BroadwayWorld.com Milwaukee, WI Stories

WAITRESS Will Embark on 10th Anniversary North American Tour This Fall

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:34:52 PST

The Broadway musical Waitress will launch a North American tour this September in honor of its 10th anniversary. Featuring a score by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles, the tour will tech and launch in Owensboro, KY at the Riverpark Center before continuing to 40+ cities including Austin, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Additional cities along with casting will be announced at a later date. Check out the full list of tour dates below!

“Ten years later, WAITRESS continues to resonate with audiences through Sara Bareilles’ gorgeous score, which brings both humor and emotional depth to every moment in this beloved show,” said Tony® Award-winning director, Diane Paulus. “Taking this production back on tour for its 10th anniversary is an incredible opportunity to share Jenna’s journey with new audiences and to celebrate the connections this story continues to inspire."

About Waitress

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying encounter with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.

WAITRESS opened April 24, 2016 at Broadway’s Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Based upon the 2007 motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, WAITRESS is the first Broadway musical in history to have four women in the four top creative team spots, with a book by Jessie Nelson, a score by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (composer of “Love Song” and “Brave”), choreography by Lorin Latarro and direction by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus.

The production is currently on UK tour. Check out photos here.

The WAITRESS Tour features Direction and Choreography re-created by Abbey O’Brien, and includes Scott Pask, Scenic Design; Suttirat Anne Larlarb, Costume Design; Ken Billington, Lighting Design; Brian Walters, Sound Design; Bernie Ardia, Hair Design; Nadia DiGiallonardo, Music Supervision. Arrangements by Nadia DiGiallonardo and Sara Bareilles, and Orchestrations by Sara Bareilles and The Waitress Band. Casting by ARC Casting.

Tour Dates

Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center – September 25-27, 2026
Bloomington, IN – IU Auditorium – September 29-30, 2026
Wilmington, NC – CFCC – October 2-4, 2026
Peoria, IL – Civic Center – October 6-7, 2026
Mason City, IA – NIACC – October 8, 2026
Sioux Falls, SD – Washington Pavilion – October 9-11, 2026
Chicago, IL – Nederlander Theatre – October 13-18, 2026
Champaign, IL – State Farm Theatre – October 19, 2026
Austin, TX – Bass Hall – October 21-23, 2026
Orange, TX – Lutcher Theatre – October 24, 2026
Monterrey, Mexico – Showcenter Complex – October 29-November 1, 2026
Bellingham, WA – Mount Baker Theatre – November 10-11, 2026
Pueblo, CO – Memorial Hall – November 18, 2026
Lubbock, TX – Buddy Holly Hall – November 20-22, 2026
Greeley, CO – Union Colony Civic Center – November 25, 2026
Denver, CO – Buell Theatre – November 27-29, 2026
Stillwater, OK – McKnight Theatre – December 1-3, 2026
Washington, DC – National Theatre – December 8-13, 2026
Easton, PA – State Theatre – December 15-16, 2026
Des Moines, IA – Civic Center – December 18-20, 2026
Norfolk, VA – Harrison Opera House – January 5-10, 2027
Portland, ME – Merrill Auditorium – January 12-13, 2027
College Station, TX – Rudder Auditorium – January 19-20, 2027
Tyler, TX – Cowan PAC – January 21, 2027
Fort Worth, TX – Bass Performance Hall – January 22-23, 2027
McAllen, TX – McAllen PAC – January 26, 2027
Lawrence, KS – Lied Center – January 28, 2027
Oklahoma City, OK – Civic Center Music Hall – January 29-31, 2027
Durham, NC – DPAC – February 5-7, 2027
Philadelphia, PA – Academy of Music – February 9-14, 2027
Chattanooga, TN – Memorial Auditorium – February 19-21, 2027
Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel PAH – February 23-25, 2027
The Villages, FL – Morse PAC – February 26-27, 2027
Burlington, VT – The Flynn – March 18-19, 2027
Hartford, CT – Bushnell – March 30-April 4, 2027
Milwaukee, WI – Marcus Center – April 6-7, 2027
San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre – April 9-11, 2027
Grand Junction, CO – Asteria Theatre – April 13-14, 2027
San Jose, CA – San Jose Center for the Performing Arts – April 16-18, 2027
Los Angeles, CA – Pantages Theatre – April 20-25, 2027
Costa Mesa, CA – Segerstrom Center – April 27-May 2, 2027
Modesto, CA – Gallo Center – May 11-12, 2027
Folsom, CA – Harris Center – May 13-18, 2027
Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center – May 21-23, 2027
Dayton, OH – Mead Theatre – June 1-6, 2027
Roanoke, VA – Berglund PAC – June 8, 2027
Charleston, WV – Clay Center – June 9, 2027
St. Paul, MN – Ordway – June 15-20, 2027
Eugene, OR – Hult Center – June 25-27, 2027

REEFER MADNESS to Run at LaCage NiteClub

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:27:37 PST

Campy comedy Reefer Madness will run June 19 - 28, 2026 at LaCage NiteClub, 801 S. Second St., Milwaukee, WI.

This zany, outlandish, vibrant show led by Riley Luettgen and Phillip Steenbekkers at LaCage NiteClub offers an immersive, laugh-out-loud experience best enjoyed under the influence of all the Historic Walker's Point neighborhood has to offer!

Continuing a season of political satire following their critically acclaimed run of The Producers at Waukesha Civic Theatre this past January, Outskirts Theatre Company brings a fresh take on the campy comedy Reefer Madness, originally introduced to poke fun at morality-driven rhetoric of the late 1930s, including laughable fear-mongering public service announcements wildly exaggerating the effects of jazz as a gateway for marijuana and sexual deviance. The 1998 off-Broadway production took a late 90s spin on propaganda, including anti-drug, hyper-Christian sentiment popularized by leading politicians of the decade. The 2005 movie of the same name featured Alan Cumming, Kristen Bell, and Ana Gasteyer, and became a cult classic among audiences finding humor in the over-dramatization of its thrill-seeking youth.

Join Outskirts Theatre Company for their contemporary take on Reefer Madness! Tickets are on sale now. Enjoy Artist Rates for any performance, or treat the Father-figure in your life to the show on Father's Day June 21st. Nothing says I love you like murder, cannibalism, orgies, and Jesus!

REEFER MADNESS to Run at LaCage NiteClub

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:27:37 PST

Campy comedy Reefer Madness will run June 19 - 28, 2026 at LaCage NiteClub, 801 S. Second St., Milwaukee, WI.

MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Launches 25th Anniversary North American Tour

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:36:56 PST

After 25 years and more than 17 million audience members worldwide, Menopause The Musical is hitting the road for a special anniversary tour. The celebration begins July 14-26, 2026, at Laguna Playhouse in California and will continue across North America through 2027.

Menopause The Musical is celebrating a major milestone. The groundbreaking musical comedy has announced a 25th Anniversary North American Tour, launching July 14-26, 2026, at Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach, California, before traveling to cities across the United States through 2027.

What began in 2001 as a small production performed for 76 audience members in an Orlando perfume shop-turned-theater has grown into an international phenomenon. Over the past 25 years, more than 17 million people have seen the show, which transformed conversations around menopause and helped turn what was once considered a taboo topic into a celebration of shared experience and sisterhood.

Inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine, creator and playwright Jeanie Linders developed the musical as a comedic and empowering look at the realities of "The Change." The story follows four women who meet while shopping for a black lace bra at a department store sale and discover they have more in common than they realized. Through parodies of classic songs and candid conversations about hot flashes, mood swings, aging and self-discovery, the women form an unlikely friendship while inviting audiences to laugh along with them.

At the time of its debut, the word "menopause" was rarely discussed publicly. According to the production, some theaters initially refused to book the show, and even public venues hesitated to display its title. Yet audiences embraced the musical, finding comfort, humor and community in its honest portrayal of a universal life experience. One of the show's most beloved traditions remains its finale, in which audience members join the cast in a celebratory kickline parody of "YMCA" titled "This Is Your Day."

"To those who have been through the change, are going through it now, or love someone who is, may this production bring you as much laughter, support, and fellowship as intended," said director and producer Seth Greenleaf. "And may our dear Jeanie be laughing and singing along from whichever perch she's watching."

About the Show

Menopause The Musical features a book and lyrics by Jeanie Linders. The creative team includes director Seth Greenleaf, music supervisor and additional arranger Alan J. Plado, assistant director Kim Simari, choreography supervisor Teri Adams and assistant music supervisor Roberta B. Wall. Columbia Artist Theatricals represents the production.

The musical debuted in Orlando before running Off-Broadway for four years and launching a national tour that continues today. International productions have been staged in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Brazil, France, Slovenia and numerous other countries. The show also holds the distinction of being the longest-running musical in Las Vegas history.

25th Anniversary Tour

The anniversary tour will visit dozens of cities across North America. Confirmed stops currently on sale include Laguna Beach, Thousand Oaks, Albuquerque, Aurora, Bloomington, Shipshewana, Effingham, Burnsville, Port Huron, Worcester, Schenectady, Englewood, Sanford, Concord, Columbus, Jacksonville, Sarasota and Midland, with additional engagements scheduled through spring 2027. More dates are expected to be announced.

Tickets and additional tour information are available at MenopauseTheMusical.com.

