On Stage

'Thrill Me' sets notorious slaying to music

Written by Harry Cherkinian May 5, 2011

It’s been 87 years since Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb murdered 14-year-old Robert “Bobby” Franks, son of a Chicago millionaire, simply for the thrill of it. Their trial, in which they were represented by famed defense attorney Clarence Darrow, was dubbed “the trial of the century.” The case spawned books, plays and films, including “Compulsion,” starring Orson Welles, and “Rope,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

On stage “Thrill Me: the Leopold & Loeb Story” runs through May 15 at the Tenth Street Theatre, 628 N. 10th St. For more information, call: 414-271-1371 or visit www.intandemtheatre.org.Add new comment

‘Two to Go’ pairs contrasting 1930s classics

Written by Jody Hirsh May 5, 2011

Scene from “Two to Go,” a pair of one act plays currently playing at Boulevard Theatre in Milwaukee’s Bay View area. – Photo: Boulevard Theatre / Troy Freund Photography

The quirkiness of Bay View’s Boulevard Theatre is immediately clear from the (long) recorded message on its answering machine. The caller is reprimanded in advance for coming late, since no latecomers can possibly be seated, because the house manager also performs in the play.

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Play explores forbidden love in Nazi Germany

Written by Jody Hirsh Apr 21, 2011

“Aimée and Jaguar,” produced by UWM Labworks, plays April 27 to May 1 at Kenilworth Studio 508, 1925 E. Kenilworth Place. Call 414-229-6688. – Photo: Courtesy

Set during World War II, the play “Aimée and Jaguar” chronicles the unlikely but true story of a passionate romantic relationship between two women in war-torn Berlin.

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DeVita takes on the Bard

Written by Harry Cherkinian,
Contributing writer Apr 7, 2011

James DeVita is known locally as a consummate classical actor, primarily for his many lead Shakespearean roles in Spring Green, Milwaukee and beyond.

To watch DeVita play himself and explain his profession in his one-man show “Acting Shakespeare” is to journey with the actor/writer to a whole new level of self-exploration, vulnerability and, ultimately, passion.

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Radicals in movement

Written by Harry Cherkinian May 5, 2011

“Isadora and Njinsky” is on stage May 5-8. – Photo: Courtesy

Vaslav Nijinsky came from the classical world of ballet. Isadora Duncan emerged from the outer galaxy of what is now known as modern dance. Together, they revolutionized the dance world and at times scandalized the world around them by promoting ideas and lifestyles far ahead of their time.

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This ‘Lion’ roars with great performances

Written by Harry Cherkinian Apr 21, 2011

Lenny Banovez, J. Patrick Cahill, Tracy Michelle Arnold and Marcus Truschinski in “The Lion in Winter.” – Photo: Courtesy

Family gatherings at the holidays can be a tricky business, especially if family members haven’t seen each other for a while. For the holiday gathering that sparks playwright James Goldman’s black comedy “The Lion in Winter,” revenge ends up being the main course served.

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Broadway shines in spring

Written by Anne Siegel,
Contributing writer Apr 7, 2011

“Priscilla Queen of the Desert” – Photo: Courtesy

This spring, Broadway is putting on shows that are certain to draw LGBT audiences from all over the world, along with at least one offering of special interest to cheeseheads. If you’re headed to the Big Apple, here’s what you don’t want to miss.

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Florentine continues raising bar with ‘Italian Girl’

Written by Harry Cherkinian,
Contributing writer Mar 24, 2011

Soprano Erica Schuller (Elvira), bass Kevin Glavin (Mustafa), baritone Daniel Belcher (Taddeo), tenor Ryan McPherson (Lindoro). Bottom: soprano Daniela Mack (Isabella). – Photo: Richard Brodzeller

The moment they announced the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording nearly a month ago, Daniel Belcher realized he’d be up there all by himself on stage. Alone. To accept a Grammy Award. He looked around the celebrity-studded auditorium. No one else was moving toward the podium.

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Florentine Opera goes for Baroque

Written by Michael Muckian May 5, 2011

Fans of opera obscura and early music are in for a treat this month with the Florentine Opera Co.’s premiere of John Blow’s “Venus & Adonis” and Henry Purcell’s “Dido & Aeneas.” The Baroque twin-spin matches the talents of Blow, who composed what is considered the earliest surviving British opera, with those of his student Purcell and the first English operatic masterpiece. The pair will play at Marcus Center for the Performing Arts’ Vogel Hall in Milwaukee May 13-22.

The Florentine decided to go for Baroque once again largely based on the success of “Semele” by George Friedrich Handel two seasons ago, according to William Florescu, the opera’s stage director. The accessibility of Baroque music is a big draw for opera novices and fans alike.

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Looking behind the curtain of ‘Gone with the Wind’

Written by Michael Muckian Apr 21, 2011

Isn’t it obvious that tomorrow is another day?

It was to newspaperman Ben Hecht, who was hired by Hollywood producer David O. Selznick to rewrite a script based on a novel that Hecht disliked. In an attempt to save his high-profile, costly film version of that book, Selznick locked Hecht in his office with film director Victor Fleming until an acceptable version of the screenplay was completed.

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‘Les Miz’ hits 25

Written by Michael Muckian Apr 7, 2011

“Les Miserables” Photo: Joan Marcus

Milwaukee and Madison audiences will have the chance once again to “dream the dream when hope was high and life worth living” when “Les Miserables” returns.

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‘3’ is a triptych of dance movement

Written by Harry Cherkinian,
Contributing writer Mar 24, 2011

A scene from choreographer Petr Zahradnicek’s “Concourse” (2010). – Photo: Mark Frohna

It’s a typical afternoon at the Milwaukee Ballet rehearsal spaces. Dancers lounge around waiting to practice, observing other dancers in motion from the viewing balcony on the second floor. They whisper their approval when one of those rehearsing below executes a difficult move.

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