First Stage's "Matilda" is Pure Magic
“That’s not right.”
This is the refrain that the main character returns to again and again in First Stage’s exceptional production of the musical “Matilda.” The impossibly precocious five year-old English girl, who lives in the kind of dystopian world that author Roald Dahl is famous for, knows injustice when she sees it. But instead of throwing a tantrum, she calls out the crimes around her calmly and confidently, always more concerned about the wrongs done to others than any of the tragically unfair circumstances that she, herself, has to endure: Parents who didn’t want her to begin with and barely tolerate her presence, let alone her intellect. A father who is so disappointed in her gender that he insists on calling her “boy.” A mother who berates her for reading books instead of watching the “telly,” and advocates improving her appearance instead of her mind. A sadistic school headmistress who calls her a “maggot” and tries to crush her, physically and emotionally, along with the rest of the students — and teachers — at Matilda’s new school.
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Best of the Year in Milwaukee’s Theater Scene
I saw dozens of great theater productions in Milwaukee, Madison and Spring Green during 2018. Of course, as I reflect on the year there are a few performers and productions that really stand out. Here is my idiosyncratic list of “bests.” Feel free to add to this list with your own experiences throughout the year.
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My Best of the Year List for Madison Theater
I had the sincere pleasure of seeing a lot of theater in last year. Here are some of the highlights from Madison area performances in 2018.
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Profane, Ridiculous and Hilarious -- the Mormons are Back in Town
Midway through the second act of “Book of Mormon,” one of the young, squeaky clean teen missionaries who has been sent to Uganda to convert the natives to the ways of the Latter-Day Saints launches into one of the best songs in the show; “I Believe.” In it, Elder Price (Liam Tobin) recites the litany of things he is sure of with a renewed enthusiasm and faith, after a rough few days trying to bring new Mormons into the fold. He sings with wide-eyed fervor about ancient Jews sailing to America; the real Garden of Eden, located in Jackson County, Missouri; and the promise of receiving his own planet when he gets to heaven. Swaying back and forth like an evangelical at a revival meeting, he tries to infuse the local warlord, General Buttf*cking Naked, with the holy spirit of Mormon founder Joseph Smith. For his trouble, Elder Price has a copy of the Book of Mormon shoved very far into his digestive tract, which we see in a graphic x-ray in the next scene.
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Don't Forget "Souvenir" This Holiday Season
There are a lot of performances to choose from in December, and that’s a spectacular way to end the year. Among them is Souvenir, a two-person musical based on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins (Sarah Day)—an infamous opera singer with much more enthusiasm than talent — and her frustrated, but tender-hearted accompanist Cosme McMoon (Thomas Kasdorf). So why add Four Seasons Theatre’s Souvenir to your ticket wish list, when you could see Christmas ghosts and carolers, sway with dancing snowflakes and nutcrackers, or sing along with the brass section on “We Wish You a Merry Christmas?” Well. . .
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The Milwaukee Ballet's "Nutcracker" is a Glittery Delight
The ballet “The Nutcracker” was not a hit when it was first presented in Saint Petersburg in 1892. I can only speculate that its tepid reception was due to an unfortunate lack of glitter.
By contrast, the Milwaukee Ballet’s glitter-filled production of Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic is holiday magic personified. Much of the mystery, enchantment and awe-inspiring tone of the show comes from its fanciful design, complete with a dazzling proscenium arch featuring many of the ballet’s characters in gold and lights and the nutcracker himself peering down on spectators from its apex. (Spectacular costumes and inventive scenic design by Zack Brown.)
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"Black Nativity" is a Joyful Christmas Celebration
“Come on, Mary. Let’s see if you still got it.”
I don’t know if Joseph actually said that to his beloved, the Virgin Mary. I don’t remember that passage from any of the scriptures, but I’d like to think that soon after Jesus was born in Bethlehem, his earthly parents celebrated a little bit, maybe by singing and dancing together like they used to.
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"After the Revolution" is an Interesting Meditation on Betrayal
In interviews playwright Amy Herzog has talked openly about the autobiographical elements of After the Revolution. produced by the Kathie Rasmussen Women’s Theatre (KRASS) and running at the Bartell Theatre through December 15. Her grandfather really was a noted Marxist named Joe Joseph and was questioned by HUAC for his ties to Communism. He really did commit espionage by giving the Russians classified documents, out of allegiance to the party. Herzog even put a younger version of herself at the center of the drama, explaining, “I spend a lot of time trying to see all sides of any issue.”
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It's Right in the Title: In Tandem's "A Merry Chris-Mess"
Is your Christmas season filled with too much hope and joy? Are you tired of seeing heartwarming demonstrations of love and kindness at this time of year? Had your fill of cute kids in angel costumes telling you about peace on earth and goodwill towards men? Then maybe you’ll enjoy In Tandem’s “Merry Chris-Mess,” an irreverent and often vulgar swipe at the traditions and stories that many people hold dear.
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"Christmas In Babylon" is Bittersweet
Long before people tagged each other on Facebook and posted pictures of their adorable children, perfect pets and gorgeous holiday celebrations on social media every 20 minutes, we all caught up with far flung family and friends with the annual Christmas card. The accompanying letter usually included annoyingly idyllic updates about weddings, graduations, promotions and tropical vacations, where everyone else's family seemed picture perfect.
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