25th Anniversary Tour Dates

On Sale Now

Laguna Beach, CA — July 14-26, 2026 — Laguna Playhouse
Thousand Oaks, CA — September 30, 2026 — Bank of America Performing Arts Center
Albuquerque, NM — October 4, 2026 — Popejoy Hall
Aurora, IL — October 17, 2026 — Paramount Theatre
Bloomington, IL — October 18, 2026 — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
Shipshewana, IN — October 27, 2026 — Blue Gate PAC
Effingham, IL — October 29, 2026 — Effingham Performance Center
Burnsville, MN — November 3, 2026 — Ames Center
Port Huron, MI — November 6-7, 2026 — McMorran Place Sports & Entertainment Center
Worcester, MA — November 11, 2026 — The Hanover Theatre Auditorium and Stage
Schenectady, NY — November 12-15, 2026 — GE Theatre at Proctors
Englewood, NJ — November 19, 2026 — Bergen Performing Arts Center
Sanford, ME — November 21, 2026 — Sanford Performing Arts Center
Concord, NH — November 22, 2026 — Capitol Center for the Arts
Columbus, GA — January 12, 2027 — RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
Jacksonville, FL — January 14, 2027 — Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts
Sarasota, FL — February 17, 2027 — Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
Midland, MI — March 20, 2027 — Midland Center for the Arts

Coming Soon

Yakima, WA — September 19, 2026 — Capitol Theatre
Livermore, CA — September 23, 2026 — Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center
Folsom, CA — September 24-27, 2026 — Harris Center
Greensboro, NC — October 22, 2026 — Carolina Theatre
Cornelius, NC — October 23-24, 2026 — Cain Center for the Arts
Greeneville, TN — October 25, 2026 — Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Kearney, NE — November 1, 2026 — Merryman Performing Arts Center
Macon, GA — January 9, 2027 — The Grand Opera House
Oxford, AL — January 10, 2027 — Oxford Performing Arts Center
Fort Pierce, FL — January 15, 2027 — Sunrise Theatre
West Palm Beach, FL — January 16, 2027 — Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
Dallas, TX — February 5-6, 2027 — AT&T Performing Arts Center
Marietta, GA — February 11-14, 2027 — Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
Avon Park, FL — February 18, 2027 — Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts
The Villages, FL — February 20-21, 2027 — Savannah Center
Lancaster, PA — February 25, 2027 — American Music Theatre
New Brunswick, NJ — February 27, 2027 — State Theatre New Jersey
Beverly, MA — February 28, 2027 — The Cabot Performing Arts Center
Waterville, ME — March 4, 2027 — Waterville Opera House
Nashua, NH — March 6, 2027 — Nashua Center for the Arts
Plymouth, MA — March 7, 2027 — Memorial Hall
Ann Arbor, MI — March 16, 2027 — Michigan Theater
Akron, OH — March 21, 2027 — Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall
Sioux Falls, SD — April 10-11, 2027 — Orpheum Theater Center
Wausau, WI — April 28, 2027 — The Grand Theater
Ames, IA — April 30, 2027 — Stephens Auditorium
Mason City, IA — May 1, 2027 — North Iowa Community Auditorium
Atlantic City, NJ — May 11, 2027 — Tropicana Showroom
Evans, GA — May 20, 2027 — Columbia County Performing Arts Center
St. Louis, MO — May 23, 2027 — Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center

Photo Credit: MTM Myrtle Beach 2026 Cast: Ingrid Cole, Nancy Slusser, Stacey Harris, and Anise Ritchie

Milwaukee Repertory Theater to Hold Exclusive One-Day Ticket Sale For FOOTLOOSE

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:58:29 PST

Milwaukee Repertory Theater will kick off the 2026/27 Season with an exclusive One Day Sale for the musical opener Footloose on Monday, June 22. Directed and choreographed by Olivier Award-winner Stephen Mear, Footloose bursts onto the stage with high‑octane choreography and ’80s anthems September 22 – November 1, 2026.

To save 30% on Adult Tickets during the One Day Sale on Monday, June 22 visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com starting at 7:00AM or call the Ticket Office at 414-224-9490 or in-person at 108 E Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee from 9:00AM with code DANCE.

Early buyers receive the best combination of price and seat selection. During last season's record-breaking Come From Away production, One Day Sale purchasers paid an average of just $58 per ticket, substantially less than patrons who waited until performances neared capacity.

Footloose is directed and choreographed by Olivier Award-winner Stephen Mear with music direction by Dan Kazemi who has music directed over 30 productions at Milwaukee Rep. The creative team is rounded out with set design by Todd Ivins (A Christmas Carol, Milwaukee Rep), costume design by Raquel Adorno (As You Like It, Writers Theatre), lighting design by Jason Fassl (Come From Away, Milwaukee Rep), sound design by Cricket Myers (Run Bambi Run, Milwaukee Rep), voice and dialect coaching by Jill Walmsley Zager and casting by Jonathan Hetler, CSA and Michael Donovan Casting.
Footloose will be performed September 22 – November 1, 2026, in the Ellen & Joe Checotra Powerhouse Theater .

Video: AGATHA CHRISTIE'S AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Sneak Peek at Milwaukee Rep

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:36:21 PST

A new sneak peek clip from Milwaukee Rep's production of AGATHA CHRISTIE'S AND THEN THERE WERE NONE puts the show's central tension on full display, as each of the island's guests is confronted with a crime from their past. The footage captures the moment suspicion begins to spread among the assembled strangers, building toward the production's defining question: which one of them is the killer.

AGATHA CHRISTIE'S AND THEN THERE WERE NONE is drawn from Christie's celebrated mystery novel, in which ten strangers are lured to an isolated island and find themselves accused, one by one, of past crimes, as an unseen force begins eliminating them. The stage adaptation is one of the most frequently produced mystery thrillers in the world, built around Christie's intricate plotting and her talent for sustaining dread across a confined setting.

Milwaukee Rep is presenting the production in the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater at the Associated Bank Theater Center, closing out the company's inaugural season in that new facility. The run continues through June 28. As previously reported, the production marks a significant milestone for the company as it wraps its first full season in its new home.

BroadwayWorld's critic weighed in on the production earlier this month, praising its tension, performances, and scenic design. That full review is available here.

Click Here to Play!

Around The BroadwayWorld: Top News, Reviews, Interviews & More from May 2026

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:03:21 PST

Around the BroadwayWorld is our monthly snapshot of the biggest stories making waves across the global theatre community. In this May 2026 edition, we're bringing you a fresh batch of standout reviews from regional stages across the country - from Brigadoon at Pasadena Playhouse in Los Angeles to The Phantom of the Opera at Seattle's Paramount Theatre and Pippin at Signature Theatre in DC.

Diane Paulus directs an immersive, David Bowie-inspired Life on Mars at American Repertory Theater, the producers of Japan's Gypsy revival walk back a planned title change, and we go behind the scenes with interviews spanning Adam Fields of the Beetlejuice national tour, The Muny's casting director Michael Baxter, Richard Kind on finally taking on Edna in Hairspray, and BWW's Kid Reporters chatting with the touring Von Trapp kids of The Sound of Music. Plus, get a first look at exciting new productions through performance videos and photos, including Anastasia at La Mirada Theatre, Dear Evan Hansen at Arden Theatre, Pippin at Signature Theatre, and the Manila cast of Jesus Christ Superstar - and so much more from across the BroadwayWorld.

Diane Paulus Will Direct Immersive David Bowie Inspired LIFE ON MARS at American Repertory Theater

Joshua Wright | Boston

Diane Paulus will direct Life on Mars, an immersive theatrical production set to David Bowie's music, as the inaugural production at the Goel Center for Creativity & Performance in May.

GYPSY in Japan: Producers Walk Back Title Change Ahead of 2026 Revival

Joshua Wright | Japan

The Japanese revival of GYPSY will retain its original title when it returns to the stage in 2026, reversing an earlier decision to present the production under the name 'Rose.'

Interviews

Interview: Adam Fields of BEETLEJUICE National Tour

Brock Mills | Jacksonville

For Adam Fields, returning to Jacksonville with the national tour of Beetlejuice the Musical isn’t just another stop, it’s a full-circle moment. The production will play in Jacksonville from May 12–17 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts.

Interview: BWW’s 'Kid Reporters' Chat With THE SOUND OF MUSIC’s Touring Von Trapp Kids

Melissa Heckscher | Los Angeles

BroadwayWorld Los Angeles' kid reporters talk with the young touring cast of THE SOUND OF MUSIC to find out what it's like to be part of one of Broadway’s most iconic shows and what actually happens behind the curtain.

Interview: Chatting with The Muny's Casting Director Michael Baxter

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

Michael Baxter’s work will shine on The Muny stage during all 50 performances this summer. He led the efforts and had a hand in hiring every one of the 194 actors who will fill the principal and ensemble roles.

Interview: Richard Kind Talks Finally Taking on Edna in The Muny's HAIRSPRAY

James Lindhorst | St. Louis

When The Muny opens their production of Hairspray on June 15, 2026, the legendary Richard Kind will don Edna Turnblad’s housecoat and step into her fuzzy house slippers. Kind, star of stage, screen and film, calls it bucket list moments to get to perform at The Muny and play Edna all at the same time.

Reviews

Review: BRIGADOON at Pasadena Playhouse

Andrew Child | Los Angeles

Brava to Alexandra Silber for capturing all the heart and humor of Lerner’s original book with her thoughtful new adaptation and brava to Katie Spelman for dreaming up a Brigadoon that is as ebullient and spirited as it is deeply human.

Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Paramount Theatre

Shelley Dean | Seattle

It’s almost unbelievable for me to admit that this was my first time seeing The Phantom of the Opera. Of course, I knew the iconic songs and had seen countless clips over the years, but experiencing the production live on stage for the first time was entirely different, haunting, and spine-chilling in the best way possible. From the chandelier drop to the monumental set pieces, the show truly lives up to its legendary reputation. The 2026 tour, directed by Harold Prince, serves as a revitalized version of the original production, featuring Maria Björnson’s iconic designs, musical staging, and choreography by Gillian Lynne. It is absolutely ravishing, and Seattle audiences are lining up hours early to witness the spectacle for themselves.

Review: PIPPIN at Signature Theatre

Aidan O'Connor | Washington, DC

Certain facets of the human condition are foundational to our very existence – change, connection, desire. One such particularly toxic universal truth is a constant need to be something more than we currently are. To search for happiness in external achievement rather than within ourselves, in our simple joys. Pippin at Signature Theatre breathes within that precise virulence, relatively orchestrated by a troupe of impeccably costumed and choreographed players. A feast for the eyes in all senses, Matthew Gardiner’s production surpasses even the highest of expectations.

Videos

Video: Watch La Mirada Theatre's ANASTASIA Star Lena Ceja Perform 'Journey to the Past'

Michael Major | Los Angeles

La Mirada Theatre has released new video footage of Lena Ceja rehearsing 'Journey to the Past' from their upcoming production of Anastasia. The production features Dillon Klena as Dmitry, a role first played on Broadway by his brother Derek Klena.

Photos/Video: DEAR EVAN HANSEN At Arden Theatre

A.A. Cristi | Philadelphia

Arden Theatre Company is now presenting DEAR EVAN HANSEN as the final production of its 2025/26 season, with performances continuing through July 5. New production photos and video have been released from the Philadelphia production, including footage of Evan A. Kaushesh performing “Waving Through a Window.”

Video: Watch 'Corner of the Sky' From Signature Theatre's PIPPIN

Michael Major | Washington, DC

Watch a video of Brayden Bambino performing 'Corner of the Sky' in Signature Theatre's production of Pippin. The in-the-round production is now running through July 26 with tickets available now.

Photos

Photos: Get a First Look at JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR in Manila

Oliver Oliveros | Philippines

The 2017 Olivier Award winner for Best Musical Revival, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' has officially opened at The Theatre at Solaire.

Marcus Center Reveals Rainbow Summer 2026 Artist Line-up And Interactive Art Installation

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:44:28 PST

The Marcus Performing Arts Center will present the return of Rainbow Summer, taking place on July 14-19th. Rainbow Summer is a free music and art festival that offers six nights of live music, interactive art installations, and free creative activities for the whole community.

Rainbow Summer 2026 invites the community to join a festive takeover of the grounds of the Marcus Center, featuring family activities and vendors on the beautiful South Lawn, live music performances on the covered stage of Peck Pavilion, and additional family-friendly activations along the riverwalk leading to KidZ Stage, a dedicated outdoor venue designed specifically for young audiences.

In continued partnership with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, a new interactive art installation from LeMonde Studio will be featured! Harmonies introduces Milwaukee to a collection of larger-than-life musical instruments and objects that invite audience interaction.

The 2026 Rainbow Summer lineup of musical performances has been curated with Milwaukee's vibrant community in mind, offering a different themed experience with a musical pairing each evening:

July 14: “Americana Night” featuring Goldpine.

July 15: “Soul Night” featuring The Soul Rebels.

July 16: “Feel Good Pop Night” featuring Boy Band Review.

July 17: “Latin Night” featuring Zonk Rolan and Nicole Nicolalde.

July 18: “Family Day and Night” featuring Milwaukee Ballet, Marcus Center's “Broadway Bridges”, School of Rock Shorewood, Kid Boogie Down, CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band. Family activities include bounce houses, Carcade games, and the Bubble Lady!

July 19: “America250 & Veterans Recognition” featuring Angela Walker, Anthony Hibbler, The Lloyd Stevens Band.

Rainbow Summer is made possible through the support of Milwaukee Downtown, Bid #21, Ascension, U.S. Bank, and MGIC. Family Day is sponsored by Bader Philanthropies, Inc.

Vendor Applications are now open through July 1, 2026. They are inviting local artists, makers, and small businesses to join the festivities each evening. Vendor information and application can be accessed by visiting the Rainbow Summer website: https://www.marcuscenter.org/get-tickets/rainbow-summer/.

Know before you go:

• MPAC Grounds will open at 5:00 pm from Tuesday – Friday, and 12:00 pm on Saturday/ Sunday.

• Event parking will be available at the Marcus Center Garage for $20.00 each night.

• Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site, from a variety of food trucks and from Marcus Center Food and Beverage.

• Chairs and blankets can be carried in for the lawn, but no carry-in food or beverage items are permitted.

• No tickets are required to attend Rainbow Summer activities, and new acts are still being added!

• To see the most up to date Rainbow Summer lineup, join the Rainbow Summer email list at https://www.marcuscenter.org/get-tickets/rainbow-summer/.

Marcus Center Reveals Rainbow Summer 2026 Artist Line-up And Interactive Art Installation

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:44:28 PST

The 2026 Rainbow Summer lineup of musical performances has been curated with Milwaukee's vibrant community in mind, offering a different themed experience with a musical pairing each evening:

July 14: “Americana Night” featuring Goldpine.

July 15: “Soul Night” featuring The Soul Rebels.

July 16: “Feel Good Pop Night” featuring Boy Band Review.

July 17: “Latin Night” featuring Zonk Rolan and Nicole Nicolalde.

July 19: “America250 & Veterans Recognition” featuring Angela Walker, Anthony Hibbler, The Lloyd Stevens Band.

Rainbow Summer is made possible through the support of Milwaukee Downtown, Bid #21, Ascension, U.S. Bank, and MGIC. Family Day is sponsored by Bader Philanthropies, Inc.

Know before you go:

• MPAC Grounds will open at 5:00 pm from Tuesday – Friday, and 12:00 pm on Saturday/ Sunday.

• Event parking will be available at the Marcus Center Garage for $20.00 each night.

• Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site, from a variety of food trucks and from Marcus Center Food and Beverage.

• Chairs and blankets can be carried in for the lawn, but no carry-in food or beverage items are permitted.

• No tickets are required to attend Rainbow Summer activities, and new acts are still being added!

• To see the most up to date Rainbow Summer lineup, join the Rainbow Summer email list at https://www.marcuscenter.org/get-tickets/rainbow-summer/.

BroadwayWorld Launches Producer Fantasy Game

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:05 PST

Ever watched the weekly Broadway grosses roll in and thought you could pick the winners? Now you can put it to the test. BroadwayWorld has launched the Producer Fantasy Game, a free, season-long competition that lets theatre fans build a roster of Broadway shows and earn points based on how those productions actually perform at the box office. The draft window is open now.

How It Works

The setup is simple. During the draft window, you pick any six Broadway productions that opened this season. Drafting is non-exclusive, so there is no need to race a rival for a hot title. Any number of players can roster the same show.

From there, your shows go to work for you. Every week, each production on your roster earns fantasy points based on its reported box office grosses and capacity percentages. When Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle nominations and wins are announced, your shows bank bonus points on top of that. And each week you can answer our Fantasy Forecast prediction questions for up to five bonus points per correct call.

Weekly Scoring

Each week, a show earns one base point for every $50,000 it grosses, so a $1 million week is worth 20 base points. On top of that, shows can earn bonuses: up to five points for filling seats (based on how close to full capacity the house ran), six points for grossing $2 million or more (or three points for grossing between $1 million and $2 million), and eight points if its gross jumped at least 15 percent from the week before. A show loses four points if its gross dropped at least 15 percent. If a show goes dark and reports no gross for a week, it scores zero for that week with no penalty.

The Fantasy Forecast

The Producer Fantasy Game is really two games in one. The first is the box office game: drafting shows and earning points from their weekly grosses and awards. The second is the Fantasy Forecast, a weekly set of prediction questions about what's happening on Broadway, where each correct answer is worth up to five points. You can play one or both.

We track them separately so you can shine at either. Your Producer score covers the box office game, your Forecast score covers your prediction results, and your Combined score adds the two together for the overall championship ranking. The leaderboard lets you toggle between Overall, Producers, and Forecasters, so a sharp predictor can top the Forecasters board even during a rough season for their roster, and a roster powerhouse can lead the Producers board without answering a single question.

Managing Your Roster

Your lineup stays at six shows all season, and you have plenty of room to maneuver. You get one free drop every week, three additional season drops to use anytime before the trade deadline, and free replacements whenever a show on your roster closes. New productions open throughout the season and become available the moment they start reporting grosses, so it pays to keep a transaction in your pocket for that buzzy new opening.

Join the Game

The Producer Fantasy Game is free for all BroadwayWorld users, and you can join any time the draft window is open. Draft within the first two weeks of the season and your roster is scored from opening week, so the earlier you get in, the more weeks you bank. Build your roster, make your predictions, and start climbing the leaderboard today.

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS to Return for 12th Year With 39-City National Tour

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:57:07 PST

“A Drag Queen Christmas” will return for its 12th year, launching a 39-city national tour this November - December. The 2026 edition is hosted by returning fan favorite and theatre star Nina West, and features an all-new merry lineup of drag superstars from the Emmy-winning RuPaul's Drag Race franchise.

