1. What was the FIRST play you ever saw?: THE FANTASTICKS. It ruined me. I thought all you needed to make a play was trunk full of cardboard props and a harp. I loved the music, made my mom buy me the soundtrack for my 5th grade birthday, and the rest is history.

2. What makes you LAUGH and CRY in a theater?: I am a tough cookie - can I say that here? So the answer is always “the unexpected”. The production of OUR TOWN directed by David Cromer that just went to NYC made me cry so hard I thought I was going to throw up - and I have seen that show literally dozens of times and directed it once.

What makes me laugh is harder - although I have a brilliant memory of seeing a high school production of NOISES OFF that nearly killed me. I was 17 when I saw it, and it has crystalized into an unrealistically perfect production in my memory.

3. Who is your favorite THEATER ACTOR?: In Milwaukee, I love Gerry Nugent. I remember him when he was student at Marquette, and its amazing to see how far he’s come. In general, I loved seeing Michael Shannon onstage at Red Orchid in Chicago. That’s a tiny theatre, and he gave me goosebumps.

4. Has theater ever CHANGED your perspective? Your life?: Being in theatre clearly changed my life. I barely got out.

Seeing a production of PILGRIMS OF THE NIGHT at Theatre X changed my perspective on what theater could be.
A production of Sarah Kane’s CLEANSED by Defiant in Chicago made me feel raw for days.
Seeing Adam Rapps NOCTURNE caused me to break up with my boyfriend at the time because I just couldn’t see being with anyone who didn’t get all that beauty.

What is your FAVORITE PLAY? Where did you see it? Why is it your favorite?: I love ART by Yasmine Reza. I also love TOP GIRLS by Caryl Churchill, and MACBETH by Shakespeare. I can’t pick one - that would be insane.

My favorite performance of a play would have to be the HAMLET that I saw at South Coast Rep a year or two ago, staring some guy from a TV show. I was prepared for it to be horrid, but it was amazing! For the first time I felt I had an understanding of the castle as a small isolated place with too few people, and of Hamlet as young man way over his head in emotion, making decisions in an escalating hysteria. It was full of relationships and identifiable characters as opposed to simply Shakespearean archetypes. I mourned for Hamlet when he died. I felt like I had been through an experience.

6. Why THEATER?: It’s important to sit in anticipation in the dark with people you barely know for reasons other than an alien invasion or imminent bombing. But seriously, we need to be together, we need to experience things together, and we need community, no matter how much stuff we buy in this country to effectively cut us off from each other.

Stories are how we learn, and having them acted out in front of us can be (isn’t always) a revelatory experience. When we share something beautiful/moving/frightening, we become more human to each other, we remember that we are the same, and ultimately it makes us more humane.

A million years ago, when Inertia Ensemble still existed and I was a part of it, we were asking people for 5$ if they were going to stay for the performance at the cafe we were performing in that night. One guy bitched and moaned about it, but eventually parted with it and stayed to watch. After the show, he gave me the most profound compliment. He said, “I’m glad I stayed. I feel better.”

This post was submitted by Stephanie McCanles.

Rex Winsome filled out the Your Live Theater Story Form.  You can too by clicking here.

1. What was the FIRST play you ever saw?: Christmas pagaent.

2. What makes you LAUGH and CRY in a theater?: I sometimes laugh at stupid shit, but i don’t like that. I like when i laugh at something that only means something in the context of the peice, when something contained within one of the characters becomes funnny. I cry when characters are caught within situations that turn their attempts at ethical or even rational action into devastating unintended consequences and they become aware of it and don’t know what else they can do.

3. Who is your favorite THEATER ACTOR?: My favorite performance was a guy doing notes from underground by candlelight. I don’t know that guys name. Ice Volt also kicks ass.

4. Has theater ever CHANGED your perspective? Your life?: Changes my perspective often. Though, very little i’ve seen on stage in Milwaukee ever has. Every aspect of my life is currently shaped to best serve producing theatre.

What is your FAVORITE PLAY? Where did you see it? Why is it your favorite?: I can’t narrow down to one. Notes From Underground at the Brick in NYC, Conversation Storm at Darling Hall, 7 Jewish Children at Rooms in Chicago, Depth of a Moment and Deviants at MN Fringe are all up there.

6. Why THEATER?: The traditions and institutions of theatre are currently in crisis mode like no other medium, there’s tons of dead stuff that needs to be learned from and then shoved aside, as a result there is so much that can be done with theatre that’s barely been tried. It provides unique ephemeral experiences, while other mediums provide unique objects or mass producable simulations of experiences.

This post was submitted by Rex Winsome.

Dawn Molly Dewane filled out the Your Live Theater Story Form.  You can too by clicking here.

