Milwaukee arts ring in 2013

Theater

Skylight Music Theatre presents Dale Gutzman’s creation Here’s a Howdy-Do–The Mischievous World of Gilbert & Sullivan, opening at 7:30 p.m. New Year’s Eve (Monday). The revue-format show will offer a how-to on writing a G&S opera, as well as your favorite G&S tunes. The show runs through Jan. 13, with tickets starting at $37.50 available online or at (414) 291-7800.

Your thoughts aren’t safe from mentalist Marc Salem. The Rep presents Mind Over Milwaukee, Salem’s entertaining combination of mind-reading, music and comedy running Sun. Dec. 30 through Feb. 24, with preview shows starting Fri. Dec. 28. Performances are already selling out, so buy your tickets fast online or call (414) 224-9490.

Music

Jim Brickman presents his holiday concert On a Winter’s Night, packed with holiday songs and Brickman’s piano-solo hits. The concert will take place at Uihlein Hall at 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Dec. 27. Tickets are $37 to $72, available online or call the Marcus Center at (414) 273-7206.

Guest conductor Andreas Delfs visits to perform the MSO’s annual New Year’s Eve concert.

The MSO knows how to throw a New Year’s Party, bringing in conductor Andreas Delfs for a traditional Viennese style New Year’s Eve Celebration at Uihlein Hall. Featuring waltzes and music from Strauss, Liszt and others, the MSO will close out 2012 with Auld Lang Syne and a champagne toast. Tickets are $22 to $102, available online or call (414) 291-7605.

Comedy

Jim Gaffigan returns to the Riverside Theatre with a three-night New Year’s comedy special. Doors open at 6 p.m. Sat. Dec. 29 and Sun. Dec. 30, and at 9 p.m. Mon. Dec. 31. Gaffigan’s successful Beyond the Pale brought America the infamous Hot Pocket jokes, among plenty of other ruminations on our twisted culture. Tickets ($55, with reserved $85 tickets on NYE) available online or call (414) 286-3663.

Special Events

Saved by the Bell’s “Screech,” Dustin Diamond, hosts a ’80s and ’90s themed dance party at Turner Hall New Year’s Eve weekend.

It’s well-known that Saved By The Bell’s “Screech” has been living in Southeastern WI for some time now. Finally, someone told him it’d be a great idea to host an 80’s/90’s dance party at Turner Hall. You’re encouraged to dress accordingly for Dustin Diamond’s Bayside Bash, 8 p.m. Sat. Dec. 29. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door. Try not to lament that it’s not happening New Year’s Eve – that night, Turner Hall will again play host to The Get Down, Milwaukee’s go-to for rare 70s funk vinyl and the greatest dance party in town. Tickets are $20, or $35 for all-you-can-drink access.

Short on family fun ideas this holiday? Milwaukee Winter Fest offers six days of interactive, indoor fun including a roller rink, zip line, and Velcro wall (?!). Running Wed. Dec. 26 through Dec. 31 at the Delta Center, tickets are $12 for kids, $8 for adults, and free to age two and under. Pre-order online or purchase when you get there.

Ongoing

In Tandem Theatre: A Cudahy Caroler Christmas, through Jan. 5

The Quasimondo: Nutcracker vs. Mouse King, through Jan. 5

VIA Downer & Transfer: side work, through Jan. 11

Milwaukee Art Museum: Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Gainsborough, The Treasures of Kenwood House, London, through Jan. 13

Milwaukee Rep: Sense & Sensibility, through Jan. 13

The Milwaukee Public Museum: Real Pirates exhibit, through May 27

Last Chance

Milwaukee Ballet: The Nutcracker, through Dec. 26

First Stage: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, through Dec. 30

Carte Blanche Studios: Who Killed Santa?, through Dec. 30

Next Act Theatre: A Kodachrome Christmas, through Dec. 31

Skylight Music Theatre: The Sound of Music, through Dec. 31

Off the Wall Theatre: Gigi, through Dec. 31

Tory Folliard Gallery: John Wilde Remembered, through Dec. 31