Author: Ed Heinzelman

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The Wood Engravers’ Network’s Fifth Triennial exhibition at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Everyone who has spent any time enjoying the visual arts is familiar with woodcuts. They are often very warm and tactile and inviting prints traditionally printed in black ink but often done in color in the last hundred years or so. Woodcuts are made by carving away the parts of a wood block that the artist wants to show as white, the negative spaces in the image. And the carving is done with any number of different knives or gouges or chisels in the plank grain or long grain of the wood…the softer side. And then the ink is applied to the remaining raised surface, a sheet of paper is laid over the block, and the entire thing is run through a press to transfer the ink from block to paper.

But now the Emil H. Mathis gallery at UWM is featuring the Wood Engravers’ Network’s Fifth Triennial exhibition. So this is a real opportunity to delve into wood engravings which are similar but they are not the same as a woodcut. A wood engraving is carved in the end grain of a piece of wood, the cross cut side for those carpenters out there. And then that piece is finished to a very fine surface and tinted before the drawing is transferred to the block or in some cases actually drawn on the block. The tools used in engraving are far smaller, far sharper, and very fine compared to those used in woodcuts. That is required because of the harder surface in the end grain wood. But the advantage of these fine tools and the harder wood surface is a medium that exhibits far more detail and far more possibilities for tints, shading, and other subtleties. Once completed the block is printed a similar fashion to a woodcut but the prints will generally be smaller because the end grain pieces of wood are smaller to start with.

The Wood Engravers’ Network’s Fifth Triennial exhibition was juried by Max Yela, the Head of Special Collections at the Golda Meir Library at UWM. He has selected a marvelous collection of 60 engravers from an international array of artists. So subject matter and technique and genre run the gamut of the possibilities of wood engraving. Now let’s step into the 21st Century a bit and realize that the woods most sought after for engraving have become more scarce and far more expensive. So there are now a number of synthetic surfaces in use including corian for example, a product similar to corian counter tops. So you will see a few prints using these new materials as well.

So if you are not familiar with wood engravings or not quite sure how they differ from woodcuts, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the medium. And as an extra bonus Yela has also included a few books and engravings from UWM’s Special Collections as a counterpoint. This is a rare chance to see some of these items as well.

The show is free and open to the public but the gallery has limited hours: 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. The show continues through May 1, 2025. The Emil H Mathis gallery is located on the ground floor of Mitchell Hall, room 170, at 3203 N Downer Avenue, the north west corner of Downer Ave. and Kenwood Ave.

And now a few of my favorites…and an attempt to lure you into the gallery. I apologize for some of the funny angles, I was trying my best to reduce glare (and the reflection of my red overcoat):

Rebecca Gilbert, The Widow (self portrait), wood engraving and letterpress, image 2.5 x 3 inches
Christoper Register, Gingrich from the Scoundrel’s Series, Resingrave, 5 x 5 inches
Abigail Rorer, The Madonna Tree, relief engraving, 6 5/8 x 5 inches
James Todd, Masters of War, wood engraving, 12 x 16 inches
Blaze Cyan, A Complicated Life, wood engraving, 5.9 x 3.9 inches

And here’s two from the UWM Special Collections:

Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, wood engravings by artist Barry Moser
The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, a facsimile of William Morris’ 1896 Kelmscott Press printing.
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PSA: Milwaukee’s Premier Youth Theater: FIRST STAGE: Announces Their 2025-2026 Season!

FIRST STAGE ANNOUNCES ITS 2025-2026 SEASON
From Neverland to Arendelle, a thrilling lineup of magical adventures, beloved classics and a world premiere takes center stage!

MILWAUKEE – First Stage – one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families – unveils its 2025-2026 season, featuring seven captivating productions designed to delight theater lovers of all ages! The season kicks off with a spine-tingling start as GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM brings R.L. Stine’s iconic stories to the stage—just in time for Halloween. Then, set sail for adventure with PETER PAN AND WENDY, where audiences will soar to Neverland for a timeless tale of courage and imagination. And to (snow) cap it all off, a flurry of excitement awaits with the stage adaptation of DISNEY’S FROZEN, where audiences can journey to Arendelle and witness the beloved story of sisterhood, love and the music we all know and love.


