I LOVE A PIANO
MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER
NOVEMBER 4, 2016 – JANUARY 15, 2017
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin | Conceived by Ray Roderick and Michael Berkeley
Directed by JC Clementz
Scenic Design: William Boles
Costume Design: Sally Dolembo
Lighting Design: Aimee Hanyzewski
Sound Design: Megan Henninger
Music Director: Dan Kazemi
Choreographer: James Zager
REVIEWS
A quartet of splendid actors/musicians/singers took on a variety of roles in this show, directed with loving affection of JC Clementz. The four worked seamlessly in concert and also each had special moments that touched the heart. [...] Clementz, with music director Dan Kazemi and choreographer James Zager, has crafted a spirited evening that climbs the walls of the ultimate in patriotism and plunges into the depths of loneliness. It is the legacy of Irving Berlin, and the Stackner Cabaret is home to a holiday gift for everyone who gets a chance to see this show."
- On Milwaukee
"Theatergoers know amazing things can be achieved in theater, but I Love A Piano takes what we know to be true and soars to new heights, thanks to the snappy direction of JC Clementz and high-stepping choreography of James Zager. During the course of show the actors dress one another right on stage, and the action moves quickly, going from a clever tribute to silent films of the ‘20s, to the chic glamour of the Rogers-Astaire films of depression-scarred America of the 1930s, to the dance marathon craze of the early 40s and right into the call to serve one’s country at the onset of World War II. I Love A Piano is four-star entertainment, with a super-talented quartet of actors that sings, dances, and acts and tickles the ivories with all its heart and soul. Irving Berlin himself would be proud of this spirited tribute to his classic songs."
- Showbiz Chicago
"The productions offered at the Milwaukee Rep’s Stacker Cabaret are usually very good, but occasionally a show comes along that deserves the highest award for stunning entertainment ... I considered writing “Wow” 500 times and calling it quits.
-Waukesha Freeman