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 ’Round by 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 with Penelope, 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.
::Off-Subscription::
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.
Twelve Angry Men
By Reginald Rose
Directed by Mark Clements
February 2 – February 28, 2027
Herro-Franke Studio Theater
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.
About Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin. Its new artistic home, the Associated Bank Theater Center, opened Fall 2025 with three unique performance venues—the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater, Herro-Franke Studio Theater, and Stackner Cabaret. For over seven decades, Milwaukee Rep has been a centerpiece of Milwaukee’s vibrant arts and cultural scene with productions ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare to American Classics and New Works that are entertaining, inclusive, and impactful. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mark Clements and Executive Director Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Repertory Theater ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity. More information visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com.
Media Contact: Frances White, Director of Media Relations
fwhite@milwaukeerep.com
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2026/27 Season Media Kit
