Yes folks! it really IS winter in Wisconsin with these mild temperatures, sunny skies and green grass still showing off in all its greenery. All that’s missing are the palm trees gently swaying in a West Coast breeze.
But we still have plenty of holiday offerings in the spirit of the season going on. Here’s what’s happening……..
The Mouse Trap – Milwaukee Repertory Theater
After many years (six decades actually) the rights to Dame Agatha Christie’s play have been release and The Rep wisely snapped them up in this fun, funny and thrilling production now on stage at the Quadracci Powerhouse.
NO SPOILER ALERTS HERE! That would wreck all the fun of this psychological Who-Dun-It with a great cast featuring local favorites Kelley Faulkner (great to see in a serious role here), Laura Gordon at her shrill crankiest best and Jonathan Gillard Daly. The rest of the cast is just as talented: Matthew Mueller, Brendan Meyer, Greta Wohlrabe, Greg Vinkler and Will Allan.
Ms. Faulkner did a great job with the Rep In-Depth pre performance and I was one of the very few who still remembered who the killer is. There’s plenty of clues along the way with the usual mix of red herrings. Well make that red and green herrings for the holidays.
For those who want mystery under the mistletoe, head on over.
The Mousetrap runs through Dec. 20. For more information, call:414224-9490 or visit: http://www.MilwaukeeRep.com
My Fair Lady – Skylight Music Theatre
If it’s a delightful classic musical you’re looking for, this one’s for you! Your holiday guests will thank you over and over for taking them (and that doesn’t include the home hospitality you’ll be showering them with throughout their stay).
Directory Dorothy Danner is once again up to her stellar directing talents with a cast that shines throughout. What a delight to see Milwaukee stage vet Norman Moses back, and in the role of his career as the prim, stodgy, Dr. Henry Higgins out to prove a bet that he can turn a streetwise, cockney flower girl into a refined society princess. Natalie Ford is stunning as Eliza Doolitte, as we watch her transformation from impish waif to graceful woman. She and Moses are a great match and a delight watch throughout. The supporting cast is very well cast; standouts includes Rick Richter’s perfectly doddering colonel, Diane Lane’s perfectly prim housekeeper and in a comic role perfectly suited to him, Joel Kopischke as Eliza’s ragamuffin of a father.
There is of course, the extremely memorable and hummable music score, which includes classics such as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “Wouldn’t it be Loverly?” among many others. So good, that I could see this one again and again.
My Fair Lady runs through Dec. 27. For More information, call: 414-291-7800 or visit: http://www.skylightmusictheatre.org
And right around the holiday corner…………..
The Nutrcracker – Milwaukee Ballet
Christmastime in Milwaukee must include the Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker. This 200-year-old story by e.T.A. Hoffman tells the story of the magician Drosselmeyer and his gift of a nutracker to the young, innocent Clara. The nutcracker comes to life to protect her when the Mouse King and his rodent army go after Clara and her brother.
Artistic Director and Choreographer Michael Pink has created a magical world onstage with his production, creating a fantastical world as Clara travels to other lands with her nutracker prince, all to the haunting score by Tchaikovsky. The inner child within (me, of course), loves the start Act II with the gorgeous carousel, only underscoring the kid friendliness of the Milwaukee Ballet’s highly creative and visually stunning vision while maintaining the integrity of the dance.
A must see for all the ballet lovers and classical music devotees.
The Nutcracker runs Dec. 12 through Dec. 27 at the the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, call: 414-902-2103 or visit: http://www.milwaukeeballet.org
*********
Ok. Now, I better get back to all the holiday stuff I need to do before the next round of shows.
Enjoy. Take to time to reflect on the spirit of the season. And Happy Holidays!!!
blognirvana 