I’m very pleased to share with you that Artistic Director Mark Clements and I have both renewed our contracts with Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and we look forward to working together on behalf of our company for the next several years. When considering the renewal of a contract, someone in a leadership position gives a considerable amount of thought to what is potentially on the horizon for the organization and whether you are the appropriate person to lead that organization through the next stage of its evolution. I think I can speak for both Mark and I when I say that we are not only inspired but continue to be committed to leading our remarkable theater company.
To that end, we’ve recently started a strategic planning process, which is the third strategic plan since I’ve been a part of Milwaukee Rep. The first plan, from 2013 to 2018, was created to build a good foundation, generate resources for our programs and stabilize the institution. The second plan was for 2018 to 2025, which included the development of our state-of-the-art facility, the multi-faceted launch of the Associated Bank Theater Center, creating our RepForward plan to center our values of inclusion and belonging in our programming, workforce, and engagement, and growing our new play development program.
One of the big questions we’ll be asking ourselves during the strategic planning process has to do with our development of some of the most influential new works in the next decade. Did you know nearly every major play that is considered the best of the canon, which is a collection of influential work that sets standards for the theatrical art form, was was created by playwrights and premiered by institutions such as ours?
We’ll also be looking for opportunities to impact our local community even more. One way is to forge partnerships to keep our theaters open and available to Milwaukee audiences during the summer months, between our regular seasons. Or perhaps there is a way to extend the lives of our productions, when historically we’ve been dark.
We’re committed to the expansion of our Education & Engagement programs, currently serving 20,000 students annually, with plans to serve as many as 30,000 students or more. We’ll also be looking for ways to grow our regional footprint, expanding west towards Madison, south into the northern Chicago suburbs and north into the Door County area.
I believe that this truly is our moment—as well as Milwaukee’s moment—to shine. Our new theater complex and 2025/26 Season has been recognized across the United States, while Milwaukee is being included on multiple “Best of...” lists: for quality of life, cutting edge dining and culture, successful sports franchises and pristine green spaces. We’re exactly where we should be, and I feel privileged to share this journey with our audiences and our community at large.
Chad Bauman, Ellen and Joe Checota Executive Director
About the Cover: McNeal, February 10 – March 22, Herro-Franke Studio Theater
Direct from a sold-out Broadway run, Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar’s thrilling and darkly comic new work explores the price of greatness and raises vital questions about art, truth and originality in the not-too-distant future.
Left: The former Oneida Street Power Plant was built in 1900. The building was sold to Milwaukee Rep in the 1980s by We Energies to be converted into a performing arts complex.
“Our audiences are going to see some really phenomenal new works at Milwaukee Rep during the next few years. I know this because I know Mark Clements, the artists we’re engaging and the stories we’re looking to tell. We’ll be presenting pre-Broadway work here that is going to transfer not only to New York, but also across the country and even the world.”
Chad Bauman
LETTER FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
As you well know, it’s an exciting time for Milwaukee Rep. Our state-of-the-art theater center has exceeded all expectations since our grand opening in October, and now we’re proud to introduce to you yet another extraordinary new venue, the Herro-Franke Studio Theater. What better way to open a space that’s outfitted with cutting edge technology and design, than to present McNeal, the latest hit from Milwaukee’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Milwaukee Rep board member Ayad Akhtar.
Direct from a sold-out Broadway run, Ayad’s darkly comic new work follows Jacob McNeal, a brilliant, yet dangerously charming novelist obsessed with his own genius. On the eve of his greatest achievement, his thirst for whiskey, fractured relationships, and curious fascination with artificial intelligence threatens to unravel everything.
Ayad has a long history with Milwaukee Rep. His other acclaimed works— Disgraced, Junk, The Invisible Hand, and The Who &
The What—have captivated Milwaukee Rep audiences over the years and with McNeal, his storytelling takes a bold leap forward.
