“Nuncrackers” MILWAUKEE reviewed by Amy Menzel

**** The holiday lights aren’t lit in Milwaukee quite yet (the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival returns Thursday, November 16) and there’s only a tease of the winter weather that is bound to come, but there’s a joyful feeling of Christmas coming from the Milwaukee Rep’s Stackner Cabaret theater. Nuncrackers has taken the stage.

Oh, what fun it is to spend an evening with the Little Sisters of Hoboken as they record their Christmas concert from their convent basement. Sister Mary Paul (Katie Kallaus) brings a sweet earnestness, Sister Robert Anne (Ashley Oviedo) brings some razzle dazzle, Sister Mary Regina (Isabel Quintero) tries to keep the show together, while Sister Mary Hubert (Meka King) keeps it real. Father Virgil? He (Seth K. Hale) keeps it silly and, when he can, a little saucy. It’s a wonderfully talented cast – and a cast of characters who is kinda ready and definitely eager to tape their cable television special with a live audience.

The show begins with the cast mingling around and chatting up the house. There’s a little audience participation at play in the production, but nothing that should deter an introverted theater-goer. Wednesday’s audience seemed particularly ready to play and clap and sing along. Given the light touch with which the cast interacts, coupled with the coziest of Christmas scenes (designed by Maureen Chavez-Kruger), it’s easy to get (or give) into the holiday spirit. Dynamic lighting (Caitlin Smith Rapoport) also adds to the energy and ambiance.

It’s fun and funny, and a pleasure to be among so many folks who, like me, are ready for some Christmas cheer. Smiles filled the house throughout the show. I dare even the grinchiest not to crack a smile.

As they say, it’s a nunderful life.

★★★★

Nuncrackers plays now through January 7 and tickets are selling quickly! Don’t miss the chance to add this show to your holiday festivities.

Tuesdays-Thursdays – 7:30 p.m. (no show Thursday, November 23)
Fridays – 8 p.m.
Saturdays – 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays – 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (no show Sunday, December 24)

Audio-Described Performance – Sunday, November 12 at 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at milwaukeerep.com.

While you’re in Milwaukee, you may want to check out the previously mentioned Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and/or the newest Milwaukee holiday experience, the Ornament Trail. Information on that and more can be found at milwaukeedowntown.com.