2023/24 Season Brochure

#WeRepMilwaukee

Celebrate 70 Years With Us!

Seven decades ago, Milwaukee was one of the first cities in the country to build a professional theater. Seventy years after our humble beginnings, Milwaukee Rep has become the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin serving 300,000 patrons annually.

To celebrate this extraordinary milestone, we’ve hand-picked a season of exceptional plays including our first World Premiere musical on the mainstage, beloved literary adaptions, the return of Milwaukee Rep favorites and exciting new works.

The 70th Anniversary Season shows will provide energizing moments, empowering stories and passionate performances. You can look forward to bold theatrical experiences that will captivate your heart and stir the soul.

Subscribing is the most important way you can support the theater you love, and we recognize your support by giving Subscribers the best seats in the house at the best prices offered all year, typically a savings of up to 70% off regular ticket prices! Don’t wait as our most in-demand performances sell out in advance to Subscribers. Those that purchase early get the best pick of dates and seats.

As a special thank you, Subscribers will also get the exclusive opportunity to add tickets at a discount of 30% to A Christmas Carol before they go on sale to the general public.

Check out the incredible line-up, grab your friends and loved ones, and join us for a year of remarkable theater!

Cheers,

Artistic Director

September 13 – October 22, 2023

November 14 – December 17, 2023

January 16 – February 18, 2024

March 5 – 31, 2024

April

November 28 – December 24, 2023 at the Pabst Theater

September 8 – October 29, 2023

November 3, 2023 – January 7, 2024

January 12 – March 17, 2024

March 22 – May 19, 2024

September 26 – October 29, 2023

February 6 – March 10, 2024

STK Stackner Cabaret

STM Stiemke Studio

7 Plays

SEPTEMBER 8 – OCTOBER 29, 2023

An Artists Lounge Live Production

The Women Who Made Music City

Celebrate the queens of classic country as award-winner Katie Deal honors a mighty lineage of artists: Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and more! Seen previously in Milwaukee Rep's Back Home Again: On the Road with John Denver, Deal leads a band of superb musicians and shares heartwarming stories with authentic southern charm. Sing along to hits including "Stand By Your Man," "Crazy," "Harper Valley PTA," "Jolene" and "Coal Miner's Daughter."

—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Executive Producers

John Halechko & Marc Colletti

Associate Producers

Susan & Howard Hopwood

Lynda Johnson

Part of the David Kundert Stackner Season

Stackner Cabaret

“Deal shines when she sings.”

Katie Deal

Book by Eric Simonson | Music & Lyrics by Gordon Gano

Directed by Mark Clements

A New Rock Musical about Milwaukee's Infamous Femme Fatale

The truth is indeed stranger than fiction in this new musical ripped from the headlines! An outrageous ‘true crime’ saga that took the nation by storm, Lawrencia “Bambi” Bembenek's fall from Milwaukee Police Department cop to Playboy Bunny lands her in the slammer, convicted of a murder that she didn’t commit. Or did she? Fueled with rock songs and lyrics from Grammy-nominee Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes, a captivating book by Academy Awardwinner Eric Simonson (Lombardi ), and Artistic Director Mark Clements’ directorial showmanship, this rollicking hometown story about the search for truth and justice is a wild ride that you have to see to believe.

Corporate Sponsor

Executive Producers

Melanie & Steve Booth

Judy Hansen

Cheryl & David Walker

SEPTEMBER 26 – OCTOBER 29, 2023

By Idris Goodwin | Directed by Kyle Haden

A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program Production

Hip-Hop, Humor and the History of Censorship

In this high-energy World Premiere by award-winning playwright Idris Goodwin (HBO’s Def Poetry Jam), two Hip-Hop artists mix slick beats and rhymes with important questions about censorship and expression in popular music. This engaging new play and its innovative style of storytelling – half DJ jam session, half TED Talk – uses wit, humor and the uncanny powers of the Wu-Tang Clan to enter a conversation on parenting, identity and survival. Parental Advisory is a fun, captivating theatrical experience that asks: what age is appropriate to introduce our children to music, life and an uncertain world – however controversial it may be?

Executive Producers

Margaret Dethloff & Terri Zeh

Rhonda & Greg Oberland

Kyle Haden

Idris Goodwin

NOVEMBER 3, 2023 –

7, 2024

Enjoy Holiday Hijinks with the Singing Sisters of Nunsense

The hilarious sisters of Nunsense are back, spreading yuletide laughs, cheerful carols and the gift of festive mischief. From the basement of Mount Saint Helen’s Convent, they take to the airwaves to broadcast a new cable access Christmas special: complete with (mostly) traditional holiday songs ("Here We Come-aWaffle-ing,” "We Three Kings of Orient Are Us”), a silly secret Santa contest, a not-so-graceful take on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet and loads of laughs that only the Little Sisters of Hoboken can provide. Can this show get its act together? You’ll be laughing all the way through New Year’s finding out!

