Category: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre

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PSA: Next At Milwaukee Chamber Theatre: Every Brilliant Thing

Editor’s note: Every Brilliant Thing is a brilliant and intimate play and the Goodman Mainstage at the MYAC is the ideal location.

MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE’S WARM-HEARTED COMEDY EVERY BRILLIANT THING SPOTLIGHTS MENTAL HEALTH, COMMUNITY, AND LIFE’S SIMPLE PLEASURES

Directed by Northern Sky Theater Artistic Director Molly Rhode
Features beloved Milwaukee actors James Carrington and Elyse Edelman

MILWAUKEE, WI – February 19, 2025 – Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) continues its landmark 50th Anniversary 2024/25 Season with warm-hearted comedy favorite EVERY BRILLIANT THING by Duncan McMillan and Jonny Donahoe. Directed by Northern Sky Theater Artistic Director and Milwaukee native Molly Rhode, the production will run from February 28 to March 16, 2025, in Goodman Mainstage Hall at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. Tickets are available online at www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org or by calling the Broadway Theatre Center box office at 414-291-7800.


1: Ice cream. 2: Kung Fu movies. 3: Staying up past your bedtime to watch TV. Those are just the start of a list of every brilliant thing that makes life worth living, created in this luminous mix of theater and stand-up and delivered in alternate performances by two of Milwaukee’s best-loved actors in James Carrington (First Stage, Northern Sky, Next Act, others), and Elyse Edelman (MCT, Next Act, First Stage, Forward, others). Described by The Guardian as “one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression—and possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see, full stop,” this beloved coming-of-age story celebrates each of our capacities to delight in the little things and our resilience in going further than we think we can for those we love.

“I couldn’t be more excited to share EVERY BRILLIANT THING with our community. It carries on MCT’s long tradition of exceptional solo performance plays featuring some of Milwaukee’s finest artists while ideally exemplifying how theater can bring our community closer together,” said MCT Artistic Director Brent Hazelton. “By starting from the awareness that everyone has at some point felt less than their best or lived through mental and behavioral health challenges with family or friends, the play reminds us that none of us can go through our lives alone—and that that’s actually perfectly natural.”

ALL-LOCAL CREATIVE TEAM LEADS EVERY BRILLIANT THING
Director Molly Rhode returns to Milwaukee Chamber Theatre after leading a well-loved production of GREAT EXPECTATIONS in 2017, about which On Milwaukee.com proclaimed, “Chamber’s masterful GREAT EXPECTATIONS exceeds every single [expectation]…an
inventiveness I have rarely seen on a stage.” John Jahn for Shepherd Express called it “something to cherish and celebrate…well-acted, amusing, touching, sprightly paced, and superbly staged…a truly enjoyable evening at the theater,” while Urban Milwaukee’s Dominique Noth said, “Rhode has set a high bar.”


While written and performed as a solo-actor play, MCT’s production of EVERY BRILLIANT THING has been double-cast, offering audiences a chance to see both Edelman (INDECENT, THE NOT-SO-ACCIDENTAL CONVICTION OF ELEVEN MILWAUKEE “ANARCHISTS”) and Carrington (MCT Debut) in alternating performances. Milwaukee native Edelman was last seen at MCT in …”ANARCHISTS”, for which critics lauded her as “impressive, skillful” (Ryan Jay Reviews) and “start-to-finish fabulous” (Milwaukee Magazine). “I think this is a beautiful play. It’s a dream project, really. Milwaukee Chamber Theatre is honestly one of my artistic homes,” said Edelman. “It’s a communal and celebratory activity to be able to tell this story together.” Edelman will perform on Feb 28, March 2, 6, 8 (8pm), 12, 14, 15 (4pm), and 16.


Longtime Milwaukee artist Carrington makes his MCT debut in EVERY BRILLIANT THING. “I love this play,” said Carrington. “I love the message, the theme. I think it’s so funny; it’s so warm. It disarms you a little bit with how funny and touching it is. When the world is difficult and feels relentless, this show reminds you that things can be okay. It invites you in—regardless of where you come from, regardless of who you are. Theatre is for everybody; this show is for everybody. I think in Milwaukee in 2025 we need to remind ourselves of the joy in life, of the simple things in life, but also that we are in this together.” Carrington will perform on March 1, 5, 7, 8 (4pm), 9, 13, and 15 (8pm).


