Performing Arts 2011-12, all in one place

How do you sum up a Milwaukee arts scene that is so vast and varied?

You don’t. You just let it sprawl. Seriously, look at the list below, put together by TCD’s Liz Zellmer and Matthew Reddin. What to do, other than gape in mute amazement? And wait until the smaller companies start filling in those TBDs. (And we will fill them in as we receive them, so bookmark this page and come back every time you’re looking for something interesting to do.) We’ve linked to all the companies’ pages and provided phone numbers, so you’re a click or a call away from tickets. As we preview and review shows, we’ll add links to those stories, too, so you can find out more right here at TCD.

But one thing does stand out as I survey the landscape of 2011-12: How resourceful and brave our arts groups have been in coping with continuing economic difficulties, and how steadfast they’ve been in keeping quality on our stages.

The Milwaukee Symphony ran a big deficit this year, even though the orchestra  has played extraordinarily well under Edo de Waart and ticket sales have been brisk. (It’s the economy, of course; donors remain a little stressed.)  The MSO is saving some money next season by featuring the orchestra a little more and guest soloists a little less. And the orchestra is featuring its own players as soloists, more than ever. That’s pretty smart.

The Skylight Opera Theatre, still in recovery mode after financial and emotional trauma in the summer of 2009, has the audacity to put on not one but two world premieres next season. I admire that. I don’t know Paul Gordon (whose Daddy Long Legs is coming March 9), but I can recommend Kirke Mechem’s The Rivals, which opens the season on Sept. 16. The Skylight revived Mechem’s Tartuffe a few years ago, and it was terrific.

The Florentine Opera took a lot of flack last fall for Rio de Sangre, but general director William Florescu isn’t exactly retreating in 2011-12. He’s bringing back the creative team that gave the Florentine is best production ever, of Handel’s  Semele, to stage Mozart’s first opera, Idomeneo.

Mark Clements’ first season as artistic director of the Milwaukee Rep began with a blockbuster Cabaret to open the main stage season and a gripping Death of a Salesman to end it. I like that Clements is bringing back his predecessor, Joe Hanreddy, to direct this season’s Powerhouse Theater opener. Jeffrey Hatcher’s world premiere is comedy based on life at Ten Chimneys. This project has all the signs of a high-style comedy with special meaning for Wisconsin theater fans. Two mysterious TBDs remain on the Rep schedule; they’re promising hot properties out of New York. (Maybe I can get them to talk. Come back on May 19.)

The Milwaukee Ballet will frame its season with two proven ticket-movers by Michael Pink, Dracula in October and Peter Pan in May. I’ll admit that these big theatricals aren’t my thing, but they’re home-grown, well-crafted and they raise awareness of the ballet among people who don’t know it exists. Those are all good things.

Wild Space Dance, through its site-specific pieces, has made itself the go-to company for institutions looking for a higher public profile. Danceworks, in addition to brilliant performances, has made itself indispensible to the community through its outreach programs. A marvelous underground of young actors, playwrights and directors — I’m talking about you, Youngblood, especially — pops up in odd venues with compelling material.

Milwaukee’s performers are not aesthetes, removed to the sacred realm of art. They are hardworking entrepreneurs. They make sell a vital product: A life worth living.

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Third Coast Digest’s 2011-2012 Fine Arts Season Preview

UP TO DATE AS OF FEBRUARY 5

ACACIA THEATRE COMPANY

Founded in 1980 by local stage artists who wanted to integrate art and faith through theatre “that would express the experiences and positive moral values important to members of the Christian faith.”

• The Miracle Worker: Oct. 21 – 30, 2011
• Babette’s Feast: March 16 – 25, 2012
• Anne of Green Gables: July 13 – 22, 2012

 

Location: Concordia University, at the Todd Wehr Auditorium
(414) 744-5995
acaciatheatre.com

ALCHEMIST THEATRE
This cozy stage and adjacent lounge offers a unique environment to see top-notch local, independent artists. Frequent ongoing events like improv comedy troupes and one-night shows will only add to the set list as the months go on.

• FAUST: An Evening at the Mephisto Theatre: Sept. 29 – Oct. 22, 2011
• Who Killed the Ghost of Christmas Past?: Dec. 1 – 18, 2011
• Help Wanted: June 7 – 23, 2012

More shows and events yet to be announced.

Location:
(414) 426-4169
alchemisttheatre.com

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ALVERNO PRESENTS
The series’ vision is to cultivate artists “whose work exemplifies excellence, innovation and profound accomplishment.” The season kicks off with a grand outdoor World Music event, and continues with an eclectic and arty mix on the Alverno campus.

• Eiko & Koma: July 23, 2011
• The Hinterlands: Manifest Destiny!: Aug. 19 – 20, 2011
• Global Union 2011: Sept. 17 – 18, 2011
• Sweet Honey in the Rock: Oct. 8, 2011
• Debo Band with Fendika: Oct. 22, 2011
• Stephen Petronio Dance Company: Nov. 5, 2011
• Jacky Terrasson Trio: Nov. 12, 2011
• Kayhan Kalhor and Brooklyn Rider: Feb. 4, 2012
• Cedar Block: Feb. 18, 2012
• Vijay Iyer: March 10, 2012
• Eccentric Soul Revue: March 24, 2012
• David Zambrano Dance Company: April 14, 2012
• Terminal Milwaukee: The Crawford/Ex Fabula Project: April 28, 2012

 

Location: Alverno College, at the Pitman Theater (Global Union is at Humboldt Park)
(414) 382-6044
alvernopresents.alverno.edu
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AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE
APT is ranked among the most popular outdoor classical theaters in the United States, playing to more than 100,000 patrons each season. Its mission is “to bring the classics to life by making great plays accessible through skilled and reverent presentation.” They just added an indoor stage in recent years, leaving room for late and off-season stagings. APT traditionally runs from June to October.