Artist pre-sale begins Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. (local time) with the code “TWELVE,” and general on sale begins Friday, June 5 at 10 a.m. (local time) at dragfans.com.

This year's cast includes:

Myki Meeks, Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Nini Coco, Runner-up, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Darlene Mitchell, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Juicy Love Dion, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Discord Addams, Drag Race Season 18 (2026)
Crystal Methyd, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026) & Drag Race Season 12 (2020)
Silky Ganache, Drag Race All Stars Season 11 (2026), Drag Race All Stars Season 6 (2021), Drag Race Season 11 (2019)

“A Drag Queen Christmas” is the world's premiere holiday drag showcase and a sensational theatrical experience that delivers high camp, over-the-top lip-sync performances, side-splitting comedy, elaborate costumes, Broadway-style staging, and a whole lot of heart—something we all seek during the chaos of the holiday season. With plenty of spectacular surprises in store, the show offers audiences a chance to see drag queens at the top of their game perform showstopping numbers of epic holiday proportions on revered theater stages across America. Each year, “A Drag Queen Christmas” provides an annual tradition for folks from all walks of life to come together and connect, find community, and celebrate the season with joy and laughter.

This dazzling, 18+ holiday extravaganza runs two hours and offers fans the chance to add-on a VIP Meet & Greet Experience—including early access to the venue, photos with the queens on stage, autographs, and exclusive tour merchandise.

A Drag Queen Christmas 2026 Tour Dates:

November 11 - Detroit, MI (Fisher Theatre)

November 12 - Rochester, NY (Kodak Center)

November 13 - Rutland, VT (Paramount Theatre)

November 14 - Portland, ME (Merrill Auditorium)

November 15 - Boston, MA (Emerson Colonial Theatre)

November 17 - Red Bank, NJ (Count Basie Center for the Arts)

November 18 - Morristown, NJ (Mayo Performing Arts Center)

November 19 - Washington, DC (Warner Theatre)

November 20 - Durham, NC (Durham Performing Arts Center)

November 21 - Wilmington, NC (Wilson Center - Cape Fear Community College)

November 22 - Philadelphia, PA (Fillmore)

November 24 - Pittsburgh, PA (Byham Theater)

November 25 - Columbus, OH (Palace Theatre)

November 27 - Chicago, IL (Riviera Theatre)

November 28 - Appleton, WI (Fox Cities Performing Arts Center)

November 29 - Omaha, NE (Orpheum Theater)

November 30 - Oklahoma City, OK (The Criterion)

December 1 - Des Moines, IA (Hoyt Sherman Place)

December 2 - Kansas City, MO (Uptown Theater)

December 4 - Denver, CO (Paramount Theatre)

December 5 - Salt Lake City, UT (Kingsbury Hall)

December 7 - Seattle, WA (Moore Theatre)

December 9 - Sacramento, CA (Channel 24)

December 10 - San Francisco, CA (Golden Gate Theatre)

December 11 - Stockton, CA (Bob Hope Theatre)

December 12 - Los Angeles, CA (The Wiltern)

December 13 - Santa Rosa, CA (Luther Burbank Center)

December 15 - Mesa, AZ (Mesa Arts Center)

December 16 - Tucson, AZ (Fox Tucson Theatre)

December 17 - El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre)

December 19 - Austin, TX (ACL Live at The Moody Theater)

December 20 - Dallas, TX (Winspear Opera House)

December 21 - Wichita, KS (Orpheum Theatre)

December 22 - St.Louis, MO (The Factory)

December 23 - Knoxville, TN (Tennessee Theatre)

December 26 - Tampa Bay, FL (Straz Center for the Performing Arts)

December 27 - Fort Myers, FL (Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall)

December 28 - West Palm Beach, FL (Kravis Center for the Performing Arts)

December 29 - Jacksonville, FL (Florida Theatre)

GHOSTS by Ibsen to Open as Site-Specific Production in Milwaukee Parking Lot

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:28:27 PST

Wisconsin Classic Stage will present GHOSTS by Henrik Ibsen, translated by Ibsen scholars Brian Johnston and Rick Davis. This powerful definitive translation is licensed by Smith & Kraus Publishing. Performances will run July 10-19.

Directed by Josh Pohja (Henry V, The Persians, My Name is Rachel Corrie, All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914), this daring site-specific production unfolds in the historic Calvary Presbyterian Church Parking Lot where the ghosts of the past collide with the broken pavement paves the realities of today.

Pohja reimagines Ibsen's most controversial play with gripping intensity, drawing powerful parallels between the moral and familial decay in the text and our modern fentanyl crisis. Expect raw truth, cinematic staging, and theatrical bravery that will leave audiences breathless as the sun sets.

The cast will include Deborah Stencel as Mrs. Alving,Ben Skwierawski as Osvald Alving, Cole Castine as Pastor Manders, Ryan Holifield as Engstrand, and Ashley Garcia as Regina.

DISNEY'S DARE TO DREAM JR. to Make Historic Two-Weekend Run at Lakeland Players

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:35:13 PST

Lakeland Players Ltd. will present Disney's Dare to Dream Jr., an inspiring and magical youth production opening Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Historic Sprague Theater in downtown Elkhorn.

Directed by Jacob Machado and Madison Davis, with Music Director Susan Gali and choreography by Chris Cantrell and Gracie Lochowicz, Dare to Dream Jr. brings together beloved Disney songs and stories in a celebration of imagination, courage, friendship, and the power of following your dreams.

This production marks a historic milestone for Lakeland Players' youth theater program as the first youth production in the organization's history to run for two full weekends. The expanded performance schedule reflects the remarkable growth of the program, the enthusiasm surrounding youth theater in the community, and the dedication of the cast and creative team who have worked tirelessly to bring this production to life.

More than just a musical revue, Dare to Dream Jr. is a celebration of imagination, confidence, and community. Featuring songs from beloved Disney classics alongside modern favorites, the production is designed to connect generations through music and storytelling while showcasing the talents of the area's young performers.

When asked about their vision for the production, directors Jacob Machado and Madison Davis shared:

"From the beginning, our vision for Dare to Dream Jr. was to create a production that would be just as meaningful for the adults in our audience as it is for our young performers. Disney has spent more than a century creating stories and songs that connect generations, and we wanted to celebrate that legacy on our stage. By blending the timeless magic of classic Disney favorites with the excitement, heart, and energy of modern Disney stories, we hope to create an experience that resonates with audiences of all ages. Our goal is to transport audience members back to some of their favorite childhood memories while creating new ones for today's families. Above all, we hope every person who walks through the theater doors leaves feeling inspired by the power of imagination, community, and the belief that dreams truly have no age limit."

Co-Director Madison Davis believes the production's impact extends far beyond the stage.

"This production is a huge milestone not only because of the extended run, but also for the production team and performers," said Davis. "We want to emphasize the power within oneself, no matter what role they play on stage or in life. Our goal is for each performer to leave this experience feeling strong and confident in themselves at every stage of life, both during and after this show."

For Co-Director Jacob Machado, the production represents both a personal and professional milestone.

"This production holds a special place in my heart, not only because of my love for theater, but because it marks my first major directing role," said Machado. "I have been incredibly fortunate to be welcomed to the Sprague Theater with such open arms and to work with such a talented cast. From the moment casting concluded, these performers arrived ready to work, ready to learn, and ready to give their all. That level of dedication is something truly special."

"Community theater gives young people an outlet to thrive, be themselves, explore new opportunities, and build lasting friendships," Machado continued. "I am grateful to be one of the many moving parts helping bring this production to life for our community. My goal is simple: fill the seats and let these kids shine."

Featuring a talented cast of local youth performers and music from some of Disney's most beloved films, Dare to Dream Jr. offers a heartwarming and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages. Through its uplifting message and unforgettable songs, the production encourages audiences to dream big, believe in themselves, and celebrate the unique gifts they each bring to the world.

Performance Schedule

All performances will take place at the Historic Sprague Theater, 15 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Tickets for all performances are $10.00 and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online at lakeland-players.org.

Review: AGATHA CHRISTIE'S AND THEN THERE WERE NONE at Milwaukee Repertory Theater

Sat, 30 May 2026 16:10:08 PST

Few mystery writers have ever mastered suspense quite like Agatha Christie, and And Then There Were None remains one of her most enduring achievements. Now playing at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater through June 28th, this gripping adaptation delivers an evening of intrigue, tension, and remarkable performances wrapped inside one of the most stunning scenic designs of the season.

The story follows ten strangers who are lured to a secluded island under various pretenses. Upon their arrival, they discover that their mysterious hosts are nowhere to be found. As unsettling accusations emerge, the guests realize they are all connected by dark secrets from their pasts. As members of the group begin dying one by one, paranoia takes hold as they desperately try to determine who may be responsible for the murders before becoming the next victim.

One of the production's greatest triumphs is its scenic design. Equal parts Art Deco dreamscape and architectural showpiece, the set combines gleaming marble floors, towering windows, luxurious furnishings, and glittering chandeliers into a portrait of old-money extravagance. Yet for all its beauty, the space never feels comfortable. The vastness of the room leaves the characters exposed, transforming the mansion into a glamorous cage where suspicion lingers in every corner. The striking contrast between the opulence of the environment and the growing sense of entrapment gives the design dramatic weight beyond simply being beautiful scenery. This is a set that doesn't merely house the action—it amplifies it.

