Agatha Christie Ends The Milwaukee Rep’s Season, And Then There Were None

Sadly we have reached the end of the 2025/26 theater season in Milwaukee with the Milwaukee Rep’s And Then There Were None. But this is a perfect example of last but not least as director Laura Braza continues her roll of engaging productions by bringing together another star studded cast of local favorites and new faces in a dramatic and very effective production of this Agatha Christie classic.

The cast of And Then There Were None. Photo by Michael Brosilow and courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

And this is classic Christie but with some new wrinkles. Ten individuals are invited to a remote luxury home on an island off the coast of England. Three are employees of the host/hostess, a butler, housekeeper, and secretary. I will try to provide a decent backstory here without giving too much away. It turns out all three employees have been hired very recently by post, through an agency, and have never met their employers. And the guests have all been invited by letter from someone with some pretty bad handwriting so they aren’t sure who the host/hostess is or even if they know the person. But they come anyway. Such are the problems of the English idle rich in the early 20th Century. But we have a very very diverse group of complete strangers.

And then the shenanigans begin. Anonymous accusations, side stories, back stories, and questionable aliases until it gets serious and the guests start to die unexpectedly and inexplicably. But here’s where we stray from the typical Christie. There is no Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot to take charge and discover the miscreant. Instead the characters suspect each other and then form alliances and strategies to protect themselves. Despite there being a former cop, two former military men, and a retired judge in attendance, no one seems capable of doing anything effectively. So you will be left up to your own devices to determine the villain(s). But don’t worry, ALL will be revealed in the last act quite clearly and cleverly, if maybe not quite the way one might expect.

L to R: Armando Gutierrez, Mark Corkins, Steven Koehler, James Carrington. Photo by Michael Brosilow and courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

I am not going to do any deep dives into the characters to avoid giving too much away. OTOH, this is a famous book and movie, so maybe you know it already but…going into this without any knowledge of the plot and characters, I really had a great time!

And let’s start with our local favorites. I have enjoyed James Carrington any number of times in the big stage kids musicals at First Stage. A great voice and presence, Carrington manages to shrink that presence a bit as Dr. Armstrong, melting into a ball of nerves as the deaths pile up. Matt Daniels plays Rogers, the butler. Daniels has played Scrooge for a number of years in the Rep’s Christmas Carol. As Rogers, Daniels tries to bring forth a haughty Jeeves persona but can’t pull it off under the circumstances. Mark Corkins leads in with a formal and officious General MacKenzie, with maybe a bit cranky thrown in (and maybe a bit of irony as well). Surprisingly instead of being a take charge guy, Corkins’ general just fades into accepting whatever fate Christie has to offer. And the Rep’s recent Ghost of Christmas Present makes a short appearance as Todd Denning makes the most of a small part as the working seaman Fred Narracott, the ferryman who brings everyone to the island. Steven Koehler stomps about the stage, pontificates, demands answers and abeyance as called for, and thumps his cane to gain attention as needed, in the role of Judge Lawrence Wargrave. A far cry from Koehler’s iconic role as Lloyd in Guys On Ice.

L to R: Jessica Angleskhan, Steven Koehler, Max Pink. Photo by Michael Brosilow and courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

Others who have been with the Rep before: Max Pink plays Anthony Marston, a footloose and rather irresponsible young man who is the first victim . And Marcella Kearns, plays the butler’s wife, Mrs. Rogers, as a put upon, completely flustered, and highly strung housekeeper who is certainly stressing out in the chaos on the island. And coming from the Million Dollar Quartet where he played Carl Perkins, Armando Gutierrez plays William Biore, a former cop, who’s nose for crime doesn’t bode well for Biore or anyone else here. And Sarah Suzuki plays Vera Claythorne, the young woman hired to be the hostess’ secretary. Suzuki cleanly presents a solid secretary, keeping her cool, and clearly trying to make the most of a bad situation. But she also has feelings for another guest and is manipulated into an act of violence and eventually martyrdom. She was clearly an audience favorite on opening night.

L to R: Steven Koehler and Sarah Suzuki. Photo by Michael Brosilow and courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

And those making their debut at the Rep. Jordan Sobel is Philip Lombard. Sobel’s Lombard is something of a slippery fellow whose story doesn’t always line up, Emily Brent is a bit prickly and conservative and cold toward her fellow ‘guests’. Jessica Angelskahn knows her through and through. I would be surprised if we don’t see both of these actors on Milwaukee Rep stages in the coming seasons.

