Welcome to Milwaukee Rep! As we complete our 60th Anniversary Season, and my fourth season at The Rep, I’m constantly reminded of the amazingly supportive nature of this community. Your response to our productions during the past four years has been incredible and has helped our single ticket audience grow by 49%. For the 2014/15 Season, I encourage you to become a Subscriber. Only Subscribers get to experience the best of The Rep, from the best seats in the house at the best prices – guaranteed! Single Ticket prices increase with demand and have peaked at above $100 a ticket several times this year. Only Subscribers get prime seats at prices up to 70% off single ticket prices. We have a variety of Subscription packages available and I’m sure you will find one that is just right for you so that you won’t miss a single breathtaking moment of our upcoming season. The Quadracci Powerhouse will open in grand style with The Color Purple. This inspiring Broadway musical is being produced by the same creative team that brought you Ragtime. During the holiday season, audiences will enjoy the beloved classic comedy, Harvey. Next up in the Quadracci Powerhouse will be Good People, a recent Broadway smash hit about class and culture. The Quadracci Powerhouse Season will conclude with the World Premiere of Five Presidents, written by Emmy Award-winner Rick Cleveland (from TV’s The West Wing), and the multiple Tony Award-winning play, Peter and the Starcatcher, the grownup’s prequel to Peter Pan. The Stiemke Studio opens with the World Premiere production of after all the terrible things I do, about two people with a shared past who struggle to offer each other a second chance. In the spring will be The Amish Project, a beautiful new play inspired by events surrounding the shooting at the West Nickel Mines School in 2006. The Stackner Cabaret season kicks off with the country music send-up, The Doyle & Debbie Show. Immediately following, will be the return of the wildly popular 2010/11 Stacker production of Liberace!, featuring the amazing talents of Jack Forbes Wilson. Rounding out the Stackner season will be a tribute to folk music and its roots performed by multi-talented Grammy nominee, Stephen Wade, and the musical revue Low Down Dirty Blues. I hope that you will consider renewing as a Subscriber or becoming a new member of The Rep family. I can’t wait to share our next remarkable season with you! Cheers,
Mark Clements Artistic Director www.MilwaukeeRep.com 414-224-9490
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THE STACKNER CABARET SEASON IS SPONSORED BY SALLY MANEGOLD
September 5 – November 2, 2014
BY Bruce Arntson
STACKNER CABARET
DIRECTED BY
JC Clementz
Side-splitting and rollicking – the perfect blend of Comedy and Country Music. Called “hilarious, brilliant, and drop-dead funny” by the Chicago Tribune, The Doyle & Debbie Show finds a washed-up country star and his newest singing partner dusting off their microphones and resurrecting a familiar signature sound. Singing 16 original hits, including “Stock Car Love” and “Blue Stretch Pants,” this hilarious send-up of country music duos will have you doubled-over with laughter and roaring for an encore.
★★★★ - TIMEOUT CHICAGO
“Four words for this country music send up:
HI-LAR-EE-OUS.” - CHICAGO MAGAZINE
“The Doyle and Debbie Show
will wow your socks off!” - CHICAGO TRIBUNE
www.MilwaukeeRep.com 414-224-9490
THE QUADRACCI POWERHOUSE SEASON IS SPONSORED BY H. RICHARD QUADRACCI EWENS & EMILIO CABRERA IN MEMORY OF HARRY AND BETTY QUADRACCI
September 23 – November 2, 2014 QUADRACCI POWERHOUSE
A magnificent Grammynominated musical saga. Following the success of last year’s Ragtime, Mark Clements and his creative team reunite to bring you the hit musical based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. This glorious musical saga, spanning four decades, tells the unforgettable story of a woman who finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her own unique voice in the world. With a joyous Grammy-nominated score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues, The Color Purple captures the hearts of young and old, and reminds us that “it only takes a grain of love to make a mighty tree.”
BOOK BY
Marsha Norman MUSIC AND LYRICS BY
Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray DIRECTED BY
Mark Clements PRESENTED BY
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
James E. & Mary K. Braza Jackie Herd-Barber & Michael Barber ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY
MEDIA SPONSOR
MEDIA PARTNER
“Inspirational” “Soaring & Joyful” - THE NEW YORK TIMES
- TIME MAGAZINE
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THE STIEMKE STUDIO SEASON IS SPONSORED BY ED SEABERG & PATRICK SMITH
World Premiere Event!
BY A. Rey Pamatmat
October 1 – November 9, 2014
DIRECTED BY REP ASSOCIATE ARTIST
STIEMKE STUDIO
May Adrales
The heart-wrenching and deeply personal look at shared pasts and second chances.
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Will Radler
When Daniel, a young, gay aspiring author, returns to his Midwestern hometown to regain his sense of self, he takes a job at a local bookstore owned by Linda, the Filipino mother of a gay son who committed suicide in response to prolonged bullying. The writer and the owner are drawn together by their own prejudices and questions, and realize that Linda’s son is a tragic point of connection between them. Together they will have to face the trauma of their pasts to create second chances for themselves—but can they find forgiveness?
