Paint The Town

Milwaukee Repertory Theatre

Okay – It’s already hump day, people and we are gearing up for Halloween weekend, but I still have to finish recovering from the last one . . . Sunday my mom and I went to the Milwaukee Repertory Theater (108 E. Wells St.) to see their production of Sarah Ruhl’s play, The Clean House. It was unbelievable.  I guess I’ve seen some really solid dramatic pieces recently, but this seemed to blow them out of the water.  Maybe because Laura Gordon was in it and I really can’t hate anything she does, but man did she shine in her performance of a brilliantly successful doctor who has everything and then . . . sounds predicable?  Not in the least.  Another actor whom I enjoy seeing is Elizabeth Ledo, who played the Brazilian maid who despised cleaning.  Her Portuguese was great.  Even though she kind of plays the same characters – loved her in Martin McDonaugh’s The Cripple of Inishmaan and The Lonesome West, but then again, his plays feature similar characters as well.  Either way, the set design and scene changes were entertaining in themselves, showing witty subtitles for the plot action and characters at different moments throughout the play.  I was openly weeping before the end of the first act, which made for an awkward intermission – sniffle, sniffle.  But it’s not a downer – it beautifully blends comedy with real-life situations, which can be serious and funny – often at the same time.  I HIGHLY recommend seeing this show, for what it’s worth . . .    

Saturday Stuff . . .

Saturday, my 6-year old niece, Hannah, and I went to see First Stage Children’s Theater’s production of The Shakespeare Stealer at the Todd Wehr Theater (929 N. Water St.).  As we were literally running to get to the show on time, I asked her, “So, do you know who Shakespeare is?” and she replied, “No,” as most six year olds would.  Uh-oh – well, I tried to give her a thumbnail sketch as we rushed in and collapsed in our seats.  The show was wonderful.  I really enjoyed it and so did she – or at least she said she did.  The acting was superb and it was a nice introduction to Shakespeare for kids.

After grabbing a bite at the amazing buffet at China Gourmet (330 E. Kilbourn Ave.), I dropped her off at my mom's and headed over to Lulu’s (2265 N. Howell St.) to meet my friend Karrie.  After a brief pre-concert cocktail, we flew over to Alverno’s Pittman Theater (3400 S. 43 St. ) to catch Emeline Michel.  We were a few minutes late and were quietly ushered to our seats.  Emeline was unlike any performer I have seen before.  Haitian rhythms blend with African beats and she sings in both French and Kreyol, Haiti’s indigenous language.  This woman is amazing, mesmerizing with her wide white smile and hips that swayed in time to the music, which ranged from soulful laments for dead Haitian men to wild “jump-up-and-dance” numbers.  And she did just that – invited people to come up and play the drums and dance.  A few brave souls ventured onstage, but for the most part, the older suburban audience sat facing forward in their seats, staring straight ahead as this woman poured out her soul.  Alverno books a lot of really great acts, but I have to be honest and say that I’m not thrilled with the Pittman.  The acoustics aren’t that great and it really doesn’t lend itself to very much interaction with the featured artist or those around you.  I would have enjoyed the performance much more if it were more of a general admission format, with room to dance, chat and grab a beverage, but that’s just me.  After waiting in line in a bathroom that reminded me of my Catholic school days – shudder – we decided to bail.  Not because of the quality of the act, but I just didn’t think I could sit another hour amongst the zombie-like viewers.  Nevertheless, David Ravel, Director of the "Alverno Presents" series, alerted me to the fact that Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reviewer Elaine Schmidt wrote that "the Haitian singer, known as the Queen of Haitian Song, had an Alverno College Pitman Theatre audience on its feet Saturday evening, bobbing, swaying and clapping to the music."  Huh.  Maybe after Karrie and I left, the audience turned to each other and said, "Good, they're gone - let's dance!"  Who knows? 

Anyway, we decided to hit the Palm Tavern ( 2989 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) – I don’t think I realized what an AMAZING selection of EVERYTHING they have there.  The bartender presented us with a binder – chock full of whatever in the world you may desire.  Unbelievable.  I hadn’t even heard of half of the beers on tap, which isn’t saying much, but still.  And the ambience beats the heck out of Von Triers – no drunken underage college students here.  Relaxed, laid back – Karrie liked the music – old school soul stuff.  It was nice.  Needless to say, I slept well that night.    

