2021/22 Season Brochure by Milwaukee Rep

Welcome Back Announcing Our 2021/22 Season

2021/22 Season Begins October 29

We're here to lenish your spirit.

There is a bright spotlight at the end of this dark pandemic tunnel. We cannot wait to welcome you back! We have missed your laughter, tears, and watching you jump to your feet at the end of a performance. Through the brilliance of science, we are vaccinating more than two million people a day. These vaccines with their extraordinary safety and unprecedented efficacy will end a human tragedy that has brought devastation around the world. Soon we will be celebrating the end of the pandemic and the return to the shared experience and thrill of live theater that we have all missed so greatly. To ensure vaccines have time to be fully distributed and work to their optimum level, we are delaying the start of our 2021/22 Season to October 29. Additionally, we remain fully committed to your safety and will follow recommendations from the CDC and local health officials. We will adjust operations as needed, which may include limiting tickets sold to allow for social distancing while prioritizing our Subscribers. We are grateful to the 10,000+ Subscribers that have already renewed their Subscriptions, which allowed us to keep the majority of our staff and artists employed during our extended closure. This has ensured that we are ready to provide the exact same standard of artistry we are renowned for. We will pick up where we left off and can’t wait to wow you with our largest season ever, including the breathtaking, Tony Award-winning musical Titanic, Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, and Shakespeare’s As You Like It brilliantly infused with Beatles songs. Throw in a new musical about the Green Bay Packers, an Emmy-nominated performance of Judy Garland classics, Toni Stone (The Wall Street Journal’s 2019 Best New Play) and a celebration of one of America’s most vital writers, Dael Orlandersmith (Until the Flood), this season is not to be missed! The performing arts have been hard hit. More than anything, Subscribing today is an investment in the long-term future of your Milwaukee Rep. Please join us and help us reopen stronger than ever.

#WeREPMilwaukee

MARK CLEMENTS

Artistic Director www.MilwaukeeRep.com

2021/22 SEASON

ORDER TODAY

QP Quadracci Powerhouse

STK Stackner Cabaret

Join us for 11 amazing plays in our Subscription Series.

Subscribe to get the best seats at the best price.

November 9–December 5, 2021

January 4–January 30, 2022

October 29, 2021–January 2, 2022

January 7–February 27, 2022

February 15–March 20, 2022

April 5–May 15, 2022

March 4–May 1, 2022

May 5–July 1, 2022

ENCORE PLAY

May 31–July 1, 2022

www.MilwaukeeRep.com

November 30–December 24, 2021 at the Pabst Theater

STM Stiemke Studio

January 26–March 6, 2022

March 22–May 1, 2022 5

PACKAGES FOR EVERY BUDGET

Up to 70% off Single Ticket prices. The more you buy the more you save! THEATER LOVERS PACKAGES

11 Plays

From $318 See them all! Enjoy productions in all of our performance venues: Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio and Stackner Cabaret. QP

STM

9 Plays

7 Plays

From $154 See 5 shows in the Quadracci Powerhouse and 2 shows in our most adventurous theater space, the Stiemke Studio.

From $264 See 5 shows in the Quadracci Powerhouse and 4 shows in our newly renovated Stackner Cabaret.

STK

STM

MOST POPULAR PACKAGES

5 Plays

From $100 See all 5 shows in our flagship theater—the Quadracci Powerhouse. QP

OCTOBER 29, 2021–JANUARY 2, 2022

4 Plays

From $164 See all 4 shows in our newly renovated Stackner Cabaret. From dinner to drinks to great theater, you can’t go wrong. STK

MOST FLEXIBLE PACKAGES

Create Your Own Season (CYOS)

From $190 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.

