Download I AND YOU by Lauren Gunderson

For 27 seasons, Next Act has generated
NEXT ACT THEATRE’S 28th SEASON
conversation
about
a wealth
of ideas,
topics and happenings. Whether fictional
or historical, the stories we tell touch upon
human struggles, challenges and triumphs,
SILENT SKY
by Lauren Gunderson
September 28 – October 22, 2017
THE SECRET MASK
by Rick Chafe
November 16 – December 10, 2017
EQUIVOCATION
by Bill Cain
within the context of today’s world.
Next Act continues this mission into the 201718 season, and we invite you to stay engaged
in the conversation. The new line-up offers
a unique blend of humor, mystery and drama
that will engage you in the theatre and get you
Signing up as a subscriber automatically puts
February 1 – 25, 2018
I AND YOU
You’ll also receive these great subscription
April 5 – 29, 2018
email reminders, merchant discounts — all at
2017-2018 Season Tickets on sale now.
Single tickets on sale July 31, 2017.
conversation
thinking and talking as you leave.
four terrific date nights on your calendar –
by Lauren Gunderson
the
continues
quite an achievement in today’s busy world.
benefits: exchange privileges, priority seating,
a bargain price.
Revealing
stories,
Relevant
issues,
Real
conversations: this is why so many of our
patrons claim Next Act as their favorite
theatre in town. Please join us. We look
forward to continuing our conversation.
Thanks, and we’ll see you at the theatre
Pictured on front cover: Andrew Muwonge in UnSILENT NIGHT (Photo – Ross Zentner); Deborah Staples, Cristina Panfilio
in THE OTHER PLACE (Photo – Ross Zentner); Tami Workentin in MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD (Photo – Timothy Moder)
Facing page: David Cecsarini in UnSILENT NIGHT (Photo – Ross Zentner)
David Cecsarini
Producing Artistic Director
Blowing the horn for Next Act
Milwaukee Premiere
SILENT SKY by Lauren Gunderson
September 28 – October 22, 2017
Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s: grave men peer through their giant
telescope. Behind the scenes, Henrietta Leavitt and her female “computer”
partners map the distant stars in galaxies beyond our own. Fueled by insatiable
curiosity, Henrietta’s brilliant work paves the way for modern astronomy. But
she struggles for recognition in a man’s world. In this magical story of science,
history and love, a passionate young woman maps her own passage through
a society determined to keep her “in her place.”
Directed by David Cecsarini
Featuring Deborah Staples and Reese Madigan
“Sheer magic. Smart, infectious humor.” – San Francisco Chronicle
“Radiant! Captures the wonder of science.” – San Jose Mercury News
Cez
Says
2
2
Stargazer Henrietta struggled for many years to realize
the fruits of her discoveries, and also for recognition of her
accomplishments. Gunderson writes lyrically, and ferociously,
in support of uniquely talented, hard-working women of any
and all times.
U.S. Premiere
THE SECRECT MASK by Rick Chafe
November 16 – December 10, 2017
Almost forty years after Ernie walked out on the family, his son George is
contacted to help the old man cope with the aftermath of a stroke. As Ernie
struggles to regain language and memory, George works to overcome his
hurt and resentment, as he cares for a father he never knew. Each man tries
to make sense of the past while preparing for their uncertain, newly-entwined
future – a moving parable of prodigal fathers.
Directed by Edward Morgan
Featuring James Pickering and Tami Workentin
“... a universal – and moving – story about a child connecting with a parent.”
– CBC Winnipeg
“This delicate play is a rare combination of heartbreak and humor...”
– North Country Public Radio
Co-sponsored by the Einhorn Family Foundation
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Chafe has penned a quiet tale, rich with humanity, personal
challenge and intimate victories. Milwaukee veteran and
treasure-on-stage James Pickering will bring imperfect but
lovable Ernie to brilliant life on the Next Act stage.
Milwaukee Premiere
EQUIVOCATION by Bill Cain
February 1 – 25, 2018
Playwright William Shagspeare is commissioned by Robert Cecil, the most
powerful man in England, to write the true history of a terrorist attempt to kill
King James I. But as Shag and his renowned theatrical troupe rehearse the
new “Gunpowder Plot” play, they suspect the King’s version might be a coverup. Now Shag, the greatest writer of his time – and of all time – must navigate
dangerous political waters as he decides between writing a lie (and losing his
soul), or writing the truth (and losing his head).
