2007-08 Season of Performances

Brian Stokes Mitchell

Saturday, November 3, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

Dubbed “The Last Leading Man” by The New York Times, Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed a rich and varied career on Broadway, television and film. His musical versatility has kept him in demand by some of the country’s finest conductors and orchestras. These appearances include performing Porgy and Bess selections with the San Francisco Symphony at Carnegie Hall and Broadway tunes at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.

Tickets: $45 full; $41 Senior/Student;
$23 Child (ages 6-9); $36 Groups of 10 or more

Tito Puente, Jr. Orchestra

Saturday, March 29, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

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Tito Puente, Jr. is determined to nurture the musical legacy left by his father and has found captive audiences nationwide. In performing arts venues across the country, rhythms ignite and Afro-Cuban beats incite audiences to dance in celebration.

Tickets: $35 full; $31 Senior/Student;
$17 Child (ages 6-9); $23 Groups of 10 or more

Monica Mancini - Mancini at the Movies

Sponsored by Barclay Gallery & Café

Saturday, September 15, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

The New York Times has described Grammy® nominee Monica Mancini's rich, expressive voice as, "the glamorous vocal equivalent to diamonds flashing." In her must-see Wilson Center appearance Mancini will share the precious stories of her father, film composer Henry Mancini, and his music along with film clips from his movies in a magical evening.

Tickets: $45 full; $41 Senior/Student;
$23 Child (ages 6-9); $36 Groups of 10 or more

Includes a post show talk-back for BackStage Members!

Photo by Eduardo Patino

American Repertory Ballet

Dancing Through the Ceiling

Sponsored by the Peck Foundation, Milwaukee

Friday, October 19, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

Dancing Through the Ceiling, presented by one of America's leading dance companies, will celebrate women choreographers with an exclusive presentation of one of Twyla Tharp's most distinguished dance works, Octet, and brand new contemporary ballets by New York City Ballet's Melissa Barak. To round out this exhilerating evening of dance the program also includes Menage a Cinque by Harrison McEldowney, Suite by Val Caniparoli as well as Artistic Director Graham Lustig's Six Pianos.

Tickets: $45 full; $41 Senior/Student;
$23 Child (ages 6-9); $36 Groups of 10 or more

Photo by Lawrence D'Attilio

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Holiday Pops - SOLD OUT

Sponsored by
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare - Elmbrook Memorial

Saturday, December 15, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

Young and old alike will share this holiday tradition as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra again brings their popular concert to the Wilson Center. One of America's major orchestras, the MSO will offer a variety of holiday music selections as well as their fun sing-a-long.

See also Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Holiday Classics

Tickets: $45 full; $41 Senior/Student;
$23 Child (ages 6-9); $36 Groups of 10 or more

Includes a pre-show community holiday party!

Photo by Vincent Soyez

Regina Carter Quintet

Sponsored by Milcut, Inc.

Friday, January 18, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

"Regina Carter creates music that is wonderfully listenable, probingly intelligent and, at times, breathtakingly daring...taking the listen into the
future of jazz."

                                                         - Time Magazine

From R&B, to East Indian, to classical music, Regina Carter displays a seemingly endless supply of energy in her exhilarating performance which will feature music from her newest album, I'll Be Seeing You: A Sentinmental Journey, a collection of songs enjoyed by her mother in her youth.

Tickets: $35 full; $31 Senior/Student;
$17 Child (ages 6-9); $23 Groups of 10 or more

Includes a post show talk-back for BackStage Members!

Please RSVP at rsvp@wilson-center.com

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Sponsored by Holly & Jon Sorenson

Friday, February 29, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

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Since its inception, Complexions has received numerous accolades for its powerful and thought-provoking performances. Founder Desmond Richardson, who starred on Broadway in Fosse and Movin' Out, will be performing with this accredited dance company, combining the best in athleticism, lyricism, technical training and experience to awaken audiences to a new, exciting genre of dance.

Tickets: $45 full; $41 Senior/Student;
$23 Child (ages 6-9); $36 Groups of 10 or more

New York Voices

Sponsored by Metropolitan Development

Sunday, March 9, 2008 - 7:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

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Grammy® Award winning vocal ensemble is renowned for their excellence in jazz and the art of group singing. Often compared to Manhattan Transfer and Take 6, their musical influences are rooted in jazz and blended with Brazilian, R&B, classical and pop with equal creativity and authenticity.

