Break out the Aqua Net and zebra-striped pants: "Power Balladz: The Ultimate ‘80s Sing-A-Long" returns to the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theatre for a two-show run this weekend.
A hybrid rock concert, interactive game show and tongue-in-cheek history of "some of the greatest songs ever written by man, woman and/or beast," "Power Balladz" celebrates the "asinine and angelic '80s" through its signature sound: the power ballad.
Performers for this return Friday-through-Saturday engagement include the three singers that originated the show in Minneapolis: Dieter Bierbrauer, Randy Schmeling and Katy Nelson. Nelson and Schmeling both have local / state connections.
Nelson, born in Baraboo and raised in the Wisconsin Dells area, has been performing since the age of 17. One of her first gigs was singing "The Star Spangled Banner" at The Tommy Bartlett Water Show.
"Growing up in the Dells offered tons of job opportunities – one of them was performing," Nelson said. "I started at Mollie’s Dinner Theater and then got recruited to sing the National Anthem for three shows a day during the 'dancing waters' segment of the Bartlett Show. Tommy Bartlett spent three hours teaching me how to bow after I finished the song; he was that meticulous. I had to be in a specific place or would have gotten shot with lasers."
A veteran of multiple stage and musical productions as well as leading a popular "Glee Camp" for kids, Nelson was in the original Minneapolis production of "Power Balladz" at the Lab Theater in 2009. She was the only original cast member in last year’s Milwaukee production.
"This is the second time in Milwaukee with 'Power Balladz;' we had a blast last time," Nelson said. "The audience was crazy, and that’s how we like 'em. Tou know that they’re with you."
Schmeling has family in the Milwaukee area and has worked professionally in Wisconsin as an actor.
"I’m thrilled to finally be performing 'Power Balladz' in Milwaukee," Schmeling said. "I was unable to be there for the last performances we did at the Marcus Center, and I've still got plenty of family in and around the Milwaukee area who will hopefully be able to come to the show. I also have many friends in the Milwaukee theater scene, all of whom I met during my time working at American Folklore Theatre in Door County. I still try to make it out to Door County every summer. It is my favorite place on earth."
Speaking of her fellow cast members Schmeling, Bierbrauer and a crack five piece band, Nelson said, "I love these guys. You can see how much we like each other; they’re like brothers to me, and that comes across on stage. Like siblings, we can be horrible – making fun of each other – but always with love. It’s a great working environment."
But when it comes to the songs, they know that they’re dealing with the beloved soundtrack to many people’s lives.
"We try not to joke around too much with the material," Nelson said. "People love these songs so we try not to be too silly. We try to be as honest as possible – but frankly, some of it is kind of silly. One of Meat Loaf’s songs has lyrics about the ‘gods of sex, drums and rock and roll.' That is kind of over the top."
Nelson said that while the entire show is jammed with bic-flicking, heart-wrenching, sing along monster ballads, her personal favorite is Aerosmith’s "Dream On." She also said that Heart’s "Alone," goes over very well with the audience – especially the women.
"Get dressed up," she added. "Have a few cocktails before you come and be prepared to sing along and have some fun. We want you to feel like part of the show."
