Aaron R. Conklin
Articles
Capital City’s latest is a tightly packaged experience
You really have to admire the artistry Capital City Theater has used to fit “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” into the confines of a Fitchburg barn.
Capital City Theatre’s latest production, ‘Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812,’ provides an immersive experience
Capital City Theatre chose a Fitchburg agricultural community center to stage its latest, sold-out show.
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ soars and sours at Overture
Madison premiere is a reminder that while the show’s songs pack power, the plot’s painfully problematic.
3 wine bars that let you pour your own wine
There’s also something to be said for the simple joy of pouring it yourself.
April 2022
Casem AbuLughod on upcoming role in “Russian Troll Farm,” his first big show and that time he felt like Mel Brooks
As local actor gears up for Forward Theater show running April 21-May 8, he looks back on a few stage memories.
Take a short drive to one of these 21 area wineries
There are a proliferating number of wineries in the area.
April 2022
American Players Theatre closes in on winner of Ides of March Madness bracket
Aaron Conklin provides updates on the theater-themed showdown, a last-call for 'Prom,' birthday shoutouts and his suggestion on what to watch next
University Theater’s ‘Heathers’ could be beautiful
American Players Theatre's Jake Penner takes on a dark cult classic.
Actor sees herself in Forward’s ‘The Mytilenean Debate’
Samra Teferra, lead of Forward Theater Co.'s production running through March 13 at the Playhouse, shares Stage Right/Stage Wrong moments.
Aaron’s one-minute read: ‘Hairspray’ loses some of its hold
Theater reviewer gives his take on the touring production at Overture Center, plus upcoming must-sees
Quick look: Big show postponed plus upcoming must-sees
This one-minute read gives you the top headline in local theater and reviewer Aaron R. Conklin's performance picks
Children’s Theater of Madison’s ‘Stellaluna’ director plays with movement, then and now
Brian Cowing, whose upcoming show uses puppeteers and artistic sign language, remembers an early-career mishap that was less than graceful.
Andrew Abrams on a dream realized and his next Madison show
Capital City Theatre's artistic director to stage "But I'm a Cheerleader!" in London, then return to Madison for next local show: “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.”
10 steakhouses that turn prime cuts of beef into masterpieces
Steaks can be complex, even for those who enjoy them regularly, so we’ve identified both the signature and most popular cuts at each location.
December 2021
American Players Theater announces 2022 season, welcoming full audience
Nine shows include five reschedules from the canceled 2020 docket; official summer 2022 schedule coming early January
Q&A with the hauntmaster who’s dished out a decade of scares at Screamin’ Acres
As the Stoughton haunted house wraps up its 10th anniversary season this weekend, we look back on a decade of terror with hauntmaster Jacob Eugster.
Capital City Theatre launches its new season with a musical revue after an 18-month hiatus
When it came to deciding which show to stage after sifting through more than 20 possible shows, the answer proved to be simple and straightforward: Go with a musical revue.
Home sweet (new) home for Children’s Theatre of Madison
The 56-year-old theater company debuts its space in the new MyArts Center.
8 craft cocktails to try on a night out
Local purveyors excel at these alcohol-based works of art, which elevate both familiar liquors and less familiar aperitifs to new heights
September 2021
The state of restaurant 107 State
Nathan Mergen’s restaurant finds a new way forward by staying hyperfocused on two elements of its original menu.
May 2021
11 standout Madison burger restaurants
Start here to explore Madison’s stacked burger scene.
April 2021
Cozy up with these 12 comforting local soups
When the weather’s cold, these local offerings will warm your stomach — and your soul.
December 2020
10 Madison restaurants serving up backyard favorite: fried chicken
Elevate your summertime picnic with an offering from a local spot.
July 2020
American Players Theatre goes digital with film ‘Talk to Me: Love in the Time of COVID’
Short film came together quickly over Zoom
Overture Center unveils 2020-21 Broadway shows
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ among the musicals coming to town
8 places to get delicious dumplings
Grab your utensils and let’s get dippin’.
April 2020
A ‘Wicked’ pleasure
A bit of surreal escapism before the coronavirus boom drops
Forward Theater Co. unveils 2020-21 season of plays
Company to tell 'The United Stories of America' on stage
Play about a serial killer challenges morbid fascination
Two Crows’ ‘Down the Road’ peers inside the mind of a monster
Colleen Madden puts on spooky holiday solo show
APT alum adapts another Charles Dickens story
10 Madison-based food gift ideas for the holiday season
Plus two different gift box ideas
13 places you might be surprised to find out deliver in Madison
Plus most-ordered from places through EatStreet
The ‘Wizard of Park Street’ still sells difficult-to-find comic books
20th Century Books is hidden in plain sight
Actor deals deftly with onstage beer bottle, buckets of blood
Stage Right/Stage Wrong with Anna Pfefferkorn
‘The Book of Mormon’ is still good
Touring production continues to mine the laughs
APT’s Jamal James endures broken knee, hand
Actor shares past with ‘Stage Right/Stage Wrong'
Go ahead, be salty with these 14 giant soft pretzels
What could be better than a salty, fluffy pretzel?
Local theater companies stage newer works in lieu of the classics
Bartell Theatre companies take chances this season
