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Articles by Gwen Rice
Lingonberry Llama serves breakfast and lunch with a side of whimsy
Cafe owner Deb Buol has decorated almost every inch of Belleville’s Lingonberry Llama coffee shop with a colorful dash of whimsy. Diners in the restaurant and bakery can clearly see the theme in the cafe’s large collection of cute and kitschy llamas. There are photos, paintings, coffee mugs, Christmas ornaments, stuffed animals, children’s books and textiles — all featuring llamas — gracing nearly every wall and shelf.
"The Cost Of Living" casts disabled actors in play thatâs relatable to all
When Renaissance Theaterworks’ production of “Cost Of Living” opens Friday, Jan. 20, it will set out to accomplish something never tried before in the history of Milwaukee theater: It will put on a play about disabled people, performed by disabled actors.
Let's Eat: The Frozen Local ice cream shop puts its best fruit forward
Selena Warsaw-Lane’s family has been growing exotic and heirloom varieties of apples and pears on their 32-acre farm near Spring Green for four decades. They supply fruit and vegetables to the public, as well as some of the area’s most prestigious restaurants. But due to a late freeze last year, their 5,500-tree orchard, Future Fruit Farms, lost its entire crop.
Only bold colors: Madison quilter Kay Simmons finds her voice in art
Kathryn "Kay" Simmons’ grandmother did not sew. Neither did her mother. In fact, prior to embarking on her journey as a quilter, the only sewing Simmons had done was in a high school home economics class, where she cut out pattern pieces and stitched together a blouse for herself — one that did not actually fit. So it is remarkable that this summer, Simmons was asked to exhibit her quilts at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art’s annual show, Art Fair on the Square.
Let's Eat: Fried, curd-stuffed Bonnie’s Balls are a cheesy treat
Certain foods and flavors can evoke strong memories of childhood: chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven; hot dogs cooked around a campfire; cotton candy at the county fair. Growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania, Bonnie Raimy had a special nostalgia for warm balls of deep fried pizza dough filled with mildly spicy pieces of pepperoni.
Ann in a Jam cans fruit forward jams and savory specialties in Lodi
A lot of home cooks filled their time during the early part of the pandemic by baking loaf after loaf of sourdough bread. Ann McGrath bypassed that trend and did the next logical thing: She started making small batches of homemade jam. Gradually, McGrath’s hobby turned into an obsession, then a Lodi-based business she named Ann in a Jam.
Pandemic inspires prints, poetry and a pas de deux at Arts+Lit Lab
As textile artist and printmaker Kelly Parks Snider discovered during the pandemic, “disruptions can be the impetus for great art.” Surrounded by her new exhibition of fiber art, wood carvings, found objects and large-scale prints, on view at Arts + Literature Laboratory through Aug. 6, Parks Snider mused about her journey over the last two years. “We all have disruptions in our lives,” Parks Snider said. “Deaths, divorces and job changes.
How Madison choirs safely harmonized during the pandemic
In March 2020, gathering to sing in a choir became a public health hazard. Because COVID-19 is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets that can hang in the air for hours, choirs were advised to stop gathering in person in order to prevent mass outbreaks. In late March 2020, the Seattle-area Skagit Valley Chorale went ahead with in-personal indoor rehearsals anyway, with no masks, ventilation, or other precautions in place.
The goddesses must be crazy in Madison Opera's irreverent 'Orpheus'
The goddesses are bored. It turns out that life on Mount Olympus can be really monotonous. The unchanging blue sky. The non-stop nectar and ambrosia to feast on. The host of supernatural beings just hanging out. That's why this lovely group of deities jumps at the chance for some devilish excitement — on an outing to Hell, where the real party gets started.
How this Milwaukee native uses the arts to empower her community
When Mariah Scott moved to New York for school, she had no idea she would also create a one-woman show. But here we are. “Mariah Scott: The Crown She Wears” is a stage play meant to encourage communities to exercise self-love by setting healthy boundaries and engaging in self-care habits. The show follows a woman who seems to have it all together but who starts to question her perfect life. Scott grew up immersed in the arts community and stayed involved in the arts through college.
