Bruka Theater has once again nailed the mark on quality entertainment with the run of their most recent work “The Complete History of America (Abridged).  This three man production – featuring the comedic talents of Chad Sweet, Bill Ware, and Adam Whitney – takes audiences on a journey highlighting the cliff notes of American history. Beginning with early explorers and ending with a film noir scene encapsulating the 50s-80s. Not really knowing what to expect from the show, I went in with an open mind to the experience at hand. What I got was the 90 minute American history lesson I always wanted to have.

The show had a consistent energy of a 1920s vaudeville act complete with musical numbers, quick costume changes – including some well-timed moments of drag from Whitney -, a plethora of characters, impersonations, and accents, and a slapstick humor that kept audiences laughing all night. All combined to create a truly entertaining and memorable experience.  I enjoy the intimacy of the show; the actors directly interact with the audience and play off the energy we give them. There was a moment when Sweet emerges as a convincing Barack Obama – minus the whole he’s white thing – and answers questions directly from the audience. I asked the question why America’s colors were “red, white and blue”. Sweet answered, without missing a beat, that that was a terrible question and a blatant example of the failing school systems. Thanks for that one Chad ;) The show actually wove a number of instances of improv; a signal to the audience that they are experiencing something unexpected and unplanned. The show, though primarily scripted, incorporates current and relevant pop culture and political references – such as my beloved Wisconsin – throughout the show.  There were even moments where the antics of the actors on stage caused each other to break; I love seeing those moments, when something happens so perfect in the moment, it causes the actor to break. Each actor brings something unique and complementary to the production. Whether it is Adam’s hilarious accents, Bill’s stoic disposition, or Chad’s passion the trio successfully carried the show.

The show closes this upcoming weekend, so I encourage everyone if you are looking for a fabulous way to spend your Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night. Check out bruka’s website for more information. 

Last night, I got all dolled up and headed over to Bruka Theater for their preview of Richard III. It has been about a month exactly since The Buttcracker closed & since I have returned to Bruka. I absolutely loved that I was able to walk in - for free - with the press to enjoy a first-time glance at the production - I felt extremely posh and "with it". Though I had never seen the production and knew very little about the storyline, I was excited to see Bruka's interpretation of the piece. A modern day mob story is the theme for Richard III. Instead of seeking the throne, Richard aims to become the godfather of the land through manipulation, corruption, and murder - ya know, fun stuff. I appreciated the more modern interpretation. I thought the cast did a brilliant production and seeing my friend Jamie in a nun's habit will forever burned into my membrane.

The only thing that was a little confusing was that I didn't realize that Richard III is supposed to be ugly or deformed in some manner, so when Richard came out on stage I was continually distracted by his large hump threatening to burst through his suit. It wasn't until after the show did someone fill me in on the fake hump. Oops ......my bad.

While I was watching the show and noticing the body count invariably getting higher and higher as the scenes progressed, I wondered to myself; Does anyone survive a Shakespearean tragedy and if so, how did those brave few manage to survive to the end. So I thought I would share my list of ways to survive should you ever find yourself in a Shakespearian tragedy:

(1) Don't be of any importance to the plot line or hold a title in the show - ideally try to be a police office; everyone is typically too busy killing each other to notice the police.

(2) Don't be the heir to any throne - should you find yourself next in line for the throne abdicate your title and retire to Boca Raton. It will just be easier that way

(3) If any bajiggity disgruntled queen or dying comrade begins an epic monologue that ultimately concludes in a curse, high-tail your ass out of there. For curses in a Shakespearean play not only comes true but pretty much dictates the rest of the story.

(4) Don't go crazy ... Ophelia ... enough said

(5) Don't fall in love - it will usually be unrequited, devastating, or ultimately result in your death.

(6) Especially don't go crazy with love

(7) Don't seek revenge, it will never end well for you ... aka the entire cast of Richard III

(8) Don't kill anybody, everyone is related and Karma is a bitch.

(9) Never have children. Children will betray you, attempt to steal your thorne, or get themselves captured and are used as ransom against you.

(10) Never rely on a messager, just deliver the damn message yourself. Without fail the messager will be killed, delayed, or betray you in the end.

I don't know how you would ever find yourself in such a situation but if you do here are some sure-fire ways to make sure you live through that final monologue - which is oddly enough usually delivered by the cops. Also, if you are looking for a fantastic show and a little bit of culture then make sure that you do not miss Bruka's production of Richard III