John Oliver says he puts comedy first on ‘Last Week Tonight’ page 32

November 27, 2014 | Vol. 6 No. 2 Holiday Gift Guide page 19-27

5 Immigration reform How President Obama’s exec- utive action on immigration is playing out in Wisconsin.

10 Solar setback Environmentalists are outraged at We Energies’ proposal to penalize homeowners with solar panels.

29 Woodman’s spirits The mega-grocer has perhaps the most extensive liquor, wine and beer selection to be found in Wisconsin.

31 Christmas Carol After 15 prior performances in the show, Jonathan Smoots finally gets to play Scrooge in Shopping for your cool cats & top dogs the Rep’s ‘A Christmas Carol.’ 2 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 News with a twist WiGWAG By Lisa Neff, Matthew Reddin, Louis Weisberg Bully for Benjy Thanksgiving Day SEXISM BLUES coordinated effort to spike sales. letters written to Marilyn from Benjy, Ireland’s so-called “gay and remain open for For a year, TV host Karl Stefa- Driscoll recently resigned from his husbands Arthur Miller and Joe bull,” has been saved from the 42 hours. But other novic wore the same blue suit when church over the scandal. Result- DiMaggio — letters that the auc- slaughterhouse and is destined to businesses, such as he appeared on the Today program Source CEO Kevin Small is a gradu- tioneer says are worthy of a movie live out his days at an animal sanc- locally owned Biltrite on an Australian network. And no ate of Liberty University. script. tuary in England. Hopefully near Furniture store, a one seemed to notice. Stefanovic another bull. The AP reported that WiG advertiser, are not only giving was out to prove a point: While Say ‘spaghetti’ Not buying it Sam Simon, the co-creator of The employees Thanksgiving Day off people regularly judge women on A Utah woman says she didn’t A petition on change.org is call- Simpsons and a leading supporter but even closing early on the day what they wear and how they look, encounter too much hassle for ing on Old Navy to stop charg- of animal welfare causes, helped before. Even some big-box stores including his female co-host, men wearing a strainer on her head ing more for plus-size women’s save the Charlerois bull, who failed are adopting employee-friendly are generally judged on their job when she posed for her driver’s clothing than it does for big men’s to impregnate any heifers and policies, including Costco, Petco, performance. license photo at a Utah Division of apparel. More than 16,000 peo- showed an attraction for another DSW, Burlington Coat Factory, TJ Motor Vehicles bureau. The woman ple signed after learning that Old bull. Maxx, Crate & Barrel and Bed Bath News for Vladimir follows the satirical Flying Spaghet- Navy charges $12–$15 more for & Beyond. Apple is now worth more than ti Monster Church — also known plus-sized women’s jeans than for Apocalypse now? Russia’s stock market. The tech as “Pastafarianism.” The move- smaller sizes, but does not do the A poll by the Public Religion Better not pout giant’s worth has overtaken the ment began in 2005 to protest same for men’s large-size jeans. A Research Institute showed that 69 The right-wing Liberty Counsel combined value of all Russian pub- the teaching of intelligent design in spokeswoman said that women’s percent of Americans believe there already is compiling its “naughty lic companies for the first time in Kansas schools. Utah officials said plus-sized clothing costs more is solid evidence that the Earth is or nice list” in its Friend or Foe history, Bloomberg reported. Not they recognize Pastafarianism as a because it has special features that getting warmer. But when pollsters Christmas Campaign. The group bad for a company with a gay CEO, religion. So despite a ban on hats or men’s apparel doesn’t. asked about the cause of recent makes a tradition of going after hey, Missy Putin? headgear in license photos, colan- natural disasters, 49 percent companies that strive to promote ders can be worn because they are Big boo-boo blamed the biblical “end times” diversity during the season with Real dishonest religious garments. After a parent complained, instead of pollution. the use of “holiday” or the men- Former megachurch pastor school district officials in Char- tion of Hanukkah or government Mark Driscoll’s book Real Marriage Marilyn Monroe lotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina, Overtime entities that seek to honor separa- topped the hardcover advice sec- The Lost Archives of Marilyn pulled a high school class assign- About one in four American tion of church and state. Ameri- tion of The New York Times best- Monroe, a collection of more than ment on genetics that was some- workers will have to go to work this can Eagle Outfitters already has seller list in 2012. But the evan- 200 very rare items that belonged thing of a story problem: “LaSha- year on a holiday. Kmart and Tar- earned three frowning elves for gelical magazine World reported to the timeless star, will be auc- manda” has a “big bootie” and get employees have been told using “Yule” instead of “Christ- that the book’s sales figures were tioned off during the Icons & Idols: husband “Fontavius” has a “small that they will face being fired if mas” in a promotion. Hobby Lobby, driven by a consulting firm called Hollywood event to be held Dec. bootie.” So what is the probability they don’t come in. In fact, Kmart meanwhile, has three smiling elves ResultSource, which purchased 5-6 at the Julien’s Auctions Bev- of their baby, “LaPrincess,” having will open its doors at 6 a.m. on for, well, you know. books on behalf of Driscoll in a erly Hills gallery. Included are love “her mama’s big bootie”? WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 3 4 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Lame-duck drama Showdowns over immigration, Keystone XL pipeline By Lisa Neff tus. Immigrants, like many of our nation’s because they’re going to see it as a move Staff writer farmworkers who will have put the food outside the authority of the president, and President Barack Obama came back after on our Thanksgiving tables, play a funda- it’s going to be a very serious situation. a massive Election Day defeat to take big mental role in our country yet remain in the You’re going to see — hopefully not — but leaps on climate change and decisive execu- shadows.” you could see instances of anarchy. …You tive action to protect millions of immigrants Still, Republican leaders, who warned the could see violence.” from deportation. president against acting on immigration Later, tea party Republicans launched Meanwhile, Democrats fended off a bid before the new Congress is seated in Janu- an effort to insert into any spending bills — led by one of their own but favoring the ary, complained Obama had poisoned the language barring federal spending to imple- GOP — to approve the long-delayed Key- well. ment the president’s policy. Such a move stone XL pipeline project during the lame- “The president’s decision to issue this could lead to another partial government duck session that ends in December. executive order is a stunning act of parti- shutdown, something incoming Major- Those involved in progressive groups, sanship and polarization,” said U.S. Rep. ity Leader Mitch McConnell and House who in early November were heartbroken Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin. “Clearly, he is more Speaker John Boehner have said would not by election results, celebrated multiple vic- interested in playing politics than helping happen. tories later in November. hard-working taxpayers. With this legally The president’s executive action on immi- After Obama announced his immigra- suspect and unilateral act, he has poisoned gration followed his achievement in reach- tion plan on Nov. 20, EarthJustice president the well on what should be a bipartisan ing a landmark deal with China for both Trip Van Noppen, who just days earlier had effort and brought relations with Congress countries to cut emissions and reduce pol- cheered the defeat of the KXL bill, said, “We to a new low.” lution. applaud the president for taking steps … to Obama had pledged to act on immigra- In November, Obama also pledged $3 eliminate the threat of deportation for mil- tion after the midterm election and, know- billion to the United Nations Green Climate lions of immigrants who have become an ing House Republicans would refuse to act, Fund, a new institution under the United intrinsic part of our communities and the the president on Nov. 21 signed an executive Nations Framework Convention on Climate nation as a whole. order offering relief from deportation for Change that channels funds primarily from “Rather than try to tear this initiative about 5 million people. developed to developing countries to deal Photo: Pete Souza/White House down, Congress should step up to its The night before, Obama outlined his with climate change. President Barack Obama looks over notes responsibility and enact comprehensive plan in a speech to the nation and right- in the Blue Room at the White House. In immigration reform for the millions of aspir- wing Republicans made dire predictions. No pipeline — yet mid-November, the president addressed ing Americans whose ability to secure jus- U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma falsely Democrats, meanwhile, held back a push the nation on immigration, announcing tice is hampered by their immigration sta- predicted, “The country’s going to go nuts, to pass a bill approving the Keystone XL executive action to protect millions. project, which would create a pipeline sys- tem that would bring oil from the tar sands of Canada to the U.S. Gulf Coast. Republicans and oil-beholden Democrats Immigration action were maneuvering to bypass the federal The president’s executive measures review that was extended indefinitely in on immigration include: April, pending the outcome of a legal chal- • Protecting immigrant workers from lenge to the project in Nebraska. deportation and making work permits Advocates say the pipeline’s construction eligible for about 4.1 million people would create jobs and reduce U.S. depen- who are in the United States illegally dence on Middle East oil. but whose children are U.S. citizens Opponents say the drilling is harmful, or lawful permanent residents. To be much of the oil would be exported and it the eligible, the parents must have lived in project would not create many long-term the U.S. for five years. jobs. • Expanding the Deferred Action “To talk about 50 permanent jobs as a Childhood Arrivals program launched ‘jobs program’ is nothing more than a cruel by the administration in 2012. The and misleading hoax to workers in this program shields from deportation country who want and need decent-paying minors brought to the U.S. illegally as jobs,” said U.S. Sen. Bernie Saunders, an children. independent from Vermont who often votes • Lowering the deportation priority with Democrats. for parents of U.S. citizens or legal The Keystone bill passed easily in the permanent residents who have been in GOP-controlled House, but came up one the U.S. fewer than five years. vote short of the 60 votes needed in the • Replacing the Secure Communities Senate. program that hands over people booked Republicans vowed to bring the bill back for local crimes to federal immigration in the next session. With 53 or 54 seats, authorities. depending on the outcome of a runoff in • Committing more resources for Louisiana on Dec. 6, they’ll have the num- patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border. bers to pass the legislation, but probably • Loosening eligibility requirements will not have the 67 votes in the Senate to for a waiver program for people seeking override a presidential veto. green cards. People who entered the U.S. illegally must leave the country for as much as 10 years before seeking a green card, unless they get a waiver. FIND US ON TWITTER! @wigazette WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 5 How immigration reform affects Wisconsin By Scott Bauer community was more cir- Associated Press 52 percent of cumspect. Wisconsin Farm Things to know about how Wisconsinites Bureau spokesman Casey President Barack Obama’s Langan said Obama’s plan plans to shield as many as believe was “not the comprehen- 5 million immigrants from sive, long-term fix that agri- deportation affect Wiscon- unauthorized culture is seeking.” He said sin: immigrants Wisconsin farmers need a new, flexible visa program HOW MANY ARE working in the that allows for long-term AFFECTED U.S. should be access for workers to enter The Washington, D.C.- the U.S. Voces de la Fron- based Migration Policy able to apply for tera, an advocate group, had Institute reports that there praise for Obama’s action were about 76,000 immi- citizenship. and held informational ses- grants living illegally in Wis- sions in Milwaukee to help consin in 2012. Of those, immigrants understand about 75 percent had been POLITICAL REACTION what to do next. in the state for more than Wisconsin Democrats five years. Under Obama’s generally praised Obama’s PUBLIC OPINION plan, deportation protec- action, while Gov. Scott A Marquette University tions would be extended Walker called it illegal. He Law School poll from Octo- to parents of U.S. citizens joined other GOP governors ber showed that 52 percent and permanent residents, as in calling for a lawsuit, which of respondents in Wisconsin long as those parents have House Republicans filed on believe unauthorized immi- been in the country for at Nov. 21. U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, grants who are currently least five years. who like Walker is mulling a working in the U.S. should possible run for president in be allowed to stay in their WISCONSIN’S 2016, called the president’s jobs and apply for citizen- IMMIGRANT action legally suspect and ship POPULATION a “stunning act of partisan- Twenty-four percent said The number of unau- ship and polarization” that they should be required to Photo: Courtesy thorized immigrants in will make it more difficult leave the country, while 20 Protesters hold signs during a March 2014 protest in Milwaukee organized by the group Wisconsin remained rela- to reach a bipartisan solu- percent said they should Voces de la Frontera. tively flat between 2009 tion. Democratic U.S. Rep. stay as temporary guest and 2012, according to a Mark Pocan blamed House workers. report released by the Pew Republicans for not taking Research Center. The report action, saying Obama was WHAT’S NEXT said that populations grew “using his constitutional It’s unclear how Obama’s or decreased in 21 states authority to make much action will be carried out at over that time. Seventy-six needed progress on this the state level, given Walk- percent of the Wisconsin important issue.” er’s opposition. The gov- immigrants were from Mex- ernor’s spokeswoman did ico. That ranks Wisconsin OTHER REACTION not immediately respond to seventh highest among all Immigrant rights advo- an email seeking comment 50 states in terms of per- cates supported the presi- on what steps, if any, state centage of unauthorized dent, while the state’s agencies would take in light immigrants from Mexico. business and agriculture of the president’s order. 6 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 7 Obama endorses ‘net neutrality’

Photo: Angela Waye

By Lisa Neff Staff writer On the Web President Barack Obama angered Repub- For more about “net neutrality” licans but delighted netroots activists when, advocacy, go to battleforthenet.com. in mid-November, he called on the Fed- eral Communications Commission to treat broadband Internet service much as it or slow down others — through a process would any other public utility. often called “throttling” — based on the Though he has no direct authority over type of service or an ISP’s preferences. FCC decisions, the president called on the • Increased transparency. The connec- agency to prohibit Internet providers from tion between consumers and ISPs is not negotiating rates for faster service, a fast- the only place some sites might get special lane/slow-lane concept that consumer treatment. So Obama asked the FCC, an activists say would give large companies independent entity, to “apply net neutrality advantages over fledgling enterprises. The rules to points of interconnection between FCC is believed to be close to a decision the ISP and the rest of the Internet.” on whether broadband providers should be • No paid prioritization. The administra- allowed to cut deals with content providers. tion said, “No service should be stuck in a “An open Internet is essential to the ‘slow lane’ because it does not pay a fee. American economy, and increasingly to our That kind of gatekeeping would undermine very way of life,” Obama said in his White the level playing field essential to the Inter- House statement. “By lowering the cost of net’s growth.” launching a new idea, igniting new politi- The president’s position is in line with cal movements, and bringing communities about 4 million people who have called on closer together, it has been one of the most the FCC to protect net neutrality. significant democratizing influences the “This is a huge victory for millions of world has ever known.” Americans who have called for Title II He continued, “‘Net neutrality’ has been reform and a huge blow for the cable com- built into the fabric of the Internet since its panies that seek to establish fast and slow creation — but it is also a principle that we lanes on the Internet,” said David Segal, cannot take for granted. We cannot allow executive director of Demand Progress. Internet service providers to restrict the Demand Progress, along with Fight for the best access or to pick winners and losers Future and Popular Resistance, organized a in the online marketplace for services and Washington, D.C., “party” outside the FCC ideas.” after learning of Obama’s announcement. The president detailed what he called Other events took place in Milwaukee, “bright-line rules” for a free and open Inter- Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, New York, net: San Francisco and Boston. • No blocking. If a consumer requests “The Internet freedom movement has access to a website or service and the con- a lot to celebrate,” said Holmes Wilson, tent is legal, the ISP should not be permit- co-founder of Fight for the Future. “We’re ted to block it. closer than ever to winning real Title II net • No throttling. ISPs should not be able neutrality that will protect free speech on to intentionally speed up some content the Internet for generations to come.”

