WI's Milwaukee Repertory got its 1997-98 season off to a high-profile start with Angels In America, then got some less happy news when managing director Dan Fallon announced he wouldn't renew his contract after its term expired June 30. The search continues for his replacement, with spokesperson Allison Dall-Knox predicting (Jan. 20) an announcement in the spring. As of Feb. 20, no replacement had been chosen.
Meanwhile, the company ends its scheduled run of An Ideal Husband Feb. 22. Oscar Wilde's comedy of hypocrisy and honor began previews Jan. 21 and opened Jan. 23.
In Husband, Sir Robert Chiltern rises to statesman only to be blackmailed for an incident in his past. In order to remain the "ideal husband" and save his marriage, he must defend his reputation. Wilde's other plays include Lady Windermere's Fan and The Importance of Being Earnest.
In a coup for the Wisconsin regional, Milwaukee Rep will also host the U.S. premiere of The General From America, March 4-April 5. The play, which was commissioned and premiered by the Royal Shakespeare Company in London, depicts the last few days of the Revolutionary War at West Point including the moment when Benedict Arnold goes from true patriot to America's "best-known traitor." No director or cast have been announced.
Ending the season is The School For Wives, in which a wealthy bachelor raises a young ward to be the perfect wife. He intends to marry her when she comes of age, but foils his own plan by unwittingly helping a handsome suitor win her heart. Moliere's farce runs April 15-May 17. Upcoming on the Steimke second stage of the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre is The Turn of the Screw by Jeffrey Hatcher, Jan. 23 - Feb.15. Based on Henry James' novella, Turn of the Screw shows a governess trying to save her two young charges from supernatural evil.
At the Stackner Cabaret space, look for "Carolin' Carolynne - Life Out Loud," featuring Carolynne Warren (Jan. 10-March 1) and From My Hometown, an 1960s-70s R&B revue conceived by Lee Summers, Herbert Rawlings Jr. And Ty Stephens (March 7-April 26).
For tickets or more information on shows at Milwaukee Rep, call (414) 224-9490.
-- By Honey Freilich and David Lefkowitz
