2025/26 Season Brochure

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A World-Class Theater in the Heart of Downtown Milwaukee

Just as our founding more than 70 years ago forever established professional theater in Wisconsin, the Associated Bank Theater Center secures the future of Milwaukee Rep as both a national leader and a dynamic local cultural institution.

As a Subscriber you will have the first opportunity to experience firsthand this incredible new center and how it will enhance your theatergoing experience.

Associated Bank Theater Center Features:

3 STATE-OF-THE-ART PERFORMANCE VENUES

Checota Powerhouse Theater, home of epic dramas and powerful musicals, featuring an industry-first convertible stage and Broadway-level production values

Herro-Franke Studio Theater, an infinitely flexible performance lab for adventurous, new, boundary-pushing work

EXPANDED SPACES AND SERVICES

Stackner Cabaret, an intimate space where great performances intersect with excellent food and flowing drinks

• An impressive three level lobby with ample restrooms, readily available concessions and plenty of seating

• Event spaces, a full-service restaurant and an elegant donor lounge

• An innovative education center serving 20,000+ students annually

• Industry-leading accessibility programs and adaptive technology

Join Us for Our Inaugural Season of the Associated Bank Theater Center!

After six years of planning and 250,000+ work hours of construction, the opening of Milwaukee Rep’s new home at the Associated Bank Theater Center is here! To celebrate, we have planned our most ambitious season ever featuring 12 productions ranging from World Premieres to Broadway musicals.

From astonishing epics that entertain and inspire, to provocatively personal stories that create community, the joyous Inaugural Season at the Associated Bank Theater Center will delight you in ways that will be talked about for years to come.

We anticipate high interest in seeing the 2025/26 Season in the new building, but only Subscribers will receive the best seats at the best price!

Why Subscribe?

GUARANTEED SEATS

Subscribing is the only way to guarantee seeing the shows you are most excited about.

IT PAYS TO SUBSCRIBE

Single Tickets to our most popular shows regularly exceed $100 (if you can get them!) Subscribers are the first in line and on average pay 70% less.

ULTIMATE FLEXIBILITY

We know life happens. Call us no later than 48 hours prior to your show to exchange for another performance of the same production for free.

EXCLUSIVE ACCESS AND DISCOUNTS

Get priority access and the best discount for all off-Subscription productions, including the 50th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol.

NO ORDER/PROCESSING FEES

That’s an additional savings of up to $38 per Subscription.

VIRTUAL CONCIERGE

Subscriber-only email reminders with behind-the-scenes information, parking/ traffic alerts, and more!

Explore the fantastic shows in our upcoming season in the following pages and then sign up today for an incredible range of experiences.

BIGGEST VALUE PACKAGES

11 Plays

From $371

See them all! For the ultimate Rep insider! See all 11 plays so you won't miss a moment of our exciting season.

9 Plays From $303

See all 5 plays in our Powerhouse Theater and 4 plays in the Stackner Cabaret.

7 Plays

From $183

See 5 shows in our Powerhouse Theater and 2 shows in our HerroFranke Studio Theater.

5 Plays

From $115

See all 5 shows in our flagship Theater as part of the Powerhouse Productions.

4 Plays From $188

See all 4 shows in our most intimate space, the Stackner Cabaret. From dinner to drinks to great theater, you can’t go wrong.

MOST FLEXIBLE PACKAGES

Create Your Own

Subscription (CYOS)

From $220—Zone A

From $180—Zone B

Choose a minimum of any 4 plays out of 11. Want to see more than 4? You can purchase a 5 Play CYOS or 6 Play CYOS. Some seating restrictions do apply.

FlexPass

Subscription

From $375

Mix-and-match your favorite shows. Get 6 ticket vouchers to use for the best available seats in any combination. You don’t have to pick your plays or dates now. Choose them up to 48 hours in advance—subject to availability.

CPH STK HFST
CPH STK
CPH HFST

NOV 4 – DEC 14, 2025

FEB 24 – MAR 22, 2026

JAN 13 – FEB 8, 2026

MAY 26 – JUN 28, 2026

APR 14 – MAY 10, 2026

NOV 25 – DEC 24, 2025 PABST THEATER

9 – MAR 1, 2026

1 – JUN 14, 2026

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.