Are you missing out on our ticket giveaways & free discount coupons? Simply like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @wigazette. 8 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Learning about commitment from gay male couples By Louis Weisberg Why pursue this particular topic? I’ve ings between the partners who’d been ship to opening up and then going back to Staff writer had a couple of longer relationships, but together many, many years seemed to have monogamy. There was no one-size-fits-all Milwaukee jazz pianist Tim Clausen is not the whole sort of life-partner thing has a serendipitous quality. Life often kind approach that worked for every couple. in a same-sex marriage — nor does he have remained sort of elusive. I’ve sometimes of brings us together through mysterious But in every case communication around a long-term male partner. been mystified when I would meet certain ways. And there’s no time limit on when it the issue was important. But he has an almost encyclopedic knowl- long-term couples over time who seemed can happen. edge of the dynamics of such relationships, to have a good vibe. How do they get along How did most of them feel about mar- having conducted 103 interviews with gay together over decades in a harmonious How did you organize the book? One of riage? A lot of guys thought that getting men who are partnered or married. He way? I was interested in finding out. the nice things about married is just a formality, but then they turned the interviews into his first book, the book is its found going through the experience Love Together: Longtime Male Couples on How did most of the couples find each structure. I was very profound. It helped Healthy Intimacy & Communication. other? One of the questions I looked into is, created deepen the bond. After getting Clausen, 54, selected couples who had “Do we choose our life partner or is that married, people realized how been together between a decade and 65 person brought to us as important same-sex mar- years. He founded and led the Milwaukee destiny or fate?” A riage was. Gay Fathers Group from 1995 to 2004, and lot of meet- one couple he interviewed met via the group What will heterosexual a dozen years ago. Otherwise, he relied couples find the most sur- heavily on social networking to find his sub- prising about male cou- jects, whom he interviewed separately in ples? They’ll be surprised by order to get more candid interviews. the very open communication The men were diverse on many levels. that male couples have, espe- Included in the book is Larry Duplechan, cially the freedom to talk about an African-American California man in sex and who they find attractive. It’s a biracial marriage. He’s the Lambda Photos: Courtesy just assumed that straight couples Literary Award-winning writer of Black- Two of the couples will be exclusive, whether it happens bird, a seminal work of gay black YA fic- interviewed in the or not. But gay couples as a rule talk tion. Also included is the first same-sex book. more openly with each other about military couple in America to marry and that. For gay couples, there’s not a a Hollywood film industry couple who met standard script handed to you about the day WWII ended. ON STAGE how marriage should be as you’re growing WiG recently spoke with Clausen about Tim Clausen reads from and signs up, and you kind of have to make it up and the project. Photo: Rick Wood his book Love Together: Longtime Male find the way that works best for you. Jazz pianist & author Tim Clausen. Couples on Healthy Intimacy & Commu- nication from 2-3:30 p.m. on Dec. 13, at What did you learn? Some of the key Whitefish Bay Public Library, 5420 N themes that emerged were having as abso- Marlborough Drive. lutely as open and honest communication as possible. Anything and everything needs to be on the table for discussion. Communica- sections by the couples’ longevity. tion is huge. The last couple in the book are par- People have real different backgrounds ticularly remarkable. They’re from Portland, and experiences family-wise. One’s family Oregon, and they’d been together just shy background might be very open and expres- of 60 years when we interviewed. We con- sive: You scream and throw the crockery tinued to stay in touch after the initial and five seconds later it’s over with. And the interviews. Eugene (one of the men) died other partner might have trouble learning of congestive heart failure four days before how to communicate his feelings at all. So Christmas last year. Eric (his partner) is a the first partner would have to learn how to Buddhist teacher and is a brilliant, remark- tone down his communication style. (Many able man. I asked Eric after Eugene passed couples) had to learn that after a fight away if he’d be open to talking about losing everyone still loves each other and they’re a partner of 60 years. We had an interview going to move on together. 10 days after Eugene’s passing and then another interview a month later and then Anything else? People grow and change a third six months later, which was the day over time, and allowing your partner to grow after what would have been their 61st anni- and change and understanding that you versary. The book basically ends with that grow and change also is going to make for three-part interview. long-term success. If you allow for personal growth and you’re willing to support your What sort of questions did you ask the partner, that’s going to help your relation- men in the book? It was all across the board. ship succeed. About half the couples sought “How do you deal with conflict?” “Have you some sort of counseling and almost always been to counseling together?” And, “Did found it helpful. you ever consider ending the relationship?” Eric and Eugene had a practice in which Not all of them had, but most of them had they had two marriages — on their 24th and gone through difficulties at some point. 40th anniversaries. And Eric recommends The monogamy/non-monogamy issue that couples repeat their marriage vows out was a big topic. Couples ran the gamut in loud to each other once every quarter or six terms of sexual exclusivity. Many started months just to reaffirm their commitment. out as totally exclusive, then opened up the When they’d find themselves in conflict, relationship to being sexual together with they’d say, “We need to go and repeat our others or separately. Couples varied from marriage vows,” and they’d find the bigger being exclusive to opening up the relation- picture (again). 26 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | October 30, 2014

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Be progressive. Stay healthy. Say no to tobacco. 10 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 State commission backs electric bill hikes, ‘solar tax’ “What we’re proposing is fair energy systems, with a provision rates for all our customers who that existing owners of solar use the grid,” said We Energies systems will be grandfathered for spokeswoman Jessica Williamson, 10 years. according to the AP. Under the changes, customers As the fixed fee goes up, hourly with renewable energy systems usage rates would drop by less will pay We Energies $3.80 per than a cent per kilowatt-hour. kilowatt per month, based on the The two commissioners size of the system. This means who backed the increase, Phil that a property-owner with a 4 Montgomery and Ellen Nowak, kW solar system would pay $182 were appointed by Republican Gov. annually to We Energies for Scott Walker. The commissioner owning that solar system. who voted no, Eric Callisto, was Additionally, We Energies appointed by Democrat Jim Doyle. reduced the price credited for “Under this decision, customers excess generation from the current who use more will see lower bills 14 cents per kilowatt-hour to just 3 Photo: 123rf.com and customers who use less will cents per kilowatt-hour. The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has endorsed changes to We Energies billing that amount to a see higher bills,” said Robert “This decision is bad for “solar tax” and punish those who seek to conserve electricity. Kelter, senior attorney with the job creation, bad for energy Environmental Law and Policy independence, bad for the By Lisa Neff rate case is a huge setback for The commission approved Center, a nonprofit active on environment and bad for Staff writer Wisconsin in the area of clean a 75-percent increase in the conservation issues throughout customers,” stated Tyler Huebner, The Wisconsin Public Service energy development,” said Keith monthly fixed charges that the Midwest. “It sends the wrong executive director the conservation Commission voted for a rate plan Reopelle, senior policy director residential customers see on their price signals on energy efficiency group RENEW Wisconsin. submitted by We Energies that for Clean Wisconsin, a statewide bills in southeastern Wisconsin because it makes it harder for He continued, “Our Republican- environmentalists say penalizes environmental advocacy group. and the Fox Valley area. Monthly customers to control their monthly appointed commissioners customers who conserve energy In a mid-November vote, the fixed fees will go from $9.13 to bills.” approved a new tax, killed jobs and jeopardizes the fledgling commission split 2–1 in approving $16. We Energies said it needs and restricted energy choice in solar industry in southeastern We Energies proposed rate to increase the charge so all A ‘solar tax’ Wisconsin.” Wisconsin. changes. The plan will be finalized customers — large users and The We Energy plan also Huebner said the commission “We feel like what the PSC in December and take effect in small users — share in maintaining involves billing changes for ignored facts and a “record approved for the We Energies January. the company’s infrastructure. customers investing in renewable RATES next page WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 11

RATES from prior page level of over 1,900 public Electric was pending. Energy Association” list as comments” in reaching its The regulatory decisions advocates of We Energies’ decision on the We Energies drove Democratic plan didn’t actually back the rate changes. lawmakers to call for an requests. And Reopelle recalled investigation and reform of She said her husband the results of a pre-election the state regulatory process “was falsely listed as a poll showing Wisconsinites and pushed Alliance for supporter” and “was not overwhelmingly support Solar Choice, a group contacted by the CEA and more reliance and advocating solar energy, does not support the We investment in clean energy, to announce plans to sue Energies proposal. Further, not less. “We Energies’ once the We Energies plan he does not support proposal was especially is finalized. raising fixed fees on utility egregious in terms of how Democratic state Sen. bills in a way that harms it treated solar power,” Tim Carpenter, calling for homeowners, seniors and he said, adding that there “major reform,” said, “The clean energy development.” is great potential for PSC has shown that it is Sinicki characterized the developing clean energy either unwilling or unable CEA as a Houston-based sources in the state but “the to protect residential lobbying group for the fossil policies we have in place are customers in the face of fuel industry and said its not particularly friendly.” rapacious and predatory list of supporters for the demands of large public We Energies proposal was ‘rapacious utility corporations. The PSC oddly identical to a list it demands’ members are supposed to submitted in support of We Energies is not the balance the public utilities’ Madison Gas and Electric’s only Wisconsin utility desire for a regulated profit rate hike plan. seeking rate changes that with what is fair for the The lists were tossed involve increased fixed customers. The failure of the in late October by an monthly fees and slightly PSC to provide such balance administrative law judge lower hourly rates. The PSC is simply unacceptable.” who determined they voted to raise Wisconsin Meanwhile, state Rep. contained “inadequate and Public Service Corporation’s Christine Sinicki questioned incorrect information.” fixed monthly charge to $9, the integrity of the regulatory Sinicki said she’s less than the $15 that the process in the wake of concerned about fraud and utility asked for. As WiG a Capital Times report corruption. went to press, a request finding that some people from Madison Gas and identified on a “Consumer 12 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Prudential offers whole life insurance for people with HIV By Louis Weisberg entailed a comprehensive Schummer described the Staff writer review of mortality rates coverage as comparatively As evidence of how far among people with HIV as “affordable.” HIV treatment has pro- well as statistics related to Schummer said he gressed, The Prudential the efficacy of new treat- believes that offering the Insurance Company of ments, said Clark, who has coverage positions Pruden- America last year began lived with HIV for nine years. tial as a “very forward-think- offering whole life policies “It concerned me greatly ing” company. to people infected with the that the industry was far “It’s pretty amazing that virus. behind in its information it’s taken as long as it has Prudential classifies the on the disease,” Clark said. to get to this point, but it’s virus as a chronic, manage- “People (with HIV) are liv- another positive step,” said able condition similar to ing for decades and should Bill Keeton, vice president of diabetes or certain heart have the opportunity to government and public rela- conditions. Insurance appli- plan for their futures. (HIV) tions of the AIDS Resource cants who acknowledge isn’t a death sentence, it’s Center of Wisconsin. “A lot that they’re HIV-infected a chronic disease. So let’s of folks who were infected are asked by Prudential to Photo: Courtesy start treating it that way and in the 2000s are still with answer three questions on Kurt Schummer. bring some equality into this us and doing well. It’s hard the application form about aspect of financial planning, to put an average life span their current state of health Although the company which includes taking care on (people living with HIV).” as well as their treatment began offering coverage of your loved ones when “We’re happy that it’s compliance. Like all whole to people with HIV late you’re no longer around.” happening,” Keeton added. life insurance applicants, in 2013, Schummer only Clark, who began looking “It means that people who people with HIV must also recently began promoting into the issue six years ago, are studying this stuff are undergo basic lab work. it in southeastern Wiscon- said he went through the finding that people with HIV Underwriters follow up sin through networking and application process for the aren’t at too much risk for with physicians to verify targeted advertising. He policy himself before rec- life insurance.” that applicants have an said the maximum benefit ommending it to others. Thanks to ARCW’s unique undetectable viral load and amount is $1 million. “I was pleasantly sur- model of care, people in have vigilantly maintained Milwaukee philanthro- prised,” he said. “I couldn’t Wisconsin live longer with and Human Services. term life is more suitable their course of treatment for pist Tim Clark, 45, com- believe how simple it was.” HIV than their counterparts People buying life insur- for their financial circum- two years, said Wauwatosa- missioned the study that Rates vary based on fac- in any other state, according ance should consult a pro- stances. based Prudential financial demonstrated the policy’s tors such as age and the to statistics compiled by the fessional adviser to deter- adviser Kurt Schummer. financial viability. The study value of the policy, but U.S. Department of Health mine whether whole life or WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 13 Grand jury fails to indict in Ferguson case, rallies follow From WiG and AP reports ies braced for large demonstrations with In New York, the family of Eric Garner, a ies who are facing the very same thing that Thousands of people rallied in U.S. cit- the potential for the kind of violence that Staten Island man killed by a police choke- we’re facing,” Manor said. ies, passionately but peacefully protesting marred nightly protests in Ferguson after hold earlier this year, joined the Rev. Al At Cleveland’s Public Square, at least a a grand jury’s decision not to indict a white Brown’s killing. Demonstrators there van- Sharpton at a speech in Harlem lamenting dozen protesters’ signs referenced police police officer who killed a black 18-year-old dalized police cars and buildings, hugged the grand jury’s decision. Later, several hun- shootings that have shaken the community in Ferguson, Missouri. barricades and taunted officers with exple- dred people who had gathered in Manhat- there, including the weekend’s fatal shoot- People led marches, waved signs and tives on Nov. 26 while police fired smoke tan’s Union Square marched peacefully to ing of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who had a fake shouted chants of “hands up, don’t shoot,” canisters and tear gas. Gunshots were Times Square. gun at a Cleveland playground when officers the refrain that has become a rallying cry heard on the streets and fires raged. In Los Angeles, about 100 people gath- confronted him. in protests over police killings across the Police arrested 61 people in Ferguson ered in Leimert Park, and a group of reli- In Denver, where a civil jury last month country. and another 21 in St. Louis. But police else- gious leaders held a small news conference found deputies used excessive force in the In Milwaukee, protesters gathered in where reported that gatherings were mostly demanding changes in police policies. death of a homeless street preacher, clergy Red Arrow Park before the decision was peaceful. A group of about 200 demonstrators gathered at a church to discuss the decision, announced. Red Arrow is where a police A diverse crowd of several hundred pro- marched toward downtown and briefly shut and dozens of people rallied in a downtown officer fatally shot an unarmed Dontre testers marched and chanted in St. Louis not down the northbound and southbound lanes park with a moment of silence. Hamilton seven months ago. far from the site of another police shooting, of Interstate 110 in Los Angeles, according The most disruptive demonstrations were shutting down Interstate 44 for a time. to City News Service. People stood and On the record … in St. Louis and Oakland, California, where A few cars got stuck in the midst of the lay in the northbound lanes and the center “The grief and frustration of the protesters flooded the lanes of freeways. protesters, who appeared to be leaving the divider. California Highway Patrol officers American people is justified and under- Activists had been planning to protest vehicles alone. They chanted “hands up, declared an unlawful assembly. standable, especially as we struggle to even before the nighttime announcement don’t shoot” and “black lives matter.” After midnight, about 100 police officers address the highly polarized relation- that Officer Darren Wilson will not be Groups ranging from a few dozen to a few wearing riot gear fired hard foam projec- ship between law enforcement and charged in the shooting death of Michael hundred people also gathered in Chicago, tiles into the ground to disperse about 50 young black men. The unnecessary loss Brown. Salt Lake City, and Washington, D.C., where protesters on Pico Boulevard in downtown of Michael Brown’s young life should The racially charged case in Ferguson has people held up signs and chanted “jus- Los Angeles. urge all Americans to recommit to rec- inflamed tensions and reignited debates tice for Michael Brown” outside the White Another group of about 30 people onciliation during this dark time. As we over police-community relations even in House. marched all the way to Beverly Hills, where reflect on the grand jury’s decision, let cities hundreds of miles from the predomi- “Mike Brown is an emblem (of a move- they lay down in an intersection. us move toward honoring the dignity nantly black St. Louis suburb. For many ment). This country is at its boiling point,” Chris Manor, with Utah Against Police and value of Michael’s life. The Brown staging protests on Nov. 26, the shooting said Ethan Jury, a protester in Philadelphia, Brutality, helped organize an event in Salt family continues to be in my thoughts was personal, calling to mind other galva- where hundreds marched downtown with Lake City that attracted about 35 people. and prayers.” nizing encounters with local law enforce- a contingent of police nearby. “How many “There are things that have affected us — U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, ment. people need to die? How many black people locally, but at the same time, it’s important D-Milwaukee Police departments in several major cit- need to die?” to show solidarity with people in other cit- 14 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014

