Award-winning actress Alexis J Roston salutes America’s favorite jazz singer, Ella Fitzgerald. Roston was last seen at Milwaukee Rep in her mesmerizing star turn as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (Chicago’s Jeff Award, Black Theatre Alliance Award) and in the 2014 production of The Color Purple. In a spellbinding performance, Roston effortlessly emits the sultry swing and playful joy that made Ella an American treasure. Classic tunes by Ellington, Gershwin, Porter and more include “Summertime,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.”
April 27 — May 23, 2021 Quadracci Powerhouse
Approximate Running Time: 85 minutes with no intermission
The Milwaukee Repertory Theater presented Until The Flood in the Spring of 2018, before I joined their Social Media Club and starting writing responses to the plays that they presented. So I don’t have a link back to my original thoughts on this play.
But I really think that this is a play that deserves your attention and fortunately, the Rep has made a recording of the play available on line for free! This version was not recorded at the Rep but relies on the same creative team. So here are the details…and access to stream the video.
About Until the Flood
Pulitzer Prize finalist and celebrated performer Dael Orlandersmith (Forever) explores the social uprising in Ferguson, Missouri following the shooting of teenager Michael Brown. Pulling from her extensive interviews with Missouri residents, Orlandersmith crafts a stunning theatrical experience that must be seen. The Chicago Tribune called it “palpably compassionate” and raved that it “achieves a great beauty by bringing us together rather than driving us apart.”
The presentation will use video footage from the Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre production.
I don’t know how long this will be available so don’t dawdle as I am prone to do. I will watch this again this week or over the weekend with the intention of posting my reactions maybe next week. So maybe, then, we can compare notes! Enjoy!
all photos courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater
We are excited to present four free virtual events this February as part of “We Rise: MKE’s Celebration of Black History Month.” The celebration will honor the tremendous contributions that African American artists, administrators, and audiences have made to Milwaukee Rep and the City of Milwaukee. Events will take place on Monday nights at 7pm CT via Facebook Live and YouTube Live.
To Be Young, Gifted and Black: A Celebration of Lorraine Hansberry Monday, February 1, 7pm CT
The night will feature an original poem performed by Wisconsin’s poet laureate Dasha Kelly Hamilton; interviews with icon in African American film, television and theater Phyllis Yvonne Stickney and Tony and Grammy Nominee Valisia LeKae who played Lorraine Hansberry in the Off-Broadway production of Sweet Lorraine; and a reunion of the artists from Milwaukee Rep’s 2012/13 Season production of A Raisin in the Sun including Mildred Marie Langford, Greta Oglesby and Director Ron OJ Parson.
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize Monday, February 8, 7pm CT
Hear from African American artists, past and present at Milwaukee Rep who are onstage and behind-the-scenes showcasing the many roles that create art in Milwaukee. The evening features Natrea Blake (Assistant Choreographer The Color Purple), Costume Designer Kara Harmon (Eclipsed and our upcoming production of Toni Stone), Stage Manager Tara Kelly (West Side Story), actor and hair/wig designer Nikiya Mathis (The Mountaintop) and Milwaukee Rep staff members including Chief Diversity Officer Tammy Belton-Davis, Associate Director of Engagement N’Jameh Camara, Associate Artistic Producer, Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj and Educator Hope Parow. This event will be emceed by 88Nine’s Tarik Moody.
It Takes A Village Monday, February 15, 7pm CT
Join us for a town hall with members of the Milwaukee Black Theater Community to showcase their work and discuss the plethora of contributions African American artists and administrators have made over the years in Milwaukee. Featuring La’Ketta Caldwell from LUMIN Schools; DiMonte Henning founder of Lights! Camera! Soul! and Milwaukee Rep EPR alum; Chiké Johnson actor and founder of Cheeks Films; Dr. Donte McFadden of Milwaukee Film Fest Black Lens, Sheri Williams Pannell Producing Artistic Director of Bronzeville Arts Ensemble and Malkia Stampley actor, director and co-founder of Milwaukee Black Theater Festival.
It Takes A Village event sponsored by: Sam’s Place
The Ground on Which I Stand Monday, February 22, 7pm CT
The evening honors the prolific life and legacy of August Wilson in the American Theater. Keynote speaker Ebony Jo-Ann will kick things off detailing her personal and professional relationship in collaboration with Mr. Wilson over her 40+ year career in the entertainment industry. Presentations from past and current August Wilson Monologue Competition participants will then take center stage followed by a discussion on the Women of August Wilson and the power of his characters with panelists including actors Sadé Ayodele, Ebony Jo-Ann, Greta Oglesby and Malkia Stampley.
