By Devon Welsh
Man of La Mancha
Friday, 11/3 – Sunday 11/5 | UWSP Wausau – James F. Veninga Theater, Wausau
One of the most popular and enduring works of musical theater, Dale Wasserman’s play Man of La Mancha tells the story of Miguel de Cervantes as he awaits a hearing with the Spanish Inquisition. Offering a defense, he enlists his fellow prisoners to perform a play-within-the-play about the mad knight Don Quixote and his squire Sancho Panza. The original Broadway production of Man of La Mancha ran for 2,328 performances and won multiple Tony awards. This production of the play is put on by the Wausau West High School Theater. Evening performances at 7 pm; matinee performances at 2 pm. $15. More information at visitwausau.com
iMomSoHard Ladies Night
Sunday, 11/5 | Grand Theater, Wausau
IMomSoHard started out as a web series created by two comedians who also happen to be — you guessed it — moms. Their web series took off, launching a TV show, Amazon Prime special, children’s book series, podcast and national touring act. Join Kristen and Jen as they riff on everything from nipple hair to hemorrhoids, sex after marriage, mom bods and more in this raunchy show that’ll leave no doubt what it means to mom so hard. 18+, definitely not for the little ones (check them out on YouTube and you’ll see why). 7 pm. Starting at $42, VIP meet and greet package at $172. More information at grandtheater.org (BCK)
Charlie Albright
Sunday 11/5 | Merrill High School Auditorium, Merrill
Charlie Albright is a virtuosic, award-winning pianist. He studied at Juilliard and now performs to acclaim worldwide. But what sets him apart is his improvisational skill, a rare talent in the classical world. Albright composes beautiful sonatas on the fly based on a handful of notes provided by the audience. His performances are much-celebrated and refreshingly informal. His concert at the Merrill High School Auditorium should be inspiring for the whole family. 3-5 pm. $50 for season membership. See maca.merrillconcerts.org for ticket information.
Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience
Tuesday, 11/7 | Grand Theater, Wausau
The Man in Black is always one of those names people throw out when they say something like “I don’t like country, but I do like…” Johnny Cash has been a favorite of both true believer country fans and non-country fans alike. His deep, powerful voice that grew more likable as he aged still draws people in, and Trent Reznor’s song “Hurt” only got better (and took on new meaning) when Cash covered it. (So much that Reznor in an interview said it was his song now). This production combines TV footage from his TV show to provide the late man in black singing with real-life musicians on stage. It’s a unique approach but a proper honor to the late Man in Black. 7:30 pm. Starting at $35. More information at grandtheater.org (BCK)
An Evening with The Last Revel and Hemlock Chaser
Saturday, 11/4 | Whitewater Music Hall, Wausau
From Minneapolis, The Last Revel are a trio that plays a unique blend of folk, rock and bluegrass. The band uses banjo, violin, guitar and cello to compose original music in a traditional vein. “Iron & Ore” is a ballad lamenting the iron mine developments in northern Minnesota; “Engine Trouble” is an Americana ode to the tour van and the endless road. The Last Revel will be celebrating the recent release of their new album, ‘Dovetail’.
Opening the show is Kevin Troestler and Friends. Troestler mixes a blues style into his music that makes it all just a little different than you’ve heard before. But it’s not just those slide guitar pedal steel bends you’ll hear with Troestler. The musician counts Stevie Ray Vaugh and The Allman Brothers among his influences. 8 pm. Starting at $15. More info at whitewatermusichall.com