My only criticism of the evening involved a small staging issue during the opening moments of Act Two. With the onstage lighting kept intentionally minimal, one reflective set piece positioned behind the cast caught green and red light from the rear of the house. The effect proved somewhat distracting and pulled focus from the performers until cast members crossed in front of it. Fortunately, it is a minor blemish in an otherwise breathtaking design.

The cast displays excellent chemistry throughout, creating a believable ensemble of strangers forced into increasingly desperate circumstances.

As the keepers of the house, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers (Matt Daniels and Marcella Kearns) provide some of the evening's most effective moments. Kearns perfectly captures Mrs. Rogers' nervous discomfort as she finds herself forced beyond her familiar duties when guests arrive before the anticipated hosts. Daniels brings warmth, humility, and quiet humanity to Mr. Rogers, grounding the character while maintaining the butler's professional demeanor. Their comic timing together is impeccable.

Among the guests, Jordan Sobel and Sarah Suzuki shine as Captain Philip Lombard and Vera Claythorne. Sobel presents Lombard as confident and entitled while revealing flashes of protectiveness and vulnerability beneath the bravado. His expressive physicality and facial reactions add depth to every scene. Suzuki is equally compelling, gradually revealing Vera's fractured psyche piece by piece. Her performance is layered, nuanced, and captivating from beginning to end.

One of the evening's standout performances comes from James Carrington as Dr. Armstrong. From his first entrance, Carrington commands attention with undeniable charisma. His portrayal of Armstrong's mounting anxiety is so effective that it becomes contagious. Through expertly calibrated body language and impeccable comic timing, he creates a character whose unraveling becomes both entertaining and deeply unsettling.

Another standout is Jessica Angleskhan as Emily Brent. A sure sign of a successful performance is when an actor fully embodies a character the audience loves to dislike, and Angleskhan accomplishes exactly that. She brings Brent's prejudice, close-mindedness, and unwavering sense of moral superiority vividly to life. It is a fearless and thoroughly convincing performance.

What makes And Then There Were None particularly effective in 2026 is how relevant many of its themes feel today. Questions of guilt, accountability, judgment, privilege, and moral responsibility resonate strongly in our current social and political climate. While Christie wrote the story decades ago, its exploration of how people justify their actions—and who ultimately gets to pass judgment—feels remarkably contemporary.

Beautifully designed, expertly performed, and packed with suspense, Milwaukee Rep's And Then There Were None is a gripping theatrical experience. Fans of classic mysteries will find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers will discover why Christie's masterwork continues to captivate audiences nearly a century after it was first published.

Photo Credit. Pictured center Jordan Sobel. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

SONIC LIVE IN CONCERT to Launch Global Tour With US and UK Premieres

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:59:39 PST

As Sonic the Hedgehog celebrates 35 years as one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time, Senbla and SEGA today announced Sonic Live In Concert (www.sonicliveinconcert.com). This new concert experience brings the music and moments of the beloved video games to the stage.

Featuring iconic moments and music from the very first game in 1991 through today, the production will debut in the U.S. at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on September 26, 2026, before making its European premiere at London's Eventim Apollo on September 30. The U.S. tour will visit more than 30 cities nationwide, and a UK tour will follow in February 2027. More European dates will be announced at a later time. Tickets will go on sale May 29, 2026, with pre-sale tickets going on sale on May 28, 2026.

As part of a global rollout celebrating the franchise's milestone anniversary, Sonic Live In Concert features the most recognizable music from the Sonic universe, performed by a live ensemble alongside rock musicians, vocalists, and electronic elements. The setlist includes fan-favorite tracks and an incredible array of music from the very first game through to today accompanied by synchronized HD footage of iconic levels, moments and boss battles from the franchise. Audiences can expect musical Easter eggs woven into the arrangements, adding an extra layer of discovery that brings Sonic's world vividly to life on stage.

The concert also highlights the creative legacy behind Sonic's music from legendary composers Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani, whose work has helped define Sonic's sound across generations.

"Sonic has some of the most distinct and celebrated music in gaming," says Ollie Rosenblatt, CEO of Senbla. "We wanted to create a live show that stays true to what the fans love about Sonic's music, from the electronic and melodic themes to high-energy rock."

“Music has always been a core part of Sonic's identity, shaping how fans experience this world across generations," said Ivo Gerscovich, Chief Business & Brand Officer at SEGA of America, Inc. "With this concert, we're looking forward to celebrating that legacy in a live setting; bringing together the energy, emotion, and creativity of Sonic's music in a way that both longtime fans and new audiences can enjoy together.”

Since his debut in 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has become a global entertainment icon spanning video games, film, television, and consumer products. With renewed momentum driven by recent film releases, new game titles, and a global brand campaign tied to the 35th anniversary, the franchise continues to reach new generations of fans worldwide.

The performance schedule includes:

September 20, 2026 – Spokane, Washington – First Interstate Center for the Arts
September 22, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre (preview)
September 23, 2026 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium (preview)
September 25, 2026 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre (preview)
September 26, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
September 27, 2026 – Riverside, CA – Fox Performing Arts Center
September 29, 2026 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts Center - Ikeda Theater
September 30, 2026 – London, U.K. – London Eventim Apollo
October 1, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Resorts World Theatre
October 2, 2026 – Fresno, CA – Saroyan Theatre
October 3, 2026 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic
October 4, 2026 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
October 6, 2026 – Denver, CO – Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
October 8, 2026 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
October 9, 2026 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
October 10, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
October 11, 2026 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion
October 13, 2026 – Wichita, KS – Orpheum Theatre
October 15, 2026 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater
October 16, 2026 – Peoria, IL – Prairie Home Alliance Theater
October 17, 2026 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace Theatre
October 18, 2026 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
October 19, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
October 20, 2026 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre
October 22, 2026 – Brandon, MS – City Hall Live
October 23, 2026 – Huntsville, AL – VBC Mark C. Smith Concert Hall
October 24, 2026 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
October 25, 2026 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for Performing Arts
October 27, 2026 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
October 28, 2026 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center
October 29, 2026 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
October 30, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
October 31, 2026 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Au Rene Theater
November 1, 2026 – Orlando, FL – Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
February 17, 2027 – Glasgow, UK – Royal Concert Hall
February 18, 2027 – Edinburgh, UK – Usher Hall
February 19, 2027 – Manchester, UK – Bridgewater Hall
February 20, 2027 – Birmingham, UK – Symphony Hall

For more information, tour dates, and tickets, visit www.sonicliveinconcert.com.

SAKESHVILI: THE PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC CIRCUS Postponed at Theatre Gigante

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:45:59 PST

Theatre Gigante has had to postpone its June production, Sakeshvili: The People's Democratic Circus, and move it to next season.

The production shared, "In our 38 years of existence, this has never happened to us and it was a very difficult decision to make. But it is necessary, since two out of four of our actors have come down with unexpected health issues that are making it impossible to present the show in June."

The production was previously set to run from June 5 - 13, 2026 in the Next Act Theatre's Performance Space.

The winner of the Grum Award 2016 for best new Slovenian play Sakeshvili: The People's Democratic Circus is a hilarious social satire in the Absurdist Theatre style, which captures the collapsed world of citizens of Sakeshvili Land, who not only
perform in a circus, but live in one. The absurdly comic situations grapple with the topic
of constant brainwashing, and take us on a journey with four clownlike figures attempting
to find their personalities, identities, dignities, and everything else that defines them as
humans. The bizarre situational episodes, though full of insight into the real face of
society, are surreal, witty and very metaphorical in nature.

Skylight Music Theatre to Host Tony Awards Watch Party in Milwaukee

Wed, 27 May 2026 05:22:30 PST

Skylight Music Theatre will invite the Milwaukee arts community to celebrate Broadway's biggest night of the year at The Tony Awards Watch Party on Sunday, June 7. Sponsored by Milwaukee PrideFest and screened inside the historic Cabot Theatre, The Tony Awards Watch Party is the perfect ending to Milwaukee's PrideFest weekend.

Guests will enjoy a glamorous evening featuring a live broadcast of the Tony Awards on the big screen, red carpet arrivals and a pre-show chat with entertainment reporters Ryan Jay of Ryan Jay Reviews and Sandy Maxx of 620 WTMJ, and live performances by Skylight favorites during commercial breaks. The line-up includes SaraLynn Evenson, Tommy Hahn, Ciara Hart, Paul Helm, Shawn Holmes, Josh Pope, Hope Riesterer, Ashley Rodriguez, Samantha Sostarich, Stephanie Staszak, William Toney, and Andrew Varela.

"Community celebrations like the Tony Awards Watch Party are a wonderful reminder of how the arts unite and inspire all," says Wes Shaver. "PrideFest is thrilled to partner with Skylight Music Theatre for an evening that celebrates creativity, inclusivity, and strengthens community connections. Connecting with organizations like the Skylight Music Theatre strengthens social fabric and a commitment to showing up for one another with shared, common goals of creating space for all to enjoy."

"Broadway's biggest night deserves a dazzling celebration," mentions Ryan Jay. "I am thrilled to roll out the red carpet at Skylight Music Theatre for an unforgettable evening of glamour, performances from Milwaukee favorites, and Tony Award excitement."

