Racing to State Fair, and that’s not all

Theater

One line from Hamlet — “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead” — prompted Tom Stoppard to write one of the enduring theatrical tropes, a whole play based on two minor characters from the most major of Shakespeare’s plays. American Players Theatre will take on Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead starting Friday, Aug. 2, at the Up-the-Hill Theatre in spring. The production, directed by James Bohnen, is APT’s first R&G. The show at the outdoor venue through Oct. 5. Tickets begin at $46 and are available;  call 608 588-2361.

Boulevard Theatre will open its new season with Tigers Be Still, a comedy about post-collegiate life. A young women with a degree in psychology must use what she’s learned to help those closest to her, from her alcoholic sister to her high school principal, after moving back home. To make matters worse, a tiger escapes from the local zoo. Tickets are available online for $20. Tigers Be Still opens this Wednesday, July 31 and run through Sunday, August 18.

Music

Who loves dark, brooding intensity? Indie rock fans, that’s who! So let’s hear it for The National, which will brood intensely at the Riverside Theater Monday, Aug. 5. Doors open at 7 p.m. Order tickets online. The group will play music from its new album, Trouble Will Find Me, which goes a little like this:

Mindless Behavior is one of the hottest teen R&B groups performing today. Joined by the OMG Girls and Coco Jone, Mindless Behavior will perform at the Milwaukee Theater this Sunday, August 4 . This concert follows the March release of their docu-movie and their sophomore album. Visit their website to get a glow-in-the-dark bracelet to take part in their flash mob. Tickets for this show are available by calling 800-745-3000.

This week’s Live @ Peck Pavilion will feature The Dunwells, an English pub band with American roots. Originally from Leeds, The Dunwells have brought their music to America to great success. Tickets for this show are $15 online, or $60 for tickets to the entire six concert Live @ Peck Pavilion series. The Dunwells will perform this Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 PM.

Dance

Each summer, Danceworks plays matchmaker for its Art-to-Art program. Danceworks puts together choreographers with artists from other disciplines and stands back to see what happens. This year’s teams: choreographer Colleen Hooper, Dancer Joelle Worm, Video Artist Maria Bolivar, Composer/Musician Drake Z. Tyler; choreographer José A. Luis, Film/Media Artist Kellie Bornikowski; choreographer Laura Murphy, Musician Steve Schlei; choreographer Marquita Redd, Visual Artist Kim Loper; choreographer Dawn Springer, Musician Aaron Schleicher; and Choreographer/Dancer Catey Ott Thompson, Visual Artist/Designer C. Kai Marquardt. Tickets are $18 reserved, $15 general, $10 tickets students and seniors.The ninth annual Art to Art concerts begin at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2-4, at the Danceworks Studio Theatre, 1661 N. Water St. Tickets are $18 reserved, $15 general, $10 tickets students and seniors. Order online.

Special Events

 

The Wisconsin State Fair, one of the biggest events in Wisconsin by sheer numbers, opens Thursday, Aug. 1, and runs through Aug. 11 at State Fair Park in West Allis. The Fair offers some special promotion, discount or activity every single day — check the schedule to see the best fit for you. On opening day, for example, get for just $2 before 4 p.m. when you donate at least two non-perishable food items or make a cash donation outside any entrance gate. Mainstage headliners include Heart with Jason Bonham and Weird Al Yankovic, and each day offers exhibits of the best Wisconsin agriculture has to offer. As always, a State Fair cream puff has your name on it. And if that’s not enough: Racing pigs. Yes — pigs race at State Fair. [Racing pigs display photo on home page courtesy of the Wisconsin State Fair Facebook page.]

Performers and audiences from all over the country will take part in the eighth annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival. Founded by Matt Kemple, this is the largest comedy event in the state. The fun begins Wednesday at the Next Act Theater. Shows start every week day at 7:30 p.m. and every weekend day at 2 p.m.. General admission is $15 online. Donations to support the Milwaukee comedy community are welcome.

The African World Festival will take place at the Summerfest grounds Saturday, Aug. 3. A collection of gospel, R&B, jazz and hip hop performers will help to celebrate this festival’s 30th anniversary. Admission is $20 online but discounts are available for weekend passes.

Dust off your grass skirts, because it’s time for the second annual Urban Island Beach Party at Lakeshore State Park. Newaukee and friends have gone all out with a pig roast, seven musical guests, a fish fry and island inspired games. This event is free, but space is limited so RSVP online. Those who travel to this event by bike, kayak, boat or bus will receive a free Blue Moon beer upon arrival. Proceeds from the purchase of food and drinks will benefit Lakeshore State Park. The festivities take place from 4 – 11 Pp.m.on Friday, August 2.

To read a Third Coast Daily article about a particular show, please click on the show title. For more information about the show itself, please click on the venue.

Last Chance 

Greendale Community Theater: Les Miserables, through Aug. 3

Ongoing

Milwaukee Art Museum: Celebrating 125 Years of Art, through Aug. 10

Soulstice Theatre: Schoolhouse Rock Live!, through Aug. 10

Fireside Theatre: Run For Your Wife, through Sept. 1

Milwaukee Art Museum: Veterans Book Project: Objects for Deployment, through Sept. 2

Milwaukee Art Museum: 30 Americans, through Sept. 8

American Players Theater: Too Many Husbands, through Sept. 14

American Players Theater: Two Gentlemen of Verona, through Oct. 6

American Players Theater: Dickens in America, through Oct. 19