Michelle Lilly has put together an intriguing set of multiple levels that cause there to be extra suspense in the action as actors move up, down, in, and out of the set. There is also a magnificent ocean view beyond the room where the action is centered…AND…there are some wonderful art deco motifs around the room (don’t let them distract you, LOL).

L to R: Marcella Kearns and Todd Denning. Photo by Michael Brosilow and courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

Be forewarned: And Then There Were None runs two hours and fifty minutes including a 20 minute intermission. However, the pacing and tempo of director Braza’s presentation here will keep you enthralled, and you will find yourself surprised when ‘it’s over already?’.

One extra aside: once having seen the play and knowing how it all ends, it might be fun to return and try to connect the dots we missed that first time around as it all transpires.

Ticket Information!

Extra credit reading: The Program

Sarah Suzuki. Photo by Michael Brosilow and courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

Mrs. Christie. Where Were You…

Wisconsin playwright Heidi Armbruster leans into her strength and writes in a seemingly serious drama format but then wraps it all up in a hilarious comedy. This time Armbruster dabbles in a parallel universe around an unexplained disappearance by Agatha Christie in 1926 and a super-fan tries to solve the case from clues ‘discovered’ at a 2026 Christie festival on Christie’s estate.

Pictured L to R: Alex Keiper and Betsy Hogg. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

We first meet Agatha Christie in her home totally upset because she believes her dog has died. Alex Keiper’s Agatha is distraught, distracted, and clearly mentally elsewhere. And in many ways this sets the tone for her character deeper into the play. Armbruster’s and Keiper’s Agatha Christie isn’t the smart focused British writer that we would have anticipated. The very next instant it appears the dog is still with us but Agatha is also confronted with the open infidelity of her husband, Archibald Christie. And Matt Bowdren’s Archie is precisely the imperious and stuffy aristocrat that you might expect. Agatha clearly still loves him and he clearly wants to go and they are at an impasse. She won’t give him a divorce so he wants to prevent her from writing. Archie does everything in his power to hurt Agatha including parading his paramour around in their home.

Pictured L to R: Zoë Sophia Garcia, Alex Keiper, Dale Hodges, Blake Hamilton Currie. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

And then it is 2026 and there is an Agatha Christie festival going on on the grounds of the Christie estate. On the grounds is an important factor because we find ourselves in the same library work place as in the earlier 1926 scene. The home is now a museum and the library is off limits during the festival yet people keep wandering in. First is Lucy, a fan of Christie, who is attending the festival, and I guess is something of an ‘ugly American’? Zoe Sophia Garcia presents Lucy at seemingly loose ends and a little free with her hands. Touching everything, a few ‘relics’ make their way to her purse before she is confronted by the caretaker. She talks her way into staying a few more minutes when she encounters William, a Christie scholar and assistant to a Christie scholar. Blake Hamilton Currie is a smooth sexy lothario as William. And he has a few photocopied pages of a ‘lost’ Christie notebook that he uses as bait to seduce incredulous Christie fan girls. Garcia’s Lucy plays along but might be the better player and somehow manages to take possession of the lost papers. And then Dale Hodges as Jane wanders in. An elderly lady seeming just a bit confused, she sits down and starts knitting. But, she too is more than she seems and ends up partnering with Lucy to solve the mystery suggested in the purloined pages. Tally HO!

Pictured L to R: William Sturdivant and Alex Keiper. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

To avoid spoiling too much fun, I will simply say that we follow Christie to a seaside resort where she seems to exist in a drug induced haze…and Monsieur Hercule Poirot makes an appearance. Their conversations poke a lot of fun at detective story traditions and William Sturdivant nails the Poirot stereotype right on the head. And our intrepid Jane and Lucy turn their search for a solution into a scavenger hunt of sorts.

Pictured the cast of Mrs. Christie. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

But never fear, there is a traditional resolution. As a book end to a dinner gathering in Act I, all of the characters are again gathered together in the dining room of the Christie home. And everything is pretty formal and cold until Archie’s arm candy, Nancy, played by Amira Danan, falls to the floor after drinking her glass of wine. Everyone in the room has a motive and Poirot steps to the forefront. Every detective story ox is gored, all is revealed, and a solution to the case is found. This scene generated the greatest amount of laughter of the evening…as it should! It is smartly overwritten, overwrought, and overacted with hilarious results.

