Kelsey Lawler - Page 3

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.

The play is the fruit of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s New Play Development Program. While other challenging pieces tackle racism or sexism, this one digs into ageism, specifically for women. 

I spoke with Tim Albrechtson, Bombshell's Producing Director, about their upcoming production of Bubble Boy. He shared everything from why this musical is such a great fit for Bombshell Theatre Co. to the little things he hopes audiences notice and take away from this hilarious show.

The cast does right by Old Blue Eyes, bringing a perfect blend of reverence, theatricality, and their own interpretations to the tunes of My Way. There isn’t a story to hang your hat on, rather the foursome seamlessly presents song after toe-tappin’, swoon-worthy song. 

At the crossroads of the Bard and Beatlemania lies the fantastic As You Like It. Full disclosure: I’m smack-dab in the middle of the target audience, where the Shakespeare-loving (or at least willing) meet Beatles fans. But I believe this genre-mashup would be terrific fun for anyone. The show takes a classic Shakespearean rom-com and threads Beatles songs throughout. And yes, it totally works.

The Milwaukee Rep welcomes theater back into the Stiemke Studio with Antonio's Song/I Was Dreaming of a Son by Dael Orlandersmith and Antonio Edwards Suarez, directed by Mark Clements. The Rep describes the play as a 'poetic journey of a dancer/artist/father questioning the balance of his passions -- art, culture, family.'

After a delayed opening, Toni Stone is finally game-on at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden, it's the biographical telling of the first woman to go pro in baseball's negro leagues, Marcenia 'Toni' Stone. Hers is a story of overcoming the odds and shattering expectations. Toni Stone, written by Lydia R. Diamond, was declared the Best New Play of 2019 by the Wall Street Journal.

A 90-minute confection. That's what Milwaukee Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements lovingly calls his Piano Men creation, now on stage in the Stackner Cabaret. The show is fully request-driven and unplanned -- part music revue, part piano bar. Not sure if piano bars are your thing? Trust the experience. It's loads of fun.

A lot of love and hard work went into this production, and if this cast keeps doing what they’re doing, they’re on track to charm audiences throughout their two-weekend run.