Do you find yourself doing the same things over and over on your Friday and Saturday nights? Why not try something new? We live in Milwaukee, which is—believe it or not—one of the most active theatre communities in the country. Take advantage of all of the wonderful productions it has to offer. Take a date and share an exciting and different experience…make a night out of it: a lovely dinner followed by a moving performance. Or just go and laugh your head off by yourself, or, if you don’t like flying solo, with a friend or family member. All are destined to enjoy! And you never know…you might just leave forever changed…or simply wanting to come back again soon!
Sunset Playhouse
800 Elm Grove Road
Elm Grove, WI 53122
Although it’s outside of Milwaukee, this theatre is still a gem. When you walk in, you feel the charm of the place and receive a warm, friendly welcome. Not to mention an incredible performance to follow.
Beware, though: drive carefully and keep a careful eye out for the marker of the theatre because you can easily miss it.
Recommendations for this season:
February 23 – March 11, 2012
Greater Tuna is a side-splitting comedy chock full of hilarity…all of this done by only two actors, who may or may not play 20 characters.
Ticket Info:
The easiest and most accessible way to purchase tickets is online at their website: www.sunsetplayhouse.com
Bunny Gumbo
(Address varies by show)
Now, this is not your ordinary theatre. Bunny Gumbo, unlike other theater companies in the area, does not have a specific location or a specific season. What they are known and loved for is their different and impossible way of approaching the art of theatre: Combat Theatre.
Here is how it works: Writers pick a random subject and location out of a hat (literally) and have one all-nighter to write a 15 to 20 minute script. Then the actors and directors come in and are assigned to each of the (on estimate) eight scripts and have 24 hours to cast the show, memorize their lines, block the show, costume the show, tech the show, and finally perform the final product…what a whirlwind! It’s a challenge for those behind the scenes a joy for the audience. These shows are notorious for being delightfully, yet sometimes crudely funny.
Also enjoy the Combat Theatre’s high-school version. If the professionals can do it…wait till you see the teens!
Ticket Info: Buy at the door! Arrive at least 15 minutes before show time because seats fill up fast! Prices can be found at www.bunnygumbo.com
Skylight Opera Theatre
158 N. Broadway
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Don’t be turned off by the name. This is not THE opera; there are no people on stages singing in foreign languages in high pitched tones, totally leaving you in the dark. Skylight is known for their performances of the newest, up-and-coming productions and fantastically impressive cabarets.
Recommendations for this season:
March 9 – April 1, 2012
A WORLD PREMIERE production, Daddy Long Legs, is bound to stun audiences with its incredibly touching musical score and intimate cast of two.
Tip on buying tickets: You’re a student! Tell them you are a student (show your school ID) and you will receive $10 off your ticket.
Milwaukee Rep
108 East Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Cool Fact about The Rep: At any given point in time, there is a show running in each of its four theaters!
More theaters mean more productions, and more productions mean more opportunities for you to enjoy some high-quality entertainment.
This year’s season has a great deal to offer a high-school student, like you. The productions are fresh and relatable, ranging from the dysfunctional family story of the award-winning Broadway Musical, Next to Normal, to the literary classic, To Kill a Mocking Bird, to the outrageously hilarious, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).
Those listed above are bound to be hits this year. Don’t make the mistake of missing them!
To save you money on your tickets…don’t call the designated number for tickets or order online. It will save you $3 if you actually go to The Rep (a few weeks before you want to see the show) and purchase your tickets at the box office.
