultural institutions for free. ◆