Milwaukee Ballet

Lemme catch mah breath – whew!  What a weekend – Friday was Gallery Night and, unfortunately, I was booked and didn't get to go to any galleries at all.  What kind of arts blogger am I?  (don't answer that) Instead, however, I went to Milwaukee Ballet’s production of Dracula at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts (929 N. Water St).  Man-oh-man – unbelievable.  Amazing.  Spectacular.  Superb.  Stop reading this right now and pick up the phone to get tickets NOW!!! My mom had Milwaukee Ballet season tickets for years, so growing up, we went to several productions a year and, to be honest, the novelty wore off fairly quickly.  If I see Swan Lake one more time, I’m going to set myself on fire.  This production, however, was unreal.  Half theater, half ballet macabre.  My god.  Now I know I have a thing for Dracula.  Aussie Douglas McCubbin made the master of the undead as sexy as they come, winding his way down the staircase, flourishing his 20-lb.cape like a matador – dreamy.  Hanging, bat-like, from the balcony, slithering and disappearing into the fog.  The dance of the undead after they consumed the body of Renfield the madman – exquisitely performed by Czech-born Petr Zahradnicek – with his blood dripping down their faces was better than any “Thriller” video.  The sound effects – trains, Romanian chants, screeching violins – creepy doesn’t even cover it.  They even had Dracula nutcrackers for sale in the lobby during intermission! 

After the 2 ½ hr. performance, however, I was ready to do some dancing myself, so I met my friends Molly, Renee and Jessica and their friends Harvey, Damon (who took all the marvelous photos) and his wife at the Mad Planet (533 E. Center St.) – my favorite dance club in Milwaukee.  Every Friday they have “Retro Dance Party” night – cheap drinks and ho-ho’s for 50¢ - you can’t beat it.  Where else can you scream, “If there’s a god, they’ll play ‘Tenderness’!!!”  at the top of your lungs? (which they didn’t, which proves my theory)  The Mad Planet also has a couple really cool shows coming up in November, which I’ll keep you posted on.

  Sweaty and exhausted, I left after last call, made my way to my car in the guarded parking lot – nice – and headed back to good ol’ Bay View.

   

Movie Time at Charles Allis Art Museum

So then yesterday I met my long-lost Divine Savior Holy Angels (don’t ask) high school classmate friend Jenna at the Charles Allis Art Museum (1801 N. Prospect Ave.) for their “Movie Time” series, featuring Dracula.

Eva Berry, their marketing manager, gave us a brief tour of the museum beforehand.  Stunning.  Milwaukee’s own Ten Chimneys – well, maybe not that extensive (we’d still be there), but lovely. They also have a wonderful exhibition up right now – Forward: A Survey of WI Art Now 2005.  It is their first juried show and features a great variety of artists, styles, media and subjects, including Hairy’s Hair Bar window displays, the construction of the Calatrava wing at MAM and the destruction of the freeway.  I really enjoyed it – check it out on Gallery Night if you can (free food!).

A Milwaukee Ballet representative talked for a while about their upcoming production of Dracula.   It sounds really cool and I’m looking forward to seeing it this Friday.  Buckets of Blood meets The Nutcracker.  It sounds more like a film than a dance performance.  The entire first act, for example, will be like a black-and-white movie, and I guess the sound effects are pretty scary – ooh!  Can’t wait. 

Dale Kuntz gave a talk about the history of Universal Studios, who produced the film in 1931, and dropped some juicy tidbits about Bela.  Sipping my complementary soda and munching some popcorn (donations welcome), I was able to enjoy the film once again.  Haven’t seen it for years, but man, there’s something about Bela – maybe it’s the cape?  Either way, although Jenna thought it somewhat tedious, I am glad we finally got a chance to get together, see the museum, the “Forward” exhibition and watch Dracula.  Definitely getting psyched for Halloween – bring it on . . .   

Merle Haggard

Thursday – what?!  Overcast day, recalling the events that have made the time literally fly this week.  Tuesday,  my friend Kevin and I hit “The Hag” at the Pabst Theater (144 E. Wells St.).  Couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see one of the last remaining vestiges of “real” country music left, now could I?  So I strapped on my “rootin’ tootin’” boots and, after a fruitless search for a parking space amongst the nationalist – I mean patriotic – bumper-stickered army of SUV’s that crowded the downtown streets, I broke down and paid $3.00 for the last remaining parking space in the M&I lot down the street.  (I know, Chicago readers are probably throwing things at their screens, so I’ll stop whining).  I elbowed my way through a line of 10-gallon hatters lined up outside his tour bus, waiting to catch a glimpse of the legend.

