2023-24
REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
ABOUT THE MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
A mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, the Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) brings high-quality arts and cultural programming to Southeastern Wisconsin. MPAC strives to act as an energizing force that connects the community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement, and the transformative power of the performing arts.
Serving more than 300,000 people annually through multiple performance series and community events, MPAC brings a vibrant range of celebrated performing arts to the region including Broadway at the Marcus Center, MPAC Presents, Dance, Jazz, and additional special performances from internationally renowned artists.
MPAC’s education, community engagement, and inclusion initiatives provide free experiences designed to engage young audiences and serve students and life-long learners.
A fixture in Milwaukee for over 55 years, MPAC is home to four major resident companies: Black Arts MKE, First Stage, The Florentine Opera, and Milwaukee Ballet. MPAC is proud to be part of the Milwaukee Theater District as well as a dedicated War Memorial facility, honoring those who bravely served our country.
2023/24 SEASON
A Season of iMPACt and a Promising Future
As we reflect on the 2023/24 season at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, we are reminded of the transformative journey we have gone through in the past few years. Since our inception in 1969, MPAC has stood as an anchor of creativity and connection in our region, captivating generations through world-class performances and community-centered cultural experiences.
This report to the community represents the tremendous cultural impact you made possible with your support of the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
From the Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center Series and renowned ensembles like the Dance Theatre of Harlem to the innovative Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra, MPAC brought inspiration, wonder, and innovation to over 300,000 people this season, enriching lives and fostering a deep appreciation for the arts.
Looking ahead, we are energized by the path we are charting for the future. Central to our mission is a commitment to creating a more representative and equitable community so that we may continue to represent the diversity of our community through high-quality arts and entertainment.
Our programs ensure that our stages and audiences reflect all the people of Milwaukee, creating spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all. We were proud to launch our reimagined Rainbow Summer series at the start of the season, offering free programming to our community through an immersive, interactive public art display and five nights of live entertainment.
Last fall, MPAC’s Cultural Ambassador, Donald Driver, partnered with MPAC and First Stage on a unique collaboration and co-commission of the new play, Dream, Quickie! Dream!, based on Driver’s four children’s books. Our partnership with Driver as Cultural Ambassador continues to highlight the transformative impact of the arts, culture, and community engagement by expanding access to the performing arts for underserved youth, families, and communities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
This season we also launched the Culture Collective, a new addition to our performance lineup that celebrates the contributions of artists from diverse backgrounds and artistic disciplines. Additionally, as part of our programming, we offered educational workshops and masterclasses to local students, giving them a hands-on learning experience with professional artists. Many of our MPAC Presents artists also gave a special daytime performance for K-12 students as part of our Student Matinee Series.
These programs illustrate our commitment to intentional and innovative efforts to broaden accessibility, connect with audiences, and foster meaningful connections through high-quality arts and entertainment that reflect the Milwaukee community.
As you explore this annual report, we invite you to celebrate the milestones we’ve achieved together this season and envision the possibilities that lie ahead. With your continued support, MPAC will remain a vibrant anchor for the arts, a home for local performing arts organizations, and a cultural hub where creativity thrives and communities connect.
Thank you to our donors, subscribers, partners, and audiences for being an essential part of this journey. Your generosity provides the support required to take our mission to the next level while building a strong foundation for a more sustainable future. Together, we’ll continue to inspire, innovate, and elevate the arts for generations to come.
Kevin Giglinto
Lori Craig President & CEO Board Chair
2023-24 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
The Marcus Performing Arts Center is committed to providing dynamic programming that inspires, educates, and connects all of us through the performing arts. Whether you have generously donated, dedicated your time as a volunteer, or attended a performance this season, we are grateful for your role in our arts community. Thank you for your contribution in bringing world-class artistic experiences to life in Milwaukee at the Marcus Performing Arts Center!
Rainbow Summer:
HIGHLIGHT featuring Evanescent
Last summer saw the return of Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT, a reinvention of a longtime summer tradition in Milwaukee. In collaboration with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, we were proud to present the inflatable, large-scale art display “Evanescent” by Atelier Sisu, which featured three sets of four bubbles each. Throughout the week, we welcomed over 10,000 people to our grounds to enjoy five nights of free live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more.
Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT is at the heart of our mission at the Marcus Center – to be a community gathering space for all, connecting each other through the transformative power of live performing arts.
MPAC and First Stage Team
Up for Dream, Quickie! Dream!
MPAC was thrilled to partner with First Stage and MPAC Cultural Ambassador Donald Driver in the fall on a unique collaboration and co-commission of the new play, Dream, Quickie! Dream! Based on Driver’s four children’s books, Dream, Quickie! Dream! is a story about Donald “Quickie” Driver’s resilience and journey towards rediscovering the power of big dreams.
