Milwaukee Opera Theatre

Thank you Jim Higgins for spending time with Artistic Director Jill Anna Ponasik and Board President Cecilia Davis to talk about the journey we’re on with MOT. As we navigate the challenges of being a small arts organization, their creativity, persistence, and generosity keep us afloat in so many ways!

After nearly shuttering last year, Milwaukee Opera Theatre is regrouping, tapping into new fundraising campaign Milwaukee Opera Theatre is recovering from several crises last season. A new fundraising campaign could help small groups like MOT become more stable.

Happy Holidays from MOT! Last year, as part of our third collaboration with the Decameron Opera Coalition, we commissioned “The Meaning of Christmas”, a holiday song from two local creators, composer and lyricist Adam Qutaishat and animator Eric Miranda. They returned to us this sweetly wrapped carol that examines the history of Christmas with all of its joys and... baggage.

“The Meaning of Christmas” features performances by
Ashley Oviedo, Mohammad ElBsat, and Cecilia Davis, recorded and mastered by Hi-Five Studios and arranged by Mark Wurzelbacher.

The Meaning of Christmas "The Meaning of Christmas" was commissioned by the Decameron Opera Coalition as part of DOC THE HALLS, the Coalition's holiday album, and premiered December ...

For our last Voice Lab of the year, we're trying something new! Join us on New Year's Eve for a night of song, friendship, and a special toast to ring in the new year and celebrate Danny Brylow's 10 years of admin and art-making with MOT!

To sign up, email Company Manager Danny Brylow at [email protected].

More info at https://www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org/voicelab.html

Our carolers were dashing all the way at the Tosa Towne Christmas Market! 🛷 🎵

Feeling ready to get in the holiday spirit? Come see our carolers TOMORROW from 2-5pm at the Tosa Towne Christmas Market! Sing-alongs are strongly encouraged! 🎄🎁⛄️

Soprano- Danielle Gedemer
Alto- Deme Hellwig
Tenor- Nathan Wesselowski
Bass- Sam Mullooly

2023 was a big year for us! We produced a whopping five productions, including REQUIEM, RUSALKA, IMPOSSIBLE OPERAS, MAGNIFICENT BIRD, and the world premiere of NIGHT OF THE LIVING OPERA!

If you've enjoyed the shows we've produced this year, please consider helping us out this Giving Tuesday with a tax deductible donation in any amount!

Donate online at https://www.mightycause.com/organization/Milwaukee-Opera-Theatre or visit www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org for more info!

Your support is greatly appreciated!

Happy Giving First Day! MOT is a proud member of SMAC, Milwaukee’s Small Arts and Culture Cohort. SMAC is made of twelve grassroots arts organizations from every neighborhood in Milwaukee, each operating on a budget under $300,000 a year while creating meaningful art for and by members of our community!

If you are able, please help support our cause by donating to the link below and spreading the word! We are committed to raising $945,000 to provide every cohort member organization with general operating support up to $25,000 per year for three years. You can help us reach our first milestone of $157,000 by the end of this year, which will allow us to begin distributing funds to cohort member organizations in 2024. To reach that milestone, we must raise $106,775 by December 31, 2023. Any amount you can donate is appreciated!

Support Small Arts & Culture Cohort (SMAC) on Mightycause small organizations uniting through a new model for arts funding in Milwaukee

We had such a blast at Voice Lab yesterday! First-timers and 80-something timers blew us away! Stay tuned for the next few Voice Labs this season as we approach #💯!

MOT has joined forces with eleven other local arts non-profits to create the Small Arts and Culture Cohort (SMAC)! As part of our efforts, we're participating in the first ever Giving First Day, taking place tomorrow!

Giving Tuesday, one of the most popular days of charitable giving, falls after Black Friday and Cyber-Monday. Giving First Day flips that script. Before the hustle and bustle of the traditional shopping weekend, we have an opportunity to reflect on the needs of our community and invest in our values.

By uniting a group of small arts organizations in one proposal/funding request, the Cohort aims to generate a new model for arts funding. We are committed to raising $945,000 to provide every cohort member organization with general operating support up to $25,000 per year for three years. Please help us achieve this goal to bring quality local arts to Milwaukee for years to come!

Member Organizations:
Aperi Animam
ArtWorks for Milwaukee
Capita Productions
DanceCircus
Ex Fabula
Official Ko-Thi Dance Company
Milwaukee Opera Theatre
Pink Umbrella Theater Company
Quasimondo Physical Theatre
The Constructivists
Walker’s Point Center for the Arts

Join us at 7 PM at Be Spectacled in Wauwatosa for our November Voice Lab! While our list of singers for tonight is full, you are always welcome to come for conversation, community, and cookies! MOT Board Member Dr. Mark Veth's optometry shop can be found at
7511 Harwood Ave, 53213. SEE (haha vision pun👓)you there!