This theatrical tour de force fuses narrative, ground-breaking technology and spectacle in thrilling new ways, featuring immersive projections and striking special effects. It was a fascinating experience for me to direct this play, working with the rest of the creative team in ways that were new to all of us.
My first encounter with Ayad’s work was in 2013, when I saw his play, Disgraced, during its successful run at the LCT3 theater at Lincoln Center in New York. I had a gap in my schedule, so a friend of mine suggested that I see what he described as “a provocative play,” written by a relatively unknown playwright with “a distinctive voice.” It was a complete sell-out, but I was able to buy the very last ticket and I was not disappointed. When I’m at the theater, I often find myself watching the audience as much as I’m watching the protagonists. I think the audience’s behavior reveals a lot about how well a play is crafted. In the case of Disgraced, because there were very deliberate, incendiary moments, which is a common thread running throughout Ayad’s writing, there were times when the audience members looked at each other to make sure their feelings were commensurate with what other people were feeling. There was a powerful energy in the theater that night.
I came away really impressed with Ayad’s New York debut and decided to do a bit of research on his background, finding out that he actually grew up in the Milwaukee area. Little did I know that I would meet this promising young playwright a few weeks later at the Theatre Communications Group conference in Dallas, where he was the keynote speaker.
After his talk he offered to sign copies of his novel American Dervish, so I stood in the long line, waiting to meet him. When I finally made my way up to the table, he looked at my name tag, which also showed my affiliation with Milwaukee Rep, got up and came around the table to give me a huge hug. Then he said, “Oh man, I have wanted to meet you. It’s so amazing what you’re doing at the theater. You know, if there’s anything I can do to help you, just let me know.” My response was, “Be careful what you offer, because I’ll probably take you up on it.” Sure enough, within 48 hours I contacted him, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Mark Clements, Artistic Director
“I’m looking forward to collaborating with Ayad on an adaptation of his novel, American Dervish, for an upcoming Milwaukee Rep season. The New York Times review of his book said, “What distinguishes Mr. Akhtar’s novel is its generosity and its willingness to embrace the contradictions of its memorably idiosyncratic characters and the society they inhabit.”
Mark Clements
Left: Pictured: Gregory Linington. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Junk by Ayad Akhtar played in Milwaukee Rep’s Powerhouse Theater during our 2018/19 Season. We are the only theater in the nation
playwright.
THE MAKING OF MCNEAL
An Inside Look at the Inaugural Production in the
Studio Theater
When you sit down in a theater, what you experience onstage is the result of hundreds of hours of collaboration among artists and technicians working behind the scenes. With McNeal that collaboration took on an added layer of excitement—and complexity—as the creative team brought to life not only a new play, but an entirely new performance space. Directed by Milwaukee Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements, McNeal brings together a design team that are very familiar with Milwaukee Rep.
Meet the Designers
Scenic Designer Emily Lotz returns to Milwaukee Rep after designing the set of The Craic. For McNeal, Lotz’s scenic design helped define the world of the play and became the foundation upon which all other design elements were built.
Costume Designer Mieka van der Ploeg’s Milwaukee Rep credits include Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Run Bambi Run, and Espejos: Clean among others. For McNeal, she collaborated closely with the rest of the design team to ensure the costumes fit seamlessly into the physical and technological world of the play.
Lighting Designer Jason Fassl returns to Milwaukee Rep, where his previous credits include Million Dollar Quartet, and The Coast Starlight, among others. For McNeal, his work is shaped by the unique demands of the Herro-Franke Studio Theater and the production’s rotating set.
Longtime Milwaukee Rep Music Director Dan Kazemi steps into a new role as Sound Designer for McNeal. While well known to Milwaukee Rep audiences for his musical work, this production marks his first time designing sound, adding a fresh perspective to the creative team.
Projection Designer Timothy Kelly brings extensive experience in computing and artificial intelligence and currently works at Oregon State University. One of his primary challenges on McNeal has been determining how much AI content would be processed live during the performance versus pre-generated.
Design Process
1.