This collaboration demonstrates the value and impact of two leading arts organizations working together to create an original performance with the power to connect all audiences. Together, Donald Driver, First Stage, and MPAC have been able to dream bigger to bring the magic of live theater to the community.
Debut of Culture Collective
MPAC launched the Culture Collective, a new addition to our performance lineup that celebrates the contributions of artists from diverse backgrounds and artistic disciplines. This programming aligns with our commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) and reinforces our mission to foster an inclusive and vibrant cultural community.
This year’s Collective featured seven performances from prominent Black artists ranging from award-winning musicians to renowned dance companies. Learn more about the Collective on page 14.
Make-A-Wish Wisconsin Partnership Launched
This season, MPAC and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin teamed up to grant wishes and create unique arts experiences for local children battling critical illnesses. Throughout the season, Wish families participated in MPAC’s Family Nights program, which offers interactive, family-friendly activities tied to performances.
Special thanks to the Mars Family Foundation for sponsoring this magical opportunity! Learn more about this incredible program on page 10.
40 Years of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
In January, we hosted the 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration. This milestone event honored the life and legacy of Dr. King by showcasing student winners in art, speech, and writing contests. This year, MPAC proudly presented the inaugural Reverend Joseph Ellwanger Social Justice Award to its namesake, Rev. Joseph Ellwanger.
For four decades, young people have been the heart of this celebration, expressing Dr. King’s timeless messages through creativity and self-expression. Since 1984, Milwaukee has proudly stood alongside Atlanta as one of the only cities to host an annual celebration in honor of Dr. King’s birthday. This enduring tradition has impacted the lives of countless Milwaukee youth and reflects our commitment to the principles of equality, justice, and unity.
Broadway Brings Big Impact
Our Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center Series continues to make a significant impact in our community. The 2023/24 Broadway season drew over 115,000 people and contributed $29.6 million in economic impact for Milwaukee.
This year, we introduced post-show talkbacks, Lunch & Load-In donor events, and Broadway Buzz pre-show conversations to enhance audience engagement and further enrich the Broadway experience.
“The Marcus Center’s culture of inclusivity shows up on the stage, in the classroom, and in our community. It helps connect us as a community and keep us engaged with each other.”
Paula Maggio, MGIC Executive Vice President & MPAC Board Member
BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS
As one of the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s sponsors of Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT and our new initiative, the Culture Collective, MGIC exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated partner and neighbor. For MGIC, supporting MPAC isn’t just about championing the arts—it’s about fostering a thriving community.
“MGIC is committed to supporting our downtown Milwaukee neighborhood,” shared Paula Maggio, MGIC Executive Vice President and MPAC Board Member. “By supporting and partnering with MPAC, together, we’re building community right here in our neighborhood and in our city.”
MGIC’s dedication to strengthening community ties aligns with MPAC’s mission to bring people together through transformative arts experiences. MGIC employees volunteered at a Student Matinee performance of Step Afrika!, experiencing firsthand the impact of bringing diverse stories to the stage as they guided excited students to their seats.
MGIC also sees its support for MPAC as an extension of its commitment to homeownership and Milwaukee’s cultural landscape. “The arts play a vital role in ensuring the place we all call home can thrive and grow,” Maggio noted.
The partnership between MGIC and MPAC extends beyond financial support. Employees enjoy engaging in MPAC initiatives like Rainbow Summer, a series of free community events hosted on the Marcus Center lawn. “The excitement is visible when employees look out their office windows and see the bright colors of public art or hear the music from the outdoor pavilion,” Maggio stated. “It’s the perfect reminder of the vibrant and connected community we are proud to call home.”
What makes this partnership truly special is its deep-rooted history. When MGIC designed its downtown campus, the marble exterior was inspired by the original facade of MPAC, symbolizing a shared commitment to creating a unified neighborhood. “Our partnership dates back to the very beginning of MGIC moving into the neighborhood,” Maggio explained. “That spirit of neighborhood unity remains at the heart of our partnership today.”
As MGIC continues to support initiatives like the Culture Collective and Rainbow Summer, their contributions help ensure that MPAC remains a hub of creativity, inclusion, and connection. By investing in MPAC, MGIC reinforces its belief in the transformative power of the arts to build stronger communities, one performance, one program, and one partnership at a time.
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
Engaging 10,000+ Students Through the Arts
The Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Student Matinee Series continues to inspire and educate the next generation by providing unforgettable arts experiences for K-12 students across Southeastern Wisconsin.
In the 2023/24 season, over 10,000 young people attended seven captivating performances, including our first-ever sensory-friendly presentation of Show Way The Musical from the Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences. This special sensory-friendly performance was sponsored by The Wispact Foundation. These daytime performances are thoughtfully curated to spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking by bringing history, science, and storytelling to life through the performing arts.