(At Up the Hill)
Taming of the Shrew: June 4 – Oct. 2
Blithe Spirit: June 10 – Sept. 9
The Critic: June 17 – Sept. 10
Of Mice and Men: July 29 – Oct. 1
The Tempest: Aug. 5 – Sept. 30

(at the Touchstone Theatre)
The Glass Menagerie: June 16 – Oct. 15
Crime and Punishment: June 23 – Oct. 16
The Cure at Troy: A Version of Sophocles’ Philoctetes:  Aug. 11 – Sept. 25
The Gift of the Magi: Nov. 25 – Dec. 18

 

Location: American Players Theatre in Spring Green, WI
(608) 588-2361
playinthewoods.org

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BAY PLAYERS
A fixture of Whitefish Bay for over 50 years, this company is a community theater open to anyone 18 years or older, offering volunteer opportunities to be on- or off-stage.

• Leading Ladies:  Sept. 30 – Oct. 8, 2011
• Wrong Window: Jan. 20 – 28, 2012
• The Wisdom of Eve: March 30 – 31 & Apr. 13 – 14, 2012

Location: Whitefish Bay High School Auditorium
(414) 299-9040
thebayplayers.com

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BEL CANTO CHORUS
Bel Canto Chorus is Milwaukee’s oldest continually performing arts organization, composed of approximately 100 chorale voices.

• United We Stand: Sept. 11, 2011
• Christmas in the Basilica: Dec. 10 – 11, 2011
• Evensong: March 4, 2012
• Stabat Mater: May 20, 2012

Location: various

(414) 481-8807
belcanto.org
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BOULEVARD THEATRE
The Boulevard Ensemble is an established, professional theatre company that stages an eclectic range of theatrical literature, including classic plays, modern iconic stagings and a wild mix of alternative genres in a “cozy” black box studio setting in Bay View.

• Circle Mirror Transformation: Aug. 17 – Sept. 5, 2011
• The Importance of Being Earnest: Oct. 25 – Dec. 3, 2011
• This Lime Tree Bower: Feb. 22 – April 1, 2012

Location: Boulevard Theatre, 2252 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
(414) 744-5757
boulevardtheatre.com

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BRUMDER THEATRE
This is a newer venue of sorts, after the relative dissolution of Cornerstone Theatre Company, which formerly used the mansion. According to co-owner Tom Carr, they have been completely remodeling the ballroom theatre area, which includes a lounge.  Watch TCD for further details in the coming months.

• Speak Easy of Murder: March 2 – 25, 2012
• Death Speaks Out: April 2012
• Raise A Glass to Murder: June 2012
• Speak Easy of Murder: July 2012
• Death Speaks Out: Sept./Oct. 2012

Location: Historic Brumder Mansion, 3046 West Wisconsin Ave.

(414) 477-8189

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CARDINAL STRITCH UNIVERSITY THEATRE
The Fine Arts department present four shows a year, with various concerts and recitals. The students put on four productions a year, which traditionally ranged from the classics to musicals.

• Into the Woods: Oct. 21 – 30
• Charlotte‘s Web: Jan. 22 – 29
• Quiet in the Land: Feb. 17 – 26
• Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure: April 27 – May 6

Location:
(414) 410-4171
theatre.stritch.edu
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CARROLL PLAYERS
The oldest active student theater organization in Wisconsin, founded in 1896. The group endeavors to further artistic, academic and educational concerns of the theatre arts program, recognize alumni members in the field, and encourages fellowship and growth among its members.

• Fiddler on the Roof: Nov. 18-19, 2011
• The Laramie Project: March 23-24, 2012

(262) 524-7244
my.carrollu.edu/ics
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CARTE BLANCHE STUDIOS
It’s a multi-purpose creative space that hosts gallery evenings, theatre productions, workshops and live music. Founded by Jimmy Dragolovich with Adam White, it has evolved into a renovated 80-seat theatre, gallery and lounge on Milwaukee’s metro south end.

• Mein Kampf: Sept. 22 – Oct. 8, 2011
• Reefer Madness! The Musical: Oct. 28 – Nov. 13, 2011
• Boeing Boeing: Dec. 2 – 18, 2011
• Carte Blanche’s North American New Plays Festival: Jan. 19 – 29, 2012
• Richard III: Feb. 17 – March 4, 2012
• Little Shop of Horrors: April 13 – 29, 2012
• The Comedy of Errors: June 1 -17, 2012

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(262) 716-4689
carteblanchestudios.com

CONCORD CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Founded in 1975 to offer performance opportunities to young and aspiring musicians.

• At the Opera: Oct. 8, 2011
• At the Night in Old Vienna Ball: Nov.19, 2011
• At the Ballet: Dec. 3, 2011
• At the Theatre: March 24, 2012
• At the Movies: May 19, 2012

Location: Basilica of St. Josaphat, St. Mathew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
(414) 347-0881
concordorchestra.org

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DANCEWORKS PERFORMANCE COMPANY
Contributing to the vitality of Milwaukee’s cultural life by training artists and building the audiences of the future.

• Maria de Buenos Aires: Nov. 10 – 11
• The Sequel!: Jan. 20 – 29
• Want or Need: April 27 – May 6

Location: Danceworks Studio Theatre and Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
(414) 277-8480
danceworksmke.org

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DANCECIRCUS
DanceCircus celebrates the human spirit and reflects topical concerns in original, compelling stories.

Season and Performances TBA

Location: Dancing Ground, 527 N 27th St., Milwaukee

(414) 277-8151
dancecircus.org
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EARLY MUSIC NOW
Early Music brings important artists from the historical music movement to Milwaukee from all over the world.

• The Savall Legacy “Folias & Variations: Music Dialogues from Orient & Occident”: Oct. 8, 2011
• Virtuosic Baroque “Handel Love Duets and Arias”: Nov. 19, 2011
• Renaissance Choral Treasures “Puer natus est”: Dec.10, 2011
• Medieval Creativity “The Dawn of Joy”: Feb. 18, 2012
• Renaissance Grandeur I “New Waves in Ferrara: Two Bands, Fresh Sounds”: March 17, 2012
• Renaissance Grandeur II “Blaze of Glory: Early Music Now”: April 21, 2012

Location: Various
414 225-3113
www.earlymusicnow.org
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FALLS PATIO PLAYERS
A community theatre company serving Southeastern Wisconsin for over 40 years.

