art and entertainment - march 2008

Complete address of sites is listed with first mention. Area codes of phone numbers are 414 unless shown otherwise. Please confirm events when possible; listings are subject to change.

MUSIC

NOTE: At Potawatomi Bingo Casino, no one under 21 is allowed in the theater under any circumstances.

THE LION KING, through March 2; Milwaukee Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave. Disney’s spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor and the score by Elton John and Tim Rice. 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; 8 p.m. Fri.; 2 & 8 p.m. Sat.; 1 & 6:30 p.m. Sun. 273-7206, 276-4545.

AVENUE Q, through March 2; Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St. M&I Bank Broadway across America-Milwaukee presents the show featuring a cast of people and puppets who tell their story in a smart, risqué and entertaining way. Best suited for ages 16+ due to mature themes. 273-7206.

THE 5 BROWNS, March 1; The Pabst, 144 E. Wells St. 7:30 p.m. 286-3663.

MICHAEL BURKS, March 1; Cedarburg Cultural Center, W62 N546 Washington Ave., Cedarburg. Part of “Blues in the’ Burg.” 8 p.m. 262-375-3676.

RAIN – THE BEATLES EXPERIENCE, March 2; The Riverside, 116 W. Wisconsin Ave. 8 p.m. 286-3663.

BILLY JOEL, March 2; Bradley Center, 1001 N. Fourth St. 8 p.m. 276-4545.

LEAHY, March 2; Cedarburg Performing Arts Center, W68 N611 Evergreen Blvd. Cedarburg.7:30 p.m.  262-376-6161.

YOUNG DUBLINERS, March 4; Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 1721 W. Canal St. 8 p.m. 847-7400, 276-4545.

BARRY DODD, March 6; County Clare Irish Inn & Pub, 1234 N. Astor St. 10 p.m. 272-5273.

CHUBBY CHECKER AND THE WILDCATS, March 7; Potawatomi Bingo Casino. 9 p.m. 847-7400, 276-4545.

MSO CLASSICS: PRAYERS FROM THE HEART, March 7-9; Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in a classical concert program of Verdi’s Requiem. 273-7206.

TIM WHALEN QUINTET, March 8; Wilson Center for the Performing Arts, 19805 W. Capitol Dr. located inside Mitchell Park, Brookfield. Jazz pianist and composer. 8 p.m. 262-781-9520.

NEW YORK VOICES, March 9; Wilson Center for the Performing Arts. Grammy Award winning vocal ensemble.
7 p.m. 262-781-9520.

FESTIVAL CITY SYMPHONY, March 9; The Pabst. 3 p.m. 286-3663.

GERALYN LUCAS, March 12; Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St.  Part of Smart Talk women’s lecture series. 7:30 p.m. 273-7206.

TINKER, March 13; County Clare Irish Inn & Pub. 10 p.m. 272-5273,

CELEBRATE ST. PATTY’S DAY WITH THE IRISH TENORS, March 13; The Pabst. 8 p.m. 286-3663.

38 SPECIAL, March 13; Potawatomi Bingo Casino. 8 p.m. 847-7400, 276-4545.

BIXFEST - 19TH ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO BIX BEIDERBECKE, March 13-16; Racine Marriott, 7111 Washington Ave. (four miles east of I-94 on Hwy. 20) Tribute to the jazz great of the 1920s. Three bands (JazzO-Maniacs from Germany, Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys from California and Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers from Ohio) play 7-8 p.m. Friday, 7- Midnight Sat. and Noon-7 p.m. Sun. www.geocities.com/bixfest or 847-996-0246.

CATHIE RYAN, March 14; Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave. Described as “Quite simply, the best. She and her talented, versatile band give the definitive live Irish music performance.” Doors open at 6:45 p.m., opening act at 7 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. Part of the Hallamor Spring Concert  Series. 345-8800.

GAELIC STORM, March 14; The Pabst. 8 p.m. 286-3663.

BECKIE MENZIE & TOM MICHAEL – THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK, March 14-15; Wilson Center for the Performing Arts, Brookfield. 8 p.m. 262-781-9520.

