ABOUT THIs PROJECT​

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A call was put forth for performance makers of all kinds to conceive, write, and present a new work in progress, honoring the old Milwaukee tradition of the neighborhood bar. Those selected have created something never seen before from conception to stage in a short amount of time. You will witness three of those each night at the stage that they are at in development. We welcome you to return to see the other three! Artists will engage with our bartender who is a seasoned actor, and who will open the show with a prepared monologue. He will then help tell the stories within each show, reading from his book of stories, morphing into each of their bartenders as the show requires. Each performance will begin with the opening monologue from An Evening with The Bartender previously performed and written by the late and extremely great Randall T. Anderson. This is being done with knowledge of, and encouragement from his partner Gretchen Eastman who is now the owner and guardian of their brilliant creation. This new works project is inspired by the history of the neighborhood bar and those who create its colorful stories. It will honor Randall’s spirit, enthusiasm and endless support for the art of performance.

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"The Bar Project arose from the energy of an Eyeing (cross-media Autofiction, Eyeing & Other Work — OCULUS4174) workshop hosted by the Brick House. While leading this workshop, I had an idea. I was reminded of the central role that the local pub has played in MIlwaukee’s history. In these isolating times, a place where you can go and find your community is even more important than it was in the “old days”. Equally important is the creation of new artistic performance works. As famous as we are for our beer, this town was known worldwide for its innovative solutions. New works don’t just happen in a factory, they also happen onstage. Two courageous, MKE based, women producers joined forces with me on the creation of this project, Amanda J Hull and Amber Regan. They and the creators are the future of performance innovation in town. I am proud of all of them. This new work, created for this gathering spot, serves both historic roles and current day needs. I hope you enjoy these shows. I hope there are more in the future. Please pass the word. Your presence is a present. Thank you. "

~Rebecca Holderness

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