And laughter: kudos for Director Joanie Schultz for pulling out all of the wonderful humor built into this play. I didn’t expect to have quite this much fun with Mrs. Christie.

Character that you will hate: Charlotte, Mrs. Christie’s secretary. She is played by Betsy Hogg and shows up later as the 2026 as the gate keeper in the library, and at the beach resort. Hogg performs as exactly the same character in all three instances.

Pictured L to R: Dale Hodges and Zoë Sophia Garcia. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Character that you will love: Dale Hodges, Jane. She is maybe the smartest cookie in the box and draws in our empathy as we watch her move through the real world. Generally she likes to travel alone but is willing to humor Lucy!

At one point, Lucy declares that they are just going around in circles. And at that point she and Jane literally are as the Rep has again pulled out a rotating stage. Initially used to change room locales, during their travels, our intrepid searchers are walking around the edge of the stage as it rotates. Marvelous scenic work by Se Hyun Oh.

Now, fair warning. This play requires all of your concentration. There are moments of sleight of hand that need to be seen that are important to the story. And with the English accents and Poirot’s Belgian French, you want to pay attention so you don’t miss a good joke!

Mrs. Christie runs about two hours and 15 minutes including an intermission. It is being presented on the main stage of the Checota Powerhouse Theater. It runs from now through May 10, 2026. Additional information and tickets can be found HERE

Extra credit reading: The Playbill

. Pictured L to R: Alex Keiper, Blake Hamilton Currie, Matt Bowdren, Amira Danan. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

All photos courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

PSA: Milwaukee Repertory Theater Announces 2026/27 Season

I am about a month late on getting this out here…it’s been a very busy month! But it might be a good thing. If you missed the announcement, here’s your chance to dream about the Rep’s 2026/2027 season and if you saw it but forgot to act, here’s your chance to buy tickets. What follows is from the Milwaukee Rep itself so all of the good details are baked in already!

An Expanded Lineup of 13 Bold Contemporary Plays, World Premieres, Musicals and Returning Favorites across the Checota Powerhouse Theater, Herro-Franke Studio Theater, Stackner Cabaret, and Pabst Theater.

February 3, 2026 (Milwaukee, WI) – Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Wisconsin’s largest performing arts organization and one of the nation’s leading regional theaters, today announced its 2026/27 Season—its second full season in the state-of-the-art Associated Bank Theater Center. Building on the momentum of this year’s inaugural slate, the new season showcases a mix of Broadway hits, world premieres, intimate new works, and audience favorites across four performance venues.


The 73rd Anniversary Season runs September 2026 through May 2027 and reflects Milwaukee Rep’s commitment to producing entertaining, provoking, and inspiring theater that sparks conversation and celebrates the diverse stories of the community.


“With our 2026/27 Season, we continue to discover what’s possible inside the recently opened Associated Bank Theater Center,” said Artistic Director Mark Clements. “With an expanded 13-production season, including three new plays, one in each of our performances spaces, every production reflects the heart of Milwaukee Rep with bold new award-winning voices, world-class artistry, and stories that celebrate the full spectrum of our shared humanity.”


“Milwaukee Rep’s modernized and expanded home at The Associated Bank Theater Center provides world-class performance spaces in which we can produce the best of American theater,” said Ellen & Joe Checota Executive Director Chad Bauman. “This coming season, we will produce more productions than ever before as we continue to showcase brilliant, boundary-pushing, and deeply challenging work in a space that has quickly become a hub for the community, a place where everyone feels welcome and inspired, and a theater where artists can do their best work.”

The 2026/27 Season highlights:

  • Three major new‑play development projects through the John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program—including two World Premieres (The Cherry Tortured and MKE MVP) and continued development of the genre‑bending Instructions for a Séance.
  • A Broadway powerhouse lands in Milwaukee with the seven‑time Tony Award–nominated hit John Proctor Is the Villain.
  • A landmark special event: Mark Clements directs a star‑studded Wisconsin cast in the iconic courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men as part of a new three-play Herro-Franke Studio Theater season.
  • A high‑voltage musical opener as Footloose storms the Checota Powerhouse stage under the direction and choreography of Olivier Award-winner Stephen Mear.
  • A beloved holiday tradition returns as A Christmas Carol once again fills the historic Pabst Theater featuring Matt Daniels as Scrooge.