Tickets: $35 full; $31 Senior/Student;
$17 Child (ages 6-9); $23 Groups of 10 or more

Includes a post show talk-back for BackStage Members!

Please RSVP at rsvp@wilson-center.com

Rachael Price

Friday, April 11, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

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Rachael Price is an up-and-coming star in the jazz arena. Her rich and accomplished voice is bridging the styles of illustrious contemporary vocalists with jazz legends of the past. Popular Jazz vocalist Kathryn Grayson says Price is, "...the best young voice I've heard, period. No one around can even touch her voice and style - a style all her own."

Tickets: $35 full; $31 Senior/Student;
$17 Child (ages 6-9); $23 Groups of 10 or more

Cantus - Into Temptation

Saturday, May 10, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

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Gaining recognition as one of America's finest professional male vocal ensembles, Cantus' repertoire spans many periods and genres, including Gregorian chant, Renaissance motets, contemporary works, art songs, folk music, spirituals and pop. The Washington Post called the singers' sound, "beaming and elastic," and referred to their music-making as, "spontaneous grace."

Tickets: $35 full; $31 Senior/Student;
$17 Child (ages 6-9); $23 Groups of 10 or more

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Saturday, October 13, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

Come hear the MSO featured like you have never heard them before in a program designed specifically for the Kuttemperoor Auditorium. The program for this evening will feature MSO musicians performing some of the most virtuosic pieces from the classical music repertoire.

Tickets: $45 full; $41 Senior/Student;
$23 Child (ages 6-9); $36 Groups of 10 or more

Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Holiday Classics

Sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Roger & Rachel Lyon

Saturday, December 22 , 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

It's the most wonderful time of the year - celebrate the spirit of the holidays in the warmth and beauty of the Wilson Center with the MSO. Family and friends will delight in this classical holiday program featuring some of the most beloved sacred and secular music ever written.

Tickets: $45 full; $41 Senior/Student;
$23 Child (ages 6-9); $36 Groups of 10 or more

Mendelssohn String Quartet, with Jonathan Biss, piano

Sponsored by JoAnne & Don Krause

Saturday, May 17, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

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The Mendelssohn String Quartet has established a reputation as one of the most imaginative, vital and exciting quartets of its generation. The Quartet tours annually throughout North America with regular trips to foreign destinations. The group is well-versed in familiar works by Beethoven and Mozart, and also performs pieces commissioned specifically for them. The Quartet consists of Miriam Fried, violin; Nicholas Mann, violin; Daniel Panner, viola; and Marcy Rosen, cello.

Classical pianist Jonathan Biss, son of Miriam Fried, is at 26 years old already recognized as an exceptional and highly accomplished musician with an international reputation, having performed with dozens of symphonies throughout the United States and Europe. His recent recording of Schumann’s Fantasie in C, Op.17, Arabeske in C, Op.18 and Kreisleriana, Op.16 has been widely and very warmly acclaimed.

Tickets: $45 full; $41 Senior/Student;
$23 Child (ages 6-9); $36 Groups of 10 or more

Mark Nadler in a Nutshell

Friday & Saturday, September 28 & 29, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
DAWES STUDIO THEATER

Mark Nadler, recently heralded by The New York Times as, "a comic spark plug touched with brilliance," has appeared at Carnegie Hall, on Broadway and everywhere in between. Mark Nadler in a Nutshell is a riotously fun and vastly entertaining evening of comedy, great songs and mad-cap merriment.

Tickets: $25 full; $22 Senior/Student;
$20 Groups of 10 or more

Stacy Sullivan

Friday & Saturday, November 9 & 10, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
DAWES STUDIO THEATER

This award winning cabaret performer has played in cabaret rooms across the country, from the legendary Oak Room at the Algonquin in New York to the famed Feinstein's at the Cinegrill in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. With her sophisticated vocals, unfailingly tasty guitar and fresh approach to every song she chooses, Stacy delivers a performance unlike any other.