Each Student Matinee is designed to enhance classroom learning, offering more than just a field trip. Participating schools receive comprehensive study materials with lesson plans and arts-integration opportunities, allowing educators to connect the performances to their curriculum.
For many students, these shows are their first exposure to live theater, making it a powerful and transformative experience that broadens their horizons and deepens their understanding of the world around them.
This season’s series, made possible through the generous support of Bader Philanthropies, Inc., the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and the Herzfeld Foundation, underscores MPAC’s commitment to fostering a lifelong love for the arts. By offering accessible and enriching programs like the Student Matinee Series, MPAC is investing in the cultural and educational growth of our community’s youth, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant and integral part of their lives for years to come.
Thank you from Lake Bluff Elementary School
“Today me and my classmates went to Black Violin. We heard jazz, hip hop, rock, blues, classical, and we had so much fun!”
Esther, 1st grader at Lake Bluff Elementary School
ADVANCING EQUITY IN THE ARTS
Culture Collective Launch Reflects MPAC’s Commitment to Inclusion
In alignment with the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s commitment to creating a more representative and equitable community, we launched the Culture Collective in the 2023/24 season. This exciting addition to our performance lineup celebrates and elevates the contributions of artists from diverse backgrounds across a spectrum of artistic disciplines.
In its inaugural year, the Culture Collective showcased seven performances by prominent Black artists ranging from award-winning musicians and dance companies to theatrical performances.
A cornerstone of the Culture Collective is its educational opportunities. Alongside our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration, we presented student matinee performances with Black Violin and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, allowing us to reach younger generations with transformative experiences in the arts.
Additionally, we offered masterclass opportunities with celebrated artists like the Dance Theatre of Harlem and Delfeayo Marsalis, where students from our community and educational partners learned directly from these professional artists, broadening their perspectives and fostering their own creative potential.
As a premier cultural gathering place in Milwaukee and one of the largest performing arts venues in the state, MPAC is dedicated to ensuring that our programs reflect all voices and experiences of our community. Through programs like the Culture Collective, we aim to create an environment where all feel welcome, valued, and inspired by the transformative power of the arts.
To learn more about our REDI commitment scan the QR code or visit MarcusCenter.org/about/redi
“MPAC has made a clear commitment to ensuring that racial equality, diversity, and inclusion are the center of their work. At every level of this institution, this important priority continues to serve as a guiding principle.”
Donald Driver, NFL Champion and MPAC Cultural Ambassador
300K+
ANNUAL ATTENDEES
550+ ARTISTS PRESENTED ON OUR STAGES
300+ PERFORMANCES IN THE 2023/24 SEASON
10K+
9K+
YOUTH SERVED ANNUALLY THROUGH FREE OR LOW-COST PROGRAMMING
ANNUAL ARTS SUBSCRIBERS
50% OF OUR PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS THE VOICES AND STORIES OF DIVERSE ARTISTS
250+ VOLUNTEERS 50+ COMMUNITY AND EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS 257% INCREASE IN DONORS SINCE LAUNCHING OUR FUNDRAISING PROGRAM IN 2021
$32.4M ESTIMATED ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT
IMPACT BY COUNTY
MPAC attracts patrons from all over the region. Over half of ticket buyers reside in neighboring counties and travel to downtown Milwaukee to experience live performing arts.
This map highlights ticket sales that include audience zip code data from the 2023/24 season.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
As we continue our business model shift toward a diverse mix of community and cultural programming, rentals, and increased philanthropic giving, the Marcus Performing Arts Center prioritizes transparency and accountability.
The 18-month COVID-19 closure, planned departure of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and reduced county funding have significantly impacted our revenue streams, creating a temporary structural deficit. We’re tackling these challenges head-on by boosting our fundraising efforts, expanding our programming, implementing cost-saving measures, and investing in new technology to improve efficiency and revenue generation.
We are so grateful for the support of our donors, subscribers, audiences, and partners, whose generosity empowers us to make a difference in the lives of those that we serve. As stewards of your support, we are committed to providing a comprehensive overview of how we manage and allocate resources to fulfill our mission, demonstrating the impact of your investment in our organization.
2023/24 Season Sponsors
MPAC is incredibly grateful to the following partners for their generous commitment and investment in our mission.
The Marcus Performing Arts Center is supported in part by grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board and Milwaukee Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin, the National Endowment for the Arts, and Arts Midwest. Marcus Performing Arts Center is a proud affiliate of United Performing Arts Fund.
