July 28 – August 3

What’s the bigger opener this weekend: the world-influencing Emergence by Milwaukee Ballet, or Cats (not the broadway musical, but actual performing domestic felines) at Alchemist Theatre? Take a look here for our picks of the stage highlights this week.

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As Bees in Honey Drown, Boulevard Theatre, previews start 7/28 (opens 7/30)
“The Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theatre opens its 24th season with the Milwaukee premiere of New York playwright Douglas Carter Beane’s” 1998 Drama Desk winner for Outstanding New Play. It’s a sassy story about a mysterious young widow who seduces an innocent writer, while sharply dissecting modern issues of fame and celebrity with wit and humanity. Watch for an upcoming review, and call414.744.5757 and visit the Boulevard website to get your tickets.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Soulstice Theatre, 7/31 – 8/15
Soulstice launches its 2009-2010 season with the enduringly popular musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, here performed in collaboration with the Soulstice Theater Arts School program — an innovative summer theatre program for children between the ages of six and twelve. The adult cast, including leads Steve Pfisterer as Joseph, will be joined by 31  STArS students, many of whom will be performing for the first time. Each of the adults has a “buddy” in the STArS program, whom they mentor in proper theatre etiquette and expectations. Part of Soulstice’s mission is to give back to the community by donating a percentage of its box office to a charity chosen by the cast and production team; this time it is the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Wisconsin. Thursday is a Pay-What-You-Can, with other dates being $15 for adults. Call 414.431.3187 or visit the Soulstice website to reserve tickets. Soulstice performs at the Marian Center for Nonprofits in Bay View.

The Daly News, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 7/29 – 8/2
Playwright, lyricist, and Milwaukee actor Jonathan Gillard Daly sets up the true story of the Daly family’s urgency to stay close while events like World War II threaten in this musical. “During World War II, all four Daly sons enlisted in the military, and the family’s daughter married a military man. With his children scattered throughout the world, the father of the Daly family wrote a weekly newsletter, The Daly News, to keep everyone connected.” What was once a hit for Milwaukee Chamber now travels to Sheboygan. Call 920.458.6144 or visit the JMKAC for details.

Is He Dead?, Peninsula Players Theatre in Green Bay, 7/30 to 8/16
“Twain’s recently surfaced comedy is complete with a royal con-job, lovers’ deception, fake funerals, cross-dressing and stinky cheese. Only dead painters achieve fame, and so the young painter Millet fakes his death in order to pay off his girlfriend’s debts and to keep her out of the arms of a villainous picture dealer. Millet then puts on a dress and passes himself off as his own sister while figuring a way to come back to life, don trousers and marry Marie!!”  Call 920.868.3287 or visit the Peninsula Players website for all the summer offerings.

Hay Fever, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, previews start 7/31 and 8/7 evenings
If you can believe it, the stalwart actors doing excellent summer stock have one more up their sleeves, with this ‘Bliss’ful comedy by Noel Coward. The full run starts August 8 until early October when outdoor theatre becomes difficult. Call 608.588.2361 for details in advance or visit the complete APT website for information and tickets to all of their shows.

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Emergence 2009, Wilson Center for the Arts, 7/31 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
I guarantee there be at least one mention or shout out to Merce Cunningham at this dance performance event presented by the Milwaukee Ballet School. Emergence is a showcase from the MB’s intensive program featuring almost 150 “pre-professional” dancers ages 11-24, some from different nations or states and well-versed in classical and contemporary dances. The two events are  in the Kuttemperoor Auditorium at the Sharon Lynne Wilson arts complex in Brookfield. Tickets are $25, $15 for the targeted 3-12 year olds. Call (262) 781-9470 or visit the Wilson Center’s website for all the details.

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shots courtesy Amazinganimals.biz

Samantha’s Amazing Cats, special engagement at Alchemist Theatre, 7/31 – 8/1 at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
They were here a little earlier in the year and make a special return command purrformance here in Milwaukee. These “circus cats” easily outperform the lions and tigers at big tent events. The veritable acro-cats and featured Rock-Cats (I don’t make this stuff up) bring their skills to town for a $10 show. Call Alchemist at 414.426.4169 or visit their website for the fascinating kibbles.

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