Please recirculate & recycle this publication. EDITORIAL We must overcome voter apathy The midterm elections and their which the GOP has held up for six years aftermath show the extent to which solely for political reasons. Republi- For the one percent to our democracy is failing. In the primary cans responded by renewing their vow whom lawmakers are P r o g r e s s i v e . A lt e r n a t i v e . races leading up to Nov. 4, a record low to continue doing everything in their of only 7 percent of Americans said power to punish the president by hold- actually accountable, The Wisconsin Gazette is published every other they had “a great deal” or “quite a lot” ing up his appointments. week and distributed throughout the Milwaukee of confidence in Congress. Yet nearly No one who watches Congress can the ‘gridlock’ is area, Madison, Racine, Kenosha, and 40 other all incumbents survived their primary help but conclude that our legislative cities statewide. To have WiG delivered to your challenges. branch has become a useless forum working quite well. address, contact [email protected] or Voters’ frustration is understand- of childish egos and transparent one- call 414-961-3240, ext. 101. able. The 113th Congress will probably upmanship rather than a forum for WiG Publishing, LLC. © 2014 end up having passed fewer bills than conducting the people’s business. that looks beyond political agendas and 3956 N. Murray Ave. Shorewood, WI 53211 any in history. With partisan wrangling But for the one percent to whom demands real solutions to our poten- rather than lawmaking now the goal of lawmakers are actually accountable, tially apocalyptic problems — prob- CEO/PRincipal our elected officials, it seems to make the “gridlock” is working quite well. lems such as growing income inequal- ity, a disintegrating planet, a failing Leonard Sobczak little difference who’s in charge. It maintains the status quo, which is [email protected] The Nov. 4 elections further dem- structured to serve their interests. educational system and the spread of onstrated how checked out voters are. In that light, voter apathy is under- radical militancy. publisher/Editor in Chief Turnout was the lowest in 72 years, standable: Neither party has incentive Make it one of your New Year’s Louis Weisberg despite the $4 billion spent on politi- to drain the swamp. resolutions to become informed and [email protected] cal advertising, according to Center Still, the only way to save the govern- engaged. Rather than checking out, for Responsive Politics. Of course, the ment of “we the people” is to involve tune in. Search for the truth under the Senior Editor spin. Take some time to learn the posi- Lisa Neff, [email protected] advertising itself might have turned off the people. Today’s citizens seem more voters. The money was spent mostly by interested in Monday Night Football than tions of your elected officials and ques- Business development special-interest groups on advertising in their children’s futures. They haven’t tion them. Visit sites such as votesmart. Manager that was misleading and/or focused considered the consequences of not org that let you know — without com- Mark Richards on matters of little to no consequence. having a responsive and responsible mentary — how your representatives [email protected] In the aftermath of the election, government, even as they live through vote, how different interest groups rate them and who their major donors are. Business manager/ political gamesmanship went winto those consequences on a daily basis. Production coordinator higher gear than ever. Frustrated with The more our quality of life erodes, the Ultimately, the greatest threats to Kaity Weisensel gridlock and facing stronger Republi- more the public binge-watches stream- our future are our ignorance and apa- [email protected] can opposition in Congress, President ing video. thy. The good news is that we have the Barack Obama issued an executive The only hope for change is an power to overcome both. Graphic Designers order addressing immigration reform, informed and engaged electorate, one Eric Van Egeren, Maureen M. Kane ASSISTANT EDITOR Matthew Reddin [email protected] COPY EDITOR Stephen DeLeers SALES information WiG’s WEB PICKS [email protected] or call 414.961.3240 Account executive Jeff Kerr, [email protected] Logan McDermott, [email protected] Circulation MANAGER Jake Case, [email protected] Distribution Andy Augustyn, Shaunna Boswell, Charles Leonard, Thomas Now, Greg Tomasetti, Robert Wright office assistant Anita Gielow CONTRIBUTORS Some of Jamakaya, Bill Lamb, Kat Murrell, Mike Muckian, Jay Rath, Anne Siegel, Gregg Shapiro our favorite recent pictorials from cyberspace WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 15

ON THE RECORD Working for peace year-round “We’re in this interesting 3022 W. Wisconsin Ave. A ing support for the economic ing — the Peace Action Cen- place where we have this minimum donation of $10 is conversion of Wisconsin’s ter — in Milwaukee’s River- push by Congress for the Opinion requested. Along with a good economy from defense con- west neighborhood. It’s a hub (Keystone pipeline) at a time Jamakaya meal (veggie choice included), tracts to production that of activity that houses the when the marketplace is telling there will be discussion of the enhances the civilian sector group’s offices, meeting space us we don’t need this new oil.” Maybe you’ve seen the hardy past year’s activities and plan- and community infrastructure. for community groups and a — ANTHONY SWIFT, a staff attor- band at busy intersections, rain ning for 2015. This is a great The Peace Voter campaign Peace Shop where visitors can ney for the National Resources Defense or shine, with signs urging you opportunity to meet like-mind- kicks in during midterm and buy political buttons, bumper Council, quoted in “Lower crude prices to “Honk for Peace!” Maybe a ed activists, learn more about presidential election years. It stickers and books. The phone challenge Keystone pipeline,” an article team of canvassers came to Peace Action and become a involves surveying candidates, number is 414-964-5158. that appeared in USA Today’s website on your door this fall asking you member. publishing their views and I’ve admired the work of Nov. 14. to vote for peace and human The organization began in canvassing neighborhoods for Peace Action for years. We all needs. 1978 as Mobilization for Sur- voter education and get-out- benefit from its persistence in “Understand what this project is: It is Or maybe you’ve heard about vival. It focused on the esca- the vote drives. The Digital working hard to redirect the providing the ability of Canada to pump the “Lanterns for Peace” obser- lating nuclear arms race and Freedom initiative focuses on militaristic policies of the U.S. their oil, send it through our land, down vance each August that marks the nuclear power industry ending illegal government sur- toward human needs and envi- to the Gulf, where it will be sold every- the dropping of the atomic (the scary reactor meltdown veillance and preserving Inter- ronmental sustainability. where else. It doesn’t have an impact on bombs on Japan in 1945. The at Three Mile Island occurred net neutrality. If you, too, respect the work, U.S. gas prices. If my Republican friends ceremony includes the launch- in 1979). In 1999, the group Peace Action members consider sending a tax-deduct- really want to focus on what’s good for ing of Japanese paper lanterns was rechristened Peace Action attended the Climate March ible donation to the Peace Edu- the American people in terms of job cre- on the Milwaukee River from Wisconsin due to its state- in New York in September cation Project of Peace Action ation and lower energy costs, we should Pere Marquette Park. wide scope and affiliation with and protested at the Western Wisconsin at 1001 E. Keefe be engaging in a conversation about These and other activities National Peace Action. Hemisphere Institute for Secu- Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212. To what are we doing to produce even more year-round are brought to you Mitch Sandquist, 27, got rity Cooperation in Georgia in get involved, attend the Dec. homegrown energy. I’m happy to have by your friends and neighbors involved in peace activism at November. At the Institute, 11 dinner meeting or check out that conversation.” who volunteer for Peace Action UWM while earning a politi- the U.S. military trains foreign the website at www.peaceac- — PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA Wisconsin. In this season of cal science degree. Now a co- police forces and militias, many tionwi.org. addressing Keystone XL pipeline propo- peace and goodwill, how about director at Peace Action, he of which have been implicated Celebrate the season by join- nents. making a commitment to peace told me about some of the in human rights abuses. The ing a committed band of activ- throughout the year? group’s ongoing campaigns. group also sponsored a series ists who promote peace and “We found that, for the most part, Peace Action’s annual din- The Wisconsin Job Secu- of lectures on international justice the whole year round. heterosexuals are equally as supportive ner and membership meeting rity Campaign is a coalition human rights and peace issues of legal benefits for same-sex couples as is scheduled for 6 p.m., Dec. 11 of peace, labor, faith and eco- at UWM this fall. they are for heterosexual couples, but are at Our Savior Lutheran Church, nomic justice groups build- Peace Action owns a build- much less supportive of public displays of affection for same-sex couples than they are for heterosexuals.” — LONG DOAN, a Ph.D. candidate in the sociology department at Indiana The cost of doing business with Boss Vos University and the lead author of the much an open question. ment project hostage. sion into Wisconsin. Our busi- study Formal Rights and Informal Privi- A substantial amount has Vos is threatening to hold ness leaders deserve a better leges for Same-Sex Couples: Evidence from Opinion been secured from team own- up any public financing for a partner in state government a National Survey Experiment summing up ership, private investors and new arena as a way to send a than someone who imposes a the study’s findings. The peer-reviewed Saul Newton former team owner Herb Kohl. message to Wisconsin’s busi- political litmus test on all state study appears in the December issue of However, there will almost ness community: It’s OK for aid to business. the American Sociological Review. Formalizing a decision certainly be a need for some businesses to be politically The debate over plans to already hinted at in 2013, the sort of state funding as part of involved, as long as they’re build a new arena in Milwau- “(T)he relationship of Negroes and National Basketball Associa- a larger financing deal. Enter involved for Republicans. kee is understandable. The Democrats is truly a master-slave rela- tion included as a condition of GOP Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has never spoken out implications of the eventual tionship, with the benevolent master the Milwaukee Bucks’ sale that Vos. against Jon Hammes, the plan are far reaching and will knowing what’s best for his simple-mind- a new arena be constructed Appearing on a Sunday developer leading the rede- impact the city and the region ed darkies.” to house the team. If a new morning talk show UpFront with velopment of the Park East for decades. There are many — Nevada Assemblyman IRA HAN- arena was not constructed, Mike Gousha, Vos said, “As I freeway in Milwaukee who’s legitimate issues on all sides, SEN, the Republican selected to serve as the league could buy back the said this week, having one of a donor to Republican candi- and finding a way forward will his state’s next House speaker, quoted by team, potentially resulting in the Bucks new owners go and dates and conservative causes. require compromise and col- the Reno News Review. Hansen stepped Milwaukee losing the Bucks greet Barack Obama on the Vos has been silent about the laboration. There is no room down after his comments went public. as our professional basketball tarmac in the middle of the millions of dollars in campaign for political extortion. There is franchise. Mary Burke campaign proba- contributions made to Republi- no room for Vos’s petty games. “I needed football — it was just some- In the subsequent months, bly wasn’t the wisest decision.” cans by recipients of state aid Boss Vos crossed a line. Every thing to do, an excuse to not be at home. ideas have circulated and Vos has made numerous from the Wisconsin Economic Milwaukee elected official, When I played in junior high and high rumors spread about the spe- similar statements that he will Development Corporation. Vos community leader, and busi- school, it was a hobby. I was just trying to cifics of constructing a new withhold state aid for the arena was only too happy to lead the ness leader should denounce get away from something. That was the arena. The discussion about a because of new co-owner Marc charge in favor of a proposed him, and his attempts to only reason I did it.” new arena involves business, Lasry’s support for Democrat- iron ore mine in northern undermine Milwaukee for his — MICHAEL SAM in an interview with community, political and finan- ic political candidates. To be Wisconsin after the company own political ends. GQ magazine. The magazine chose Sam cial leaders. Some details, such clear, Lasry has never made donated $700,000 to Republi- for the cover of its annual Men of the Year as the likely location of the new any contribution to any Wis- can candidates. issue, which is available on arena, have been released to consin Democrat. He is not a Vos’s actions are petty and newsstands. the public. However, with an partisan politician. However, disgraceful. His transparent Saul Newton is a research expected price tag of upwards he has donated to national can- pay-to-play politics damage assistant at the progressive of $500 million, the financing didates, and that is enough for Wisconsin’s image for other advocacy group One Wisconsin of the new arena remains very Vos to hold a massive develop- businesses considering expan- Now. 16 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 National Briefs Federal committee fails to recommend end on gay blood donor ban The federal Advisory Committee on Blood The American Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers and and Tissue Safety Availability recently con- the American Association of Blood Banks have character- cluded that it would be reasonable to move ized the blood ban as medically and scientifically unwar- from an outright ban on blood donations from ranted. gay and bisexual men to a deferral-based pol- The committee recommendation will be made to the icy utilizing a one-year period of abstinence Blood Products Advisory Committee, which will meet in from same-sex sexual activity. December. That committee will in turn make recommen- “This recommendation — although nomi- dations to the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary nally better than the existing policy — falls Sylvia Mathews Burwell. far short because it continues to stigmatize gay and bisexual men, preventing them from donating life-saving blood based solely on In other national news … their sexual orientation,” said David Stacy, • A LARGE STUDY OF GAY BROTHERS adds to evi- Photo: Courtesy government affairs director of the Human dence that genes influence men’s chances of being gay. A federal committee, ignoring recommendations from major medical Rights Campaign. Researchers, writing in the journal Psychological Medicine, groups, is recommending against ending the ban on gay blood donors. said the study of nearly 800 gay brothers bolsters previ- ous evidence pointing to genes on the X chromosome. They also found evidence of influence from a gene or genes on a different chromosome. • WASHINGTON STATE’S first marijuana auction brought in about $600,000. Fireweed Farms of Prosser sold about 300 pounds of pot to state-licensed processors and retailers during the tent sale. • The OBAMA ADMINISTRATION said early sign-ups on HealthCare.gov were going well, a far cry from last year’s frozen computer screens and frustrated customers. An estimated 100,000 people submitted new applications during the first weekend of enrollment. Only a handful of customers managed to enroll on the first day last year. • The NATIONAL CENTER OF FAMILY HOMELESSNESS says with poverty and inequality on the rise, about 2.5 million children were homeless in 2013. The center says annually one in 30 children are homeless in the United States. •The SAN FRANCISCO BOARD OF SUPERVISORS unanimously voted in favor of a Retail Workers Bill of Rights that would require restaurants and retailers to pay four hours of wages to employees who are on call or sent home early, offer part-time workers more hours before hiring new employees, post schedules 14 days in advance and give workers extra pay for last-minute schedule changes.

— from WiG and AP reports

Are you missing out on our ticket giveaways & free discount coupons? Simply like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @wigazette. WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 17 regional Briefs

Madison earns gasoline and a new annual nation’s third-largest dio- ranked on the equality index perfect score on fee on those who drive cese is Francis’ first major compiled by the Human LGBT equality index fuel-efficient hybrid and mark on American Catho- Rights Campaign, six The city of Madison electric vehicles. The bud- lic leadership. earned perfect scores: Foley earned a perfect score on get proposal was turned • DONTRE HAMILTON’s & Lardner LLP; Northwest- the Human Rights Cam- over to Gov. Scott Walker family members and sup- ern Mutual Life Insurance; paign’s 2014 Municipal just 10 days after he won porters staged a protest Quarles & Brady; Robert W. Equality Index, which looks re-election claiming that Nov. 20 at a tree-lighting Baird & Co., Inc.; Rockwell at cities and efforts to he’d balanced that state’s ceremony in the Milwau- Automation, Inc.; and S.C. ensure equal treatment of budget. The taxes and kee park where Hamilton Johnson & Son, Inc. Four lesbian, gay, bisexual and fees would plug $680 mil- was gunned down by a other companies scored 80 transgender people. lion of his nearly $2-billion white Milwaukee police percent or above. Overall, The average score for cit- shortfall. officer. About 20 people the Wisconsin companies ies in Wisconsin was 76 out • ANGELA WALKER, run- held signs calling for averaged a 79 percent rank- of 100 points, which was ning as an independent justice as city leaders ing on the index. above the national average in the race for Milwaukee gathered to light the city • At least nine in 10 LGBT of 59, according to the HRC County Sheriff, received and county Christmas STUDENTS in Wisconsin Foundation, which released over 67,000 votes. That tree in Red Arrow Park. say they regularly hear the study in mid-November. means the African Ameri- Another protest occurred “gay” used in a negative In the review of Wiscon- can feminist and labor on Nov. 26, after a Mis- way and almost as many sin, which was limited to activist got more than 20 souri grand jury failed to hear other homophobic four cities, Green Bay scored percent of the countywide indict a police officer in remarks at school on a PHOTO: Courtesy a 54, Kenosha scored a 58, tally — the largest vote the fatal shooting of an regular basis. These are Jason Jenders of the AIDS Resource Center of Wis- Madison scored a 100 and for an independent candi- unarmed Michael Brown two findings in the bien- consin and Charles Smart (not pictured) of Many Men Milwaukee scored a 91. date in Milwaukee County in Ferguson. nial National School Climate Many Voices are listed in the “POZ 100.” The recogni- The study rated cities since the 1940s. Survey released by the Gay, • Michigan voters over- tion from the magazine POZ honors “unsung heroes based on 47 criteria falling Straight Education Network • Out U.S. REP. MARK whelmingly rejected under the age of 30 who are taking a stand against under six broad categories: in November. For more, go POCAN of Madison swept wolf-hunting on Nov. 4. HIV/AIDS. These young leaders come from across the non-discrimination laws, to glsen.org. relationship recognition, to re-election on Nov. 4 Wisconsin animal welfare country — and around the world. Some are HIV positive municipal employment poli- with 224,548 votes. That’s advocates are using that and some are HIV negative, which seemed appropriate cies, inclusiveness of city likely the highest vote vote to renew their call for — from WiG and AP since everyone, regardless of their HIV status, should services, law enforcement total for any Democratic a ban in the state. reports be encouraged to join the struggle.” and municipal leadership on House candidate in any • The ACLU OF WISCON- equality. contested race in the SIN and its community country. partners hosted about In other regional • BLASE CUPICH was 400 high school students news … installed as archbishop for the annual Youth • The WISCONSIN of Chicago on Nov. 18. Social Justice Forum on DEPARTMENT OF The relatively liberal for- Nov. 19. Students gath- TRANSPORTATION has mer bishop of Spokane ered for workshops and proposed raising taxes is replacing Cardinal other activities at the and fees for drivers in Francis George, the fiery UW-Milwaukee Student Wisconsin by $751 million conservative who’s retir- Union. over the next two years, ing as he battles cancer. • Of the 14 WISCONSIN- including higher taxes on The appointment to the BASED COMPANIES 18 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 19