• Some Enchanted Evening: Oct. 7 – 9, 2011
• A Christmas Carol: Dec. 2 – 4, 2011
• Almost, Maine: Feb. 4 – 5; 11 – 13, 2012
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: April 20 – 22; 27 – 29, 2012

Location: North Junior High School Auditorium, Menomonee Falls
(262) 255-8372
fallspatioplayers.com

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FESTIVAL CITY SYMPHONY
FSC makes classical music accessible to everyone with casual, family-friendly classical music concerts.

• Tubby the Tuba: Sept. 14, 2011
• Tell Me a Story: Oct. 9, 2011
• Holiday Pajama Jamboree: Nov. 30, 2011
• And All That Jazz: Jan. 29, 2012
• Give Me That Country Life: March 25, 2012
• A Musical Grand Tour: April 29, 2012
• Spring Sing: May 23, 2012

Location: Pabst Theater, Bradley Pavilion at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
(414) 963-9067
festivalcitysymphony.org
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FIRESIDE DINNER THEATRE
One of the Midwest‘s most popular professional theatres. Wed.-Sun. performances weekly.

• Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: Aug. 25 – Oct. 23, 2011
• A Fireside Christmas: Oct. 27 – Dec. 22, 2011
• Viva Vegas: Jan. 19 – March 4, 2012
• 9 to 5: March 8 – May 6, 2012
• Legally Blonde: May 10 – July 1, 2012
• The Rock & the Rabbi: July 12 – Aug. 19, 2012

Location: Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
(800) 477-9505
firesidetheatre.com
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FIRST STAGE
Nationally-acclaimed children’s theater and the second largest company in Milwaukee, offering professional performances for families, a renowned theater training school and dynamic in-school educational programming.

• Seussical: Sept. 16 – Oct. 16
• Don’t Tell Me I Can’t Fly (WORLD PREMIERE): Oct. 28 – Nov. 3
• Junie B. In Jingle Bells Batman Smells: Nov. 25 – Dec. 24
• A Wrinkle in Time: Jan. 27 – Feb. 19
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: March 2 – 31
• Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly: April 13 – May 13

Location: Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater
(414) 267-2961
firststage.org
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FLORENTINE OPERA
As one of the nation’s oldest opera companies, the Florentine Opera¹s productions reflect the highest musical and theatrical standards, while supporting community and educational programs. (Featured Profile: TCD talks to Florentine about the upcoming season and new space)

• Turandot by Giacomo Puccini: Nov. 4 & 6, 2011
• Isn’t It Romantic?: Feb. 10, 11, & 12, 2012
• Susannah by Carlisle Floyd: March 16 & 18, 2012
• Idomeneo by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: May 18 & 20, 2012

Location: Marcus Center for the Performing Arts and various venues
(414) 291-5700
florentineopera.org_

FOOLS FOR TRAGEDY

An emerging theater group amid its first season, Fools for Tragedy seeks to engage itself and the community in classical works by revitalizing them for modern audiences.

• In My Mind’s Eye: Aug. 25-27, 2011
• Waiting: Feb. 9-18, 2012
• Medea: June 2012

FORWARD THEATER COMPANY in Madison
This not-for-profit theater group, formed out of the ashes after the Madison Rep went under. It hopes to be a home base for various Wisconsin stage vets, and the  season typically runs the gamut from nostalgia with loads of character to progressive and even a bit dangerous.

• The Farnsworth Invention: Nov. 3-20, 2011
• A Thousand Words (WORLD PREMIERE): Jan. 19-Feb. 5, 2012
• Love Stories: April 12-29, 2012

Location: the Overture Center Playhouse in Madison, Wisconsin
www.forwardtheater.com

FRANKLY MUSIC

HANSBERRY-SANDS THEATRE COMPANY
Providing quality theatrical art forms that entertain, educate and develop individual talent and preserve our historical culture

Season and Performances TBA

Location: Marcus Center’s Vogel Hall

(414) 616-7529
hansberrysands.org
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IMAGINATION THEATRE OF GERMANTOWN

• The Music Man: Aug. 12, 13, 14, 19, & 21, 2011
• Picnic: March 23 – April 1, 2012
• TBA: Aug. 3 – 12, 2012

Location: W142N10646 Magnolia Drive, Germantown, WI 53022
262-957-0399
itogonline.org
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IN TANDEM THEATRE
In Tandem is committed to producing exciting, innovative comedy, drama, musicals, classics and original works.

• Tea at Five: Aug. 2 – 21, 2011
• Mrs. Mannerly (MILWAUKEE PREMIERE): Oct. 6 – 23, 2011
• Scrooge In Rouge: Dec. 1 – 31, 2011
• The Chosen (MILWAUKEE PREMIERE): March 1 – 25, 2012
• Veronica’s Position (MILWAUKEE PREMIERE): May 4 – 20, 2012

Location: Tenth Street Theatre at 628 N. 10th St., Milwaukee
(414) 271-1371
intandemtheatre.org
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JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER
Dance and music from internationally renowned artists in two intimate performance spaces.

• A Rising Wind: The Lady Elgin Story: July 6 -10, 2011
• Ben Franklin: Unplugged: July 27 – 30, 2011
• In Acting Shakespeare: Dec. 2 – 4, 2011

Location: Sheboygan, WI
(920) 458-6144
jmkac.org
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KO-THI DANCE COMPANY
A dynamic, internationally celebrated African dance company dedicated to bridging gaps between cultures.

• Fall Show featuring Ton Ko-thi: November 19, 2011
• It Takes a Village: (temporarily postponed)
• Hip Hop and African Dance Collaboration: May 25 – 26, 2012
• Words from the Sole: April 6-7, 2012

Location: often UW-Milwaukee, and various

(414) 273-0676
ko-thi.org

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LATINO ARTS INC.

Dedicated to providing and promoting Hispanic programming in the arts both in our community and beyond.