After securing our $3.00 PBR Tall Boys – I just never get sick of those for some reason – we settled in for the opening act, Robbie Fulks.  After the “new country” performer broke out into "She Took a lot of Pills and Died," I couldn’t help but wonder, “Who is this guy?”  Steve Albini produced some of his songs, so he can’t be all that bad, right? 

Fulks was followed by a brief prelude by Haggard’s band, whose fiddler seriously looks like Lawrence Welk – not kidding.  “The Hag” is so old school and bad ass – once when he was asked what he was going to play at a particular show, he gave the hapless interviewer a Dennis Hopper-type response, “Set list?!  I haven’t had a f-ing set list since ’69, man.”  He’s so easy-going and laid-back – and he plays the fiddle too!  I never knew that!!  So he had a fiddle-down with Lawrence at a few points during the show, which were pretty cool.  I must note, however, that he played the shortest set I have ever seen.  Maybe he was tired, but it was over before we knew it – and not because we were having fun – for which we were repeatedly chastised by the white-haired ladies in front of us.   No encores for Merle – when it’s over – it’s over. 

Again, it was great to see him and his old school “these colors don’t run” country fans at the Pabst – a combination you would probably not normally see.  Afterwards, Kevin and I met up at Jamos (1800 E. Arlington St.), which turned out to be fantastic!  Paneled walls, crazy vintage colored lamps and a cat at the bar!  The bartender was playing The The and Radiohead, two of my favorite bands!!!! Fabulous!  I will definitely be back there again sometime soon.   

Stuporbowl Party 2005

  Monday’s here – scattered showers greeted me as I was driving Susan to O’Hare this morning – Coach USA next time for sure . . . anyway, we had a great time on Sunday – met my friend Gail at Beans and Barley (1901 E. North Ave.) for brunch.  Susan was ecstatic – so many vegan options, so little time!!! 

Then we headed into Bay View for the Stuperbowl Party 2005 at Bay View Bowl (2416 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.).  We had the BEST time!! Our teammates, John and Doug were much more bowling savvy, but after a pitcher of beer, who cares?!  I got to wear these sweet neon bowling shoes for two hours and listen to Prince on the jukebox.  Our neighboring teammate, Peanut, was an ex-cheerleader, so she cheered us all along, even though we still sucked.  The Gutter Grrls were prowling around putting hats, wigs and feather boas on people, asking them to be videotaped airing their “dirty laundry” and posing for romance novel covers.  I love these women . . .

After a couple games, (Susan got two strikes!!!), we went to Broad Vocabulary (2241 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) to hear Damali Ayo read from her latest book, How to Rent A Negro. An interesting dialogue regarding the future of race relations emerged afterwards, and Susan got her book signed to boot!  Broad Vocabulary is really a great place to go for readings, meetings, discussions, etc. – they have a wonderful selection of books in general and a killer assortment of activist bumper stickers. 

Then we walked over to Lulu (2265 S. Howell Ave.) for the post-Stuperbowl Party, with the Brew Haus Polka Kings, featuring Art Kumbalek on sax.  They had some GREAT pierogi and their fan-freakin'-tastic Asian slaw that I could eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Yum!  Even though Susan was holding fast to her “I don’t dance in public” rule, she managed to win the prize for the lowest score (45)!!!  I also won a prize for my "very Jerry" dirty laundry (more juicy details available . . .) – wow!!  I’ve never won anything in my life, so this was very cool!!!

After we finished our Sprechers, we went to my local video store, Bucky’s Super Video (1601 E. Oklahoma Ave.), which has a great selection of movies by the way, and rented Shaun of the Dead, Susan’s newest fave film.  If you loved Evil Dead, then you’ll really enjoy this Brit rip-off flick. 

Then we went over to the Tastes Like Chicken house for dinner.  Marla served up a tasty vegan stew for Susan and set out a huge hunk of meat for the omnivores to divvy up amongst themselves.  Afterwards, we hung out around the fire pit and . . . well whatever people do when they burn things and drink.  It  was really fun to hang out with those guys –     Dorri   from MSE was there too, so I got to gush all over her again – “omigod, I love your show, like you are like the coolest . . .”

Susan and I dragged our sorry selves back to Bay View – stopped at the Palamino (2491 S. Superior St.) one last time just to gaze at the menu, if nothing else.  We sipped our pints of Riverwest Stein and reflected fondly on our wonderful time together in the city of beer, brats and bowling – what else do you need?  In the words of the Polka Kings, “Nothing.” 

Sho nuff.      