Attendees can also take part in a silent auction and Tony Awards prediction contest for a chance to win prizes. Throughout the evening, guests can sip and savor with a cash bar and curated snacks available for purchase. Additionally sponsored by Fred and Leigh Tabak, this night will benefit Skylight Music Theatre as they prepare for their bold 67th season.

“We are thrilled to bring the excitement and energy of Broadway's biggest celebration to Milwaukee in the historic Cabot Theatre,” says Susan Varela, executive director of Skylight Music Theatre. “This event is a chance for our community to come together, celebrate the magic of music theatre, and experience the joy of the Tony Awards in an unforgettable setting, all in support of Skylight Music Theatre.

Skylight Music Theatre to Host Tony Awards Watch Party in Milwaukee

Wed, 27 May 2026 05:22:30 PST

Door Shakespeare Announces Company For Summer Season

Sat, 23 May 2026 18:01:00 PST

Door Shakespeare has announced the company for its 2026 summer season. The nonprofit professional theater performs throughout the summer in the Garden of Björklunden, and will welcome 11 new members, 18 returning arts professionals from previous seasons, and five theater artists making their professional debuts.

Company members will arrive this week from as far afield as California, Colorado, Maryland, and North Carolina, along with Midwest-based company members from Minnesota, Illinois, and, of course, Wisconsin. “Gathering the team is always a rewarding part of the process,” shares Producing Artistic Director Amy Ensign. “These artists lead with generosity, passion, and trust, and that spirit is already shaping the work we’ll be creating together.”

Door Shakespeare’s rehearsal staff and creative team include Jojo Wallenberg, Megan Cvijanovich, Grace Weir, Todd Mion, Jody Sekas, William Gomes, Jana Casey, Audrey Kodalen, Audon Svoboda, Ed DiMaio, and David Foulds.

Actors and understudies include Christian Davis Aldridge, Robert Hunter Bry, Marcus Cunningham, Elizabeth Dowling, Will Gonzalez, Kailey Azure Green, Elizabeth Reese, Angel Rivera, Sara Sadjadi, Ryan Schabach, and Sierra Miguela Tune.

Lexi Praxl returns for her fifth season in the new role of Business Manager. Gabe Anderle is in his second season as Managing Producer, Jack Oleg joins the team as Front of House Manager, and arts administration interns Byrd Gilissen and Ezra Linnan round out the office staff.

Directors Eva Breneman and Suzanne Graff guide the creative process as the season’s directors. Amy Ensign is in her ninth season as Producing Artistic Director.

The 2026 summer season begins June 29 and runs through August 22. "Love’s Labour’s Lost" will be presented Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. "The Importance of Being Earnest" runs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.

Tickets and information can be found at Door Shakespeare's website or by calling 920-854-7111.

Doomsday for American Theater? Not at Milwaukee Rep, Where the Budget Just Doubled.

Tue, 26 May 2026 08:00:20 PST

Much has been written about the crisis facing America's regional theatres. While much of the regional theater field has spent the past several years contracting, cutting seasons, shedding staff, and scaling back ambition, Milwaukee Repertory Theater has been doing something else entirely. Since 2020, the company has nearly doubled its operating budget from roughly $9 million to $17 million, grown ticket sales by 40 percent, and increased subscription revenue by 41 percent. In October 2025, it opened the $80.1 million Associated Bank Theater Center, the largest regional theater complex to debut in the United States in the past decade. In January, its New Play Development Program received a $1 million gift from David Herro and Jay Franke, bringing dedicated resources to $2 million. The 2026/27 season, just announced, expands to 13 productions, including three new plays, one in each of the company's performance spaces.

Executive Director Chad Bauman, who has led the institution since 2013, sees the moment as neither a victory lap nor an anomaly. "It is both a privilege and a responsibility," he said of opening a building of this scale right now. "We are coming out of a period where many have questioned the future of our field. In that context, building something this ambitious is not just a capital project. It is a statement of belief."

The Associated Bank Theater Center’s 30,000-square-foot glass volume, which connects to the right side of Milwaukee Rep’s historic original building, creates a new welcoming main entrance to the Center.

That belief rests on a counterintuitive premise: that the rise of artificial intelligence and automation will make live theater more essential, not less. "As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, we will see fewer truly human interactions in our day-to-day experience," he said. "That shift will not diminish our appetite for connection. It will intensify it." The conviction shapes how Milwaukee Rep programs. Bauman and Artistic Director Mark Clements are drawn to work that "can only fully exist in a live, shared space," he said, the kind of storytelling that "holds multiple truths at once" and resists the pull toward easy resolution. "Simplicity is not interesting," he said. "Life's complexity is."

That conviction puts Bauman at odds with what he sees as a quiet drift across the field. Citing playwright Sara Farrington, he described a tendency in contemporary programming toward "issue-driven lectures, where characters exist mainly to express certainty rather than experience conflict or change." The result, he argued, is "a temporary feeling of clarity or moral sureness for audiences, but it is fleeting and ultimately disconnected from the messy, unresolved reality of life outside the theater." His alternative is to trust audiences more, not less. "Audiences are not passive recipients," he said. "They are active participants in meaning-making. When we embrace audiences as such, we invite deeper engagement."

Asked how he balances that conviction with the financial pressures regional theaters face, Bauman returned to a quote from Zelda Fichandler: "Once we made a decision not to seek a financial recoupment, but rather to recoup some corner of the universe for our understanding, we became an instrument of civilization." Trusting audiences, he said, "is to believe in that deeper desire, to believe that people don't just want affirmation, they want discovery."

The Herro-Franke Studio Theater in the Associated Bank Theater Center.

That philosophy has been paired with what amounts to a sustained operational turnaround. When Bauman arrived at Milwaukee Rep in 2013, the organization was facing a liquidity crisis, significant debt, ongoing operating deficits, and a building "literally sinking into the Milwaukee River." Over the course of his tenure, Milwaukee Rep has eliminated all debt, grown net assets from $16 million to $111 million, and raised more than $108 million across four successful capital campaigns. The pandemic, paradoxically, accelerated the trajectory. "Milwaukee Rep's post-pandemic success, to some degree, was due to decisions we made during the pandemic that were materially different than the majority of the field," Bauman said, pointing to choices including investing during disruption, taking care of staff, keeping a relentless focus on audiences, and messaging vision rather than crisis.

Milwaukee Rep was one of the first theater to reopen from the pandemic shutdowns in 2020, while much of the industry didn't come back into play until later in 2021.

The financial playbook, he said, is transferable. "Be brutally clear about your reality, protect the core value of your work, invest in growth even in difficult moments, and build a shared vision that others want to help realize. Financial transformation is not just about discipline. It is about belief, alignment, and momentum."

That alignment is most visible in the new building itself. The 152,500-square-foot Associated Bank Theater Center includes three flexible performance spaces, including the 670-seat Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater, designed with a transformable stage so productions can transfer to any venue in the country, including Broadway. Bauman is careful to frame that capacity as a tool, not a target. "We are not programming with Broadway as the goal. We are programming for our audience and our community first," he said. But the infrastructure changes what is possible. "It affects how we commission, in that we can invite writers and creative teams to think more expansively about scale and production. It affects how we collaborate, because we can engage partners earlier in the life of a project. And it affects how we invest, because we can take a longer view on the return, both artistically and financially."

Milwaukee's lower producing costs add to the equation. "In an environment where commercial producers are looking to balance quality with the possibility of recoupment, that makes Milwaukee an increasingly attractive place to develop work," Bauman said.

Nowhere is that long-view investment more visible than in the John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program. With $2 million in dedicated resources and six new plays slated for production over the next two years, including commissions from Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar, Gloria Majule, and Nygel D. Robinson, the program has become a defining feature of the institution. Recent program alumni include Lloyd Suh's The Heart Sellers, which has been among the most produced plays in the country for two consecutive seasons. "Too often, new play development is episodic and under-resourced," Bauman said. "We are trying to create a system where artists can build relationships over time, where ideas can evolve, and where we can support a piece from early development through production and beyond."

Balcony view from the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater in the Associated Bank Theater Center.

The ambition, he said, is both local and national. Many of Milwaukee Rep's most resonant new works, including the upcoming stage adaptation of Akhtar's American Dervish, set in the author's hometown, are rooted in the specifics of Wisconsin. "When a work is grounded in a real place, it tends to travel further, not less," Bauman said. "Regional rootedness is not a constraint on the program's identity. It is a defining feature."

The 2026/27 season, which runs September 2026 through May 2027, reflects that ambition at scale. Alongside the World Premieres of Aaron Posner's The Cherry Tortured and Matt Zembrowski's MKE MVP, Milwaukee Rep will host the post-Broadway production of seven-time Tony nominee John Proctor Is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower, a playwright the Rep first produced in 2016. "We produced her first professional production in 2016, and we had originally programmed the world premiere of John Proctor Is the Villain before it was canceled due to the pandemic," Bauman said. "To now welcome the play to Milwaukee following its Broadway run feels less like programming a Broadway hit and more like a continuation of a long relationship."

Bauman said the question other industry leaders most often ask him is some version of "How are you doing all of this at once?" The answer, he said, has less to do with capacity than with culture. "It is less about doing everything at once and more about alignment. When the board, staff, artists, and community are clear about the vision and their role in it, the work begins to reinforce itself."

Looking ahead, he is clear about what he hopes the era will be remembered for. "Wisconsin is often overlooked, reduced to a 'flyover state,' but important theater has been created at Milwaukee Rep since the 1950s. It just hasn't always been acknowledged," he said. "I would want it to be unmistakable that this era built on that legacy and brought it into sharper national focus. That Milwaukee became a place where significant American theater is made."