COMMUNITY & EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS
The Marcus Performing Arts Center is proud to partner with a variety of regional partners on our annual performance series, community engagement & inclusion programs, and civic events. Partners are selected based on their alignment with our organization’s mission and vision. Thank you to our partners in our 2023/24 season!
HEALTH & WELLNESS
• Barre Milwaukee
• Children’s Wisconsin
Froedtert Health
• HIR Wellness Institute
• United Health Care
• Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin
• YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
SOCIAL SERVICE
• Bay View Community Center
• Independence First
• Milwaukee Center for Independence
• Neighborhood House of Milwaukee
• Salvation Army
• Silver Spring Neighborhood Center
• St. Ann Center
• UMOS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE PARTNERS
• Professional Dimensions
• HPGM
• Hmong American Friendship Association
• Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
• Latino Chamber of Commerce
• Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition
• National Panhellenic Council of Milwaukee
• Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
• WI Veterans Chamber of Commerce
EDUCATION & YOUTH PARTNERS
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Boy Scouts of America
• Girl Scouts of Wisconsin
• Make-A-Wish Wisconsin
• Milwaukee Teacher’s Education Association
• Milwaukee Public Schools
• Milwaukee Youth Sports Alliance Next Door
• Operation DREAM
• PEARLS for Teen Girls
• Project Kindred
• Running Rebels
• St. Rose Youth & Family Center UWM Peck School of the Arts
• Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
ARTS PARTNERS
• HYFIN
• Milwaukee Jazz Institute
• Milwaukee Youth Theatre
• TBEY Arts Center
• TRUE Skool, Inc.
ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS
• Audio & Braille Literacy Enhancement (ABLE)
• Consulate of Mexico in Milwaukee
• Milwaukee County Transit System
• Milwaukee Downtown / BID #21
• Southeastern Oneida Tribal Services
RESIDENT COMPANIES
In addition to offering our own arts and cultural programming for the community, the Marcus Performing Arts Center serves as the home for four resident companies that present many of their performances at the Marcus Center: Black Arts MKE, First Stage, The Florentine Opera, and Milwaukee Ballet.
BLACK ARTS MKE
Black Arts MKE (BAMKE)’s mission is to increase the availability and quality of African American arts and culture. In the 2023/24 season, BAMKE presented the 8th Annual Black Nativity by Langston Hughes and Theatre for Young Audiences: Hip Hop Hooray! at MPAC as well as their annual Youth Performing Arts Camp.
FIRST STAGE
First Stage touches hearts and transforms lives through professional theater productions that engage, enlighten and entertain. First Stage’s Family Series at the Todd Wehr Theater is geared towards children from ages 3 and up to ages 10 and up. Productions featured at the Marcus Center this season included: Dream, Quickie! Dream!, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical.
THE FLORENTINE OPERA
The Florentine Opera is Milwaukee’s oldest performing arts organization, producing a full range of operatic works reflecting the highest musical and theatrical standards. During their 90 th season, the Florentine Opera presented several works at the Marcus Center: Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, Offenbach’s Songbird, and Puccini’s La Bohème.
MILWAUKEE BALLET
Founded in 1970, Milwaukee Ballet strives to inspire its audiences to think within and beyond traditional ballet through the presentation of quality performances and the implementation of education opportunities. The 2023/24 Season of Transformation featured Michael Pink’s Dracula alongside the beloved fairy tale Cinderella. The season also included the world premiere of The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium, a brand-new staging of the holiday classic.
A MAGICAL PARTNERSHIP
Donor Spotlight: The Mars Family Foundation
For Brandi and Sean Mars of the Mars Family Foundation, the arts are more than a passion— they’re a lifelong source of creativity, joy, and connection. Growing up immersed in the arts, both Brandi and Sean saw firsthand how the arts can shape lives. Now, as dedicated supporters of the Marcus Performing Arts Center, they’re ensuring future generations have access to those same opportunities.
“The arts have always held a special place in our hearts, both for personal reasons and because of the incredible impact they have on the community,” Sean shares. Their daughter Molly, a passionate advocate for the arts, further deepened their understanding of how underfunded these programs can be. “We share her belief in the importance of making them accessible to everyone, especially in a city as vibrant and diverse as Milwaukee,” Sean says.
One initiative especially close to their hearts is MPAC’s partnership with Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, which launched this season with the support of the Mars Family Foundation. Reflecting on his most memorable experience, Sean recalls the night of the Disney’s Aladdin after-party with the cast, which brought Wish kids and their families together for an unforgettable evening. “Seeing the joy and wonder on the kids’ faces as they interacted with the cast was truly inspiring,” Sean says. “Hearing some of the kids say it was just as incredible as their actual wish was both humbling and awe-inspiring. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of the arts to create magical, transformative moments.”
