Review: Award-Winning Troubadour Sings of THE LION's Courage at The Rep's Stiemke

In revealing a true story through an autobiographical musical, songwriter Benjamin Scheuer performs his coming of age titled The LIon. Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio presents this up-close and personal production after being named an outstanding solo performance on both sides of the Atlantic. On stage, Scheuer and his acoustic guitars, except for one electric string version, transform the theater with his impressive displays of musicianship over the 70 minute, no intermission production.

Scheuer's story begins with three little boy "cubs," Ben and his two younger brothers Adam and Simon, when they are small and vulnerable, and their father gives them guitars and drums to play with, as children so them may understand his passion for music. The Brothers now united by a love of music instead of their father's profession, mathmatics, and where these two powerful forces between art and science eventually collide to split Ben's family apart.

After a chldhood being raised in New York, Ben moves to England where his mother takes the boys after his father's death and Ben was sent to an elite boarding school. At the age of 18, he flees to New York again in an attempt to reconcile his life and loves separated by an ocean and from his family while pursuing his true calling-music. As the eldest borther who had promised to lead his family after his father's death similar to a Lion would his own pride, Ben lives his dream until an unpredencented illlness refocuses his attentnon on family and his father's musical legacy left behind when he died.

Scheuer exudes boyish and bouyant charm the entire performance while costumed in a light blue suit, braces and white shirt. The audience senses his burgeoning adolescent angst the first half hour with a timid roar against his fahter's tirade on better performance in mathmatics class instead of on stage with a guitar, In the second half, the voice alters, somewhat silenced when he faces a life threatening disease there can be little personal control over.

Scenic Designer Neil Patel and Lighting Designer Ben Stanton bathe the Stiemke stage in a golden, primal glow, where a circle of lights hung from the ceiling radiates a theatrical warmth over Scheuer and the audience. Directed by Sean Daniels, the fast paced performance entertains while warming the heart as this young musician struggles to find his family again. Throughout Scheuer's trials and tribulations, another love intervenes when he meets his girlfriend Julia, and the production lightens during a catchy, clever song titled "Laugh."

While the talented Scheuer spins his tales of growing up while strumming these numerous guitars, bewitching the audience with the boy to man, brotherfinds his brother scenes the audience revels in his storytelling. His personal retelling speaks of family and survival, which then plucks emotion from the audienc---still this story has been heard before, perhaps even those that can be more harrowing. What glistens on stage is Ben, the musician, songwriter and performer who reveals how music and in esence, the arts, inhabit the power to heal both the proverbial body and soul. His own joy in redemption of a life, his life, saved through medicine and music. This message roars with clarity through Scheuer the troubadour, instead of Ben, the prodigal son and brother.

As one of the firstr American cities to produce the acclaimed production awarded multiple honors, a goal Artistic Director Mark Clements strives for in planning The Rep's upcoming seasons, Milwaukee anticipates the promise and professionali talent this performance reveals. A production stunning in simplicity through these eloquent gifts of song, Scheuer's life will continually unfold after these personal tragedies. Perhaps fresh experiences will create The Lion who continues to roar boldly and often through music with renewed courage in the years ahead.

Milwaukee Rep presents THE LION written and performed by Benjamin Scheuer in the Stiemke Studio at the Patty and Jay Baker Theater Complex through November 8. For special programming, performance schedule or tickets, please call: 414.224.9490 or www.MilwaukeeRep.com

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