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HOLIDAY Gift Guide By Kerrie Kennedy Special to WiG Bikes range from $150–$250 at Dream Bikes Finding the perfect gift is simple, as long as (dreams-bikes.org). you have a handle on the personality types of Chiropractic services. Let’s face it: Injuries the people on your gift list. To make this easy come with the territory for most adventur- for you, we’ve compiled a glossary of some ers. The key to recovery? A good chiroprac- major “types,” given you clues about how tor. Pick up a gift certificate for your sports to identify them and developed customized enthusiast at Riverwest Chiropractic Center shopping lists that are guaranteed to make (riverwestchiropractic.com). everyone merry this holiday season. For the beauty junkie For the foodie Clue: Counts hairstylists among their clos- Clue: Addicted to the Food Network, often est friends. quotes Julia Child. Hair salon gift certificate. It’s a well- A top-level cooking class. In January, two known fact that the beauty-obsessed cheat of Milwaukee’s top chefs, Justin Carlisle and on their hair stylists with shocking regularity. Thomas Hauk, will go head-to-head in a So think nothing of introducing your beauty- battle of the side dishes/cooking class that’s conscious friend to some new talent with a sure to be a hot ticket for the foodies in gift certificate for hair services at Beehive your life. If you want to sweeten the pot, Salon (beehivesalonboutique.com). pick up some professional cookware as well. A gift certificate for Botox/fillers. Some Cooking classes at Boelter Super Store range people might take a gift certificate for Botox from $30 to $50, and you no longer need to as an insult — but certain friends will trea- be a professional chef to shop at the store sure it as if you just gave them the fountain (boeltersuperstore.com). of youth. And in a way, you did. At the aptly A restaurant gift certificate. If there’s one named A Younger You, Botox injections run thing gourmands love to do, it’s eat — and $10/unit, fillers (Restylane, Juvederm) are eat well. May we suggest Centro Café, a little $525 a syringe (or two for $799) and Artefill, gem on Center Street that offers rustic Italian which lasts a whopping five years, is $800 a classics made with seasonal local ingredients syringe (ayoungeryou21.com). (centrocaferiverwest.com) or Divino, offering A day at the spa. Pamper the pretty prince classic, old-world Italian (divinomke.com). or princess in your life with a spa package For more suggestions, check out our Dish It that includes an hourlong massage, facial, Out section in every issue. blowout, manicure and pedicure, and a spa A special bottle of wine. If you’re not a lunch. The “Ritual” package, $275, is avail- wine connoisseur, stop by Pastiche Wines able at Azana Salon and Spa (azanaspa.com). for some expert help. While you’re there, be sure to sample a glass or two at the wine For the brew & spirits bar, half price 4–6 p.m. Monday–Thursday connoisseur (patichebistroandwinebar.com). Clue: Sports a beer belly; owns a fully- A cookbook. Let your foodie friend travel stocked bar cart through Mexico and learn authentic recipes from each region in Mexico: The Cookbook, A distillery tour. At Great Lakes Distillery, by Margarita Carrillo Arronte, a stunningly Milwaukee’s premier small batch distillery, a illustrated tome featuring more than 700 tour and tasting with a complimentary cock- recipes, all bound in eye-catching hot pink. tail is a mere $7, so be sure your gift includes $50 at Boswell Books in Milwaukee (boswell. a bottle of the distillery’s artisan brandy, indiebound.com). citrus and honey vodka or pumpkin seasonal spirits (greatlakesdistillery.com). For the Weekend Warrior Dinner at a brewery. Next Door Brew- Clue: Extreme downhill skateboarding is ing Company in Madison offers hand-craft- their idea of a fun way to spend a Saturday ed small batch beer and a wide range of afternoon. seasonal, collaborative and creative brews, not to mention locally sourced and freshly A pair of roller skates. In case you didn’t made soups, sandwiches, salads, entrées, know, in-line skating went out with the ’80s, and a popular Friday Fish Fry, the perfect but old-school roller-skating has made a thing to enjoy with a pint of beer. Cheers! major comeback. Outfit your roller derby (nextdoorbrewing.com). enthusiast with a pair of Ridell R3 Deluxe A case of craft beer. Pick up one of Mil- Roller Skates, $129, available at Bigfoot Bike waukee Brewing Company’s diverse, unique, and Skate (bigfootbikeandskate.com). and cleverly titled brews, from Outboard Bikes with a bonus. Pick up a used-but- to Hop Happy, Polish Moon to Booyah. refurbished bike for a song at Dream Bikes, Named 2014 Brewery of the Year by Drink a nonprofit bike store that not only finds new Me magazine, Milwaukee Brewing Company homes for old bikes, but helps the community also offers “beer in hand” tours that your by offering jobs and new skills (in bike repair) brew connoisseur will surely appreciate to young, never-before-employed workers. (milwaukeebrewing.com). WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014

For the doting parent ‘Messiah’ tick- ets. Celebrate the Clue: Never stops talking about cute child, season with the dog or cat, except when watching cute child, power of Handel’s dog or cat videos. masterpiece Mes- siah on Dec. 13 at the Books-to-bed pajamas. No matter how Stoughton Opera House (wcoconcerts.org). dedicated the parent, there is no time more ‘A Christmas Carol’ tickets. Dick- welcome than bedtime — so what bet- ens’ classic story never gets old — in ter gift than a pair of PJs and a bedtime fact, it’s celebrating its 39th year at the book? Choose from Goodnight Moon, Mad- Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Dec. 2–24 eline, Angelina Ballerina, Babar, or 12 Days (milwaukeerep.com). of Christmas; PJs come in sizes 2-6X, $45 Bel Canto Chorus tickets. Milwaukee’s at the wonderfully named Little Monsters celebrated chorus sings traditional holiday (littlemonstersmilwaukee.com). songs and leads a popular audience sing- Music lessons. For rock stars big and along, Dec. 13-14 at St. Josaphat Basilica in small, Shorewood’s School of Rock offers a Milwaukee (belcanto.org). multitude of lessons in guitar, keyboards, George Winston tickets. There’s just and — dare we say? — drums (shorewood. something about Grammy Award-winning schoolofrock.com). pianist George Winston that exudes the Pet toys. Kids aren’t the only ones who warmth and spirit of the holidays. He per- love toys — pets do too! Bark n’ Scratch Out- forms Dec. 12 at South Milwaukee Performing post carries a variety of wildly entertaining Arts Center (southmilwaukeepac.org). interactive toys for cats, dogs, even ferrets. $10–$50 (barknscratchoutpost.com). For the style setter Vet services. Keeping furry friends healthy is a priority, which is why a gift certificate to a Clue: When they aren’t shopping, you’ll favorite veterinarian is like catnip for pet own- find them at the drycleaners. ers. The Cat Doctor in Milwaukee, a clinic ded- icated to keeping cats healthy and fit, goes so Italian menswear. Truly chic people rec- far as to make house calls when needed. And ognize that Italians should be admired for you’ll find an excellent selection of cat toys, their style, not their pasta. Find the spir- selected by people who know what cats like it — as well as the merchants and mens- (catdoctor98.com). wear from ultra-chic Lucca, Italy — in Madison at Lucca Fine Men’s Clothing. For the music maniac (luccaclothing.com). Jewelry. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend Clue: Is cooler than you in every way; — and gold is a close second. Find all of it, glares when you turn on Top 40 radio. including colored gemstones, pearls, watch- es, and engraving (a must when you give A vinyl album. Yes, you read that right. In a watch) at Kloiber Jewelers in Milwaukee this digital age, vinyl has become uber trendy, (kloiberjewelers.com). and not just as a collector’s item. Audio- A cashmere sweater. One of the rare joys philes say the sound is hard to beat. The of winter, a cashmere sweater combines Exclusive Company, America’s oldest full- warmth with luxury, making it perhaps the line independent record store, offers a wide perfect holiday gift. For him, go to Harley’s selection of vinyl, as well as new and pre- Menswear Store (harleys4men.com); for her, owned CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray and video games Refined Boutique (tosarefined.com). (exclusivecompany.com). A guitar. Be prepared to spend some seri- For the design star ous money — and have some serious fun at Cream City Music, one of the world’s finest Clue: Secretly hoping to be named HGTV’s guitar shops. Can’t quite afford the $1,599 next Design Star. price tag for a vintage 1974 Fender Fretless Precision Bass guitar? Pick up a gift certifi- An amazing candle. The brainchild cate instead (creamcitymusic.com). of former lawyer Jon Bresler, the Lafco Concert tickets. Buy a pair, and perhaps Candle House & Home Collection offers you’ll snag an invite. The historic Pabst The- fragrances for every room in your home, atre in Milwaukee hosts some of the biggest not to mention specialized candles for names in the music industry. For a complete your beach home and ski house. The lat- listing, go to pabsttheatre.org. ter, a rich, woody fragrance, is a best-sell- er at Home Market Milwaukee for $60 For the arts enthusiast (homemarketmilwaukee.com). A design book. Chicago-based designer Clue: Doesn’t need to read the subtitles Alessandra Branca’s stunning New Classic at the opera; on a first name basis with the Interiors offers intelligent design advice that artistic director of every arts institution in marries function, comfort and beauty. $60 Wisconsin. at Boswell Books in Milwaukee (boswell. indiebound.com). ‘Nutcracker’ tickets. The holiday season A decorative accessory. Pick up a wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Peruvian hand-painted glass box, coast- Milwaukee’s most magical holiday tradi- er or tray at the global, exotic Embele- tion, the Milwaukee Ballet’s The Nutcracker, zar in the Historic Third Ward, $10-$400 performed live with the Milwaukee Ballet (embelezar.com). Orchestra and the Milwaukee Children’s Choir (milwaukeeballet.org). WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 22 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Enjoy the holidays without weight gain On average, Ameri- plate. It will encourage proper portion cans gain weight dur- sizes. Also, start by filling your plate ing the holiday season. While the gain with vegetables and salad before get- may not be dramatic, research shows ting entrées and desserts. Research that it tends to stick and accumulate shows eating a salad before your meal over the years. But you don’t have to can help you eat fewer calories overall. succumb to this progression. Eat slowly and savor every bite. Before “There are strategic steps to avoid you go back for seconds, wait 10 min- holiday weight gain while still enjoy- utes to see if you really are still hungry. ing friends, family and holiday feasts,” Including nutrient-rich foods in your says Sonya Angelone, registered dieti- diet is great, but remember that these tian nutritionist and Academy of Nutri- foods have calories too. That should tion and Dietetics spokesperson. be taken into consideration with your In preparation for a big feast, don’t whole eating plan. Angelone adds that skip meals during the day. This may you should be mindful of alcohol con- result in overeating later. sumption, keeping it to one or two “It is especially important to eat cocktails and drinking water instead to breakfast,” says Angelone. “High-fiber quench your thirst. and high-protein foods like oatmeal And remember to include at least and milk with fruit, an egg and spinach 30 minutes of physical activity into on whole wheat toast, Greek yogurt your day even during the holidays — with nuts, or nut butter on a whole- and get the whole family involved. wheat English muffin will satisfy hun- Having healthful eating and exer- ger without a lot of calories.” cise plans for holiday meals will help Holiday meals tend to be large or ensure success throughout the season buffet-style and include second or and all year long. third helpings. While most people For more healthy holiday tips and wouldn’t consider eating a whole cake, information, consult a registered dieti- a common mistake is eating large por- tian nutritionist. To find an RDN in your tions of foods perceived as healthful. area, visit eatright.org. Photo: StatePoint To avoid overeating, use a smaller — From StatePoint WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 23

Greening the holidays The arrival of Black Friday brings on the frenzy: Buy, wrap, waste; then buy more, wrap more, waste more. So WiG invited a dozen leaders of local, state and national environmental groups — from Audubon Society and Sierra Club chapters to the national Keep America Beautiful — to offer tips to brighten the green in the red and green season. The consensus:

