FRIDA...A SELF PORTRAIT Becomes the Best‑Selling Show in Milwaukee Rep’s Studio Theater History

Milwaukee Repertory Theater's Frida … A Self Portrait, written and performed by Vanessa Severo, has officially become the best‑selling production in the history of the Herro‑Franke Studio Theater, surpassing the record set earlier this season by Ayad Akhtar’s McNeal.

This achievement marks the third time in a single season that a production has broken a sales record, a testament to the extraordinary momentum of Milwaukee Rep’s first year in its new artistic home, the Associated Bank Theater Center. Since opening in Fall 2025 with three state‑of‑the‑art performance venues, the Center has powered one of the most successful and artistically dynamic seasons in the organization’s 70‑year history. With Come From Away becoming the all‑time best‑selling show in Milwaukee Rep history, McNeal setting a new Studio record, and Frida … A Self Portrait now surpassing it, the 2025/26 season stands apart.

Running now through May 17, Frida … A Self Portrait has captivated audiences with its vibrant, imaginative, and deeply human portrait of Frida Kahlo. Severo’s electrifying performance — paired with original music and bold visual design — has driven unprecedented demand, resulting in multiple sold‑out performances and record‑setting ticket sales.

“The fact that Frida … A Self Portrait has now surpassed the record set by McNeal speaks volumes about the exceptional artistic energy fueling this first season in the Associated Bank Theater Center,” said Artistic Director Mark Clements. “The new Center represents years of vision, planning, and investment. To see artists and audiences embrace these spaces so fully is profoundly rewarding.”

Frida…A Self Portrait written and performed by Vanessa Severo 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.