“Knowing that our contributions help create accessible and inclusive experiences for all—whether through amazing performances, outreach programs, or partnerships like Make-AWish—makes being part of this mission incredibly fulfilling.”
The Mars family is particularly inspired by MPAC’s commitment to inclusivity. “We see our contribution as a way to help ensure that the Marcus Center remains a welcoming space where everyone in the community feels seen, valued, and inspired,” Sean notes.
For Brandi and Sean, supporting MPAC is about ensuring the transformative power of the arts reaches everyone, especially through the collaboration between MPAC and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. “These programs are incredibly meaningful because they bring joy, hope, and unforgettable experiences to children and families who truly deserve it. Seeing how these moments can lift the spirits of Make-A-Wish kids and create lifelong memories is deeply moving and inspires us to continue our support,” Sean says. “The arts can change lives, and everyone should have the opportunity to share in that magic.”
The Mars Family Foundation is helping MPAC bring the magic of the arts to Milwaukee while creating lifelong memories for families through the Make-A-Wish partnership. It’s a mission they’re proud to stand behind, knowing their generosity will continue to make an impact for years to come.
MPAC ANNUAL DONORS
We are so grateful to all the donors who have made a pledge of gift(s) to the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Thank you for supporting our mission to connect our community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement, and the transformative power of live performing arts. The following list represents organizations and individuals who have made a cumulative contribution of $250 or more between August 1, 2023 and August 30, 2024.
LUMINARY • $50,000+
The Ambassador Hotel
Anonymous (2)
Bader Philanthropies, Inc.
Herzfeld Foundation
Johnson Financial Group
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
Ticketmaster LLC
ANCHOR • $25,000+
Fields Automotive Group
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Sazama’s Fine Catering
LEADER • $10,000+
Brewers Community Foundation
Broadway Across America
CBS 58
CG Schmidt, Inc.
Interstate Parking
The Marcus Corporation Foundation
Mars Family Foundation
Meier Family Foundation
MGIC
MPS Partnership for the Arts & Humanities
National Endowment for the Arts
PepsiCo
PNC Foundation
Lynn Sprangers and Mike Gousha
THINKLimo
US Bank
Ray and Kelly Wilson
Wisconsin Arts Board
Wispact Foundation
SUSTAINER • $5,000+
Mike and Tia Abuls
Anonymous
Alvaro Araque
Children’s Wisconsin
Eric Durant and Scott Swickard
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Bruce and Marianne Miller Fund
Hallman Lindsay
Evan and Marion Helfaer Foundation
Kohl’s Inc.
Elizabeth Kozinski
Syneathia and Robert LaGrant
Lexico
ManpowerGroup
David and Melina Marcus
Milwaukee Arts Board
Milwaukee County CAMPAC
Milwaukee County Office of Equity
New England Foundation for the Arts
Northwestern Mutual
Perlick Corporation
Staci Schluechtermann
Bert L. & Patricia S. Steigleder
Charitable Trust
United Performing Arts Fund
Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin
WE Energies Foundation
PRODUCER • $2,500+
54 Hands Productions
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Betty Arndt
To learn more about our exclusive donor benefits or to make your gift today, scan the QR code or visit MarcusCenter.org/GIVE
Ballard Spahr LLP
Barre Milwaukee
David and Cindy Bock
Bollywood Grill LLC
Branigan Inc.
Chris and Judi Collins
Lori Craig
Kathleen Dohearty and Scott Penniston
Educators Credit Union
Charles Eichner
Kimara and Chad Ellefson
Sean and Tracy Flynn
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Richard and Maribeth
Meeusen Charitable Fund
The Hagopian Family
Mushir Hassan and Orusa Mozaffar
HGA Architects and Engineers Il Cervo
Samantha Jackson
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Kujawa Enterprises Inc.
