Broadway Theatre Center – an intuitive perspective

February 11, 2025February 12, 2025

The Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s A Doll’s House

editor’s note: my mid-winter vacation prevented me from covering a couple of things that I normally would have written about. And it also meant that I didn’t see two important plays until their closing weekend, The Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s A Doll’s House and The Lake Country Players’, The Dining Room. So my apologies as you read my responses, these shows have already closed.

After Shakespeare, Henrik Ibsen is the classic playwright that I most look forward to seeing on local stages. But given his place as a father of modern theater, is Ibsen’s work actually classic? Well, absolutely. So here we have the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre presenting a new adaptation by Amy Herzog of A Doll’s House!

Herzog’s interpretation leaves nothing behind from Ibsen’s exposure of misogyny and the cultural and societal subjugation of woman in a male dominated society. But she does bring the language to a cleaner and more enjoyable contemporary feel that makes this version flow smooth and more easily understood for the modern audience. Unfortunately we can relate to the story of Nora Helmer as she tries to move from her position as a ‘doll’ to one of a complete and independent human being…as we see start to sense regressions in our current society.

Director Leda Hoffmann has taken full advantage of the new text and has put together a fluid and engaging presentation completely putting front and center the conflict that Nora experiences. Her blocking and timing of the play work perfectly and she pulls out the full implications of the story.

Front and center is Nora Helmer of course…and she is wholly embodied by Jennifer Vosters…who amazingly moves from being the ‘doll’ to realizing how much more life has to offer. Vosters’ Nora is lucid and aware and brings us into her corner immediately and holds us there until that very last door slam. But even in the early scenes where she plays to the ‘doll’ to her domineering husband, you can feel that she is aware that she deserves more in life than this. And given she is on stage for all but a few moments for some simple costume changes, I have to admire Vosters’ stamina and stage presence. Without Vosters as Nora, this play wouldn’t have worked nearly as well.

Josh Krause plays it hard and cold as Torvald Helmer. And despite his continual declarations of love for Nora and the cute nicknames, it never seems to go beyond his own identification of self and his own sense that he deserves ‘her’ and her devotion to him and his family. Krause certainly is able to bring that sense of entitlement to the role…and completely locks Torvald into that entitlement as Nora initiates her new sense of self…again, right down to that fatal door slam.

Matthew Bowden is Nils Krogstad…a loan shark who lends money to Nora and a bank manager with a past who is fired by Torvald. Bowden gives us a Krogstad who wants to find redemption from his past but isn’t quite sure how to do it. He eventually does in a very round about way and through the intervention of Kristine Linde, boldly played by Kat Wodtke. But when he is threatening Nora, I didn’t feel that he was quite sinister enough. And Anand Nagraj is Dr. Peter Rank, a best friend of both Nora and Torvald…and a daily visitor to the Helmer residence. And he has a secret too which is somewhat apparent but I don’t think it quite worked. But I put that to the words that Amy Herzog provided for Rank and not on Nagraj.

Normally I would close with information about tickets and additional information, but instead let me share this YouTube video about A Doll’s House from the actors and director:

December 28, 2024

PSA: Milwaukee Chamber Theatre To Present Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll House”, In A New Adaptation By Amy Herzog

It is not often that we are fortunate to have Ibsen performed in Milwaukee. From our friends at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre:

MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE’S A DOLL’S HOUSE EXAMINES GENDER ROLES AND SELF-IDENTITY IN TONY-NOMINATED NEW ADAPTATION FROM AMY HERZOG

Directed by Leda Hoffmann, the timeless masterpiece will feature Milwaukee favorites Jennifer Vosters, Josh Krause, Libby Amato, Matthew Bowdren, and Kat Wodtke alongside visiting artist Anand Nagraj

MILWAUKEE, WI – December 26, 2024 – Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) continues its landmark 50th Anniversary 2024/25 Season with Henrik Ibsen’s revolutionary classic A DOLL’S HOUSE, presented in an incisive new version by acclaimed American dramatist Amy Herzog.

Directed by Leda Hoffmann, the production will run from January 24 to February 9, 2025, in the Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio Theatre. Tickets are available online at www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org or by calling the Broadway Theatre Center box office at 414-291-7800.

For only the second time in 50 years, world-changing dramatist Henrik Ibsen appears in an MCT season! His most famous play, presented here in a devastatingly compact and celebrated new adaptation, shocked audiences and ushered in a new era of theater when it premiered in 1879. Culminating in what George Bernard Shaw described as “the door slam heard ‘round the world,” its unsparing examination of gender roles, marital dynamics, and the ongoing struggles for equality and self-knowledge remains blisteringly relevant today. Variety praised award-winning dramatist Amy Herzog’s Tony-nominated bold and compact adaptation as “gravitational… a pure view of what Ibsen meant to convey.

