The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity
SEPT. 11-OCT. 6 | NEXT ACT THEATRE
In this corner, Chad Deity: the greatest champ professional wrestling has ever seen. But behind every winner lies the story of a really excellent loser. Enter Macedonio “The Mace” Guerra: a wrestler paid to lose night after night. For the chance to tell his own story in the ring, he’ll do almost anything. Kristoffer Diaz’s play is a high-octane powerbomb of thrilling spectacle, larger-than-life characters and pop culture commentary that you can’t find on pay-per-view. Featuring David Cecsarini, Adrian Feliciano, Dimonte Henning, Vince Nygro (aka “Demented” Chucky Bates) and Levin Valayil. Directed by Michael Cotey.
Almost, Maine
NOV. 20 – DEC. 15 | NEXT ACT THEATRE
Welcome to Almost, Maine, a place that’s so far north, it’s almost in Canada. It’s not quite a town, because its residents never got around to getting organized. So it almost doesn’t exist. One cold, clear winter night, as the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, the residents of Almost, Maine, find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and hilarious ways. Knees may bruise and hearts may break, but as magic fills the air, the pieces finally fall into place – almost. Featuring Bree Beelow, Rudy Galvan, Jake Horstmeier and Rachael Zientek. Directed by Karen Estrada.
Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour
OCT. 11 – 13 | CEDARBURG ARTISTS GUILD
Experience three days of creative inspiration. Visit the enchanting studios and workspaces where some of Southeastern Wisconsin’s finest artists create their work. You will find art in every imaginable medium and genre. Fifty-six artists open their doors for enthusiasts to ask questions, chat, see what inspires them, gain insight into their process, and take home a unique piece of art along with its “story of creation.” Free: no tickets, no reservations. Open Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. On the Cedarburg Artist Guild’s website, you can download a tour map, get a list of the participating artists and watch videos of some of them in action.
2024/25 Season Highlights
MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is Milwaukee’s premier performing arts community gathering space. Home to the Johnson Financial Group Broadway Series, MPAC offers a variety of live performances. Seasons highlights include Beetlejuice, The Neil Diamond Musical, Wicked, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Martha Graham Dance Company, and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. For schedules, rental information and ticketing, visit marcuscenter.org. Tickets are available by calling 414-273-7206; groups of 10 or more can save by calling 414-273-7207.
The Moors
OCT. 18 – NOV. 10 | RENAISSANCE THEATERWORKS
A spooky comedy from the playwright of the smash hit WITCH. A young governess arrives at a remote manor after exchanging semi-romantic correspondence with one mysterious Mr. Branwell. But when the door opens, the only residents of the house seem to be Branwell’s two sisters, a maid (or maybe two maids?) and a lovelorn mastiff. And no man to be found, or child to be cared for. An inspired, whimsical satire that both embraces and sends up the gothic musings of the Brontë sisters; perfect for the Halloween season.
MYSO’s Play Your Part Concert
NOV. 9 | MYSO AT THE SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER
The Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, one of the largest youth orchestra programs in the U.S., will present Play Your Part, an all-day, open-house concert at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center from 10:30 a.m-6:30 p.m. on Nov. 9. MYSO enrolls more than 900 musicians from 200 schools and 90 ZIP codes in Southeastern Wisconsin, 50% of whom represent populations of color. Three symphony orchestras, seven string orchestras, two wind ensembles, two flute choirs, numerous jazz combos and two steel bands will take the stage. The annual event is free as a thank you for the tremendous community support.
InSite: Cycles
OCT. 18 – 19 | WILD SPACE DANCE COMPANY
Join Wild Space Dance Company in Davidson Park, the new public oasis on Harley-Davidson’s campus on Milwaukee’s Near West Side. InSite: Cycles is a free dance performance that explores the park. A diverse group of artists choreograph and perform this dynamic dance, traversing the concentric circles of The Hub, the park’s wheel-inspired amphitheater. The circular design drives the audience through layers of visual rhythm, repetition and return, inspiring us to explore cycles of community, togetherness and inclusivity. The rumble of motorcycles and echoes of the past roll ever forward in this captivating ride.
Viva la Mamma!
MARCH 21 + 23 | PITMAN THEATER – ALVERNO COLLEGE
Donizetti’s Viva la Mamma hilariously portrays a theatrical company struggling with a stage mother who insists on controlling every aspect of her son’s career, much to the director’s dismay. Dueling divas, a meddling maestro and grocer/poet complicate the production woes. Amidst chaos and comedic mishaps, the opera satirizes operatic stereotypes, showcasing the absurdities and egos within the world of theater – all with glorious bel canto melodies and some terrific singing.
Pops Season Opener: When the Saints Go Marching In & Classics Season Opener: Scheherazade
SEPT. 27-29 | MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Join your Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as it kicks off the 2024-25 season at the Bradley Symphony Center this September. First, welcome newly appointed Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling as he leads your MSO on a journey through the classic melodies that gave birth to the blues, joined by incredible vocalist Crystal Monee Hall. Then Music Director Ken-David Masur conducts Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Simon Trpčeski conquers the challenge of Rachmaninoff’s demanding yet romantic First Piano Concerto.
Work in Progress: Celebrating 50 Years of Arts/Industry
THROUGH MARCH 1, 2025 | JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER
In a series of exhibitions, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Arts/Industry residency program through the theme “Work in Progress.” Since 1974, more than 500 Arts/Industry artists-in-residence have created work in studios in the Kohler Co. factory using industrial materials and processes. Exhibitions showcase the value of the artists’ collaboration with factory associates. The ceramic and metal works featured include art made by the first to the most recent residents. Visitors can also participate in hands-on art making.