STM

STK

FlexPass Subscription

$345 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. QP

STM

Book, Music & Lyrics by Matt Zembrowski Directed by Ryan Quinn

A New Musical Comedy Celebrating Family, Folly and Football Direct from its sold-out engagement in Door County where it became the bestselling show in Northern Sky Theater’s 28-year history, comes this new musical comedy for football fanatics and the people who love them. Who will inherit Frank’s treasured season tickets at Lambeau Field? The Kosinski sisters employ every trick in the playbook, on the way to relearning that family isn’t everything— it’s the only thing. With songs like “When You Live in Green Bay” and “What Do You Do with a Bye Week,” this quintessential Wisconsin musical will warm your heart and leave you rooting for the home team! “Everything melds—the singing, the music, the flow...a fabulous show.”—WFRV Green Bay

Corporate Sponsor

STK

Order Today for the Best Seats & Best Price

Visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com | Call 414-224-9490

Executive Producers Karen & Mark Bitzan Chris & Judi Collins Clark & Diane Slipher

Part of the Camille & David Kundert Stackner Season

STK Stackner Cabaret

11 Play | 9 Play | 4 Play | CYOS | FlexPass

Ryan Quinn 7

NOVEMBER 9–DECEMBER 5, 2021

JANUARY 4–JANUARY 30, 2022

By Robert Harling Directed by Laura Braza

By Lydia R. Diamond Directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden

A Tenderhearted Favorite

A Trailblazing Spirit

In Chinquapin, Louisiana everybody who is anybody gets their hair done at Truvy’s beauty shop—where the women are all sass and brass. Through clouds of hairspray and over the buzz of blow dryers, six southern spitfires gather each week to gossip and support each other through thick and thin. But those bonds are tested when the ladies face a life-changing event. Infused with heart and humor, Steel Magnolias is a hilarious story of love, loss and enduring friendship.

Declared the Best New Play of 2019 by The Wall Street Journal, this sensational theatrical event knocks it out of the park with a high intensity glimpse into the world of the first woman to go pro in baseball’s Negro Leagues. Against all odds, Toni Stone blazes a path in the male-dominated sports world, shattering expectations and creating her own set of rules. Follow Toni’s journey as she fights for love, equality and a chance to do what she wants the most — play baseball. Filled with humor and the love of the game, this intimate and profoundly relevant portrait of America will have you cheering along.

“This is a show that everyone should see.”—Star Tribune

New York Times Critics Pick!

Associate Producer Dr. Eric Durant

Executive Producers Robert Burrell Judy Hansen

A Co-Production with Alliance Theatre

QP Quadracci Powerhouse

www.MilwaukeeRep.com

Laura Braza

QP Quadracci Powerhouse

Lydia R. Diamond

Tinashe Kajese-Bolden 9

JANUARY 7–FEBRUARY 27, 2022

JANUARY 26–MARCH 6, 2022 By Dael Orlandersmith and Antonio Edwards Suarez | Directed by Mark Clements A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program Production

From Bach to Broadway

World Premiere Event

What happens when you put two pianos onstage, add two virtuoso piano players and throw in a limitless songbook that defies genre and decade? You get Piano Men! Equal parts concert and sing-along, this exhilarating and entertaining musical revue will have you clapping, laughing and calling out requests for your favorite songs. Inspired by the hard working piano players who play everywhere from bars to airports, hotel lobbies to grand concert halls, Piano Men will feature a unique set list from rock, pop, classical, Broadway and everything in-between and will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Antonio’s Song is a poetic journey of a dancer/artist/father questioning the balance of his passions—art, culture, family. From the streets of Brooklyn to Russia’s most prestigious ballet training studios, Antonio struggles to reconcile multiple ethnic identities. He wrestles with the legacy of stereotypes of masculinity in modern America while discovering the beauty of becoming a father. Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith’s (Until the Flood) powerful poetry is intermixed with original movement, music and evocative projected imagery to create a wholly unique and stunning world premiere production performed by the breathtaking Antonio Edwards Suarez. “It’s brilliantly, movingly done, with a virtuosic performance by Suarez.”—DC Metro

