Weekly Highlights from 12/9 to 12/15

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The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, Sixth Street Theatre, 12/11 to 12/19
A dark Christmas comedy written by Jeff Goode. The story begins with scandal when one of Santa’s eight tiny reindeer makes a startling accusation. When the media become involved, the other members of the sleigh team rush to share their perspectives. Billed as “a tale of corruption and perversion, implicating everyone from the littlest elf to the tainted Saint himself.” Adult humor and themes.
Fridays at 8 p.m./Saturdays at 5:30 and 8 p.m. Tickets $15. Visit Over our Head Players, or call 262-632-6802.

Forever Plaid presents Plaid Tidings, Memories Dinner Theater at Memories Ballroom in Port Washington, 12/11 to 12/20
Filled with Christmas standards, the boys from Forever Plaid return to perform their Christmas Special. If you’ve never been to this gorgeous and rustic venue, this may be the perfect opportunity to feel the warmth and nosh on the buffet. A complete dinner and show ticket costs $28. Doors open 5:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 11:45 a.m. on Sunday. Visit Memories Dinner Theater, or call 262-284-6850.

La Cage aux Folles: Off the Wall Theatre, 12/10-31
Artistic Director Dale Gutzman brings us the musical that inspired The Birdcage. In the show, Georges and Albin’s world is shattered after 20 years of domestic tranquility when their son, fathered during a one-night heterosexual fling, decides to marry the daughter of a bigoted politician. Amid the sleazy grandeur of the Drag Club, George agrees to pretend to be “normal” for one night to meet the father and mother of the bride-to-be, but Albin has other ideas. Adult themes. Evening performances 7:30 p.m./Matinees 4:30 p.m./Final show 8 p.m.  Tickets $23.50-$30.  Visit Off the Wall Theatre, or call 414-327-3552.

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Holiday Concert: Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, 12/9
The MSO rocks the suburbs with a couple of local Holiday concerts. This 7:30 p.m. concert at the SMPAC auditorium features J. Straus’ Fledermaus Overture, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Snow Maiden Suite and Berlin’s White Christmas.  Tickets range from $15-$25. Visit the MSO for ticket information.

…and for those north of Milwaukee: the MSO will perform the Holiday concert at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center on 12/11 at 7:30 p.m. To the west, the MSO plays at the Wilson Center on 12/12, but that’s sold out already. Visit the Symphony’s website for more information on the travel events.

 

Wilson Center Big Band, Sharon Lynn Wilson Center Kuttemperoor Auditorium, 12/9
Singer Barbara Stephan in big-band renditions of songs like “The Christmas Song,” “White Christmas” and “Joy to the World.” 1 p.m.  Tickets $15-$20. Visit the Sharon Lynn Wilson Center, or call 262-781-9520.

Holiday Pajama Jamboree: Festival City Symphony, Marcus Center Vogel Hall, 12/9
Milwaukee Children’s Choir Cantabile Chorus joins Festival City for an evening of sing-along holiday favorites. Selections include Rossini’s The Enchanted Toy Shop, Anderson’s Buglers’ Holiday and Christmas Festival, and Pierne’s March of the Lead Soldiers. 7 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Festival City website or call 414-963-9067.

Christmas at the Basilica: Bel Canto Chorus, Basilica of St. Josaphat, 12/12-13
Richard Hynson’s Bel Canto Chorus will be joined by special guests the Bel Canto Boy Choir and the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble to offer up renditions of holiday favorites. 12/12 concert at 7:30 p.m. 12/13 concert at 3 p.m. Tickets $15-$25.  Visit the Bel Canto website or call the box office at 414-481-8801.

Holiday Joy: Choral Arts Society, First Presbyterian Church in Racine, 12/12
In celebration of the African American festival of Kwanzaa, the Choral Arts Society will pay tribute to late composer Glenn Burleigh in a performance of his Nguzo Saba Suite. CAS will be joined by UW-Parkside’s James Kinchen and the Prairie Singers under the direction of Kim Holland. 2 p.m. Tickets $5-$15. Visit the Choral Arts Society webpage or call 262-634-3250.