Director’s Concept
Director Mark Clements shares his vision for the production, and designers are encouraged to contribute ideas and questions from the start.
4.
Renderings and Models
Designers present visual representations of their ideas for feedback. During this phase for McNeal, the team decided to replace a traditional projection screen with a video wall.
An early scenic element—a large crossbeam —was also reworked after it was found to limit lighting possibilities.
2.
First Team Meeting
About nine months before rehearsals begin, the full creative team assembles. This initial gathering establishes the artistic goals of the production and opens a collaborative dialogue among all departments.
5.
Rehearsal Begins
As rehearsals start, design concepts continue to evolve in response to the actors’ work and the needs of the storytelling.
Bringing the World of McNeal to Life
The play moves through a wide variety of locations, from Jacob McNeal’s study to a doctor’s office to a park. A turntable stage allows these environments to shift dynamically and fluidly. Technology plays a starring role as well, with computer processing and AI-driven projections woven into the storytelling. Some video elements include live AI deepfakes alongside pre-generated content, blurring the line between what is real and what is artificial.
Audience configuration is also part of the design. For this production, seating is arranged in an L-shape around the stage, with audiences entering from a central aisle. This flexibility—both in staging and seating—is what makes the Herro-Franke Studio Theater such an exciting space for artists and audiences alike.
6.
Designer Run
3.
Director/Designer Meetings
Designers then meet individually with the director before regrouping as a team. Scenic design often leads the process, setting the physical world that informs lighting, sound, projections, and costumes.
Designers see the show run in the space with all elements coming together for the first time. This allows them to refine transitions, cues, and other technical elements.
7.
Show Opens
All elements come together as McNeal officially opens in the Herro-Franke Studio Theater.
A 2D image that helps designers visualize how a set, costume, or lighting concept will look and feel.
A miniature, 3D representation of a full-scale set that allows designers to explore space, movement, and perspective.
RENDERING VS. MODEL
Herro-Franke
AN UNFORGETTABLE SCHOOL DAY: COME FROM AWAY
1,534 students from 28 school groups attended a special student matinee performance of Come From Away. 541 of those students stayed for a full Rep Immersion Day, participating in post-show demonstrations with Milwaukee Rep artists on November 18 and December 3. Demonstrations:
• Chair choreography with actor Megan Loomis
• Using accents to create a character with actor Steven Koehler
• Costume quick-changes and how they happen with Milwaukee Rep Stitcher Drake Lewerenz
• How to make a prop fish with Milwaukee Rep Props Artisan Sophia deGuzman
Students learn choreography for the number “28 Hours” with actor and dance captain for Come From Away Megan Loomis.
MCNEAL DOESN’T END WHEN THE LIGHTS GO UP
Join us for these upcoming post-show events to get even closer to the world of the play.
Afterwards: An Interactive AI Design Experience
Post-Show – Thursdays: February 19, 26 & March 5, 12, 19
Location: Herro-Franke Studio Theater
Cost: Free with the cost of your show ticket
Don’t head home just yet. Afterwards, we invite you to stay and dive deeper into interactive post-show experiences which offer a chance to reflect, respond, and connect around the play’s themes. Get a playful, hands-on look at the AI tech behind McNeal. Design your own AI projection as an audience and discover how theater artists blend technology and storytelling. No experience needed—just bring your creativity.
OVERHEARD AT MILWAUKEE REP
Artificial Intelligence & Everyday Life
Post-Show – Wednesday Evening: February 25
Location: Herro-Franke Studio Theater
Cost: Free with the cost of your show ticket
Join us for thought-provoking conversations after the show in the theater that dive deeper into the themes and questions raised by our productions. Each panel features community members and experts selected for their insight into the topic at hand.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we live and work—but what exactly is it, and how does it affect us day to day? This post-show conversation explores how AI is used in everything from workplace tools to environmental innovation, and examines its growing influence on jobs, society, and the future of human connection.
