By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Sep 22, 2012 at 10:56 AM

Trying to make sense of the financial collapse and difficulties that have grown from it is an almost hopeless task, so we all might as well try and get a laugh out of it all.

That's the theory behind the play "Microcrisis," which opens Sept. 27 at Milwaukee's Next Act Theatre.

The play by Michael Lew promises an absurd look at the outrage and shock that the financial crisis provoked.

Edward Morgan, an experienced director with a long line of credits, will guide a cast of some very respected actors, including Michael Cotey who recently starred as Malcolm in the Optimist Theatre summer production of "Macbeth."

Veteran actors John Kishline and David Cecsarini are also in the cast.

A recent review of the play in New York said:

"Michael Lew's new play contains all of the ingredients that made our current recession possible, but with at least twice as many laughs.

"Satire, after all, is as good a way as any to try to comprehend how we got to where we are today, on the calamitous downside of a burst bubble that everyone seemed to believe would just keep getting bigger and bigger even though nothing real was sustaining it. Lew exposes the hypocrisy and greed and duplicity and sheer stupidity behind all of this, with intelligence, humanity, and enormous humor in this very funny, very apt comedy. Thank goodness it's hilarious – because otherwise we'd have to weep profusely at the truths it uncovers."

The play runs from Sept. 28 to Oct. 21 at the new home for Next Act at 255 S. Water St. Tickets are available at (414) 578-5930 or nextact.org.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.