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 ’Roundby 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 withPenelope, 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.
Ayad Akhtar’s McNeal is ostensibly about artificial intelligence. But I am here to suggest it was written with artificial intelligence. There are a number of intimations and subtexts that might suggest so. Some of them apparent by the queries fed into an AI app as displayed across the top of the set and the replies then received. All very realistic and wholly believable for the current state of AI.
The Cast of McNeal. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Rep.
We know that Jacob McNeal’s latest novel is written by AI. He admits as much after telling his agent that it only took two days to write. And we know it is true since we saw his prompts along the top of the set and the volumes and volumes of output that he received back. What is the novel about? Well I have a guess and I suggest that Akhtar fed it back into his AI app and got the play McNeal out of it. SPOILER ALERT: A sad, twisted, retelling of Hedda Gabler with the genders re-assigned and relationships altered…but there are tell tale signs (well other than the queries into AI which are blatantly displayed), like the ‘missing’ and burned manuscript, the wish to ‘recreate’ it from scratch, and finally when a major female character eats her pistol after waving it around at McNeal, all in a hallucination, yet.
Jeanne Paulsen, Peter Bradbury. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Rep.
And this feels like a one character play…yes I know there are six other characters…but the focus is so intensely on McNeal and his feelings and actions are so focused on McNeal that all other characters seem to fade away (which is also much like Hedda Gabler). And given the computer based nature of our discourse, where computers work via the manipulations of ones and zeroes, lets just say that Jacob McNeal is a ONE and everyone else is a ZERO.
There is something else here that speaks to today. We first meet McNeal as he is using AI to determine his place in the pecking order for winning a Nobel Prize in Literature. Not getting the responses he wants, he keeps editing his prompts until they give him what he is looking for. It is clearly an obsession. Unlike that other guy you are thinking about, McNeal eventually wins. And that starts a whole new set of experiences for the audience as director Mark Clements and his production staff cosplay with AI and project McNeal into a reward ceremony and later morph his face into Ronald Regan and Barry Goldwater and back. Certainly very equivalent to videos we often see on social media and maybe a little reminiscent of certain Forrest Gump experiences some thirty years ago?
N’Jameh Camara, Peter Bradbury. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Rep.
But yes, the play revolves around the myriad questions we all hold about AI. So plagiarism, influences, truth, disclosure, what is art, what is an artist, and what is art making. However, you will not find any answers here.
Interestingly, Akhtar delineates McNeal with the stereotypes we have accumulated around male novelists: moody, depressive, brilliant, reclusive, grouchy, compulsive, anti-social, misogynistic, suicidal, and alcoholic. Chekhov is rolling over in is grave. Amazingly Peter Bradbury takes that all in stride and makes it too very real on stage. From orator to falling down drunk to troubled spouse and parent, Bradbury is wholly believable and makes us feel McNeal. I am not sure if we have any empathy for him or not…I don’t think that I can find that in me…but I know Bradbury’s McNeal is real. I know it!
Peter Bradbury. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Rep.
Jeanne Paulsen plays McNeal’s agent Stephie Banic, as an appealing tough cookie who takes care of her client professionally but has a soft spot as well that Paulsen shows the audience in her questions and care of McNeal…but something, I think, McNeal remains unaware of even when he’s doing something she urged him to do and he stoutly refused to do initially (I assure you that this run on sentence wasn’t written my AI). She’s impressed with the Nobel but more interested in the commercial opportunities it may provide. Paulsen stays cool under fire. The other character who provides some push back is Natasha Brathwaite, played by N’Jameh Camara. Camara comes on like the NY Times special feature reporter she portrays here, but she softens as her interview with McNeal continues even admitting she liked his books more than she expected. Camara knows when to be direct and knows when to shift to coy in playing Brathwaite. Bridget Ann White is feisty and intense as Francine Blake but this part isn’t big enough to showcase her whole talent. Hopefully we will see her here on a Rep stage again!
Sara Sadjadi, Peter Bradbury, Jeanne Paulsen. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Rep.
