Kelsey Lawler - Page 2

What did our critic think of GUYS ON ICE at MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER? In the Milwaukee Rep’s 25th anniversary production of Guys on Ice, heaven is a place where there’s always “a couple two-tree” Leine’s in the cooler and every day is Packers Sunday. At a glance, this hit show may feel like a precursor to that Charlie Berens brand of Midwest-focused “ya der hey” humor—and it is. It’s also more than that.

For a splendiferous evening of holiday cheer (and ghostly mischief) there remains no better show in town than the Milwaukee Rep’s annual Christmas Carol, now in its 48th year.

Altogether, with the show’s eye-popping look, energetic choreography, top-notch cast, and story that hits the spot this holiday season, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a blast for the whole family.

What did our critic think of SCHOOL OF ROCK at SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE? School of Rock at Skylight Music Theatre is a super-fun musical that will take you straight to the top of Mount Rock. Based on the 2003 movie starring Jack Black, the stage show debuted in 2015. It’s written by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey) with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Glenn Slater.

What did our critic think of DIAL M FOR MURDER at MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER? Seat-gripping and immensely satisfying -- that’s Dial M for Murder, a new adaptation by playwright Jeffrey Hatcher, now on stage at the Milwaukee Rep. Under the direction of Laura Braza, this updated take on Frederick Knott’s 1952 original and Hitchcock’s 1954 film stays true to the source with some refreshing updates. But blackmail and revenge, passion and plot twists all remain in this thrilling piece of theater.

True crime connoisseurs, lovers of local lore, fans of the Violent Femmes: the Milwaukee Rep has a world premiere rock musical with your name written all over it.

What did our critic think of SUPERYOU at SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE?

I've been a fan of Hadestown since its concept album release in 2010. With music and lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell, the album featured vocals by Mitchell herself alongside the likes of Justin Vernon and Ani DiFranco. Called a 'folk opera' at the time, this album laid the foundation for what would become the 2019 Tony-winning Broadway musical Hadestown.

The Milwaukee Rep has staged a superbly acted, shocking, relatable, tornado of a black comedy with GOD OF CARNAGE.

I’m pleased to report Into the Woods has all the makings of theater magic. For starters, they nailed the casting. The woods prove towering, deep, and every inch a fairytale setting -- and the costumes are gorgeous.

Forte Theatre Company is inviting Wisconsinites 'Into the Woods' at Franklin's Saber Center for the Performing Arts, led by Artistic Director Randall Dodge and Executive Director Brenda Dodge. I recently chatted with Brenda Dodge about the upcoming production.

'The Greatest Love for Whitney' will give you chills from the get-go. The kind of gorgeous chills that come from a place of starstruck awe.

For its first play ever, Skylight has staged a hysterical romp that is cute, charming, and full of good energy and classic comedic antics.

SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL at First Stage in Milwaukee is an eye-popping, laugh-aloud, cartoonish romp under the sea.

There’s no place for mediocrity to hide in SIX. These leading roles require genuine, unfiltered talent with exceptional vocal range and control. This touring cast delivers on that and then some.

'The Heart Sellers' is a commentary on immigration, yes, but most of all it celebrates the joy and fulfillment that comes with good friends.

The tour of HAIRSPRAY is pure joy, lighting up Milwaukee’s Marcus Center through February 12th with exuberant dancing, glorious voices, and a bright, bubbly outlook that’s just what this Wisconsin winter needs. 

The good news: Evita at Skylight Music Theatre is a stunner that's not to be missed. The bad news: Milwaukee-area theater fans only have until February 19th to catch it on stage.

Many show highlights come from props and staging choices. From a field of orange flowers dancing around Carmela to conversations with her fuzzy dandelion to a flurry of bubbles representing hundreds wishes, these moments of stage magic are just that: magical.

Love and laughter are just what a Wisconsin winter needs, and just what the Milwaukee Rep is serving. They have something insanely special with this updated adaptation of a Shakespearean rom-com classic. For me, this is a Rep season favorite that will be tough to top.