"Immensely entertaining. It doesn't get any better!" —CBS News

Associate Producers

Rich Grunke & Bill Grasch

Meredith & Thomas Scrivner

Marcia & Kent Velde

Book, Music and Lyrics by Dan Goggin

Part of the David Kundert Stackner Season

NOVEMBER 14 – DECEMBER 17, 2023

By Frederick Knott | Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher

Directed by Laura Braza

Jealous Husband. Wealthy Wife. The Perfect Crime.

Passion, blackmail and revenge combine into a breathtaking, edge-of-yourseat murder mystery. Jealous suspicion gives way to cold-blooded vengeance when a gold-digging husband’s perfect crime misfires, trapping all parties in a sinister and dangerous web of lies. This classic, which inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece, has been newly adapted by acclaimed playwright Jeffrey Hatcher (Holmes and Watson) and is brimming with shocking surprises that will keep you guessing until the end.

Corporate Sponsor

Executive Producers

Michael G. Carter

Rebecca & Bryan House

Associate Producers

Diane & Clark Slipher

Dr. Eric Durant & Scott Swickard

Laura Braza

Jeffrey Hatcher

JANUARY 12 – MARCH 17, 2024

Book & Lyrics by Fred Alley | Music by James Kaplan

Directed & Choreographed by Jeffrey Herbst

A Knee-Slappingly Funny

Wisconsin Favorite

One of the Stackner Cabaret's most popular musical comedies makes its encore as we celebrate our 70th Anniversary Season and the 25th Anniversary of when this show premiered at Milwaukee Rep! Life on the lake is easy, especially when the fish are biting, the jokes are funny, there's a ‘couple two three’ beers in the bucket and the Green Bay Packers are on the field. From the warmth of their shanty ‘up north,’ old pals Marvin and Lloyd spin wit, wisdom and hilarious songs about life, love and the one that got away. Don’t miss this Wisconsin musical tradition, featuring songs like “When On Thin Ice,” “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit” and “The Wishing Hole.”

Executive Producers

Karen & Mark Bitzan

Judi & Chris Collins

Laura & Adam Peck

Jim Phillips

Associate Producers

Jenny & Mark Kopetsky

Jeffrey Herbst

Part of the David Kundert Stackner Season

JANUARY 16 – FEBRUARY 18, 2024

By Kate Hamill |

Adapted from the Novel by Louisa May Alcott

Directed by Marti Lyons

A Timeless Tale for a New Generation

This endearing tale of family, friendship, love and adventure never fails to tug on the heartstrings, and with a new adaptation by prolific playwright Kate Hamill, it's never been more resonant. During the years of the Civil War, ambitious 15-yearold Jo March and her sisters must navigate hardships, heartbreak and humility as they come of age in a world bound by class and tragedy. Tender and playful, this incredible production will help you fall in love all over again with these four young dreamers as they discover themselves in a country divided. Little Women is the third production in our Classic Play Initiative.

Corporate Sponsor Executive Producers

Julia & Bladen Burns

Sandy & Bill Haack

Associate Producers

Katie & Chris Hermann

Marti Lyons

Kate Hamill

"A sublime example of how to make 19th century works relevant to modern audiences.” —TalkinBroadway

FEBRUARY 6 – MARCH 10, 2024

By Heidi Shreck | Directed by Laura Braza

Direct from a Sold-Out Broadway Run

Since its premiere in 2019, this Pulitzer Prize finalist has taken the theatrical world by storm, breathing new life into our Constitution by imagining how it will shape the next generation of Americans. As a teenager, Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the country. In this hilarious, witty and refreshingly honest new play, she revisits her fifteen-year-old self to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the lasting impact of the document that shaped their journey.

—The New York Times

Executive Producers

Krista Kile

"The best and most important new play.”

Croen Foundation, Inc.