Saturday Part II

After wandering around the Eisner Museum (208 N. Water St.), Susan had worked up an appetite, so we went over to Pedrano’s (600 S. 6th St.), where I have been going since high school.  She enjoyed a vegan burrito as we sat in the plate-glass windowed dining room with the setting sun burning our backs (and our eyes – squint!)

Then we headed over to Rushmor Records (2660 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) - Milwaukee’s finest record store, in my opinion - to visit my friend Dan for a while.  Stopped in Luv-Unlimited (2649 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) and Sage brought out this gorgeous beaded smoking jacket he just got in that morning.  $20 later, I emerged – glam queen of Bay View – score!  We drove across the Hoan to meet my friend Susan at County Clare (1234 N. Astor) for a beer – the meeting of the Susans went smoothly and the pints went down well. 

But we were far from our evening’s end – made our way to the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre (108 E. Wells St.) for their production of Sonja Linden’s I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me By A Young Lady From Rwanda.  Turns out we were an hour early for the show, so I took Susan over to the Safe House (779 North Front St) - c’mon – everybody’s gotta do it at least once.  For those of you not in the know, the Safe House is Milwaukee’s spy-themed bar that is a virtual labyrinth of rooms, gadgets, phone booths, you name it.  You also need to know the password to get in, otherwise Ms. Moneypenny at the door will make you do embarassing things (to the amusement of the rest of the bar patrons, who can watch you humiliate yourself on TV screens scattered throughout the place).  We sucked down a Spy’s Demise (tastes like Kool-Aid, but don’t be fooled) – got to keep the glasses! – and went back for the show. 

The Steimke Theater is a great venue to see a play because it is smaller, but the artistic standards are not lower by any means.  Lee E. Ernst is one of my favorite Milwaukee actors, but his co-star Lanise Antoine Shelley really stole the show. A stunning performance that was rewarded with a standing ovation.  This was Laura Gordon’s (another favorite Milwaukee actor) directorial debut, which I feel was an overwhelming success.  Poor Susan was in tears and I felt bad to end the evening on such a down-note.

SO, I took her over to the Midnight Delerium Preview Party at the Todd Wehr Conference Center (1047 N. Broadway).  Unfortunately, it was sparsely populated and the films were being shown on half a screen behind the bands’ equipment.  After watching a couple strange shorts, the Monitors played a set.  Eh – generic basement punk-noise coming out of a guy that looks like he hasn’ t hit puberty yet, but cut quite the figure in pink go-go boots, green tights and black lycra short shorts.  The keyboardist’s helmet was pretty cool too, I must say. 

Nevertheless, it was worth enduring just to see All The Pretty Horses.  WOW.  WOW.  I’ve never seen anything like it before in my life.  Wow.  A transgender glam-rock band whose lead singer has a voice like Dokken (in a good way) and an ass you could balance a tray on.  The bassist was decked out in a black latex catsuit and wore heels that added what seemed to be another foot to his/her towering frame.  They had a couple punk girl dancers, who even broke out into a “grinder girl" routine towards the end.  You MUST check them out. 

At the end of their seemingly endless set, WMSE Station Manager Tom Crawford gave us a couple comp tix for upcoming MIFF films as we staggered out the door to make our way home in the wee hours.  Exhausted, but well worth it.  Not too exhausted, however, to make a pit stop at Palomino Bar (2491 S. Superior St), located within stumbling distance of my Bay View abode.  Susan has fond memories of their Bells ales and vegan-friendly menu.  Too late for dining (although they do serve until 11 or so, I think), but enjoyed a cerveza fria before heading home. 

Saturday Part I

Sunday – whew!  What a whirlwind day yesterday, and we didn’t even really put a dent in our proposed list of things to do . . . First we headed over to Lulu’s (2261 and 2265 S. Howell Ave.) to sign ourselves up for their Stuperbowl Party 2005 with the Gutter Grrls . . . our team will be named The Blue Hens (ask me why!).  This should be really fun – the Gutter Grrls are infamous for taking pictures of people about town – and letting people take pix of themselves too! – in various themed scenarios, costumes, etc. and then Photoshopping them for hilarious outcomes all around . . . I love them and think this will definitely be a good time. 