Adding to the excitement, First Stage is thrilled to present the next great holiday classic of THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!—a world premiere musical adventure featuring Mo Willems’ fan-favorite characters Elephant, Piggie, and Pigeon. Get ready for hilarious hijinks, holiday chaos and plenty of surprises as these storybook characters leap off the page and take center stage.

“As I begin my 30th season at First Stage, I reflect on how we’ve been the foundation for so many young people’s first theater experiences and the families who share in those moments,” said Jeff Frank, executive artistic director at First Stage. “This 2025-2026 season will offer those same wondrous adventures—from a subterranean lair harboring a ghost with a grudge to the North Pole where a determined Pigeon tries valiantly to drive a sleigh; from a boy who refuses to grow up to a girl and dragon who overcome fears. We’re also thrilled to be among a select group of professional theaters around the country producing DISNEY’S FROZEN, the full-length Broadway musical!”

Performances will take place at the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, with additional productions staged at the Goodman Mainstage Hall in the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. Family Packages and single tickets to First Stage’s 2025-2026 season will go on sale April 21, 2025.

R.L. Stine’s GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM –  Oct. 11 – Nov. 2, 2025

Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Performing Arts Center

Horror fans Brooke and Zeke are thrilled to be starring in a mysterious show called The Phantom, and not the least bit frightened by the old legend that the play is cursed. But when strange, eerie messages appear and a masked menace starts disrupting rehearsals, they begin to wonder: what if there really is a ghost haunting their school, determined to stop the show?! Prepare to get goosebumps as they race to solve the mystery in this thrilling and chilling musical, based on the classic series by R.L. Stine.

Recommended for families with young people ages 8-18 and thrill seekers of all ages!

WORLD PREMIERE!

THE PIGEON GETS A BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA! – Nov. 21 – Dec. 28, 2025

Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Performing Arts Center

When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! The Unlimited Squirrels deck the halls and Elephant and Piggie come ready to celebrate! But will The Pigeon join in the festivities, or will he run all the way to the North Pole in search of the greatest gift ever? Catchy tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts, audience antics: it’s all in this brand-new musical party that sleighs!

Recommended for families with young people ages 4-14 and festive celebrators of all ages! 

LOVABYE DRAGON – Jan. 24 – Feb. 15, 2026

Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

An enchanting musical of unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon. Together they embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away, only to face their greatest challenge. Covering three books in the Dragon and Girl series by Wisconsin author Barbara Joosse – Lovabye Dragon, Evermore Dragon and Sail Away Dragon – this adaptation with infectious music and lyrics by The Happy Racers is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face, lift your spirits, and get you singing and dancing along!

Recommended for families with young people ages 3-8 and brave explorers of all ages!

PETER PAN AND WENDY –  Feb. 20 – March 22, 2026

Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Performing Arts Center

J.M. Barrie’s classic story comes to life as never seen before in this thrilling new production. Through the magic of stage wizardry and the power of your imagination, you will find yourself transported along with Wendy and her brothers to Neverland – a place of magic and wonder, of danger and suspense, but above all, a place where you will believe in the seemingly unbelievable! Marvel as the Darling children are swept into Peter’s deadly battle with Captain Hook and his mostly fearsome pirate crew. With so much excitement, why ever go home again…?

Recommended for families with young people ages 6-14 and magical dreamers of all ages! 

DISNEY’S FROZEN – April 11 – May 17, 2026

Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Performing Arts Center

In the beautiful, mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she has desperately tried to conceal take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, FROZEN is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love. Now, experience the full-length Broadway musical brought to life as only First Stage can!

Recommended for families with young people ages 8-18 and determined adventurers of all ages!