Mara & Craig Swan

Associate Producer

Laura Braza

Heidi Shreck

The Stiemke Studio Season is presented by Four-Four Foundation

MARCH 5 – MARCH 31, 2024

Adapted by Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok | From the Novel by Chaim Potok

Directed by Aaron Posner

A Deeply Emotional Story of Faith,

Family and Friendship

One of the most beloved novels of the 20th century comes to life in this captivating portrayal of faith, family, and friendship. In 1940s Brooklyn, two brilliant young Jewish boys grow up sharing a love of baseball. Although they live just five blocks from each other, the shadows of their fathers keep them a world apart. As they reach adulthood, their complicated friendship will test the bounds of belief and understanding. Set against the backdrop of WWII and the creation of the state of Israel, Chaim Potok's acclaimed story balances transformation and tradition, growing up and growing wise, and living out your truths – no matter the consequences.

Corporate Sponsor

Executive Producers

Beverly & Tony Petullo

Associate Producers

Suzy B. Ettinger Foundation

Abbie & David Nash

Aaron Posner

MARCH 22 – MAY 19, 2024

Created by Mark Clements

From Bach to Broadway – and Back Again!

Come ready to laugh, clap and sing along as two virtuoso pianists play dazzling renditions of YOUR favorite hits, live! Piano Men 2 transforms the Stackner Cabaret into a sizzling, anything-can-happen Piano Bar where the best of rock, pop, classical, Broadway and more combine to create an unforgettable and unbelievably fun experience. No two shows are ever the same, so bring your song requests as this hit production makes its return by popular demand.

—Urban Milwaukee

Executive Producers

Bob Balderson

Cheryl & Bill Guc

Diane K. O’Connor

Associate Producers

Jane & Steve Chernof

Part of the David Kundert Stackner Season

"Piano genius... a bottomless well of play-it-agains.”

Mark Clements

Steve Watts Performer

APRIL 16 – MAY 12, 2024

By Christina Ham | Directed by Malkia Stampley

Fiery Anthems from "The High Priestess of Soul"

The creator of some of our nation’s most powerful Civil Rights anthems, Nina Simone shook the world with her music. After the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Simone's tribute song "Four Women" transformed her from gifted pianist to trailblazing activist, charting a new course as an agent of change and healing. This play with music shines a light on how she found her true calling and gave voice to a movement through impactful and inspirational songs like "Mississippi Goddam," "Go Limp" and “Sinnerman."

Associate Producers Rania & Pat Dempsey

"Entertaining, enlightening, and educational... a stirring portrait of a tortured artist yearning to have her voice heard.”

—BroadwayWorld

Malkia Stampley

Christina Ham

ENCORE PLAY

Add to your Subscription!

NOVEMBER 28 – DECEMBER 24, 2023 At The Pabst Theater

By Charles Dickens | Adapted & Directed by Mark Clements

Milwaukee’s Favorite Holiday Tradition

A Christmas Carol is one of the best-known and well-loved stories in the English language. During the course of one memorable Christmas Eve, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future help Ebenezer Scrooge discover that it is never too late to change his miserly ways. Milwaukee Rep favorite Matt Daniels returns to play Scrooge, as enchanting music, dance, costumes, scenery and special effects will once again fill the theater to tell this timeless tale of love, hope and redemption.

“As magnificent as you remember it…a festive hug.” — BroadwayWorld

Add this play to your Subscription by June 15 and receive 30% off ticket prices—that’s 5% more than our One Day Sale in July.

Executive Producers Molly & Tom Duffey

Associate Producer Saints Andrew and Mark Charitable Gift Trust

Equipment Sponsor

Corporate Sponsor

Presented by Jay Franke & David Herro

Building A New Home

As we celebrate the milestone of being a key part of Milwaukee’s vibrant arts scene for 70 years, it’s also time to recognize that our current theater complex is aging and no longer sufficient. Theater-making has changed significantly since we moved into our current home in the 1980s. We need to make large adjustments on a building-wide level to continue to create world-class theater without interruption due to major system failures.

Through the $75 million Powering Milwaukee Campaign we will renovate and reimagine our theatrical home for the needs of today and the possibilities of tomorrow, powering a new era of theater for generations to come.

Our reimagined home – named the Associated Bank Theater Center for their leadership gift to the campaign – will feature:

• Three state-of-the-art performance spaces with modern audience amenities

• A large unified lobby providing ample opportunities to enhance communal experiences for our audiences

• An expanded offsite production center employing hundreds of local artisans

• The Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center that will allow us to grow our award-winning education programs to better serve the growing needs of our region

• A complete overhaul of all major operational systems including producing enhancements

To learn more, view renderings of the new theater center and explore ways to support the campaign please visit:

www.MilwaukeeRep.com/PoweringMilwaukee

As Wisconsin’s largest theater, we create world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke and inspire our community. But Subscription and ticket sales only cover half of our operating costs. The other half comes from theater-lovers like YOU. As a non-profit theater, we rely on support above and beyond ticket sales to continue our work both onstage and out in the community.