“Amy Herzog’s adaptation of A DOLL’S HOUSE gives us an extraordinary opportunity to connect this timeless story with modern audiences in a way that feels both urgent and personal,” said MCT Artistic Director Brent Hazelton. “At its core, this play is about the courage it takes to challenge societal norms and embrace the complexity of our individual identities—conversations that remain as vital today as they were when Ibsen first sparked them. For MCT, producing this piece during our 50th Anniversary Season is not just exciting; it’s a chance to reaffirm our commitment to telling stories that ignite meaningful dialogue in our community.”

Director Leda Hoffmann returns to Milwaukee Chamber Theatre for the first time in almost a decade, after previously directing Tennessee Williams’ A LOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel called that production “exceptionally well-acted… funny and poignant,” while OnMilwaukee’s Dave Begel described it as “four women… guided down individual and common paths under the delicate touch of Leda Hoffmann.” “Returning to Milwaukee to direct A DOLL’S HOUSE is a dream come true,” says Hoffmann. “When this play was written over 140 years ago it changed the world. Coming back to it now in a fresh, contemporary, energetic adaptation, the play feels as important as ever. What freedom exists in honestly seeing the world around us? What opportunities exist when we are able to imagine something different? I cannot wait for audiences to experience this dynamic and thrilling drive towards realization.”

The cast of A DOLL’S HOUSE is led by Milwaukee’s own Jennifer Vosters in her MCT acting debut as Nora Helmer opposite MCT favorite Josh Krause (INDECENT, GREAT EXPECTATIONS, JEEVES AT SEA). “When I first read A DOLL’S HOUSE as a senior at Brookfield East (thanks, Ms.
Bustle!), the play—and the character of Nora—challenged me in ways I never forgot,” Vosters shared, “confronting me with questions about my place as a young woman in the world I was about to enter. Returning to it right here in Milwaukee feels like a full-circle moment, and the chance to tell this story with the brilliant team MCT has assembled is deeply meaningful both professionally and personally.”

The cast also includes MCT and Milwaukee favorites Kat Wodtke (MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET, acclaimed Milwaukee band Long Mama) as Kristine Linde and Libby Amato (MOUSETRAP, A THOUSAND WORDS) as Anne-Marie. Matthew Bowdren (Arizona Theatre Company, Hudson Valley Shakespeare) and visiting artist Anand Nagraj (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Disney’s ALADDIN, Chicago Fire and Chicago PD) will round out the cast in their MCT debuts as Nils Krogstad and Dr. Peter Rank, respectively.

The production will be designed and created by Jimmy Balistreri (Lighting Designer), Gina Cornejo (Intimacy Follow), KaiLee Evans (Intimacy Director), Bri Humke (Assistant Stage Manager), Dani Kuepper (Stage Movement Director), Lisa Schlenker (Scenic Designer), Josh Schmidt (Sound Designer), Simone Tegge (Associate Scenic and Properties Designer), Emily Marie Wilke (Stage Manager), and Winter Olamina (Costume Designer).

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s production of A DOLL’S HOUSE is generously supported by Executive Producers Deborah and Jamshed Patel and Mike Reavis; Producers Emily and Leopold Shircel, Chris and Judi Collins, and the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin; and Associate Producers Kelly Schlicht and Steve Weber. A DOLL’S HOUSE is produced in partnership with TEMPO, Girls Rock/Ladies Rock, Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee (HPGM), and the Cactus Club’s
Cactus Plus.

Here2Play Community Launch Event
Join MCT for the launch of A DOLL’S HOUSE in the community on Wednesday, January 8th from 6-8pm at the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin. Here2Play sets the stage for meaningful conversations by highlighting each production’s community partners and contextualizing the play’s themes within Milwaukee. Enjoy themed hors d’oeuvres from the Woman’s Club’s celebrated kitchen, a cash bar, live local music, and sneak-peek readings from the play. A lively panel discussion featuring local leaders will explore the play’s timeless relevance, followed by an exclusive ticket discount for attendees. The event is free and open to the community! RSVP highly encouraged. Complimentary valet parking available.
RSVP: HERE!!!

KEY DATES + EVENTS:
Ibsen’s A DOLL’S HOUSE, in a new adaptation by Amy Herzog, will run from January 24 to February 9, 2025 at the Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio Theatre, 158 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

ASL Interpretation: Friday, February 7 at 7:30 PM

Preview: Friday, January 24 at 7:30 PM

Opening Night: Saturday, January 25 at 8:00 PM

Pay-What-You-Choose: Monday, January 27 at 7:30 PM (walk-up tickets available starting one hour before the show)

Talkbacks: Thursdays, January 30 and February 6, following the 7:30 PM performances

SipStudio: Saturday, February 1 (complimentary drinks and exclusive experiences for matinee and evening attendees)

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets can be purchased by phone at 414-291-7800 (M-Sa 12-6 pm and 2 hours prior to BTC show times) or online at www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org/a-dolls-house

Throughout the run of A DOLL’S HOUSE, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s 3-Play Flex Pass subscriptions will still be available for purchase. Learn more about subscriber benefits and lock in your seats for the season at www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org/shop.