The Stackner Cabaret launches the season with the high‑energy Broadway celebration The World Goes ’Round by Kander and Ebb, running September 11 – November 1, 2026. Reconfigured as an actor-musician performance and featuring iconic songs from Chicago, Cabaret, and more, this vibrant revue sets the tone for an unforgettable year. Next, audiences are treated to the return of JP Coletta—who brought the house down in last season’s Million Dollar Quartet—in his brand‑new show JP Coletta’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Piano Man, November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027. The momentum continues with the World Premiere of Matt Zembrowski’s MKE MVP, a spirited tribute to the Milwaukee Bucks championship run told through the eyes of devoted fans, January 16 – March 14, 2027. Closing out the Stackner season is the beloved hit The Craic, back by popular demand March 26 – May 30, 2027. Sing along to classics like “Danny Boy” and “Whiskey in the Jar” and relive the electric atmosphere that had audiences on their feet.

The Herro‑Franke Studio Theater presents an expanded three production offering highlighting bold voices and intimate storytelling. The season begins with Instructions for a Séance, written and performed by Katie Bender, October 6 – November 8, 2026. Equal parts hilarious, haunting, and heartbreakingly honest, this one‑woman show blends memoir and live magic to explore ambition, motherhood, and the extraordinary hidden in everyday life. The Studio then hosts Twelve Angry Men, directed by Mark Clements, February 2 – 28, 2027, and featuring a powerhouse cast of Wisconsin favorites including Matt Daniels, Steve Koehler, James Pickering, Marcus Truschinski, Jonathan L. Wainwright, and more. This is a rare opportunity to see this epic courtroom drama in the intimate Studio Theater. The Studio season concludes with Penelope, directed by Laura Braza and running April 6 – May 9, 2027. Inspired by The Odyssey, this captivating one‑woman journey fuses myth, music, and theatrical invention.

The five‑show Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater Season begins with the smash‑hit musical Footloose, bursting onto the stage with high‑octane choreography and electrifying ’80s anthems September 22 – November 1, 2026. Directed by West End legend Stephen Mear—who dazzled Rep audiences with Ragtime and Guys and Dolls—this production promises a thrilling start. Next up is Heist by Arun Lakra, November 17 – December 20, 2026, directed by Blake Robison. A cinematic, twist‑filled crime caper, Heist blends the slick fun of Ocean’s Eleven with the intrigue of a classic whodunnit. The new year brings a bold contemporary reimagining with John Proctor Is the Villain, January 12 – February 7, 2027. Directed by Laura Braza, this seven‑time 2025 Tony Award nominee offers a sharp, provocative look at morality and consequence. The season continues with the World Premiere of The Cherry Tortured, written and directed by Aaron Posner, February 26 – March 28, 2027. Set in modern‑day Door County, this fresh take on Chekhov follows one unforgettable family fighting for love, legacy, and the future of their cherished estate. Closing the Powerhouse season is Somewhere by Tony Award–winning playwright Matthew López, directed by María Amenábar Farias, April 13 – May 9, 2027. Set in 1959 New York City against the excitement of West Side Story, this tender, riveting portrait of the Candelaria family celebrates dreams, resilience, and the power of imagination.

Subscriptions are now available for renewal. Subscription prices for the 2026/27 Season range from $125-$857. Packages available are the Ultimate 11-play package, which includes the entire Subscription season spanning all three of Milwaukee Rep’s performance spaces; Powerhouse/Stackner Cabaret 9-play package; Powerhouse/Studio 7-play package; Powerhouse 5-play package; Stackner Cabaret 4-Play package as well as a Create Your Own Season package and Flex Passes. Subscribers can also add A Christmas Carol and Twelve Angry Men to their packages at this time. Single Tickets will go on sale later in the summer. For additional information on Subscription offerings, please contact Milwaukee Rep’s Ticket Office at 414-224-9490 or visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com/Subscriptions.

The World Goes ‘Round

Music by John Kander | Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Conceived by Susan Stroman, David Thompson, and Scott Ellis

Directed & Choregraphed by Kelley Faulkner
September 11 – November 1, 2026

Stackner Cabaret

High-Energy Broadway Celebration

Kicking off the Stackner season, this high-energy musical revue brings to life the legendary songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb, the iconic duo behind the musicals Chicago, Cabaret, and Kiss of the Spider Woman. Featuring 36 unforgettable songs, five dynamic performers deliver beloved favorites with heart and show-stopping style. The music moves seamlessly from sizzling showstoppers to intimate, moving moments that reveal the depth of the duo’s remarkable collection of songs. From razor-sharp humor to powerful storytelling, this celebration is pure Broadway joy from start to finish.