The production will be designed and created by Jim Guy (Properties Designer), Martilia Marechal (Sound Designer), Ellie Rabinowitz (Lighting Designer), Beck Trumbull (Assistant Stage Manager), and Emily Marie Wilke (Stage Manager), rounding out the all-local team.


MCT RETURNS TO “PERFECT” GOODMAN MAINSTAGE HALL

EVERY BRILLIANT THING will be performed at Goodman Mainstage Hall in the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, the same venue where MCT opened the season with its critically acclaimed production of AN ILIAD. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jim Higgins noted upon seeing AN ILIAD, “Goodman Mainstage Hall is the perfect venue for this storytelling approach… one of the best small venues in Milwaukee; I hope more companies discover it.” Built in 2005 and renovated in 2021, MYAC provides exceptional facilities with state-of-the-art features, including the warm and welcoming Burke Commons, where patrons can gather in comfort before performances and the recently renovated 142-seat Goodman Mainstage Hall, offering audiences an intimate and immersive experience through its arena-style seating. “We’re thrilled to return to MYAC, and to drop this inherently communal play in the Goodman’s in-the-round orientation. It’s such a comfortable, accessible venue and as we saw with ILIAD ideally suited to this sort of solo performance where the actor is in direct conversation with the audience,” said Hazelton.


The Milwaukee Youth Arts Center is located at 325 W Walnut St, at the corner of Walnut and Dr Martin Luther King Jr Dr. It is across the street from Milwaukee Public School’s Golda Meir School, with a parking lot that faces the Golda Meir Upper Campus. Additional parking is available in the Golda Meir School lots outside of school hours. More information is available at www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org/every-brilliant-thing


KEY DATES + EVENTS


EVERY BRILLIANT THING by Duncan McMillan and Jonny Donahoe, will run from February 28 toMarch 16, 2025 at Goodman Mainstage Hall in the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W Walnut St, Milwaukee, WI 53212.

  • Preview: Friday, February 28 at 7:30 PM
  • Opening Night: Saturday, March 1 at 8:00 PM
  • Pay-What-You-Choose: Monday, March 3 at 7:30 PM (walk-up tickets available starting one hour before the show)
  • Talkbacks: Thursdays, March 6 and 13, following the 7:30 PM performances
  • SipStudio: Saturday, March 8 (complimentary drinks and exclusive experiences for matinee and evening attendees)
  • ASL Interpretation: Friday, March 14 at 7:30 PM

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The Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s A Doll’s House

editor’s note: my mid-winter vacation prevented me from covering a couple of things that I normally would have written about. And it also meant that I didn’t see two important plays until their closing weekend, The Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s A Doll’s House and The Lake Country Players’, The Dining Room. So my apologies as you read my responses, these shows have already closed.

After Shakespeare, Henrik Ibsen is the classic playwright that I most look forward to seeing on local stages. But given his place as a father of modern theater, is Ibsen’s work actually classic? Well, absolutely. So here we have the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre presenting a new adaptation by Amy Herzog of A Doll’s House!

Herzog’s interpretation leaves nothing behind from Ibsen’s exposure of misogyny and the cultural and societal subjugation of woman in a male dominated society. But she does bring the language to a cleaner and more enjoyable contemporary feel that makes this version flow smooth and more easily understood for the modern audience. Unfortunately we can relate to the story of Nora Helmer as she tries to move from her position as a ‘doll’ to one of a complete and independent human being…as we see start to sense regressions in our current society.

Director Leda Hoffmann has taken full advantage of the new text and has put together a fluid and engaging presentation completely putting front and center the conflict that Nora experiences. Her blocking and timing of the play work perfectly and she pulls out the full implications of the story.

Front and center is Nora Helmer of course…and she is wholly embodied by Jennifer Vosters…who amazingly moves from being the ‘doll’ to realizing how much more life has to offer. Vosters’ Nora is lucid and aware and brings us into her corner immediately and holds us there until that very last door slam. But even in the early scenes where she plays to the ‘doll’ to her domineering husband, you can feel that she is aware that she deserves more in life than this. And given she is on stage for all but a few moments for some simple costume changes, I have to admire Vosters’ stamina and stage presence. Without Vosters as Nora, this play wouldn’t have worked nearly as well.

