March 19, 2026 [Milwaukee, WI] — Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents Frida…A Self Portrait, a vibrant, imaginative, and deeply human portrait of one of the world’s most iconic artists April 3 – May 17, 2026, in the Herro-Franke Studio. Written and performed by the electrifying Vanessa Severo, this intimate and visually stunning production invites audiences into the heart, humor, and unbreakable spirit of Frida Kahlo.
Through music, movement and irresistible charm, 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.
WATCH a conversation with creator Vanessa Severo here.
Frida…A Self Portrait is directed by the Associated Artistic Director for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Joanie Schultz with set design by Jacqueline Penrod (Around the World in 80 Days, Lookingglass Theatre Co), costume design by Katherine Davis (Dracula, Kansas City Actors Theatre), lighting design by Rachael Cady (Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Kansas City Rep), sound and original music by Thomas Dixon (Steep Theatre Co Ensemble member), and stage managed by Janine Vanderhoff.
Frida…A Self Portrait is presented by Tom and Susan Quadracci with Executive Producers Idy Goodman and Judy Hansen, Associate Producers Laura and Adam Peck, Krista Kile, Ed Seaberg and Patrick Smith. It is part of the Four-Four Foundation Herro-Franke Studio Season.
To purchase tickets to Frida…A Self Portrait go to www.MilwaukeeRep.com, call the Ticket Office at 414-224-9490 or visit in-person at 108 E Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee.
For more information, please visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com
::Fact Sheet::
Frida…A Self Portrait
Written and Performed by Vanessa Severo
Directed by Joanie Schultz
April 3 – May 17, 2026
Running time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes with no intermission
Recommended Age: 12 and up
Vanessa Severo, Playwright/Frida
Regional: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Portland Center Stage, Kansas City Repertory Theater, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Pittsburgh Public Theater, GEVA Theatre, Indianapolis Repertory Theater, Writers Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Kansas City Actors Theatre, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Spinning Tree Theatre, The Livingroom. International: Frida…A Self Portrait, Rio de Janeiro World Theater Day Conference. Awards: Kilroys List 2020 (Frida…A Self Portrait); TCG Fox Fellowship Grant 2018; Dramatist Guild Grant 2022; Artist in Residency, Carlsbad, CA – 2021; Artist in Residency, Peoria, AZ – 2025. Education: Missouri State University, American Theater Conservatory (San Francisco), Trained and certified Suzuki Method/The Viewpoints – under the direction of Ellen Lauren (SITI Company), 2018. Upcoming: Frida…A Self Portrait (ACT Theatre, Seattle). VanessaSevero.com | AEA Member | SDC Member | Dramatist Guild.
Download Frida…A Self Portrait Press Kit with photos and logos.
Community Night:
Teen Night: Friday, May 8. For only $15 enjoy the show and a pre-show dinner with the Teen Council.
United Community Center Night: Friday, April 17. $30 Tickets with Code UCC.
Hispanic and Latine Professionals Night: Wednesday, April 29. $30 Tickets with Code FLOWER.
Post-Show Experiences:
Afterwards: Create Like Frida – Unleash Your Inner Artist. Post-Show on Saturday Matinees and Thursday evenings in the Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center. Inspired by Frida Kahlo, create your own painting or flower crown using bold materials.
Panel: Frida’s Legacy – Identity, Art and Expression– Friday, April 24 post show.
Dinner Dialogue: Sunday, April 26, 4:30pm in the Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center. Join fellow community members for a shared meal and a guided conversation exploring the themes of current productions. Enjoy meaningful dialogue over delicious food and drink in a welcoming setting.
TalkBacks: Following the Wednesday evening April 22 and 29 performances.
Workshops:
Paint Like Frida: Saturday, April 25 10am- 12pm in the Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center Classrooms.
Access Services
Audio-Described Performance: Thursday, April 30 at 7:30pm – the show will be described for patrons who are blind or have low vision.
ASL Performance: Friday, April 24 at 7:30pm – the show will be signed for the deaf or hard of hearing.
Open-Captioned Performances with GalaPro, a real-time closed caption app
Saturday, April 18, 3pm
Wednesday, April 22, 1:30pm
Wednesday, April 29, 7:30pm
Tuesday, May 5, 7:30pm
Wednesday, May 13, 7:30pm
Ticket Information
Tickets: www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by phone at 414-224-9490, or Ticket Office at 108 E Wells Street, Milwaukee.
Hours: 12noon – 6pm; on performance days the Ticket Office remains open until 15 minutes past curtain.
Student Discounts: Students 18 and under can purchase $20 tickets for select seating areas.
25 & Under: Select $20 tickets available for patrons 25 & Under. (Select 25 & Under price at checkout online)
Group Sales: Discounted tickets for parties of 10+. Call 414-290-5340.