PHoto: YOXO/Play from Scratch • Those reusable tote bags aren’t just for Pack Santa’s sack with recyclable and groceries. Use them when shopping for repurposed goods. Play from Scratch’s gifts. And use them instead of wrap- YOXO kits — building sets consisting ping paper when giving gifts. Another of Ys, Os and Xs — can be connected in wrapping paper alternative — fabrics or thousands of ways and attached to stuff newsprint. around the house. The toys are made with • If using mail-order shipping, ask the recycled wood pulp, meaning the toys are seller — or shipping company — to pack ultimately recyclable. items with paper rather than polystyrene packing peanuts. Partisan shopper • There need not be shame in second- Some, after a long and bruising election hand. WiG came across a certified cycle, may want to escape politics and settle pre-owned iPad Mini for under $200 at in for a long winter’s nap. But for those who Gazelle.com and big discounts on unused want to infuse their holiday cheer with a gift cards at GiftCardGranny.com. dose of partisanship or progressive spirit, • For holiday hellos, consider sending WiG recommends: e-greetings or reduce the amount of • BuyPartisan is an app that helps consci- paper by sending postcards instead of entious consumers make greeting cards inside purchases, with some envelopes. thought to the politics • When decorating, behind the goodies. After look for natural orna- downloading and install- ments (pine cones, ing on a smartphone, use shells, dried flowers, the app to scan a barcode berries) and recycled on a possible purchase. curios (glass, wood, The scan, using data from metals, fabrics) rather the Center for Responsive than items made of Politics, Sunlight Founda- non-biodegradable tion and Institute for State plastics or manufac- Money in Politics, shows Photo: Courtesy tured using petro- how employees and exec- Buycott helps users decide leum-based products. utives donated to political whether to buy or not to buy. parties. • LED holiday lights use less energy than • Buycott, another barcode incandescent bulbs. scanner app, can be used And there are eco- to trace products up the corporate lad- friendly alternatives to burning paraffin der to their biggest parent company and candles. provide details of political leanings and contributions. • Recycle the Christmas tree. If your com- munity doesn’t recycle trees, use the • Buying for Equality from the Human bulk of the tree for firewood and use the Rights Campaign was updated in Sep- branches for mulch under acid-loving tember and utilizes a hefty database that bushes and shrubs, such as evergreens provides solid information about which and rhododendrons. companies are best on LGBT workplace issues. • Recycle electronics. Don’t trash broken or unwanted appliances and electronics or • 2nd Vote is an app that identifies busi- old batteries. Hold onto them to take to nesses by how well they adhere to top an e-scrap collection. And trade smaller conservative values. Flip the script: Avoid items at ecoATM kiosks at shopping 2nd Vote’s favorites and support the malls for cash or coupons. lowest-scoring (aka liberal and progres- sive) businesses. • Donate rather than discard items. When new gifts replace working but old pos- • 2A is an app that uses GPS and a smart- sessions, donate them to a charitable phone’s location to identify nearby cause or give them away. Check out the businesses that are “2nd Amendment Freecycle Network at freecycle.org. friendly” and encourage patrons to carry weapons. Download it to know where to — Lisa Neff avoid. — Lisa Neff 24 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Deck the tables with oversized gift books As self-purchases, coffee down to the genesis and production of Don Martin: Three Decades of His The Vendome Press, in association with the table books may seem like 213 Beatles songs released in less than Greatest Works, foreword by Nick Meglin. Denver Art Museum, $75. pricey indulgences, but a decade, with photos and breakout Martin gathers more than 200 cartoons as gifts they’re an easy way to please a factoids for fanatics. Black Dog & Leventhal from his days as Mad magazine’s “maddest PHOTOGRAPHY connoisseur, hobbyist or wannabe. Publishers, $50. artist.” There’s an abundance of color work, Vivian Maier: A Photographer Found, by Usually image-driven, often encyclopedic, along with a selection of his posters and John Maloof and Marvin Heiferman. The coffee table books come in all sorts of POP CULTURE portraits. Running Press, $30. authors present more than 235 full-color genres for all sorts of people. Consider … The Art of Discovery, by Jeff Vespa, and black-and-white images shot by the edited by Robin Bronk. This volume features FASHION mysterious nanny photographer who is also MUSIC more than 100 celebrity portraits (Jessica Joe Eula: Master of Twentieth-Century the subject of a documentary film, Finding The Rolling Stones, edited by Reuel Chastain, Shailene Woodley, Jared Leto, Fashion Illustration, introduction by Cathy Vivian Maier. Maier’s street and travel Golden, brief foreword by former President Seth Rogan) and quotes in 216 pages Horyn, image curation by Melisa Gosnell photography was discovered and her life Bill Clinton. If it’s large-scale satisfaction describing important moments in their lives. and Dagon James. This book is an odyssey reconstructed through interviews and the you crave for your superfan, this 13-by-13- A portion of proceeds will go to support the in sketches by the legendary fashion 150,000 images she had saved. Harper inch tome will do the trick at 522 pages of arts advocacy programs of The Creative illustrator Joe Eula. He was there for Yves Design, $80. images, with limited text. Photographers Coalition. Rizzoli, $45. Saint Laurent’s first Dior show in 1958 and, Camera Crazy, by Christopher D. Salyers David Bailey, Peter Beard, Cecil Beaton, Bob The World of PostSecret, by Frank Warren. over five decades, also worked as a costume and Buzz Poole. The cutesy history and specs Bonis, Anton Corbijn, Annie Leibovitz and It’s been 10 years since Warren first asked designer, stage director of toy and novelty cameras, Helmut Newton are among the contributors, people to anonymously send him handmade and creative director at a term that generally spans with a few Linda McCartney-shot images postcards with their deepest secrets. Since, Halston. Quotes culled simple plastic box cameras thrown in. Taschen, $150. he’s received more than 1 million, traveling from interviews are with fixed focus, limited Jimmy Page, by Jimmy Page. This visual the world to talk about his project and included. Harper Design, aperture settings and a autobiography by the Led Zeppelin guitarist lending them to $85. single shutter speed. Prestel, travels from his days as a choirboy to this museums. This is Study of Pose, by Steven $29.95. promise at the end: “It might get louder.” his sixth book of Sebring and Coco Rocha. It includes the work of rock photographers, postcards (288 Rocha, a dancer-turned- OUTDOORS and personal and tour memorabilia in 512 pages) and might supermodel, is known as Rainforest, text by Lewis pages. Genesis Publications, $60. be his last as he the “Queen of Pose” in Blackwell. From aerial to All the Songs: The Story Behind Every contemplates fashion. Here she strikes macro, leading nature Beatles Release, by Jean-Michel Guesdon turning over the 1,000 of them for the photographer, photographers — new work by Tim Flack and Philippe Margotin, consulting editor project to someone filmmaker and digital innovator Sebring. included — bring the rainforest alive from Scott Freiman. As if there’s anything more new. William Each page is one numbered black-and- Peru to Borneo. With attitude. “Destroying for the truly obsessed, this 672-pager drills Morrow, $29.99. white photo showing Rocha in a simple rainforest for economic gain is like burning dancer’s leotard and tights. And she did it a Renaissance painting to cook a meal,” the inside Sebring’s famous “Rig,” an igloo-like book opens. Abrams, $60. contraption fitted with 100 cameras that The Gardener’s Garden, introduction shot her from numerous perspectives, all of by garden designer Madison Cox. In 480 which will be included in a companion app. pages, more than 250 private and public Harper Design, $60. gardens around the world are covered. Each Cartier in the 20th Century, by Margaret is shown in full color from several angles Young-Sánchez, Pierre Rainero, Stefano with detailed text covering their history Papi, Janet Zapata, Martin Chapman and and plantings. Organized geographically for Michael Hall. A glamorous and droolworthy gardens on five continents and 45 countries, 272-page history organized by theme in text from a 15th-century specimen in Japan to and photos, with archival shots of Elizabeth Versailles. Phaidon, $79.95. Taylor and various royalty. In a slip box from — from WiG and AP reports WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 25 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Oy vey! Does Hanukkah wannabe Christmas? By Beth J. Harpaz mas stuff for Jewish consumers. multicultural society. Jewish, his wife is Catholic, but Manischewitz AP writer But others, like Rabbi Evan Moffic Dianne Ashton, a Rowan Uni- they’re raising their children Jew- hosts a com- Christmas has Elf on the Shelf. of Congregation Solel in suburban versity professor and author of ish. He raised $22,000 on Kick- petition on Now Hanukkah has Mensch on a Chicago, ask, “Why not?” “Hanukkah in America,” says Jews starter for a prototype Mensch Facebook for the best-decorated Bench — not to mention Macca- He sees the crossover trend as began giving gifts at Hanukkah to last year, and is producing 50,000 house, with a $2,000 first prize. bee on the Mantel. part of how Jews “embrace the show they had joined America’s units for sale this year in retailers Harbor Sweets, a small, New Christmas has gingerbread larger culture.” Moffic points out consumer culture. “For immigrants like Target and Toys “R” Us. England handcrafted-chocolate houses; Manischewitz sells Cha- that even dreidels, the tradition- in the early 20th century on the But Mensch on a Bench is differ- company, started selling Hanuk- nukah House kits, using cookie al spinning tops, were borrowed Lower East Side, buying presents ent from Elf on the Shelf: Kids can’t kah gift boxes decorated with dough with blue-and-white icing. from German culture. for your kids showed you weren’t a touch the elf, but the mensch “is menorahs in response to customer These are just a few of the Latkes are a crossover tradition greenhorn, and it also showed that an old Jewish guy” designed to be demand. Hanukkah-themed products too. They’re made from potatoes, you had earned enough money played with like any doll, Hoffman “Christmas-celebrating custom- inspired by Christmas traditions which were abundant in Eastern and had a few pennies extra.” said. It comes with a guidebook for ers do not want to leave out their and toys. Pinterest and Etsy are Europe, where millions of Jews The custom of “Hanukkah bush- family activities for each of Hanuk- friends or clients who celebrated loaded with blue-and-white lived for centuries. es” instead of Christmas trees kah’s eight nights, including col- Hanukkah, and requested that the Hanukkah crafts like wreaths and “What most of us think of as emerged in the 1950s, Ashton lecting presents for others in need. company make a specific gift box,” stockings. There are Hanukkah Jewish food was borrowed from all said, along with postwar suburban Other Hanukkah toys that echo explained Harbor Sweets owner greeting cards, cookie cutters, the different countries Jews lived life. Elf on the Shelf include Kippah Phyllis Leblanc. and even tree ornaments shaped in Eastern Europe,” said Ted Mer- “You were no longer Jews living Kantor and Maccabee on the Man- One of Merwin’s favorite like the three symbols — Stars win, a Dickinson College professor in urban ethnic enclaves where tel. The Maccabee doll comes with examples of the blurring of the of David, menorahs and dreidels who’s writing a book about the everybody was Jewish,” Ashton a book that tells the Hanukkah two holidays is a children’s book, — that scream “Hanukkah!” amid history of Jewish delis called “Pas- explained. “Here children were story, in which a band of Jewish “How Murray Saved Christmas,” a a sea of holiday merchandise trami on Rye.” “I don’t know why much more exposed to what their soldiers called Maccabees defeat- rhyming spoof of “’Twas the Night adorned with Christmas trees and people think that when Jews come gentile peers were doing and how ed the Syrians, who had tried to Before Christmas.” Murray, a deli Santas. to America we would stop taking their neighbors’ houses were dec- force their Jewish subjects to give owner, fills in for Santa and gets You can also buy a $285, from the surrounding culture.” orated.” up their religion. the toys delivered even though 6-foot Menorah Tree, shaped Merwin says the Hanukkah- Neal Hoffman created Mensch The Manischewitz Company he smells like pickles and can’t like a candelabra, with pine gar- Christmas crossover products are on a Bench last year after his son — best known for selling Pass- remember the reindeer names. lands wrapped around each of the “driven by high rates of intermar- asked for Elf on the Shelf, the doll over matzo — launched Chanukah “It’s a brilliant parody,” said menorah’s nine candle-holders. riage between Jews and Chris- that watches kids’ behavior so House kits in 2012. “We want to Merwin. Some may say “Oy vey!” to all tians, but some of it is simply the Santa knows whether they deserve give families a fun activity to do,” this kitschy retooling of Christ- reality” of living as a minority in a Christmas presents. Hoffman is said spokeswoman Sara Stromer. WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 26 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Shopping Madison’s unique retail districts By Michael Muckian The Soap Opera also is the place to Contributing writer stock up on tub toys, including rubber duck Although small in area, cowboys. Create your own production of Madison has a number of “Brokeduck Mountain.” distinct neighborhood shopping districts Once you’ve cleaned up you might want that offer a variety of retail experiences. to don some new duds for upcoming holiday Gifts for hard-to-please friends and rela- parties. A visit to Jazzman Clothing, 340 tives can often be found in the most unlikely State St., can put you in a stylish state of places, provided you know where to look. mind. From classic to casual to contempo- rary couture, Jazzman emphasizes style and STATE STREET service, along with belts, shoes and a wide Students, style and more range of accessories. Few Madison byways are as well known Jazzman also offers the Nixon line of as State Street, the mile-long pedestrian wristwatches, which have everything to do mall that connects Wisconsin’s Capitol with with style and nothing to do with the late UW-Madison. This commercial corridor, president. (Visit Jazzman on Facebook.) which hosted some 35,000 revelers for Top off your haute couture shopping with Freakfest last Halloween, is a popular desti- a new chapeau at Sacred Feather, 417 State nation for its bars, restaurants and specialty St., which one online fan described as “the shops. best hat store in the world.” The business, As might be expected, State Street busi- which Tony Badame started some 30 years nesses skew toward the younger, liberal ago as a craft store in a former State Street college crowd, but shoppers can find higher- residence, quickly got its head into hats. It’s end establishments as well. the place to go for authentic fedoras, bowl- The Soap Opera, 319 State St., offers ers, berets and top hats. a comprehensive selection of hard-to-find Sacred Feather also offers leather bath and beauty products. Owned by out goods, and its staff will hand-cut a belt to couple Chuck Bauer and Chuck Beckwith, your specifications — and let you choose the shop has everything from terra cotta your own buckle to boot (sacred-feather. foot scrubbers made by a women-owned myshopify.com). cooperative in Pakistan to Opie’s Goats, For women’s clothing, check out Bop, 222 Photo: Joey Reuteman organic goat’s milk soap produced on a farm W. Gorham St., the only brick-and-mor- A portion of the State Street shopping corridor in downtown Madison. outside of Beloit (soapopera.com). Madison next page WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 27

madison from prior page tar outlet for the wildly successful online wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Are you: retailer shopbop.com. In a world of $200 Orange Tree Imports, 1721 Monroe St., one denim you won’t find many bargains in this of the Midwest’s best kitchen gear and gad- small shop just off State Street. But Bop get stores for more than 35 years. The store • A Black male? does stock hard-to-find labels that might also has toys, food, cutlery, cards and other otherwise demand a trip to Chicago or some surprises (orangetreeimports.com). other major metro area. • 18+ years old? You can also trot over to Madison Sole, WILLIAMSON/ATWOOD 414 State St., for one of the city’s best shoe Peace out, dude! selections, with top casual and dress wear. Think Haight/Ashbury in its prime, but The emphasis is on women’s shoes, but the wrapped in a small town neighborhood • Living with HIV? store also has a men’s section. ambience. Connected by a right turn at For clever stocking stuffers, visit Little Schenk’s Corners, north-south Willy Street Luxuries, 230 State St., for items like French and east-west Atwood Avenue cover sev- • Having sex with men? hairclips, hand-woven socks and other eral miles of bars, restaurants and shops useful novelties. We’re especially fond of in a near East Side neighborhood known Rewined, large wine-scented votive can- for its diversity and sense of community. A dles made from recycled wine bottles, and patchwork of several neighborhoods, each • Haven’t seen an HIV Madison Candle Co.’s “Seasons in the Sand” featuring its own summer fair, this area and series of scented soy-wax candles in small its shops have more funk per square foot doctor in the last jars coated with sand harvested from across than anywhere else in the city. the country (littleluxuriesmadison.com). Hemp was considered purely utilitarian The Madison Museum of Contemporary until people discovered it was more fun to six months? Art Museum Store, 227 State St., offers smoke than to make into rope. But at Hemp- a wide selection of artisan-made jewelry, en Goods, hemp products still abound. From scarves and art-themed household items. clothing and bags to body care products and It also has what may be Madison’s only even belts made from recycled bicycle tire retail selection of handcrafted glass items inner tubes and hemp, this mail-order-only by artist Dale Chihuly, a Madison alumnus. business shows what a versatile weed, um, You may need several credit cards (mmoca. weed really is (hempengoods.com). org/shop). For a woman’s perspective on sex and your next jar of Nipple Nibbler, visit A MONROE STREET Woman’s Touch Sexuality Resource Cen- Chic design on a cozy scale ter, 302 S. Livingston St. Owned and oper- Stretching from Camp Randall Stadium ated by social worker/sex educator Ellen to the UW Arboretum, Monroe Street is Barnard and physician/organic farmer the main artery for one of Madison’s older Myrtle Wilhite, the store offers counseling near West Side neighborhoods. It’s also a and answers questions about sexuality for vibrant shopping district — the mile-plus- women. It also carries adult toys, erotica, long stretch has become Gallery and Design garter belts, party games and other unique Central for the city. stocking stuffers (sexualityresources.com). Hue Art Gallery, 1934 Monroe St., empha- If there’s a vinyl fan on your list, you’ll sizes affordable art produced by local and have a field day at Sugar Shack Records, regional artists, as well as paintings, prints, 2301 Atwood Ave. Owner Gary Feest offers photography, ceramics, sculpture, glass, new and used music, movies and memora- furniture, jewelry and vintage architectural bilia spanning decades of pop culture. Look- objects for the home (shopmonroestreet. ing for some rare Pink Floyd or the latest com/hueartgallery). from local punk-klezmer band Yid Vicious? Janus Galleries, 2701 Monroe St., Ste. Chances are you’ll find it at Sugar Shack. 100, features more than 1,500 paintings Cosmic Delights, 2334 Atwood Ave., and works on paper spanning four centuries offers “tools and treasures for today’s tech- (www.janusgalleries.com). Milward Farrell no-shaman.” Owned by Andrew and Luna Fine Arts, 2701 Monroe St., Ste. 200, has Lynn Frey, the store offers candles, oils, two- and three-dimensional works from art- incense, jewelry, visionary art and crys- ists nationwide (milwardfarrellfineart.com). tal singing bowls. Luna Lynn is a sacred Monroe Street Antiques, 2606 Monroe sound oracle who uses sound techniques St., and Spirals Antiques and Interiors, — including those crystal bowls — to put 1843 Monroe St., offer a variety of antiques customers in touch with their inner divinity. and collectables. Calabash Gifts, 2608 Say what? (cosmicdelights.com). We’re looking for participants Monroe St., and Art Gecko, 1725 Monroe Speaking divinity, few substances are St., offer unique interior designs items and more sacred than chocolate, and few tem- in a research study called “Be Heard.” artifacts from around the world (shopmon- ples to the cacao bean more divine than Gail roestreet.com/Calabash and artgeckoshop. Ambrosius Chocolates, 2086 Atwood Ave. If eligible, you will be blogspot.com). Ambrosius, named one of North America’s For the kid and kid at heart on your gift 10 top chocolatiers by Dessert Professional compensated for your time. list, Capitol City Comics, 1910 Monroe St., magazine, creates wonderful single-origin offers new and collectable Marvel and DC dark chocolate confections that blend fla- comics (capitolcitycomiccon.com). vors from around the world. Favorite truffle Next door, Strictly Discs, 1900 Mon- flavors include sea salt and caramel, chipo- roe St., features new and used music CDs tle pepper and a variety of liquor- and tea- If interested, call Justin in many genres, including collectable and infused bites (gailambrosius.com). hard-to-find discs (strictlydiscs.com). at 414-955-7755. And a shopping trip to Monroe Street 28 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014