• Art Therapy Exhibition: Aug. 15 – Sept. 2
• Carlos Estevez: Sept. 24 – Oct. 14
• Día de los Muertos Ofrendas Exhibition: Oct. 28 – Nov. 18
• Moona Luna: Nov. 3 – 4
• Pistolera: Nov. 4, 2011
• Pedrito Martinez Group: Dec. 1, 2011
• Pamela Diaz Martinez: Dec. 1, 2011 – March 30, 2012
• Contemporary Cuban Printmaking: Dec. 3, 2011 – Feb. 11, 2012
• Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca: March 4, 2012
• Tasting Cultures: The Arts of Latino Foodways: March 4 – July 21, 2012
• The Cooking Show con Karimi & Comrades: May 20, 2012

Location: Latino Arts Inc. Auditorium and Gallery, 1028 S. 9th Street, Milwaukee
(414) 381-3400
latinoartsinc.org
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MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
One of the state’s foremost performing arts venues and home to many talented performing artists and events, now with multiple events lineups.

Broadway Across America

• Million Dollar Quartet: Nov. 15 – 20
• Blue Man Group: Jan. 3 – 8
• Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins: Feb. 28 – March 4
• West Side Story: April 10 – 15
• Billy Elliot the Musical: July 18 -19

Location: Marcus Center’s Uihlein Hall, downtown Milwaukee

(414) 273-7206
Marcuscenter.org
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MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY THEATRE

• Little Shop of Horrors: Sept. 29 – Oct. 9, 2011
• Holy Days: Nov. 10 – 20, 2011
• If You Take A Mouse to School: Jan. 9 -22, 2012
• Defying Gravity: Feb. 16 – 26, 2012
• The Comedy of Errors: April 19 – 29, 2012

Location: the Helfaer Theater on Marquette campus grounds
(414) 288-7504
diederich.Marquette.edu

MASTER SINGERS OF MILWAUKEE
A choral ensemble striving for excellence and to engage and vitalize audiences through the choral experience.

• Requiem: March 11, 2012
• Music, Melody, Magic: May 12-13, 2012

Location: Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church
2366 N. 80th St. Wauwatosa, WI
(262) 542-1154
mastersingersofmilwaukee.org

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MILWAUKEE BALLET COMPANY
A top-ranked company nationwide, the Milwaukee Ballet attracts world-class performers and choreographers and strives to inspire audiences to think within and beyond traditional ballet.

• Dracula: Oct. 27 – 30, 2011
• The Nutcracker: Dec. 10 – 26, 2011
• Winter Series (WORLD PREMIERES): Feb. 16 – 19, 2012
• Spring Series: March 29 – April 1, 2012
• Peter Pan: May 10 – 13, 2012

Location: Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Pabst Theater
(414) 902-2103
milwaukeeballet.org

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MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE
MCT is “Celebrating Family” in its 34th season with five Milwaukee premieres sharing the common theme of family, all dealing with the many struggles and joys life presents.

• Crimes of the Heart: Aug. 11 – 28, 2011
• Driving Miss Daisy: Oct. 13 – 30, 2011
• Heroes: Nov. 23 – Dec. 18, 2011
• A Thousand Words: Feb. 16 – March 11, 2012
• Bus Stop: April 12 – 29, 2012

Location: Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N Broadway, Milwaukee
(414) 276-8842
chamber-theatre.com
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MILWAUKEE CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Presenting critically acclaimed concerts since 1994.

• Milwaukee Youth Music Celebration: March 11, 2012
• And all that Jazz: May 20, 2012

Location: Various venues
(414) 221-7040
milwaukeechildrenschoir.org
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MILWAUKEE CHORAL ARTISTS
Nationally renowned MCA is one of only three professional female choirs in the U.S.

• Northern Lights: Oct. 22, 2011
• A Present Music Thanksgiving: Nov. 20, 2011
• Southern Skies & Western Winds: Feb. 18, 2012
• Eastern Voyages: April 4, 2012

Locations: Various venues
(262) 375-2952
milwaukeechoralartists.org

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MILWAUKEE GAY ARTS CENTER
MGAC serves the Milwaukee LGBT community by providing a safe and friendly environment for LGBT artists to display and perform LGBT-relevant visual and performing arts, as well as provide arts-related educational opportunities.

Season and Performances TBA

Location: Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, S. 2nd Street, Milwaukee
(414) 383-3727
milwaukeegayartscenter.org
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MILWAUKEE PUBLIC THEATRE
Milwaukee Public Theatre creates original theatre works and provides workshops and arts residencies, making the arts accessible to people of all ages and cultures since 1974.

• 3rd Annual All-Peoples Parade: Sept. 5, 2011
• From the Start, Consider the Finish: Sept. 10, 11, 23, 24 and Oct. 4, 9, 11, 14, 15, 18
• Pieces — In My Own Voice: March/April 2012

Location: Various

(414) 347-1685
milwaukeepublictheatre.org
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MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATRE
Dedicated to providing the highest level of professional theater to Milwaukee and Wisconsin. The Rep started in 1954 on Oakland Ave., moved to the Todd Wehr Theater, and eventually into its space adjacent to City Hall. They started a resident acting company and expanded to include classic and premiere new works.

Quadracci Powerhouse Theater

• Ten Chimneys (MIDWEST PREMIERE): Aug. 30 – Sept. 25, 2011
• Lombardi (REGIONAL THEATER PREMIERE): Oct. 11 – Nov. 13, 2011
• Next to Normal: Dec. 6, 2011 – Jan. 15, 2012
• To Kill A Mockingbird: Jan. 31 – March 11, 2012 (EXTENDED)
• Othello: April 3 – May 6, 2012

Stiemke Studio

• Yellowman: Sept. 28 – Nov. 13, 2011
• Rep Lab: Jan. 12 – 16, 2012
• In the Next Room or the vibrator play: March 7 – April 22, 2012

Pabst Theater

• A Christmas Carol: December 2 – 24, 2011

Stackner Cabaret

• From My Hometown: Sept. 9 – Oct. 30, 2011
• Song Man Dance Man: Nov. 4, 2011 – Jan. 8, 2012
• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged): Jan. 13 – March 11, 2012
• Always…Patsy Cline: March 16 – May 6, 2012

Location: Patty & Jay Baker Theater Complex, downtown Milwaukee
(414) 224-9490
milwaukeerep.com

MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The MSO is the largest professional arts organization in Wisconsin, featuring 86 professional musicians. The orchestra is playing at a very high level under music director Edo de Waart, in his second season with the MSO.

