*****A childhood friend of mine, with whom I share some fond high school musical memories, now has high school students of his own who perform in their own high school musicals. On the morning of their opening nights, he sings “Another Op’nin’, Another Show” from Kiss Me, Kate. He says they hate it. I love it. I love that he does it, I love that he continues to do it despite his kids’ objections, and I love knowing that his kids probably secretly love it themselves. Teenagers are funny that way. (Or, at least this is what I tell myself as a teacher of teenagers.)
Who isn’t excited about another op’nin’? And opening night of another new season?!
It’s curtain time and away we go,
Another op’nin’ of another show!
Milwaukee’s Skylight Music Theatre is calling their 67th season their bold season. They’ve selected five shows featuring bold characters, and it all kicks off with the story of Gypsy Rose Lee—or, rather, the story of her mother, Rose, and how Rose’s ambition helped propelled Lee to eventual stardom.
The musical, informed by Lee’s autobiography, was written by a few well-known names: Aurthur Laurents wrote the book, Stephen Sondheim, the lyrics, and the music is by Jules Styne. In his program note, Skylight’s Artistic Director and director of Gypsy, Michael Unger, explains that while Laurents was approached to write a musical about Gypsy Rose Lee, he found Lee’s mother, Rose, “a far more interesting character…on whom to center a musical.” The rest is musical theatre history.
Rose was a stage mom well before the show Dance Moms and the advent of the term “momager.” Despite the ick associated with such a distinction, Rose’s character is portrayed with empathy. And Janet Metz nails the role. Her energy, her presence, her voice—oh my goodness, her voice—it all works to set the tone for this sometimes silly, sometimes serious, and always lively story.
This cast is full of talent. Mona Swain evolves from Louise to Gypsy Rose Lee right before our eyes in a portrayal that’s as emotionally deep as it is incredibly mesmerizing. As the burgeoning performer, Tulsa, Alex Kennedy’s magnificent dancing (choreography by Betty Weinberger) is on full display. All of this is to musical numbers performed by skilled musicians staged on a visually stunning set. I’ve got plenty of compliments to go around, but most impressive is the cohesiveness of the company. There’s chemistry between the performers and, I could be wrong, but it feels like they genuinely enjoy performing together.
This sense of community was mirrored in the house as well, as season subscribers reconnected and patrons (and reviewers) reveled in each other’s company. It’s all a reminder that theatre is about community. It’s about bringing folks together to share stories. Skylight knows this and it shows.
I highly recommend you get to Skylight and experience it for yourself.
★★★★★
Gypsy: a Musical Fable runs now through October 18 at Skylight Music Theatre located at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee’s Third Ward. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased online at skylightmusictheatre.org.
Gypsy is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Sundays – 2 p.m.
Wednesdays – 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. matinees September 30, October 14)
Thursdays, October 8, October 15 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 2 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays – 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. matinee Saturday, January 31)
Special Events
Veterans’ Night: Friday, October 2 – 7:30 p.m.
Student Matinee: Tuesday, October 6 – 10 a.m.
ASL/Insights: Wednesday, October 7 – 7:30 p.m.
2026-2027 Skylight Season coming up
Big: The Musical: November 13-December 27
Dear Evan Hansen: January 22-February 7
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder: March 12-March 28
Rock of Ages: April 16-May 2
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“I’m Gonna Marry You, Tobey Maguire” reviewed by Julia W. Rath
“The Prayer Circle” reviewed by Frank Meccia