Always some music to be heard as the Merry Month of May kicks in to gear. And this week is no exception: The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s offers Symphonic Showpieces at the Marcus Center, with Cristian Macelaru conducting a program that includes favorites like Ravel’s La Valse and Dukas’ The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. And the Fine Arts Quartet rounds out its regular concert series with a program of Haydn, Saint-Saens and Robert Schumann.
But it’s the little theatres that are really blooming this week, as several companies open works that range from Magical Realist storytelling to intimate musicals. Here’s the round up.
#5: Windfall Theatre’s City of Angels at Village Church Arts
Why? Because despite a three-year run on Broadway and some hot-shot creative power (music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by David Zippel, book by M*A*S*H mastermind Larry Gelbart), this film noir tribute is making its local debut. The no-frills Windfall Theatre strips the show down to its essentials—1940s mood, witty dialogue and lyrics, and some sassy, jazzy tunes. David Ferrie, Leslie Fitzwater and Laura Monagle head up the cast, directed by Carol Zippel.
# 4: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s 500 Years at the Skylight Theatre Bar & Bistro
Why? Because theater folks in the know always stop by MCT’s play reading series, named after their legendary former Artistic Director Montgomery Davis. The series features local playwrights, and the work often makes it to the stage in full productions. We’re betting that will happen with Michelle Lopez-Rios’ 500 Years, an evocation and exploration of Latina identity told through the eyes of Esperanza, a 500-year-old woman who tells stories of people she’s known—everyone from a 16th-century Spanish cook to a contemporary Milwaukee activist.
#3: Little By Little at In Tandem Theatre Company
Why? Because NYC’s York Theater Company specializes in small-scale musicals, and this 1999 cabaret-style show about a trio that slips back and forth between romance and friendship is a real charmer. The highlight here is Brad Ross’s challenging music, a collection of lyrical and catchy melodies and ensemble numbers with lush harmonies. Chris Flieller directs a trio of rising local stars, Rachael Zientek, Jenna Vik, and Michael T. Black.
#2: Theatre Gigante’s Terminus at Kenilworth Studio 508 Theater
Why? Because Isabelle Kralj and Mark Anderson went down to Chicago a few years ago, saw the Abbey Theatre production of Mark O’Rowe’s series of intersecting monologs, and came back to Milwaukee with a resolve to bring Terminus here. Unlike Irish playwrights like Conor MacPherson and Martin McDonagh, O’Rowe’s work is seldom seen here. But this fantastical tale about three Dubliners and their violent encounters with the supernatural is worth hearing for O’Rowe’s rich language and outrageous imagination. Anderson directs Kralj, Tom Reed and Megan Kaminsky.
#1: Wild Space Dance Company’s Reckless Wonders at the Steimke Theatre
Why? Because Debra Loewen is both a singular creator and a generous collaborator, and her company’s latest concert features new work by her own self and by past and former members of the company. Loewen will team up with Ex Fabula storyteller Tracy Lehrmann to create a new work. And the program also includes work by Susan Marshall (set on the duo of Dan Schuchart and Monica Rodero), Selene Carter, Katie Sopoci Drake and Mauriah Kraker. Those who know dance know that Wild Space’s annual indoor concert is an event not to be missed.