“… beautiful and painfully realistic…
Pamatmat’s insight into his young characters’ complex emotional lives rings true.” - STAGE LEFT
SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR
www.MilwaukeeRep.com 414-224-9490
Back By Popular Demand!
November 7, 2014 – January 11, 2015 STACKNER CABARET
The infamous flash, fame, and flamboyance you know and love so well!
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY
Brent Hazelton EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Wayne and Kristine Lueders ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Adlon Partnership
Born less than 10 miles from where Milwaukee Rep now stands, Liberace lived a life of flamboyance, flash, and lavish costumes. In this funny and touching tribute, the virtuoso musician gets one last chance to glitter and shine as he tickles the ivories through his favorite songs, including “I’ll Be Seeing You,” “Chopsticks,” and “The Boogie Woogie.” Milwaukee favorite Jack Forbes Wilson will reprise his iconic performance as the man who defined four decades of music and pop culture.
“Wilson’s fingers alight on the piano’s keys like angels’ wings, and sound equally heavenly.”
Photo by Michael Brosilow
- THIRD COAST DAILY
“Remarkable” - EXPRESS MILWAUKEE
“Dizzying”
MEDIA PARTNER
- MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL 7
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Comedy
November 18 – December 21, 2014 QUADRACCI POWERHOUSE
Classic hijinks and droll banter – an unbeatable holiday treat!
BY Mary Chase DIRECTED BY
KJ Sanchez
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Judy Hansen
Elwood P. Dowd has a friend in Harvey—a six-foot-tall rabbit “pooka,” visible only to him. Elwood’s behavior relating to his invisible friend is a constant source of frustration for his long-suffering family. When his social-climbing sister attempts to have him committed to an asylum, she learns she’d rather have Elwood just as he is—kind, caring, genial, at peace with the world and his place in it—than turn him into something he’s not. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, and made famous by Jimmy Stewart’s performance in the iconic 1950 film, Harvey is the perfect comedy for the holiday season! Harvey will feature Rep Associate Artists Jonathan Gillard Daly, Laura Gordon, James Pickering, and Deborah Staples.
“real charm ... guileless simplicity ...
cast(s) a satisfying spell” - THE NEW YORK TIMES
MEDIA SPONSOR
www.MilwaukeeRep.com 414-224-9490
January 16 – March 15, 2015 STACKNER CABARET
WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY
Stephen Wade
The music you’ve always heard, but never really listened to – a truly unique experience. Legendary musician and 2013 Grammy-nominee Stephen Wade, who has delighted audiences from the White House to Broadway, brings his near-lifetime exploration of Southern musical traditions to the Stackner. Best known for his long-running one-man show, Banjo Dancing, Stephen’s newest piece is based on his award-winning recent book that uncovers the largely hidden, but surprisingly influential, makers of iconic American folksong. Drawn from the celebrated Library of Congress field recordings of the 1930s and ‘40s, this exhilarating theatrical concert features spoken word, projected images, and live music-making. The Beautiful Music All Around Us is guaranteed to be a performance unlike any you have ever seen.
“compelling, moving and revelatory.
Wade gives new and vivid life to long-gone performers and their singular songs.” - CHICAGO TRIBUNE 9
January 20 – February 15, 2015
BY David Lindsay -Abaire
QUADRACCI POWERHOUSE
DIRECTED BY
Wise and wicked funny a compelling story from Southie.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Kate Buckley John & Connie Kordsmeier ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
Warren & Wendy Blumenthal Catherine & Buddy Robinson
In South Boston, gossiping and bustin’ chops is the name of the game. You can bet your weekly bingo winnings that everyone knows your personal business. Southie native Margie has found herself in tough times – no job, overdue rent, and a difficult family. With very little left to lose, Margie turns to an old flame for help, and ends up finding out that sometimes it only takes a few good people to help you succeed in life. An insightful piece about class and culture, this recent Broadway hit is darkly funny and surprisingly touching. Good People will feature Rep Associate Artist Laura Gordon as Margie.
“Searingly Funny. Stop whatever you are doing and buy your tickets”
“I love this play.
Go see it. Right now.”
- The Plain Dealer, Cleveland
- WGBH www.MilwaukeeRep.com 414-224-9490
February 11 – March 22, 2015
BY Jessica Dickey
STIEMKE STUDIO
DIRECTED BY
Leda Hoffmann
A stirring tribute to the strength of community and the power of forgiveness. Praised by The New York Times as “extraordinary,” The Amish Project is a devastating and beautiful one-woman tour-de-force performance that compels us to question the paths we take at the crossroads of grief, rage, and clemency. Inspired by the 2006 school shootings in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, this fictional account of a real-life tragedy allows us to glimpse into the world of Amish culture, and to come to grips with the true limits of compassion and forgiveness.
“Unique, Uplifting, And Unforgettable.
You Should See It!” - CHICAGO THEATER BEAT
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World Premiere Event!
BY Rick Cleveland
March 10 – April 5, 2015
DIRECTED BY
QUADRACCI POWERHOUSE
Mark Clements EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Brilliantly intellectual and darkly funny not to be missed.
