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 Theater Events

Macbeth

MARCH 25-APRIL 3 | MILWAUKEE YOUTH ARTS CENTER

One of William Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies is taken on by First Stage’s youth cast. There will be thrilling fight choreography by Christopher Elst, as Macbeth and his infamous queen battle and scheme for the Scottish throne. The lengthy show has been conveniently condensed to 90 minutes, no intermission.

Cats

MAY 10-15 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Love it or hate it, this fiercely feline show is coming back to Milwaukee to get “Memory” stuck in your head again. The production, part of the Marcus Center’s Broadway series, will feature intricate costume designs and new choreography set to the inspired original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

MAY 20-JUNE 12 | SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

Dennis DeYoung – the lead singer and songwriter of Styx – penned this musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel. He’s coming to Milwaukee to work behind the scenes with the creative team to make sure this epic love story sings. And Quasimodo will be played by international opera star and pop singer Ben Gulley.

Music Events

Present Music’s Ablaze

MARCH 10 | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

Local contemporary music organization Present Music, now in its 40th year, is premiering new work from British composer Daniel Kidane. The performance also features a multimedia project telling the story of the WWII-era Japanese internment camps and other Asian American experiences. A streaming option also will be available.

Elton John

APRIL 2 | FISERV FORUM

Elton John was supposed to come to Milwaukee in the spring of 2020, but for obvious reasons he rescheduled. Two years later, his seemingly never-ending Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour will finally make its stop at Fiserv Forum. Now may be your last chance to see the 74-year-old rocket man live, as he says this tour will be his last.

HAIM

MAY 31 | BMO HARRIS PAVILION

Take to the Summerfest grounds to see this indie rock trio of sisters, and to catch Alana Haim, hot off her highly heralded performance in the Paul Thomas Anderson movie, Licorice Pizza. The tour is in support of the band’s latest album, Women in Music Pt. III, which Rolling Stone described as “an immediate gem.”

Entertainment Events

Milwaukee Film’s Black History Month

FEB. 1-27 | ORIENTAL THEATRE AND OTHER LOCATIONS

To celebrate, honor and elevate Black culture and traditions, Milwaukee Film has a full month of programming that includes local films, dramatic features and documentaries, plus networking opportunities. Week three coincides with Valentine’s Day, so look for a special spotlight on “Black Love through a Black Lens.”

Singin’ in the Rain

MARCH 18-20 | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER

Watch the 1952 classic musical on screen at the gorgeous, newly renovated Bradley Symphony Center. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will be there, too, bringing the music to life, including favorites like “Make ’Em Laugh,” “All I Do is Dream of You,” and of course, the beloved title track.

Fortune Feimster

MARCH 26 | THE PABST THEATER

Fortune Feimster’s “2 Sweet 2 Salty” tour plays off of her Netflix standup comedy special named after the time she nearly missed her childhood swim meet because she was too consumed by the concession stand nachos and Fun Dip. Her jokes are self-aware and story driven. The show is sure to be a laugh.

Art Events

I Have Been a Stranger in My Own Land

THROUGH MARCH 11 | LATINO ARTS

In this exhibit, Carlos Barberena explores the work of activists and the “histories and cultural inheritance that inspire these struggles” through the art of printmaking. The Nicaraguan artist focuses on the “memories, attachments, relationships and traumas” people carry, which often go unseen.

Currents 38: Christy Matson

FEB. 25-JULY 17 | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

Textile artist Christy Matson’s “woven pictures” are designed to resemble contemporary paintings, while paying homage to intricate, traditional weaving techniques. The show presents nearly 50 of her pieces, including new work created for this exhibition.

Bay View Gallery Night

JUNE 3 | BAY VIEW

At the end of spring, Bay View gets together to celebrate Milwaukee artists and businesses. Gallery Night is a place to find original art, shop and support local businesses in this vibrant neighborhood. There’s also plenty of live music and good food to go around.

Literary Events

Poetry Reading: Mikey Cody Apollo and Tobias Wray

FEB. 24 | WOODLAND PATTERN BOOK CENTER

Mikey Cody Apollo is a Black queer writer and self-proclaimed “feminist killjoy” whose work explores race, gender, sex and religion. Tobias Wray won the 2020 Lighthouse Poetry Series Competition for his debut collection. Both will do readings at this beloved Riverwest literary hub.

Call of the Wild – Illustrated Edition

MARCH 2 | SHARON LYNN WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Jack London’s The Call of the Wild (1903) will be presented as a multimedia adventure as part of the Sharon Lynn Wilson Center for the Arts “Beyond the Classroom” series. Projected illustrations paired with live performances and storytelling will bring the book’s story of Buck the sled dog and the Klondike gold rush of the 1800s to life.

An Evening With Peng Shepherd

APRIL 18 | BOSWELL BOOK CO.

Peng Shepherd will be fresh off the March 15 release of her highly anticipated third novel, The Cartographers, at this Q&A. The book is an imaginative thriller about a young woman who discovers a strange map in her deceased father’s belongings that holds a deadly secret. The event will also be broadcast virtually.

 Dance Events

Ballet Folklórico De México De Amalia Hernandez

FEB. 10 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The Ballet Folklórico de México was founded by Amalia Hernández in 1952 to preserve that country’s dancing traditions. The show features dance from the pre-Columbian era, Hispanic Viceroy period and revolutionary years.

Swan Lake

MARCH 5 | THE RIVERSIDE THEATER

The Russian Ballet Theatre’s latest rendition of Swan Lake is a “lovingly retouched” take on the oldest St. Petersburg version of the beloved ballet. The performers are masters of this traditional dance, dressed to the nines in intricate, hand-stitched costumes.

Push

MARCH 31-APRIL 3 | MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Milwaukee Ballet is tackling a contemporary piece from award-winning choreographer Aleix Mañé. This ballet will be the world premiere of his work, which is dedicated to a friend and colleague he lost to ALS.