“I’ve been on a years-long search for the best Reuben sandwich, and I found it at the Stackner Cabaret.”
We reached out to Don Parsons, Director of Food & Beverage, to learn more about their Reuben. Don said, “We slowly cook down the corned beef ourselves, with a special recipe that includes beer and herbs. We also prepare a braised cabbage in-house that adds to our distinctive Stackner Reuben.”
The Stackner Cabaret offers a varied menu and is open Tuesday-Sunday throughout the season.
Stackner Cabaret dinner reservations may be made through the Ticket Office or online at www.MilwaukeeRep.com/dining.
MAY 9, 2026
Step into the spotlight for an unforgettable evening of glamour, artistry and celebration at our Red Carpet Premiere Gala. Inspired by the excitement of opening night, this dazzling event invites you to walk the red carpet, strike a pose beneath the marquee lights and experience the magic of live theater in an entirely new way.
The evening features elegant dining, show-stopping entertainment and exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, as well as opportunities to support Milwaukee Rep’s stages that bring stories to life. From the first flash of the camera to the final ovation, this is your chance to shine as we raise funds to ensure the curtain continues to rise for our artists, students and community.
Want to join us? Contact Maddy Wysocky, Director of Events, at 414-290-5366 or mwysocky@milwaukeerep.com.
Create Your Legacy and Double Your Impact!
With a nearly sold-out run of Come From Away in the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater and two additional productions completed with three more ongoing, our inaugural season in the Associated Bank Theater Center is off to an incredible start. Just as our founding over 70 years ago firmly established professional theater in Wisconsin, our new home secures Milwaukee Rep’s future as a national leader and dynamic local institution. With expanded spaces and enhanced services, guests will experience worldclass theater like never before—with improved sightlines, acoustics, comfort, and accessibility that make every performance more immersive, inclusive and unforgettable.
As we look ahead to the next chapter of Milwaukee Rep’s history, we are creating more ambitious art on our stages, developing new community programs both on site and throughout Milwaukee, and reenvisioning what the future of theater looks like. To help us accomplish these endeavors sustainably and responsibly, Ellen and Joe Checota have created an unprecedented opportunity for donors to share their love for Milwaukee Rep: a $5 million endowment match challenge.
Gifts made to Milwaukee Rep’s endowment secure our financial future by diversifying our revenue stream; protecting us against inflationary costs; and
providing the financial flexibility to meet unexpected challenges and seize new opportunities. With this initiative, the Checotas seek to inspire a new generation of donors and strengthen Milwaukee’s arts community. For a limited time, when you establish your planned gift directed to our endowment, the Checotas will match your planned gift dollar for dollar up to $350,000 per household.
Your foresight and generosity in creating your endowed legacy gift will ensure that future generations will experience the same great theater that delights and challenges you. This challenge is a historic opportunity to join more than 100 fellow theater lovers who have already included Milwaukee Rep in their estate plans and to double your impact.
If you have ever considered including Milwaukee Rep in your estate plans, or if you have already made arrangements but have not shared your intentions, now is the time —the challenge ends on December 31, 2026!
For more information, please contact: Chuck Rozewicz, Chief Development Officer at 414-290-0717 or email crozewicz@milwaukeerep.com.
Left: Milwaukee Rep Arts Camp invites students ages 7-15 to explore all aspects of their creativity. Registration for summer 2026 is now open! Visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com for more information.
MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER
Associated Bank Theater Center
108 E. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
www.MilwaukeeRep.com
VISIT US
Ticket Office Hours
Monday: Noon to 6pm
Tuesday–Sunday: Noon to show time
CONTACT US
Administration
414-224-1761
Ticket Office
414-224-9490 Development
414-290-5376 Education & Engagement
414-290-0707
FEBRUARY 24 – MARCH 22
AUGUST WILSON’S
THE PIANO LESSON
This explosive Pulitzer Prize-winning play is a gripping story of family, legacy and the choices that define us—brought to life with rich storytelling and unforgettable characters.