Then we went to Broad Vocabulary, (2241 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) who will be featuring conceptual artist Damali Ayo at 2 p.m. today, reading from her most recent work, How to Rent a Negro.  We also chatted up the cute cashier boy who turned us on to this site FUH2.com which features people expressing their feelings towards Hummers – hilarious!  Susan and I added our own contribution later that day in the Third Ward – ha! (photo available upon request) 

Then we made our way over the William F. Eisner Museum of Advertising and Design – finally!  I’ve been living in this town for how long and never got my sorry ass over there . . . better late than never I suppose.  At the same time, we happened upon their “ArtScape: A Third Ward Sculpture Walk,” , which was a nice surprise.  John R. Klatt’s bell tower chimed softly in the unseasonably warm October breeze as we walked over to the museum, stopping at the Hummer to do our part for the cause (ask me for more info!). 

The Eisner was showing a great collection of flyers from shows in Milwaukee dating back to the early ’80’s at venues such as   The Palms and Odd Rock Café (formerly Café Voltaire), featuring local legends such as Compound Red, Die Kreutzen, Feck, Wanda Chrome and the Leather Pharoahs, Those X-Cleavers, among others.  It was a great trip down memory lane to say the least.

Their other exhibits were also very interesting.  “Advertising Comes of Age” – horrifying propaganda techniques being used to compel American citizens to do their duty for their country and buy buy buy – sound familiar?  Anyway, the “Profiles” exhibit was equally chilling as they showed us how advertisers profile various demographics and tailor their messages to compel them to consume . . . chilling.  “Right Here in the USA,” however, was beautiful, showcasing the work of photographers and illustrators such as Tomer Hanuka, Red Nose Studio and Brad Yeo.  Really cool.

Anyway, I haven’t even covered half the day yet, and we are off again for another adventure here in Mil-town.  I’ll post you with part II soon.

Ciao for now.

Saturday eventsssss

Caught the train to CHI last night and sat next to a woman who was raving about Milwaukee to her friend on the phone, “The city is so lovely and pretty . . . it looks so clean and bright, compared to New York City.” Huh. Anyway, met up with Susan and Kelly, dined at the Chicago Diner and watched gay boys at Side Track – ha!

Next morning, Susan and I BARELY caught the train back to Milwaukee, but our sweaty rush was worth it just to grab brunch at Trocadero (1758 N. Water St.). A lovely quiche and baguette later and we were fortified for our day out in Brew City. First we are going to hit the Eisner Museum of Advertising and Design (208 N. Water St.), which sounded interesting to Susan and where I have never been, so we’ll see what happens.

This evening we will be catching the Milwaukee Rep’s production of I Have Before Me A Remarkable Document Given To Me By A Young Lady From Rwanda. Afterwards we might hit the Midnight Delerium Preview Party at the Todd Wehr Conference Center (1047 N. Broadway) because #1 – it’s free!! and it will be featuring the Minneapolis band "All the Pretty Horses," who have been described as “Dark*Glam*Punk*Metal*Transgender*Sex*Fashion*Power*Punk” as well as Milwaukee's own “Future Punk” band "Monitors"(former members of the Killowatts!)

Otherwise, if you are in a bit more mellow mood, you can catch the Bel Canto Chorus’s launch of its 75th Anniversary Season with “I Hate and I Love,” – “a concert comprised of pianos, percussion and passionate voices,” at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts (19805 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield).

Later mater . . .

Fry-day . . .

Friday already?  Where does the time go . . . don’t answer that.  So my friend Susan is flying in from Delaware this weekend.  She has had visions of the vegetarian Chicago Diner on a fairly regular basis since we took her there a year ago.  Hence, I’m Amtrak-ing it to CHI-town to sate her vegan-cravings and then heading back up here to paint beertown red together this weekend. 

So while we are spending enormous amounts of money on transportation, food and other overpriced items, here’s what you can be doing FOR FREE in our city of . . . well, whatever.  Eric Blowtorch is going to be spinning at Circle A Café (932 E. Chambers St.), one of my fave Riverwest hangouts, which features crazy 45’s on the ceilings and the cutest pit bull in the world – Hazelnut. 

If you are kicking yourself because you missed the Milwaukee LGBT Film/Video Festival, you're in luck.  Friday through Sunday, UWM Union Theatre will present "Wild Side" and "Come Undone," “two achingly beautiful films from rising star French film director Sebastien Lifshitz,” according to UWM Film Dept. Faculty Member, Carl Bogner.  The screenings of "Wild Side" will be augmented with the additional screening of Glen Fogel's music video "Hope There's Someone," from the new album by Antony and the Johnson's, who were just at the Pabst Theater, FYI.

Otherwise, you can always don your ‘80’s goth-before-it-was-goth gear and head over to The Rave (2401 W Wisconsin Ave.) to catch KMFDM. 

Either way, I hope y’all have a killer Friday and I will be back with more stuff soon . . .