Footloose

Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Music by Tom Snow | Lyrics by Dean Pitchford

Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman
Directed & Choregraphed by Stephen Mear

September 22 – November 1, 2026

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

The Music. The Magic. The ’80s

Get ready to kick off your heels and feel the beat! The smash-hit film Footloose explodes onto the stage with high-octane choreography and electrifying ’80s anthems, including “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and “Holding Out for a Hero.” When city teen Ren moves to a small town where dancing is banned, he challenges the rules, sparks romance, and inspires a community to rediscover joy, freedom, and the power of music. Helmed by Olivier Award-winning artist Stephen Mear, who wowed Rep audiences with his choreography for Ragtime and Guys and Dolls, this energetic, feel-good Tony-nominated musical will have you laughing, cheering, and jumping to your feet.

Instructions for a Séance

Written & Performed by Katie Bender

Directed by Lily Wolff

October 6 – November 8, 2026

Herro-Franke Studio Theater

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

Houdini, Motherhood And Mayhem

Step into an unforgettable adventure of mystery, mischief, and messy humanity. Katie Bender transforms the theater into an intimate DIY séance, daring to summon the spirit of Houdini—and maybe wrestle with the chaos of her own life along the way. Equal parts hilarious, haunting, and heartbreakingly honest, this one-woman show fuses memoir and live magic to explore ambition, motherhood, and the craving to break free. Expect laughter and glimpses of the extraordinary hidden in everyday life.

JP Coletta’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Piano Man 

Created by JP Coletta

November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Stackner Cabaret

Epic Songs. Electric Energy. One Unforgettable Show.

Step into a world of high-octane piano and legendary hits! Rock ‘N’ Roll Piano Man takes you on a thrilling journey through the history of rock ‘n’ roll piano—from the rebellious roots of Little Richard and Fats Domino to the soulful sounds of Ray Charles, and piano legends Elton John and Billy Joel. JP Coletta, who brought down the house as Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet, and his band bring each song to life with electrifying energy, dazzling skill, and irresistible charisma. Experience classics like “Great Balls of Fire,” “Bennie and the Jets” and “She’s Always A Woman” in an unforgettable tribute to the music that shaped generations.

Heist

By Arun Lakra

Directed by Blake Robison
November 17 – December 20, 2026

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

High-Tech Thrills. High-Stakes Laughs.

A crew with secrets. One last job that could change everything. Heist is a cinematic, twist-filled crime caper brought vividly to life on stage—part Ocean’s Eleven, part mystery-whodunnit, and all heart-pounding theatrical adventure. Featuring sharp dialogue, clever surprises, and unexpected laughs, it takes you on a thrilling ride that keeps you guessing until the final moment. Perfect for the holiday season, it’s the ultimate escape into suspense, humor, and high-tech fun.

John Proctor is the Villain

By Kimberly Belflower

Directed by Laura Braza

January 12 – February 7, 2027

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

A Bold, Contemporary Twist On A Classic Story
Broadway smash hit and seven-time 2025 Tony Award nominee John Proctor Is the Villain is a sharp, provocative reexamination of morality and consequence. Set in a modern high school classroom, students collide over truth, power, and whose voices actually get heard. Funny, fearless, and bursting with energy, this contemporary take flips familiar ideas on their head and tackles today’s most urgent questions—leaving you laughing, gasping, and talking long after you leave the theater.

MKE MVP

Book, Music & Lyrics by Matt Zembrowski

January 16 – March 14, 2027

Stackner Cabaret

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

A New Musical Celebration Of A Championship Team

From the creator of the sold-out hit Dad’s Season Tickets, comes a World Premiere musical comedy that celebrates the Milwaukee Bucks unforgettable championship journey through the eyes of a close-knit group of lifelong fans. From the arrival of a franchise-changing MVP in 2013, to the final buzzer in the Summer of 2021, the glorious end of a 50-year wait reveals how one extraordinary season, one electrifying talent, and the exceptional people around us—can make a lasting impact on our lives. Joyful, funny, and full of hometown pride, sports fans and theater fans won’t want to miss this musical  that captures the soul of our city when its team took the world stage.