Directed by Michael Cotey
Featuring David Cecsarini, James Ridge, and Jonathan Smoots
“... one of the most bracingly intelligent, sizzlingly theatrical
American plays in a decade ...” – Variety
“... an ingeniously witty yet ... chilling drama.” – CurtainUp
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Says
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In his day, William Shakespeare struck a precarious balance
between supporting and criticizing the rich and the powerful.
What fun for us, to be a fly on the Globe Theatre’s wall, as Will
& Company debate about the costs of speaking truth to power.
Milwaukee Premiere
I AND YOU by Lauren Gunderson
rent a ric yawp
from
what you suppose
April 5 – 29, 2018
Anthony arrives at his schoolmate Caroline’s door bearing waffle fries, a copy
b
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o
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o
o
t sole
y
f
ok f ar der
s.
o r m e ifufenr b
of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, and an urgent homework assignment. He
needs her help. Caroline is sick and hasn’t been to school in months. She is
as quick and sarcastic as Anthony is quiet and steadfast; both are smart as
whips. As these two let down their guards, their seemingly mundane poetry
project reveals a much deeper, more profound mystery that has brought them
together. I AND YOU is an ode to youth, life, love, and the strange beauty of
human connectedness..
Directed by David Cecsarini
“... sharp and funny ... Gunderson taps into a buoyant spirit.”
– Washington Post
by ad
IoI smosuurnedly m
a
“... astonishing, breath-taking, and mind-blowing.” – DC Metro Theater Arts
l
by
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Says
8
8
This brilliant theatrical gem focuses upon two young people
yearning for connection. Gunderson hits home with clarifying
insight into the lives of teens. The final minutes will make your
heart sing, and break, all at once.
Lauren
Gunderson
IN OUR COMMUNITY: WALKER’S POINT
In the span of five years, our Walker’s Point neighborhood has become a
popular destination with boutique retail, contemporary condos and awardwinning restaurants, ranging from haute cuisine to the best of comfort food.
On your next visit to Next Act, make a night of it and enjoy delectable fare at
any of these top-notch restaurants.
1. AP Bar & Kitchen
7.Meraki
13.Swig
2. Black Sheep
8 Merriment Social
14.Transfer Pizzeria Café
3.Botanas
9. O’Lydia’s Irish Bar & Grill
15.Water Buffalo
4.Braise
10.Onesto
16.Zaks Cafe
5. c. 1880
11. Screaming Tuna
6. La Merenda
12.Stack’d Burger Bar
814 S. 2nd St.
124 W. National Ave.
816 S. 5th St
1101 S. 2nd St.
1100 S. 1st St.
125 E National Ave
1022 S. 1st St.
235 S. 2nd St.
338 S. 1st St.
221 N Broadway St.
217 N Broadway St.
Past conversations – the 2016-2017 SEASON
THE TAMING
Bree Beelow, Sara Zientek, Marti Gobel
“... a brilliant blend of comedy and political discourse.”
– Shepherd Express
UnSILENT NIGHT
Doug Jarecki, Molly Rhode, David Cecsarini
“... the final ten minutes of “UnSilent Night” pack a
powerful punch ...” – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
101 W. Mitchell St.
106 W. Seeboth St.
231 S 2nd St.
106 W. Seeboth St.
170 S 1st St.
The Other Place
Deborah Staples, Cristina Panfilio
“White’s complicated play-of-ideas lands with
poignancy and considerable emotional impact.”
– Milwaukee Magazine
Photos: Ross Zentner
conversations with our Community
Next Act Theatre’s ongoing engagement takes the
form of pre-show personal previews, post-show
talkbacks, access and community partner discounts,
and four Pay-What-You-Can performances.
Education efforts focus primarily on the Next
Actors program, an intensive, six week seminar
for teens emphasizing collaboration, creativity and
mutual respect among peers. Program tuition is
completely underwritten for maximum inclusivity.
More information at nextact.org
10
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Brochure
design by
Dedicated to Charles Kakuk
Call 414-278-0765
Mail Next Act Theatre • P.O. Box 394 • Milwaukee, WI 53201
255 S. Water St. | Milwaukee, WI 53204
Located in Walker’s Point
Visit nextact.org
Call 414.278.0765
Order your Season Tickets TODAY!
by Lauren Gunderson
April 5 – 29, 2018
I AND YOU
by Bill Cain
February 1 – 25, 2018
EQUIVOCATION
by Rick Chafe
November 16 – December 10, 2017
THE SECRET MASK
by Lauren Gunderson
September 28 – October 22, 2017
SILENT SKY
2017 – 2018 Season
NEXT ACT THEATRE
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Milwaukee, WI 53201
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