Skylight Music Theatre: Announces “Don’t Rána on My Parade” outdoor concert and picnic in the park

Milwaukee, Wis. (April 19, 2021) — Skylight Music Theatre announced Don’t Rána on My Parade, a spring fundraiser in the park on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 6 p.m. hosted by longtime Skylight favorite Rána Roman.

The fundraiser will be held outdoors under the trees of Catalano Square located next to the theatre in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward. The event will feature a gourmet picnic dinner and a live concert with performances by Skylight artists.

Social distancing guidelines will be observed, and masks are required. For safety and ease, the gourmet picnic dinner will come with all items conveniently packaged by Movida at Hotel Madrid. Picnic attire is suggested.

“We are thrilled to be performing live again, and to gather safely under Catalano Square’s scenic canopy of trees and stars,” said Skylight Music Theatre Artistic Director Michael Unger. “The evening promises to be a vital reminder of how music theatre has the power to refresh our spirits and that the time has finally come to gather again.” 

Roman, who has been seen at Skylight in such acclaimed roles as Lilli Vanessi/Katharine in Kiss Me, Kate and Nina in In the Heights will serve as the evening’s emcee. She has also worked at numerous regional theaters and was featured in American Theatre Magazine’s “Role Call: People to Watch” in 2019.

Performers joining Roman on stage for Don’t Rána on My Parade include Ryan Cappleman, Cynthia Cobb, Raven Dockery, Karen Estrada, Shawn Holmes, Adam Qutaishat, Kevin James Sievert and Samantha Sostarich. Preshow music will be provided by Carolyn Wehner. Janna Ernst will serve as Music Director, and Michael Unger as Director.

To add to the fun of the evening, there will be games of chance, including a song raffle in which winners are allowed to choose the next song to be performed. 

“Last year’s Skylight fundraiser, Saturday in the Park with Andrew, was a great success and a welcome return to the joy of live performances,” said Jack R. Lemmon, Skylight Executive Director. “It sold out in one week, and we expect this year’s to also sell out quickly.” 

Seating is limited to 200 guests, to adhere to social distance guidelines. New this year, valet parking will be available. To purchase tickets to Don’t Rána on My Parade, visit www.skylightmusictheatre.org/parade. Tickets are on sale beginning Monday, April 19 and are currently available for the following seating categories: Picnic Table with seating for four ($300), includes dinner and one drink ticket. Round Table with seating for six ($600), includes dinner and wine service.

The event will occur rain or shine. For further information and sponsorship opportunities, please call Kathryn Hausman, Executive Assistant/Development Associate at (414) 299-4962 or email KathrynH@skylightmusictheatre.org.

Don’t Rána on My Parade is sponsored by:
Quarles & Brady LLP
The Stollenwerk Family Foundation
Moira Fitzgerald & Peter Kammer
Laffey, Leitner & Goode LLC
Valerie Johnson & Dennis Robison

About Rána Roman

Rána Roman was previously seen at Skylight as Lilli Vanessi/Katharine in Kiss Me, Kate (2019), Yum-Yum in Hot Mikado (2017), Nina in In the Heights (2014) and in the ensemble of Rent (2009). She joined the Skylight family in 2006 when she was cast in the touring company of KidsWrites, part of Skylight’s education program, and continued to participate in the tour for 11 years. Rána became a resident artist representing Skylight at numerous runout cabarets, bringing musical theatre to corporate events and nursing homes throughout the greater Milwaukee area, as well as helping to develop three full-length cabarets performed in the Skylight Bar & Bistro. Other area credits include A Christmas Carol, Our Town (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre), On the Wings of a Mariposa, Big Fish (First Stage), Agnes of God and Enfrascada (Renaissance Theaterworks), Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike and Lend Me A Tenor (Milwaukee Chamber Theatre), Life Sucks, Exit Strategy and Mr. Burns (Forward Theater of Madison).

About Skylight Music Theatre

Skylight Music Theatre marks its 61st season in 2020-2021. Skylight’s mission since 1959: To bring the full spectrum of music theatre works to a wide and diverse audience in celebration of the musical and theatrical arts and their reflection of the human condition. Skylight brings fresh approaches or interesting twists to music theatre works, creating meaningful connections, not only between the characters on stage but with the audience as well. Skylight’s home is the beautiful 350-seat Cabot Theatre, modeled after an 18th century French opera house.