Tantalizing Tidbits from Milwaukee’s Arts Scene
First Stage
First Stage presents the warm, funny and family-friendly production Arthur™ & Friends Make a Musical, adapted from Marc Brown’s books, Oct. 7-Nov. 6 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, 121 E. State St.
Arthur™ & Friends, a world premiere musical directed and choreographed by Khalia Davis, with music direction and lyrics by Brett Ryback and book and lyrics by John Maclay, tells the story of Arthur and his elementary school peers as his class writes and prepares to perform a big show for all of Elwood City. Plagued by stage fright, Arthur manages to curb his nervousness and learns to be his authentic self with the help of little sister D.W. and pals Muffy, Francine, Buster and Brain. The performance is recommended for families with children ages 5 and up.
Arthur™ & Friends includes a Pay What You Choose performance 7pm Oct. 14, a sensory-friendly performance 3:30pm Oct. 22, and a sign language-interpreted performance 3:30pm Nov. 6.
For tickets and more information visit firststage.org
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Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design
The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD)’s Frederick Layton Gallery, 273 E. Erie St., presents Then and Now, a visual history of independent local bookstore Woodland Pattern Book Center, Oct. 10-Dec. 3.
Exploring the nature of language and the connection between poetry and art and social justice, ecological and domestic issues throughout several generations, Then and Now showcases the diverse work of artists throughout four decades. Highlighted artists include Anne Kingsbury, co-founder of Woodland Pattern, Siarra Berry, a large-scale sculpture artist, and vanessa german, a self-taught artist working across disciplines.
In conjunction with the exhibit, the gallery features more than 15 student experiences and events open to the public.
The MIAD Creativity Series returns in November. The series, which began in 2012, connects artists, designers, educators and scholars to honor quality in the arts, enhance the MIAD student experience, and cultivate community engagement in visual art and design appreciation.
For more information, visit miad.edu/galleries.
