Don Juan in Hell

The Boulevard Theatre, 2252 South Kinnickinnic, greets the holiday season with a rare staging of noted Irish playwright and literary lion George Bernard Shaw's provocative script Don Juan In Hell. This entertaining play debates love, war and the eternal battle of the sexes with sublime wit and devilish charm. Sadly, this Shavian delight plays a scant three-week run (only 11 performances, beginning Wednesday, November 14th through and including Sunday, December 2nd). Patrons should call the Boulevard… Show more Theatre's 24-hour voice mail at 414. 744. 5757 as soon as possible to secure seats for this popular production. Patrons may also visit the Boulevard's website (www.boulevardtheatre.com) to book tickets online.
George Bernard Shaw was a prolific writer (novels, stories, plays and essays) who has created a body of theatrical literature which is still being produced throughout the world. His plays are too many to list here, but some of the titles include Heartbreak House, MRS. Warren's Profession and Pygmalion, which served as the basis for the smash musical My Fair LADY.
The Don Juan In Hell cast showcases Milwaukee's most arresting and notable talent and includes Jason Will as the legendary lover "Don Juan," Marion Araujo as the spurned paramour "Dona Ana," Mark Bucher as "the Commander," and the articulate and suave David Flores as "the Devil." Boulevard's production provides a rare opportunity for Milwaukee audiences to enjoy Shaw's elegant phrasing and delightful wit as presented in this tale of the legendary lover "Don Juan" being pursued by a former lover (and her father), even in Hell! The last production of Shaw in Milwaukee was (again) at the Boulevard when it presented a critically-acclaimed staging of Shaw's charming comedy A Village Wooing in March of 2011. Before that production, Milwaukee stages have been sorely (and sadly) empty of Shaw productions.
And to augment Mr. Shaw's already near-musical text, the production interpolates selected songs ("Mad Dogs And Englishman," "I'll See You Again," "A Room With A View" and others) from another clever and delightful writer, the noted actor, playwright and composer Noel Coward. Playwright Noel Coward's impressive artistic accomplishments are too numerous to list. Suffice to say that he was a respected playwright (Private Lives, Blithe Spirit), stage and film actor (Suite In Three Keys, The Italian Job) and composer of both songs and musical plays (Bittersweet, Sail Away). Coward's songs utilized for Don Juan will both comment on Shaw's deviously entertaining dialogue and reinforce his narrative themes. This "contrapuntal Cowardization" will be aptly handled by noted local singer/actress Ellie Quint and the exceptionally talented pianist and accompanist Donna Kummer.
Boulevard's staging will honor the past tradition of presenting Shaw's play as "verbal chamber music" as first demonstrated with a famous production (and later, an equally famous and popular tour!) featuring actors Charles Laughton, Cedric Hardwicke, Charles Boyer and Agnes Moorehead (who gained fame as "Endora" on the popular television program Bewitched) in 1949 and later into the 1950's.
The idea of allowing Shaw's language, ideas, philosophy and wit to emerge with nominal movement and "concert staging" (unencumbered by extraneous setting and costumes) proved wildly successful for Laughton and company. Since then, a preponderance of Don Juan productions have paid homage to Laughton's directorial brilliance, either directly or indirectly.
The specific performance dates for this delightful literary/musical "cocktail" are included below. Limited seating is available for this intriguing blend of Shaw and Coward, and it is sure to sell out.
Tickets for this heavenly comedy are $15 to $25. Patrons should call 414. 744. 5757 or go online at www.brownpaperticket.com to book seats for this once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience!
DON Juan In Hell Run Dates:
Wednesday, November 14th, 2012 through Sunday, December 2nd, 2012.
Performance dates and times:
FIRST Week (of Only three weeks):
Five shows + One Preview
Tuesday, November 13th @ 7:30 pm
(Pay What You Can Preview)
Wednesday, November 14th @ 7:30 pm
Tickets: $15 Opening night special!
Thursday, November 15th @ 7:30 pm
Tickets: $15 Opening week special!
Friday, November 16th @ 8 pm
Tickets: $23
Saturday, November 17th @ 8 pm
Tickets: $23
Sunday, November 18 th @ 2:30 pm
Tickets: $23
___________________
Second Week (of three weeks):
Three performances ONLY!
Friday, November 23rd @ 8 pm
Tickets: $23
Saturday, November 24th @ 8 pm
Tickets: $23
Sunday, November 25th @ 2:30 pm
Tickets: $23
__________________________________
Third/Final Week (of three weeks):
Three performances ONLY!
Friday, November 30th@ 8 pm
Tickets: $25
Saturday, December 1st @ 8 pm *
Tickets: $25 (Please see note, below, regarding this performance)
Sunday, December 2nd @ 2:30 pm (Final show)
Tickets: $25

Show less