Theaters and other groups are still recovering from the holiday onslaught of seasonal performances, so the 2016 “season” is just getting started. But here are five things of interest for the coming two weeks. We’ll see you again in mid-January, when things start hopping.
#5: The Musicals of Jerry Herman at the Marcus Center
Why? Because the great Broadway composer and lyricist is well in to his 9th decade, so the music licensing organization ASCAP decided to give him some love with this tribute tour. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will be on hand to pump up the volume. And the tour has assembled a roster of singers who won’t have any problem being heard above the blaring brass in the final chorus of Hello, Dolly. Jason Graae, Klea Blackhurst and Tony-winner Debbie Gravite will tackle Herman’s great songs from Mame, La Cage aux Folles, Dolly, and lesser known musiclas like Dear World and Mack and Mabel.
#4: Newsies at the Marcus Center
Why? Because it may be the best musical you’ve never heard of. A Disney creation based on the flop of a 1992 movie, it took off when Disney brought it to Broadway in 2012. They kept much of Alan Mencken’s music, and brought in Harvey Fierstein to rewrite the book and Christopher Gattelli to create the spectacular dance sequences. The result ran for a hefty two-and-a-half years, and for a time was the fastest selling musical on The White Way. Not bad for a story about a bunch of newspaper delivery boys going on strike in 1899.
#3: Holes at First Stage Children’s Theatre
Why? Because Louis Sachar (right) knows how to spin a tale, and he knows what goes on in a 14-year-old’s head. His hilarious novel is among the best-loved children’s books, but the story of Stanley Yelnats IV and his stay at Camp Green Lake has charm enough for kids and adults alike. Of course, there’s an ancient curse and missing treasure involved. And First Stage’s usual fine group of adult and child actors. Don’t miss it.
#2: Frankly Music at Wisconsin Lutheran College’s Schwan Concert Hall
Why? Because Frank Almond again joins a couple of friends to offer a musical tour of a single country. Last November, it was France. Here—more appropriate for January—it’s Russia, a 20th Century tour that ranges from the lush lyricism of Rachmaninoff to the muscular rhythms of Shostakovich (with a taste of Prokofiev in between). Almond is joined by his frequent collaborator, pianist William Wolfram, and by cellist David Requiro.
#1: Rep Lab at the Stiemke Studio Theatre
Why? Because every year, the Milwaukee Rep assembles one of the finest groups of young actors from around the country and puts them to work for a year on its stages. You’ve seen many of them in Dreamgirls and other Rep shows this season, but here they get the spotlight, performing in eight short plays. They’ve already added a performance to the schedule to accommodate The Lab’s growing audience. Get your tickets now so you won’t be disappointed.
