The Milwaukee Repertory Theater has begun an initiative to bring a younger audience into its shows this season.
The Rep, 108 E. Wells St., has tickets for all shows in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater for only $10. An option to upgrade to prime orchestra seats brings the total to $20 per ticket. That's right, 10 bucks to see a show.
I asked Cindy Moran, public relations director, about the offer.
OnMilwaukee.com: So, really, every one under 40 years old gets into any Rep show for only $10? What's the catch?
Cindy Moran: Anyone under 40 years old can get $10 tickets for any Quadracci Powerhouse show. The catch is you need to know about it and your need to buy tickets online at therep-entourage.com.
OMC: What can we expect this season?
CM: We have a wide range of offerings this season. There are exciting new works like "Eurydice" and "I Am My Own Wife" to classics like "Pride and Prejudice" and "Cherry Orchard" to comedies like greater tuna and "Dogpark: The Musical." When you come to a Rep production, you can expect to see some of the finest actors working on the stage today as well as outstanding sets and costumes.
OMC: Is it harder to attract people under 40 to the performing arts in Milwaukee?
CM: It's hard to get people under 40 to attend the performing arts anywhere. Milwaukee's no different than other cities in that respect. As there is decrease in arts education in schools today, fewer people are introduced to the performing arts at a younger age. So the performing arts haven't always been a part of their life. Now with so many entertainment options available -- the Internet, cable, DVR, online music, video games besides TV and film -- the performing arts have more competition for the time and attention of their audience members than they did 10 or 15 years ago.
But a point I always try to make to the under 40 crowd -- or to anyone who considers themselves creative or part of the creative class -- the arts are one industry where you'll find creatives doing creative work. I know that seems rather obvious, but especially in theater, you never know who you'll see on stage in a Rep production who will later turn up in one of your favorite TV shows. (I just saw Donald Sage Mackay in "Mad Men" the other night for instance.)
Many actors get their training on stage and then decide to get into TV and film. Other actors prefer doing stage work. It's fun to see all of the different variations and backgrounds of Rep actors. Just read a Rep program. This is also true for all of the designers associated with Rep productions. So I guess my point is, is that once people discover that there are points of connection with the arts and their lives, then people are open to having it become a regular part of their lives.
OMC: Is this offer good for "A Christmas Carol?"
CM: No. But on Monday, Sept.. 22 we'll be having our annual One Day Christmas Carol sale. You can buy discounted "A Christmas Carol" tickets for select performances at milwaukeerep.com starting at 6 a.m., in-person at 8 a.m. and phone at 9 a.m.
OMC: If I can only go to one performance at the Rep this season, which one do you suggest and why?
CM: That's a hard one. How about I'll give you three - "Eurydice" in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater is going to be amazing. Here's what Joe Hanreddy said about the show:
"The fall colors of October will usher in a Qaudracci Powerhouse Theater's production of Sarah Ruhl's luminous and exquisitely soulful "Eurydice." The same adjectives also fit Resident Acting Company Member Lanise Shelley in the title role. On the day Eurydice is to marry Orpheus and consummate their unconditional love, a fateful misstep sends her plummeting aboard a waterlogged elevator to the surreal depths of an Underworld, as might be envisioned by Louis Carroll. Orpheus undertakes a rescue mission to retrieve her by charming the gods with his sweet music. "Eurydice" is exhilarating, imaginative, no-holds-barred theater. It abounds with unexpected plot twists, abundant, irreverent and quirky humor, visual and musical delights, as well as extraordinary depth and insight into love that knows no barriers.
"Eurydice" is a perfect match for the talents of San Francisco director Jonathan Moscone, nationally acclaimed for his brilliantly inventive and theatrical productions at the California Shakespeare Festival, who is making his debut at The Rep. This year's Tony Award-winning set designer, Todd Rosenthal, who has designed many of our most stunning sets, will collaborate with one of the most acclaimed teams of lighting, costume and sound designers we've been privileged to host."
In the Stiemke -- the show that we are currently running "I Am My Own Wife" is a definite must-see. Actor Michael Gotch plays a German transvestite but also plays 30 different roles. The story is fascinating and Michael does a fantastic job.
In the Cabaret -- the show that's creating a lot of buzz is "Dog Park: The Musical." Milwaukee's dog-loving community is very excited. How many shows do you get to see about dogs?
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.
