Out on the town: a curated list of local entertainment

March 10–24

Ongoing

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents Until the Flood, an exploration of the St. Louis region’s reactions to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith interviewed hundreds of people in preparation for writing the play, creating eight characters with unique perspectives on Brown’s death. The play analyzes how a community full of diversity heals and grows together. Until the Flood opens March 13 and runs through April 22 in the Stiemke Studio located at 108 E. Wells St., Milwaukee. Tickets range from $20 to $40 and can be purchased at milwaukeerep.com. Check out our review here. 

The Avalon Atmospheric Theater in Bay View is honoring one of the most colorful minds in animated film: Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki March will feature eight of Miyazaki’s most beloved films this month. The films include Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, Miyazaki classics that have been critically acclaimed as two of greatest animated films of all time. House made Tonkotsu ramen will be served to order, as well as Japanese candies and treats. The Avalon will show each film twice, once with a dubbed English voice track and once with the original Japanese. Tickets are $5. Visit avalonmke.com for a list of film showings and dates. 

March 10 – 15

Gear up in green for the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s 52nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which steps off at noon March 10 from Old World Third Street and Wisconsin Avenue. The procession features more than 140 units and includes local politicians and celebrities, floats, bagpipes and marching bands and Irish and Celtic organizations. The parade concludes at Water Street and Highland Avenue. For more information, visit www.saintpatricksparade.org.

Break out your favorite cosplay outfit for the Madison Comic Con March 11. The Milwaukee event was packed, so make sure to get to this one early. The event will host dozens of vendors, artists, creators, games, comics, toys and all things pop culture. Madison Comic Con will feature a Kids Masquerade Parade, where those 11 years or younger can show off their costumes in a noncompetitive environment. A teenage costume contest and adult costume contest will follow. Admission for children is free. All other tickets are $5 and can be purchased at mightyconshows.com. Madison Comic Con will be held at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center located at 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison. 

WMSE’s Annual Rockabilly Chili is warming up the city once again as it returns March 11 for its 16th year. More than 50 Milwaukee restaurants, cafes and caterers will compete for the title of the city’s best chili. Awards are given in five categories: best meat, best vegetarian, most unique chili, best heat and best vendor display/presentation. Engine companies will compete for Best Fire House chili, and chili peppers will race in the style of the Miller Park sausage races. The competition also features a performance by the Milwaukee surf-rock outfit The EXOTICS. Advance tickets are $12 and include four chili samples — additional chili sample tickets can be purchased for $1. Bring two or more nonperishable food items for donation to the Hunger Task Force and receive two additional sample tickets. The competition takes place at the MSOE Kern Center, 1245 N. Broadway, Milwaukee. Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com.

March 16 – 24

Theatre Gigante is presenting the U.S. premiere of Tarzan, written by award-winning Slovenian playwright Rok Vilcnik. Tarzan presents a familiar cast of characters in an unfamiliar situation. Vilcnik’s take on the classic tale features hyenas that speak with humans, an older Jane who can get pregnant and a Tarzan who is struggling to become Lord of the Jungle. The black comedy presents a new perspective on relationships and communication barriers through characters that have already been established. Tarzan will run March 16–24. Tickets are $15 for students, $20 for seniors and $25 for general admission and can be purchased at www.gigantetarzan.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800-838-3006. The show runs at the Kenilworth 508 Theatre, 1925 E. Kenilworth Place, Milwaukee. 

Lakefront Brewery is known for its hilarious and informative brewery tours, but now the craft brewery is offering a chance to take knowledge of beer beyond their popular tour. Starting March 20, “301: History of Beer” discusses the origin of beer and how it rose to be popular worldwide, as well as trends in craft brewing. The class is designed for novice beer drinkers and the most pretentious craft beer experts. Follow-up classes take place in April and May. Each class is $15 or $40 if students enroll in all three (discount only available prior to March’s class). Tickets can be purchased at www.etix.com. The classes begin at 6 p.m. 

Milwaukee Makers Market is the place to find locally made beer, jewelry, glass, clothing and more. The event is held the third Sunday of the month May to September in the Bay View Colectivo parking lot at 2301 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. MMM is partnering with Good City Brewing for the first time this year with an additional market at Good City Hall March 25, and again in October. Find that venue at 2108 N. Farwell Ave. The event is free. More information can be found at milwaukeemakersmarket.com.

Harley-Davidson is hosting its fifth annual Bikes & Brews Beer Sampling Festival March 24. The event is a fundraiser to benefit the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. General admission includes a commemorative pint glass and a food ticket for a brat and chips. Sample an assortment of more than 50 beers and hard ciders while enjoying live music from two bands. VIP packages include a T-shirt, VIP lanyard and early entry, as well as exclusive beer and food pairings. Bikes & Brews runs from 4–8 p.m. at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson, 1280 Blue Ribbon Drive, Oconomowoc. Tickets are $15 to $69 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.