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.
Fifty years is quite a noteworthy accomplishment that The Milwaukee Rep should certainly be proud of. But, you the audience, should be proud of this anniversary too, because without your love and support of A Christmas Carrol, it couldn’t have run all of these years. It has certainly become a family tradition with grandparents and parents sharing it with their grands and children…and I imagine that will continue for years to come.
Pictured: The Cast of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Over those fifty years, the Rep has presented a number of different adaptations and all of their popular actors have played the important roles at one time or another. I don’t remember how many versions I have attended. It certainly hasn’t been fifty, but I could have if I had If I had been so inclined (yes I am that old). The story is certainly known to us all and the characters remain the same, but no matter how many times you have seen A Christmas Carol, there is always something new to discover or a something that you forgot about to re-excite you or a new bit of action that further illustrates the story. Sit back and take it all in and reach out to your seven year old self as the interlocutors suggest when they are introducing the play and Mr. Charles Dickens, himself!
But this season’s presentation was somewhat in doubt for more than a few moments. In the wake of the Great Flood of 2025, the set for A Christmas Carol and most of the Rep’s off site workshops were destroyed in the flood. Amazingly, the set was rebuilt and re-imagined on the stage of the venerable Pabst Theater. So as in several previous years, we are again graced with Director and Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements’ adaptation and the streets of London appear and disappear as we watch, the spirits broadcast dread and awe as they vex and re-educate Scrooge and we again feel the timeless and timely joy in this story well told. So this season is more that a celebration of the salvation of Scrooge but the resurrection of a cherished season tradition in Milwaukee.
This year feels a little different. There seems to be more joy on stage. The cast seems to be feeling the story more, they seem more invested in their characters than in the past. And I just had more fun this year than I remember from recent seasons. Is that a result of the close call via the floods and the cast realizing what an opportunity they have to bring joy and solace to their audience one more time? I think that might be it…and I mentioned that to Mr. Clements on the way out on Friday night and he seemed to think so as well.
Pictured: Matt Daniels and Mark Corkins. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
And who is this marvelous cast? Well Matt Daniels is once again Scrooge. And he easily portrays the cranky irascible old miser in the early going…he clearly identifies as that Scrooge. And Daniels just as easily becomes the fearful timid old man in the face of the spirits and the ghost of Marley mid-play. But then he also amazingly transforms into the dancing giddy happy human being the story brings about in Scrooge. Daniels is certainly the Scrooge for this adaptation of Dickens’ story.
Pictured: Matt Daniels and Kevin Kantor. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
And our ghost and spirits? Mark Corkins returns as the Ghost of Marley. Corkins presence and movements certainly can fill the audience with as much dread as the fearful Scrooge who he is lecturing. His sonorous voice is uniquely adept at conveying that very sense of dread and seriousness. Audience favorite Kevin Kantor is also a returning veteran, again portraying the Ghost of Christmas Past. Kantor presents an eerie as well as ethereal spirit who easily manipulates Scrooge and initiates the breakdown of Scrooge’s resistance to the transition he is about to take on. Kantor can bring on the sinister with an amazing sense of grace and righteousness. And the Ghost of Christmas Present is once again Todd Denning. Again dressed in an elaborate green satin Santa suit, Denning is imposing, a bit dominating on stage. Denning’s Ghost is more a matter of fact than the others but he has no time for a Scrooge who is still teetering on the edge of disbelief…but Denning finally pushes him over the edge!
Pictured: Todd Denning and Matt Daniels. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
And there can not be A Christmas Carol without Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim. Cratchit is again played by Reese Madigan who is comfortable in his professional world as the lackey in the firm of Scrooge and Marley, knowing that the true meaning of life is family. Madigan’s movement from subservient wage laborer to loving doting family man is truly moving. And a highlight of each season’s performance is who is playing Tiny Tim. This year we are blessed by Harold Wagner, whose smile, energy, and enthusiasm fill the stage and gives us a delightful Tiny Tim.
