8/25 to 9/2

The hills of Wisconsin are alive with music, while Bay View has MUTES. The Skylight throws open its doors, while the Milwaukee Ballet lifts the veil (and the tutu) for all to see (it’s not what it sounds like). It’s still a good time for outdoor events both at the APT in Spring Green and Lapham’s Peak, while other companies prepare for a big fall season in coming weeks.

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Sound of Music, Fireside Theater, opens 9/27
Maria von Trapp and the kids bring the sheer joy and harmony of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s famous musical to the adored dinner theater stage in central Wisconsin. The show includes dinner; sadly, there is no schnitzel with noodles or crisp apple strudel, but there is a Vienesse Sacher Torte (Chocolate Cake layered with Apricot Filling and Bing Cherry Ice Cream) that should do the trick. Visit the Fireside website or call 1.800.477.9505 for ticketing information.

A Bit O’ the Irish: Three Irish One-Act plays, Summerstage in Lapham Peak State Park, starts 8/27 at 7:30 p.m.
It’s a two-week run for this Irish Fest foundation-supported theatre group. A local professional theatre community present plays from Kelly Younger, J.M. Synge and Lewis John Carlino that spotlight the wit and often tragedy that is a hallmark of the genre. Seating is festival style (bring a lawn chair or blanket), and besides tickets you’ll need to get a State Park parking sticker for $5. Visit the Summerstage website for ticketing information and a print-out poster.

The Play’s the Thing, Ten Chimneys, 8/31 at 7:30 p.m.
The Ten Chimneys Foundation continues its collaboration with the Milwaukee Rep’s Artistic Internship Program with a one-night showing of Ferenc Molnar’s famous play. The actors and directors who competed and participated in the program put on this 1926 comedy that is a play-within-a-play.”Ferenc Molnar is best known as the playwright who penned the Lunts’ first starring vehicle – the smash hit comedy The Guardsman.” Call today to reserve tickets at 262.968.4110 or visit the Ten Chimneys’ site for more information.

Also on TCD’s radar — albeit a long range radar — is the Pennisula Players Theatre up in Door County, now running Wait Until Dark. It’s a great thriller and a full production, as evidenced by the video previews on its webpages. Playwright Fredrick Knott also wrote the iconic Dial M for Murder. Wait Until Dark centers around a blind woman who becomes the target of thugs searching for drugs hidden in a doll, which her husband smuggled into the country. They try to convince her that her husband has been sent away for the crime and they need the doll to free him. Call 920.868.3287 or visit the PPT website for tickets.

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Girls Night Out, Summer Concert Series at the Franciscan Villa, 8/26 at 6:30 p.m.
This five-singer neo-a capella group adds a bass player for a little extra kick. These UW-Eau Claire undergraduates will play out songs from the 1950s to today. Think of it as the new Fox show Glee, only live. If that makes sense, visit the co-sponsoring South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center website or call 414.766.5049 for more information.

In that same breath, the last Kids from Wisconsin show runs 9/30 at 7 p.m., at the SMPAC’s S. 15th Avenue hall. Click on the link listed here for details.

Finally, Where’s Florentine Opera? Even in the off-season they’re everywhere, but the last two chances to see them whilst drinking cappucinos evaporate this week. You’ll find them at the Italian Community Center on Wednesday, and at the Alterra in Grafton next Tuesday. Click the link here for all the information.

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Tutu Retro, Milwaukee Ballet at the MAM, 8/26 at 6 p.m.
It’s a one-night-only fundraiser event that unlocks wild Milwaukee Ballet costumes from 40 years of performances through an interactive exhibit. The event allows cameras and includes a preview of the upcoming season, a chance to meet the Ballet team, dinner and cocktails. The money goes towards the Milwaukee Ballet Company, Milwaukee Ballet School and its education and community outreach program. A special silent auction will go towards underwriting for the costumes of the 2009-10 world premiere of Michael Pink’s Peter Pan. Visit the Ballet’s webpage for the event, and register online or call Molly Weber at 414.902.2114 for ticketing information.

Ages of Silver Screen, MUTES at Alchemist Theatre, 8/29 starting at 6 p.m.
This is a special group show benefiting the M.U.T.E.S (Marvelous Unspeaking Troupe of Entertaining Scoundrels), as they plan a road trip to Evansville, Indiana. This improv/ensemble group dress up as silent film stars to perform. This show promises feature acts such as Alex Grindeland, Rachelraven Lily Sophia, a DJ, short films, and artwork from local supporters. There is also a silent auction with items from businesses such as Tool Shed, Starbucks and Haptic Vision. Throw in a bachelor auction, and you’ve got a six-hour event. For more information, visit the MUTES website or call Alchemist Theatre‘s box office at 414.426.4169

Skylight Opera Open House, Broadway Theatre Center, 9/1 starting at 7 p.m., FREE
This event will be well attended as fences are mended in this company and the 50th Anniversary Season continues as planned. The night’s activities include a close-up look behind the scenes, a concert in Catalano Square, and a cabaret performance by Colin Cabot. The tours include backstage tours, access to memorabilia and displays of props, costumes and scenery. The benefit concert features performances by Skylight artists, and offerings will be accepted throughout the evening to benefit the Skylight’s productions and programs. Food and beverage service will be offered in the Skylight Bar by Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant. Go to the Skylight Opera page or call 414.291.7800

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Acting for The Camera I – 2, RP Classroom at the Milwaukee Rep, 8/25 at 5:30 p.m.
A class for both print models or stage actors looking to find work on the screen, Tom Bruno will guide you through the basics of script analysis, preparing and auditioning. Students work from professional scripts that Mr. Bruno has collected from years of work on location.  Cost $150; please visit the Rep website for more information and registration. Class repeats in early January 2010.

Auditions

“An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein is a collection of some of Silverstein’s best one acts and shorts. We will be auditioning all ages, types, genders, and denominations. This production will be performed with 3 men and 3 women playing multiple roles. Please bring a list of previous work and head shot if available. During the audition you will asked to read from the script. We will be seeing people in 15 minute blocks, to sign up and show us your stuff please follow this link www.mysignup.com/auditionfor_thebricks .” Audition dates are 8/30-9/1 at 4-7 p.m. Call backs are on 9/2. Location: The Merc Lab in Madison, WI.

 

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