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THE NOTEBOOK North American Tour Adds 26 Cities to 2026-27 Route

Tue, 19 May 2026 08:13:15 PST

The North American Tour of THE NOTEBOOK hasannounced engagements for the 2026-27 season, adding 26 cites to the previously announced route, including stops in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Houston. The tour began performances on September 6, 2025, at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio, and has welcomed over 500,000 patrons to date.

Read the reviews for the touring production of The Notebook.

Allie and Noah, two people from different worlds, share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart in a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love. Based on the book that has sold millions of copies worldwide and a film that is one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of all-time, the musical adaptation of THE NOTEBOOK played Broadway at the Schoenfeld Theatre from March 2024 to December 2024 following a critically acclaimed world premiere engagement at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the fall of 2022.

THE NOTEBOOK features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by playwright Bekah Brunstetter (writer and producer on NBC's “This Is Us,” The Cake). The production is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Schele Williams (Aida, The Wiz), with choreography by Katie Spelman (Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge! The Musical).

The creative team for the tour includes scenic design by David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis, costume design by Paloma Young, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Mia Neal, and projection design by Lucy Mackinnon. The production's music supervisor is Carmel Dean, who also collaborated on arrangements with Ingrid Michaelson and on orchestrations with John Clancy, and the music director is Tina Faye. Casting by The Telsey Office, Patrick Goodwin, CSA.

The production was recognized with three 2024 Tony Award nominations (Best Book of a Musical, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical), Drama League Award nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical, two Distinguished Performance Awards and the Founders Award for Excellence in Directing, Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical, and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical.

2026-2027 Tour Dates:

Detroit, MI — Fisher Theatre
September 22 – October 4, 2026

Dayton, OH — Schuster Center
October 6 – 11, 2026

Grand Rapids, MI — DeVos Performance Hall
October 13 – 18, 2026

East Lansing, MI — Wharton Center
October 27 – November 1, 2026

Richmond, VA — Altria Theater
November 3 – 8, 2026

Pittsburgh, PA — Benedum Center
November 10 – 15, 2026

Schenectady, NY — Proctors
December 1 – 6, 2026

Boston, MA — Emerson Colonial Theatre
December 8 – 20, 2026

Oklahoma City, OK — Civic Center Music Hall
December 29, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Houston, TX — Hobby Center
January 5 – 10, 2027

Dallas, TX — Winspear Opera House
January 12 – 24, 2027

New Orleans, LA — Saenger Theatre
January 26 – 31, 2027

Hershey, PA — Hershey Theatre
February 3 – 7, 2027

Providence, RI — PPAC
February 9 – 14, 2027

Rochester, NY — Auditorium Theatre
February 16 – 21, 2027

Fayetteville, AR — Walton Arts Center
February 24 – 28, 2027

Huntsville, AL — Von Braun Center
March 2 – 7, 2027

Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Broward Center
March 9 – 14, 2027

Ft. Myers, FL — Barbara B. Mann Hall
March 16 – 21, 2027

Naples, FL — Artis—Naples
March 23 – 28, 2027

North Charleston, SC — North Charleston PAC
March 30 – April 4, 2027

Birmingham, AL — BJCC Concert Hall
April 6 – 11, 2027

Atlanta, GA — Fox Theatre
April 13 – 18, 2027

Tucson, AZ — Centennial Hall
April 27 – May 2, 2027

San Jose, CA — Center for the Performing Arts
May 4 – 9, 2027

Sacramento, CA — SAFE Credit Union PAC
May 11 – 16, 2027

StageMag Launches Programmable PDF Editor for Digital Theater Programs

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:04:02 PST

StageMag, the digital show program platform from BroadwayWorld, today launched its new PDF Editor to all producers and stage managers using the service. The tool gives editors granular, real-time control over how their digital program renders as a downloadable or printable PDF - the format most often used in lobby printouts, accessibility packets, and press kits.

Until now, the StageMag-to-PDF path was a one-shot export: whatever fit, fit. The new editor turns the export into a configurable surface. Each section of a program including the cast list, song list, director's note, bios, advertisements, sponsor pages, articles, listings and more — can be individually told how to paginate. Editors choose between three strategies per section:

Flow: natural pagination, sections may split across pages.
Own page: start the section on a fresh page.
Fit one page: start fresh and scale the section to occupy the whole page.

A live preview pane re-renders the PDF on every change, so editors see the final printed result as they work rather than guessing and re-exporting.Beyond the strategy picker, the editor exposes a set of advanced controls familiar to anyone who has hand-tuned a long-form print document: hide-element selectors (drop sponsor strips or vestigial nav from the print version), forced page breaks before or after named elements, a draggable section-order list, custom header/footer/watermark text, and a custom-CSS escape hatch for theaters whose programs follow a house style.

The release also includes paper-level controls including US Letter or A4, portrait or landscape, three margin presets, three type scales, and a "booklet" mode that adds a binding gutter for stapled lobby printouts.

The PDF Editor is available now to all StageMag-enabled productions at no additional cost, under the Share PDF tab in the program editor. Existing programs render with sensible defaults; the new controls are opt-in and per-production.

About StageMag

StageMag is BroadwayWorld's digital playbill platform, used by Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, university, and community theater productions to publish interactive programs that audiences open on their phones from a QR code in the lobby. StageMag is offered as a free service to participating productions.

About BroadwayWorld

Founded in 2003, BroadwayWorld is the largest theater website in the world, covering Broadway, the West End, and theater news, reviews, interviews, and resources across all 50 US states and 45 countries.

Review: RAISIN IN THE SUN at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre

Mon, 11 May 2026 21:59:37 PST

In 1959, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry was the first play produced on Broadway written by a Black woman. Milwaukee Chamber Theatre is closing it’s 2025-26 season with this classic and It has lost none of its relevance and power in the intervening years.

The play’s title is taken from a Langston Hughes poem. The raisin represents how dreams can shrivel when denied.

The dreams in question belong to the Younger family. They live in the South Side of Chicago in the 50s. Each member of the family has their own dream that is battling for survival against economic barriers, discrimination and when it comes to Walter Lee Younger, some bad choices.

Walter Lee is played with a complex, explosive mix of dominance and vulnerability by DiMonte Henning. It’s a powerful performance that left the audience both gasping and applauding.

The rest of the Younger family is revealed in rich layers by Olivia Dawson, Paulina Lule, Malaina Moore and Amari DeBerry.

Dawson in the Younger matriarch, Lena. She lives with her son, daughter-in-law (Lule), daughter, (Moore) and grandson (DeBerry) in a small apartment. The close quarters and seemingly conflicting dreams bring tensions to a head when Lena gets her late husband’s life-insurance check

Director Kimille Howard creates a compelling world in the Younger apartment and guides a remarkable group of actors in a story that’s still as timely today (unfortunately) as it was in 1959.

Photo by Michael Brosilow

Eva Noblezada To Perform At Marcus Performing Arts Center’s 21st Annual Broadway BASH Gala

Mon, 11 May 2026 14:39:55 PST

The Marcus Performing Arts Center will present its 21st Annual Broadway BASH on Friday, June 5, 2026, featuring an exclusive performance by the two-time Tony Award-nominated, and GRAMMY Award – winning performer Eva Noblezada. Known for her acclaimed roles in Hadestown, The Great Gatsby, and Miss Saigon, Noblezada brings her powerhouse vocals and magnetic Stage Presence to an intimate performance created exclusively for BASH attendees.

This festive evening begins with a free-flowing food and beverage reception spotlighting the culinary talents of Marcus Center Food and Beverage Group's Executive Chef, Brian Frakes. Numerous stations specially curated for an immersive journey through the 2026/27 Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center season will be placed throughout the venue and available for Full Gala Package ticket holders!

Before headliner Eva Noblezada takes the stage, all ticket holders will have the opportunity to engage in a live auction and paddle raise with proceeds supporting MPAC's education and community engagement initiatives, expanding access to the arts for thousands of students and families across our community each year. Immediately following the program, the fun continues with an on-site after-party in the Bradley Pavilion with live music from The Shagadelics, dancing, and late‑night bites.

The 21st Annual Broadway BASH will take place at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee. Full Gala tickets, Performance Only (includes program and after party) tickets, and additional information about event sponsorships are available now.

Eva Noblezada To Perform At Marcus Performing Arts Center’s 21st Annual Broadway BASH Gala

Mon, 11 May 2026 14:39:55 PST

Video: Watch a Preview of MRS. CHRISTIE

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:34:42 PST

Milwaukee Repertory Theater has released a new trailer video for MRS. CHRISTIE, Heidi Armbruster's effervescent new comedy now playing through May 10, 2026 at the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater, in a co-production with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

Directed by Joanie Schultz, the play takes inspiration from the real-life 1926 disappearance of Agatha Christie, who vanished for 11 days and reappeared without explanation. A devoted superfan stumbles upon the clues that could finally crack the case, launching a coming-of-age journey of memory and self-discovery. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel called it "the most tantalizing Agatha Christie mystery" and praised it as "surprising and satisfying" and "cheekily magical," while BWW declared it "not a play to be missed."

Alex Keiper leads the cast as Agatha, joined by Matt Bowdren as Archie, Blake Hamilton Currie as William/Collins, Amira Danan as Nancy/Chloe, Zoë Sophia Garcia as Lucy, Dale Hodges as Jane, Betsy Hogg as Charlotte/Mary, and William Sturdivant as Monsieur.

