The Show Must Go On: The Union Brings Fun Inside with Winter Programming
For those of you who thought fun at the Wisconsin Union ended when the Terrace chairs went inside, think again. The months after the chairs go into hibernation might include a blizzard or two, but we’ve got you covered when the outdoors are just too harsh to bear. Take a look at what’s happening at the Union this winter and early spring:
Lea Salonga
Her voice is immediately recognizable and her talent is undeniable. Lea Salonga will enchant you during her upcoming performance at Memorial Union. The Philippines-born actress and singer has lent her vocal talents for too many iconic roles to mention, including Mulan, Princess Jasmine, and Eponine in “Les Miserables”. And, now, she’s coming right here to Madison. This will undoubtedly be a sold-out performance that will leave audience members mesmerized. The show will take place in Shannon Hall on Sunday, April 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online and at the Memorial Union Box Office.
“Salonga is a real-life Disney Princess, but she’s also the Queen of Broadway. Most people will recognize her voice from ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Mulan’, but musical theatre fans know her as the star of numerous musical theatre productions including ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Allegiance’, and the Tony award-winning role of Kim in ‘Miss Saigon’. She has also made appearances on the CW’s ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’, is currently a judge on the Philippines’ ‘The Voice’, and was a special guest in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s popular ‘Ham4Ham’ ‘Hamilton’ pre-show. Her performance in Shannon Hall is sure to have plenty of Disney magic as well as jaw-dropping talent.” -Katy Lang, Special Projects Manager, Wisconsin Union Theater
Warm Up with Wheelhouse
Winter may be lacking in perks, but it is great time to try your hand at a new form of art. Wheelhouse Studios is offering classes all winter long, so you can finally learn how to make that Pinterest-inspired pottery and think spring as you create a pair of custom flip-flops. Wheelhouse is also hosting plenty of opportunities for you to channel your inner Monet with events like “One-Night Masterpiece – Monet’s Spring”. Plus, if you’ve always wanted to take drawing class but never found the time before, you’re in luck; “The Basics of Drawings” will give you the tools you need to sketch the world around you. Make the best, and warmest, of this winter at Wheelhouse Studios.
“When you take the time to create something for yourself, or a truly unique gift for someone else, while learning a new skill or craft, and then you get wear or gift that something, you feel a real sense of accomplishment. We all need to gift ourselves that feeling!” -Jay Ekleberry, Director, Wheelhouse Studios
Embrace the Unfamiliar
The Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) Music Committee has a reputation for bringing unique performers to the University of Wisconsin-Madison community. WUD Music has invited Jenny Hval, an experimental avant-garde musician whose performances are known for interesting visuals and collaborative art forms. Hval released her newest album in September 2016. The album has resonated with avant-garde fans and received positive acclaim from industry critics, but one could say the album’s greatest success is its use of sounds from pop music, which have made Hval’s music more accessible to people unfamiliar with the avant-garde genre. Opening for Hval is Samantha Glass, a Madison favorite. Known for experimental electronic music, Glass uses combinations of visual art and music to create a truly unique audience experience. Jenny Hval and Samantha Glass will be at the Sett in Union South on Friday, March 31 at 9 p.m.
“Jenny Hval has been in this scene for a while, but the new album has opened up avenues for her to explore as new audiences gain interest in her music. This is her first time performing in Madison, so I’m really excited for our community to experience her show. It’s one of a kind. In the past, she has incorporated costumes and other visuals to tell a story about issues in politics and society, which I think is really interesting and relevant for our audiences.” -Laura Oberwetter, Rathskeller Music Coordinator, WUD Music Committee