Executive Producers Carol & Ivor Benjamin

Associate Producers Jane & Stephen Chernof Abigail & David Nash

Executive Producers Catherine & Buddy Robinson

Part of the Camille & David Kundert Stackner Season

The Stiemke Studio Season is presented by Four-Four Foundation

STK Stackner Cabaret

STM Stiemke Studio

11 Play | 9 Play | 4 Play | CYOS | FlexPass

www.MilwaukeeRep.com

11 Play | 7 Play | CYOS | FlexPass

Dael Orlandersmith

Antonio Edwards Suarez

Presented by The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation

Presented by Kristine & Wayne Lueders

FEBRUARY 15–MARCH 20, 2022

MARCH 4–MAY 1, 2022

By William Shakespeare | Adapted & Directed by Daryl Cloran Conceived by Daryl Cloran & the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival

Created by David Grapes & Todd Olson | Book by Todd Olson Original Production Directed by David Grapes Directed & Choreographed by Kelley Faulkner

Shakespeare with a Twist

“The Voice” Returns to the Stackner

The Beatles meet the Bard in this rollicking, celebratory musical take on William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. It’s 1960s British Columbia and love is in the air as a handful of cross-dressing lovers lead to mistaken identities, hilarious mishaps and loads of laughs. Interwoven into Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, the production features over 20 Beatles songs performed live including “She Loves You,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “Let It Be.” Audiences will be rolling with laughter and singing along to some of the best songs ever written.

From the king of swing to the Rat Pack, Ol’ Blue Eyes charmed his way into the hearts of millions. Celebrate the pivotal moments of Sinatra’s remarkable five-decade career with a journey through his greatest hits. Four performers sing classics such as “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “New York, New York.” Experience the elegance of “The Chairman of the Board” as you’re transported back to the era of supper clubs, vintage Las Vegas and the perfect martini.

“Playful and inventive...a surefire crowd-pleaser.”—CBC

“Highly Recommended! Charming”—Chicago Sun-Times

Corporate Sponsor

Executive Producers Melanie & Steve Booth

Associate Producers Bob Balderson Suzy B. Ettinger Foundation The Molly & David Fritz Family

Executive Producers Elizabeth & Peter Gottsacker Cheryl & David Walker

Associate Producers Ellen & James Flesch

Part of the Camille & David Kundert Stackner Season

QP Quadracci Powerhouse

www.MilwaukeeRep.com

Daryl Cloran

STK Stackner Cabaret

11 Play | 9 Play | 4 Play | CYOS | FlexPass

Kelley Faulkner

Presented by Christine Symchych & Jim McNulty

Presented by Camille & David Kundert

MARCH 22–MAY 1, 2022

APRIL 5–MAY 15, 2022

By Dael Orlandersmith | Directed by Jade King Carroll A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program Production

Story & Book by Peter Stone | Music & Lyrics by Maury Yeston Orchestrations by Ian Weinberger | Directed by Mark Clements

World Premiere Event

The Dreams She Carried Were Unsinkable

Told through music, movement and lyrical storytelling, New Age follows four women at different junctures in life as they contend with their sexuality, insecurities and legacies. Cass loves art and continues to redefine herself after divorce, Lisette recounts how she became a writer as she faces health challenges, Candy has carved out a life for herself and despite struggles remains upbeat, and Liberty, the youngest of the group, begins her career as a rock musician. Edgy, joyful and authentic, Pulitzer Prize nominee Dael Orlandersmith’s distinctive style brings the stories of these resilient women to life as they prove that they are defined by much more than age.