Tickets: $25 full; $22 Senior/Student;
$20 Groups of 10 or more

Brandon Cutrell

Friday & Saturday, January 11 & 12, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
DAWES STUDIO THEATER

Brandon Cutrell made his entrance on the New York cabaret stage in 2001 and has performed with Theatre of the Stars and the Cincinnati Pops, among others. Brandon's show, No Reservations, enjoyed a four month run in New York and earned Brandon the 2005 MAC Award and BackStage Bistro Award for Outstanding Male Vocalist.

Tickets: $25 full; $22 Senior/Student;
$20 Groups of 10 or more

Tom Michael & Beckie Menzie

The Great American Songbook

Friday & Saturday, March 14 & 15, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
DAWES STUDIO THEATER

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Showcasing the best in music from the last 100 years, this show features some of Menzie and Michael's most creative and requested material. The duo's unique take on the works of classic and contemporary songwriters, including George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Simon & Garfunkel, Jimmy Webb and Louis Prima, will have audiences tapping their toes and clamoring for more.

Tickets: $25 full; $22 Senior/Student;
$20 Groups of 10 or more

Linda Stephens & Jamie Johns - The Nature of Things

Friday & Saturday, April 25 & 26, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
DAWES STUDIO THEATER

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Featuring a sensational Broadway actress and exceptional MIlwaukee pianist, this delightful evening celebrates nature through song.

Tickets: $25 full; $22 Senior/Student;
$20 Groups of 10 or more

David Hazeltine Trio - SOLD OUT

Friday, November 3 , 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
DAWES STUDIO THEATER

David Hazeltine is one of a handful of young pianists who has successfully forged his own distinctive style and musical voice out of the accumulated greatness and weight of a modern piano tradition. David's influences extend from Art Tatum and Bud Powell to such great living masters as Buddy Montgomery, Barry Harris and Cedar Walton.

See also Randal Harrison Trio

Tickets: $20 full; $17 Senior/Student;
$16 Groups of 10 or more

Joe & Rick Aaron with Friends

Jazz Standards from the
Great American Songbook - SOLD OUT

Sponsored by Waukesha State Bank

Friday, December 7, 2007 - 8:00 p.m.
DAWES STUDIO THEATER

Milwaukee jazz legend Joe Aaron performed with the Melody Top Orchestra for 25 years and often appeared as a soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. His legacy continues with his son Rick, a flute player versed in classical, klezmer, and jazz who has been a fixture on the Milwaukee area music scene since the mid 60s.

See also Tim Whalen Quintet

Tickets: $20 full; $17 Senior/Student;
$16 Groups of 10 or more

Randal Harrison Trio

featuring Mark Urness and Geoffrey Brady

Friday, February 1, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
DAWES STUDIO THEATER

Descried as, ‘Stephané Grappelli meets Jimi Hendrix,’ jazz violinist Randal Harrison’s gutsy, hard driving swing and inclusive approach to composition are the basis for the group. Bassist Mark Urness, drummer Geoffrey Brady and Harrison spin threads from far reaching fields of musical influence and weave them into a tapestry that is all jazz.

Tickets: $20 full; $17 Senior/Student;
$16 Groups of 10 or more

Tim Whalen Quintet

The Music of Tim Whalen

Friday, March 8, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
DAWES STUDIO THEATER

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Tim Whalen’s love, passion, and dedication to his music come through in every song he plays. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe in a variety of musical situations, and has written music for a wide range of styles. Whether he is playing jazz, funk, pop, or laying it down in a hip-hop band, Tim is as versatile as they come.

Tickets: $20 full; $17 Senior/Student;
$16 Groups of 10 or more

Jeff Morrison

Sponsored by Waukesha State Bank

Friday, March 8, 2008 - 8:00 p.m.
DAWES STUDIO THEATER

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With a sense of history and the evolution of the saxophone, Jeff Morrison has amassed inspiration from masters such as John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins and Dexter Gordon; as well as the those modern greats Joe Lovano, George Garzone and Jerry Bergonzi. He creates a sensitive yet powerful musical statement on modern life and jazz music.

Tickets: $20 full; $17 Senior/Student;
$16 Groups of 10 or more

Russ Lorenson

Benedetto Blessed:
The Songs of Tony Bennett - SOLD OUT

Wednesday, October 17, 2007 - 1:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

The best is yet to come as Russ Lorenson honors Tony Bennett, an American music icon, the man Frank Sinatra called, "the best singer in the business." Bennett’s birth name, Benedetto, means "blessed" - an accurate adjective to describe both the man and his fans. Lorenson’s impeccable musical taste, burnished tenor and vocal phrasing is currently thrilling audiences from coast to coast.