The Cherry Tortured

Written & Directed by Aaron Posner

February 26 – March 28, 2027

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

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

Chekhov’s Classic. Door County Freshness.

Milwaukee Rep favorite Aaron Posner (The Chosen) returns for the World Premiere of his gloriously funny, brilliantly sharp reimagining of Chekhov’s masterpiece, The Cherry Orchard. Set in modern-day Door County, one unforgettable family fights for love, legacy, and tradition as the future of their beloved family estate teeters on the edge of change. The Cherry Tortured is the latest in Posner’s award-winning series of bold and clever Chekhovian adaptations that rank among the most produced plays in the country—and you can be the first to see this cheeky, free-spirited take on an all-time classic.

The Craic

By Mark Clements and Deanie Vallone

Directed by Mark Clements

March 26 – May 30, 2027

Stackner Cabaret

Back By Popular Demand After A Sell-Out Run!

Join the fun that made The Craic the biggest hit in Stackner Cabaret history. Set in a lively Irish pub, five friends share an evening full of music, stories, and unforgettable camaraderie. Enjoy classics like “Danny Boy,” and “Whiskey in the Jar,” and feel the excitement that had audiences jumping to their feet. From laughter to music-filled moments, every second is full of warmth, humor, and charm. Whether you’re returning for the experience or discovering it for the first time, this joyous celebration of friendship and laughter is pure Irish delight—Sláinte!

Penelope

Music, Lyrics & Arrangements by Alex Bechtel

Book by Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz

Based on writings in The Odyssey by Homer

Directed by Laura Braza

April 6 – May 9, 2027

Herro-Franke Studio Theater

The Legend You Know, The Story You’ve Never Heard

Step into Penelope, where myth, music, and theater collide in a captivating one-woman journey. The legendary wife of Odysseus waits, weaves, and wrestles with love, loss, and life on the edge of the sea. With a bourbon in hand and a three-piece band, she shares her heartache, humor, and unshakable resolve with songs ranging from jazz to folk to indie rock. Confiding in us about her son, her suitors, and the faith she must place in herself, this ancient tale is reborn for a modern audience. Penelope is funny, heartfelt, and utterly alive, asking what it truly means to wait for the ones we love.

Somewhere

By Matthew López 

Directed by María Amenábar Farias

April 13 – May 9, 2027

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

Family, Hope And A Rhythm All Their Own

From Tony Award–winning playwright Matthew López comes Somewhere, a tender and riveting portrait of a tight-knit Puerto Rican family in 1959 New York City. Set against the excitement and energy of Broadway’s West Side Story, the Candelaria siblings chase their dreams of dancing on stage, buoyed by their mother’s love and infectious enthusiasm. When their building is slated for demolition to make way for Lincoln Center, the family must navigate heartbreak, hope, and the unshakable bonds that hold them together. Bursting with music, dance, humor, and heart, this joyous, moving story is a celebration of family, resilience, and the American Dream.

Now I know you are smiling and trying to figure out which play will be your favorite. Am I right? But we aren’t done, there are two more offerings that are outside the normal subscription offerings…as always, A Christmas Carol AND:

Twelve Angry Men

By Reginald Rose

Directed by Mark Clements

February 2 – February 28, 2027

Herro-Franke Studio Theaterr

Twelve Strangers. One Impossible Choice.

Step inside a sweltering jury room where the fate of a young defendant rests with 12 ordinary citizens. What begins as an open‑and‑shut case unravels into a gripping battle of logic, prejudice, and moral courage. Tensions flare, alliances shift, and the path to justice becomes anything but clear in this timeless, razor‑sharp drama that feels as urgent today as ever. This all‑star production featuring Wisconsin favorites, including Matt Daniels, Steve Koehler, James Pickering, Marcus Truschinski, Jonathan L. Wainwright and more,brings electrifying intensity and unforgettable humanity to one of the most celebrated courtroom dramas of all time.

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

Adapted & Directed by Mark Clements

December 2 – 24, 2026

Pabst Theater

Presented by West Bend Insurance

Milwaukee’s Favorite Holiday Tradition

One night. Three spirits. A chance at redemption. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey that reminds us all of the power of generosity, connection, and hope. Featuring Matt Daniels as Scrooge, Milwaukee Rep’s A Christmas Carol sparkles with festive music, breathtaking visuals, dazzling stagecraft, and heart—bringing joy, wonder, and the true spirit of the season to audiences of all ages.

Ready? Set? GO!!