WITH

YOUR DONATION, WE CAN:

• Stage 700 performances each year across four venues

• Impact more than 300,000 patrons from across Wisconsin

• Educate 20,000 students from 150 schools

PLUS – Donors receive exclusive behind-the-scenes access not available to Subscribers, including backstage tours, open rehearsals and more.

Where Our Money Comes From:

$1,000 – Provides a week of employment for an actor

$500 – Supports a New Play Development workshop

$250 – Creates one period-authentic wig

$100 – Supports one Dinner Dialogue, allowing patrons to have impactful and relevant conversations

$25 – Gives a student their first experience attending live theater

and your support matters. Donate to Milwaukee Rep along with your Subscription purchase.

As Subscribers you always get the best seats in the house at the best prices for our incredible productions with a savings of more than 70% off top ticket prices.

WAIVED FEES

Subscribers never have to pay the per ticket processing fees—that’s an additional savings of up to $38 per Subscription!

BRING-A-FRIEND DISCOUNT

Subscribers receive 20% off the purchase of additional tickets (economy sections excluded). Subscriber discount is not valid for rentals or special productions.

FREE EXCHANGES

Bad weather? Last minute conflict? No problem. Contact us up to 48 hours before your show and exchange to another performance of the same production for free. Charges will apply if you transfer to a more expensive seat.

MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

Rest assured that if for any reason we must cancel performances we will honor your commitment to us by offering a full array of ticket exchange and refund options.

SUBSCRIBING IS EASY

Packages start as low as $110.

Subscribe now!

1. Consider a donation for Milwaukee Rep

2. Pick your package and seat location

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

All performances take place at the Associated Bank Theater Center, located at 108 E. Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

PERFORMANCE TIMES

SEATING CHARTS

QP Quadracci Powerhouse

Prime Orchestra

Economy Orchestra

STM Stiemke Studio

Orchestra

Balcony

Seating in the Stiemke Studio is flexible and may be different for each play. Prices in the Stiemke Studio are based on the day of the week you attend and are the same for all seating areas.

STK Stackner Cabaret

Prices in the Stackner Cabaret are based on the day of the week you attend and are the same for all seating areas.

Option 1

SAME SEAT FIXED PACKAGES

Option 2

CREATE YOUR OWN PACKAGE

Choose 4, 5 or 6 productions from any theater, weekday or weekend shows. We’ll find you the best seats available after seating same seat fixed packages. Same seats not guaranteed.

Weekdays Weekends

4 Plays $204 $232

5 Plays $255 $290

6 Plays $306 $348

Some seating restrictions do apply.

ENCORE PLAY ADD-ON

A Christmas Carol

Option 3

FLEXPASS FOR $360

6 admissions to your choice of shows and dates in any combination. Mix-and-match your favorite shows. Get 6 ticket vouchers to use for the best available seats in any combination. Even better, you don’t have to pick your plays or dates now. You can choose them up to 48 hours in advance of the date you wish to attend—subject to availability.

Add this play to your Subscription by June 15 and receive 30% off ticket prices.

Cover: Jenny Hoppes (L), Daydra Smith (R) and the cast of Much Ado About Nothing. Page 2: Top row-TOP LEFT Tally Sessions in Dino! An Evening With Dean Martin BOTTOM LEFT The cast of Titanic The Musical, RIGHT Bryce Gangel in Wife of a Salesman; Second row-LEFT

L-R: Kierra Bunch and Dimonte Henning in August Wilson's Seven Guitars, CENTER RIGHT Alex Keiper in Much Ado About Nothing, RIGHT Adam LeFevre in The Nativity Variations, BOTTOM RIGHT Nicole Javier and Narea Kang in The Heart Sellers; Bottom row: The cast of Unforgettable. Page 12: Steve Koehler and Doug Mancheski

Balcony seating in the Quadracci Powerhouse is not available for new Subscriptions. Subscription tickets will be charged Wisconsin State Sales Tax at 5.5% as well as a $2.00 per ticket Historic Building Restoration Fee. For A Christmas Carol, the Historic Building Restoration Fee is $3.50. All sales are final. No refunds. All plays/dates/artists subject to change. Seating subject to availability.

in Guys on Ice. Page 15: The cast of A Christmas Carol. Page 17: Steve Watts in Piano Men. Page 20: Alina Cherone in The Greatest Love for Whitney. Back cover: The cast of Beehive: The 60s Musical. All photos by Michael Brosilow.