The very popular appointment of veteran Ray Jivoff as the new artistic director at Skylight Music Theatre represents a 180-degree pivot for the venerable Milwaukee company. And it may not be the last front office change at Skylight, as there are other rumblings surrounding the company. 

Jivoff has been working since July of last year as the interim in the post vacated when Viswa Subbaraman left to pursue his career as a conductor.

Subbaraman programmed four seasons at Skylight, including the current one. He was one of a cadre of young artists in the country who were committed to producing new works, and some of his selections were not met with popular reception, although most critical reviews were generally favorable.

There were small divisions on the board of directors as to whether they wanted to continue the adventurous style of Subbaraman with a new artistic director or return to a mission more familiar and popular with Milwaukee audiences. Clearly the latter group prevailed, and the support for Jivoff was unanimous on the board after much discussion. 

"What I know about Ray that the world will finally have more of a chance to see through his leadership is that in the center of a huge heart that brims with joy is a no bullsh*t guy," said Jonathan West, an actor, director and writer who has worked with Jivoff over the years. "He's smart, he engages with people in a way that makes your jaw drop, and he is genuine, sincere and unsurpassable in his passion for great work."

Jivoff has programmed a more mainstream season for next year, but it’s not without it’s moments of significance and intellectual engagement. It’s not all fluff, by any means.

"What I want to do is make sure that we have fun," he said Wednesday amid all the phone calls with congratulations. "We’ll have shows with a message, sure, but I want the experience for people to be one that’s an enjoyable one. Not everyone is going to like everything, but we are going to give it our best in each show."

Jivoff has long been a leader in Milwaukee for arts education and has worked on a wide variety of programs for young people, with a dedication that could well be imitated by other artists in this city.

"I’ve always felt that teaching young artists is very important to the future of theater in Milwaukee. I want to make sure that there are opportunities for young people at the Skylight shows. For example, doing 'Annie' next year is an chance for young people to experience working in a professional production."

There was lot of discussion over who should replace Subbaraman, and the two schools of thought were persuasive. There is a value in the kind of experimental and cutting-edge productions Skylight has offered the past three seasons.

But the finances of the company are fragile, and it’s important that the productions produce audiences that, in turn, produce revenue. With Jivoff at the artistic helm, the odds of that have significantly improved.

One board member said to me that there will be further front office changes coming. The board member said it would not be surprising if the board began to look for a managing director to replace Jack Lemmon, and the board member said he has not met with universal approval from the board. 

There is an apparent recognition on the board that as they continue to face the financial uncertainties – to the point that even selling their building in the Third Ward and finding a new location for offices – a different style of management may be helpful.

Jivoff has been part of some of the funniest and most exquisite shows I’ve seen in Milwaukee. Five years ago he, Diane Lane and Niffer Clarke did a crazed Dale Gutzman take on Gilbert & Sullivan, then this season he teamed with Norman Moses in the most enjoyable "La Cage Aux Folles" I’ve ever seen.

I would expect that under his direction there will be more opportunities for Milwaukee artists both onstage and behind the scenes.

It’s almost giddy anticipating the potential joys of the next season and beyond.

Here’s the schedule for Skylight next season.

"Hot Mikado"
Sept. 29-Oct. 15

Cultures collide in this swinging hot version of Gilbert and Sullivan's masterpiece, "The Mikado." Reset and re-orchestrated to big band, swing, jazz, blues and gospel music, "Hot Mikado" weaves a tale set in a land where outrageous laws sentence people to death for nearly any indiscretion.

Jivoff says, "'Hot Mikado' is a reimagining of a Skylight staple. This version addresses some of the stereotyping in the source material and creates a fresh, fun and non-traditional homage to Skylight’s past."  

"Annie"
Nov. 17 -Dec. 23

Based on the popular Depression-era comic strip, "Annie" has become a worldwide phenomenon and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The Broadway musical comedy boasts at least three movie versions, a beloved book and score, and the unforgettable hit song, "Tomorrow."

"The show is warm-hearted and perfect for families during the holiday season," Jivoff said. "In fact, its final scene takes place on Christmas with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. We are looking forward to having children and dogs in our midst again. The show features seven orphans, who will be double cast, and of course, the dog Sandy."

"Zombies from the Beyond"
Feb. 2-18, 2018

"Zombies from the Beyond" is a musical comedy celebration of America in the Eisenhower era. Cold War and space race paranoia threaten the good folks at the fictional Milwaukee Space Center in 1955. The budding romance of rocket scientist Trenton Corbett and Mary Malone is jeopardized when a flying saucer lands in Milwaukee. Taking its cue from ‘50s pulp space-alien movies, Zombies brings the 1950s nostalgically and hilariously to life.

"A fun and quirky musical with strong Milwaukee ties," Jivoff noted. "Not only is it set here, it is written by James Valcq, a Milwaukee native and Skylight alum. Zombies was originally produced off-Broadway at the Players Theatre (New York City) in 1995 by Colin Cabot, former Skylight managing director."

"The Tales of Hoffmann"
March 16-29

An imaginative and kinetic new version of Offenbach’s gorgeous opera. Sung in English, the story begins in a tavern, where the poet Hoffmann tells of his three ill-fated romances.

"Part of our mission is to tell stories through opera," Jivoff explained. "'The Tales of Hoffman' is a great example of a story that sings. In classic Skylight style, we will put a distinctive, creative spin on this 19th century piece, bringing audiences a fresh approach."

"Urinetown"
May 18-June 10, 2018

Winner of three Tony Awards, "Urinetown" is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, corporate mismanagement — and musical theater itself. In a Gotham-like city, a 20-year drought has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets, regulated by a single malevolent company that charges admission for this basic need.

"'Urinetown' is praised for reinvigorating the very notion of what a musical could be," Jivoff said. "In many ways it is inspired by the works of Brecht and Weill, but it absolutely appeals to a contemporary audience."