Although I thought the play Circle Mirror Transformation was done poorly, I loved the theater…read more Intimate, the audience on three sides, there isn't a bad seat in the house. Acoustics are good and the lighting excellent. As for Circle, the casting was ludicrous, especially the younger women who didn't fit their roles at all. Their performances were less than high school level. They played into over-acting, exaggerating every facial expression and movement. It was embarrassing. This play's staging is all about mirror placement. The audience should be able to see the reactive expressions of the actors from different angles. This director placed one mirror at the back of the stage, barely reflecting the audience. What the heck was that? It served no purpose. I understand the Next Act Theater has a low budget, but hire actors who look the part of the characters they play. There are hundreds of wonderful theatrical artists in the Milwaukee area who would give anything for one of these parts. There is no excuse. All that being said, the Next Act Theater is still a fantastic venue to see a production, most are much better than this version of Circle Mirror Transformation, an Obie award winning play.

Milwaukee's theater scene is really strong, but don't sleep on this small powerhouse of a theater,…read moreNext Act Theatre! I loved my subscriptions in 2021, 2022, and can always count on Next Act to give me a play that makes me think, laugh, question society through the lens of a new play written in a Shakespearean style or through a multicultural lens. So far in 2023 I've enjoyed Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" the West End's longest running play, and am looking forward to another in 2024! The art in the lobby is curated to reflect the current play, as well! Seats are easy to purchase online or by phone, and there's even an audio service during performances for the hard of hearing. Next Act supports the best in acting talent in the Milwaukee area, great playwrights and I recommend you check them out!

John McGivern delivered a heartfelt and thoroughly entertaining holiday performance at the…read moreGermantown Performing Arts Center, reminding the audience why he remains such a beloved storyteller. The evening began on a festive note as the Germantown Band welcomed the crowd, immediately setting a warm and celebratory tone for the show. The band also returned during intermission, providing enjoyable live music that kept the holiday spirit alive throughout the evening. Best known for his Emmy Award-winning work on PBS, McGivern brought the same warmth, humor, and authenticity to the stage that viewers have enjoyed for years on Around the Corner and John McGivern's Main Streets. His Christmas show blended laugh-out-loud moments with touching reflections drawn from his upbringing as one of six children in a working-class Midwestern Irish Catholic family. For many in the audience, his stories truly hit home. The themes of family dynamics, traditions, faith, and everyday moments were deeply relatable, especially for those raised in Midwestern Catholic households. McGivern's ability to find humor in shared experiences made the performance both genuinely funny and emotionally resonant. The performance felt intimate and inviting, as if he were welcoming the audience into his own living room for the holidays. John McGivern's Christmas show was a joyful, comforting, and meaningful way to celebrate the season. Supported by the festive contributions of the Germantown Band, the evening left the audience smiling, reflective, and filled with holiday spirit long after the final curtain.

Coming to the Germantown PAC was an excellent experience. We saw The Little Mermaid, which was…read morehands-down the best play I've ever seen. Everyone was beyond incredible in their respective performances. The PAC was so clean, which is great, unlike so many theaters I've been to; this was a refreshing change. The acoustics were great, and we sat in the middle row in front of the stage, maybe 6 rows back. Adequate lighting, friendly staff, and efficient ways to get people served quickly during the intermission were great highlights. Another area of appreciation was upon check-in. There's a pillow area to the left on the floor. Need one to boost a child, for example? Take it and bring it back after the play is over. This was oddly one of the more memorable things about the PAC--we have been to a few, but none where they have these nice pillows to give you a boost if you're a little shorter. The seating was comfortable, and there was enough legroom to endure the entire play without getting sore. Ensure you realize there's no food and drink inside the theater area, but you can have it outside while mingling with others in the lobby.

Awesome experience, and well ran. Lots of art both local and international. Also plenty of…read moreperforming arts to listen to and watch as well.

OFA is a yearly event that takes place at the lovely Fowler Park in Oconomowoc, WI. It features…read morenumerous artists (local and out of towners) selling their arts and crafts. They feature such mediums as : ceramics, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, woodwork, and sculpture. They offer a shuttle for off-site parking, which is a very convienent way to come and walk around, enjoy the fest, and not have to worry about walking 'all the way back to the car.' They also offer entertainment for the kids, like a youth stage, playgrounds, entertainers, and petting zoos. Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts has been around for 40+ years and offers art from more than 130 artists! It's worth your while to check out - spend a day in beautiful Oconomowoc and support a good cause while you're at it. BTW : This year's OFA will be held on August 17th and 18th, 2013 from 10am - 5pm.

This is a wonderful Lakeside venue with covered outdoor seating. Large TV screen enable people…read morestanding in the back to see the action up on the stage. Seats are pretty comfortable and arranged well. Nice clean outdoor stage.

