My reaction upon learning we were going to see the Milwaukee Ballet on Thursday was sadly stereotypical.
This was my gut reaction to the evening. Men in tights, men with bulges, rich suburban women, no dialogue and three hours of pending boredom as I would wonder if the Bulls could somehow win Game 3.
My mindset, though, going into Michael Pink's "Romeo & Juliet" was much different. I went in with positive thoughts.
I pictured hot flexible chicks dancing, a vibrant Downtown, passionate fans (I tried to convince myself that ballet fans are similar to sports fan) and selfishly, a chance to see OMC blogger, Julianne Kepley, excel at her art.
I'm pleased to report that my experience was far from my initial stereotype and closer to the positive picture that had painted for myself. Moreover, I'm here to say that I liked the ballet.
The first act dragged a bit and it was hard for me, without dialogue, to tell who was who. I knew the basic story, so that helped.
The second and third acts, though, were amazing and very entertaining. The story grew, characters developed (Marc Petrocci played a great Mercutio) and the score truly began to make the event. I really loved the music and thought it meshed perfectly with the fight scenes.
True to my mindset, there were hot, flexible chicks dancing. Even my wife remarked at the talent of Luz San Miguel (Juliet), especially during her "under the spell of the potion" dance where her lifeless body bent in ways that, well I won't even go there. Bottom line, these dancers are athletes and wonderfully talented.
I didn't get to see our blogger dance as she has the Juliet role on Friday and Sunday, but I'll assume she'll do a great job.
The nearly sold-out house was passionate. Probably not a Brewers or Bucks crowd passion, but they were knowledgeable and appreciative.
Don't have plans this weekend? Check out the Milwaukee Ballet.
But, do as I did, go in with a good attitude and you'll be rightfully rewarded. Come to think of it, that's good advice for most things in life.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
