Harry’s Blog: Skylight’s “The Rivals,” Openings, Musical Notes and More……

Skylight Opera Theatre kicked off its new season with a winner of a World Premiere with The Rivals, Kirke Meachem’s superb musical adaptation of Richard Brimsley Sheridan’s hilarious 18th century comedy.  Now set in turn of the 20thtu in Newport,  Rhode Island,  Meachem has given this fresh update a new twist amid sparring lovers and dual identities (sounds a bit Shakespearean, doesn’t it?)  including some memorable music.  Alicia Berneche is perfectly cast as the spoiled , crazy in love Lydia and Christopher Burchett her perfect foil, and a much hard working one at that (no spoilers here!).

Dorothy Danner directs with her usual innovative flair and the entire stellar ensemble delights from start to finish. How nice to SO veterans Richard Carsey and Jamie Johns back at the helm of the orchestra. A rich mix of the familiar and the new at Skylight.

Another Openin,’ Another Show  It hasn’t even opened yet but the early buzz around The Rep‘s new Stiemke show, Yellowman is very positive (try getting tickets for the next week. Harry’s Blog will review the Oct. 11 show and we anxiously await). Dael Orlandersmith’s two character play tells the story of Alma and Eugene, friends since childhood growing up in the South, united by a love for the Monkees (we still own the original vinyl) and acting out Batman moves.Can love and friendship survive prejudice and move past the past?  Check it out for yourself. Runs through Nov. 13 in the Stiemke Studio.

Boulevard Ensemble ‘Studio Theatre starts off its 26th season with a staged reading of Pants on Fire, a new comedy by Milwaukee actress and playwright Brooke Wegner. The show runs tonight through Oct. 1 and is a . So for those of you who love to support good local theater (and local funnyman, director, all around talent Mark Bucher), here’s your chance. Call: 414-744-5757 or email tickets@boulevardtheatre.com

Musical Notes……………take a listen

The “Has-It-Already-Been-22-Years?” Dept.:  Harry’s blog was thrilled to get the “new” Grace Jones CD (yep, that’s right. A NEW Grace Jones) entitled Hurricane.  A perfect title for the grande dame diva who outdivas all other well, you know……..the “D” word. We’re very pleased to report that it’s as if the divine Miss J never missed a (drum) beat. Although technically released in 2008, the new version is a double-disc featuring dub versions of the 11 original tracks. At 63, that smooth, direct Jamaican inflection is still there, now mixing her speak singing with lite rap as in the opener “This Is” (I kept playing this one over and over) to the cool seductiveness of “Corporate Cannibal.” Welcome back Miss Jones. It’s been a while and you’re still very much in style.

Upcoming concerts we’re already anticipating include Richard Thompson this Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Marcus Center’s Vogel Hall, St. Vincent at the Pabst Theater Oct. 3, country Aussie singer Keith Urban Oct. 13 at the Bradley Center, Smashing Pumpkins at the Riverside Theater Oct. 13 AND, as if Oct. 13 isn’t brimming over with enough good music, Madeleine Peyroux with special guest Nellie McKay at the Pabst. All on the same night.

What’s a music lover to do?

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Milwaukee Rep’s “Ten Chimneys” Delights and Musical Notes………………

At The Rep

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater has kicked off its new season with a winner with Ten Chimneys by playwright Jeffrey Hatcher (one degree of separation amid full disclosure: Jeff was my brother’s college roommate when they were studying abroad in London).While the play has its Wisconsin roots set at the Genesse Depot summer home of legendary acting couple Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt, the story of familial discord (Lynn and Alfred’s mother) and the encroachment of WWII plays well with all audiences. Amid an extremely strong cast, Wendi Weber channels Fontanne to the grande dame’s core and Linda Stephens continues to delight in as the genteel but interfering mother (in-law). Keep an eye on that young actor, Nicholas Harazin, who made such a strong showing last season as the GI son in Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s The Subject Was Roses.  And Hatcher’s writing is as strong as ever, the clever wordplay infused with much historical, making this journey to Ten Chimneys as much as learning experience as well as entertaining. Bravo!

Musical Notes

Turner Ballroom had the excellent Irish folksinger James Vincent McMorrow in on Friday night.  Thanks to 88.9 radio, us Milwaukeeans got to know his music well before hand with its radio play of Early in the Morning, McMorrow’s wonderful release back in 2010 in Britain. The very chatty Irishman was clearly wowed by the large turnout (lots of radio listening college kids) and

The Pabst Theater was ablaze with great and diverse music last weekend with the return of Fleetwood Macster Lindsey Buckingham in to promote his new CD, Seeds We Sow. For those who had the chance to see the musical guitar genius, it was one of his best shows yet.  The next night, our very favorite techno-dance duo, Erasure hit the Pabst stage and what a fun show that was! Set amid a futuristic looking set sporting silver gargoyles and red lit eyes, Vince Clarke and Andy Bell showcased work from their new upcoming CD Tomorrow’s World as well as the hits the dancing concert goers came to hear.  Bell was in top voice accompanied by two female back up singers and it was quite the party.

On a more somber note……..the Pabst-Turner-Riverside family said farewell this past Monday night to longtime Pabst house manager, Tom Dubuque at a special memorial service. Tom died tragically in a car accident on August 15 while vacationing in South Africa. For the many who knew him, Tom was more than just an employee these past 41 years (started as an intern as a teenager and came back fulltime after retirement).  He was a very special and kind man underneath the faux tough exterior and cared for the patrons and staff alike. You will be greatly missed, Tom, but we all know that you’re still with us……………

Up Next

Skylight Opera‘s The Rivals opened to rave reviews last week. Now it’s my turn to see and hear the world premiere of Kirke Meachem’s new work based on the 18th century comedy by Richard Sheridan (local factoid: Marquette University did a great job with the original play last season). It’s almost October and the season is definitely in full swing.

Stay tuned……………..!