Pairing holiday foods and wine By Michael Muckian can also help tame rich, indulgent foods like Contributing writer foie gras. When pairing wine with food, most hosts • If all else fails, remember that almost and hostesses know that red goes with red everything goes with Champagne. meat and white pairs with fish. Those suggestions hinge, of course, on But what if you’re serving an appetizer of how well you know the wines in your mar- oysters, a plate of porcini risotto or a cache ket. The casual host can consider the fol- of special chocolates? How do you choose lowing classic matches. the best pairings when there’s no deceased animal flesh to guide you? APPETIZERS Pairing wine and food is a lot like pairing Serving rich patés or foie gras? Consider different dishes, or ingredients in a recipe. a riesling or pinot gris with a good blend of Look for contrasts and complements, so the fruit and acidity. wine and food work together to enhance Serving shrimp or shellfish? A French each other and hide shortfalls. chablis or lightly oaked chardonnay pro- Following are some suggestions to guide vides sufficient flavor and backbone. you: And nothing suits oysters like Cham- • Watch your weight, as well as that of pagne. your wine and food. Full-bodied wines with flavors that won’t be overwhelmed by gravy ENTREES best accompany rich, heavy foods. Most people match turkey with white • Pair complementary flavor intensities, wine, which is fine if the wine is rich and full like a pinot noir’s bright berry character with like a premium California chardonnay. But roast duckling. Balance is the key. turkey is a heavier meal, requiring a robust • Make sure the wine’s level of acidity wine, and a lean bird as well, so tannins complements the flavor and fattiness of the must be kept in check. A bountiful beau- fat birds, make sure that you’ve saved some lision course with most robust, high-tannin food so it can serve as a palate cleanser. jolais, powerful pinot noir or even a zesty of the riesling and pinot gris from the foie red wines. • Always serve wine as sweet or sweeter zinfandel works well. gras. Either will provide good service. Cheese is best accompanied by dessert than the food it accompanies. Sweet wine If you’re serving goose or duck, both high- Speaking of robust foods, roast beef and wines like vintages ports and sherrys, or even venison are often holiday favorites, and crisp white wines such as New Zealand few meats bring as strong a flavor palate. sauvignon blancs, chilled California char- Powerful reds, including wines from France’s donnays or white wines from Burgundy. Burgundy and Bordeaux regions, are called The wine’s acidity cuts the cheese’s strong for here. A top-flight cabernet sauvignon flavors and helps dissolve the debris accu- also pairs wonderfully with either. mulation on the palate while delivering Stepping outside the norm and serving fresh fruit flavors that broaden the tasting seafood? Try matching an elegant fresh experience. salmon with a light red, such as a pinot noir. The wine’s fresh berry taste offers a AND, OF COURSE, DESSERTS surprising complement, and its natural acid- When it comes to desserts, sweet almost **BEST PLACE IN TOWN FOR FIREWOOD & SALT! ** ity helps tame the fish’s strong flavor and always rules the palate. The same is true cleanses the palate between bites. of dessert wines. There are wonderfully OFFERING: FRESH EGGS • LAMB • PORK • GOAT • POULTRY • SMOKED MEATS Vegetarian dishes are becoming more fruity and fragrant ice wines, which are from ORGANIC GRASS FED BEEF • AWARD WINNING SAUSAGE & MUCH MORE! common at holiday gatherings. Generally, grapes harvested after freezing on the vine, they’re lighter in body and flavor density, which concentrates the natural sugars Also meaning a light red or a zesty white may great with desserts are elegant old ports offer the best match for meat-free entrees. — fortified wines with full, rich palates and enhanced alcoholic horsepower. * WITH THIS AD ONLY * You can’t beat Mike’s meat! THE CHEESE COURSE And those tasty chocolates? A vintage ONE DOZEN A well-considered cheese platter is a tawny port has the sophistication, as well as FREE-RANGE EGGS delightful accompaniment to any holiday a drier palate to complement the candy. For FREE WITH $20 gathering. But it can be challenging when it something lighter and brighter, a fine mus- MEAT PURCHASE comes to pairing with wine. Cheeses come cat can also do the trick. Even a robust red in a wide variety of flavors and textures, goes especially well with dark chocolate. See us today! Located at 1901 E. Rawson Ave., Oak Creek • (414) 571 – 6565 many of them clinging, cloying and on a col- WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 29

Photo: Courtesy Woodman’s spirits One of Woodman’s extensive liquor racks, holding thousands of brands. department rising By Michael Muckian and Illinois markets where its 15 stores are Contributing writer located. (Next spring, a 16th Woodman’s is The assignment seemed simple: Sample set to open in Eau Claire.) and report on organic beers. In Madison, In addition to the 6,000 beers, Wood- that should be as easy as falling off a bar- man’s West’s liquor store carries about stool, right? 6,000 liquor brands and between 8,000 But despite the city’s locavore overload and 9,000 different wines, according to and love for all things organic, the antici- manager Mark Okey. pated organic-grain tipple proved elusive. The store’s recent expansion into what Organic ingredients are expensive and used to be the video department increased those used in making beer — especially its footprint to 14,000 square feet — 3,000 hops — are not easily available. square feet more than Woodman’s aver- At Willy Street Co-op, I was only able age. That makes it the chain’s largest to find a six-pack of Organic E.S.B. from liquor store. Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewery. (Lake- “The craft beer aisle is where it’s hap- front has since discontinued the brand.) At pening,” said Okey, who has worked for 27 Madison’s Whole Foods outlet, the organic years for the Janesville-based chain, family selection was limited to a single brand of owned since its founding in 1919. “I’ve got organic from U.K. brewer Samuel Smith, 40 linear feet of craft beer cooler space sold in individual bottles. that’s going to increase to 48 linear feet But if there are more organic beers in after the New Year, because we just can’t Madison, then Woodman’s likely has them. keep up with the new brands.” At Woodman’s West, my family’s neigh- The majority of brands are the same borhood grocery store, we found — scat- from store to store, but each liquor depart- tered among the 6,000 other brands and ment is given license to bring in locally varieties — Lakefront Organic E.S.B. and a produced and available specialty beers and half-dozen different Samuel Smith organ- other products to serve the tastes of area ics. shoppers. This seemingly oversized number is not In craft-beer-centric Madison, that mere hops hyperbole. In addition to featur- includes a diverse and comprehensive col- ing some of the lowest prices on beer in lection. While craft beer may be the store’s the area, Woodman’s carries just about woodman’s next page every brand available in the Wisconsin

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Woodman’s from prior page The store has its own versions of used be most vibrant section, liquor and wine also known as ”Two-buck Chucks,” a reference Wisconsin consumes hold their own, Okey says. Despite the to selections from California’s Charles more brandy than any country’s economic swings, interest in pre- Shaw Winery that originally sold at Trader mium brands is growing greater every day, Joe’s for $2 each. Woodman’s offers a vari- other state, although he says. ety in the three-for-$10 range, but that’s Okey says he tries to offer what’s popular not where the action is, Okey says. tastes differ from city in area bars and restaurants, “where most Instead, he says, “I sell an awful lot of people go to try new things.” Even younger cabernet sauvignons in the $60-to-$100 to city. consumers go to Woodman’s looking for per bottle range.” high-end cordials and other items they’ve The store recently reintroduced its lim- sampled in establishments around town. ited selection of upscale wines, located in “At first the sticker shock may get them,” a locked box near the checkout counter. says Okey, pointing to a bottle of St-Ger- Customers can impress their friends by main, a French artisanal liqueur made from serving either La Muse Red or Le Désir fer from city to city. freshly hand-picked elderflower blossoms. from Sonoma County’s Vérité winery for “In Appleton, Aristocrat Brandy is the It’s become a popular cocktail ingredient, a mere $369.99 per bottle. (The average largest seller,” he explains. “But I don’t despite its $32.99 shelf price. price nationally, according to wine-search- even stock it because I can’t give it away “But even when I point out less expen- er.com, is $391 each.) here.” sive substitute brands they always seem to Interest in high-priced, small-batch In Madison, favorite brandy brands go for the originals.” bourbon at $30-to-$50 per bottle also is include Christian Brothers, E&J and Paul The same dynamic characterizes the on the rise, while purchases of high-end, Masson. But the top seller is — and prob- wine section, which offers a revolving single-malt scotch continues to decline. ably always will be — Korbel. selection of domestic and imported wines. Any locally produced spirits, whether from “We sell more Korbel Brandy than any Madison’s Yahara Bay Distillery, Milwau- store anywhere else,” Okey says. “Our Kor- kee’s Great Lakes Distillery or 45th Parallel bel rep tells us that we are the center of the Distillery in far away New Richmond, are distillery’s universe.” guaranteed to attract a following. Thanks to Woodman’s wide selection But the state’s love affair with brandy and low prices, that may be true of other continues, Okey says. Wisconsin con- brands as well. sumes more brandy per capita than any other state, although Okey says tastes dif-

Catch 22 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 31 WiGOUT! Jonathan Smoots finally gets Scrooged at the Rep

Photo: Michael Brosilow Jonathan Smoots, right foreground, plays Mr. Fezziwig in the Rep’s 2013 version of A Christmas Carol. He’ll upgrade to the role of Scrooge for the first time this year.

By Matthew Reddin season since, drawing closer and closer to of Scrooge he is. play’s final scenes seem to give the impres- Staff writer the role he’s desired for years. Every year, the Christmas Carol under- sion that it’s simply seeing himself dead in It’s common for Milwaukee Rep actors to “I love the story so much,” Smoots says. studies perform an understudy run, and in the future that inspires Scrooge’s change in shuffle through various roles in the compa- “I love the character. There are not many 2013 Smoots says he found himself unusu- behavior. ny’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ characters where you can bring all your dra- ally unsettled, playing the character dif- Smoots explains: “We’re all going to die. A Christmas Carol, but Jonathan Smoots has matic abilities to playing the role honestly, ferently in every scene. “Over the years, it That shouldn’t be a surprise. … It’s not his taken it to a new level. and then in the last fifth of the play you get fell out of focus for me, because it seemed death that shocks him to say, ‘I can make a Smoots has been the gravedigger, a cho- to use all your comedy skills.” unlikely that I was ever going to go on,” he change; I will make a change.’ It’s Tiny Tim. rus director and a philanthropic solicitor. He hoped to get the role during the 2012 says. “I lost the drive and the urge to zero in It’s Bob Cratchit. It’s giving that little boy He’s portrayed Mr. Fezziwig, Jacob Marley season, when Aaron Posner was announced on something specific and consistent, a real who came to his office a coin. It’s the full and the ghosts of Christmas past and pres- as the new director for the production. character.” realization that life can be so much more, ent. He even reached out to Posner directly to So this year Smoots hit the reset button. and so much fuller.” About the only roles he’s missed, he says, pitch himself as Scrooge. But being new to He went back to read the original Dickens The simplest example says it all. In prior are Bob Cratchit, nephew Fred and Old Joe, the Rep, Posner instead decided to work novella — much of which is preserved in the productions, Smoots says, Scrooge wakes the pawnbroker of Christmas Future. And with someone he already knew: Christopher language of the Rep’s adaptation, co-written up after the spirits’ visitations shouting, Scrooge. Donahue, who played Scrooge that year and by former artistic director Joseph Hanreddy “The time before me is my own! I’m alive! But that’s about to change. After partici- in 2013. and Edward Morgan — and worked on Alive!” pating in 15 productions of A Christmas Carol But Smoots got another opportunity this keeping his interpretation of Scrooge simple But back in the original Dickens, and now and understudying the role for a decade, year when Donahue said he wasn’t return- and honest. in the Rep’s production, the sentiment is Smoots will finally don the humbug’s night- ing for a third year as Scrooge. “He told me, Doing so has led him to new interpreta- more complex, and more moving: “The time shirt this year. ‘I’m not one of those actors who can repeat tions of Scrooge’s journey, especially in the before me is my own — to make amends.” Smoots has technically played “a” Scrooge a role year after year after year. It’s just not play’s second half, when he reflects on the before, taking on the role of Young Scrooge in me,’” Smoots says. He acted fast, reach- present world and the potential future that in 1981, in both his first Rep Christmas Carol ing out to Posner and artistic director Mark lies ahead. Smoots says his Scrooge realizes ON STAGE and his first Rep show. At the time, the role Clements about the role the same day, even he lived his life poorly as early as the end of The Milwaukee Rep’s production of was a one-off, with Smoots playing roles in before Donahue had a chance to inform Act I, making the second act all about learn- A Christmas Carol runs Dec. 2–24, at a handful of other productions that season. them himself. The Rep didn’t make the deci- ing that he still has the ability to change his the Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St. Tick- Then he made only occasional appearances sion on the spot, but by this spring, Smoots ways — and the lives of those around him. ets range from $25 to $85 (subject to with the company until 1998, when yet knew he’d be the next actor to play Scrooge He’s worked with Posner on changes to change) and can be purchased at 414- another Christmas Carol brought him back on the Pabst stage. the script that better support that thesis. 224-9490 or milwaukeerep.com. to the Rep. He’s been in Carol almost every Then Smoots had to figure out what sort For instance, it’s always bugged him that the 32 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 John Oliver says the joke’s the thing By Michael Muckian aim at the pageant from behind his desk as Contributing writer host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, a weekly No one was more surprised than John comedy news program. Last Week Tonight Oliver at the world’s reaction to his take- fits the mold pioneered by Stewart and fel- down of the Miss America Pageant, specifi- low former Daily Show colleague Stephen cally its claim of providing millions in aca- Colbert’s The Colbert Report, but Oliver has demic scholarships for women. Women’s a more frenetic style and a greater sense of scholarship funds such as the Society of the absurd. Women Engineers received a major bump His YouTube videos, which receive mil- in both donations and website visits thanks lions of hits, bear this out. For example, to Oliver’s satirical treatment of the pag- check out his show’s “Why Is This Still a eant. Thing?” segments on YouTube. In less than After proving that Miss America orga- three minutes, the Emmy and Writers Guild nizers massively inflate their scholarship Award-winning comic skewers everything payouts, Oliver issued a call for action: from Columbus Day to Ayn Rand to net Donate to groups such as SWE “if you neutrality. want to change the fact that currently the Oliver, whose appearance at Madison’s biggest scholarship program exclusively Orpheum Theatre on Dec. 7 is sold-out, for women in America requires you to be took timeout from his current tour to speak unmarried with a mint-condition uterus with WiG about the nexus of news and and also rewards working knowledge of humor. buttocks-adhesive technology,” he urged.