The creative team includes Se Hyun Oh (scenic design), Valérie Thérèse Bart (costumes), Keith Parham (lighting), and Thomas Dixon (sound design and original music), with Shelby Scaffidi serving as stage manager.

MRS. CHRISTIE runs approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission and is recommended for audiences 12 and up. For tickets, contact the Milwaukee Rep Ticket Office at 414-224-9490. Ticket Office hours are Mondays noon to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday noon through evening show time.

Click Here to Play!

Video: Watch the GEORGE & GRACIE: A LOVE STORY Trailer

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:29:23 PST

“George & Gracie: A Love Story” is now onstage, starring real-life husband-and-wife duo James Pickering and Tami Workentin as legendary comedy couple George Burns and Gracie Allen! Settle in for a night of vaudeville magic in this “savvy collision of two show biz married couples“ — a “fun, funny theatrical flashback” where “warmth and talent triumph” (Urban Milwaukee). Watch a new video preview of the production!

Grab your seats today for nonstop laughs, heartfelt moments and classic charm, now through June 14.

Click Here to Play!

Review: GEORGE & GRACIE: A LOVE STORY at Milwaukee Rep

Mon, 04 May 2026 14:44:11 PST

"George & Gracie: A Love Story finds timeless humor and heart in entertainment legends.

Actor/writer Tami Workentin wrote the play (her first) for herself and her real life husband, James Pickering. The jokes (with a bit of music and history thrown in) can fast and furious,. You could almost hear the rim shot. The show focused on their lives in showbiz – spanning vaudeville, radio, movies and the early years of television- with some looks at their personal life.

Pickering captures Burns’ curmudgeon persona, which always made Burn seem older than Allen – even though they were the same age (actually Gracie was a year younger.)

Likewise Workentine deliers on Gracie Allen's spritely personality and famously high-pitched, nasal voice.

Pickering and Workentin captured their rhythm masterfully – it’s almost like they were married (wink)! Director Laura Braza makes the most of the built-in chemistry.

Supporting Pickering and Workentin was Jonathan Riker, who played a number of characters, including an elevator guy that transported George, Gracie and the audience across the years. Earlier this season, Riker blew audiences away in Milwaukee Chamber Theatre's "I Am My Own Wife" earlier this season. Hard to imagine two more different performances – but Riker nailed them both.

Caption: James Pickering, Tami Workentin and Jonathan Riker.

Photo by Michael Brosilow

OPERATION MINCEMEAT Reveals 2026-27 Tour Dates and Cities

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:12:44 PST

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has announced the full 2026/27 season dates for the North American leg of its world tour. The news comes as OPERATION MINCEMEAT celebrates its 500th performance on Broadway this Saturday, May 2, after hitting 2,000 performances worldwide - now playing simultaneously in the West End, on Broadway, and on tour across the UK. Following the North American leg, further stops on its international journey will include Australia, China, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Read the reviews for the Broadway run here.

Producer Jon Thoday for Avalon said, “Launching our third OPERATION MINCEMEAT production, the North American leg of the world tour, as the show reaches 500 performances on Broadway and passes 2,000 worldwide is incredibly exciting. With its continued international growth and an expanding fanbase, we look forward to welcoming new audiences across the continent.”

The North American leg of the Mincemeat World Tour will launch at the Providence Performance Arts Center (Providence, RI), on September 20, 2026, before crisscrossing North America this upcoming season, with stops including Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.

Operation Mincemeat Tour Dates:

Providence, RI – Providence Performing Arts Center
September 20–26, 2026

Chicago, IL – CIBC Theatre
September 29–October 11, 2026

Boston, MA – Colonial Theatre
October 13–25, 2026

Toronto, ON – Theatre TBD
October–December 2026

Philadelphia, PA – Forrest Theatre
December 15–20, 2026

Columbus, OH – Ohio Theatre
January 5–10, 2027

Detroit, MI – Fisher Theatre
January 12–24, 2027

Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre
January 26–31, 2027

Eugene, OR – Hult Center
February 3–7, 2027

Seattle, WA – 5th Avenue Theatre
February 10–21, 2027

Tempe, AZ – ASU Gammage
February 23–28, 2027

Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theatre
March 2–7, 2027

San Francisco, CA – Orpheum Theatre
March 9–28, 2027

Los Angeles, CA – Pantages Theatre
March 30–April 18, 2027

San Diego, CA – Civic Center
April 20–25, 2027

Hartford, CT – Bushnell Center
May 4–9, 2027

Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
May 11–16, 2027

Greenville, SC – Peace Center
May 18–23, 2027

Fayetteville, AR – Walton Arts Center
May 25–30, 2027

Tampa, FL – Straz Center
June 1–6, 2027

Washington, DC – The National Theatre
June 8–20, 2027

Buffalo, NY – Shea’s Performing Arts Center
June 22–27, 2027

Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
July 6–11, 2027

Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
July 13–18, 2027

Fort Worth, TX – Bass Performance Hall
July 20–25, 2027

About Operation Mincemeat

In OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, it's 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they've got a trick up their sleeve. Well, not up their sleeve, per se, but rather inside the pocket of a stolen corpse. Equal parts farce, thriller, and Ian Fleming-style spy caper (with an assist from Mr. Fleming himself), OPERATION MINCEMEAT tells the wildly improbable and hilarious true story of the covert operation that turned the tide of WWII.

Written by triple Tony Award nominees SpitLip (comprised of David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts), OPERATION MINCEMEAT began performances on Broadway on February 15, 2025, and continues to play at the historic Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), where it has been extended eight times and will soon celebrate its 500th performance. The West End production, which has been playing at the Fortune Theatre since March 29, 2023, is widely recognized as one of the best-reviewed shows in West End history, holding the record for the most five-star reviews for a new musical, with a tally of 131. OPERATION MINCEMEAT has just launched its world tour, beginning with a UK leg before heading across the pond.

Olivier Award nominated Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky's Edge, National Theatre – Best New Musical Olivier Award winner) will reprise his work for the tour, while Olivier Award nominated Jenny Arnold (Jerry Springer: The Opera, National Theatre) continues as Choreographer. The creative team will include Olivier nominated Set and Costume Designer Ben Stones (Standing at the Sky's Edge), Tony and Olivier winning Lighting Designer Mark Henderson (The History Boys), Tony nominated Sound Designer Mike Walker (Charlie & The Chocolate Factory), Tony nominated Orchestrator Steve Sidwell (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), and Olivier nominated Music Supervisor Joe Bunker (Spring Awakening). Georgie Staight is Associate Director and Paul Isaiah Isles is Associate Choreographer. Production Stage Management is by Geoff Maus, Casting is by Carrie Gardner, CSA, and General Management is by TT Partners.

OPERATION MINCEMEAT has been nominated for 64 awards since opening at the 77-seat New Diorama Theatre in 2019, winning 13, including Best Musical 3 times, from the Olivier Awards, WhatsOnStage Awards, and Off-West End Awards. On Broadway, the show was nominated for 4 Tony Awards in 2025, including Best Musical. The production won Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Jak Malone's portrayal of Hester Leggatt, who previously won the Olivier Award in the same category. The production has also received nominations for Outstanding Production of a Musical at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding New Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Best Musical at the BroadwayWorld Theater Fans' Choice Awards, and Favourite New Musical at the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards.

RAGTIME Will Launch National Tour in Fall 2027

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:00:22 PST

Lincoln Center Theater’s Broadway revival of Ragtime, directed by Kewsong Lee Artistic Director Lear deBessonet, announced today that it will launch a North American Tour in the fall of 2027. The tour will premiere at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre in Buffalo, New York, before continuing onto cities across the U.S. and Canada. Additional tour stops and casting will be announced at a later date.

Lincoln Center Theater’s limited engagement of Ragtime has been extended twice by popular demand with performances now through August 2, 2026. The production set a new box office record at the Vivian Beaumont Theater and was recently nominated foreight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Revival of a Musical and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Lear deBessonet), as well as five Drama League Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical and Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Lear deBessonet).

“Ragtime is one of the most ambitious musicals ever written, and it feels timelier than ever,” said producers Tom Kirdahy, Kevin Ryan, Robert Greenblatt, and Lamar Richardson in a statement. “What Lear deBessonet and this extraordinary company have created at Lincoln Center Theater is both epic in scale and deeply human. We couldn’t be more excited to share it with communities across North America.”

“It’s a real honor to kick off the North American Tour of Ragtime at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre,” said Buffalo presenter Al Nocciolino. “This is the kind of production people talk about long after the curtain comes down—remarkable in scale and deeply moving. We’re thrilled to welcome it to our stage and proud to share it with our community first.”

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Featuring a Tony Award-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, Tony Award-winning book by Terrence McNally, and Tony Award-winning orchestrations by William David Brohn, Ragtime weaves fictional narratives with real historical figures and events, creating a rich tapestry that blurs the line between personal struggle and national identity, making history feel both intimate and epic.

The creative team for Ragtime includes Ellenore Scott (choreography), David Korins (scenic design), Linda Cho (costume design), Adam Honoré & Donald Holder (lighting design), Kai Harada (sound design), 59 Studio (projection design), Tom Watson (hair & wig design), Ann James (sensitivity specialist), and The Telsey Office, Craig Burns, CSA (casting).

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