• De Waart, Beethoven program: Sept. 23-25
• De Waart, pianist Simon Trpeski: Sept. 30-Oct.
• De Waart, percussionist Yuri Yamashita: Oct. 7-9
• De Waart, Schumann and Mahler program: Oct. 14-15
• Guest conductor Julian Kuerti: Oct. 21-22
• Violinists Frank Almond, Ilana Setapen: Oct. 29-30, at the Basilica of St. Josaphat
• Pianist Joyce Yang: Nov. 9, one-night special concert
• Pops concert, Marvin Hamlisch: Nov. 11-13
• Baroque program, featuring violist Robert Levine: Nov. 18-20, at the Basilica
• Conductor Lawrence Renes, women of the MSO Chorus: Nov. 25-27
• Holiday Pops, conductor Jeff Tyzik: Dec. 2-4
• Handel’s Messiah: Dec. 14-19 at three different venues
• Pops, Gershwin, with Hamlisch: Dec. 30-31
• Conductor Vassily Sinaisky, trumpeter Mark Niehaus: Jan. 13-14
• Kinderkonzert: Jan. 15, Pabst Theater
• Conductor Andreas Delfs, Carmina Burana: Jan. 20-22
• De Waart, Rite of Spring: Jan. 27-29
• Violinist Gil Shaham: Feb. 1, one-night special
• De Waart, pianist Joyce Yang, Rachmaninoff program: Feb. 3-5
• De Waart, Tchaikovsky and Copland program: Feb. 10-12
• Kinderkonzert: Feb. 11 (Uihlein Hall)
• Pops, Carl Davis conducts: Feb. 24-26
• Michael Feinstein: The Sinatra Project: March 3
• Conductor Jun Markl, violinist Caroline Goulding: March 9-10
• Pops, Celtic Celebration with fiddler Eileen Ivers, Hamlisch: March 23-25
• Music by Part and Bach, harpist Danis Kelly featured: March 30-31, at the Basilica
• Conductor James Gaffigan, violinist Frank Almond: April 6-7.
• Kinderkonzert: Bach to the Future: April 22 (Uihlein)
• De Waart, music by Messiaen, Debussy, Bruckner: April 27-29
• De Waart, music by Brahms and Quigang Chen: May 4-5
• Conductor Christopher Warren-Green, music by Walton, Bruch, Vaughn Williams: May 25-26
• Conductor Miquel Harth-Bedoya, music from Alexander Nevsky and Swan Lake: June 1-3
• Conductor Matthias Pintscher, clarinetist Todd Levy: June 8-9
• Pops, Sci-Fi theme, conductor Jack Everly, narrator George Takei: June 15-17

Location: Marcus Center Uihlein Hall, downtown Milwauke, unless otherwise noted.
(414) 291-7605
mso.org
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MILWAUKEE THEATRE
Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s largest “destination” theater, home to an extensive calendar of concerts, Broadway musicals, family shows and assemblies of all kinds, and inheritor of a century-long legacy as a center of Milwaukee civic and cultural life.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific: Oct. 28-29, 2011
Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairytales: Nov. 20, 2011
Rain: A tribute to The Beatles: March 1, 2012
The All-New Original Tribute to The Blues Brothers: March 8, 2012
Shrek the Musical: April 5-8, 2012
In The Heights: May 4-5, 2012

Location: 500 W. Kilbourn Ave.
(414)908-6001
milwaukeetheatre.org

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MILWAUKEE YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
MYSO offers the highest level of training in ensemble musicianship to motivated young people from diverse backgrounds across southeastern Wisconsin. Programs foster talent, build character and enhance lives by nurturing an enduring love of music.

• Playathon: Nov. 6, 2011
• Senior Symphony Founders Concert: Jan. 15, 2012
• Jazz Heritage Festival: Jan. 27, 2012
• Winter Concert I: Feb. 4, 2012
• Progressions Winter Concert: Feb. 9, 2012
• Percussion Series Concert: Feb. 11, 2012
• Winter Concert II: Feb. 18, 2012
• Winter Concert III: Feb. 19, 2012
• Milwaukee Youth Music Celebration: March 11, 2012
• Davidson Chamber Ensemble Recitals: March 25, 2012
• Honor Recital: April 29, 2012
• Spring Concert I: May 6, 2012
• Percussion Series Concert: May 12, 2012
• Jazz Finale: May 13, 2012
• Spring Concert II: May 19, 2012
• Spring Concert III: May 20, 2012
• Progressions Spring Honors Concert: June 7, 2012

Location: Various venues
(414) 267-2950
myso.org
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MILWAUKEE YOUTH THEATRE
The Milwaukee Youth Theatre prides itself on being most children’s first chance to be onstage. We involve children in all aspects of our performances.

• Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.: Oct. 13 – 14, 2011
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: March 15 – 16, 2012
• Scenes from Shakespeare: May 17 – 18, 2012

Location: Lincoln Center of the Arts, 820 E Knapp St., Milwaukee
(414) 390-3900
milwaukeeyouththeatre.org
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NEXT ACT THEATRE
Next Act Theatre engages the hearts and minds of its audience with compelling and intimate theatre productions intended to stimulate thought and foster new thinking and perspectives.

• The Exonerated: Oct. 6 – 30, 2011
• Sylvia: Nov. 17 – Dec. 18, 2011
• Vigil: Feb. 2 – 26, 2012
• One Time (world premiere): April 5 – 29, 2012
• Summer Stories with John McGivern: May 2 -27, 2012

The 2011-12 season will be Next Act’s first in its new home, at 255 S. Water St.
(414) 278-0765
nextact.org
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OFF THE WALL THEATRE
Dale Gutzman’s tiny jewlerybox theatre completely alters its environment for each production, and the company attacks material from Shakespeare to Sondheim, each show looked at with a fresh and often startling perspective.