ADAPTED BY Joe Landry

BASED ON THE STORY “THE GREATEST GIFT” BY Philip Van Doren Stern

DIRECTED BY Jonathan Hetler

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS

Caryl & Frank Briscoe

Kristine Krause & Scott Patulski

PART OF The David Kundert Stackner Season Heartwarming, Hilarious and Delightfully

“Critic’s choice! A compelling Christmas showpiece.”

TIME OUT MAGAZINE

NOV 4 – DEC 14, 2025

CHECOTA

A Breathtaking Tale of Triumph

This exhilarating Tony Award-winning musical shares the remarkable true story of nearly 7,000 airline 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.

“Exuberant! A reminder of who we are all meant to be.”

THE WASHINGTON POST

BOOK, MUSIC & LYRICS BY Irene Sankoff & David Hein

DIRECTED BY Mark Clements

PRESENTED BY David Kundert

CORPORATE SPONSOR

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Cheryl & Bill Guc

Sandy & Bill Haack

Susan & Howard Hopwood

Maureen McCabe

POWERHOUSE THEATER

A Wisconsin Celebration of Home and Heart JAN 9 – MAR 1, 2026 STACKNER CABARET

This heartwarming Wisconsin musical is a testament to the power of sisterhood and selfdiscovery. When a governor’s order uproots the small village of Fish Creek to make way for Peninsula State Park, two sisters must confront their fears and fight for the home they love. This charming show, direct from Northern Sky Theater, celebrates the deep connections we share with our family, community and the land around us. With touching songs and homegrown humor, you’ll treasure this funny, fitting love letter to a slice of our great state’s history.

“Musical theater of high quality… Katie Dahl weaves a beautiful tapestry.”

BOOK, MUSIC & LYRICS BY Katie Dahl DIRECTED BY Molly Rhode

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Judi & Chris Collins

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER Judy Steinke

PART OF The David Kundert Stackner Season

JAN 13 – FEB 8,

An

Epic

2026

Journey Through the American Dream

Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Play, The Lehman Trilogy is a riveting tour-de-force. Three brothers from Germany stand on a New York dockside dreaming of a new life in the new world, and an American epic begins. Over the next 163 years, the Lehmans transformed a small storefront into an unstoppable investment superpower—until a collapse 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!

“A triumph. Exhilarating and sublime.”

THE WASHINGTON POST

ADAPTED BY Ben Power

DIRECTED BY Arin Arbus

PRESENTED BY Ellen & Joe Checota

CHECOTA POWERHOUSE THEATER

This production of The Lehman Trilogy is a transfer from Guthrie Theater (Minneapolis, MN) in association with Shakespeare Theatre Company (Washington, DC)

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 jawdropping 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.

“Captivating and unnerving… asks fascinating questions.”

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

DIRECTED BY Mark Clements

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

PRESENTED BY Christine Symchych & James McNulty

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Abbie & David Nash

Mara & Craig Swan

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS

Dr. Eric A. Durant & Scott A. Swickard

Mary Beth & Harry Van Groll

PART OF The Four-Four Foundation Herro-Franke Studio Season

American Century Cycle.

“Wonderful a play of magnificent confrontations.”

NEW YORK POST

A Jubilant Celebration of Fats Waller MAR 6 – APR 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.

“Classy and glamorous… a dose of old-school pizzazz.”

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

CREATED & ORIGINALLY DIRECTED BY Richard Maltby Jr.

CONCEIVED BY Richard Maltby Jr. & Murray Horwitz

DIRECTED BY E. Faye Butler

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS

Bryan Carson Katie & Chris Hermann

PART OF The David Kundert Stackner Season

APR 3 – MAY

An Iconic Painter’s Art, Heart and Spirit

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.

WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY

DIRECTED BY Joanie Schultz

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Idy Goodman

Judy Hansen

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS

Laura & Adam Peck

Krista Kile

PART OF The Four-Four Foundation

“Vulnerable, emotional, personal, and full of joy utterly captivating.”

BROADWAYWORLD

The Curious Disappearance of Agatha Christie

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.

“For budding detectives and soul searchers… whet your inner Hercule Poirot.” SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

DIRECTED BY

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

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Bob Balderson

CO-PRODUCED WITH

MAY 1 – JUN 14,

2026 STACKNER CABARET

A Love Story of Laughter

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.

DIRECTED BY Laura Braza

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

PART OF

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS

Richard Grunke & William Grasch

Susan & John Harrits

Kris & Wayne Lueders

Diane K. O’Connor

PART OF

The David Kundert Stackner Season

Ten Strangers. One Island. No One Is Safe

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.