MSO POPS with Randy Newman, March 14-16; Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.  Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. 273-7206.

SOUVENIR, March 14-30; Cabot Theatre, Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. The Skylight presents the funny and poignant story of the musical career of Florence Foster Jenkins, based on true events a This wealthy society eccentric of the 1930s and 40s suffered under the delusion that she was a great coloratura soprano and became tremendously popular for her complete lack of singing ability. 291-7800.

FIVE CARD STUDS, March 15; County Clare Irish Inn & Pub. 10 p.m. 272-5273.

IRISH EVE WITH LEAHY’S LUCK, March 15; Cedarburg  Cultural Center, W62 N546 Washington Ave., Cedarburg. 8 p.m. 262-375-3676.

BACH CHAMBER CHOIR, March 16; Basilica of St. Josaphat, 2333 S. Sixth St. Paschal Lessons and Carols by Bach, Billings, Gibbons, Handel and others. 3:30 p.m. 319-9816.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, March 17; Bradley Center. 7:30 p.m. 276-4545.

BARRY DODD, March 20; County Clare Irish Inn & Pub. 10 p.m. 272-5273.

STEPHEN MALKMUS & THE JICKS, March 20; The Pabst. 8 p.m. 286-3663.

CHRIS POTTER, March 22; The Pabst. 8 p.m. Part of Hal Leonard Jazz Series. 286-3663.

KATHLEEN BATTLE, March 25; The Pabst. 7:30 p.m. 286-3663.

BALLAD OF JOSEF K, March 27-30; Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theater present this story adapted from Franz Kafka’s “The Trial.” 7:30 p.m. 273-7206.

AVALON FOUR, March 28; County Clare Irish Inn & Pub. 10 p.m.

MSO CLASSICS: AROUSAL, GRACE & MELODY, March 28-29; Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in a classical concert.

TITO PUENTE, JR. ORCHESTRA, March 29; Wilson Center for the Performing Arts. 8 p.m. 262-781-9520.

DANCE

FAMILY IRISH DANCNG, March 7, 15; Irish Cultural & Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave. Beginner instruction begins at 7:30 p.m. and continues through the evening, live music begins at 8 p.m. 345-8800.

COMEDY

COMEDY SPORTZ, 420 S. 1st St. Milwaukee’s longest running improv comedy show is designed for all ages. Based on audience suggestions. Thursday, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 pm., 10 p.m. Free Amateur Stand Up, only ages 18+ admitted; Saturday, 3, 7:30 & 10 p.m. Reservations rec. 272-8888.

BONKERZ COMEDY NIGHT, Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 1721 W. Canal St.  Saturday nights, FREE. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. 3/1 (Glen Gerard), 3/8 & 3/15 (The Tennessee Tramp), 3/22 & 3/29 (Daryl Rhoades). 847-7400. $5 or free to Fire Keeper’s Club members (free membership).

ST. PAT’S SHOW WITH JOHN MCGIVERN, March 17; Irish Cultural and Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave. Show opens at 7 p.m. with Irish dancers, then McGivern’s special one-hour, family-oriented performance. Also, traditional Irish dinner from 4-7 p.m., paid reservations required by March 14. 345-8800.

“UN” CULTURAL NIGHT WITH PAT MCCURDY, March 29; Cedarburg Cultural Center, W62 N546 Washington Ave., Cedarburg. Adult comedy. 8 p.m. 262-375-3676.

THEATER

GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, through March 2; Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, Milwaukee Theater Center, 108. E. Wells St. Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents David Mamet’s harrowing portrait of American capitalism at its most brazen. 224-9490.

FAITH HEALER, through March 2; Next Act Theatre, 342 N. Water St., 2nd floor. Dissolute, charismatic Frank, who has trudged the back roads of Scotland and Wales peddling miracles, along with his long-time lover and their show-biz manager, returns to Ireland. 278-0765.

GRAFTON CITY BLUES, through March 9; Stackner Cabaret, Milwaukee Theater Center, 108 E. Wells St. Milwaukee Repertory Theater shows how in Grafton, Wis., preceding the time of the Great Depression there was a small recording studio where the Paramount Records label recorded greats like Louis Armstrong, Blind Lemon Jefferson and Lawrence Welk as they played folk, gospel and blues music. 224-9490.

