Memories of Melody Top: Remembering Milwaukee’s Summer Stock Theatre

From 1975 to 1984, Mib (Bramlette) Braun appeared in over three dozen productions at Melody Top. Well known to audiences because of her big smile and even bigger voice, she excelled in chorus and supporting roles. A good example of her growth as a performer is found in the roles she played for productions of GYPSY during her first and last summers at the Top. In the earlier season she portrayed both a Hollywood Blonde and Renee (the title character's maid); in the latter summer she created a hilarious Mazeppa. Enjoy this gallery from Mib's collection, which provides a charming glimpse of the lasting friendships she formed in Milwaukee.

ANYTHING GOES ANYTHING GOES ANYTHING GOES BITTER SWEET CAN-CAN GREASE MELODY TOP GROUP HIGH BUTTON SHOES HOW TO SUCCEED HOW TO SUCCEED MAME PETER PAN PIPPINPIPPIN PIPPIN THE SOUND OF MUSIC THE WIZARD OF OZ A CONNECTICUT YANKEE A CONNECTICUT YANKEE A CONNECTICUT YANKEE

Of course, Mib also had the privilege of working directly with some of Melody Top's beloved guest stars. Below are scans of photographs, most of them autographed by the stars she shared the stage with for many memorable summers, from Mib's scrapbook.

ANNIE GET YOUR GUN ANYTHING GOES ON A CLEAR DAY HOW TO SUCCEED THE MERRY WIDOW THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN THE PAJAMA GAME PIPPIN THE WIZARD OF OZ ZORBA

The real treasures from Mib's collection of photos are these two color images taken of her clever costumes for PIPPIN (1978) and FOLLIES (1977). Costume designs are by Jan Valentine with Ann Bruskiewitz (for FOLLIES) and Bruce Goodrich (for PIPPIN).

Mib Bramlette Melody Top Costume Photos

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