A wide variety of music and theater this weekend, including two concerts that are a little off the beaten track. Early Music Now offers an extra treat to close its season, presenting clarinetist Eric Hoeprich and friends at Wisconsin Lutheran College. The program is only slightly “early,” including trio works by Beethoven and Brahms. And one of the most storied and unique music groups in town, The Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra, presents a concert featuring Stas Venglevski and Mikhail Litvin, two of our favorite Russian virtuosos. But now, on with the list.
#5: Umbrella Group Theatre’s Extremities at Marquette University’s Helfaer Studio 013
Why? Because it’s a play from 30 years ago that unfortunately seems ripped from today’s headlines. William Mastrosimone’s incendiary drama was all the talk of Off Broadway back then, and not just because it featured actors like Susan Sarandon and Farrah Fawcett in the lead role. It tackles sexual violence head on, and it’s an emotional and physical challenge for both actors. The young Umbrella Group offers it in partnership with The Healing Center of Milwaukee, which offers aid to victims of sexual violence.
#4: The Philomusica Quartet at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Why? Beethoven. Brahms. What more could you ask for? One of the city’s premiere string quartets offers a program of 19th-century big kahunas. Beethoven’s Opus 130 quartet is one of the master’s last, and even without its Grosse Fugue finale (it was later published separately), it’s a dazzling compendium of Beethoven’s musical ideas. Brahms’ Piano Quintet, Opus 34, is filled with gorgeous melodic writing and cutting-edge musical ideas.
#3: Splinter Group’s A Number at the Marion Center
Why? Because Caryl Churchill remains one of England’s most adventurous playwrights, and her 2002 play shows her at her simple best. Two men sit on a couch, and one asks the other a question: “Who am I?” Or more specifically, “Am I a clone?” The resulting conversation is a heady examination of biology and the essentials of identity and humanity. Splinter Group founder Jim Farrell and Joe Picchetti star in a production directed by Jake Brockmann.
#2: First Stage’s Big Fish at the Marcus Center
Why? Because First Stage’s tagline for this show—“Direct from Broadway!”—is pretty close to the mark. Sure, you won’t see the original Broadway cast of this musical. But the show closed in New York just over a year ago, and this version is being staged by Jeff Whiting, who assisted director Susan Stroman on the original production. There is certainly Broadway-caliber talent in this new Theatre for a Young Audience version of the show: Jonathan Gillard Daly plays Edward Bloom, a salesman and teller of tall tales. The cast also includes Niffer Clarke, Paul Helm and Rana Roman.
#1: Florentine Opera’s The Elixer of Love at the Marcus Center
Why? Because Gaetano Donizetti’s comic charmer is filled throughout with some of the most glorious melodies of the 19th-century. And we mean filled—not just a “hit” or two (though it’s hard to beat Una furtiva lagrima as a show-stopper). This original Florentine production sets the story in the wine country of California, and features return engagements by some of the Florentine’s best artists. Rolando Sanz (Alfredo in La Traviata) gets to shed a furtive tear as Nemorino. Diana McVey (Countess in Marriage of Figaro) has a whole bouquet of great arias. And don’t forget the fine Florentine Chorus, which has its work cut out for them with several big ensemble numbers.
