#5: Second City’s Holidazed and Confused at the Marcus Center
Why? Because you never know when you’ll see a future Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey, or Joan Rivers in the stable of the famous Chicago comedy factory. But even if you don’t have a brush with future fame, you’ll be sure to see some high-energy hijinks at the expense of holiday traditions and the family foibles they expose. There will be sketches, improv and music. And gasps and guffaws, as well.
#4: A Funny Thing Happened to me on the Way to the Forum at Off the Wall Theater
Why? Because there’s no better time for a gut-busting, chakra-opening, stress-relieving Comedy Tonight! And Dale Gutzman and the folks at OTW will bring it right into your lap, in the intimate confines of their downtown storefront theater. This is Gutzman’s fifth go at the Stephen Sondheim musical (and let’s not forget his collaborators, Larry Gelbart and Burt Shevelove), so we expect he knows his way around the Via Sacra.
#3: Home for the Holidays at the Florentine Opera Center
Why? Because sometimes you need a break from the CGI, the Dickensian mise-en-scène and even the Ho-ho-ho’s. The Florentine Opera obliges you with a simple proposition: “Let’s sit back and listen to a song or two.” One piano, four talented singers (including Ariana Douglas), and a host of holiday songs combine into a evening of diverse charms and assorted melodies.
#2: The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Messiah at various venues
Why? Because it’s actually Georg Friedrich Handel’s Messiah, of course, but the MSO will certainly make that venerable oratorio its own, thanks to conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong, the MSO chorus, and a host of heavenly soloists. With Uihlein Hall occupied with various sugarplum fairies, the orchestra is taking its show on the road, performing at several churches and concert halls around the city. Many shows are approaching the Sell Out stage, so don’t wait.
#1: Anonymous 4 at the Basilica of St. Josaphat
Why? Because the title of this concert, “The Last Noel,” says it all. After nearly 40 years of performing and recording together, the members of this early music vocal quartet are going their separate ways. They are marking the occasion with an international tour, during which they’ll perform their specialty–what’s traditionally called Early Music–and also more contemporary work by David Lang and Christopher Tin. In Milwaukee, however, they’ll sing Christmas music composed from the 13th through the 19th centuries. And they will sing it well. (This concert is sold out.)
Culture Club will take a few weeks off during the holiday season, but will be back in early January to keep you connected to the performing arts events of 2016.