Winner of five Tony Awards, Titanic The Musical is a stirring and unforgettable account of the first and last days of the ship of dreams. This epic musical features real stories of people aboard the most legendary ship in the world from thirdclass immigrants dreaming of a better tomorrow to first-class passengers living a life of fame and fortune. Rarely produced due to its size and complexity, this stunning and majestic musical sails into the intimate Quadracci Powerhouse for the theatrical event of the year!  “Breathtaking”—The Guardian

Executive Producers Croen Foundation Mara & Craig Swan

Associate Producer Krista Kile

Corporate Sponsor

Executive Producers Beightol Foundation Julia & Bladen Burns

The Stiemke Studio Season is presented by Four-Four Foundation

STM Stiemke Studio

11 Play | 7 Play | CYOS | FlexPass

www.MilwaukeeRep.com

Jade King Carroll

QP Quadracci Powerhouse

Mark Clements

MAY 5–JULY 1, 2022

MAY 31–JULY 1, 2022

An Artists Lounge Live Production

Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig Directed by Marti Lyons

A Star Is Born

Eight Suspects, One Thrilling Ride

In an Emmy Award-nominated performance seen on PBS, Angela Ingersoll celebrates Judy Garland live in concert. Backed by a dynamite band, Ingersoll delivers a tour de force of virtuosic vocals, passionate storytelling, humor, and heart. Ingersoll also won acclaim starring as Garland in End of the Rainbow, including Chicago's Jeff Award and LA Times Woman of the Year in Theatre. Chicago Sun-Times exclaims, “Phenomenal. Judy Garland has been reborn." Classic songs include "Over the Rainbow," "The Trolley Song," and "The Man That Got Away.”

Board the exotic and mysterious Orient Express as it takes off into the opulence and grandeur of the 1930s with a train full of suspects—each with a motive and an alibi. This dazzling new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s masterpiece is filled with twists, turns and larger-than-life characters. Join beloved detective Hercule Poirot as he battles the clock to figure out “whodunit” in this murder mystery that’s the perfect way to close our season. “Glamorous...enthralling from the beginning to the end.”—BroadwayWorld

“Ingersoll is transcendent...singing classic after classic to flawless perfection.” —BroadwayWorld

Executive Producer James Phillips

Associate Producer Lynda Johnson

Corporate Sponsor

Executive Producers Rebecca & Bryan House

Associate Producers Laura & Adam Peck Karen Plunkett

Part of the Camille & David Kundert Stackner Season

STK Stackner Cabaret

11 Play | 9 Play | 4 Play | CYOS | FlexPass

www.MilwaukeeRep.com

Angela Ingersoll

QP Quadracci Powerhouse

Marti Lyons

Presented by Jay Franke & David Herro

SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS

Best seats. Best price.

ENCORE PLAY

Add to your Subscription!

As Subscribers you always get the best seats in the house at the best prices for our incredible productions with a savings of more than 70% off top ticket prices.

NOVEMBER 30–DECEMBER 24, 2021

At The Pabst Theater

WAIVED FEES

BRING-A-FRIEND DISCOUNT

Subscribers never have to pay the per ticket processing fees—that’s an additional savings of up to $38 per Subscription!

Subscribers receive 15% off the purchase of additional tickets (economy sections excluded). Subscriber discount is not valid for rentals or special productions.

FREE EXCHANGES

MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

Bad weather? Last minute conflict? No problem. Contact us up to 48 hours before your show and exchange to another performance of the same production for free. Charges will apply if you transfer to a more expensive seat.

As much as we are certain of our commitment to resume production, we know we are in uncertain times. Rest assured that if for any reason we must cancel performances we will honor your commitment to us by offering a full array of ticket exchange and refund options.

By Charles Dickens | Adapted & Directed by Mark Clements

Make The Holidays Unforgettable This Year! Make up for lost time with family and friends this holiday season as our full ensemble production joyfully returns to the historic Pabst Theater. A Christmas Carol is one of the best-known and loved stories in the English language. During the course of one memorable Christmas Eve the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future help Scrooge discover it is never too late to change his miserly ways. Enchanting music, dance, costumes, scenery and special effects will once again fill the theater to tell this timeless tale of love, hope and redemption. Featuring Lee E. Ernst as Ebenezer Scrooge, it’s the perfect way for audiences of all ages to celebrate the season!