1. What was the FIRST play you ever saw?: “Everybody Loves Opal” — an absolutely dreadful play that, of course, I found absolutely enchanting as a kid. The high school was producing it so our class got the privilege of walking a block to the high school to see the play. I also remember “being a good audience” lessons, something I wish was taught today.

2. What makes you LAUGH and CRY in a theater?: Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” with Stephen Hemming was laugh-out-loud, pee-in-your-pants funny. It was a perfect marriage of casting, timing and material. I love farce and a good production of “Noises Off” or “Lend Me A Tenor” or “Flea in Her Ear” will keep me laughing. I also remember a Milwaukee Repertory Theater production of “Noises Off.” There’s a bit in the last act when a character makes his entrance, not realizing his shoes have been tied together. The pratfall was so well done that I laugh thinking about it. The show had the biggest platter of sardines I’ve ever seen, too.

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater co-produced Shusaku Endo’s “Silence.” Lee Ernst had agonizing moments as the priest asked to renounce his faith. I could feel his emotions as if I was experiencing the feelings. Acacia Theatre produced “The Belle of Amherst” in a tiny space. I was excited to see the show, one of my favorites, and the show did not disappoint. In the second act, Emily Dickinson talks about her father’s death. In the hands of a lesser actor, the scene would be sad but Janet Peterson gave the scene so many levels that the scene became incredibly moving. Later in the act, Emily Dickinson talks about her nephew’s death. Like I did with Lee Ernst’s performance, I felt the emotions as I was doing the scene. I also saw “Master Class” at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. There’s a scene in the play when Maria Callas talks about not being able to perform. The script never has the actress playing Callas sing; rather the actor has monologues with recordings of Callas playing in the background. Angela Iannone is an amazing actress and she played the scene with so many levels that you felt Callas’ anger, sadness, grief and determination all at once. I found myself lost in her performance. I was watching Callas, not Angela Iannone playing Callas.

I guess that’s the best way to describe what makes me cry and/or laugh in a theater — the actor’s abililty to make me believe the reality he/she is creating. As an actor, I see many, many plays and there are not that many where I can say that is true.

3. Who is your favorite THEATER ACTOR?: Jonathan West (and I’m not just saying that because it’s your site, Jonathan :))-his performance of Toby Belch in “Twelfth Night” was side splittingly funny. Jonathan has impeccable comic timing. I know I will laugh if I see him in a comic role.

Angela Iannone-she is amazing! Her Gwendolyn in “The Importance of Being Earnest” was hilarious. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the line “The suspense is killing me” delivered so well. Her Maria Callas was so real and incredibly moving. Her role in “Napoli Milionaria” had so many levels. There’s a scene at the end where her character needs medicine for a child and she has to ask a character whom she turned away when that character needed assistance.

Lee Ernst-I think he was so much range. I remember thinking Renfield was odd casting for him. When I saw Steven Dietz’ “Dracula” in the Stiemke, I was amazed at the physicality he used to become Renfield. I loved his Fool in “Servant of Two Masters.” His priest in “Silence” was wonderful. Even in a light role like Willum in “The Nerd”, Ernst brings great presence and skill, both comic and dramatic, to the stage.

Rose Pickering-I love Rose’s work. She is a great character actress. Her dowager character in “The Importance of Being Earnest” was hilarious. Her character in “The Nerd” is still memorable. I can still picture her taking out a handkerchief, small hammer and demitasse plate; setting each item down; wrapping the plate in the handkerchief and then smashing the plate to bits. I’ve seen Pickering in so many roles over the years and she never disappoints.

4. Has theater ever CHANGED your perspective? Your life?: Of course! Before theater, I was shy. Acting classes gave me self-confidence and helped me be more verbally articulate. I read plays growing up, learning about the world’s great playwrights. I became interested in opera through theater. I learned about theater as a vehicle for social awareness and change. I grew up in the 1980s. AIDS was the taboo few dared to mention. When Tony Kushner wrote “Angels in America”, it brought a difficult topic to the forefront. Plays like Shanley’s “Doubt” make it easier for the public to talk about the Catholic Church’s sex abuse scandal. Playwrights like Sarah Kane use graphic situations and language to be “in your face” about difficult topics. I doubt I will ever read as brilliant dissection of an unraveling mind than “4:48 Psychosis.” Who ever would have thought Stephen Sondheim could write a musical about presidential assassinations that would be enjoyed by audiences? Before theater, I was a “nice girl” destined to be a nurse or teacher as such girls become. I read the Bible and popular fiction. After theater, I still read the Bible (for faith and also as a historical basis for literature) and I read literature, pop fiction and, of course, plays.

What is your FAVORITE PLAY? Where did you see it? Why is it your favorite?: “You Can’t Take It With You”-This was the second play I ever saw. It was a high school production — another field trip in grade school. It’s also a play I’ve performed three times. To me, it’s a perfectly crafted comedy that is difficult to ruin. The comedy literally jumps from the page. I think I’ve seen “You Can’t Take It With You” at least 25 times. Yet each time I laugh when Kolenkhov wrestles Tony’s father and at Essie’s terrible ballet.