Tickets: $18 full; $15 Senior/Student;
$13 Groups of 10 or more

Tony DeSare - Last First Kiss

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 - 1:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

Dazzling new singer, pianist and songwriter Tony DeSare’s infectious joy, wry playfulness and robust musicality have earned him a reputation as one of New York City’s most thrilling young talents. He will perform songs from his passionate and romantic second album, Lass First Kiss, showcasing both original works and classic standards including “Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You?” and “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home to.”

"...his voice is versatile and expressive, his piano-playing equally assured and his songwriting ability decent seems like icing on the cake."  - The New York Post

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"...a swinging, well-mannered singer-pianist..."

 - The New York Times

Tickets: $18 full; $15 Senior/Student;
$13 Groups of 10 or more

Marcus Belgrave

Louis Armstrong Tradition

Wednesday, February 6, 2008 - 1:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

Jazz trumpet great Marcus Belgrave is acclaimed for his great technical virtuosity, soulful tone and seemingly limitless improvisational creativity as well as a stage persona that exudes warmth and joy in music making. An original member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, his performances of Louis Armstrong's trumpet classics follow the general stylistic shape of the jazz legend's approach, with a personalized "Belgrave" interpretation and nuance.

Tickets: $18 full; $15 Senior/Student;
$13 Groups of 10 or more

Mick Moloney's Green Fields of America

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - 1:00 p.m.
KUTTEMPEROOR AUDITORIUM

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Mick Moloney is the Dean of Irish-American music, a gifted singer, instrumentalist, band leader and educator with over 40 albums to his credit.  He has been awarded the Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts ? the highest official honor a traditional artist can receive in the United States . His "Green Fields" troupe includes five musicians, a pair of champion step dancers, and Moloney's witty commentary.

Tickets: $18 full; $15 Senior/Student;
$13 Groups of 10 or more

Tomás and the Library Lady

Produced by Childsplay Theater

Monday, October 15, 2007: 10:00 am & 12:30 pm

Grades K – 6

Length: approximately 60 minutes

Grandfather tells Tomás stories during the long summers when the family leaves to pick crops in Iowa. But when Tomás knows all the stories by heart, Grandfather introduces him to a wonderful new place - the library. After Tomás meets the library lady, nothing is ever the same! Based on an inspiring true story of Tomás Rivera, who grew up in a migrant worker family, this play can be readily understood by both English- and Spanish-speakers.

Individual tickets $7.00; groups of 10 or more $6.00. For special needs seating or group sales, please call contact the Wilson Center Box Office at (262) 781-9520.

Salem Justice

Produced by ArtsPower Touring Theater

Tuesday, October 16, 2007: 10:00 am & 12:30 pm

Grades 4 – 8

Length: approximately 60 minutes

Set in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, this gripping drama tells the story of how fear and gossip turn a town against its own. Teenager Elizabeth Parrins, daughter of strict and forbidding Reverend Parrins, has a secret that is discovered by her cousin, Abigail. When Abigail uses the information to blackmail Elizabeth, both girls are soon caught in a dangerous web of lies, feeding into a mounting frenzy over accusations of witchcraft.

Individual tickets $7.00; groups of 10 or more $6.00. For special needs seating or group sales, please call contact the Wilson Center Box Office at (262) 781-9520.

Photo by Frank Capri

American Repertory Ballet: Jump Frog Jump!

Sponsored by Peck Foundation, Milwaukee

Friday, October 19, 2007 : 11:00 am

Grades PK – 2

Length: approximately 50 minutes

One of America's leading dance companies will present a delightful program based on the children's book by Robert Kalan. Young students will learn about the foundations of dance while encouraging Frog to escape the dangers he encounters. Child-friendly narration and discussion will teach children about performance elements such as audience, story, costume and movement.

Individual tickets $7.00; groups of 10 or more $6.00. For special needs seating or group sales, please call contact the Wilson Center Box Office at (262) 781-9520.