His listeners did. The organization What it was like growing up in the U.K. Photo: HBO received $25,000 — that’s 15 percent of and what experiences helped make you a John Oliver, who’s made the jump from Daily Show correspondent to late-night comedy its regular annual donations — in just two successful comedian? Growing up in the host in his own right, will appear at a sold-out Orpheum show on Dec. 7 in Madison. days. Traffic to the group’s website more U.K. was everything that you imagine it to than doubled in page views over the prior be. All British people are born orphans, and week, and social media activity jumped by we have to join a pick-pocketing gang by nearly 2,000 percent, according to an SWE the time we are 6 years old. Until then, we you have when you start off in comedy is ing and inherently ridiculous about their spokeswoman. spend most of our time cleaning chimneys relentless failure. When you’re performing scholarship claims. We thought that was That’s an impact Oliver didn’t have in and charismatically breaking into song at comedy, you are forged in the crucible of worth exploring, and our research team his last job, as the “British correspondent” inopportune moments. failure. And I was forged hot and hard for went to work frantically pulling tax forms. on Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show. He took Honestly, the most useful experience many years. As for “stimulating change,” I’m pretty sure regarding Miss America we have stimu- When did you know you were funny? I lated no change whatsoever. always liked making people laugh. I found as a child that being funny was a much What type of research do you and your easier way to impress people than by pre- team do in preparing an episode of Last senting any kind of tangible skill. I still can’t Week Tonight? We do a great deal of quite believe I get to do this for a living, to research — more than you might reason- be honest. It’s amazing. ably assume. We also rigorously fact-check everything, because there’s no point joking Are there comedians you consider role about something if that joke is built on models? I loved Peter Cook, Monty Python sand. The whole premise just falls apart. and Armando Iannucci growing up. Richard Our production team holds themselves Pryor was my favorite stand-up. As a role to very high standards, and I couldn’t be model, Jon Stewart has definitely been the prouder of them. most formative influence that I’ve had. In terms of comedy, he basically taught me Will you be consciously aiming for targets how to walk. similar to Miss America in the future? We’re working on a few subjects for next One of the most interesting cultural syn- year already, but it’s probably best not to theses we’ve seen has been the blend of mention any of them this early on. comedy and news broadcasting, such as Last Week Tonight. Is there value to this What is comedy’s role in society, other hybrid beyond its obvious entertainment than entertainment? Again, I really don’t capabilities? I don’t know. I’m only really concern myself with anything other than interested in the entertainment capabili- the entertainment value. My main worry is ties of comedy. It’s hard enough to worry that when I get to the end of a joke, there just about that. We’re just trying to make is a laugh. If there’s silence, then I’m in the funniest, most interesting show that tangible trouble. we can. What can audience members who attend Last Week Tonight has distinguished itself your shows in Madison and elsewhere by actually stimulating change, like in the expect? It’ll be like Cirque du Soleil, if Cirque case of the Miss America pageant. Did du Soleil was all based around a relatively you ever expect such an outcome, or is it stationary man talking out loud for an hour the result of some unlikely circumstances or so. coming together with the right emphasis at the right time? With Miss America we thought there was something both horrify- WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 33 Shakey Graves builds on DIY folk skills

ON STAGE Milwaukee’s Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N. Fourth St., will host Shakey Graves Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. Singer-song- writer Sean Rowe and Esme Patterson will appear as special guests. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 day-of-show, and can be purchased at 414-286-3663 or pabsttheater.org.

Hobo Mountain’ album — it’s more of the Cyborg Shakey Graves. It’s definitely the next step in the staircase.” Released on indie label Dualtone, And the War Came broke into the top 50 of the national album chart. The sound of Shakey Graves’ music defies easy description. He has clear ties to folk music and alternative country, but the songs and performances don’t fit com- fortably and clearly in either genre. There are moments of bracing rock guitar and howling vocals that echo the work of blues greats. And, making them especially mem- orable, many songs feature a catchy pop melody threaded through everything else. Although only in his 20s, Shakey Graves feels like a well-seasoned performer in concert, with a disarming stage presence and banter that can charm even the most skeptical crowds. He’s added a drum- Photo: Big Hassle mer and additional guitar player to his Shakey Graves’ folk music defies description, earning him accolades from critics and peers. set, although many songs are performed solo. He’s also brought along Patterson, and their duets are considered the best By Bill Lamb Spektor, turning his focus toward perfor- moments of his concerts. Contributing writer mance. The pivotal moment came when Graves’ reputation among fellow musi- It’s not easy to impress the alternative the artist moved to Los Angeles and saw cians and industry insiders is quickly ris- music community with something they a performance by one-man band Bob Log ing. Earlier this year, he was named Best haven’t seen before, but a kick drum made III. Shortly thereafter, Graves began to per- Acoustic Guitarist at the Austin Music out of an old suitcase might qualify. So form under his stage name, and it didn’t Awards and he received a nomination as might the man behind that unique instru- take long for audiences to fall under his Musician of the Year. He was rated as one ment, Shakey Graves, who made a memo- spell. of the key performers to see at this year’s rable impression on the scene in 2011 with His latest solo album shakes off the South By Southwest festival in Austin. his raw vocals, acoustic guitar skills and one-man band approach, adding in other If you think that Mumford and Sons that suitcase drum. musicians, including vocalist Esme Pat- or the Lumineers are all that the recent Since then, Graves has become a main- terson of the band Paper Bird, and was rebirth of folk music has to offer, let Shakey stay in his hometown of Austin, Texas. recorded at Graves’ home with producer Graves change your mind. He released his debut album in 2011, Roll Chris Boosadha. Discussing the album, the Bones, a blend of blues and folk music Graves says, “The concepts for the songs that reveals a passion and talent that com- are a little bigger. This is not the ‘Mr. Folk, mands attention. NPR named him one of 10 artists music fans “should have known” in 2012 and his newest album, And the War Came, is further cementing his position as a rising indie star. Born Alejandro Rose-Garcia, Graves grew up in Austin, where his parents were a part of Austin’s arts community. His father managed the Paramount Theater and his mother was an actress, writer and director. Both encouraged their son’s talents, initially in the realm of acting. As a teenager, he appeared in Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and Material Girls and he booked a recurring role in the TV series Friday Night Lights in 2007. But Graves would ultimately fall in with the New York anti-folk scene that had nurtured the career of a young Regina 34 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 ART GAZE — MILWAUKEE Drink pink at The Pitch Project in Walker’s Point By Kat Murrell monument of Busch Light beer cans. On the as Gurl Don’t Be Dumb, includes Brooklyn- Contributing writer walls, photographs show 20-somethings based Jamie Steel and Eileen Mueller, a Mil- FINAL EXAMS The neutral white of The Pitch Project’s frolicking outdoors in the summer, guzzling waukee native now living in Chicago. Estab- The university semester is wind- main gallery space is bathed in a wash of beer and cuddling a scruffy cat. lishing GDBD in 2011, the pair has engaged ing down, making this a great time pink light. A couple of camping tents are Has camp culture gone campy? In this in a variety of curatorial projects, and LIT UP to visit area campuses to catch pitched in the corners, kitted out with sleep- exhibition, called LIT UP, it is humorous represents a new direction in their collab- exhibitions before they close. Not ing bags and other sundry outdoor neces- and insular, filled with deadpan irony. The orative work, but it’s consistent with their to worry, these won’t be on the sities. Off to one side, a pedestal holds a artistic duo behind the installation, known established playfulness and humor. final. The inspiration for this exhibition, which was originally presented as a one-night Vital Technology show at Forever & Always Projects in Chi- Through Dec. 6 cago, goes back to a 2013 residency at If you’re interested in contem- ACRE (Artists’ Cooperative Residency and porary art with a digital twist, do Exhibition) in rural Steuben, Wisconsin. The not miss this exhibition. Nathan- end result is a sort of play on stereotypes, iel Stern and Bryan Cera present particularly dudes who use nature as a solo and collaborative installations drinking venue. As the artists describe in that engage the viewer in a variety their exhibition notes, “This is your Styro- of sensory experiences, including foam cooler emitting a soft pink glow, this is sound and movement. The under- your moonlight skinny-dip LIT UP.” lying question of the exhibition is A video in the front gallery brings the a meditation on how technology combination of camaraderie and bravado influences our actions. This is a together. The artists are nonchalant behind happy collaboration between peo- sunglasses, sitting in plastic chairs opposite ple and machine. each other in a grassy clearing. They throw At Milwaukee Institute of Art & plastic darts at each others’ feet, taking Design’s Frederick Layton Gallery, three shots at a time, and then a guy clam- 273 E. Erie St., Milwaukee. bers in to collect the darts to be thrown again. The point of the lackadaisical dart Visualizing Sovereignty game becomes apparent when one punc- Through Dec. 12 tures a can of beer on the ground, shifting This exhibition opens a discus- gears into a drinking game in which beer sion about Native American cul- is sucked down from the pierced opening. ture in the context of the 21st cen- With a stomp and a squash of the nearly tury, asking how traditional stories empty can, the video ends. and customs are preserved in the In another gallery, a pop-up shop offers rush of modern life and what is prints, accouterments and “schwag” from the impact of European influence earlier exhibitions curated by Gurl Don’t Be on character and socioeconomic Dumb. The humor and self-referential irony structures. There are a number of are scaled down to more easily portable striking pieces in this exhibition, sizes and price points. particularly the paintings by Bunky LIT UP is a playful exhibition, one that Echo-Hawk, who deftly uses pop Photo: courtesy Kat Murrell absorbs and deflects heavy-handed serious- culture references and aesthetics LIT UP continues at The Pitch Project in Walker’s Point through Jan. 17. ness. It may suggest questions about frayed to open up questions about Native stereotypes and gender, but is also about a American identity and acceptance. manner of fun. If there are statements to be At UWM’s Union Art Gallery, made, they come through under the haze of 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd. a soft glow rather than direct glare. LIT UP: Gurl Don’t Be Dumb continues through Jan. 17 at The Pitch Project, 706 S. Fifth St., Milwaukee.

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FIND US ON TWITTER! @wigazette WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 35 ART GAZE — MADISON New music venues not needed for city By Jay Rath cially in the middle of residential neigh- storage space.” Even were the proposed Contributing writer borhoods. Madison’s 2013 Cultural Plan, spaces within the size parameters request- To the delight of music fans, two new a 102-page document compiled over four ed by the report, they fail to qualify under concert venues a few blocks from each years by the Madison Arts Commission, the Performing Arts Study’s further recom- other have been proposed for Madison. and a supplementary 98-page Performing mendation that new performance facili- But do we need either? Arts Study commissioned by the mayor’s ties serve “multiple functions with diverse City planning documents say “no.” office both recommended the city focus on technical requirements.” While the City of Madison has long creating spaces very different from either The Cultural Plan echoes these same identified a need for various performance proposed venue. sentiments, adding that Madison’s great- facilities, big indoor concert venues are not Both planning documents stress that est performance venue needs are a perma- among them. And that’s just what these cultural spaces should be spread across nent festival area and an outdoor concert venues are: big. The first, part of a larger the city, including among four extant cul- venue. mixed-use development on the 1000 block tural districts identified in the Cultural On the other hand, the Performing Arts of East Washington Avenue would seat Plan. Instead, the two proposed facilities Study also includes a note that could be 2,000 to 2,500, according to Madison- fall in the western portion of the William- viewed as a slim mandate for building the based concert promoter Stone House son Street/Atwood Avenue district, almost large facilities. It suggests that new audi- Development and Frank Productions. The within the adjacent Lower UW-Madison ences for events will have to come from other, being constructed by promoter Campus/Downtown district, where most outside the city, so from an economic and Madison native Toffer Christensen’s existing venues are located. Facilities are development standpoint, “one might con- Brooklyn-based company T Presents, is a more keenly needed in South Madison clude that one of the few (growth) strate- similar mixed-use development on East and regions without neighborhood centers gies available to Madison is the estab- Washington’s 800 block that would seat already. lishment of a new, regional or national 1,500. Dedicated concert venues are also the destination.” By contrast, the city’s largest current wrong type of cultural building to create, Meanwhile, the underutilized Dane performance spaces are Overture Hall according to the reports. The Perform- County Memorial Coliseum in South Madi- (2,251 seats), Orpheum Theatre (1,730 ing Arts Study specifically observes that, son has variable arena seating for more seats), Wisconsin Union Theater (1,165 citywide, “while there is some demand for than 10,000. It’s the subject of a recently seats) and Capitol Theater (1,089 seats). new performance space (of 400 seats and announced $300,000 update study to But two specific reports question the smaller), the greatest need is for rehearsal, make it more popular with promoters and benefits of those proposed venues, espe- production, meeting, administration and the community. 36 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014

entertainment briefs Turner Hall song sales outperform physical structure in America, according Bobblehead lovers Restaurant reopening album sales set to benefit most. to museum officials, and was look to crowdsource The new owners of the restau- The change is the biggest update where the Ringling’s 80-plus Milwaukee museum rant at Turner Hall Ballroom have since 1991, when Nielsen’s point- railroad cars were repaired and Miller Park is the place best resurrected the formerly shut- of-sale data was added to mea- repainted during the winter. known for bobbleheads in Mil- tered venue, with an increased sure sales. Circus World has been restor- waukee, but if two locals have focus on its proximity to the The move comes shortly after ing the shed for the past nine their way, a bobblehead muse- BMO Harris Bradley Center several music acts, including years, beginning the final phase um will take its place in the next across the street. The Ole’ Turn- Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean, this fall. The museum hopes to few years. er Hall Restaurant, now man- pulled tunes from the stream- eventually incorporate displays Phil Sklar aged by the owners of nearby ing service Spotify, citing unfair that highlight the role the shed and Brad sports bar Major Goolsby’s, will compensation of artists. played in the Ringling Circus’ Novak have be tailoring its hours to revolve national success. launched a around events at the arena, Ringling shed in Kickstarter largely open during the evening Baraboo gets ‘Queen Latifah’ axed campaign weekdays and all day on week- renovation after 2 seasons to raise ends to coincide with sports and Contractors have completed a The Queen Latifah Show will $250,000 entertainment events. The menu more than $1 million renovation be ending after this season. The for a will be inspired by other pub of a circus building that once daytime talk show was launched National eateries around town, includ- housed train cars in Baraboo in fall 2013 and found a so-so Bobble- ing Goolsby’s. More details before the “Greatest Show On reception in its freshman year. head Hall and hours can be found at Earth” was taken across the This season it named a new of Fame turnerhallrestaurant.com. country. The $1.2 million upgrade executive producer and reaf- and Museum, which they hope to the Ringling Bros. train shed is firmed its motivational, upbeat to open in downtown Milwau- Billboard to include finished after nearly a decade of elements. Queen Latifah vowed kee in 2016. The museum would streams, digital sales planning and execution. to be “more loose, more play- feature a collection of more The music industry tracker Crews replaced almost 300 ful, more fun, more provocative,” than 3,000 bobbleheads, as Billboard will update its Billboard windows, installed fire hydrants, but it didn’t work, with viewer- well as rotating exhibits about 200 chart to include streaming updated electric wiring and ship dropping in the sophomore the history of bobbleheads. and digital track sales, begin- upgraded nearby roads to pre- season. The campaign has raised a little ning on Dec. 3. The move from pare the 105-year-old building The 44-year-old singer- more than $3,000, but will run a sales-based ranking is meant for its eventual opening to Circus actress will next star in an HBO through Jan. 17, 2015. to provide a more comprehen- World Museum visitors. biopic of blues legend Bessie sive sense of popularity, with The 600-foot-long shed is Smith. — From WiG and AP reports acts whose streaming and digital the longest wooden railroad WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 37 Shakespeare: In 120 minutes or less

Photo: Mark Frohna UW-Whitewater alumni Marcus Truschinski, Chase Stoeger, Chris Klopatek, and Rick Pendzich perform an astonishing array of Shakespeare characters.

