Kelsey Lawler - Page 3

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. 

What did our critic think of MY FAIR LADY at MARCUS CENTER? There's a loverly bit of old-school musical theater at Milwaukee's Marcus Center this week. My Fair Lady returns, and fans of the original show and film starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison will no doubt adore this production. There's something comforting about a classic Broadway show delivering on its tried and true promises. For My Fair Lady, it's strong vocals, captivating characters, sumptuous costumes, richly-designed sets, a toe-tapper here, a chuckle there. All are present in this touring Lincoln Center Theater Production, directed by Bartlett Sher.

What did our critic think of A CHRISTMAS CAROL at MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER? For almost 50 years, the Milwaukee Rep's A Christmas Carol has been a beloved holiday tradition in Milwaukee. Freshly adapted by Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements in 2016, the eye-popping spectacle delivers holiday magic and festive feelings to melt even the iciest of hearts. But there's a repetitive risk in tradition -- the inherent potential of sameness and boredom with doing the same thing year after year. Can a show, even one as impressive as A Christmas Carol, keep the flame alive?

Seen by 130 million people in 53 countries and 22 languages, 'Les Miserables' stands the test of time and jukebox musical trends. Magnificent performances, dazzling sets and staging, soaring orchestrations -- these make the show timeless, breathtaking, and powerful as ever.

From iconic elf costumes to familiar furry friends, fans of the TV special will be delighted to reunite with these festive favorites on stage. And for anyone new to Rudolph, this musical makes for a perfect introduction to the world of everyone’s favorite flying reindeer. 

This is well-paced, laughter-filled, and heartwarming theater full of smart writing and charming characters. In short, 'The Nativity Variations' is the perfect gift for Milwaukee audiences this holiday season. 

For an upbeat, kid-friendly show with heaps of heart, make a beeline for the world premier of 'Arthur & Friends Make a Musical' at Milwaukee's First Stage.

Eleanor Burgess has written a modern masterpiece full of stimulating themes, moments of emotional connection and genuine laughter, plus playful and shocking twists.

What did our critic think of TITANIC THE MUSICAL at MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER? Something epic has set sail once more at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Remounted after having to close early due to a COVID-19 outbreak last April, this show has been years in the making. It's the company's single largest production in their 70-year history, and Titanic the Musical is every inch a spectacular, tremendous achievement.

Forte Theatre Company is about to bring one of the most-beloved musicals of all time to Franklin's Saber Center for the Performing Arts. 'The Sound of Music' runs October 7–16, 2022.

What did our critic think of UNFORGETTABLE at MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER? The Milwaukee Repertory Theater opens its 2022-2023 season in the Stackner Cabaret with Unforgettable, in conjuction with Artists Lounge Live. It's the same collaboration responsible for last season's dynamite Get Happy, starring Angela Ingersoll belting the songs of Judy Garland. This time, we're treated to John-Mark McGaha singing the soothing ballads and swingin' hits of the incomparable Nat King Cole.

What did our critic think of Murder on the Orient Express at Milwaukee rep? If you’re a fan of the “whodunit” genre, Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express is a classic. If you don’t already know the identity of the murderer, don’t you dare go snooping around the internet to find out -- the reveal is far too delicious, as is this entire Milwaukee Repertory Theater production. 

This HUNCHBACK is staggering, extraordinary, and masterfully staged. The Skylight has outdone themselves with this season finale.

Close your eyes, and you might think Judy Garland is in the room. Open them, and you might still think she’s in the room. Angela Ingersoll is both every-inch a blazing star in her own right and a glorious tribute to one of America’s all-time greatest voices. 

Now playing at First Stage, The Amazing Lemonade Girl is based on the true story of Alexandra Flynn Scott, the young girl who started a childhood cancer movement by literally turning lemons into lemonade.

The beloved story of Little Women became a Broadway musical in 2005. Now that musical is coming to the Milwaukee area at Forte Theatre Company. Founded by Randall and Brenda Dodge, Forte is on a mission to bring thriving, professional theater to Milwaukee's Southwest suburbs, enriching the lives of the community through high-quality shows and educational programs.

For a moving musical portrait of 1950s Black American life, Raisin is certainly one to see.

Something epic has just set sail at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Years in the making and the company's single largest production in their 70-year history, Titanic the Musical is every inch a spectacular, tremendous achievement.

Amidst the manic chaos of a broken mind, 'Preludes' proves to be a quirky, beautifully-written piece, lovingly delivered by the team at Milwaukee Opera Theatre.