Just like every character in Night of the Living Opera, our show has come to an end! Here’s a visual recap of all our “endings”. Thank you to the amazing artists who gave life to this project and the community members who came to support us!

NIGHT OF THE LIVING OPERA 2023🧟

Music: Dewey Andrew
Libretto/Direction: Josh Perkins

Barbara: Julianne Perkins
Ben: Jerome Síbulo
Johnny: Emanuel Camacho
Harry: Nathan Wesselowski
Helen: Kathy Pyeatt
Judy: Kaisa Herrmann
Tommy: Jesse Weinberg
Karen: Becky Cofta
Sheriff: Danielle Gedemer
Radio Voice: Brett Sweeney
Newscaster: David Eduardo Guzmán Estrada
Bonus Zombie: Shayne Steliga

Zombieteers: Billy Ray Olsen, Liz Ahlstrom, Miranda Pride Doppel, Alice Hammers, Angry Young Men Ltd

Violins: Lodewijk Broekhuizen & Fátima Gomez
Viola: Evan Lane
Cello: Yeng Thao
Dbl Bass: Alec Henry
Synth: Nicole Corinne McCarty
Electronics: John Webber

Shadow Puppet Assistance: Anja Notanja Sieger & La Prosette
Lighting: Jim Padovano
Prop Helper: Lisa Anne Schlenker
Magical Wig Fairy: Margot Colette Lange

Pics: Mark Frohna Photography

🎭Artist Spotlight 🎭 We've saved our hero for last! All the way from Denver, please welcome Jerome Síbulo! Today's 2pm show is your LAST CHANCE to see Night of the Living Opera!

🎟️ Tickets on sale now at https://cart.broadwaytheatrecenter.com/overview/60074
🔍 More info at our website, www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

Bass-baritone Jerome Síbulo is an active performer, educator, and arts administrator in the Denver area. He was recently seen as Zephyr Levan in MISSED CONNECTION—an outdoor immersive operatic experience, Voice 6 in the world premiere of Nathan Hall’s ATLAS OF REMOTE ISLANDS, the Page in Central City Opera’s AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, the title role of Mendelssohn’s ELIJAH, and the Pirate King in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE. Jerome teaches voice lessons in his private studio, is the Director of the Music & Arts Ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Denver, and is a co-manager of Opera on Tap Colorado.

Jerome is a multi-genre artist who has performed with Central City Opera, Opera Colorado, Heartland Sings, Intimate Opera of Indianapolis, Reimagining Opera for Kids, IU Opera and Ballet Theater, IU Latin American Music Center, the Sieur Duluth Summer Arts Festival, and Monroe County Civic Theater. He has also appeared on concert stages in the US, Canada, and the Philippines.​

How do we compare to the 1968 film? Check it out yourself!

Night of the Living Opera closes tomorrow at 2pm, make sure not to miss out!

🎟️🔍 Tickets and info at www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

📸Mark Frohna Photography

🎭Artist Spotlight 🎭 Today we are featuring Yeng Thao, our fantastic cellist in Night of the Living Opera! There are only four shows left, don't miss out on this WORLD PREMIER opera!

🎟️ Tickets on sale now at https://cart.broadwaytheatrecenter.com/overview/60074
🔍 More info at our website, www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

Yeng Thao currently free-lances on violin, viola, and cello around the Milwaukee area. He is a member of the Kettle Moraine Symphony, and is also a woodworker. Thao can be seen in different pit orchestras for various musicals, accompanying community choirs and church services, or sometimes just playing at a small park on a sunny day. He went to school at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he studied music performance and education. Some of his teachers include: cello with Roza Borisova and Dr. Stefan Kartman; voice with Evan Bravos and Dr. Colleen Brooks; conducting with Dr. Mark Norman and Dr. Zachary Durlam. Highlighted performances include: music direction for THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, BILLY ELLIOT, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE(WCT); cello for 1776 (MOT), and PARADE
(LCP); and a special appearance in the New York International Music Festival at Carnegie Hall.

Our crew has some… questionable zombie apocalypse survival tips. Comment your strategy if you think you can do better! I’m personally a fan of the treadmill idea.

Also, MOT is now on TikTok! Give us a follow for more fun content🧟

TikTok · Milwaukee Opera Theatre Check out Milwaukee Opera Theatre's video.

"Welcome to NIGHT OF THE LIVING OPERA, the latest surprise from the always engrossing Milwaukee Opera Theatre."