• On the Beach: Sept. 15 – 25, 2011
• Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?: Oct. 27 – Nov. 6, 2011
• Holiday Punch: Dec. 16 – 31, 2011
• The Sisters Rosensweig: Feb. 2 – 12, 2012
• The Tempest: March 29 – April 8, 2012
• Roadside: May 24 – June 3, 2012

Location: 127 E. Wells Street Theater, Milwaukee
(414) 327-3552
offthewalltheatre.com
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PECK SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
PSOA is the only school of the arts in the UW system. In PSOA, everyone is in the creativity business as 2,000 Dance, Film, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts majors work in some of the most exciting and innovative programs available anywhere.

Fine Arts Quartet

• Wolf It Serenade, Chausson Concerto (w/ I. Setapen & X.Wang), Schubert Quartet Death & Maiden: June 1, 2011
• Hayden Quartet, Turina Las Musas, Enescu Piano Quintet (w/A. Costin): June 5, 2011
• Schubert Quartetsatz, Aulis Sallinen Quartet, Dvorak String Quintet (w/ Andrew Raciti): June 22, 2011
• Michael Haydn String Quintet, Verdi Quartet, Mozart String Quintet (w/ Anthea Kreston): June 29, 2011
• Haydn Quartet, Herrmann Echoes, Dvorak Piano Quintet (w/ Menachem Pressler): Sept. 25, 2011
• Mozart Quartet KV 421, Bartok Quartet No.3, Grieg Quartet: Nov. 6, 2011
• Saint-Saens, Brahms: Jan. 29, 2012
• Saint-Saens: Three piano quartets: March 25, 2012

Locations: Helen Bader Concert Hall, Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts
2419 E. Kenwood Blvd. Milwaukee, WI
(414) 229-4308
uwm.edu/psoa

Chamber Music Milwaukee

• TBD: Nov. 10, 2011
• Susanna Phillips, soprano: Jan. 25, 2012
• Brahms, Mozart and Benjamin Britten, with Arcas String Quartet: Feb. 23, 2012
• American Brass Quintet: Mar. 29, 2012

Vocal Arts Series

• An Evening of American Comedy: Jan. 26 – 28, 2012
• Adrienne Danrich, soprano: Feb. 25, 2012
• Opera Arias, Zelazo: May 12, 2012

Dance

• New Dancemakers: Iconoclasts: Dec. 8 – 11, 2011
• Winterdances: Fate/Love & Loss: Feb. 2 – 5, 2012
• Summerdances: Destiny/Chance & Circumstances: May 31 – June 2, 2012
• Dance MFA Thesis: July 12 – 13, 2012
• Dancemakers 2012: July 27 – 28, 2012

Location: various on- and off-campus venues
(414) 229-4308
uwm.edu/psoa

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PINK BANANA THEATRE
Started in with a dedication and drive to produce quality theatre using local talent, its season include two shows per year, the occasional surprise pop-up show, and a yearly fundraiser. Pink Banana Theatre Co’s mission is to encourage new and emerging artists to focus on their artistic crafts while given the opportunity to grow creatively in a collaborative environment.

• Dead Man’s Cell Phone: Nov. 3 – 12, 2011
• One Acts 2012: The End of the World!: June 2012

Location: Various venues
pinkbananatheatre.com
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PRESENT MUSIC
PM is Milwaukee‘s hard-core, party-based classical musical ensemble, performing a six-concert season of new music, premieres and unexpected collaborations in unusual venues.

• Water (including a world premiere from Kamran Ince): Aug. 27, 2011
• Thanksgiving: Nov. 20, 2011
• Choose: Jan. 7, 2012
• Around 30: March 3, 2012
• Buffalo (world premiere of Buffalo Nation (Bison bison)): April 14 – 15, 2012
• Love (featuring Michael Daughtery): June 15, 2012

Location: Turner Hall Ballroom and other venues
(414) 271-0711
presentmusic.org

RACINE THEATRE GUILD
Aiming to “light up lives at all stages,” the Racine Theatre Guild is a professionally-managed community theatre offering plays and musicals, children’s theatre, jazz and comedy series, classes and more.

• Comic Potential: Sept. 9 – 25
• Doubt: A Parable: Oct. 14 – 23
• Ronald Dahl’s Willy Wonka: Dec. 2 – 18
• Glorious!: Jan. 20 – Feb. 5
• The Curious Savage: March 2 – 18
• Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure: April 13 – 22
• Chicago: May 11 – 27

Location: the RTG at 2519 Northwestern Ave., Racine WI
(262) 633-4218
racinetheatre.org
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RENAISSANCE THEATERWORKS
Creating compelling theatre exploring the feminine voice and offering professional opportunities to emerging local artists.

• Gorgons: Oct. 14 – Nov. 6
• Neat: Jan. 13 – Feb. 5
• Honour: March 23 – April 15

Location: Studio Theatre, Broadway Theatre Center
(414) 291-7800
r-t-w.com
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SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
For nine seasons, the Wilson Center has welcomed people from Southeastern Wisconsin to witness exciting, bold, stirring, thoughtful and entertaining artists from all over the world.

