Highlights from 8/7 to 8/13 (Updated)

It’s muggy, and the performing arts world gets a little crazy — crazier than usual — as a month-long production of Phantom of the Opera rolls in, along with the surreal Missoula Oblongata and a full-on puppet parade. Plus, Chicago comedians drink to make you laugh, and the cult-like Cabaret at Carte Blanche closes in the coming weekends.

Also included in On Stage with TCD after the events listings is a digest of upcoming auditions, program announcements, special events, and theater news from around the Milwaukee area.

Phantom of the Opera, The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, starts 8/6
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s international award-winning phenomenon directed by Harold Prince has woven its magical spell over standing room audiences in more than 100 cities worldwide. The Phantom of the Opera, the longest running show in Broadway history, will take your breath away. It’s a timeless story of seduction and despair and the one show The London Sunday Times called “God’s gift to the musical theatre.” For more information, visit the Marcus Center webpage on the event.

The 50 Greatest Ladies and Gentlemen, Missoula Oblongata at the Pink House Studio, 8/7 at 8 p.m.
Missoula Oblongata brings their fourth full-scale touring production to Milwaukee. The company is famous for DIY theatrics, including a homemade lighting system an interactive set made of junk and an original score played live by the composers-turned-actors. 50 … Gentlemen tells the story of a WWI veteran who seeks his brother after receiving a mystery letter. He finds his brother in a town that has fallen under a dance mania caused by a spider. Yeah, it goes that way from there. For more information, view the Riverwest-bound Pink House website or www.themissoulaoblongata.com

Henry V, American Players Theatre, previews 8/7 and 8/12, opens 8/15
It’s summer stock in its truest and finest form as William Shakespeare’s story about a prince who is embarking on a great leadership but first must face a costly nationalist war and come to grips with understanding his people. James Bohnen directs this version of the first pop culture sensation, which still has uses today. Includes the line “Once more unto the breach, dear friends … ” Call 608.588.2361 or visit playinthewoods.org

Cabaret, Carte Blanche Studios, 8/7-8 and 8/21-22 closing nights
Have we ever mentioned that this is still going on? The upstart theater company with their own space on Milwaukee’s near south side began this adventure back in May, but for various financial/theater-love/popularity it has enjoyed a Rocky Horror-like run. If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy this up-close staging, you should call 262.716.4689 or visit Cart Blanche’s website to reserve them now.

_

Streetlife with Warren Wiegratz, Starry Nights at Wilson Center for the Arts, 8/7 at 6:30 p.m.
smooth Jazz and R&B fans, take heed and mellow out. Everyone’s favorite local “multi-award winning recording artists and house band for the Milwaukee Bucks” are featured this week with a “superb musicianship and exciting stage presence of contemporary styles.” For more information, call 262.781.9470 or visit the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts website.

Trio Con Brio (3 Divas and a Dude), Summerstage Theatre in Lapham Peak State Park, 8/8 at 7:30 p.m.
Three of Southeastern Wisconsin’s great voices take the outdoor stage for one night only (rain date 8/9), as they perform songs from opera and musical theatre in a “Ravinia style” manner. You’ll pay for a ticket ($10 advance/$12 gate) and a State Park permit ($5) if you don’t have one already — plus you’ll need a blanket. But with enough bug spray and some tea sandwiches, nothing could be more romantic. Check out www.summerstageofdelafield.org for details.

_

Danceworks on Tap: It’s a Sole Thing, Danceworks Studio Theatre, 8/7-8/8 at 7:30 p.m.
“In its final event of the summer, the Danceworks DanceLAB will showcase their own professional tap company”. Rince Nia Academy of Irish Dance will be there, as well as other guest artists who each contribute their individuality to create a unique style and personality in the repertoire.  Guest artists include improvisational tap dancer Lamont Johnson, who will dance to “Keep on Truckin’” by Eddie Kendricks.

Due to limited seating, advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended. All performances take place at Danceworks Studio Theatre, located at 1661 North Water Street. For tickets, please call the Danceworks Box Office at 414-277-8480 ext. 6025, www.danceworksmke.org. Free parking is available in an adjacent lot after 5:00 p.m.

_

The All-City People’s Parade and Pageant, featuring Milwaukee Public Theatre and Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre, starting at Wick Park, 8/8 at 11 a.m.
Milwaukee Public Theatre and Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre invite participation in Milwaukee’s first proclaimed parade. It’s “inspired by the May Day Festival, created by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (HOBT) — a Minneapolis institution attracting tens of thousands of people. Our own Milwaukee-themed extravaganza reflects discussions with over 100 Milwaukeeans about our greatest hopes and fears. Giant puppets, masked characters and highly unusual floats will embody concerns about the economy, peace and urban ecology and our hopes for “Making a New Way — Together.”

The parade also needs volunteers of all ages to help make floats, masks and puppets, as well as dancers, musicians, stiltwalkers, and more. “Join us at FREE-to-the-public community workshops to make parade elements Tuesdays, 6-9 PM, Wednesdays, 1-4 PM and Saturdays, 10 AM-1 PM at the Parade Space, 2210 W. Clybourn Avenue. Artists will be there to help and guide, but if you make your own creation you will be able to keep it after the parade. Children must be supervised by adults at all times. Groups of ten or more please RSVP to Milwaukee Public Theatre, 414-347-1685.”

