The Bradley Symphony Center never disappoints, providing art for both the eyes and ears…read more I've been here a number of times over the past few years and each time I feel I undercover a new piece of art I previously mixed. Whether it's the art deco lobby, the modern atrium or auditorium decorated in the style of the French Renaissance, there is always something new to discover. My recommendation is to get here a little earlier than you normally would to immerse yourself in all the different eras. All of the performances I've gone to have been incredible. From Josh Bell to a pops concert, the musicians have been wonderful. We are truly blessed to have such talented performers in Milwaukee.

I love this theater, I went to see MSO several times and they always make a great show. The…read moreinterior Victorian style gives me that grand cozy and elegant feel along with the music that is from live MSO. It was cool to watch The Godfather I movie live with MSO, it really enriches the movie some more and adds the extra dimension like a 3D experience of movie with live symphony orchestra music. I love the spiral staircase at the lobby and the themed cocktails they offer depending on the event. Restrooms are nice, clean , and plenty. Drinks and snacks are at a reasonable price. Parking is nearby with free street parking a few blocks down and nearby one block affordable paid parking! Staff are always helpful, whether that's at the bar Or when you're finding your seats. Great Audio sound system and the size Of the theater is not too big and not too small, just the right size so you're still able to see The stage!

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!

The Warner Grand Theater is beautiful! I've attended two holiday pops concerts here as while as a…read moremovie night where MSO played the score. I've sat in the balcony and in the orchestra, there are no bad seats. Speaking of seats, they are quite a bit roomier than you would think! There are bars on all the floors and plenty of bathrooms. The lobby area has floor to ceiling windows allowing for lots of natural light to shine through. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful theatre and wonderful orchestra in Milwaukee.

First time here to see a concert, Keb Mo and Shawn Colvin…read more The theater is breathtaking. They have done such an incredible with the restoration. The inside is excellent. The stage, the audience seats, balconies, all wonderful. There was great attention to all the details. We had great seats, Orchestra, 3rd row center. Great sight line to the stage. The lighting was very good. Our issue was with the sound. Not sure if it was the location (too close), the acoustics of the room, or the mixing, but for us the sound was muddled. I think next time we will try to get a spot further back. The lobby area is quite comfortable. And the adjoining lobby the east allows for gathering or special events. The entire place is a GEM. Looking forward to our next visit.

First stage does a great job hosting shows for children. I bring my nephews every year, and I don't…read moresee that stopping in the future! The space is small, so there truly isn't a bad seat in the house. There is crowd engagement, which is always so fun for the little ones.

Nice set up and the staff very professional. We stopped attending as my daughter was bored with…read moretheir techniques and lost interest. Overall, it was an excellent program, but not what we were expecting

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.

This past weekend, my fiancee and I were able to take in a production--Hatter's Madness--held at…read morethe Brumder Mansion. It was such fun!! There was a "tea" before the show; everything was tasty and it was nice to settle in and warm up. The tea smoothly transitioned into Theater Merriment, largely because of the play's content. An original play/production spearheaded by Amanda Hull, Hatter's Madness was a sequel of sorts to Alice in Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass. All the performers did exceptionally; the setting, costumes and script were spot on. It was funny and family-friendly. I'm so glad we went!

Renaissance Theaterworks is dedicated to improving gender parity in theater. They're the only woman…read morefounded and run theater company in Milwaukee. What's not to love about that?!? My mom and I went recently to their production of Top Girls. The theater space the show was in was perfectly intimate (not a bad seat in the house). I love enjoying plays in such small venues. To be able to see the actors every facial expression and gesture completely captivates me. The play was beautifully acted and thought provoking. It was a great play to see with my mom (who was staying with me for a couple weeks). We ended up having some great conversations about it! If you go to see one of their shows on a Wednesday evening, it's wine Wednesday! You get a complimentary glass of wine with the play. Oh...and they gave us chocolates (like really amazing, rich bites of heavenly goodness) as we exited. What a lovely evening! Get to it!

Founded in 1993, Renaissance Theaterworks is Milwaukee's only women-founded, women-run theatre…read morecompany. Their mission is to "create compelling theater focusing on the exploration of the feminine voice and to offer professional opportunities to emerging local theater artists." I've seen two of their excellent offerings written by 2009 Playwright in Residence (part-founder) Marie Kohler: Boswell's Dreams (2005) and the Dig (2009). Both plays were intriguing and well worth my art dollars. The company has since taken up residence at the 100-person seat Studio Theater in the Broadway Theater complex. With the Third Ward location one can easily find plenty of restaurants nearby to make this a nice centerpiece for a night out. Parking in the lot next door is $5 or you might be lucky to find an open meter space. Renaissance Theaterworks is well worth your time and support! Support the Arts, Milwaukee!

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.