ENCHANTED APRIL, through March 8; Stiemke Theater, Milwaukee Theater Center, 108 E.Wells St. Rose and Lotty leave rain-soaked London for an Italian villa above the Mediterranean. 224-9490.

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, through March 9;  Studio Theatre, Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. Milwaukee Chamber Theatre production based on Dostoyevsky’s novel, an exploration of murder, motive and the darkest aspects of a human psyche. 291-7800.

BLESSED ASSURANCE, through March 9; Todd Wehr Auditorium, Concordia University, 12800 N. Lake Shore Dr., Mequon. Acacia Theatre Company presents a play about race relations set during the turbulent Freedom Summer of 1964. 744-5995

CHILDREN’S SLEEPING BEAUTY, through March 22; Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. First Stage Children’s Theater presents a bolder, funnier retelling of the classic tale. Most appreciated by adults, teens and young people ages 6 and older.

THE NIGHT IS A CHILD, March 12-April 13; Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, Milwaukee Theater Center. Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents story of Harriet, a mother who lost her son in a horrific act of violence and ran away from home to find respite and courage in her “dreamland,” Brazil. Mixed with fantasy and realism, and fueled by the lilting sounds of Brazilian Sergio Mendez, this new drama takes us on a journey of discovery, forgiveness and understanding in the land of the samba. 224-9490.

HULA HOOP SHA-BOOP, March 14-May 25; Stackner Cabaret, Milwaukee Theater Center. Audiences shake, rattle and roll with this show, featuring over a decade of favorites. A fun-loving, sock-hopping blast from the past presented by Milwaukee Repertory Theater. 224-9490.

ENDGAME, March 21-April 20; Stiemke Theater, Milwaukee Theater Center, Within the death of one thing is the birth of another. Samuel Beckett’s post-modern theatrical masterpiece takes a biting look at the end (and beginning?) of the world through the eyes of Hamm and Clov and reminds us that life is forever cyclical.108 E.Wells St. 224-9490.

MASS APPEAL, March 27-April 13; Tenth Street Theatre, 628 N. Tenth. St. In Tandem Theatre presents the story of how Ideology and personality collide between an older priest who accommodates to survive and a young seminarian who attacks to force salvation. This updated and revised version of the play that took Broadway by storm twenty-five years ago, reignites the incendiary topics that reverberate within the walls of organized religion today. 271-1371.

EXHIBITS

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS ANNUAL TRAIN SHOW, through March 9; Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes); 524 S. Layton Blvd., enter parking lot from S. 27th St., between I-94 West and National Ave. 649-9830.

EARTH, WATER, SKY: WISCONSIN’S SPECIAL PLACES, through March 9; Charles Allis Art Museum, 1801 N. Prospect Ave. Midwestern professional and novice photographers depict scenes showing the state’s natural beauty. 278-8295.

THIS LAND IS MY LAND, through March 22; Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Frederick Layton Gallery, 273 E. Erie St. Shared notions of today’s cultural and social communities to the voices of “the other.” 847-3200.

SEEDS, SPORES, CELLS: WORKS BY SALLY KUZMA, through March 23; Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, 2220 N. Terrace Ave. 271-3656.

THE POWERFUL HAND OF GEORGE BELLOWS, through March 23; Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Dr. Drawings from the Boston Public Library. 224-3200.

WILLIAM HOGARTH: BRITISH SATIRICAL PRINTS, through March 23; Haggerty Museum of Art, Marquette University campus, N. 13th St. and W. Clybourn Ave. Hogarth (1697-1764) was a painter, printmaker (engraver), pictorial satirist and illustrator. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs., noon-5 p.m. Sun. 288-1669.

DIALOGUES AND DIAGRAMS…IN SEARCH OF A PATH, through March 28; Latino Arts Inc. Gallery, 1028 S. 9th St. Annelisse Molini, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee alum and architect examines churches in her native island of Puerto Rico. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Fri. 384-3100.

