Gallery Night Should Draw Crowds

Two events this week that qualify as must-see shows include Renaissance Theaterworks’ The Understudy (January 17-February 9) and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s (Friday-Saturday) concert with guest violinist Jennifer Koh. But the event that’s likely to draw the biggest crowds is the Third Ward’s Gallery Night and Day, which will feature over 50 art venues and an ice sculpting competition. Also this week, the Marcus Center will host their annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration.

Theater

Theresa Rebeck’s witty and entertaining comedy, The Understudy, takes the stage at Renaissance Theaterworks this week

Renaissance Theaterworks presents The Understudy Jan. 17 – Feb. 9. Tickets are $31.50 or $39.50, available online or call (414) 291-7800. 

Bay Players present Beau Jest Jan. 17, 18, 24 & 25 at Whitefish Bay High School. Tickets are $16, $14 for students/seniors, available by mail or at the box office the day of the show.  

The Waukesha STEM Academy presents The Pirates of Penzance, Jr., a musical and slapstick comedy, at Waukesha Civic Theatre from Jan. 16-18. Tickets are $10, available online or call (262) 547-0708.

Waukesha Civic Theatre presents the annual sketch comedy show ACT Live! on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Waukesha JanBoree. Admission is free.

The World’s Stage Theatre presents Learner’s Permit at The Underground Collaborative Jan. 15-18 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 19 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $15, $12 for students, available online or at the door.

Music

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra presents Brahms’s “Fifth”  Jan. 17-18. Tickets range from $22-$102, available online or call (414) 291-7605.

Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra presents Founders’ Concert Sunday, Jan. 19 at 3 p.m. at UWM Helen Bader Concert Hall. 

Mitchell Park Conservatory (The Domes) presents Johnny Cash Tribute with the Liam Ford Band as part of their “Music Under Glass” series, 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16. Tickets are $6.50, $5 for seniors/students. 

Visual Art

Historic Third Ward’s Gallery Night and Day will be held Friday, Jan. 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This two day event features over 50 venues to check out and the 11th annual Sculptures on Ice competition. Venues set their own hours for the event so check with specific venues for event details. 

Northwestern Mutual Foundation presents MAM After Dark: ¡Baile! at the Milwaukee Art Museum on Friday, Jan. 17 6 p.m. to midnight. There will be a DJ, a Latin jazz band, a Latin dance group, a salsa-sampling bar and happy hour specials. Free for museum members. $14 at the door. 

Special Events

Marcus Center for the Performing Arts presents the 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration at Uihlein Hall on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. The programming highlights youth in the community who interpret Dr. King’s words through an art speech and writing contest and various cultural arts organizations will take the stage. The event is free and open to the public with first come, first served seating. 

Last Chance

Marquette University Theatre:  The Quiltmaker’s Gift, through Jan. 19

Ongoing

Skylight Music Theatre:  El Cimarron, through Jan. 22

First Stage: A Midnight Cry through Feb. 9

Milwaukee Repertory Theater: End of the Rainbow, through Feb. 9

Milwaukee Repertory Theater: Woody Sez: The Life & Music of Woody Guthrie, through Mar. 9