Milwaukee Ballet announces "season of inspiration" for 2021-22
After more than a year away, the Milwaukee Ballet is ready to return to the main stage. The renowned Milwaukee Ballet today revealed its upcoming 2021-2022 season, which will return to the Marcus Performing Arts Center for the first time since "Ballet Russe Reimagined" in February last year, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
First Stage's "Amplify" series raises the voices of people of color
When Ty Defoe was young, he played the spider in First Stage’s production of “Charlotte’s Web.” Now, he’s back at the children’s theater – this time as a playwright – with his short play, “Copper Horns in Water.” “It was a no-brainer to me to write something that amplifies the Native people of Wisconsin,” said Defoe, who is an Indigenous artist, actor and playwright.
APT's "This Wonderful Life" is a welcome virtual visit to Bedford Falls
American Players Theatre’s holiday performance of "This Wonderful Life," created wholly by Core Company Member Nate Burger and longtime APT director William Brown, is a pure (online) delight. It proves once again that a superlative actor can create whole worlds – completely capturing our imaginations with a gesture, a laugh or a wink – on a bare stage. And even in the worst of these COVID times, they can conjure stories that practically glow with holiday cheer through our computer screens.
Chamber's "Chapatti" is a warm, heartfelt charmer - even without its leading dog
Let me be clear: I thought there was going to be an actual dog in Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s production of "Chapatti" by Christian O’Reilly. The scruffy pooch was featured in all the ads. He’s even on the cover of the program. And he’s the title character, after all – a small, loyal and loving dog, a former stray that has been Dan’s constant companion for years, named for his taste for Indian flatbread.
4 good reasons to check out Skylight's virtual "Being Earnest"
Oscar Wilde’s classic farce “The Importance of Being Earnest” is a staple of school, community and professional stages because it is ridiculously witty and entertaining, a century after it was first penned. The self-consciously clever story is centered around stuffy societal norms just begging to be flouted; absurd, love-struck young people; mistaken identities; outrageous authority figures; and a sharp critique of the “decadent and shallow” idle class.
A pandemic can't halt the hard questions of Next Act's "The Christians"
Next Act Theatre’s beautifully realized production of "The Christians," by Lucas Hnath, could not have come at a better time. In a moment when the chasm between “us” and “them” in American society has never felt wider, when facts are routinely overthrown by beliefs in discourse, this play examines just how difficult it is for people to take in new information that contradicts their previous, foundational views.
The Constructivists' techno-thriller "The Nether" is like "Westworld" on stage
"The Nether" runs through March 21. (PHOTO: Christal Wagner) Published March 12, 2020 at 7:59 p.m. There are a lot of disturbing elements of Jennifer Haley's play "The Nether," onstage at 53212 Presents through March 21. The second production in The Constructivists' season, it is part detective procedural and part dystopian nightmare about escapism, fantasy and morality.
No matter who claims victory, First Stage's "Rock, Paper, Scissors" is a winner
No matter who wins, the audience claims victory with First Stage's "The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors," playing through April 5. (PHOTO: Paul Ruffolo) Published March 10, 2020 at 5:01 p.m. Are you ready to rock? If so, then come down to the Marcus Center for First Stage's world premiere musical, "The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors," and cheer for your favorite competitor in a series of epic battles for backyard domination.
Skylight's 2020-21 season preps "Full Monty, "Hunchback of Notre Dame" and more
Published Feb. 14, 2020 at 6:01 p.m. Artistic Director Michael Unger unveiled the Skylight Music Theatre's 2020-21 five-play season – complete with one "add-on" performance – to an enthusiastic crowd of 200 supporters earlier this week. The official announcement was made in a special presentation in the organization's home, the Cabot Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center. At the helm of the company since September, this marks Unger's inaugural season as artistic director.
Skylight's "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" is a D-E-L-I-G-H-T
The Skylight's "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" runs through Feb. 23. (PHOTO: Ross Zentner) Published Feb. 12, 2020 at 7:59 p.m. It's important to get a good night's sleep before you go see "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," running through Feb. 23 at the Skylight Music Theatre. Take some deep breaths as you take your seat and try to stay calm. After all, you're all winners just for making it this far.
Next Act's "A Small Fire" rarely burns brightly
"A Small Fire" runs at Next Act Theatre through Feb. 23. (PHOTO: Ross Zentner) Published Feb. 3, 2020 at 5:26 p.m. "A Small Fire" is aptly named. Running through Feb.
Renaissance's "Happy Days" is Beckett at its absurd best
Laura Gordon stars in Renaissance's "Happy Days," running through Feb. 16. (PHOTO: Ross Zentner) Published Jan. 29, 2020 at 5:01 p.m. When the audience first meets Winnie, a middle-aged, 1950s-era housewife in Samuel Beckett's play "Happy Days," she is buried up to her waist in a huge ball of dried earth and bits debris, as if the mound accumulated the trash after rolling down a mountain of refuse.
