The Boys from Baraboo at Next Act Theatre
Dates: 02/12/2026- 20/12/2026
📍 Theatre: Next Act Theatre
255 S Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Milwaukee, WI 53204
Phone: 4142780765
Tickets: $20-50
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Comedy! Songs! Entertainment! Step right up as Heidi Armbruster chronicles the rise and fall of the Ringling Brothers: five boys from Baraboo, Wisconsin. The story of their circus—the greatest show on Earth—is bookended by the brothers’ scrappy beginnings and difficult ends. THE BOYS FROM BARABOO tells the uniquely American story of a death-defying entertainment empire: music, storytelling, grit and charm create a tale that’s equal parts vaudeville revue and prestige drama.
The Boys from Baraboo at Next Act Theatre Schedule
Thursday, December 3 – 7:30 p.m. – Preview
Friday, December 4 – 7:30 p.m. – Opening
Saturday, December 5 – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 – 2:00 p.m. – Pre-Show Personal Preview; Post-Show Talkback
Wednesday, December 9 – 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 9 – 7:30 p.m. – Open Captioned
Thursday, December 10 – 7:30 p.m. – Post-Show Talkback
Friday, December 11 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 13 – 2:00 p.m. – Pre-Show Personal Preview; Post-Show Talkback
Monday, December 14 – 7:30 p.m. – Pay What You Can
Wednesday, December 16 – 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, December 17 – 7:30 p.m. – American Sign Language Interpreted; Post-Show Talkback
Friday, December 18 – 7:30 p.m. – Pre-Show Touch Tour; Audio Described
Saturday, December 19 – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 20 – 2:00 p.m.
Cast and Creative Team for The Boys from Baraboo at Next Act Theatre
Cast
Brian Mani
John Ringling
Laura Gordon
Charles/Edith/Heidi
Kat Wodtke
Alf T./Mable
Karen Estrada
Otto/Ina
Molly Rhode
Al/Ida
Sarah Zapiain
Younger John/Frankie/Julie
Creative Team
Cody Estle
Director
Alissa Rhode
Music Director
Caroline Norton
Assistant Director
Jeffrey D. Kmeic
Scenic Designer
Noele Stollmack
Lighting Designer
Izumi Inaba
Costume Designer
Josh Schmidt
Sound Designer
Jim Guy
Properties Designer
Deanie Vallone
Dramaturg
Molly Rhode
Choreography/Movement
Nat Goeller
Stage Manager
Beck Trumbull
Assistant Stage Manager
News About The Boys from Baraboo at Next Act Theatre
TRAYF and More Set for Next Act Theatre 2026-27 Season
February 10, 2026 Next Act Theatre has announced its 2026–27 season, featuring a world premiere, two Wisconsin premieres, and a contemporary play returning to Milwaukee. The lineup includes works by Lindsay Joelle, Heidi Armbruster, Sarah Ruhl, and Terry Guest.About the Theatre
Next Act Theatre Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at Next Act Theatre?
Trayf (09/16/26-10/04/26)
In the Next Room or the vibrator play (02/17/27-03/07/27)
At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen (04/21/27-05/09/27)
In the Next Room or the vibrator play (02/17/27-03/07/27)
At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen (04/21/27-05/09/27)
Where is Next Act Theatre located?
Next Act Theatre is at 255 S Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, Milwaukee, WI.
What shows have played recently at Next Act Theatre?
Dinner with the Duchess (04/22/26-05/17/26)
Artistic Legacy: An Evening of Classical Music and Conversation (04/07/26-04/07/26)
Swing State (02/11/26-03/08/26)
Trayf - Staged Reading (12/15/25-12/15/25)
Boswell (11/19/25-12/14/25)
Sanctuary City (09/10/25-10/05/25)
The Wedding Singer (07/31/25-08/10/25)
Artistic Legacy: An Evening of Classical Music and Conversation (04/07/26-04/07/26)
Swing State (02/11/26-03/08/26)
Trayf - Staged Reading (12/15/25-12/15/25)
Boswell (11/19/25-12/14/25)
Sanctuary City (09/10/25-10/05/25)
The Wedding Singer (07/31/25-08/10/25)
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