Our award-winning Young Company continues its remarkable work with two powerful performance projects:

ROSE OF TREASON – Nov. 7 – 16, 2025

Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

In 1943, a group of university students in Germany were appalled at the truth that was coming to light about the Nazi Party. They started a resistance group aimed at bringing down Hitler and the Nazi regime. Their story is one of breathtaking courage, selflessness, and utter faith in what is right. The efforts of The White Rose are an inspiring tribute to the goodness of humanity shining even in the darkest moments of history. Presented in partnership with Violins of Hope and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Recommended for families with young people ages 12-18 and courageous leaders of all ages! 

JULIUS CAESAR – March 13 – 22, 2026

Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

Beware the Ides of March! If only Julius Caesar had listened. Fresh from a victory over his rival Pompey, Caesar basks in his newfound power, celebrated by the people of Rome. But not everyone is cheering. Some fear he is becoming too powerful; powerful enough to end the Roman Republic and crown himself king. Betrayal. Conspiracies. A public that cheers one day and turns the next. Who should hold power? And what happens when those in control decide to take matters into their own hands? Shakespeare’s gripping political thriller comes to life in a story of loyalty, honor, and the price of ambition.

Recommended for families with young people ages 14-18 and Shakespeare fans of all ages! 

Don’t miss out on discounted tickets to the 2025-2026 season!

  • Family Packages allow ticket buyers to save 20% when purchasing tickets to two or three shows and save 25% when purchasing tickets to four or more shows.
    • New this season: purchase your tickets by August 1, 2025, to receive 10% off* single tickets or an additional 10% off* of your Family Package – Saving up to 35%! 

*This offer excludes DISNEY’S FROZEN.

For additional information about the 2025-2026 season and to order tickets, please go to firststage.org or call 

(414) 267-2961. 

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PSA: Lake Country Playhouse and Academy Presents David Auburn’s Proof!

Lake Country Playhouse & Academy Presents Award-Winning Drama Proof

Hartland, WI – April 17, 2025 – Lake Country Playhouse & Academy (LCP) is proud to present David Auburn’s drama Proof, winner of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Play and Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but mentally unstable father, a renowned mathematician. After his death, she’s left to navigate her own uncertain future while grappling with the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father’s; and the 103 notebooks her father left behind. As the weekend unfolds, a budding romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook force Catherine to confront the most challenging question of all: how much of her father’s brilliance—or his madness—has she inherited?

“I was drawn to direct at LCP because Proof is one of my favorite plays of the last 25 years,” says director Naomi Tiefel, making her LCP directorial debut. “When you combine this masterfully written play with our talented cast and the intimacy of the LCP stage, it becomes a theatrical experience you don’t want to miss.”

Tiefel brings a wealth of experience in both acting and directing, with recent credits including Calendar Girls (West Bend Theatre Company), Agatha Christie’s Rule of Three (Wisconsin Lutheran College), Deja Vu Again (Kettle Moraine Playhouse), and Beauty and the Beast and The Wizard of Oz (Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School).

“As a college professional and active community theater participant, I find nothing more beautiful than the marriage of science and art,” Tiefel adds. “Proof is about far more than mathematical genius. It explores complex relationships between fathers and daughters, sisters, and lovers. It’s about mental health and women in science—subjects that are deeply meaningful to me.”

Tiefel is joined by stage manager Angie Rodenkirch, returning to LCP in a new role after serving as music director for A Christmas Carol in 2023 and 2024, and appearing in Our Town and A Rock Sails By. Costume design is by Beck Men, and Breanne Brennan—co-director of LCP’s acclaimed 2025 production of Jekyll & Hyde—serves as production manager.

The cast of four includes local actors Michael Chobanoff (Robert), Anna Gumberg (Catherine), Keenan Ellis (Hal), and Ariel Korducki (Claire), several of whom are also making their LCP debut.

“The reason I love [Proof] is because each of the four characters develops such deep, authentic relationships—both in real time and through flashbacks,” says Tiefel. “The talent in this cast is unbelievable, and we spend so much time in our rehearsals really digging into who these people are and what drives them.”

Proof will run from May 9-23, 2025 at Lake Country Playhouse & Academy, 221 E. Capitol Drive, Hartland, WI  53029. Performances will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $26. Tickets can be purchased online at www.lakecountryplayhousewi.org