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The set feels remarkably cozy. There’s a piano, so framed art prints on the walls and a comfy couch. A man rests at the piano. His student will arrive shortly. Things flow rather gracefully from there as Milwaukee Chamber Theatre presents Old Wicked Songs. The man at the piano is Jody Hirsh playing Professor Mashkan, an aging Viennese vocal instructor who is forced to deal with a rather difficult student. Brett Ryback summons a great deal of restless strength in the role of Stephen, a piano prodigy who had burnt-out early. He’s having difficulty reconnecting with the piano. His frustration over having to study vocals causes considerable friction between Stephen and his instructor. Gradually the two come to understand a connection that serves as the heart of an

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