THE GRANDEUR OF GOD, through April 13; Haggerty Museum of Art, Marquette University. Photographs by Don Doll, S.J., include Native  American images, panoramas along the Lewis and Clark Trail, Jesuits assitsting refugees, landmine victims and Tsunami survivors. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs., noon-5 p.m. Sun. 288-1669.

PHYSICIANS, QUACKS AND ALCHEMISTS, through April 14; Grohmann Museum at Milwaukee School of Engineering, 1000 N. Broadway. 17th-century paintings of a time when you would be better off living with a mysterious ache than visiting the local physician. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri, noon-6 p.m. Sat, 1-4 p.m. Sun. .414-277-7501.

BODY WORLDS, through June 1; Milwaukee Public Museum, corner of 7th St. (James Lovell) and W. Wells St. Groundbreaking exhibit exploring the mystery of human anatomy and physiology. Timed entrance. Call 414-223-4676.

CURIOUS GEORGE™, LET’S GET CURIOUS! through June 1; Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Sponsored locally by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, exhibit introduces children to Curious George’s world where they will find an interactive math, science and engineering-based adventure. 390-KIDS.

A PASSION FOR THE EXOTIC, through June 8; Pabst Mansion, 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave. Exhibit explores how wealthy citizens of the 1890s, including the Pabst family, traveled extensively to Japan, China, Asia and the Mediterranean region. Explore how these new cultures had far reaching impacts with the mass importation of Eastern art, décor, dress, food and literature into Western society. 931-0808.

MILWAUKEE OUTDOORS: A CENTURY OF THE COUNTY PARKS SYSTEM, through June 15; Milwaukee County Historical Society, 910 Old World 3rd St. 273-8288.

URBAN WILDERNESS: EXPERIENCING NATURE IN THE MILWAUKEE METROPOLITAN REGION, through June 15; Milwaukee County Historical Society. 273-8288.

MESSENGER OF FRIENDSHIP: THE ADVENTURES OF KASUMI TSUKUBA, through June 25; Milwaukee Public Museum. Learn about one of the 44 Japanese friendship dolls still in existence. 278-2728.

NUMISMATICS! SELECTIONS FROM THE MPM COLLECTION, through Aug. 7; Milwaukee Public Museum. Nearly 200 rare specimens. Most items date from the 1800s, although a few reach back 2,500 years. 278-2728.

SENSORY OVERLOAD, through Oct. 2009; Milwaukee Art Museum. Light, motion, sound and the optical in art since 1945 tracks two populist visual art movements, Kinetic and Op-art, and their spectacular legacies. 224-4300.

A SURVEY: DRAWINGS & PAINTINGS BY JOHN WICKENBERG, March 19–May 18; Charles Allis Art Museum. Wickenberg’s inspiration comes from natural objects and his respect for the fragility of nature comes across in his still-lifes and landscapes. 278-8295.

IMAX, PLANETARIUM

The Humphrey IMAX Dome Theater is in the Museum Center, 800 W. Wisconsin Ave. It doubles as the Daniel M. Soref Planetarium. Visit www.mpm.edu for times.

Current IMAX shows:

THE ALPS, through March 20, celebrates the unsurpassed beauty of the Alps.

THE HUMAN BODY, through June 12; Draws on sophisticated graphics to provide a dramatic picture of the human body.

GRAND CANYON ADVENTURE, March 21-Sept. 4; An exhilarating river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River, with one big problem–no water remains for the river's end, the Colorado Delta.

Current DANIEL M. SOREF PLANETARIUM shows:

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE SOLAR SYSTEM, through March 20, a planetarium show that shows the planets shrunk by a young girl for her solar system.

SECRETS OF THE ZODIAC, through June 12; a look at the celestial system and why it has been so instrumental to humans.

ROCK HALL OF FAME, through Sept. 4, light show plus the music of the Doors, Creedence Clearwater Revival and more.

CSI: COSMIC, March 21-Sept. 4; look for life in the extreme conditions here on Earth, then journey through the Solar System to investigate neighboring planets for hospitable conditions.