“Les Miz” and more

Theater

Les Misérables returns to the Marcus Center tonight (Tuesday, April 19), all done up in a big new production to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical after the novel by Victor Hugo. Cameron Mackintosh’s new production draws not only on the 1985 design by John Napier, but also on paintings by Victor Hugo. The author drew and painted throughout his life and was very good at it.

A quarter-century after its London debut, Les Miz remains hugely popular there and around the world. It became the longest-running show in London history back in 2006. In this 25th anniversary year, three different productions ran simultaneously in London. It is also the third-longest-running Broadway production of all time.

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19-24, in Uihlein Hall. Prices start at $25 and vary with time and day, seat location and date of purchase. They are on sale at the Marcus Center Box Office, 929 N. Water St, 414 273-7206, and at the Marcus Center website. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 414-273-7121 ext. 210. This Milwaukee engagement of Les Misérables is presented by Broadway Across America- Milwaukee and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Time Warner Cable Broadway at the Marcus Center Series.

The Boulevard Ensemble‘s Two to Go show comprises Thornton Wilder’s Pullman Car Hiawatha and George Bernard Shaw’s Village Wooing. Here is what the Boulevard people have to say about the Thornton play:

The Boulevard’s cast, fooling around for a Troy Freund photo instead of rehearsing: Jamie Jastrab (at desk), Brooke Wegner (clib board), Marion Araujo (phone), Michael Weber (red shirt), Donald Madden (cardigan), Mark Bucher (plaid shirt), Liv Mueller (passed out). Not shown:

“The cast of characters includes the hours of the day, the weather, the planets, and supernatural beings. Conventional time is suspended, and the only true measures of existence are life and death. Pullman Car takes audiences on a metaphorical journey by train through the American landscape, as a diverse band of travelers… hurtle through time, space and a range of emotions.”

And here is there description of the Shaw piece:

“Shaw’s recalcitrant lovers are a cranky travel writer and a talky village shop girl. The prickly, cynical male character is a spiritual cousin to the character of Professor Henry Higgins from Pygmalion (the play which served as the basis for the hit musical MY FAIR LADY). The lower class, decisive female character is a sister to Liza Doolittle from the same play — and full of what Shaw termed ‘the Life Force.’ Neither seems suitable for the other–just the sort of comic mating challenge Shaw delighted in!”

Tonight (Tuesday April 19), Boulevard (2252 S.Kinnickinnic Ave.) will put on a pay-what-you-can-preview at 7:30 p.m. The show opens in earnest with a $10 special at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and will play 15 more performances at various time through May 29 ($20, $22). Call 414 744-5757.

We all know George Winston as the quintessential New Age pianist. Turns out he’s developed other interests, including the music of Vince Guaraldi and The Doors. You can hear for yourself at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 21, when Winston plays a solo concert at the Pabst Theater. Tickets for this lower-level show are $29.50. Follow the link or call the Pabst box office, 414 286-3663.

Bob Becker, a founding member of the Nexus Percussion Ensemble, will be the guest artist with the UWM Percussion Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Zelazo Center. Becker is known partly for his virtuosity and partly for his curiosity: He has collected instruments from and studied musical cultures from all over Africa and Asia as well as Europe and the Americas. Tickets are 17 general/$12 seniors, faculty, and alumni/$10 students at the UWM Peck School of the Arts box office, 414 229-4308.

The Prometheus Trio will close its very strong 2o1o-11 season with concerts at 7:30 .m. Monday and Tuesday, April 25-26, at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, 1584 N. Prospect Ave. Tickets are $22, $20 for seniors and students; call the conservatory, 414 276-5760. Pianist Stefanie Jacob, violinist Timothy Klabunde and cellist Scott Tisdel will play Schumann’s Phantasiestucke, Opus 88; Beethoven’s Trio No. 8, Opus 121a (“Kakadu” Variations);  Boulanger’s D’un soir triste; and Ravel’s Piano Trio.

Ongoing

Milwaukee Repertory Theater: Death of a Salesman, Quadracci Powerhouse, through May 8; The Bomb-itty of Errors, Stackner Cabaret, through May 8;
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre/Marquette University: The Lion in Winter, Broadway Theatre Center, through May 1.
Carte Blanche Studios: The Great American Trailer Park Musical, through May 1.

NOTE: On Stage is not comprehensive. Please consult our events calendar for more listings.