McNeal is more than just a play premiere. It also celebrates the grand opening of the Herro-Franke Studio Theater. It replaces the Stiemke Studio Theater. And it is a major improvement…better seating (comfy!)…better and additional restrooms…and a real bar and better traffic flow through the lobby. And for this very first show, the seating bowl is shaped in a L-shape with the stage occupying one corner of the studio. And for McNeal the gnomes and elves in the Rep shops have created a rotating stage that facilitates the change in scenes and moods and environments. And they are breaking the third and fourth wall. I don’t want to leave out the lighting and sound crew who project and highlight the action but project scenic backgrounds with our change of locales…some of it AI generated since I recognized some buildings but they didn’t seem to be where they actually reside…and city noises in city scenes and rustic noises in rural ones. Sounds easy to miss given the concentration required to fully appreciate the story…but marvelous attention to detail.
and finally, to paraphrase Akhtar’s AI conjured ‘Prospero’ in his closing soliloquy: “Is it real or is it not real?” Well, I can’t tell you.
McNeal continues from now until March 22nd, 2026 at he Herro-Franke Studio Theater in the Associated Theater Center. More information and Tickets Here!
Running Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission. Recommended Age: 16 and up
January 28, 2025 (Milwaukee, WI) – Milwaukee Repertory Theater, one of the nation’s first regional theaters and Wisconsin’s largest performing arts organization, today announced the highly anticipated inaugural season of the Associated Bank Theater Center, its new home for entertaining, provoking, and engaging theater. The opening of the Associated Bank Theater Center is the culmination of Milwaukee Rep’s $80.1 million Powering Milwaukee Campaign, which drew support from nearly 600 individuals and institutional donors, including a 20 year, $10 million Sponsorship from Associated Bank to name the center, and a $1.9 million grant from the Wisconsin State Building Commission.
Marking a transformative milestone, the modernized and expanded 152,500 square-foot complex will host 11 productions across its three theaters – the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater, Herro-Franke Studio Theater, and Stackner Cabaret. With the state-of-the-art performance spaces for world-class, cutting-edge theater experiences, a dedicated facility to expand the theater’s community-focused arts education programming, and new, accessible amenities that meet the needs of diverse audiences, Milwaukee Rep aims to make the Associated Bank Theater Center a cultural hub for generations.
The 72nd Anniversary Season, which runs October – June, a one-time schedule shift from the typical September – May season to accommodate the completion of the Associated Bank Theater Center, celebrates Milwaukee Rep’s storied past and dynamic future with an exceptional lineup, including award-winning titles, new works, and the 50th-anniversary production of the beloved holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol at the historic Pabst Theater.
The 2025/26 Season features:
McNeal by Ayad Akhtar opens the new Herro-Franke Studio Theater in February 2026, making it the first American production of the play after its record-breaking Lincoln Center Broadway run.
Come From Away, a large scale Tony Award-winning musical directed by Mark Clements opens the Checota Powerhouse Theater November 2025.
George & Gracie: A Love Story (World Premiere) by local favorite Tami Workentin in the Stackner Cabaret.
And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie’s bestselling novel brought to life.
A Christmas Carol starring Matt Daniels as Scrooge celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
“The Associated Bank Theater Center redefines the standard for theater across the region, allowing Milwaukee Rep to expand the boundaries of storytelling and advance the art of theater,” said Mark Clements, Artistic Director. “Our updated theaters open up a new world of artistic possibilities to innovatively stage a surprising variety of works that explore our shared humanity, inspire meaningful dialogue and offer audiences hope. With our inaugural season in the new space, we rededicate ourselves to producing and commissioning work from both emerging and established voices that reflects our region’s rich diversity and addresses issues that are both important to the local community and nationally resonant.”