By Anne Siegel The players’ madcap antics give new Contributing writer meaning to the phrase “over the top.” Kudos Alas, poor Shakespeare! You thought you for the troupe’s success belong equally to knew him well … and then came a merry each member: Chris Klopatek, Rick Pen- band of pranksters to ruffle your refined dzich, Chase Stoeger and Marcus Trus- sensibilities. That’s what happens in the chinski. uproarious The Complete Works of William Although all of Shakespeare’s comedies, Shakespeare (abridged) [revised]. tragedies and histories are briefly men- Other local companies have staged The tioned, the most popular plays get more Complete Works. Theatergoers may recall stage time. In the wacky treatment of Romeo the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre’s produc- and Juliet, Romeo drinks his poison from a tion in 2012. Green Bay Packers plastic drinking cup. But each production delivers its own One of the best “adaptations” of a Shake- brand of lunacy, and the current production, speare tragedy is the show’s version of Titus staged by Milwaukee Chamber Theatre in Andronicus. It’s done as a TV cooking show the Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio The- called The Gory Gourmet. Those with weak atre, is no exception. stomachs will be spared further details. The show’s simple premise is that four The show features a seemingly endless bored guys whip through all of Shake- supply of plausible props that one might speare’s 37 plays in about two hours. They find in any basement. Like little kids who commit to this mission while standing in “put on a show” for relatives at Christmas a home’s unfinished basement. It is parti- or Hanukkah, the pranksters repurpose the tioned by bed sheets hung from a clothes- stuff around them. A Christmas tree skirt, line, “sewn” together by safety pins, which for instance, becomes a maiden’s frock. Old serves as the show’s curtain. toys, such as a hobbyhorse and child-sized Given that the holidays are drawing near, cowboy hat, are put to new and unusual the guys adorn their basement (and the uses, and mop heads serve as some of the ceiling above the audience’s heads) with wigs for “female” characters. A personal glittering Christmas tree lights. They add a favorite is an old vacuum hose that is used bit of holiday flair to the songs as well. as the asp to kill Rick Pendzich’s Cleopatra. Just behind the actors sits a set of band The holidays are a time for festivity, and instruments, including a guitar, drums, key- one cannot imagine a more festive atmo- board, etc. The actors also function as the sphere than the one created by the cast show’s band when they’re not acting. of The Complete Works. This hard-working But it’s the show’s script, not the songs, cast, under the direction of Ray Jivoff, pulls that draw the most laughs. Audience par- out all the stops to create a sidesplitting ticipation is part of the fun. Be aware that experience. those who volunteer also become targets for the pranksters’ humorous jabs. To make things easier for the actors’ memories, all volunteers — female and ON STAGE male — are told to respond to the name Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s pro- “Judy.” This is not just because “Mary” is duction of The Complete Works of Wil- overused, it’s a sly reference to the musical liam Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] playing just down the hallway from the Stu- continues at the Broadway Theatre dio Theatre — the Skylight Music Theater’s Center’s Studio Theatre, 158 N. Broad- production of The Wizard of Oz. The best of way, through Dec. 14. Tickets are $15– these references is undoubtedly a drawn- $40 with senior and student discounts out “I’m melting” sequence by Hamlet’s available. Phone 414-276-8842 or visit Olivia. chamber-theatre.com. 38 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 G

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eastmore.com | 414-961-1822 40 WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Out on the town Nov. 27 – Dec. 11 A curated calendar of upcoming events

‘A Cudahy Caroler ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical’ Christmas’ Nov. 26–Jan. 4 Nov. 28–Dec. 28 In Tandem Theatre’s Wisconsin-ish holi- The stage musical adaptation of this 1964 TV special got its start at Milwaukee’s First day classic returns, along with its crew of Stage Children’s Theatre in 2012. The theater is reviving its hit production as part of a Cudahy denizens. Artistic director Chris nationwide trend this year. The adaptation retains all the reindeer and characters of the Flieller again plays Stasch, the loveable original Rudolph, manipulated about the stage by puppeteers. At the Todd Wehr Theater, south sider tasked with rounding up his old 929 N. Water St. Tickets are $12 to $37. Call 414-267-2961 or go to firststage.org. chorus after a five-year hiatus to perform one last show on public access. This year’s production could be Flieller’s last, so if you want to experience him warbling his way through “We Three Guys from Cudahy Are” and “O, Bowling Night,” don’t miss it. At Tenth Street Theater, 628 N. 10th St., Mil- waukee. Tickets are $25, $23 for seniors/ students/military. Go to intandemtheatre. org or call 414-271-1371. In Tandem will also present the dark holiday comedy The Eight: Reindeer Monologues, a fundraiser for the company, at 8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. Tickets are $35. Photo: Courtesy

Photo: Mark Frohna First Stage will revive its hit production of ‘Rudolph,’ last performed in 2012.

Photo: Tom Klingele Christmas Carols are a holiday tradition in both Madison and Milwaukee. Madi- son’s production (above) places kids center stage; Milwaukee’s hews closely to Dickens’ original novella. ‘A Christmas Carol’ Theater. At 144 E. Wells St. Tickets range Milwaukee Rep: Dec. 2–24 from $25 to $85 (subject to change) and Children’s Theater of Madison: Dec. 12–23 can be purchased at 414-224-9490 or milwaukeerep.com. No matter which of Wisconsin’s two Children’s Theater of Madison has largest cities you call home, there’s a performed its own production of Carol on Christmas Carol production to charm you and off for several decades as well. Col- and your family all over again. The Mil- leen Madden’s adaptation adds a nar- waukee Rep’s production will mark 39 rator — portrayed by APT’s John Pribyl consecutive years of telling Scrooge’s — who guides the audience through story, this time with a brand-new actor in Scrooge’s redemption. Now in its fourth the role: Rep favorite Jonathan Smoots. year, this Carol is getting an extreme The Rep’s production is celebrated for visual makeover, with new scenery, light- its adherence to the Charles Dickens ing, music and dance numbers. At 201 novella on which it’s based, as well as its State St. Tickets range from $25 to $49 stunning costumes, charming carols and and can be ordered at 608-258-4141 or impressive set on the stage of the Pabst overturecenter.org.

Urban Garage Sale Holidays Around the 10 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 29 World Party 6–9 p.m. on Dec. 5 Skip Black Friday: Pick up gifts with some Holiday parties are always fun, but holi- local flavor at Milwaukee’s Urban Garage day parties that double as charity benefits Sale instead. Now in its 8th year, the Urban up the ante. Milwaukee Harley-Davidson ‘Under the Mistletoe’ 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 6; 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 Garage Sale brings together 60 makers, will host its annual Holidays Around The The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert returns with a week- artisans and vendors to Turner Hall Ball- World Party, an event with appetizers and end of holiday cheer. This year’s installment features the vocal flair of Broadway star room for a single day of shopping. At 1034 cocktails from 10 different countries, live Ashley Brown (the original stage Mary Poppins), singing holiday tunes old and new. N. Fourth St. Admission requires a $4 dona- entertainment, a giant raffle and photos Guest conductor Steven Reineke and the MSO Chorus under the direction of Lee tion at the door. For more information, visit with Santa. Admission ($10 in cash or toys) Erickson round out the evening. At the Marcus Center, 929 N. Water St. Tickets range urbangaragesale.com. benefits the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys 4 Tots from $27 to $102. Call 414-291-7605 or visit mso.org to order tickets. program. At 11310 W. Silver Spring Road.

WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Out on the town Nov. 27 – Dec. 11

‘A Madison Symphony Christmas’ ‘Who Killed Santa?’ and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5; 8 p.m. on Dec. 6; 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 ‘Neil’s Dirty Shorts’ Dec. 11–31 For its holiday concert, the Madison Symphony pulls If you’re a fan of local playwright Neil Haven, you’ll be together a program from across the canon of Western overjoyed to learn Umbrella Group Milwaukee is staging music. Traditional favorites like “Joy to the World” and both his choose-your-own-ending musical murder whodun- the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s Messiah share the it Who Killed Santa? and the world premiere of Neil’s Dirty first half of the concert with contemporary works such as Shorts, a six-pack of irreverent, satirical comedies. They’ll John Rutter’s Star Carol and William Walton’s Belshazzar’s partner well with Who Killed Santa?, which starts whole- Feast. The program’s latter half is packed with carols and some (Frosty, Tiny Tim, the Little Drummer Boy and Rudolph Christmas tunes — some of which audience members will show up at Santa’s holiday party) but becomes anything but be invited to sing along with! John DeMain conducts, and — even before Santa gets a candy cane through the heart. guest vocalists include Alyson Cambridge, Harold Meers, The shows will run in repertory at Soulstice Theater, 3770 the Madison Youth Choirs and Mt. Zion Gospel Choir. At S. Pennsylvania Ave. #2, St. Francis. Tickets are $25 for Who Overture Center, 201 State St. Tickets range from $16 to Killed Santa?, $15 for Neil’s Dirty Shorts, and $35 for both. $84. Go to overturecenter.org or phone 608-258-4141. Reserve tickets at whokilledsanta.com.

Photo: Courtesy ‘Christmas with the Crawfords’ Dec. 5–20 If you think your family gathering is crazy, check out the Crawfords’. Based on the infamous 1940s radio broadcast of Joan Crawford celebrating Christmas with her children, Stage Q’s Christmas with the Crawfords is an outrageously campy romp through her attempt to revitalize her career. She’s foiled by the appearance of a cavalcade of Hollywood stars trying to steal her thunder, including Judy Garland, Carmen Miranda, Ethel Merman and Bette Davis in character as “Baby Jane.” At the Bartell Theatre, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison. Tickets are $20 for Fridays and Saturdays, $15 for Thursdays and Sundays. Go to stageq.com. Photo: Courtesy

WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Out on the town Nov. 27 – Dec. 11 A curated calendar of upcoming events

‘The Nutcracker’ Madison Ballet: Dec. 13–27 Milwaukee Ballet: Dec. 13–27 Nutcrackers are springing up all over Wis- consin, so local fans of the Tchaikovsky ballet should be able to find a production easily. The biggest productions go up simultaneously in Madison and Milwaukee. Madison Ballet artis- tic director W. Earle Smith choreographs the classic for the 10th year, with music provided by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Andrew Sewell (who conducted Smith’s inaugural production). At 201 State St. Tickets start at $14. Call 608-258-4141 or visit overturecenter.org to order. The Milwaukee Ballet’s production, shaped by artistic director Michael Pink, expands the cast to include an additional sibling for Clara and a nephew for the toymaker Drosselmeyer. Young artists of Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy and the Milwaukee Children’s Choir join the corps, accompanied by the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra. Tickets range from $30 to $77 (subject to change) and can be ordered at Photo: Jessica Kaminski milwaukeeballet.org or 414-902-2103. Milwaukee’s production of The Nutcracker expands the cast to include Clara’s sister Marie, danced above by Valerie Harmon. Madison’s production, running the same time, will celebrate its 10th anniversary.

‘A Concert of Note’ ‘Christmas in the 4 p.m. on Dec. 13; 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 Basilica’ 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 13; Boulevard Theatre and the Plymouth 3 and 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 Chorale are uniting to celebrate three great artists of poetry and prose. Actor/direc- Bel Canto Chorus’ annual Christmas con- tor Beth Monhollen honors Emily Dicken- cert is always a highlight of the season. son through readings and musical adapta- This year, the company once again joins the tions performed by the Chorale. Boulevard chorus’ Boy Choirs and Stained Glass Brass founder Mark Bucher pays tribute to Dylan ensemble at the Basilica for holiday music Thomas with a staged reading to his holi- old and new. The program includes an origi- day reminiscence “A Child’s Christmas in nal composition by music director Richard Wales.” The Plymouth Chorale ends the Hynson, The Christmas Story, and the Amer- evening with Frostiana, a collection of seven ican premiere of Gordon Thornett’s Gloria. songs using Robert Frost’s poems as lyrics. At 2333 S. Sixth St., Milwaukee. Tickets are At Plymouth Church, 2717 E. Hampshire St. $37 or $32 for adults, with a $3 discount Tickets are $20, $5 for students. Call 414- for students and seniors; premium seating 744-5757 or boulevardtheatre.com. is $59. Call 414-481-8801 or visit belcanto. org to order.

Handel’s ‘Messiah’ 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 to 20; 4 p.m. on Dec. 21 The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra takes one of the greatest religious choral works of all time on tour. The orchestra will perform Handel’s full Messiah oratorio at three churches: St. Mary Catholic Faith Community, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners (Dec. 17); Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 812 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee (Dec. 18 and 19); and Photo: Courtesy Basilica of St. Josaphat, 2333 S. Sixth St., Milwaukee (Dec. 20 and 21). The MSO Chorus, The MSO will perform Handel’s Messiah at three locations this year, including the guest conductor Paul Goodwin and four acclaimed guest soloists will join MSO’s world- Basilica of St. Josaphat. class musicians. For tickets or more information, visit mso.org or call 414-291-7605.

WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014 Out on the town Nov. 27 – Dec. 11 A curated calendar of upcoming events

‘It’s a Wonderful Life: ‘Home for the Holidays Live from WVL Radio with AFT’ Dec. 26–31 Theatre’ Dec. 18–21 If you want to hold on to the holiday spir- In this adaptation of the holiday classic, it, consider driving up to Door County after a blizzard threatens to put a ’40s-era radio Christmas for this musical revue dedicated station out of business when it strands the to the season of giving. American Folklore voice actors cast in its annual production of Theatre (in the last program before its It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s a dire situation, but name change to Northern Sky Theater goes the show must go on. So the four employ- into effect) has commissioned two married ees trapped in the studio must perform duos — Katie Dahl & Rich Higdon and Molly instead, creating dozens of characters and Rhode & Chase Stoeger — to perform a sound effects to retell George Bailey’s tale collection of old folk tunes, AFT favorites and save the day and. At the Marcus Cen- and some surprises. At Gibralter Town Hall, ter, 929 N. Water St., Milwaukee. Tickets 4097 Main St., Fish Creek. Tickets are $22, start at $38. Visit marcuscenter.org or call $13 for children, and can be ordered at 414-273-7206 to order. folkloretheatre.com or 920-854-6117.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra 4 and 8 p.m. on Dec. 29 (Milwaukee); 4 and 8 p.m. on Jan. 2 (Green Bay); 3 and 8 p.m. on Jan. 3 (Madison) Trans-Siberian Orchestra doesn’t self-define as a Christmas-themed band, but there’s no denying that its progressive arena rockers have found their greatest successes through “Christmas Trilogy,” three albums built around holiday themes. The strange thing is, one of those albums, The Christmas Attic, has never been performed live in concert — a lapse the band is rectifying during its 2014–15 winter tour. TSO will play the album in full at Mil- waukee’s BMO Harris Bradley Center, 1001 N. Fourth St.; Green Bay’s Resch Center, 1901 S. Photo: Courtesy Oneida St.; and Madison’s Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Way. For tour info or Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be playing its second holiday album, The Christmas Attic, ticket links, visit trans-siberian.com/tour. live for the first time ever this winter.

Un-Holiday Fare

‘Assassins’ Dec. 5–14 ‘The Last Five Years’ Dec. 18–27 If the holidays make you want to reach for your Red Ryder BB Gun, skip the Jason Robert Brown’s most famous carols and let Sondheim be your musical song cycle is built on a clever conceit. The guide. Four Seasons Theatre opens its two-person show starts at both the begin- 10th anniversary season with Assassins, ning and end of a couple’s relationship — Sondheim’s controversial foray into the one partner moving forward in time and minds of the killers and attempted killers one backward. What’s more, it works, and of America’s presidents. It’s a show that the musical has become one of the most volleys musically across the centuries, influential of the 21st century thus far. as each assassin takes his or her turn Local actor and director Robby McGhee to step up to the firing line. At Overture presents The Last Five Years at Next Act Center, 201 State St. Tickets are $35, $30 Theatre, 255 S. Water St., Milwaukee. for seniors and $20 for students. Call Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at 608-258-4141 or visit overturecenter.org 414-278-0765 or nextact.org. to order.

‘Anything Goes’ Jan. 6–11 ‘Wuthering Heights’ 7:30 on p.m. Jan. 9; 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 11 The acclaimed touring revival of Any- thing Goes sails into Milwaukee to kick The star-crossed love story of Emily off the New Year. The original Cole Porter Brontë’s Wuthering Heights will find new musical has been reworked a number of life in January with the Florentine Opera’s times over the decades since its 1934 concert staging of American composer premiere, but this Tony Award-winning Carlisle Floyd’s operatic version. A cast production keeps the things that make of Florentine favorites is set to perform it work: madcap romantic hijinks at sea, with the Milwaukee Symphony Orches- larger-than-life characters and a score tra. The performance is to be record- that includes some of musical theater’s ed and released commercially. At the greatest songs, from “I Get a Kick Out of Sharon Lynne Wilson Center, 19805 W. You,” to “You’re the Top” and back to the Capitol Dr., Brookfield. Tickets range from title track itself. At the Marcus Center, $30 to $70. Call 800-326-7372 or visit 929 N. Water St. Tickets range from $25 florentineopera.org to purchase. to $95. Go to marcuscenter.org or 414- 273-7206. Photo: Courtesy

WISCONSINGAZETTE.COM | November 27, 2014