As work continues at a furious pace to get Vivarium — Pabst Theater Group’s new East Side venue — ready for its first official show Feb. 22 with Molly Grace, chatter in the community has started to pick up in anticipation. Apparently, PTG heard the rumblings and decided to give the people what they want: an early first look at the fully operational facilities.
The preview show will go down next Tuesday, Feb. 20, with a pair of local artists on the bill: headliner Wave Chapelle and psych-pop-rock band Adorner in support. Besides the music on stage, attendees will get a chance to check out:
- Plumbing fixtures and bathroom furnishings, including custom tile, by Bradley Corporation
- Handcrafted light fixtures by Milwaukee design artist Charlie Niedzalkowski, including outdoor light pendants
- Wood walls made from 100-year-old trees in Northern Wisconsin, crafted by Bill Connors of Wabeno, Wisc.
- Custom furniture for backstage areas built by local designer and craftsman David Ribbens of SoDo Designs
OK, the backstage stuff might not be open to the public. But the rest of the space will be as the venue that PTG refers to as a “place of life” … comes to life for the first time. Tickets to the show are free on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved online (two-ticket limit).