The first production in the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater is the Tony Award-winning hit musical Come From Away directed by Artistic Director Mark Clements November 4 – December 14, 2025. This exhilarating musical tells the uplifting true story of nearly 7,000 airline passengers stranded in a small Canadian town following 9/11, and the incredible kindness they received from the spirited locals. Following that is the 2022 Tony Award-winning Best Play, The Lehman Trilogy January 13 – February 2, 2026. This production which is performed entirely by three actors is a transfer from Guthrie Theater (Minneapolis, MN) in association with Shakespeare Theatre Company (Washington, DC). It’s an epic tale of one family’s passionate pursuit of the American Dream and the piercing cost of greed, excess and unbridled power. Next up, the celebrated director Lou Bellamy, who brought Milwaukee Rep audiences the acclaimed August Wilson’s Fences, returns to direct the Pulitzer prize-winning play, The Piano Lesson, February 24- March 22, 2026, making it the ninth production in Wilson’s American Century Cycle presented at Milwaukee Rep. Rounding out the second half of the season are two plays that give a riveting 360 degree look at the life and work of the “Queen of Mystery” herself, Agatha Christie as part of the Agatha Christie Festival. First the effervescent, charming new comedy Mrs. Christie by Heidi Armbruster, April 14 – May 10, 2026, dives into the 11 days where Agatha Christie vanished in 1926 and how 100 years later a devoted superfan stumbles upon the clues that could crack the case. Followed by And Then There Were None, the World’s #1 Best-Selling mystery by Agatha Christie May 26 – June 28, 2026, directed by Associate Artistic Director Laura Braza.
The Herro-Franke Studio Theater opens with Wisconsin native and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar’s new play McNeil directed by Mark Clements February 10 – March 22, 2026. Making this the play’s first American production after debuting on Broadway at Lincoln Center in 2024 with Robert Downey Jr. McNeal explores the price of greatness and raises vital questions about art, truth and originality in the not-too-distant future. The second play in the Herro-Franke Studio season is Frida…A Self Portrait written and performed by Vanessa Severo April 3 – May 17, 2026. Through music and movement, this irresistible production explores the breathtaking life of artist Frida Kahlo.
The Stackner Cabaret with its full-service restaurant and bar kicks-off with the holiday classic It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play October 31 – December 21, 2025. Deemed heartwarming, hilarious and delightfully retro, this uplifting classic comes to life as a high-energy radio play blending beloved characters, favorite songs, and lovable Christmas spirit. In the new year the heartwarming Wisconsin musical, The Fisherman’s Daughter by Katie Dahl runs January 9 – March 1, 2026, and is filled with touching songs and home-grown humor that celebrates the connections we share with family, community and the land around us. Next, step into a jumpin’ jazz joint where the legendary music of Fats Waller takes center stage in the Tony Award-winning favorite Ain’t Misbehavin’ The FATS WALLER Musical Show March 6 – April 26, 2026. The Stackner season concludes with the World Premiere by local favorite Tami Workentin George & Gracie: A Love Story directed by Laura Braza May 1 – June 14, 2026. Milwaukee’s own power couple, Jim Pickering and Tami Workentin, also perform to bring the inspiring love story of Burns and Allen to life in this heartfelt tribute, filled with theatrical and showbiz magic, as part of World Premiere Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Rep’s enlarged downtown footprint encompasses the completely gutted and reimagined 1898 Oneida Street Station, a landmarked former powerplant that has been home to the theater since 1987, and a newly constructed glass building situated between the former powerplant and the historic Pabst Theater, another historic building constructed in 1895.The elegant glass volume, which sits above a newly enhanced main entrance on Wells Street, connects—for the first time—all theaters in the complex to the shared multi-level lobby. Engaging and activating the street,the transparent façade offers passersby a glimpse into the activity taking place inside the Center as patrons make their way to performances in the three theaters.
Milwaukee Rep’s capital project provides critical infrastructure updates to the theater’s more than a century old space, as well as updates to back-of-house and production technology to support increased performance capacity. The mainstage performance space, the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater, is reconfigured for improved sightlines with a new flexible stage that converts from a thrust to a proscenium, seating 568-671 patrons depending on the production’sconfiguration. The flexible configurations also accommodate increased accessibility within the space, extending the theatergoing experience by up to ten years for older audiences. Finally, the mainstage theater also includes updated, cutting-edge technology with an advanced digital sound system, a laser projection system, scenic automation systems for the newly created fly loft, programmable intelligent lighting, and livestreaming capabilities.
The Herro-Franke Studio Theater, Milwaukee Rep’s black box space for intimate productions, is reimagined with new modular platforms and seating that allows for audiences of 182 to 224 patrons, staging plays with larger casts, and greater production flexibility. The Stackner Cabaret, which was renovated in 2018 by Uihlein-Wilson Architects in advance of the larger transformation project, also has state-of-the-art production capabilities, updated front- and back-of-house amenities including a full bar and kitchen for a pre-show dining experience, and increased seating capacity for audiences of up to 186 patrons.