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

Associate Producers Molly & Tom Duffey

Lee E. Ernst www.MilwaukeeRep.com

Subscribe Today! Visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com | Call 414-224-9490 19

DONATE TO MILWAUKEE REP

HEALTH AND SAFETY

For almost 70 years, Milwaukee Rep has been a place where our community comes together to be entertained and inspired. We have grown into a national leader among theaters, impacting more than 300,000 individuals and 20,000 students annually through our performances, education programs and community partnerships.

The safety and well-being of our patrons, artists and staff is our top priority. As we prepare to welcome you back to Milwaukee Rep, please read about the measures we have put into place to make your experience as safe and touch free as possible.

Support our Rep Rising Emergency Fund.

What we're doing to keep you safe.

But the COVID-19 pandemic almost changed all that. Overnight, we pivoted from a period of tremendous growth to one of survival as our annual operating budget was cut in half and our doors were shuttered for over a year. We transitioned to engaging digital programming and doubled down on our commitment to keeping Milwaukee Rep’s incredible artists employed. But we need your help. Donate to our Rep Rising Emergency Fund to sustain our artists, staff, and facilities. When you give beyond your Subscription, you will directly support the more than 500 artists and staff who call Milwaukee Rep home, ensuring we can return to live performances in the strongest way possible. Donors also receive exclusive benefits that are not available to Subscribers, including backstage access and complimentary parking. Milwaukee Rep is a place to make memories, start conversations and build community. Together, we can make magic happen.

500+

ARTISTS & STAFF YOU CAN SUPPORT

20K

STUDENTS YOU IMPACT ANNUALLY

DONATE TODAY

GUIDELINES

TICKETS

We are asking any patron who is feeling ill to please stay home. Our staff and volunteers are expected to do the same.

We are implementing a fully digital ticketing system that will include contactless ticket scanning.

In advance of your performance, you will receive an email with any updated guidelines in accordance with the CDC, State of Wisconsin and/or the City of Milwaukee.

HVAC

Our entire system has gone through a deep clean, which we will continue to do on a regular basis, and we have upgraded to the highest quality MERV filters. Additionally, we are pumping the maximum amount of fresh air into our building before, during and after performances.

NEW CLEANING PROTOCOLS

In addition to our standard cleaning process, we are increasing the cleaning frequency of all public spaces, including the theaters, lobby and restrooms and will be using the Clorox® Total 360® System with power wrap and electrostatic technology to disinfect and sanitize even the most difficult places to reach. Clorox® Total 360®, which is currently used by many airlines, will be applied before every performance. We are thoroughly disinfecting door handles, counters and all shared surfaces prior to, during and after every performance. We are making touchless hand sanitizer stations available throughout the building. In our restrooms, soap/water dispensers and toilets will now all be touchless.

For more details about our safety procedures and protocols

Visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com | Call 414-290-5376

Visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com 21

SUBSCRIBING IS EASY

Option 1 SAME SEAT FIXED PACKAGES

Packages start as low as $100 Subscribe now! 1.

Consider a donation for Milwaukee Rep

11 Play

Package

Pick your package and seat location

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

Call 414-224-9490 or visit www. MilwaukeeRep.com

9 Play Package

PERFORMANCE DETAILS

7 Play Package

All performances take place at the Patty & Jay Baker Theater Complex, located at 108 E. Wells St, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

5 Play Package

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Saturday Matinee

3:00 pm

Tuesday Evening

6:30 or 7:30 pm

Friday & Saturday Evening 8:00 pm

Wednesday Matinee 1:30 pm

Sunday Matinee

2:00 pm

Wednesday Evening 7:30 pm

Sunday Evening

7:00 pm

Thursday Evening

4 Play Package

STAGE

Prime Orchestra

Orchestra

Economy Orchestra

Balcony

STM Stiemke Studio Seating in the Stiemke Studio is flexible and may be different for each play. Prices in the Stiemke Studio are based on the day of the week you attend. Prices are the same for all seating areas.

