Music in the air, theater under the bridge

Theater

In The Penelopiad, Margaret Atwood tells the familiar tale of Homer’s Odyssey, but from the point of Odysseus’s wife and 12 of her maids. Atwood published the novella in 2005 and adapated it for the stage later thart year. Director Leda Hoffmann is staging the piece in an unusual venue, the naturally dramatic architectural space at the southern foot of the marsupial bridge over the Milwaukee River, beneath the Holton Street Viaduct. Reva Fox will play Penelope. Admission is free and no tickets are required, but donations are welcome online. Shows, given under Hoffmann’s Luminous Theatre banner, start at 8 p.m. Aug. 22-27.

The Milwaukee Rep will begin the new season on Sunday, Aug. 25 with I Left My Heart: A Salute to the Music of Tony Bennett. Hailed by Frank Sinatra as the world’s greatest singer, Bennett has been a constant success since his career began in the 1950s. A trio of tenors will perform Bennett’s most famous music at the Stackner Cabaret Theater though Oct. 20. For tickets, calling 414 224-9490 or visit the Re’s online box office.

Music

At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Live @ Peck Pavilion, Spirit Family Reunion will offer “home grown music” on the outdoor stage of the Marcus Center. This band got their start playing farmers markets in New York and had gained popularity for their unique sound.  Tickets are $15 online. Next Tuesday — Aug. 27 — Live @ Peck Pavilion features an eight-piece band that infuses jazz with North Indian bhangra. New York based ensamble Red Baraat will perform at 7:30 p.m.

The Milwaukee Summer Philharmonia will perform a free concert of Mozart’s music on Tuesday, Aug. 20. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.  in the Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 6031 W. Chapel Hill Road, Mequon. Selections will include Piano Concerto No. 23 in A minor with soloist Steven Ayers; the Horn Concerto No. 2 in E Flat Major with soloist Wes Hatch; and the Symphony No. 4o in G Minor. Ralph Lane will conduct.

 

Dance

The Marcus Center will host A Journey Through Dance,  the summer showcase by Tessa’s Black Entertainment and Youth Center. TBEY is committed to providing urban youth with experience and education about the arts in addition to personal and community growth. The annual summer performance will begin at 7 PM in Vogel Hall on Saturday, August 24. Tickets are available online for $17.

The finals of WI WARS, a statewide break dance tournament, will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, on the second floor of the Plankinton Arcade of the Shops at Grand Avenue (event in the former Old Navy space). After the competition, the dancers will put on a formal show at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door, children free.

 

Special Events 

Head to the Summerfest grounds for Mexican Fiesta Friday until Sunday. Take part in wine tastings, traditional dances, a golf tournament to benefit education, and a variety of food and activities for the whole family. Tickets are $13 online or $15 at the gate, but a variety of discounts are available.

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 name or the name of the organization.

Last Chance 

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre: ‘Art,’ through Aug. 25

Ongoing

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

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

MAM: 30 Americans, through Sept. 8

MAM: Wisconsin 30, through Sept. 8

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

APT: All My Sons, through Sept. 28

APT: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, through Oct. 5

APT: Two Gentlemen of Verona, through Oct. 6

APT: Dickens in America, through Oct. 19

APT: Antony and Cleopatra, through Oct. 20