First Stage's "Wrinkle in Time" nobly attempts to adapt the un-adaptable
First Stage's "A Wrinkle in Time" runs through Feb. 23. (PHOTO: Paul Ruffolo) Published Jan.
Gospel music meets Greek legend in Skylight's vibrant "Gospel at Colonus"
"The Gospel of Colonus" runs through Jan. 26. (PHOTO: Mark Frohna) Published Jan. 22, 2020 at 4:36 p.m. Surprising musical mash-ups are all the rage in theater right now. Performers rap about America's founding fathers in "Hamilton." The angry ex-wives of Henry VIII rock out like Beyonce and Ariana Grande in "Six." And in "The Gospel at Colonus," which opened at Skylight Music Theatre on Jan.
"Ruddigore" is another unorthodox winner from Skylight and MOT
"Ruddigore" runs through Jan. 19. (PHOTO: Mark Frohna) Published Jan. 8, 2020 at 2:16 p.m. On opening night of Milwaukee Opera Theatre/Skylight Music Theatre's production of "Ruddigore, Or the Witch's Curse," co-director Jill Anna Ponasik summed up her unorthodox take on the lesser-known Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, set in the world of melodrama and silent film: "We went way out on a limb. Again. Of course." And once again, it works in delightful, startling and comical ways.
The best of the 2019 Milwaukee theater scene
Just a few of the highlights from the past year. (PHOTO: Ross Zentner and Joan Marcus) By Gwen Rice, Special to OnMilwaukee Photography: Ross Zentner and Joan Marcus Published Dec. 20, 2019 at 7:16 p.m. 'Tis the season for making lists and taking stock of the past twelve months. As usual, this is the time when I look back with enormous gratitude at the live performances I've been lucky enough to attend in the Milwaukee area over the past year.
Marcus Center's "The Band's Visit" is a modestly marvelous musical
"The Band's Visit" plays at the Marcus Center through Dec. 1. (PHOTO: Matthew Murphy) Published Nov. 29, 2019 at 4:01 p.m. There could not be a greater contrast between the blockbuster musical "Hamilton" and the Tony-winning production that follows it in the Broadway Series at the Marcus Center, through Dec. 1. "The Band's Visit," based on a 2007 independent film of the same name, is an unconventional musical filled with a few ordinary people.
Chamber's "Jeeves at Sea" is a mostly charming trip back to the past
Matt Daniels (left) and Chris Klopatek star in "Jeeves at Sea" at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. (PHOTO: Paul Ruffolo) Published Nov. 27, 2019 at 5:45 p.m. "Bingo, bungo, bang!" and "Toodle pip!" P.G. Wodehouse's famous duo Jeeves and Bertie are back in town and onstage in the Studio Theatre in Milwaukee Chamber Theatre's "Jeeves at Sea," through Dec. 22. The last production C.
First Stage's "Elf" joyfully spreads Christmas cheer for all to hear
"Elf" plays at the Marcus Center through Dec. 29. (PHOTO: Paul Ruffolo) Published Nov. 25, 2019 at 7:56 p.m. It's been 16 years since Will Ferrell created the relentlessly cheerful embodiment of childlike wonder and Christmas spirit that is Buddy in the film "Elf." If there's anything better than re-watching that modern holiday classic on TV, it's seeing the story retold as a musical at First Stage, in the Todd Wehr Theater, now through Dec. 29.
Next Act's "Laughter on the 23rd Floor" brings Sid Caesar's spirit back to life
Don't forget to check out "Laughter on the 23rd Floor." (And also don't forget your pants.) (PHOTO: Ross Zentner) Published Nov.
First Stage's "Elf" joyfully spreads Christmas cheer for all to hear
It’s been 16 years since Will Ferrell created the relentlessly cheerful embodiment of childlike wonder and Christmas spirit that is Buddy in the film "Elf." If there’s anything better than re-watching that modern holiday classic on TV, it’s seeing the story retold as a musical at First Stage, in the Todd Wehr Theater, now through Dec. 29.