Little Red's Most Unusual Day

Produced by Florentine Opera

Sponsored by Mary Lou Gillstrom

Wed. & Thurs., January 23 & 24, 2008: 10:00 am & 12:30 pm

Grades K – 4

Length: approximately 50 minutes

Young children will learn to love opera through this engaging version of "Little Red Riding Hood," set to music by Jacques Offenbach and Gioacchino Rossini, with story adaptation by John Davies. Milwaukee's own Florentine Opera creates this learning opportunity which brings the richness of opera and music to children in a meaningful and understandable way.

Individual tickets $7.00; groups of 10 or more $6.00. For special needs seating or group sales, please call contact the Wilson Center Box Office at (262) 781-9520.

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad

Produced by Theatre IV

Sponsored by Holly & Jon Sorenson

Tuesday, February 5, 2008: 10:00 am & 12:30 pm

Grades 4 – 9

Length: approximately 60 minutes

This stirring drama with music recounts the life of the great American who freed herself and hundreds of people from the bonds of slavery. Beginning with Tubman's early life as a slave, and following her struggles to reach freedom in the North and her return to the South as a "Conductor" on the Underground Railroad, this story is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of everyone who fights for equality.

Individual tickets $7.00; groups of 10 or more $6.00. For special needs seating or group sales, please call contact the Wilson Center Box Office at (262) 781-9520.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

Sponsored by Holly & Jon Sorenson

Friday, February 29, 2008: 11:00 am

Grades 5 – 12

Length: approximately 60 minutes

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Since its inception, Complexions has received high praise for its powerful and thought provoking performances. The company has awakened audiences to a new, exciting genre that combines the best of athleticism, lyricism, technical training and experiences. Diversity and multi-culturalism are the lifeblood of Complexions' mission, apparent in the founders, the dancers and the unique and vibrant repertoire.

Individual tickets $7.00; groups of 10 or more $6.00. For special needs seating or group sales, please call contact the Wilson Center Box Office at (262) 781-9520.

See also Complexions Contemporary Ballet's performance in the Performing Arts Series

Teddy Roosevelt and the Treasure of Ursa Major

Produced by the Kennedy Center for Young Audiences

Sponsored by Rexnord Foundation

Friday, March 14, 2008: 10:30 am & 12:30 pm

Grades 3 – 7

Length: approximately 60 minutes

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President Roosevelt gives his three energetic children a copy of Treasure Island to keep them out of mischief, but an exciting mystery unfolds instead. The children stumble upon a real-life treasure map which helps the threesome untangle a decades-old mystery that leads them all over the White House - but their quest might be foiled by their father's loyal valet and the new English governess. This clever and comical production features songs by Washington satirist Mark Russell.

Individual tickets $7.00; groups of 10 or more $6.00. For special needs seating or group sales, please call contact the Wilson Center Box Office at (262) 781-9520.

Derrick Buisch - Splitscreen

Abstract Oils
September 4 - October 26, 2007

Opening Reception: September 28, 2007 - 5:30 pm

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Amy Ruffo - Flats; Fissures; Elevations

Sponsored by George Watts & Sons, Inc.

Black & White Drawings
November 5 - December 28, 2007

Opening Reception: November 6, 2007 - 5:30 pm

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Wendy Mukluk - Worldview

Sponsored by Karleen Haberichter & Lois Clementi; Faye's 1; Faye@play

Digital Photography
January 7 - February 22, 2008

Opening Reception: January 8, 2007 - 5:30 pm

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Jeremy Wolf - Magnus Bestia
Sponsored by Holly & Jon Sorenson

Animal Sculpture
March 3 - April 18, 2008

Opening Reception: March 14, 2008 - 6:00 pm - RSVP!

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Enjoy an exciting cabaret performance after the reception!

Laurel Lueders - Nether Realm

Sponsored by Dolan Productions
Archival Digital Photographs
June 5 - July 25, 2008

Opening Reception: June 12, 2008 - 7:30 pm - RSVP!

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Hidden River Art Festival
Sponsored by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Fri-Sun, September 21-23, 2007
Check back soon for photos!

The Devil Wears...Best of Fashion 2007

Sponsored by Marine Bank

Click here to view photos!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

One Wild Winter...Soirée

Sponsored by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Check back soon for photos!

Wilson Center Golf Classic
Presented by Pasternak & Zirgibel S.C.
June 23rd, 2008