Ever wonder what a Jewish lesbian might know about being black? The Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) begins its 34th season Aug. 7 with precisely that lively and intriguing discussion.

"Well," a two-time Tony nominee, uses several onstage performance artists to examine the past of one character but ultimately plunges into a discussion on cultural and social integration. The play tackles society's perspective on the wellness and health of the individual as they relate to the community.

These themes of societal ambiguity and internal confrontation are nothing new for the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre.

"Like always, MCT offers a beautiful script, acted by top notch talent, directed by a generous and crazy smart director, designed and executed by an amazing production staff, and presented in the hope that all will take away a funny and aching and intelligent examination of what it means to be human and how we run our lives," Angela Iannone, the lead actress in "Well," explains.

Through its production choices, the Theatre retains a strong affection for local artists engaging local communities.

"This particular cast of actors is a wonderful representation of Milwaukee talent and demonstrates Milwaukee Chamber Theatre's dedication to the local talent pool," Iannone says.

"MCT aims to bring a mix of well-written plays that engage, enlighten and challenge our audience, introducing people to a variety of insightful, provocative, resonant artistic voices that deserve and need to be heard," C. Michael Wright, producing artistic director, says.

The play's main character, Lisa, is a hip and trendy performance artist. Played by Iannone, Lisa, who usually performs solo, invites several actors to join her on stage in this performance of a performance.

Although Lisa claims the story is not autobiographical, the narrative is eerily similar to her own past and as the play unfolds, her mother sits in the audience wanting to ensure the truth and honesty of Lisa's words.

"The play reveals a mother / daughter relationship of love, pride, anger, frustration and the fear of being ‘just like her,' Iannone says.

However, as the play progresses, Lisa's mother interjects and ultimately derails the planned performance, exposing a fresh discussion on the ills of community and the unity that heals them together.

"I think Lisa is a person of enormous spirit and like many of us, values creativity and originality but finds being creative and original exhausting and emotionally costly," says Iannone.

A Midwest native, Iannone has been a mainstay with the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre for nearly 10 years.

"MCT is and has been my artistic home. I had a wonderful professional relationship with the late Monty Davis, former MCT Artistic Director, and have been delighted to grow an affectionate and admiring professional relationship with the new artistic staff," she says.

A Milwaukee favorite, Iannone has performed all over the city appearing with such companies as The Skylight, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Shakespeare, Milwaukee Symphony and First Stage Children's Theater.

Also a Midwesterner, Kron, the play's author, grew up in Lansing, Mi. Although "Well" was originally written for a Broadway audience, the thoughts and ideals of middle America dominantly permeate her story line and discussion.

"Her dialogue is incredibly funny and accessible, but she also introduces a lot of important, provocative topics. I think Milwaukeeans in particular can benefit from hearing her take on healthy communities and integration," Wright explains.

"Unlike most playwrights, Lisa Kron does not worry about structure. She's truly a free thinker. There's a beautiful (and rather profound) messiness to her writing.

"'Well" is a perfect example of the kind of play I want MCT to produce; it engages, enlightens and challenges. And I think Lisa Kron is a major new American voice that needs to be heard." 

"Well" opened on Broadway in 2006 and received two Tony award nominations.

"Well" is directed by Laura Gordon, a local director who comes to the MCT from nearly 15 years on the Resident Acting Company at Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

"This play presents such a wide range of issues, I wouldn't mind if everyone takes away something different. Lisa examines the complexities of her relationship with her mother pretty deeply, so I think a lot of people will identify with the parent-child struggle. Ultimately, I hope everyone leaves thinking just a little bit harder about what real integration means, both socially and personally," Wright explains.