Extra! Extra! Skylight's "Newsies" is a feel-good fun time
"Newsies" runs at the Skylight Music Theatre through Dec. 29. (PHOTO: Mark Frohna) Published Nov. 21, 2019 at 5:01 p.m. Everyone loves unwashed, under-parented urchins at the holidays. Scruffy street kids join Tiny Tim in singing carols to Ebenezer Scrooge, in hopes of earning a farthing. Annie and the orphans stage an unruly coup and charm Daddy Warbucks in time to unwrap presents in his mansion.
You won't see anything else like Milwaukee Opera Theatre's "Utterance"
"Utterance" is Milwaukee Opera Theatre's latest genre-bending musical event. (PHOTO: Mark Frohna) Published Oct. 31, 2019 at 10:31 a.m. When you walk into Calvary Presbyterian Church for Milwaukee Opera Theatre's latest musical event, "Utterance," you feel immediately like you are coming into a sacred space.
First Stage's "Mariposa" is a gorgeous tribute to Mexican culture
"On the Wings of a Mariposa" hits the stage through Nov. 10. Published Oct. 23, 2019 at 4:01 p.m. The stage really seems to come alive, bursting with vibrant color and the wings of hundreds of butterflies, in First Stage's "On the Wings of a Mariposa," the company's slight but visually sumptuous opening production for the 2019-2020 season.
First Stage's "Mariposa" is a gorgeous tribute to Mexican culture
The stage really seems to come alive, bursting with vibrant color and the wings of hundreds of butterflies, in First Stage’s "On the Wings of a Mariposa," the company’s slight but visually sumptuous opening production for the 2019-20 season.
"The Roommate" is the comedy, drama and love story you never saw coming
Isabel Quintero stars in "The Roommate," performing through Nov. 10 at Renaissance Theaterworks. (PHOTO: Ross Zentner) Published Oct. 21, 2019 at 7:31 p.m. When you get call from the Normandy Society for International Orphans, do not give the woman on the phone your birth date and credit card number. She is not French. She is not raising funds to buy hats for motherless children in Nigeria. She is a fifty-something housewife named Sharon, sitting in her kitchen in Iowa City trying to scam you.
The Constructivists' "God of Hell" is well worth the winding trip into Grand Avenue
"The God of Hell" runs through Oct. 12. (PHOTO: Sarah Harris) Published Oct. 8, 2019 at 4:06 p.m. When you go see The Constructivists' fall production, "The God of Hell," you'll have to wind your way down to the basement of the formerly grand Grand Avenue Mall to their space on the lower level. Following the signage along hidden hallways, you'll arrive in a pleasant, intimate space complete with a bar and a stage that's so close, you feel like you're sitting in someone's living room.
Skylight's admirable "Oklahoma!" shows its age
"Oklahoma!" takes the stage at the Skylight through Oct. 13. (PHOTO: Mark Frohna) By Gwen Rice, Special to OnMilwaukee Photography: Mark Frohna Published Oct. 2, 2019 at 8:01 p.m. It really is "a beautiful morning" for Curly, the aw-shucks, good as gold, crooning cowboy hero in Skylight Music Theatre's season-opening production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic "Oklahoma!," which runs through Oct. 13 in the Cabot Theatre.
Next Act's "The Revolutionists" does its best with a bad script
"The Revolutionists" runs at Next Act Theatre through Oct. 20. (PHOTO: Ross Zentner) Published Oct. 1, 2019 at 10:06 a.m. "There's a lot of pressure to write something profound these days." Lauren Gunderson gives this line to her protagonist, 18th century French writer and political activist Olympe de Gouges, but the uber-popular playwright may be expressing her own angst here. It's part of the first scene of "The Revolutionists," which opened Next Act Theatre's 2019-2020 season over the weekend.
MCT's "Fires in the Mirror" ignites a compelling conversation
"Fires in the Mirror" plays at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre through Oct. 13. (PHOTO: Paul Ruffolo) Published Sept. 23, 2019 at 7:01 p.m. In 1991, when a car driven by a Hasidic man swerved onto a sidewalk in Crown Heights, the crash killed 7-year-old Gavin Cato, a black child who had been playing with friends.
APT's "A Doll's House" is everything you'd want in a great play
Kelsey Brennan plays Nora in APT's "A Doll's House." (PHOTO: Liz Lauren) Published Aug. 21, 2019 at 5:01 p.m. Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen shocked European audiences at the end of the 19th century with his play, "A Doll's House." In this classic domestic drama, Ibsen vividly portrays the limited legal, professional and personal options available to women at the time.