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

STAGE

A B C D E F G H J

2-2

8-1

2-4

4-1

2-1 2-3 2-6

8-3

2-5

2-10 2-9

4-2

4-4

4-3

4-7

4-6

8-2

4-13

4-5

4-14

8-4

High Tops

4-15 4-16

4-8 2-11

4-18

www.MilwaukeeRep.com

STAGE

2-8 2-7

Fri/Sat Evening

Sun-Thurs Evening & Wed Matinee

Preview Performances

Prime Orchestra

$577

$527

$447

$442

Orchestra

$514

$479

$407

$402

Economy Orchestra

$397

$323

$318

Prime Orchestra

$501

$451

$388

Orchestra

$438

$403

$348

Economy Orchestra

$321

$264

Prime Orchestra

$381

$331

$283

$278

Orchestra

$318

$283

$243

$238

Economy Orchestra

$201

$159

$154

Prime Orchestra

$305

$255

$224

Orchestra

$242

$207

$184

Economy Orchestra

$125

$100

Stackner Cabaret

$196

$164

7:30 pm

SEATING CHARTS

QP Quadracci Powerhouse

Sat/Sun Matinee

4-9

4-10

2-12

2-13

4-11 2-14

4-12

4-17

2-15

4-19 4-20 4-21 4-22 4-23 4-24

4-25 4-26 4-27 4-28 4-29 4-30 4-31

High Tops

Option 2 CREATE YOUR OWN PACKAGE

Option 3 FLEXPASS FOR $345

Choose 4, 5, or 6 productions, from any theater, weekday or weekend shows. We’ll find the best seats available for you after our same seat fixed package patrons. Same seats not guaranteed.

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

Weekdays Weekends

4 Plays

$190 $218

5 Plays

$235

$270

6 Plays

$280

$322

Some seating restrictions do apply.

ENCORE PLAY ADD-ON

A Christmas Carol Add this play to your Subscription by June 15 and receive 30% off ticket prices. Cover: Top row-LEFT The Who & The What L-R: Brian Abraham & Nikita Tewani, photo by Tony Duvall, RIGHT The Legend of Georgia McBride L-R: Courter Simmons, Kevin Kantor & Armand Fields; Second row-LEFT Songs for Nobodies: Bethany Thomas, RIGHT West Side Story L-R: Liesl Collazo & Jeffrey Kringer, photo by Todd Rosenberg; Third row-LEFT Nunsense L-R: Kelley Faulkner, Lachrisa Grandberry, Melody Betts, Veronica Garza, Candace Thomas, RIGHT The Chinese Lady: Lisa Helmi Johanson; Bottom row-LEFT Two Trains Running L-R: Malkia Stampley & Chiké Johnson, photo by Mikki Schaffner, RIGHT Hedwig and the Angry Inch: Matt Rodin. Page 12: VW image, Photo by Mark Wade. Page 17: Train image, Photo from the Denver Library Collection. Back Cover: In the Heights L-R: Stephanie Gomeréz & Ryan Alvarado. Unless noted all photos by Michael Brosilow. Balcony seating in the Quadracci Powerhouse is not available for new Subscriptions. Subscription tickets will be charged Wisconsin State Sales Tax at 5.5% as well as a $2.00 per ticket Historic Building Restoration Fee. For A Christmas Carol, the Historic Building Restoration Fee is $3.50. All sales are final. No refunds. All plays/dates/artists subject to change. Seating subject to availability.

We're Back. Because live theater can't be laced.

2021/22 SEASON

Patty & Jay Baker Theater Complex 108 E. Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Inc.

PAID

US Postage

Non-Profit Org.