The theaters can be accessed via the skylit three-floor Sandra & William Haack Lobby that occupies the space in the glass building. The open lobby includes inviting pre- and post-show gathering spaces, The Lubar Lounge, which can hold up to 100 people, restrooms, a gift shop, coat check, and bars with food and beverage offerings. It also offers access to the new 2,700-square-foot Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center, which includes classroom, rehearsal, and performance spaces, as well as an outdoor patio lounge. The dedicated education facility allows Milwaukee Rep to grow programming that deepens audience engagement; increases accessibility; and improves literacy, supports social-emotional growth, and creates school-to-career pipelines for more than 30,000 students each year. New programming enabled by the Center includes Connections, an audience engagement series with post-show TalkBacks and community nights, and the launch of a School of Theater that offers classes, workshops, seminars, and camps. Milwaukee Rep will also continue its successful student programs such as in-school workshops, the national Next Narrative Monologue Competition, and apprenticeships for the next generation of artists.
As part of the capital project, the theater’s production shop is relocated off-site and expanded to a 35,000-square-foot facility that employs nearly 100 local artisans, advancing Milwaukee Rep’s role in supporting the region’s arts economy. The new Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center is housed in the space previously occupied by the shop.
More information, including production dates and details for the inaugural 2025/26 Season in the Associated Bank Theater Center, can be found below.
Based on the story “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern
Directed by Jonathan Hetler
October 31 – December 21, 2025
Stackner Cabaret
Experience the magic of Christmas like never before! This uplifting holiday classic comes to life as a high-energy radio play, blending 1940s retro charm with hilarious theatrical hijinks, as five multi-talented actors portray dozens of characters with vintage sound effects, favorite songs and lovable Christmas spirit, right in front of your eyes (and ears). A mix of humor, heart and hope, this enchanting show has captivated audiences across the country and delivers a nostalgic treat that’s gift wrapped for you and your loved ones of all ages.
Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Directed by Mark Clements
November 4 – December 14, 2025
Checota Powerhouse Theater Sponsored by PNC
This exhilarating Tony Award-winning musical shares the remarkable true story of nearly 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in the small Canadian town of Gander during the wake of 9/11. Experience this joyous story, with a dynamic score and a vibrant, fast-paced narrative, as spirited locals and global passengers come together to forge friendships that will stay with them forever. This breathtaking production opens the new Checota Powerhouse Theater and will leave you cheering for the power of community.
This heartwarming Wisconsin musical is a testament to the power of sisterhood and self-discovery. When a governor’s order uproots the small village of Fish Creek to make way for Peninsula State Park, two sisters — one practical, level-headed the other spirited and adventurous — must confront their fears and fight for the home they love. This charming show comes direct from a sold-out run at Northern Sky Theater and celebrates the deep connections we share with our family, community and the land around us. With touching songs and home-grown humor, you’ll treasure this funny, fitting love letter to a slice of our great state’s history.
The Lehman Trilogy
By Stefano Massini
Adapted by Ben Power
Directed by Arin Arbus
January 13 – February 8, 2026
Checota Powerhouse Theater
Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Play, The Lehman Trilogy is a riveting tour-de-force that is sure to captivate the imagination. In 1844, a young man from Germany stands on a New York dockside dreaming of a new life in the new world. He is joined by his two brothers, and an American epic begins. Over the next 163 years, the Lehmans transformed a small storefront into an unstoppable investment superpower – until a collapse that pushed the global economy to the brink of destruction. With three extraordinary actors portraying over 50 characters, this universally acclaimed play tests the bounds of the American dream and the limits of epic theatricality with a one-of-a-kind event you won’t want to miss! This production of The Lehman Trilogy is a transfer from Guthrie Theater (Minneapolis, MN) in association with Shakespeare Theatre Company (Washington, DC).
Herro-Franke Studio Theater A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program Production
Direct from a sold-out Broadway run, Pulitzer Prize-winner Ayad Akhtar’s thrilling and 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. You’ll experience jaw-dropping projections and special effects at this opening production in the new Herro-Franke Studio Theater, as McNeal explores the price of greatness and raises vital questions about art, truth and originality in the not-too-distant future.