• Rosanne Cash: Sept. 24, 2011
• Rick Germanson Trio: Sept. 30, 2011
• The Miles Davis Experience: Oct. 8, 2011
• Dukes of Dixieland: Oct. 12, 2011
• Dailey & Vincent: Oct. 29, 2011
• Christina Trulio: Nov. 4, 2011
• Paula Cole: Nov. 18, 2011
• Home for the Holidays: Dec. 2, 2011
• Wilson Center Big Band, featuring Jenny Thiel: Dec. 7, 2011
• Danú: Dec. 12, 2011
• Tribute to Clifford Brown: Jan. 27, 2012
• Jim Van Slyke: Feb. 8, 2012
• Ailey II: Feb. 11, 2012
• The King’s Singers: March 16, 2012
• Kate Baldwin: March 21 and 23, 2012
• Michelle Featherstone: April 20, 2012
• Chanteur: May 2, 2012
• Curt Hanrahan/Jay Mollerskov Project: May 18, 2012
• Broadway Today!: May 19, 2012

Location: Wilson Center for the Arts,
(262) 781-9470
wilson-center.com
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SKYLIGHT OPERA
Skylight is a nationally-acclaimed professional opera and music theatre offering a tantalizing mix of musical and theatrical arts.

Cabot Theatre

• The Rivals (world premiere): Sept. 16 – Oct. 2
• The Music Man: Nov. 18 – Dec. 18
• Edith Piaf Onstage: Jan. 27 – Feb. 12
• Daddy Long Legs (world premiere): March 9 – April 1
• Sunday In The Park With George: May 18 – June 10

Studio Theatre

• Beyond the Ingenue: Dec. 30 –  Jan. 8
• Things That Go Ding!: April 27 – May 6

Location: Cabot and Studio Theatres at the Broadway Theater Center, Milwaukee.
(414) 291-7800
skylightopera.com

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SOULSTICE THEATRE COMPANY

• Suessical the Musical!: July 29 & 30, Aug. 5 & 6
• Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks: Sept. 23 – Oct. 8
• The Nerd: Nov. 4 – 19
• Tick, Tick…BOOM!: Jan. 27 – Feb. 11
• Nocturne: March 9 – 24
• Goldfish: May 4 – 19

Location: Soulstice Studio
(414) 431-3187
soulsticetheatre.org
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SOUTH MILWAUKEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

• Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Sept. 25, 2011
• The Nancy Einhorn Milwaukee Ballet II: Oct. 9, 2011
• George Watsky: Oct. 17, 2011
• Tomas Kubinek: Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible: Nov. 19, 2011
• Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: La Pasion Flamenca: Feb. 4, 2012
• Florentine Opera Company America’s Songbook: March 23, 2012
• The Improvised Shakespeare Company: April 27, 2012
• Ruthie Foster: May 11, 2012

Location: 901 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI
(414) 766-5049
www.southmilwaukeepac.org
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SUNSET PLAYHOUSE
A non-profit theater in Elm Grove, established in 1960, where volunteers work in conjunction with paid professionals.

• Arsenic and Old Lace: Sept. 1 – 18, 2011
• Prelude to a Kiss: Oct. 13 – 30, 2011
• Annie: Dec. 1 – 31, 2011
• Nunsense: Jan. 12 – Feb. 5, 2012
• Greater Tuna: Feb. 23 – March 11, 2012
• Lend Me a Tenor: April 19 – May 6, 2012
• Six Degrees of Separation: May 24 – June 10, 2012
• Sweet Charity: July 12 – Aug. 5, 2012

…plus more from the Musical Mainstage series throughout the year. See website for details.

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THEATRE GIGANTE
Founded in 1987 by Artistic Director Isabelle Kralj, Theatre Gigante (former Milwaukee Dance Theatre) is a performing arts organization dedicated to the creation and presentation of performance work that integrates theater, dance, text, and music, through which Theatre Gigante fosters inter-disciplinary collaborations and original work. To further promote and support its artistic mission, Theatre Gigante creates and engages in outreach/educational activities in the community.

• Shades of Gray: A Celebration of Spalding Gray: Oct. 27 – 30
• Our Our Town: May 11 – 19, 2012
• TBA: June 2012, at Paddy’s Pub

Location: various venues
(414) 229-4308
theatregigante.org

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WALKER’S POINT CENTER FOR THE ARTS
WPCA exhibits art, provides theater and multi- purpose space and offers art education programs throughout the year.

• Quiet (exhibition): July 29 – Sept. 3, 2011
• Annual Member’s Show: Sept. 9 – Oct. 8, 2011
• 19th Annual Dia de los Muertos Exhibition: Oct. 21 – Nov. 19, 2011
• CoPA 5th Annual Midwest Juried Exhibition: Dec. 2, 2011 – Jan. 20, 2012
• Sobreviviendo: Manéjese Con Cuidado (Surviving: Handle with Care): Feb. 3, 2011 – March 10, 2012
• Work by Michael Banning, Morgan Craig and Mark Slankard: March 23 – May 5, 2012
• Time Arts Continuum: May 18 – June 30, 2012
• Cathy Breslaw and Charles Matson Lume: July 13 – Aug. 25, 2012

Location: the WPCA building at 911 W. National Ave., Milwaukee
(414) 672-2787
wpca-milwaukee.org
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WAUKESHA CHORAL UNION
Waukesha Choral Union has been active in the community for over 60 years. Originally a combination of the Carroll College student chorus and community singers known as the Waukesha Choral Society, the group took its present form as an auditioned choir in 1978. Under the direction of Ernest Brusubardis, III, the WCU continues a long tradition of collaborating with other musicians and groups, putting together pieces of a very colorful and diverse arts community.

• The Human and the Divine: Oct. 15, 2011
• A Collage of Carols: Dec. 9 and 11, 2011
• Handel’s Messiah: March 25, 2012
• Awakening and Renewal: May 5, 2012

Location: Shattuck Auditorium at Carroll University, and various churches
(414) 297-9310
choralunion.org
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WAUKESHA CIVIC THEATRE
WCT provides quality live theatre performances and educational programs.

• The Good Girls & Bad Boys of Broadway: July 8 – 10, 2011
• Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka: Aug. 5 – 14, 2011
• ACT Summer Showcase: Aug. 20, 2011
• Not Complaining: Aug. 26 – 28, 2011
• The Hero of Holland: Sept. 9 – 11, 2011
• Smoke on the Mountain: Sept. 16 – Oct. 2, 2011
• The Tavern: Oct. 28 – Nov. 13, 2011
• Candy Cane Tales and Holiday Carols: Dec. 2 – 18, 2011
• Crossing Delancey: Feb. 3 – 19, 2012
• The Miracle Worker: March 9 – 25, 2012
• Miss Saigon: May 4 – 20, 2012
• Busybody: June 8 – 24, 2012

Location: Margaret Brate Bryant Civic Theatre, Waukesha
(262) 547-0708
waukeshacivictheatre.org
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WISCONSIN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Formerly the Waukesha Symphony, the WPO has come a long way during the tenure of music director Alexander Platt. The orchestra has become more itinerant in recent years, and more recently has stretched out to perform in Oconomowoc.