“Our Town”-I saw the film before I saw the play. I saw a community theater production of “Our Town” first. I vividly remember the third act because it was so well delivered. I remember crying as Emily realizes life goes by too quickly. I also remember this was the first play I’d seen without an actual set. It was new to me and I looked up everything I could find about Thornton Wilder and the play at the library. This was before the Internet so I had to use the card catalog. I was fascinated the play was considered somewhat avant-garde for its time and that Thornton Wilder played the Stage Manager for a short time during the run. I’ve acted in “Our Town” four times and seen “Our Town” at least a dozen times.

“The Music Man”-I love, love this show! It’s the one musical I can see over and over without tiring of it. I’m very much like Marian Paroo and Marian is my absolute favorite stage role.

“Midsummer Night’s Dream”-I’ve seen this show at least 20 times. The first time I saw this was at a college. Some productions were good; some mediocre and some downright dreadful. I still love the characters and comedy, though. Shakespeare’s text never disappoints and always enthralls. “As You Like It” and “Taming of the Shrew” are close seconds.

“Richard III”-my favorite Shakespeare history play-Richard III is one of those larger than life characters the audience loves to hate. The first time I saw this was a professional production in New York. His scene with Lady Anne is brilliant. The audience sees the subtle manipulation and sociopathic nature of Richard III. I took two friends who had never seen a Shakespearean play to see “Richard III” and they loved it. To me, it’s not as long or boring as some of Shakespeare’s other history plays.

6. Why THEATER?: I love the energy of live entertainment. I love seeing people create characters in front of me. I love creating characters for an audience and having (hopefully) the audience believe I am that character. Shakespeare inspires many theaters to update his plays. That may mean switching character gender (Taming of the Shrew). It may mean modernizing the setting (Julius Caesar). It may be a concept production — “Macbeth” done Kabuki style, “Midsummer Night’s Dream” set in a bedroom and “The Tempest” set in a mental hospital. Seeing creativity come alive is exciting. It makes me want to be a part of it. I will always choose a play over a movie.

This post was submitted by Dawn Molly Dewane.

Taken from a recording with Michael Wright at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre offices on March 19, 2009.

1.     What was the FIRST play you ever saw? I’m not sure it was actually the first play I ever saw, but my first really vibrant theater memory was when I was in elementary school and I was looking for a high school to go to and I applied to some private schools. I went to a play, more of a variety show, St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, an all male Catholic school, and I fell in love with the school because of this production.  I ended up getting a scholarship to this school, but it was because of this show, I just fell in love with theater.  I can remember distinctly just the joy of seeing this show.  It was really well produced, and they had a great theater program.  It was just something they threw together.  Something like, “St. Joe’s Follies.”

2.    What makes you LAUGH and CRY in a theater? I always laugh and cry in a theater.  My strongest memory is seeing Tom Aldrich in ON GOLDEN POND in New York.  I remember sitting there and literally laughing and crying simultaneously, the guy was so brilliant.  So that’s always been something that’s stuck with me.  That’s my favorite theater, when you’re laughing and you’re crying at the same time because it’s so true, so honest, you recognize human foibles and human misery at the same time.

3.    Who is your favorite THEATER ACTOR? Well, I’ve got many.  I love Tom Aldrich because of that experience with ON GOLDEN POND.  But I think we’ve got great local talent.  I love Jim DeVita.  I love Gerry Neugent.  I love Colleen Madden. Tracy Arnold.  Jim Ridge.  Brian Mani.  I think we have incredible people here, so that’s immediately where my heart goes.

4.    Has theatre ever CHANGED your perspective? I feel like often when I see theater, it opens my eyes, it opens my heart.  I do think it has the power to change people’s perspectives always.  So, yes, absolutely.  It’s a powerful communal experience viewing theater, seeing yourself up there.  Seeing your neighbors, your colleagues.  Who you want to be. Seeing your heroes up there, being inspired by that.  Theater changes lives.

5.    What is your FAVORITE PLAY? Usually one I’m working on.  My current favorite play is BROOKLYN BOY (which Michael was working on when we spoke).  I love this play.  Part of it is just loving the digging into it.  The experience of, the searching, and I don’t mean just looking through encyclopedias, just visualizing, thinking about a play.  Casting a play.  Design discussions. To me that is so rich.  My favorite play is always the one I’m working on right then and there.

6.    Why THEATER? Because there’s nothing like it.  That idea of sitting with a bunch of strangers in a safe environment and experiencing something collectively, recognizing that we’re all alike, although we’re all different, that we’re all part of the same family.  There’s nothing like it.

Michael Wright is the Artistic Director of Milwaukee Chamber Theatre.