Chamber's "Unnecessary Farce" is the stage equivalent of a cream puff
"Unnecessary Farce" opens up the 2019-20 season at the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. (PHOTO: Paul Ruffolo) Published Aug. 14, 2019 at 2:01 p.m. Milwaukee Chamber Theatre kicked off its 2019-20 season this past weekend with a light and silly comedy designed to fit the mood of audiences in the last balmy weeks of summer. Directed by Ryan Schabach and filled with small town Wisco kitsch and familiar Milwaukee faces, this production of "Unnecessary Farce" is the Wisconsin State Fair cream puff of drama.
Renaissance Theaterworks is NYC-bound with short play festival return
Chantae Miller and Marcel Alston in Renaissance Theaterworks' Br!NK Br!efs production of "All of the Everything" in 2018. Published Aug. 12, 2019 at 4:01 p.m. Every theater company dreams of extending performance runs due to overwhelming demand, or remounting a show for a command performance. Renaissance Theaterworks is actually taking its second show on the road later this month, producing a "short" at the Samuel French Off Off Broadway Short Play Festival (OOB).
Marcus Center's "Anastasia" offers little magic of its own
"Anastasia" runs at the Marcus Center through July 28. (PHOTO: Evan Zimmerman/MurphyMade) Published July 26, 2019 at 12:01 p.m. According to historians, members of Russia's last royal family, the Romanovs, were executed by their Bolshevik captors in 1918 as revolution gripped the country. But beginning in 1920, more than 20 different women came forward claiming to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia, who had miraculously escaped the fate of the rest of her family.
Optimist's "Comedy of Errors" makes several errors of its own
"The Comedy of Errors" shows at Peck Pavilion through July 13. (PHOTO: Michelle Owczarski) Published July 2, 2019 at 7:01 p.m. There are three distinct productions of "The Comedy of Errors" appearing through July 13 as part of Optimist Theatre's Shakespeare in the Park performances, in the outdoor Peck Pavilion adjacent to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Individually they are incomplete; together they are incomprehensible. One is contained in the set.
APT's "She Stoops to Conquer" is a study in opposites
Mrs. Hardcastle (Sarah Day) in "She Stoops to Conquer" at American Players Theatre. (PHOTO: Liz Lauren) Published June 26, 2019 at 5:01 p.m. Oliver Goldsmith's 18th century comedy of mistaken identity, practical jokes and unlikely pairs receives a boisterous, playful production outdoors at American Players Theatre, directed with a delightful eye for the absurd by Laura Gordon. "She Stoops to Conquer" runs in rotating rep on The Hill outdoor stage in Spring Green through September 20.
Skylight's "Kiss Me Kate" is a mostly enjoyable version of a musty show
"Kiss Me Kate" runs at the Skylight Music Theatre through June 16. (PHOTO: Ross Zentner) Published May 21, 2019 at 7:31 p.m. In the program notes for Skylight Music Theatre's production of "Kiss Me Kate," director Ray Jivoff does not apologize for Cole Porter's biggest Broadway hit, which premiered in 1948. He writes, "Dated? Sure. Does it mine comedy from old gender stereotypes? Yup. Is the battle of the sexes based on old-fashioned sexual politics?
Theater season announcements are here, but who gets to tell the stories in 2019-20?
Shows written by women, like Renaissance's "Top Girls" from 2018, are still rare. (PHOTO: Ross Zentner) By Gwen Rice, Special to OnMilwaukee Photography: Ross Zentner Published May 21, 2019 at 6:46 p.m. Yes, it's that exciting time of year when theater companies around the state unveil their plans for next year, and as audience members, our imaginations run wild. Obviously, there are a lot of ways to evaluate proposed seasons and dozens of questions to ask. Which future performances will move us?
"Come From Away" is an extraordinary tribute to ordinary people doing good
"Come From Away" will perform at the Marcus Center through May 12.
First Stage's charming "Tinker Bell" gives Peter Pan's sidekick the spotlight
First Stage "Tinker Bell" will run at the Marcus Center through June 2. (PHOTO: Paul Ruffolo) Published May 1, 2019 at 5:01 p.m. Like other literary classics, J.M. Barrie's creation "Peter Pan" has been revisited by a lot of contemporary authors, spinning new stories inspired by the original. "Lost Girl," "Peter and the Starcatcher" and "Finding Neverland" have all graced Milwaukee stages in the past few years, examining the tale of "the boy who wouldn't grow up" in new and illuminating ways.
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