For years, a pair of annual performances has anchored the holidays in southeast Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Ballet’s Nutcracker and the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s A Christmas Carol. This season, A Christmas Carol is receiving an extensive makeover and The Nutcracker will feature new dancers and casting.
The Rep has a new script, a new Scrooge in Jonathan Wainwright and a redesign of everything from the costumes through the lighting and orchestration. The new revolving turntable stage set has been described as “the largest and most complicated” in the Rep’s history.
Also new this season is the Shepherd Express’ first Winter Arts Guide, giving us an opportunity to highlight the rich array of offerings by arts groups in the Milwaukee area from December through February. As with the Fall and Spring guides, the Winter Arts Guide features a comprehensive calendar of theater, dance, classical music and visual art performances and exhibitions along with recommendations by our writers. The Winter Arts Guide also includes a look at Cabaret Milwaukee and an interview with the Milwaukee Art Museum’s new director.
One glance at the Winter Arts Guide says it all: Weather notwithstanding, Milwaukee gives us no reason to sit home during the cold weather months.
David Luhrssen
Editor, Winter Arts Guide
John Schneider
Assistant Editor, Winter Arts Guide