Thank you for attending our performance Dave Begel!

https://leaveittobegel.blog/2023/11/01/a-brilliant-horror-show-from-mot/?fbclid=IwAR3zBUnYzWKM7sIRPn7SgFW8Wjv1xKD1vl0B1kMoERN6bgotSMejMBQoOyk

A Brilliant Horror Show from MOT Great theater is not,and should not be easy. It should be challenging for actors and the entire crew. But most of all great theater should not be easy for the audience. Great theater should enchant…

🎭Artist Spotlight 🎭 We are thrilled to be joined by Jesse Weinberg as Tommy in Night of the Living Opera!

🎟️ Tickets on sale now at https://cart.broadwaytheatrecenter.com/overview/60074
🔍 More info at our website, www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

Jesse Weinberg, baritone, is a graduate of Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music. Jesse has been performing in Southeastern Wisconsin for the last 15 years. A singer of both Classical and Pop music, he has performed with the Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as well as performing at Summerfest, the Milwaukee County Zoo, and Jazz in the Park. He sings with the band Platinum and writes and records his own Pop music. Past roles include Papageno in The Magic Flute, Javert in Les Miserables, Jesus in Godspell, Jailer in Tosca, and Ben in The Telephone. Jesse and his wife live in Wauwatosa with their two kids and cat.

Five more chances to catch Night of the Living Opera, including TONIGHT at 7:30!

🎟️ Tickets available at https://cart.broadwaytheatrecenter.com/overview/60074
🔍 More info at our website, www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

📸 Mark Frohna

🎭Artist Spotlight 🎭 Join us in welcoming Miranda Pride, one of our Zombie Puppeteers in Night of the Living Opera! We have five shows left, don't miss out on this KILLER opera!

🎟️ Tickets on sale now at https://cart.broadwaytheatrecenter.com/overview/60074
🔍 More info at our website, www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

Miranda has been working with Angry Young Men LTD since 2011. Previous entertainment experience includes small local theater, independent films, cable access, and the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

Happy Halloween! Here’s some audience feedback that will NOT be haunting our nightmares!👻

“Deliciously gratuitous.”
“An incredible experience.”
“This should be an annual holiday event!”

📸 Mark Frohna Photography

Julianne Perkins as Barbara

🎭Artist Spotlight 🎭 Today we are featuring Nathan Wesselowski, who plays Harry in Night of the Living Opera! Don't miss our special Halloween show tonight!

🎟️ Tickets on sale now at https://cart.broadwaytheatrecenter.com/overview/60074
🔍 More info at our website, www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

Nathan Wesselowski, tenor, has been seen on stage with Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Cleveland Opera, The National Opera Company, Ash Lawn Highland Summer Festival, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, In Tandem Theatre, First Stage, Fireside Theatre and many other regional theatres. He received is Master of Music in voice performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music and Bachelor of Music from Baker University.

“Night of the Living Opera reaches the stage with a haunting strength that exists in equal parts comedy and emotional drama.”

Thank you Russ Bickerstaff for coming to our show!

Puppets Take the Stage in Milwaukee Opera Theatre’s ‘Night of the Living Opera’ Milwaukee Opera Theatre and Angry Young Men beautifully fuse opera, puppetry, horror, comedy and drama in ‘Night of the Living Opera’.

🎭Artist Spotlight 🎭 We return to our spotlights with none other than our fearless director, Josh Perkins (and his kiddo)! Night of the Living Opera continues this week with six more shows!

🎟️ Tickets on sale now at https://cart.broadwaytheatrecenter.com/overview/60074
🔍 More info at our website, www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

Josh has worn many hats in the theatre world these last 25 years: actor, director, designer, puppet builder, writer, and on and on. He's directed an opera (PASSION IN PIGSKIN) for Opera On Tap Milwaukee and been a supernumerary for Opera Colorado's TOSCA and CARMEN. He's a part of Angry Young Men LTD who has been performing "Night Of The Living Dead: The Puppet Show" for many in the MKE area. Theirs is a comedic take on the original George Romero film, this one is not. Enjoy the show!

"For Phoenix, giving us something to fight for. One day you will be our King."

We had such a blast at opening yesterday! There are still NINE opportunities to see Night of the Living Opera, including two today. Enjoy some pics by Mark Frohna Photography (big spoilers left out)!

🎟️ www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

Thank you Ryan Jay Reviews for attending Night of the Living Opera and writing up such a lovely review for us!

It’s opening night for Night of the Living Opera! You don’t want to miss this spooky yet silly, gruesome yet gorgeous show! For more info and to buy tickets, go to www.milwaukeeoperatheatre.org

Just added! Don't brave the zombies alone! We're offering a special discount of $15 per ticket for groups of 8 or more!

🎟️Order tix online at https://cart.broadwaytheatrecenter.com/overview/60074 or by calling 414-291-7800.

Night of the Living Opera | Broadway Theatre Center Operated by Skylight Music Theatre, the Broadway Theatre Center is located in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward and home to 3 performing theatre companies.