Benjamin and Islara Leingang
Lexico
Heidi Lofy
M3 Insurance
Paula Maggio
Tara Mangelsen
Dawne Manista
Michelle Mattson and Matt Sirinik
Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation
Chad and Kelly Neumann
Arthur and Denise Phillips
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Rodizio Grill Brazilian
Steakhouse
Jim Schleif and Bill Morley
Cindi and Damani Short
Stamm Tech
Sweetgreen
Rick and Carol Treadwell
Jesus Vasquez
Vault
Chelsea Willie
AMBASSADOR • $1,000+
101.7 The Truth
Mia Alexander-Snow
Anonymous (3)
Krista and Andrew Bainbridge
Julie and Alyssa Balch
Christine Baranoucky
John and Robbin Barnes
George Batayias
Lisa and James Bayer
William Berezowitz
Laurie Bergum Navarro
Lauren Beverung
Larry Bialcik
Elizabeth and Jeff Billings
Sharon Bishop
Kenneth Bockhorst
Linnea and Andrew Booher
Julia and Jeff Boss
Lory and Ron Bowman
William Brewer
Christine and Jon Brooks
Martin Brooks
Lloyd Brown and Margie
Heyworth
Sarah Brown
Ted and Tammy Cabili
Susan and Allan Carneol
Radek and Justyna Chrupek
Scott and Susan Cohen
Rev. David E. Cooper
Caralyn Court
Cream City Foundation
Grady and Monique Crosby
Lisa and Aaron Cross
Cubanitas Restaurant
Bryan and Marilou Davido and Kids
Jonathan Davidson
Sandy Dearing
Barbara Deichl and Rebecca Seevers
Katie and Chuck Dillow
James Elacqua
Gary Ellis
Robert Felle
Shawn Feltz
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Nadine Flemming
Pat and Lori Fox
The Molly and David Fritz
Family
Ginny Fuchs
Gibb Building Maintenance Company
Jodi Gibson
Greater Milwaukee
Association of Realtors Youth Foundation
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Cottrell Balding Fund
Jim and Shauna Grenz
Jay and Shelly Grokowsky
Gruber Law Offices, LLC
Gary Grunewald
Ken and Holly Harris
Andrew and Zoe Hastert
Carla H. Hay
Doug and Angela Heding
Jacqueline Heling
Michelle Sirinek
Ralph and Margaret Hollmon
Dante and Jennifer Houston
Megan and Steve Huse
Islamic Society of Milwaukee
Carrie and Jason Kelroy
Brian Klarkowski and Kelly
Beth
Julie and Frank Korb
Jessica and Damian Kosempa
Dee Ann Kraus
Matthew and Jamie Kulasa
Landmark Credit Union
Lisa Laskowski
Matthew Lilla
James Madlom
Steven and Mary Marinkovich
Paul Mathews and Colleen
Fitzgerald
Carrie Matteson
Catherine Mattke
Angela-Marie Maynard
Andy McCarthy
Melissa McCready
Tia Medley
Derek Merten
Jill and David Meyers
Scott Mila
Matthew and Allyson Miller
Miller Schuett Family
Sandra Molenda
Helen Mueller
Janissa Muller
Dr. Waleed and Janan Najeeb
Melissa Nelsen
Christopher and Anne Noyes
Laurie Ocepek
Rita Olson
Steve and Allyse Panaro
Kelly Pedersen
Erik Peterson
Lindsey and Matthew Polakowski
Mark and Betsy Porst
Corrie Prunuske
Luke and Janelle
Punzenberger
Christopher Quinn
Sean and Emily Raclaw
Tim and Crystal Rennicke
Janice and Kevin Rodden
Barbara Schellhaass
Michael Schilling
Anthony and Crissy Schiro
Family
Tanya Schmidt
James Shapiro
John Silseth
Tim and Richella Singers
David Lee
Ruby Soik
Terri Sollazo
George Sotiros
John Stahl
Zach Staszewski and Cory Robers
Dee and Ken Stein
Angela and Jayson Stemo
Cari Thompson
Keri Torgerson
VISIT Milwaukee
Adam Vlaj
Brian and Julie Waldhart
Water Doctors
John and Margaret Wittkowske
John and Mary Yentz
Greg and Michele Young
Megan and John Zabkowicz
Michelle Zagrodnik
Terry, Kym, Mackenna Zillmer
Andi and Mike Zimmerman
STEWARD • $500+
Kathy Anger
Anonymous (5)
Jeff and Sarah Bahr
Jennifer Bauer Roche
Brad Bertler
Margaret Blodgett
Nancy Burkhardt
Margaret Cain
Sharon and Richard Canter
Mark and Linda Carlson
Eric DeGroot and Joshua Zaidel
Charlene and Thomas Deibele
Debra and Jonathan Eder
Vance and Carrie Edwards
Theresa and Tony Enea
Sandra Engel
Paul Farrow
Despina Fergadakis
Randall Freeman
Kelly Gerlach
Jennifer and Colin Han
Mark Hanson and Mike Grover
Natalie Heaton
Jess and Heather Henrickson
Kelly Herlache
Tanya Humphries
Laura and Eric Kirkegaard
Wayne Kirsch
David Koenig
Mary Krzyzewski
Anna Lapean
For any changes or questions about your listing, please contact the Development office at give@marcuscenter.org or 414-755-3955.