Directed by Lou Bellamy February 24 – March 22, 2026
Checota Powerhouse Theater
August Wilson’s explosive, award-winning play is a gripping story of family, legacy and the choices that define us. During the Great Depression, the Charles household reaches a boiling point over a decision that will define them: sell the family’s cherished heirloom piano to secure their fortune or preserve it as a testament to their ancestor’s spirit and struggle. The ghosts of the past collide with the promise of the future in this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterpiece. From the celebrated director Lou Bellamy, who brought Milwaukee Rep audiences the acclaimed August Wilson’s Fences, The Piano Lesson marks our ninth production in Wilson’s American Century Cycle.
Created and Originally Directed by Richard Maltby Jr
Conceived by Richard Maltby Jr & Murray Horwitz
March 6 – April 26, 2026
Stackner Cabaret
Step into a jumpin’ jazz joint where the legendary music of Fats Waller takes center stage. Five extraordinary actor-musicians transform into a jubilant swing band for the ages in this Tony Award-winning musical — last seen in our 2013/14 Season — that brings the razzle-dazzle spirit of the Roaring Twenties to the 2020s. Get ready to sing, dance and let loose with this brilliant celebration of an iconic trailblazer and his lasting legacy.
Live boldly, love wildly, paint passionately — this was the uncompromising life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Through music, movement and irresistible charm, acclaimed writer and actor Vanessa Severo crafts a poetic performance that explores Frida’s breathtaking life and astonishing genius. This sizzling play plunges into the brilliant, nuanced world of Kahlo’s tumultuous, extraordinary life, offering a vivid exploration of how we shape ourselves through the art that we love.
A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program Production
This effervescent, charming new comedy celebrates writers, womanhood, and the stories that shape our lives. In 1926, famed author Agatha Christie vanished for 11 days, reappearing without explanation. The real-life case of the “Missing Mrs. Christie” became a tabloid sensation, but the reasons behind her disappearance remain unknown. Now, 100 years later, a devoted superfan stumbles upon the clues that could finally crack the case, launching a coming-of-age journey of memory and self-discovery – with the thrill of a good old-fashioned mystery.
A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program Production
For nearly 40 years, George Burns and Gracie Allen delighted millions as entertainment’s original power couple, sharing love and laughter through their comedic brilliance. Now, Milwaukee’s own power couple, Jim Pickering and Tami Workentin, bring the inspiring love story of Burns and Allen to life in this heartfelt tribute, filled with theatrical and showbiz magic. Trace George and Gracie’s rise from a struggling vaudeville act to the height of stardom during the golden age of radio, television, and film and celebrate their legacy and devotion in this World Premiere that’s sure to captivate and inspire.
Agatha Christie’s heart-pounding thriller takes us to a secluded island full of intrigue, as ten strangers with dark secrets find themselves marooned at a grand estate, trapped in a deadly game where no one can be trusted. Christie’s own acclaimed adaptation of her most famous masterpiece – the world’s #1 best-selling mystery novel – is filled with suspicious twists, surprising turns and memorable characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking end.
Presented by Jay Franke & David Herro
50th Anniversary Production
A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
Adapted and Directed by Mark Clements
November 25 – December 24, 2025
Pabst Theater Presented by West Bend Insurance For decades Wisconsinites have enjoyed A Christmas Carol as their favorite holiday tradition. Now join us as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary production of this Dickens’ classic. Experience the magic of this beloved tale as Ebenezer Scrooge’s heartwarming transformation inspires holiday cheer with the timeless message of peace, hope and joy. With beautiful music, lively dancing, stunning sets and eye-popping special effects, it’s a dazzling Christmas feast with enough theatrical goodies to fill any sized stocking hung by the chimney with care.
About Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin with its new artistic home in the Associated Bank Theater Center opening Fall 2025 with three unique performance venues – the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater, Herro-Franke Studio Theater and Stackner Cabaret. For over seven decades, Milwaukee Rep has been a centerpiece of Milwaukee’s vibrant arts and cultural scene with productions ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare to American Classics and New Works that are entertaining, inclusive and impactful. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mark Clements and Executive Director Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Repertory Theater ignites positive change in the cultural, social and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity. More information is available at www.MilwaukeeRep.com
Sorry that I am a week late with this but a mid-winter vacation intervened!
