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Written by Harry Cherkinian, Contributing writer
Dec 30, 2010
“The Subject Was Roses”
“Rent”
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.
Can one person really do all that?: The Milwaukee Rep had two one-person shows running simultaneously at the end of 2010, and both contained amazing feats of performance. In “Bombshells,” actress Caroline O’Connor played a wide range of characters, ranging from a Catholic schoolgirl to a singer trying to make a comeback. The transformations were fascinating to watch.
Local audiences know the talented pianist and performer Jack Forbes Wilson for his way with the keyboard. But his complete integration into the character of Liberace was stunning, right down to the smallest gesture and the way West Allis’ most famous native tickled the ivories. Written by The Rep’s artistic associate Brent Hazelton, “Liberace!” deserves a much bigger audience once it finishes its Milwaukee run on Jan. 19. So hit the road, Jack. And spread the musical gospel of the King of Showmanship.
It’s all in the ensemble acting: Small intimate casts produced big results, as seen in Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s production of the classic “The Subject Was Roses.” The sensitive direction of C. Michael Wright produced three fine performances of beautiful synergy. It was a delight to see James Tasse back on stage as the gruff but loving father. And Tami Workentin gave a nuanced, shaded performance to what could easily have been a stereotype of the prototypical American housewife/mother. Nicholas Harazin was right in step in every way as the son returned home from war – only to find another battlefield awaiting him.
The combination of Brian Mani and Carrie Coon in Renaissance Theaterworks’ production of “Blackbird” filled the stage with explosive energy and squeamish seduction in unraveling this play about an underage sexual assault victim confronting her assailant/lover 15 years later. As difficult as it was to watch at times given the subject matter, this duo of superb actors kept the audience riveted with their realistic portrayals and perverse cat-and-mouse gaming.
Two proved again to be the perfect number in Next Act Theatre’s excellent production of “Purgatorio,” which challenged the audience to consider whether forgiveness is truly possible, even in the afterlife. Veteran actors and directors David Cecsarini and Angela Iannone were each other’s relentless tormentors. Mary McDonald Kerr’s fine eye for directing kept us watching and guessing until the endless end.
Laughter takes all: Given the gloomy economy in 2010, laughter was ever welcome, especially this holiday season. In Tandem Theatre’s mashed-up parody of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in Scrooge in Rouge” was a wacky, hilarious send up of Scrooge and company in the English Music Hall style.
The comedic talents of Gary Briggle and John Muriello in the Skylight Opera Theatre’s “An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan” as well as “H.M.S. Pinafore” also provided riotous entertainment. The two play so well with – and off – each other as high-minded British fops that we can only hope for a command performance in 2011.
Please don’t stop the music: Skylight Opera Theatre’s unique production of “Rent” gave the modern day “La Boehme”-inspired tale a fresh, intimate approach on the Cabot Theatre stage.
On the Quadracci Power-house stage, The Rep’s newly crowned artistic director Mark Clements started his first official season with a brilliant take on “Cabaret.” The production was perfect right down to the makeup, the gender-bending costuming and the visceral sense of a society dissolving into hatred and moral decay. Veteran performer Lee Ernst was wonderous as the decadent M.C.
For moms, dads, aunts, uncles and others with kids in tow: First Stage Children’s Company continued to produce first-rate children’s theater with the world premiere of a newly condensed Theater for Young Audiences version of “The Wiz.” This 90-minute version focused on African-American cultural references with upbeat tunes and a first rate cast of actors, including the FSCT Academy students.
The last word: Some other offerings worth mentioning:
Theatre Gigante’s updated versions of Shakespeare’s “King Lear” and “Three Other Sisters”
Boulevard Ensemble Studio Theatre’s “The Savannah Disputation”
Acacia Theatre’s “The Trip to Bountiful”
Marquette University’s “The Beaux Stratagem”
Looking ahead, there’s plenty of exciting offerings in the New Year. So, 2011, here we come. Get ready, get set and enjoy.