Carol & Rob Manegold A CO-PRODUCTION WITH ARIZONA THEATRE COMPANY
From Emmy Award-winning writer Rick Cleveland (Six Feet Under, The West Wing, and House of Cards), comes a funny and incisive new drama about the meeting of America’s most exclusive club – the ex-presidents. Obliged to gather together on the day of Richard Nixon’s funeral, four “exes” and one “current” vent frustrations, revisit old grievances, and reveal the toll that it takes on any person foolish enough to seek the highest office in the land. FIVE PRESIDENTS WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE REP AS PART OF ITS NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. THIS WORK WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM:
James E. and Mary K. Braza Mark Clements and Kelley Faulkner George and Susan Esslinger Kathleen Gray Judy Hansen Peter and Linda Hotz John and Connie Kordsmeier
Wayne and Kristine Lueders Carol and Rob Manegold Anthony and Donna Meyer Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Gordana and Milan Racic Kathleen Seidel Karin and Teddy Werner www.MilwaukeeRep.com 414-224-9490
March 20 – May 24, 2015 STACKNER CABARET
Low Down
DIRTY
BLUES
Sassy, sensual, and sultry – we dare you not to sing along!
BY Randal Myler
and Dan Wheetman DIRECTED BY Randal Myler EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
David & Camille Kundert
The night club may be closed, but the party is just heating up! Join a group of musician/singers as they gather after-hours to swap stories and share their fervor for music. Four multi-talented performers pour their passion, soul, and love into the greatest hits of Muddy Waters, Ma Rainey, Sophie Tucker, Howlin’ Wolf, Pearl Bailey, and many more. Twenty-two smokin’ songs, non-stop blues riffs, titillating doubleentendres, and hot rhythms keep the theater sultry and steamy from the first note to the last.
“Highly Recommended ...
a unique combination of complete authenticity and theatrical polish.” - CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
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WINNER of 5 TONY AWARDS!
A PLAY BY Rick Elice
April 21 – May 24, 2015
ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL BY
QUADRACCI POWERHOUSE
A delightful and exciting origin story the whole family can enjoy!
Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson MUSIC BY Wayne Barker DIRECTED BY Blake Robison EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Greg & Rhonda Oberland A CO-PRODUCTION WITH CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK
Join a swashbuckling, mad-cap adventure aboard the good ship Neverland! Before Peter was Pan, he was just an orphan who didn’t like grown ups. But his future changes forever when the lost boy boards a pirate ship, and we’re whisked away on a breathtaking adventure to answer the question: how did a boy named Peter become The Boy Who Never Grew Up? Fun for the whole family, the five-time Tony Award-winning show features a dozen actors playing more than 100 unforgettable characters. This innovative, hilarious, and imaginative prequel to Peter Pan will have you HOOKed the moment you let your imagination take flight.
“The Most Exhillerating Broadway Storytelling in Decades!”
MEDIA PARTNER
- THE NEW YORK TIMES www.MilwaukeeRep.com 414-224-9490
SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS
While not part of a subscription package, Rep Subscribers have the first opportunity to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public.
“[a] holiday home run”
- THIRD COAST DIGEST
PRESENTING SPONSOR
December 2-24, 2014 PABST THEATER BY
Charles Dickens
ADAPTED BY
Joseph Hanreddy and Edward Morgan DIRECTED BY
Aaron Posner
Nineteenth century London comes to life when you and your family join Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge on a fantastical journey through Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Enjoy the music, dancing, and timeless message of hope, peace, and love, as the Dickens’ classic masterpiece celebrates its 39th year at Milwaukee Rep! MEDIA SPONSOR
April 10-13, 2015 STIEMKE STUDIO
“This lab should stay open for years to come.” - MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
The Rep’s highly-lauded Intern Ensemble presents its annual short-play festival. Now in its fifth season, the critically-acclaimed performance includes everything from comedy to drama to music– and much more! Don’t miss the limited engagement of this one-ofa-kind night of theater.
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Laura Gordon in Noises Off (2013/14 Season). Photo by Michael Brosilow.
The Cast of Ragtime (2013/14 Season).
Carmen Cusack in Ragtime (2013/14 Season).
Josh Landay in The Whipping Man (2013/14 Season).
Anand Nagraj, Adam Estes , Nate Lewellyn, and Paul Helm in Forever Plaid (2013/14 Season). Photos by Michael Brosilow.
Hollis Resnik in End of the Rainbow (2013/14 Season). Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Cover: James DeVita in An Iliad; Andrew M. McMath in I Left My Heart; Josh Janday and Ro Boddie in The Whipping Man; Hollis Resnik in End of the Rainbow; Anand Nagraj in Forever Plaid; Reese Madigan and Greta Wohlrabe in Venus in Furs; Gavin Gregory in Ragtime; Laura Gordon in Noises Off; Bethany Thomas in Ain’t Misbehavin. 2013/14 Season photos by Michael Brosilow.
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www.MilwaukeeRep.com 414-224-9490
The Cast of Ain’t Misbehavin’ (2013/14 Season). Photo by Michael Brosilow.