Brian Lestarge
William and Constance
Lindberg
James and Vickie Longley
Jeffrey Marciniak
Gary and Melissa Marcouiller
James Martin
Jessica and Todd Mathias
Barbara McCarthy
Cynthia McLinn
Lynda McNeail
Sara Meaney
Michele Meier
Molly Mulroy
Daniel Neely
Chairwoman Marcelia
Nicholson
Kathy Nieman
Cathy J. Priem
Katie Quirk
Jeff Rasmussen
Koda Rebernak
Paul Rectenwald
Alicia and Bryan Sadoff
Maureen Sellin
Jim Sheeley
Michael and Marcy Stone
Nina Stull
Fred and Leigh Tabak
Dan and Lynn Tarrence
Dimitrios Tsioutsiopoulos
Konstantina Tsioutsiopoulos
Kristina Tsioutsiopoulos
Ann Margaret Tylenda
Batul Valika
Lynda, Laura, Amy, and John
Sofia Vela
Robert Vitt
Tracey Wadsworth
Matthew and Jackie Wieck
Dawn Williams
FRIEND • 250+
Eileen Andes
Anonymous (2)
Shadaie Artwell
The Barrett Family
Kassandra Bartelme
Tanya Baynes
Big White Yeti
Danielle Bly
Bridget Borum
Kristin Bridges
Edward Burns
Brian and Claudine Butzine
Michael Byrne
Anne and Phil Callen
Lee Carone
James and Diane Charlton
Sheila Cochran
Sheree Dallas Branch
Trey Dittmann
Nancy Dunham
Kathy-Ann Edwards and Earl
Benjamin
John and Andrea Ericsen
Tanya Finch, State Farm
Gerald and Patricia Freitag
Bob Gallagher and Dan Cramer
Joyce Garbaciak
Gail Gottinger
Viktor Gottlieb
Greater Milwaukee
Foundation
Dan and Sheila Vander Sanden Family Foundation Fund
Sherita Greer
Michael and Terri Grennier
Lori Gustafson
Lynn and Emily Hacker
Julie Hardin
Emery Harlan
Rob and Lisa Harrington
Nick Heger
Melanie Heimer
Kyle Hicks
Christine Holloway
Kevin Holly
Mike Jones
Daniel Jorvig
Pearl Kendrick-Ross
Karen and Tom Kieckhefer
Joshua Klingman
Michelle Kolp
Kuchler & Cotton
Nancy Kuhl
Alison La Pean Kirschner
Justin Lauria-Banta
Jill Lazzaro Gueller
Emily Lofy
Patrick Longo
Martha Love
Barbara Lukaszewski
Karen Magedanz
Randall Malone
Gladys and Gene Manzanet
LaVar Matthews
Andrea Maxwell
Jamie Mcadam
Demond Means
Paul and MaryJo Menzel
Luis Mora
Jacob Murphy
Jessica Odenbach
John and Monique Olsen
Jim Shields and Joy PeotShields
Brianna Powvens
Therese Quirk
Carol Radovich
Louisa and Harrison Rae
Megan Reardon
Lynn Richtman
James Sazama
Gregg Schraufnagel
Christie Shaw
Jim Shields
Nancy and Tom Shirley
Monica Shukla
Adrin Smith
Ann and James Toniolo
Raymond Tower
Louise Tuma
Jeff and Teresa Peters
Wendy Wiegerling
The Wilgenbusch Family
Taylor Wilson
Portia Young
MATCHING GIFT COMPANIES
AbbVie
Baird
Bank of America
Bostik
GE Healthcare
Johnson Controls, Inc.
MGIC
Northwestern Mutual
PNC
Thrivent
Walmart Stores & Sam’s Club
TRIBUTE GIVING
In memory of Franny Kohout
From Elisa Amel
In memory of Lorraine A. O’Malley
From George Banda
In honor of Lory and Jen
From Cream City Foundation In memory of Mary
From Susan Diehl
In memory of Shawn D. Drake
From David A. and Darlene A. Drake
In memory of Gail Ellis
From Gary Ellis
In memory of Susan Huse
From Megan and Steve Huse In memory of Jennie Ann Dziennik
From Bob and Loni Kagen
In memory of Geraldine A. Kirsch
From Wayne Kirsch
In memory of Frank S. Mattaino
From Kathy Mattaino
In honor of Lori Craig
From Anne Panter
In memory of J. David “Papa
Dave” Rowland
From Louisa and Harrison
Rae
In memory of Kang Neng Lor From Reona Vang
In memory of Dr. John C. McAdams
From Lynda, Laura, Amy, and John
MPAC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lori A. Craig, Board Chair PNC Bank
David Marcus, Vice Chair/Chair Elect
Marcus Investments, LLC
Damani Short, Treasurer
Lexico
Mike Abuls CG Schmidt, Inc.
