****/**** If you are under 50, you probably never heard of the legendary comedy team of George Burns and Gracie Allen. Before television became the center of American entertainment, before streaming, before even “talking pictures” fully took over Hollywood, there was Vaudeville — a world of smoke-filled theaters, backstage bars, traveling comedy acts, singers, dancers, and performers struggling from town to town looking for their big break. George and Gracie were part of that golden era, paying their dues across America during the 1920s and 1930s.
Then came radio.
During the Great Depression, radio became the true national entertainment medium. Families gathered around the radio the same way later generations gathered around television sets. CBS became a giant of broadcasting, and comedy programs gave Americans something desperately needed during difficult times — laughter. Radio truly was “the movie of the mind,” and it transformed George Burns and Gracie Allen into household names.
Now playwright and performer Tami Workentin brings those memories back to life with George & Gracie, A Love Story, a touching and often magical world premiere now playing at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater inside the intimate Stackner Cabaret.
The production stars veteran actor James Pickering as George Burns. Pickering, who has been associated with the Milwaukee Rep for an astonishing 52 seasons as an actor, director, and creative consultant, certainly understands stage presence and timing. Physically, he may not perfectly resemble the thinner George Burns audiences remember from television and old photographs, but he captures many of Burns’ trademark mannerisms, dry wit, and comic timing. The famous cigar perhaps could have been longer, and a few more hand gestures might have helped complete the illusion, but younger audience members likely would never notice. More importantly, Pickering captures the warmth and humanity beneath Burns’ humor.
The real revelation of the evening is playwright and actress Tami Workentin as Gracie Allen.
She is absolutely remarkable.
From the voice and rapid-fire delivery to the costumes, makeup, posture, and comic innocence, Workentin completely inhabits Gracie Allen. It is obvious she deeply researched Allen’s life and career. Rather than simply portraying Gracie as a scatterbrained comic character, Workentin reminds us there was a sharp, intelligent, and independent woman beneath the act. The audience not only laughs, but learns.
One of the most fascinating stories revisited in the production is Gracie Allen’s famous 1940 presidential campaign. Many people today do not realize that Gracie “ran” for President of the United States under the fictional “Kangaroo Party,” whose slogan was “It’s in the pouch.” What began as a radio comedy bit turned into a nationwide sensation, with Gracie traveling the country in character for months. The play beautifully recreates the moment she finally stepped away from the joke on the eve of the election to sincerely encourage Americans to vote and support democracy. Of course, Franklin Roosevelt would win the next day, but the story still resonates today.
Another wonderful addition to the play is Jonathan Riker as “The Elevator Guy.” He is far more than simply an elevator operator. He becomes a guardian angel-like figure helping George Burns face loneliness, memory, love, and mortality after spending nearly 50 years with Gracie. In many ways, he serves as George’s version of Clarence from It’s a Wonderful Life. Riker gives the production much of its heart and unpredictability. You truly never know what he is going to do next, and his scenes provide both humor and emotional depth.
The technical side of the production is equally impressive. Stage Manager Merit Glover and Scenic Designer Lisa Schlenker created a wonderfully fluid set that transitions seamlessly through different eras without slowing the production down. The movement of the set pieces feels effortless and elegant. Adding to the charm are several moments of theatrical magic that left me asking, “How did they do that?” Credit goes to magic coordinator Wolfe Bowart for those delightful surprises.
All of this comes together beautifully under the direction of Laura Braza, whose steady hand keeps the production warm, nostalgic, funny, and emotionally honest without ever becoming overly sentimental.
George & Gracie, A Love Story runs through June 14 at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, located inside the Associated Bank Theater Center at 108 East Wells Street in Milwaukee.
And honestly, for Chicago audiences, getting to Milwaukee can sometimes take less time than getting downtown through Chicago traffic. As an added bonus, gas prices are often nearly a dollar cheaper per gallon than in Chicago.
Do not miss this charming and heartfelt world premiere. For older audiences, it is a beautiful trip back to the Golden Age of Radio and classic American comedy. For younger audiences, it is an opportunity to discover two pioneers of entertainment whose influence is still felt today. This production has all the ingredients to move beyond Milwaukee and find audiences in theaters across the country.
Tickets can be bought at: Ticket Office: 414-224-9490
Production dates:
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY AT 7:30 PM
SATURDAY AT 3 PM AND 8 PM. SUNDAY AT 2 PM AND 7 PM.
For information, visit www.milwaukeerep.com
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