Join us Sunday, February 18 for our sixth play of the PLATO 2017-2018 nine-play Milwaukee theater trip series with Black Pearl Sings performed in true cabaret fashion in the newly remodeled Stackner Cabaret.
The Song is the Story
Music unites strangers and bridges racial divisions in this powerful story based on real life events. It’s 1933, and an ambitious song collector for the Library of Congress visits a Texas prison where she meets Pearl, an African-American woman with a soulful voice and steely spirit. Featuring more than a dozen beautiful a cappella renditions of spirituals and American folk songs, Black Pearl Sings! explores what it means to be a woman in a man’s world, being black in a white world, and fighting for one’s soul in a world where anyone can be a commodity.
BroadwayWorld describes the play as “…a vivid reminder that the things that connect us are often stronger than the things which divide us.”
"★★★★★ - A wonderful jewel box of a show!" — Washington Weekly
Video Preview: Black Pearl Sings (1.21)
Approximate Run Time: Two hours and 15 minutes with one intermission (2:00 PM - 4:05 PM)
Learn more by visiting the Milwaukee Rep's Black Pearl Sings webpage regarding the artists, video interview clips with the playwright, director and cast, as well as, rehearsals, and all the latest news as opening day (January 19) draws near.
Black Pearl Sings will be staged in the intimate Stackner Cabaret. For information including photos about this unique theater venue, click here.
The Stackner Cabaret is handicapped accessible to the main level tables and chairs. Most of our seating will be on staggered tables and chairs set on platform deck flooring that are an easy, shallow step-down/step-up between levels of tables and chairs. The backs of the chairs provide good step-down/step-up support.
Accessibility Policy. On the Badger Bus, you must be able to climb steps to board and exit the bus. If you need assistance, we recommend that you bring a friend to give you a hand.
Guest Policy. Members must register their guests. Each PLATO member is entitled to bring one non-member guest per bus trip. (Members may bring more than one guest near the registration Deadline Date if seats are available. Check with trip organizer.) Non-member guests pay an additional $15.00 registration fee. PLATO Membership is $60.00/year.
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Free Time for Lunch, Shopping & Exploring
LUNCH is on your own*
*Group Lunch Option is available to those who want to register, but may be hesitant...not knowing anyone and uncomfortable eating alone. The group option lunch addresses this concern and is a good way to make new theater trip friends. Just answer "Yes" to Group Lunch questions on the registration form and we will take care of the rest. Restaurant to be determined.
11:00 AM - Arrives at Milwaukee Public Market
There are eight unique eateries contained within the Milwaukee Public Market.
There are also many nearby Third Ward restaurants from which to choose. For list of 12 PLATO theater trip participants' restaurant recommendations including websites and map, click here.
Historic Third Ward Official Map
Historic Third Ward Official Restaurant List
Historic Third Ward Official Shopping List
11:15 AM - Arrives at Milwaukee Rep
There are a number of restaurants within easy walking distance of the Milwaukee Rep located on both sides of the Milwaukee River and between the Milwaukee Public Market and the Milwaukee Rep.
For list of 18 restaurant recommendations from PLATO theater trip participants including websites and map, click here.
1:00 PM Stackner Cabaret Restaurant opens
Pre-matinee Anytime Menu available plus dessert list and full bar service. (Great Bloody Mary options)
Tip: Enjoy lunch at another restaurant and return early for dessert and coffee at the Stackner Cabaret.
Directions to the Stackner Cabaret: From the Milwaukee Rep’s Wells Street entrance, walk straight ahead to the atrium dome. The Stackner Cabaret is located on the 2nd floor. Take the elevator or escalator. From the 2nd floor elevator exit, walk around to the left into the promenade. From the escalator, you arrive in the promenade. Stackner Cabaret entrance is ahead on the left.
Itinerary
Bear in mind that our boarding bus route is like Madison Metro or any other municipal bus service. Please arrive early at your boarding stop so you don’t miss the bus. When everyone is aboard and seated, we leave. Arrive early and we will all arrive in Milwaukee on time to begin our adventure.
– Don’t be late. We can wait just 5 minutes at any one location.
– Pack water bottles and snacks for sustenance on the trip.
Leave Madison
8:30 AM Bus arrives at Oakwood University Woods for boarding.
8:55 AM Arrives at Capitol Lakes
9:15 AM Arrives at East Towne Sears
9:25 AM Departs for Milwaukee (Or, sooner if everyone is aboard)
In Milwaukee
11:00 AM Arrive Milwaukee Public Market and other nearby Third Ward restaurants
11:15 AM Arrive Milwaukee Rep Wells St. entrance for nearby downtown restaurants
11:30 AM Arrive Milwaukee Art Museum (Independent Study)
1:00 PM Stackner Cabaret opens
1:25 PM Return to Milwaukee Public Market for those who need a ride to the Stackner Cabaret and would rather not walk the five blocks to the Milwaukee Rep.
2:00 PM Black Pearl Sings performance begins
3:45 PM Arrive Milwaukee Art Museum for Independent Study participants
4:15 PM Black Pearl Sings performance ends
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM Board bus for return to Madison. There will be adequate time for coat check retrieval and restroom use
4:30 PM Depart for Madison (Or, sooner if everyone is aboard)
Arrive Madison (Estimated)
6:00 PM Return to East Towne Sears
6:20 PM Return to Capitol Lakes
6:40 PM Return to Oakwood University Oaks
Black Pearl Sings Mail-In Registration Forms (including instructions):
For further information, contact Black Pearl Sings theater trip organizer, Bob Blitzke, bblitzke@gmail.com and 608-271-7741
