Marcus Center facts for kids
The Marcus Performing Arts Center is a special place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where you can see all kinds of live shows. It was first called the Performing Arts Center. This center is known as Milwaukee's best spot for performing arts. It's located right in downtown Milwaukee and also serves as a memorial to war heroes.
Many local groups perform here regularly. These include the Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Ballet, and First Stage Children's Theater. Black Arts MKE and other arts groups also call it home. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra used to perform here from 1969 to 2020. The center also brings popular Broadway shows to Milwaukee through its "Broadway at the Marcus Center" series.
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Building and Its Story
The Marcus Center was designed by a famous architect named Harry Weese. He used a strong, modern style called Brutalism. People started planning this center way back in 1945. They wanted a place to honor war heroes and also host art, music, plays, and public talks.
Construction began on June 27, 1966. The plans included a big music hall, a stage for live plays, and a smaller hall for recitals. Two parks, Red Arrow and Pere Marquette, were also created nearby. A boat landing on the Milwaukee River was built, which led to today's Milwaukee Riverwalk.
The Performing Arts Center officially opened on September 17, 1969. The grand opening featured the Milwaukee Symphony and a famous opera. Stars from the American Ballet Theatre also performed. In its first month, the center hosted many famous acts. These included the New York Philharmonic, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong.
In 1970, the center won a special award for its amazing design. This award came from the American Institute of Architects.
The center changed its name in 1994. This happened after a big gift from the Marcus Corporation. The gift honored its founder, Ben Marcus, and his wife, Ceil.
Theater Stages and Spaces
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The Marcus Center has four main theater stages and many other useful spaces:
- Uihlein Hall - This is the biggest theater at the Marcus Center. It can seat 2,125 people. It's perfect for operas, musicals, concerts, and dance shows. It's named after the Uihlein family, who owned the old Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. It was updated in 1997 and again in 2020.
- Todd Wehr Theater - This hall is great for talks, concerts, and plays. It can seat 498 people.
- Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall - This theater holds 465 people. It's used for concerts, plays, and dance. In 2017, it was fully updated. It now has a new entrance from the Riverwalk.
- Peck Pavilion - This is an outdoor theater right on the Milwaukee River. It's open-air and has a lawn nearby. It's used for concerts, movies, and dance shows. It can seat 402 people.
- Bradley Pavilion - This is a large banquet hall. It has big glass windows and a private balcony. You can see the Milwaukee River from here. It can hold 700 people for receptions.
- Studio 4A - This is a rehearsal hall. It has mirrors and windows from floor to ceiling. It can seat 130 people.
- Green Room - This is a smaller room for banquets and meetings. It can hold 110 people for receptions.
- Anello Atrium & Magin Lounge - These spaces are just outside Uihlein Hall. They have high ceilings and glass walls with city views.
- Fitch Garden - This is an outdoor garden with a fountain.
The center's grounds also feature cool outdoor art. These include "Laureate" by Seymour Lipton and "Trigon" by Allen Ditson.
Famous Performances
Many famous artists have performed at the Marcus Center over the years.
- In 1974, The Marshall Tucker Band recorded some songs here. These songs appeared on their albums.
- Ray Charles performed at the center in 1973.
- Jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald performed with Oscar Peterson in 1976.
- Folk singer Joan Baez performed in 1979.
- Country stars Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash performed in 1981.
- Violinist Itzhak Perlman gave a recital in 1984.
The very first "Broadway at the Marcus Center" season was in 1994. It featured popular shows like Grease, Hello Dolly!, and The Phantom of the Opera.
The building itself started to be lit up with special lights in 2008. Some of these "light paintings" were inspired by the art of Georgia O'Keeffe.
Images for kids
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The Peck Pavilion, an outdoor theater
See also
- List of concert halls
