On Stage

Richard O'brien's "The Rocky Horror Show"

If it’s been a while since you’ve donned Riff Raff’s hump, Brad’s horn-rimmed glasses or Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s eye makeup and bustier, never fear. Thanks to University Theatre on the UW-Madison campus, we’ll all soon be able to do the Time Warp again.

Gerard Neugent and Reese Madigan in “The 39 Steps.” – Photo: Michael Brosilow

The funny thing about “The 39 Steps,” now playing on the Quadracci Powerhouse stage at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater is … it’s funny! The murder, mayhem, espionage, chase scenes and miraculous escapes of the iconic Alfred Hitchcock thriller on which the play is based are all there. But in Patrick Barlow’s brilliant 2005 stage adaptation, they’re presented with humor.

Forward Theater Co.’s monologue festival is Feb. 11-12 in Promenade Hall at Madison’s Overture Center for the Arts. Go to forwardtheater.com

Just in time to help lovers of all persuasions celebrate St. Valentines Day, Madison’s Forward Theater Co. presents “The Love that Changed My Life,” a monologue festival featuring short works by playwrights from Wisconsin and across the nation. The individual readings take place in Promenade Hall at Overture Center for the Arts Feb. 11- 12.

“The Subject Was Roses”

With the dawn of 2011, it’s time to reflect on last year’s rich theatrical offerings in Milwaukee. The good news? The city has an uncanny abundance of great talent, both in front of the spotlight and behind it. With so much to choose from, here are a few standouts that made the past year memorable for this reviewer.

“Becky Shaw” is onstage Feb. 15-March 20. – Photo: Courtesy

Having performed in many productions in the Milwaukee area for years, out local actor David Flores is comfortable on stage. But with “Becky Shaw,” he’s taking a different turn, directing his first straight drama (pun intended) at Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theatre. He’s finding that being an acting veteran onstage helps with directing offstage.

Madison Opera’s production of “The Threepenny Opera” runs Feb. 4-13 at The Playhouse at Madison’s Overture Center for the Arts. Go to madisonopera.org.

Mack the Knife and his colorful entourage of petty thieves and streetwalkers return to the stage Feb. 4 in Madison Opera’s new production of “The Threepenny Opera.” By author Bertolt Brecht and composer Kurt Weill, the gritty classic on social injustice in Victorian London runs for seven performances.

From the touring production of “Mamma Mia!” – Photo: Joan Marcus

As part of the ensemble for the North American touring company of “Mamma Mia!” for the past 18 months, Mario Matthews is well acquainted with the music of ABBA. The play revolves entirely around the Swedish pop group’s playlist, and Matthews knows all the words to all the songs that appear in the seemingly never-ending touring show.

Actor/artist Thom Bierdz – Photo: Courtesy

When the actor Thom Bierdz returned to the CBS daytime drama “The Young and the Restless” to reintroduce his character of Phillip Chancellor III, he made history of a sort as the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay soap opera character. It was the only way he would return to the show, the Kenosha native said, because he had changed and needed his character to be true to who he is.