The Milwaukee Post

By JULIE MCHALE Post Theater Critic "Welcome to Bronzeville," written and directed by local play- wright Sheri Williams Pannell with the assis- tance of John Tanner, is the first play in a series called The Wisconsin Cycle, highlighting Milwaukee's history and ethnic diversity. Pannell researched Bronzeville's history by interviewing some elders who remembered its gold- en age, when there were good jobs available in the many factories and brew- eries. Although there was segregation, this neigh- borhood was a tight, self- sufficient community, known for its many busi- ness, its churches, its own bank, its recreation cen- ters and its nightclubs, where some of the greats performed, including Billie Holiday, who was a character in this lovely, sweet play. This earlier, more pro- ductive, harmonious peri- od in Milwaukee's black history (1949-'68) was torn apart with the construc- tion of Interstate 43, which encouraged the growth of suburbs and the de-industrialization of the city. Its north-south boundaries were Walnut Street and Juneau Avenue and its east-west limits were 3rd and 12th streets. This story takes place largely in the household of a local deacon, his wife and their two children. They were loving, hard- working parents, who expected high standards of behavior from their off- spring, especially of their older child, Mike, Jr. Because Mike Sr. worked long hours at the factory By JULIE MCHALE Post Theater Critic Come cold, come wind, come snow, the shows must go on, and indeed they will. Bundle up and take a chance on one. ■ Through Feb. 4 — Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove ventures into the past for the 1936 comedy "You Can't Take it With You," which is about a wacky fam- ily that manages to still func- tion, despite its mix of bizarre characters. Still funny, still popular. (262-782- 4430.) ■ Through Feb. 5 — First Stage Children's Theatre's "Welcome to Bronzeville" is on tap as part of a series of original Wisconsin plays. Set in Milwaukee in 1957, it chronicles a young boy's journey into the world of jazz and blues, though his father expects him to become a deacon and follow in his footsteps. (414-267- 2978.) ■ Through Feb. 26 — The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson opens its win- ter season with its produc- tion of the popular "Mamma Mia!" featuring the music of ABBA in a story of a mother, a daughter and three possi- ble dads and an unforget- table wedding. (608-477-9505.) ■ Friday through Feb. 12 — The Milwaukee Rep brings in the new year with "Disgraced," a serious drama by a local playwright, Ayad Akhtar, whose work last appeared at the Stiemke Studio last fall in his clutch- ing "Invisible Hand." "Disgraced" won a Pulitzer Prize. It features a mix of political and religious points of view shared with passion between two highly educat- ed, very successful couples. (414-224-9490.) ■ Friday through Feb. 12) — The Renaissance Theaterworks presents "Luna Gale," a serious drama about the placement of an infant by a social work- er who is torn among risky options. It highlights the tor- ments experienced by over- worked social workers and the difficult decisions they must make to try to ensure the safety of the most vul- nerable among us. (414-291- 7800.) ■ Friday through March 19 — Al McGuire, a local leg- end as basketball coach at Marquette University, is brought back to life in a one- man show via Anthony Crivello. Being one of the most colorful coaches of all time, "McGuire" is sure to entertain. It reminds me of the very popular Milwaukee Rep show that unearthed Vince Lombardi several years ago. (414-224-9490.) ■ Jan. 27 through Feb. 12 — The Lake Country Players in Hartland are out to amuse and inform us about the tricky subject of dating in "Blind Dating at Happy Hour." We've all walked through the maze of trying to find the right per- son and the obstacles that await us in that process. Many facets of relationships are explored here. (262-367- 4697.) ■ Feb. 2 through Feb. 12 — The Patio Players in Menomonee Falls resurrects a comedy favorite — "Enchanted April" — in which four bored older British women decide to take a vacation in Italy to revive their rather listless spirits and bland lives. (262- 255-8372.) ■ Feb. 2 through Feb. 26 — Next Act, always provoca- tive in its offerings, brings us "The Other Place," an emotional mystery-drama involving a clinical researcher, a thriller that will keep us baffled until its conclusion. (414-278-0765.) ■ Feb. 3 through Feb. 19 — The Waukesha Civic Theatre revives a Noel Coward classic, "Blithe Spirit," involving a séance that evokes a rather unex- pected response. Witty and fun in a very British way. (262-547-0708.) ■ Feb. 3 through Feb. 19 — The Skylight Music Theatre continues to offer its usual musical fare to bring us a series of funny and insightful vignettes a la the clever playwright Joe Dipietro's "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," a piece that will appeal to all those who have taken on the challenge of trying to merge successfully with another human being in a fulfilling relationship. (414-291-7800.) ■ Feb. 14 through Feb. 19 — The next Broadway touring company offering at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is an unusual one — "The Illusionists," a celebration of magic and illusion. It's a big hit on Broadway and around the world. Be prepared to be dazzled and amazed. (414- 273-7206.) ■ Feb. 17 through March 3 — The First Stage Children's Theatre brings us "Robin Hood," a new look at an old story that never palls in its appeal to young and old alike. It's geared for chil- dren from 7 to 16. (414-267- 2978) ■ Feb. 17 through March 4 — Windfall Theatre, which performs in the intimate setting of the Village Church, 130 E. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee, has "Metromaniacs" on its dock- et. Set in the 1700s, it involves a search for a mys- terious unknown poet whose works and identity are driv- ing readers crazy. (414-332- 3963.) ■ Feb. 22 through March 19 — The Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio will be the runway for "Grounded," an engrossing look at a female pilot's balancing act between being a new mom and a combatant fighting terrorists with drones. (414- 224-9490.) ■ Feb. 22 through March 19 — The Milwaukee Chamber Theatre continues its season with plays about misfits with "The Few," a story about a lonely man who returns to his small hometown in Idaho to look for solace and connection. (414-291-7800.) ■ Feb.22 through March 19 — In Tandem Theatre presents Pulitzer Prize-win- ning playwright Donald Marguilies' "Time Stands Still." It's about a photojour- nalist who has been injured in a war-torn country and returns home to recuperate, only to find more challenges in her relationships. (414- 271-1371.) January 20, 2017 • Milwaukee County Post • 15 Submitted photo Adult actors Samantha D. Montgomery (Irene), Malkia Stampley (Billie Holiday) and Gavin Lawrence (Michael Sr.) and cast perform in First Stage's "Welcome to Bronzeville." Michael Brosilow Featuring Janie Brookshire, Maboud Ebrahimzadeh, Austene Van and Jason Babinsky, the Milwaukee Rep presents "Disgraced" in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater through Feb. 12. See SERIES on Page 16 ENTERTAINMENT 'Bronzeville' welcomes Wisconsin series, era of ethnic communities Anticipating a winter at play "Welcome to Bronzeville" The play runs through Feb. 5 at the Todd Wehr Theater in the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee. Call 414-273- 7206 or visit www.FirstStage.org. At a glance

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