Pictured: The Cast of A Christmas Carol: The Crachit Family. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
I do have one unanswered question that someone from the Rep needs to go on record about. How do they work the Ghost of Christmas Future?
Bring your best singing voices…there will be a sing a long with the lyrics and a bouncing ball of Joy To The World to end the production. And the Ghosts will ask you a question or two as they torment Mr. Scrooge!
This last bit I am stealing (?) from my review from 2024. It is no less true in 2025 and given the trials and tribulations to rebuild the set, an appropriate homage to previous presentations:
Clements’ version of Dickens’ London is aswirl with constant movement, song, and dance. From the many carolers, townspeople, the staff at Fezziwig’s, to the alms collectors, there is always activity as befits a major city street. All the more events to keep us focused on the story being told.
For me at least, the Christmas Season doesn’t truly get underway in Milwaukee until the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s presentation of A Christmas Carol opens at the Pabst Theater. Even though you know the story, this adaptation by Director and Rep Artistic Director Mark Clements is the one to see. And even if you have seen it recently, this would be a good year to make the time to see it again. I felt some extra magic this year…yes the story is unchanged although Clements version brings the core story cleanly to the fore. And the set and lighting once again put us in awe of the theatrical spectacle brought to bear in the elegant Pabst Theater.
The Cast of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Yes, there is all that but certainly much of the magic is from the cast itself. Clements has always excelled at bringing the Dickens’ characters to life with just the right actors. And this year of course is no exception, but for me the cast felt immensely connected and involved than ever. Bravo.
Matt Daniels and Mark Corkins. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
But A Christmas Carol would be impossible to make real without the ideal actor in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. And the Rep is fortunate to have the very popular and ever versatile Matt Daniels for their Scrooge. After a number of years in the role now, he simply inhabits Scrooge. From the initial sinister Bah Humbug persona at play’s open to the defiant old sod in the face of Marley’s Ghost and the Ghost of Christmas Past to the fearful and resentful toy of the other Ghosts to finally the jubilant Scrooge who’s found redemption, Daniels doesn’t seem to be acting at all. Hopefully he’s feeling as much joy in the role as the joy he is giving the audience so that he stays the course in the future.
Matt Daniels and Kevin Kantor. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
And beyond the perfect Scrooge, the story is untold without a proper Marley’s Ghost or the other Ghosts of Christmas. Mark Corkins returns as Marley and feels the weight of his chains and puts the initial scares into Scrooge quite effectively. A ghostly presence not easily forgotten. The Ghost of Christmas Present makes a startlingly eerie entrance at the start of Act !!. In his glowing green satin Santa inspired costume, Todd Denning just dominates the stage…appropriately dominating a now very fearful Scrooge.
Kevin Kantor. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
But it is the Ghost of Christmas Past that is the pivot point in our story. Keven Kantor looms large over the stage and sets a high bar for the other ghosts. Controlling and mocking Scrooge, they easily move from a soaring and screaming Valkyrie like presence to a booming and dominating spirit who finally breaks Scrooge’s defiance.
Reese Madigan, Matt Daniels and Jordan Anthony Arredondo. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Two other stand out characters are of course, Fred, Scrooge’s nephew, and Bob Cratchit. Reese Madigan does an outstanding job as the resilient Bob Crachit, from subservient clerk at Scrooge and Marley, to doting father at home. And Jordan Anthony Arrendondo is ideal as the effervescent and social Fred, even in the face of his uncle’s various Bah Humbug retorts.
Clements’ version of Dickens’ London is aswirl with constant movement, song, and dance. From the many carolers, townspeople, the staff at Fezziwig’s, to the alms collectors, there is always activity as befits a major city street. All the more events to keep us focused on the story being told.
Luke Drope, as Tiny Tim, and the Cast of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
A Christmas Carol runs from now through December 24, 2024 at the Pabst Theater downtown. Additional information and ticket ordering can be found here. Run time is about 2 hours and 10 minutes including one intermission. Recommended Age: 6 and up.