“You will jump, for sure… leaves you guessing till the very end.”

HOUSTON PRESS

BY

PRESENTED BY Karen & Mark Bitzan

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Sharee Allain & David Schertz

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS

Linda & Debesh Mazumdar

ENCORE PLAY

Add To Your Subscription!

NOV 25 – DEC 24, 2025 PABST THEATER

Milwaukee’s Favorite Holiday Tradition

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

Join us and celebrate our 50th Anniversary production! 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. Rep favorite Matt Daniels returns as Scrooge.

“Like being in the middle of a richly illustrated pop-up book with music.”

MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

BY

ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY Mark Clements

PRESENTED BY Jay Franke & David Herro

CORPORATE SPONSOR

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Molly & Tom Duffey

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS Saints Andrew and Mark Charitable Gift Trust

EQUIPMENT SPONSOR

UPGRADE TO PREFERRED SEATING

The Checota Powerhouse Theater features 30 new Preferred Seats comprising rows B, C and D in Lower Center Orchestra.

Preferred Seats will offer:

• Best locations for optimal sightlines/sound

• Widest and most comfortable seats

• Double arm rests

• Priority customer service

Additionally, Preferred Seat Subscribers will receive two (2) single use passes to the Lubar Lounge, our stunning donor lounge (unlimited access is a donor benefit at the $5,000 level).

We are making our Inaugural Preferred Seats available for Subscribers for an additional $125 per Powerhouse 5-Play Package.

Call our Ticket Office at 414-224-9490 to inquire on how to upgrade your Subscription today.

We are almost ready to welcome you into the new Associated Bank Theater Center! This is an exciting time to be part of one of the greatest moments in our organization’s history and we’re grateful to have you on the journey with us.

Being a Subscriber AND a donor is the best way to make the most of your experience in the new building. Donors receive access to unique benefits like behind-the-scenes events with Rep artists, priority seating and complimentary parking.

When you make a tax-deductible donation in addition to your benefits, you help us to keep tickets accessible for underserved communities so everyone can experience the magic of live theater.

Be an even bigger part of this extraordinary season and donate with your Subscription purchase!

LUBAR LOUNGE

The Associated Bank Theater Center features a stunning donor lounge accessible to all public spaces in the building. Unlimited access to Lubar Lounge is a donor benefit starting at the $5,000 level

SUBSCRIBING

1 Consider a donation to Milwaukee Rep

2 Pick your package and seat location

3 Tell us if you’d like to add A Christmas Carol

PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS

All Subscription performances take place at the Associated Bank Theater Center, located at 108 E. Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202. A Christmas Carol takes place at the Pabst Theater located at 144 E. Wells Street.

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Tuesday Evening 6:30 or 7:30pm

Wednesday Matinee 1:30pm

Wednesday Evening 7:30pm

Thursday Evening 7:30pm

Friday* Evening 7:30pm

Saturday Matinee 3:00pm

Saturday Evening 8:00pm

Sunday Matinee 2:00pm

Sunday Evening 7:00pm

*Opening Nights remain at 8pm. A Christmas Carol performance times are different.

SEATING CHARTS

CPH Checota Powerhouse Theater

“Balcony” seating is not available for new Subscriptions.

Seating in the Herro-Franke Studio Theater is flexible and may be different for each play. Prices in the HerroFranke Studio Theater are based on the day of the week you attend and are the same for all seating areas. HFST Herro-Franke Studio Theater

STK Stackner Cabaret

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

BEST VALUE PACKAGES— Save up to 70% off Single Ticket Prices!

CREATE YOUR OWN SUBSCRIPTION

Choose 4, 5 or 6 productions from any theater, weekday or weekend shows. We’ll choose your seats based on the zone you pick after fixed package seating is completed.

FLEXPASS FOR $375

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

ENCORE PLAY ADD-ON

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

Prices are per person per Subscription and exclude tax and fees. Add $125 for Preferred Seating in the Checota Powerhouse to 11-play, 9-play, 7-play and 5-play packages. All Subscription tickets will be charged Wisconsin State Sales

Pictured: The Craic featuring Megan Loomis, Trevor Lindley Craft, Alexander Sovronsky and Claire-Frances Sullivan.
Photo by Michael
Michael Brosilow.

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