• Concert in the Heartland: Legacy of the Land: June 24
• Love and the Sea: October 11
• 2011 Salute to Our Veterans: Americans in Paris: Nov. 13
• 2011 Joyeux Noel: Christmas in Paris: Dec. 6
• Gallic Delights: Feb. 26
• Une Grande Finale: from France to Spain: May 6, 2012

Location: Shattuck Auditorium at Carroll University, chapel of St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, other venues.
(262) 547-1858
www.wisconsinphilharmonic.org

WILDSPACE DANCE COMPANY
Founded by Artistic Director Debra Loewen in 1986, Wildspace’s mission is to expand the audience for contemporary dance through performance and outreach programs. Known for site-specific works and artistic collaborations, Wild Space merges contemporary dance with text, architecture and visual art to develop innovative performances.

• In the Space Between: Sept. 15 – 17, 2011
• Delicious: Feb. 9 – 11, 2012
• Wild Night: June 23, 2012

Location: Various venues
(414) 271-0307
wildspacedance.org

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WINDFALL THEATRE
Seeking out little-known gems from well-known playwrights, bringing many premieres to Milwaukee.

• Omnium Gatherum: Sept. 23 – Oct. 8, 2011
• Wittenberg: Feb. 17 – Mar. 3, 2012
• Assassins: May 4 – 19, 2012

Location: Village Church Arts
130 E. Juneau Ave.
(414) 332-3963
windfalltheatre.blogspot.com
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WISCONSIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
The oldest and largest non-profit independent music school in the state, WCM strives to provide the finest musical education and performance opportunities for both aspiring professional performers and individuals seeking cultural enrichment.

• Prometheus Trio Concert: Sept. 19 & 20, Dec. 5 & 6, 2011, Feb. 13 & 14, 2012, April 23 & 24
• We Six Concerts: Oct. 6, Nov. 17, 2011, March 1, 2012, April 5, May 3
• Conservatory Nights Concerts (Thursdays): Oct. 20, Nov. 3, Dec. 8, 2011, Jan. 19, 2012, Feb. 9, Feb. 23, Feb, 24, April 19
• Conservatory Sundays: Oct. 9 & 23, Nov. 6, 2011, Jan. 22, 2012, Feb. 19, March 4, 11, & 18, April 1 & 22
• Philomusica String Quartet: Nov. 21, 2011, Jan. 23, 2012, March 19, May 21
• Frank Glazer, pianist: Sept. 26, 2011
• Performathon 2011: Nov. 20, 2011
• Honors Recital 2012: May 20, 2012
• ‘Round Midday (First Friday, April – December): Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2, 2011, April 6, May 4, June, 1, July 6, Aug. 3, 2012

Location: 1584 N. Prospect Ave. (WCM building), Milwaukee
(414) 276-5760
wcmusic.org
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WISCONSIN CREAM CITY CHORUS
A member-run community chorus of mixed voices celebrating the diversity of our community for over 20 years through quality choral music, choral theatre and cabaret-style performances.

• Present Music’s Water: Aug. 27, 2011
• LGBT Center Holiday Party: Dec. 3, 2011
• A Year in the Life: Celebrating through the Seasons: Dec. 10 and 11, 2011
• We Do!: Feb. 10 and 11, 2012
• We Are One: Celebrating Diversity: April 1, 2012
• Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Celebrating the Cream City: June 16, 2012

Location: Unitarian Universalist Church West
(414) 276-8787
creamcitychorus.org
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WISCONSIN LUTHERAN COLLEGE
The Center for Arts and Performance at Wisconsin Lutheran College offers distinguished guest artists, outdoor summer events and excellent college performing arts groups for all types of audiences.

Guest Artist Series 2011-12:

• DePue Brothers Band: Sept. 16
• Jeffrey Siegel Keyboard Conversations: Sept. 21, Dec. 14, Feb. 1, May 9
• Unexpected Boys: Tribute to Frankie Valli: Sept. 30
• Robin Spielbergt’s American Tapestry: Oct. 14
• Lynn Trefzger and Mark Nizer: Oct. 21
• Organist Christopher Houlihan: Oct. 30
• Allan Harris Band: Nov. 18
• Steve Lippia: Simply Sinatra Christmas: Dec. 17
• Carpe Diem String Quartet: Jan. 27
• I Have a Dream: Martin Luther King Story: Feb. 7
• Embraceable You: Music of George Gershwin: Feb. 14
• Clive Driskill-Smith: Feb. 19
• Presidio Brass: March 3
• Rhythm of the Dance: March 15
• Kenya Safari Acrobats: March 27

WLC Arts Center, 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave.
(414) 443-8802
wlc.edu/arts/
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YOUNGBLOOD THEATRE COMPANY
A young, daring and exciting theater troupe, given to unconventional venues.

• Gruesome Playground Injuries: Aug. 12, 2011
• Minnesota Moon: Aug. 15, 2011
• The Flu Season: March 1 – 17, 2012
• Remaining 3 Shows: TBA

414 369-2375
www.youngbloodtheatre.com

 

 

YOUR MOTHER DANCES

A dance troupe aiming to subvert typical images of women in dance, with an emphasis on the juxtaposed roles of its performers.

• Stripped Roundly: Sept. 23 – 27, 2011

 

NOTE: All entries are subject to change and may be updated as they give us new or corrected information. Highlighted titles will be links throughout the season to reviews and features about a production or show. Please contact the venue or company for all further information. If your group’s season schedule is ready but does not appear here, email us with details and we will update your listing.