The Parade assembles on Saturday, 10 a.m. in Wick Field at 51st and Vliet. At 11 a.m., it travels north on 51st Street, then east on Washington Boulevard to the Washington Park Band Shell. A short Parade Pageant will take place at 12:30 p.m. as part of the Landfare Festival. Eatch TCD for a report and pictures on how things went.

Stripper’s Picnic Comedy Troupe, Alchemist Theatre, 8/7 at 8:00 and 9:00 p.m.
“Join one of Chicago’s best and brightest comedic improv teams as they take to the stage for an interactive show unlike any other. The show is very Who’s Line is it Anyway? meets a bottle of Jack Daniels. It’s fast-paced fun for the whole family to enjoy (provided everyone in your family is of legal drinking age).” Visit the Alchemist website or call 414.426.4169 for details.

Milwaukee Rep’s Garage Sale, at the Rep’s Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, 8/8 starting at 3 p.m.
“Items to be included will be costume pieces, props, furniture and set decorations. (Note: For the sale, please enter through the Rep’s administrative offices through the door immediately to the right of the Ticket Office.) Some items have been featured in memorable Rep productions, such as Hula Hoop Sha-Boop, Glengarry Glenross, and the Cherry Orchard. Additional items include gently used pieces of furniture, which will be priced moderately. The Rep’s costume department will also have items for sale, including both collectible period costumes and contemporary fashions. For more information, please call 414-224-1761.

_

Notices for area auditions, comings and goings behind the scene, and other programming announcements from the performing arts and music scene here in Milwaukee and beyond.

Auditions

The Milwaukee Choristers will hold auditions for new members on Wednesday, Aug. 26, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church, 1529 Wauwatosa Ave.

• Appointments are recommended by calling 414.354.1933. Walk-ins are also welcome with schedule permits.
• A potential member must be a high school graduate or at least 18 years old.
• Director Dr. James B. Kinchen, Jr. will conduct private auditions and advises that no prepared material is necessary, but some previous choral experience is beneficial.
• Candidates will sing a familiar song and sight-sing a simple melody, as Kinchen will be testing vocal range and evaluating tonal memory.

Singers accepted will join the Choristers in weekly rehearsals at the church from 7:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m., beginning on Sept. 9.

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is currently seeking applications by Aug. 14 from children between the ages of 7 to 13, who are interested in performing in the annual production of A Christmas Carol.

• The show will rehearse Oct. 27 to Nov. 25 and be performed at the Pabst Theater Nov. 27 to Dec. 27.
• Children who are cast are expected to attend special workshops to be held from 1-3 p.m. on four Saturdays: Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Oct. 17 and Oct. 24.
• Parents should send a separate photo of each child along with specifications including, height, weight, age, clothing and shoe size, and home address/contact information.
• Children should include a brief note about themselves and why they would like to be in this year’s show.
• Send these details to: Children Auditions; Milwaukee Repertory Theater; 108 East Wells Street; Milwaukee, WI 53202.
• Those chosen for auditions will be notified by phone of their time held on Saturday, Aug. 22 with possible callbacks the next evening. No one will be seen without appointment.

Apocalypse Lost, Blunt Objects Theatre Company at Borg Ward on 8/12
Insurgent Theatre and Borg Ward bring this new touring company from Connecticut to Milwaukee for a free show at the BW’s 823 W. National Ave. location. The six-person troupe combines elements of Commedia dell’ Arte with Epic Theatre and modern punk rock in their first original ensemble production called Apocalypse Lost. This will be a free show with donations accepted, and will also include local acts The Dead Man’s Carnival, Cartilage Party, Coelacanth, and Ad Hoc.

A Little More than Kin, The World’s Stage Theatre Company at 10^th Street Theatre, 8/13 and 8/14 at 7:30 p.m.
World’s Stage is an emerging troupe of 12 artists from the southeastern Wisconsin area. The economy and a dedication to the arts is sited for the reason they’ve bonded together, and Kin is an original and short play about a burgeoning theatre company attempting to mount a Shakespeare production. The 12 artists did everything from producing to designing the show. 10^th Street Theatre is located at 628 N. 10^th Street in Milwaukee, shows are free but a donation is suggested.

Stage directions

Milwaukee Children’s Choir promoted Carol Storck to artistic director in late June, and now they have filled out other key artistic positions with Jason Clark, Kristin Dillahunt, Jenny Gettel, Annemarie Travia, and Theresa Witt (after a six-year hiatus). Milwaukee Children’s Choir’s mission is to provide exceptional choral music instruction and performance experiences that foster creativity, personal expression and social growth. .

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre also named Kirsten Mulvey as the company’s new Managing Director. Ms. Mulvey most recently served as the Associate Director of Major Giving for the Milwaukee Public Television Friends. She also owns and operates KM Creative, a development consulting firm. As Managing Director, Ms. Mulvey will oversee the fiscal and administrative management duties there.

_

You can find all the latest information on ticketing and venue details at