I've been here for Summerfest, but my first time here at BMO Harris Pavilion for a standalone…read moreconcert was such a success! Easy in to the park grounds, no drink lines and an amazing stage view! We were probably 3rd from last row, but the view was clear and did not feel too far away at all. Per usual, the bathroom line got a little long in between sets, but moved quickly and was not an issue. We had the perfect summer evening at the concert and had an amazing skyline view on our way out.

My love affair with the Boulevard is fairly new. Mark (The Artistic Director) stopped by a meeting…read moreI hosted awhile back and brought along some of the actors to share a reading with us. I then drug my date to the full length performance of "Circle Mirror Transformation". I had no idea what to expect, but I loved the energy and accessibility of the folks I met and I wanted more. I enjoyed the first show so much I've been to another one since and have brought several of my friends with me! That same energy and sense of accessibility was clear at the theater-I was not disappointed! Mark makes a point to acknowledge people in the audience, thanking them, and asking them to talk about their organizations. There is a real sense of community happening and it's hard not to feel like part of the family. Location is perfect-You can park once and grab dinner before and drinks or dessert after. Arrive early (Doors open 20 minutes prior to curtain). Try out your chair and make sure it's comfortable, there are a few fairly uncomfortable ones. Avoid the "Lincoln Balcony". Have a drink and pee before you get there. Small space=No food/drink service and one tiny bathroom.

My husband and I love going to see the many wonderful productions performed in this small theater…read morespace. They hire many beginning actors/ actresses, helping get their foot in the door, as well as many local talents. Mark is always very sociable and promotes the current works being presented by other theater companies; many times if someone from another theater is in the audience he will give them a moment to announce what they have in store. This theater is one of the reasons Bay View has become such a wonderful neighborhood to visit, live in, and open new business. I would suggest giving this theater a try, I think too many people overlook local theaters and miss out on some very well produced pieces. Also, Mark is a certified officiant for weddings and did a wonderful job with ours. We received many compliments from our guests and we were thrilled that he could take part in such an important way on our wedding day. Thanks Mark! :) Street parking only, in spitting distance of: Cafe Lulu, Guanajuato (sp?), Riviera Mia, Babe's, Stone Creek Coffee, Toppers, Cafe Centraal, Wild Flour Bakery, and Jimmy Johns in case you want dinner or a snack before the show. There are other scrumptious places to eat within a short drive as well.

This is a fun little theater. I saw F1 here the other day with some friends. The tickets are cheap…read more The popcorn and snacks are great! I love this little theater.

A must go to when visiting the North Shore. This beautifully restored theater is a 1 room movie…read moretheater that is volunteer run. Always has up to date movies with some great throwbacks. Concessions are very cheap with all the options but you can also bring carry ins. Such a good environment.

We have attended a few productions here, and have enrolled our 6 year old in a few of their…read moreclasses. They do great work here. A week or two before our daughters first class I told her she was going to come here for a "drama class." She freaked out and assured me she only wants to be dramatic when she wants to be dramatic. I've since learned that First Stage is about far more than drama. It is about helping young people find their comfort and confidence through creativity and "stage skills." And our daughter has since learned to really love this place. The facility is great for parents an children alike. They work hard to provide an environment where your child feels safe and creative. They've more than succeeded. As a parent, I feel well taken care of here as well. I'm drafting this review in a comfy chair in the atrium lounge area where they provide wifi and vending machines, etc. If you have kids, you have to be here. This is one of the places that makes me feel proud about Milwaukee!

First Stage is Amazing. I started attending shows as an…read moreadult to witness a friend perform as a professional actor. My nephew is now old enough to attend shows and we go at least once per year if not more. The shows are geared toward the children but if I must say, are delightfully entertaining for adults as well. This season we saw Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and the set design incorporating the puppet animals as well as the Bumble were fantastic. Special props to the stage hands who made the show run so smoothly. Bottom line is that it's great. Tickets are inexpensive, the experience is fantastic and there is a halftime break to buy cookies. If you have a little one in your life it's a great excursion and even if you don't, everyone should check in with the kid at heart once in a while.

Moonlit Movies in Oconomowoc has been a well attended local event since inception, being held in…read moretwo downtown locations... One downtown on Main St., the other at Folwer Park on Fowler lake. Both drawing several thousand friendly and happy people! It bring the whole town out and the whole together. The Main Street site being my favorite as one can set up camp for the movie, and grab a great meal at any one of the great local eateries ranging from food trucks to 5 star Indian, and everything in between. The community pulls out all the stops with almost every church within 5 miles having a big presence (with a few sadly and notably absent) of engaging activities for family and kids. There are three movies movies during the season, and one being aimed at a kid free audience too.

Awesome... Movies shown in the park, and snacks and drinks are available. Classic movies shown in…read morenature. Plenty of room, so bring your own chair. Check schedule for movie times.