Fifty years ago, two actors set out to bring literary plays to intimate settings in Milwaukee. And while the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre is long removed from the days of performing in living rooms and church basements, it’s largely stuck to that mission. Now it’s the second-oldest producing theater in the city. “It’s a huge accomplishment and speaks to relevance and adaptability over time and the commitment of the community,” says artistic director Brent Hazelton, who arrived at MCT in 2019.
Hazelton credits the company’s longevity to its commitment to literary theater, like holding a festival of plays by Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw for two decades. “Every once in a while, we’ll do a musical or a play with music,” he says. “But primarily they are works with smaller casts and language-based with stripped-back production values.”
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Former stage manager Judy Martel – who worked on 135 productions over 36 seasons – says that small size set MCT apart. It collaborated with local universities “that allowed for some larger-cast shows and access to a pool of younger actors.”
But as MCT enters its sixth decade, it’s focused on broadening its audience. “We want to open up this art form to a part of the population that has not necessarily been welcomed into it, either through content or economic barriers, cultural traditions or simply never having been invited,” Hazelton says.
Presenting plays that resonate with Milwaukee audiences is key, Martel says. Works during this anniversary season tackle topics such as rage, life after incarceration, and cultural and familial inheritance.
Hazelton also hopes to spread the word about MCT by using the anniversary to post social media videos of artists and leaders talking about what the company means to them and the city.
“For the past five years, nearly all of the artists who create our work in all capacities … are residents of Milwaukee or Wisconsin,” Hazelton says.
That focus on the city extends into local spaces, too. MCT’s Here2Play program brings free readings of productions to community spots like Zao MKE Church and Food for Health.
But Hazelton’s biggest anniversary wish is for the magical energy created during a show to extend beyond it. “For a city that’s as divided as Milwaukee, we feel we can provide a useful civic service and, through the empathy we build on stage, allow people to find a closer connection to their neighbors.”
MCT’s Every Brilliant Thing runs Feb. 27-March 16.
MCT Over the Years
1975: Founded by local actors Montgomery Davis (1939-2007) and Ruth Schudson (1926-2024).
1982: Takes residency in Skylight Music Theatre’s Cathedral Square space.
1993: Moves into new Broadway Theatre Center.
2002: Produces 20th and final Shaw Festival.
2005: C. Michael Wright succeeds Davis as artistic director.
2006: Young Playwrights Festival launched.
2019: Brent Hazelton succeeds Wright as artistic director.
2020: Creates 160 hours of virtual programming during COVID pandemic.
2023: Sustainability campaign launched to address pandemic-related financial crisis.
