Kelsey Lawler

True crime connoisseurs, lovers of local lore, fans of the Violent Femmes: the Milwaukee Rep has a world premiere rock musical with your name written all over it.

What did our critic think of SUPERYOU at SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE?

I've been a fan of Hadestown since its concept album release in 2010. With music and lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell, the album featured vocals by Mitchell herself alongside the likes of Justin Vernon and Ani DiFranco. Called a 'folk opera' at the time, this album laid the foundation for what would become the 2019 Tony-winning Broadway musical Hadestown.

The Milwaukee Rep has staged a superbly acted, shocking, relatable, tornado of a black comedy with GOD OF CARNAGE.

I’m pleased to report Into the Woods has all the makings of theater magic. For starters, they nailed the casting. The woods prove towering, deep, and every inch a fairytale setting -- and the costumes are gorgeous.

Forte Theatre Company is inviting Wisconsinites 'Into the Woods' at Franklin's Saber Center for the Performing Arts, led by Artistic Director Randall Dodge and Executive Director Brenda Dodge. I recently chatted with Brenda Dodge about the upcoming production.

'The Greatest Love for Whitney' will give you chills from the get-go. The kind of gorgeous chills that come from a place of starstruck awe.

For its first play ever, Skylight has staged a hysterical romp that is cute, charming, and full of good energy and classic comedic antics.

SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL at First Stage in Milwaukee is an eye-popping, laugh-aloud, cartoonish romp under the sea.

There’s no place for mediocrity to hide in SIX. These leading roles require genuine, unfiltered talent with exceptional vocal range and control. This touring cast delivers on that and then some.

'The Heart Sellers' is a commentary on immigration, yes, but most of all it celebrates the joy and fulfillment that comes with good friends.

The tour of HAIRSPRAY is pure joy, lighting up Milwaukee’s Marcus Center through February 12th with exuberant dancing, glorious voices, and a bright, bubbly outlook that’s just what this Wisconsin winter needs. 

The good news: Evita at Skylight Music Theatre is a stunner that's not to be missed. The bad news: Milwaukee-area theater fans only have until February 19th to catch it on stage.

Many show highlights come from props and staging choices. From a field of orange flowers dancing around Carmela to conversations with her fuzzy dandelion to a flurry of bubbles representing hundreds wishes, these moments of stage magic are just that: magical.

Love and laughter are just what a Wisconsin winter needs, and just what the Milwaukee Rep is serving. They have something insanely special with this updated adaptation of a Shakespearean rom-com classic. For me, this is a Rep season favorite that will be tough to top. 

What did our critic think of MY FAIR LADY at MARCUS CENTER? There's a loverly bit of old-school musical theater at Milwaukee's Marcus Center this week. My Fair Lady returns, and fans of the original show and film starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison will no doubt adore this production. There's something comforting about a classic Broadway show delivering on its tried and true promises. For My Fair Lady, it's strong vocals, captivating characters, sumptuous costumes, richly-designed sets, a toe-tapper here, a chuckle there. All are present in this touring Lincoln Center Theater Production, directed by Bartlett Sher.

What did our critic think of A CHRISTMAS CAROL at MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER? For almost 50 years, the Milwaukee Rep's A Christmas Carol has been a beloved holiday tradition in Milwaukee. Freshly adapted by Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements in 2016, the eye-popping spectacle delivers holiday magic and festive feelings to melt even the iciest of hearts. But there's a repetitive risk in tradition -- the inherent potential of sameness and boredom with doing the same thing year after year. Can a show, even one as impressive as A Christmas Carol, keep the flame alive?

Seen by 130 million people in 53 countries and 22 languages, 'Les Miserables' stands the test of time and jukebox musical trends. Magnificent performances, dazzling sets and staging, soaring orchestrations -- these make the show timeless, breathtaking, and powerful as ever.

From iconic elf costumes to familiar furry friends, fans of the TV special will be delighted to reunite with these festive favorites on stage. And for anyone new to Rudolph, this musical makes for a perfect introduction to the world of everyone’s favorite flying reindeer. 

This is well-paced, laughter-filled, and heartwarming theater full of smart writing and charming characters. In short, 'The Nativity Variations' is the perfect gift for Milwaukee audiences this holiday season.