Big Band Christmas featuring Gary Christensen’s All-Star SUPERband: Midwest Vocal Express, Greendale High School Auditorium, 12/12
Recently named the best Big Band in Wisconsin, the All-Star SUPERband joins barbershop group Midwest Vocal Express in a concert of jazzed-up holiday favorites. 2 p.m. matinee, 7:30 p.m. evening show. Visit Midwest Vocal Express or call 888-240-4426.

 

The Cherry Tree: Songs, Carols and Ballads for Christmas: Early Music Now and Anonymous 4, St. Joseph Center Chapel, 12/12
This concert takes its title from a tune that dates from the Middle Ages and later became popular in the Appalachian Mountains. A holiday celebration of American and Medieval songs, carols and ballads, sung by the critically acclaimed quartet. Early Music Now invites you to meet the artists for a bit of wassail following the 75-minute concert.
5 p.m. Tickets $27-$42. Visit Early Music Now or call414-225-3113.

Songs of the Season: Cantare Chorale, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, 12/12
Celebrating 30 years as a community choir and a new director in Lani M. Knutson, the evening concert “features a blend of sacred and secular music.” 7 p.m. Tickets $6-$8. Visit the Cantare Chorale or call 262-827-0365.

Brookfield Civic Band and Civic Chorus Winder Concert, Sharon Lynn Wilson Center Kuttemperoor Auditorium, 12/13
The Brookfield Civic Band and Civic Chorus combine their musical talents for their special winter concert. 2 p.m. Tickets $3-$5. Visit the Sharon Lynn Wilson Center or call 262-781-9520.

An Andy Williams Christmas Tribute: Sunset Playhouse Furlan Auditorium, 12/14-15
Sunset Playhouse promises that this nostalgic nod to Andy, his guests and those simpler times will “warm your heart for the holidays.” In addition to Christmas fare, hits including Moon River, Born Free, and The Days of Wine and Roses will also be included. Immediately following the first night’s performance, Sunset Playhouse invites you to join them for hot hors d’oeuvres, wine, cake and a chance to mingle with the performers.
Tickets $15, Reception $26. Visit Sunset playhouse, or call 262-782-4430.

The Choral Stars, South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, 12/15
Founder/director Julie Maurer will lead the inaugural concert of the Choral Stars, the newest youth choir to serve Southern Milwaukee County. The concert will showcase two choirs, the Twinkling Stars, grades 2 – 6, and the Shooting Stars, grades 7 – 12. Featured on the program will be traditional Christmas songs and a Christmas carol sing-along.
7 p.m.  Tickets $5-$7. Visit the South Milwaukee PAC or call Julie Maurer at 414-571-7005 for ticket information.

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New Dancemakers: Insight, Studio 254 (2nd floor of Mitchell Hall) at UW-Milwaukee, 12/10-13
Garth Fagan, Tony Award-winning choreographer of The Lion King and founder/artistic director of internationally acclaimed Garth Fagan Dance, is at the center of New Dancemakers this season. His residencies at UWM have shaped a year-long investigation of race and identity by faculty, students and guest choreographers.
Varying casts and show times. Tickets $7-$10. Visit Peck School of the Arts or call 414-229-4308.

The Nutcracker: Milwaukee Ballet, Marcus Center Uihlein Hall, 12/11-27
Michael Pink, the Milwaukee Ballet, the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra and Milwaukee Children’s Choir offer up this holiday staple, complete with lavish costumes and sets. Watch for a photo gallery of this year’s production tomorrow on TCD and continuing coverage by Tom Strini. Evening concerts 7:30 p.m./Sunday matinees 1:30 p.m.  Tickets $16-$66. Visit the Milwaukee Ballet or call 414-902-2103.

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Dickens Dinner: In Tandem’s Tenth Street Theatre, 12/13
An evening to benefit In Tandem Theatre. Offerings include a four-course dinner followed by a performance of Charles Dickens’ tale, Dr. Marigold’s Prescription, featuring Stephen Parr. 6 p.m.  Tickets $60.  Tickets may also be purchased just for the show only at 7:30 p.m. followed by dessert for $25 per person.
Visit In Tandem or call 414-271-1371.

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