Grady L. Crosby Northwestern Mutual
Kathleen Dohearty Penniston Branigan Communications
Jodi Gibson
Zoological Society of Milwaukee
Mushir Hassan, MD Network Health
Syneathia LaGrant ManpowerGroup
David Lee
WUWM 89.7
Paula Maggio MGIC
Portia Young, Secretary Sargento
Raymond L. Wilson, Chair Retired from PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Samantha Maldonado Spectrum Nonprofit Serivces
Michelle Mattson We Energies
Laurie Navarro Bergum Perlick Corporation
Chad Neumann PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Arthur Phillips Foley & Lardner
James R. Popp Johnson Financial Group
Lynn Sprangers Community Volunteer
Toya Washington Community Volunteer
MPAC STAFF & ADMINISTRATION
Executive Leadership
Kevin Giglinto – President & CEO
Graeme Bice – VP of Venue Operations
Lory Bowman – VP of Marketing & Communications
Katie Dillow – CFO & VP of Finance & Administration
Jared Duymovic – VP of Programming & Engagement
Megan Huse – VP of Development
Samantha Scantlin – Executive Assistant
Development
Linnéa Booher – Director of Development
Anthony D. Smith – Director of Community Partnerships
Ellen Fine – Development Manager
Nicole Bartsch – Development Associate
Finance & Administration
Lori Muench – Sr. Director of Finance
Kristina Kudrynskyy – Accounting Supervisor
Laura Vazquez – Accountant
Dannette Lopez – Accounting Associate
Magda Hoffman – Sr. Human Resources Director
Ana Castillo – Human Resources Generalist
Marketing & Communications
John Barnes – Director of Group Sales
Christopher Barnes – Group Sales Associate
Daron Wolf – Sr. Marketing Manager
Tanner Bliesner – Digital Marketing Coordinator
Jennifer Han – Communications & Media Relations Manager
James Doyle – Director of Ticketing Services
Chris Ouchie – Ticketing Services Manager
J. F. Jolly – Event Ticketing Supervisor
Keyona Jones – Event Ticketing Supervisor
Sarai Lopez – Event Ticketing Supervisor
Brandi Ebbinger – Box Office Associate
Kevin Hanrahan – Box Office Associate
Mark Hanson – Box Office Associate
Courtney King – Box Office Associate
Annette Kirchen – Box Office Associate
Jessica McCall – Box Office Associate
Jaedyn Meyer – Box Office Associate
Mike O’Donnell – Box Office Associate
Tamila Reed – Box Office Associate
Rachel Reimer – Box Office Associate
Sara Truex – Box Office Associate
Bobby Wolfe – Box Office Associate
Melissa Wolfe – Box Office Associate
Ana Wolfe-Walker – Box Office Associate
Programming & Engagement
John Hassig – Director of Programming & Education
Dominique Maybank – Programming Coordinator
Alex Cook – Events Associate
Nadia Olker – Director of Venue Rentals
Venue Operations
Shayla Finley – Interim Theater Manager
Billy VanCleave – Volunteer Services Manager
Dana Bannach – House Manager
Tatianna Brimley – House Manager
Greta Lowry – House Manager
Lisa Marion-Howard – House Manager
George Batayias – Director of Technical Services
Mia Vilanova – Production Supervisor
Matt Glynn – Head Fly Person
Joseph Pearson – Head Electrician
Nick Symes – Head Audio
Tyler Zotti – Head Carpenter
James Cherry – Sr. Director of Facility Engineering
Michael Weber – Lead Engineer
Dao Vang – Assistant Lead Engineer
Daniel Collins – Engineer II
Jim Fisher – Engineer III
Jim Ross – Engineer III
David Sopinski – Electrician
Sao Vang – Engineer I
Venue Security: BEST Crowd Management
Parking Management: Interstate Parking
OUR MISSION:
The Marcus Performing Arts Center acts as an energizing force that connects our community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement, and the transformative power of live performing arts.
OUR VISION:
The Marcus Performing Arts Center is the region’s world-class gathering place for all.
The Marcus Performing Arts Center’s strong financial management and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid. These are the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluators.
PHOTO CREDITS
Cover - Michaela Beal, Pg 2 - Lindsay Stayton, Pg 5 - Front Room Studios, Pg 6 - Michaela Beal, Pg 7 - Paul Ruffolo (top), Michaela Beal (bottom), Pg 8 - Lindsay Stayton (top), Michaela Beal (bottom), Pg 9 - Disney’s Aladdin by Deen VanMeer at Disney©, Pg 10 - Michaela Beal, Pg 13 - Michaela Beal, Pg 14 - Lindsay Stayton, Pg 16 - Michaela Beal, Pg 20 - Michaela Beal, Pg 22 - Lindsay Stayton, Pg 23 - Lindsay Stayton, Pg 25 - Lindsay Stayton, Pg 27 - Front Room Studios.
