It’s the time of year when the kids go back to school, the air turns crisp, and the leaves fall. It’s Halloween and Thanksgiving. It’s John McGivern’s stories of growing up in an Irish-Catholic family on the East Side of Milwaukee. It’s our shared experiences and family connections that remind us all that as specific as we might believe our experiences are, we all share a universal human experience.
John, I am a first time participant in your shows. I just saw Kodachrome and loved it. I laughed and cried. I loved the nostalgia, a sentimental bond I felt with the show. This was our first Christmas without the Matriarch of our family, my Grandmother. Your performance hit close to my heart. I was moved. Thank you.
People of Milwaukee - Thank your lucky stars JM was born in your part of the world - you are blessed. Some of us wish you would tour in Wonder Bread Years - like to Dallas Texas! Have loved all of your work - will save money to buy your DVDs, but seeing you in person, live on stage is the best -
Love,
John- loved your touching story reminiscing about your Family picnic, especially how your brother got to sit in the front seat, on the way home.
I was just going to complain that you never come to Elm Grove and then I read some of the comments left by other people who enjoy you as much as I do and see that you've been there before. So come again soon!!! : )
Hi Mr. McGivern, My wife and I saw you at Grafton High School. I was raised in Milwaukee and I am 50 years old. You are awesome! You brought me back to memories of my old parish, St. Roman's, and my day's of delivering the Milwaukee Journal. My wife and I are still laughing at the good old stories. Thank you so much for your wonderful show!
Dear John: Just got home from the "Wonder Bread Years". I just had to fire up the old computer and let you know how awesome the show was. I am amazed that I could have forgotten clackers until you brought them out. Thanks for bringing me back to my childhood and all the memories... I am definitely a McGiven fan and hope to see your new show this Christmas.
John, My college friends and I were yukking it up on the front rows last Sunday. We were the rain bonnet/Ms. Brookfield women. You were just so great, and we had a fabulous time. They went home singing the praises of Milwaukee and you. Many thanks for such a laughing/ crying good time.
Just saw the last performance of "The Wonder Bread Years" at Vogel Hall. Oh My God did that take me back ALOT of years! I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time. Keep up the good work, and I can't wait to see another performance. Miss you on chanel 4, I always looked forward to seeing you. you always help me look at the humorous side of life.
Hi John, Just want to say thanks for a wonderful afternoon at the Kohler Arts Center. We were there last Sunday with our friends and it was a great show. What a great little theater. As always, you made us laugh out loud. We hope you enjoyed your wine. Merry Christmas to you & Steve!
John, just returned from wonder years, your monologue was awesome, I am still laughing. I must admit I cut my grandson's peanut butter and jelly sandwich in triangles. He's 16 and loves his sandwiches that way. Thanks for taking me back to my youth and memories I had forgotten.
Hi John, Went to see Shear Madness last night and I have to say I had a really good time. My first time to see a big play and you were the funniest!! Keep up the good work and I will for sure see it again. take care.
Hi John, We just saw Shear Madness, and absolutely loved it. My friends and I all agreed, it was the best, and funniest, show we have ever seen. You are hysterical!!!! Thanks for making us laugh for almost 2 hours!!! Looking forward to your next performance.
Hi John, I just want to let you know how much I enjoyed Shear Madness last night. I have never laughed so hard! I think this is the 4th or 5th show of yours that I have seen and so far it is my favorite (with Wonder Bread Years being a close second).
John, I spoke to you at the benefit you gave for Catholic East last year. I told you about my daughter the Little Leaguer.....anyway, I just heard you with Dave & Carole and love hearing the stories about SS Peter & Paul. I am an acolyte too. Keep doing what you are doing. It is AWESOME Thanks.
Hello John, My wife Marie and I were at the 4:00PM performance of Bunk Bed Brothers last Saturday. We are still laughing when we recall some of the scenes. The set and the props were excellent. Keep up the great work. Neil Diamond would have loved the show!
John, you are just an amazing story teller, the stories of life on Bartlett and the fashionable Eastside are always fun to hear and it's always entertaining to hear more stories about Mike. By the way your Mom and Dad taught me how to play Hearts many years ago in that house on Bartlett behind McDonalds