Kate Mann

University of Wisconsin senior and acting specialist student, Hannah Ripp-Dieter set the bar for student written pieces high this week, with her performance of her senior thesis, Housebound. The show, with book by Hannah Ripp-Dieter and music by Hannah Ripp-Dieter, Meghan Rose, and Jake Ripp-Dieter, far surpasses the expectations for a student written piece. Housebound is clever, charming, and different, with a perfect balance of serious and comic moments.

The golden age of radio seems farther and farther behind us, but this weekend at the Bartell Theatre that was not so. InterMission Theatre's production of Broadcast, a new musical by composer Scott Murphy and writer Nathan Christensen, offers a heartwarming look at the development of wireless communication, and peoples' struggle to connect.

Four Seasons Theatre's production of Les Miserables goes miles above the rest with brilliant direction, passionate performers. Mitby Theater through 8/18.

Local theatre company, Music Theatre of Madison, is presenting the Wisconsin premiere of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson July 19-27th. The show, written by Michael Friedman and Alex Timbers is unconventional and politically incorrect, but is a very different and surprisingly heartfelt look at the life of Andrew Jackson and the 19th century.

Music Theatre of Madison's performance of Edgar Allan Poe's Nevermore leaves audiences thrilled, haunted.