ABOUT MILWAUKEE CHAMBER THEATRE
Founded in 1975 by Montgomery Davis and Ruth Schudson, guided until 2020 by Michael Wright and Kirsten Finn, and now led by Brent Hazelton, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) partners with other arts organizations, community-based organizations, and universities to produce thought-provoking productions and innovative outreach programs on an intimate, human scale, to create conversations among multicultural and multigenerational audiences that bring our community closer together. As part of its five-decade commitment to
strengthening Milwaukee and Wisconsin’s local artist community, MCT provides regular employment and a stable artistic home to professional artists through a five-play subscription series, the Young Playwrights Festival (YPF), and the Montgomery Davis Play Development
Series (MDPDS).

November 17, 2024

CLYDE’S, Sublime, I Know What That Means

“Sublime, I know what that means” may seem like an odd title and opening statement but it is a quote from one of the characters in the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s Clyde’s at an important pivot point in the play. What is Clyde’s? It’s a humble cafe/diner that has a growing reputation for sandwiches. Sandwiches you say? Yes, sandwiches, a key plot thread that ties our story and characters together. Who is Clyde? Well Clyde is the proprietor of Clyde’s.

left to right: Justin Huen, Nate Press, Bryant Bentley, and N’Jameh Camara. Photo courtesy of MCT, Photographer: Michael Brosilow

And what is Clyde’s the play? The setting is the kitchen of Clyde’s the diner. And although mentioned that sandwiches is a thread that creates a tie that binds, Pulitzer Prize Winner, Lynn Nottage didn’t give us a simple play about sandwiches or diners. Clyde’s discusses in detail a number of serious cultural and societal issues, including sexism and sexual harassment, racism, and because all of our characters have been incarcerated, issues around how they try to manage new lives once being released from prison. Nottage gives us great insight and great stories and compelling language here. Keep in mind that some of it is very adult language in various forms. This is also a story about love, acceptance, friendship, disappointment, and redemption as Clyde’s kitchen staff learns to work together and work for Clyde but eventually, how to take care of themselves.

When we are first introduced to Clyde’s we meet the three kitchen staffers that keep the place running: Montrellous (aka Monty), Rafael, and Letitia. Rafael is played by Justin Huen who presents us with a vibrant grill man who aspires to sous chef. Huen brings just the right bit of bravado and rhythm to the character and the kitchen…and he gives us a romantic Rafael with a big heart clearly on his sleeve. N’Jameh Camara’s Letitia is an often a distracted mother who can’t quite leave her troubles at the kitchen door. Montrellous and Rafael try to help her overcome her anxieties and she slowly falls into the flow of the kitchen and her compatriots. Camara makes Letitia’s transitions from anxious to angry to at peace a natural and very real experience. And Montrellous is described in the play as a Buddha at times. And Bryant Bentley seems to be just exactly that…working as mentor and advisor and lead sandwich maker…he keeps an even keel around the kitchen as our story unfolds.

left to right: N’Jameh Camara, Justin Huen, Bryant Brantley, and Nate Press. Photo courtesy of MCT, Photographer: Michael Brosilow

But then, a new character arrives at Clyde’s. Jason has just gotten out of prison and has a definite chip on his shoulder at this point. And Nate Press provides us the the anger and quick trigger that Jason’s backstory tells us got him in trouble in the first place. He can’t quite grasp the point of making sandwiches or working with his teammates or caring much about anything. And the others warn him about Clyde…he doesn’t necessary heed their warnings…but he does come to a realization that self-care with a bit of support is a valid goal.

Who is Clyde? Lachrisa Grandberry rules the roost here as Clyde. Working the front of the house and demanding constant work and efficiency from the kitchen staff…she is harassing and demeaning…and clearly lording it over them thinking that as felons they have no recourse than to accept her attitude. Grandberry is effective as the mean and outrageous Clyde. She comes across as very real as the villain and I don’t think anyone in the audience had any empathy for her. I do wonder if she was engaged in a bit of tough love here or as Jason shouted out, she was just mean. There are hints toward the latter but it is never resolved in my mind.

left to right: Justin Huen, Bryant Brantley, Nate Press, and N’Jameh Camara,. Photo courtesy of MCT, Photographer: Michael Brosilow

And that thread around sandwiches? When there is a moment of peace in the kitchen, our characters suggest their best sandwich recipes of the moment and at times create their best for presentation and critique. These asides are clearly the bonding moments that the characters crave but create organically in the moment.

Yes, this is a serious drama, but there is a good bit of word play and humor here…laugh out loud humor. After experiencing this, it is hard to imagine that there will be a more compelling drama the rest of this season. And Director Dimonte Henning has explored every nook and cranny of the text and extracted every bit of humor and drama to be mined here!

Clyde’s is being presented by the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center. It is extremely popular and as a result has been extended through November 30, 2024. More information and tickets here! Run time: approximately 100 minutes, no intermission and there is adult language.

What is your favorite sandwich?