Josh Krause plays it hard and cold as Torvald Helmer. And despite his continual declarations of love for Nora and the cute nicknames, it never seems to go beyond his own identification of self and his own sense that he deserves ‘her’ and her devotion to him and his family. Krause certainly is able to bring that sense of entitlement to the role…and completely locks Torvald into that entitlement as Nora initiates her new sense of self…again, right down to that fatal door slam.

Matthew Bowden is Nils Krogstad…a loan shark who lends money to Nora and a bank manager with a past who is fired by Torvald. Bowden gives us a Krogstad who wants to find redemption from his past but isn’t quite sure how to do it. He eventually does in a very round about way and through the intervention of Kristine Linde, boldly played by Kat Wodtke. But when he is threatening Nora, I didn’t feel that he was quite sinister enough. And Anand Nagraj is Dr. Peter Rank, a best friend of both Nora and Torvald…and a daily visitor to the Helmer residence. And he has a secret too which is somewhat apparent but I don’t think it quite worked. But I put that to the words that Amy Herzog provided for Rank and not on Nagraj.

Normally I would close with information about tickets and additional information, but instead let me share this YouTube video about A Doll’s House from the actors and director:

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PSA: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre To Present Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll House”, In A New Adaptation By Amy Herzog

It is not often that we are fortunate to have Ibsen performed in Milwaukee. From our friends at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre:

MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE’S A DOLL’S HOUSE EXAMINES GENDER ROLES AND SELF-IDENTITY IN TONY-NOMINATED NEW ADAPTATION FROM AMY HERZOG


Directed by Leda Hoffmann, the timeless masterpiece will feature Milwaukee favorites Jennifer Vosters, Josh Krause, Libby Amato, Matthew Bowdren, and Kat Wodtke alongside visiting artist Anand Nagraj


MILWAUKEE, WI – December 26, 2024 – Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) continues its landmark 50th Anniversary 2024/25 Season with Henrik Ibsen’s revolutionary classic A DOLL’S HOUSE, presented in an incisive new version by acclaimed American dramatist Amy Herzog.


Directed by Leda Hoffmann, the production will run from January 24 to February 9, 2025, in the Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio Theatre. Tickets are available online at www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org or by calling the Broadway Theatre Center box office at 414-291-7800.


For only the second time in 50 years, world-changing dramatist Henrik Ibsen appears in an MCT season! His most famous play, presented here in a devastatingly compact and celebrated new adaptation, shocked audiences and ushered in a new era of theater when it premiered in 1879. Culminating in what George Bernard Shaw described as “the door slam heard ‘round the world,” its unsparing examination of gender roles, marital dynamics, and the ongoing struggles for equality and self-knowledge remains blisteringly relevant today. Variety praised award-winning dramatist Amy Herzog’s Tony-nominated bold and compact adaptation as “gravitational… a pure view of what Ibsen meant to convey.


“Amy Herzog’s adaptation of A DOLL’S HOUSE gives us an extraordinary opportunity to connect this timeless story with modern audiences in a way that feels both urgent and personal,” said MCT Artistic Director Brent Hazelton. “At its core, this play is about the courage it takes to challenge societal norms and embrace the complexity of our individual identities—conversations that remain as vital today as they were when Ibsen first sparked them. For MCT, producing this piece during our 50th Anniversary Season is not just exciting; it’s a chance to reaffirm our commitment to telling stories that ignite meaningful dialogue in our community.”

Director Leda Hoffmann returns to Milwaukee Chamber Theatre for the first time in almost a decade, after previously directing Tennessee Williams’ A LOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel called that production “exceptionally well-acted… funny and poignant,” while OnMilwaukee’s Dave Begel described it as “four women… guided down individual and common paths under the delicate touch of Leda Hoffmann.” “Returning to Milwaukee to direct A DOLL’S HOUSE is a dream come true,” says Hoffmann. “When this play was written over 140 years ago it changed the world. Coming back to it now in a fresh, contemporary, energetic adaptation, the play feels as important as ever. What freedom exists in honestly seeing the world around us? What opportunities exist when we are able to imagine something different? I cannot wait for audiences to experience this dynamic and thrilling drive towards realization.”


