Favorites returning, or reimagined
Opera La Boheme becomes ballet; the LGBT Film Fest celebrates a 2nd annual 25th anniversary; First Stage adapts "Big."
Theater
First Stage opens its season with Big: The Musical, a family-friendly adaptation of the 1987 hit movie starring Tom Hanks. 12-year-old Josh Baskin wakes to find his wish to become “big” has come true, and learns that adulthood is not all it’s cracked up to be, and growing up at our own pace is what life’s about. Performances are at the Todd Wehr Theater Friday, Oct. 19 through Nov. 11. Check out the schedule and purchase tickets here, or call 414-273-7206.
Renaissance Theaterworks explores the world of female friendships and folk-magic with a Spanglish twist. Playwright Tanya Saracho’s Enfrascada tells the story of Alicia, who seeks her girlfriends’ advice after her boyfriend leaves her – advice that leads them to Latina magical remedies. Enfrascada runs Friday, Oct 19 through Nov. 11. Purchase tickets online or call 414-291-7800.
The late Gore Vidal is best remembered as an accomplished author, but he was also a talented playwright. Boulevard Theatre launches into election season with a reading of The Best Man, a political play about presidential candidates vying for the outgoing leader’s endorsement. They’ll stage that Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 21, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at 414-744-5757.
UWM Peck School of the Arts’ Labworks Series presents Independence, a play about three grown daughters in small town Independence, Iowa who come together out of concern for their mother’s mental health. The Labworks Series focuses on bare-bones acting, with intimate performances in a black box theater setting. Independence runs Friday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 28, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets available online or call 414-229-4308.
Music
The Milwaukee Rep presents the Tony-nominated Blues in the Night, a musical revue consisting of 26 jazzy, woeful numbers that tell the story of four colorful inhabitants of 1930s Chicago. Featuring blues classics from Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Bessie Smith, and more, Blues in the Night runs Friday, Oct. 19 through Dec. 23. Tickets are available online or at 414-224-9490.
The Bel Canto Chorus performs the world premiere of Alexander Levine’s unaccompanied Prayers for Mankind Sunday, Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. at The Basilica of St. Josaphat. They’ll be joined by the Bel Canto Boy Choirs and a silent partner: Vignette Bei Einiges. The painting, by Russian graphic artist Wassily Kandinsky, is courtesy the David Barnett Gallery, and is designed to represent music’s emotional power. Tickets are $25, with discounts available for students and seniors. Purchase online or call 414-481-8801.
Quirky anti-folk artist Regina Spektor may initially catch the ear with her graceful, distinctive voice, but it’s her ability to keep writing songs that perfectly match that voice that has brought her lasting appeal. She takes the stage at The Riverside Theater Sat. Oct. 20, doors at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35, and can be purchased online or at 414-286-3663.
The Metropolitan Opera will hold its National Council auditions at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 10 a.m. Sat. Oct. 20. Tickets are $5 online or at 262-781-9520; Strini will update on the results here as well.
The Milwaukee Choral Artists join forces with the National Lutheran Choir Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Mequon’s Concordia University Chapel. Entitled The Call, this one-night program includes a piece prepared by Paul Rudoi, winner of MCA’s 2011 “Young Composer’s Composition Competition.” Tickets are $25, $20 seniors and $15 students, and are available online or at 414-376-5878.
Dance
The Milwaukee Ballet has turned the world-famous opera La Bohème into a performance of only music and movement. Michael Pink, artistic director, set this adaptation of Mimi and Rodolfo’s tempestuous bohemian love in 1950s Paris, but retained Puccini’s epic score, played live by the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra. Performances, this weekend only, are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $30 online or call 414-902-2103. Check out Third Coast’s video of La Bohème‘s dress rehearsal.
Choreographer Trisha Brown is known for pushing the limits of modern dance, turning ordinary movements into magical imagery. Alverno Presents brings her unconventional company, Trisha Brown Dance Co. to the Pitman Theatre, Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 online or call 414-382-6044.
Visual Art
Gallery Night and Day is back, a chance to gallery hop around the city and view spectacular work. There’s so much to see the Historic Third Ward Association has put together a pair of guides to help you keep track, both in the form of a full participant list, and in map format. Some highlights: The Tory Folliard Gallery showcases solo work from nationally renowned painter Eric Aho and landscapes and still-lifes from Laura Dronzek; David Barnett Gallery offers a true taste of Wisconsin with “The Cow Jumped Over the Moon,” dedicated to art depicting cows; Ayzha Fine Arts Gallery and Boutique holds its grand opening in the Grand Avenue Mall; and MIAD hosts the latest installment of the multi-year project MKE-LAX.
Film
The Milwaukee LGBT Film Festival returns for its “second annual 25th anniversary,” showcasing an international array of the finest LGBT cinema over a packed four days. Every film is a local premiere, showing at the Oriental Theatre and UWM Union Theatres. Check out the full schedule and ticket information, as well as Third Coast’s preview with festival director Carl Bogner, including his picks for the film fest weekend.
Special Events
Turner Hall Ballroom hosts the Brewcity Bruisers Gala, featuring a screening of “Derby, Baby! A Story of Love, Addiction, and Rink Rash.” Women’s roller derby is the fastest growing sport in the world, encouraging female empowerment and sheer athletic ability. The documentary takes a look at the extreme sport’s history and its future, told by the women who live it, and love it. The Gala takes place Fri. Oct .19, doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $8 online or call 414-286-3663. Third Coast’s own rollergirl Angela Morgan has your preview.
Wisconsin Public Radio hosts a live broadcast from the Pabst Theater Wed. Oct. 17 from 5:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Hosts Joy Cardin and Kathleen Dunn will focus on the 2012 election, as well as some lighter topics, like voting for the official food of Wisconsin. Audience members are encouraged to ask questions during the broadcast. RSVP encouraged; admission is free.
Windfall Theatre: November, through Oct. 27
Lynden Sculpture Garden: Artist in Residence: Colombe Marcasiano, through Oct. 29
The Alchemist Theatre: The Alchemist Eye, through Nov. 3
Milwaukee Rep: The Mountaintop, through Nov. 4
VIA Downer & Transfer: side work, through Jan. 11
The Milwaukee Art Museum: Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Gainsborough, through Jan. 13
Last Chance
The Quasimondo: The Seagull 3D, through Oct. 20
In Tandem Theatre: The Nightmare Room, through Oct. 21
Frankly Music: Featuring Musicians of the MSO, through Oct. 16
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