The cast of A DOLL’S HOUSE is led by Milwaukee’s own Jennifer Vosters in her MCT acting debut as Nora Helmer opposite MCT favorite Josh Krause (INDECENT, GREAT EXPECTATIONS, JEEVES AT SEA). “When I first read A DOLL’S HOUSE as a senior at Brookfield East (thanks, Ms.
Bustle!), the play—and the character of Nora—challenged me in ways I never forgot,” Vosters shared, “confronting me with questions about my place as a young woman in the world I was about to enter. Returning to it right here in Milwaukee feels like a full-circle moment, and the chance to tell this story with the brilliant team MCT has assembled is deeply meaningful both professionally and personally.”


The cast also includes MCT and Milwaukee favorites Kat Wodtke (MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET, acclaimed Milwaukee band Long Mama) as Kristine Linde and Libby Amato (MOUSETRAP, A THOUSAND WORDS) as Anne-Marie. Matthew Bowdren (Arizona Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare) and visiting artist Anand Nagraj (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Disney’s ALADDIN, Chicago Fire and Chicago PD) will round out the cast in their MCT debuts as Nils Krogstad and Dr. Peter Rank, respectively.


The production will be designed and created by Jimmy Balistreri (Lighting Designer), Gina Cornejo (Intimacy Follow), KaiLee Evans (Intimacy Director), Bri Humke (Assistant Stage Manager), Dani Kuepper (Stage Movement Director), Lisa Schlenker (Scenic Designer), Josh Schmidt (Sound Designer), Simone Tegge (Associate Scenic and Properties Designer), Emily Marie Wilke (Stage Manager), and Winter Olamina (Costume Designer).


Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s production of A DOLL’S HOUSE is generously supported by Executive Producers Deborah and Jamshed Patel and Mike Reavis; Producers Emily and Leopold Shircel, Chris and Judi Collins, and the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin; and Associate Producers Kelly Schlicht and Steve Weber. A DOLL’S HOUSE is produced in partnership with TEMPO, Girls Rock/Ladies Rock, Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM), and the Cactus Club’s
Cactus Plus.

Here2Play Community Launch Event
Join MCT for the launch of A DOLL’S HOUSE in the community on Wednesday, January 8th from 6-8pm at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin. Here2Play sets the stage for meaningful conversations by highlighting each production’s community partners and contextualizing the play’s themes within Milwaukee. Enjoy themed hors d’oeuvres from the Woman’s Club’s celebrated kitchen, a cash bar, live local music, and sneak-peek readings from the play. A lively panel discussion featuring local leaders will explore the play’s timeless relevance, followed by an exclusive ticket discount for attendees. The event is free and open to the community! RSVP highly encouraged. Complimentary valet parking available.
RSVP: HERE!!!

KEY DATES + EVENTS:
Ibsen’s A DOLL’S HOUSE, in a new adaptation by Amy Herzog, will run from January 24 to February 9, 2025 at the Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio Theatre, 158 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

ASL Interpretation: Friday, February 7 at 7:30 PM

Preview: Friday, January 24 at 7:30 PM

Opening Night: Saturday, January 25 at 8:00 PM

Pay-What-You-Choose: Monday, January 27 at 7:30 PM (walk-up tickets available starting one hour before the show)

Talkbacks: Thursdays, January 30 and February 6, following the 7:30 PM performances

SipStudio: Saturday, February 1 (complimentary drinks and exclusive experiences for matinee and evening attendees)

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets can be purchased by phone at 414-291-7800 (M-Sa 12-6 pm and 2 hours prior to BTC show times) or online at www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org/a-dolls-house


Throughout the run of A DOLL’S HOUSE, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s 3-Play Flex Pass subscriptions will still be available for purchase. Learn more about subscriber benefits and lock in your seats for the season at www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org/shop.

ABOUT MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE
Founded in 1975 by Montgomery Davis and Ruth Schudson, guided until 2020 by Michael Wright and Kirsten Finn, and now led by Brent Hazelton, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) partners with other arts organizations, community-based organizations, and universities to produce thought-provoking productions and innovative outreach programs on an intimate, human scale, to create conversations among multicultural and multigenerational audiences that bring our community closer together. As part of its five-decade commitment to
strengthening Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s local artist community, MCT provides regular employment and a stable artistic home to professional artists through a five-play subscription series, the Young Playwrights Festival (YPF), and the Montgomery Davis Play Development
Series (MDPDS).