FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Cindy Moran, Public Relations Director, 414-224-1761 May 12, 2006
Artistic Director Joseph Hanreddy has announced Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s 2006/07 season for the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, Stiemke Theater and Stackner Cabaret. The upcoming season is a wonderful blend of entertainment for everyone. From classics like KING LEAR, to the moving GEM OF THE OCEAN, to the comedy BORN YESTERDAY, The Rep’s got it all coming up next season. The Quadracci Powerhouse Theater season kicks off with Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece, KING LEAR, directed by The Rep’s Artistic Director Joseph Hanreddy. This classic story of a powerful kingdom that finds itself teetering on the fine line between political order and chaos, will feature Resident Actors Jim Baker as King Lear and Lee E. Ernst as the fool. The second Quadracci Powerhouse production is August Wilson’s critically-acclaimed play GEM OF THE OCEAN. Filled with memorable characters, gentle humor and soulful poetry, it is a story of grace and redemption. This play will feature Resident Actor Lanise Antoine Shelley in the role of Black Mary. The third production in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater for the 06/07 season will be the highly entertaining comedy, BORN YESTERDAY, directed by one of The Rep’s favorite directors, J.R. Sullivan. This classic comedy watches as a businessman’s plan to educate his seemingly dim-witted gal backfires into a battle of wills. In the second half of the season will be Brian Friel’s lyrical play, TRANSLATIONS. Set in 19 th-century Ireland , a young British officer leads an expedition to survey the landscape and convert the Irish names of age-old landmarks to the King’s English. His struggle to communicate with Gaelic-speaking villagers reveals a culture far richer, and a people far more dedicated to defending their identity, than he ever could have expected. (Please note: This play replaces GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS that was announced earlier this spring.) In the fifth slot in the Quadracci Powerhouse will be an ensemble piece titled THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE by Harley Granville-Baker. Sanford Robbins, who directed The Rep’s popular 05/06 production of BAD DATES, returns to direct this production. A classic drama about a family business and the choice between loyalty and justice, it tells a story all too familiar from today’s financial headlines. The final production of the season features Molière’s timeless comedy, TARTUFFE. A hilarious satire about religious hypocrisy, this famous French play will be directed by Joseph Hanreddy and include several members of the Resident Acting Company, including Lee E. Ernst as Tartuffe and Peter Silbert as Orgon. The Stiemke Theater has three plays which explore love, relationships and human behavior in the upcoming season. The first production is an award-winning new play called HALF LIFE by John Mighton. A beautiful story about a couple in a veteran’s nursing home who find love in a foggy memory that says they share a past and a present desire that isn’t certain. This production will feature Resident Actors Jim and Rose Pickering in the title roles and will be directed by Resident Actor Laura Gordon. The next production, FROZEN, is an acclaimed play of recent years and explores a trio of diverse characters who find themselves thrown together to discover the limits of forgiveness. The production will feature Resident Actors Lee E. Ernst, Laura Gordon and Deborah Staples. The Stiemke season will close with a refreshing take on Tennessee Williams’ THE GLASS MENAGERIE. Featuring Resident Actor Lanise Antoine Shelley in an all African-American cast, this beloved and poetic, American favorite finds an engaging new perspective here at The Rep. There will be two bonus productions in the Stiemke Theater this year. Back by popular demand, GUYS ON ICE returns to watch ice-fishing buddies, Marvin and Lloyd catch “Da big one”. It will run from December 27, 2006 – January 7, 2007. The second bonus show is the return of Larry Shue’s side-splitting comedy, THE NERD, a play that originated at Milwaukee Rep. Directed by Resident Actor Jim Pickering, Gerry Neugent will play the tactless character of The Nerd. The show will run April 13, 2007 – May 27, 2007 in The Rep’s intimate Stiemke Theater. The Stackner Cabaret 06/07 season offers four highly entertaining musical productions. The season opens with SAM COOKE – FOREVER, MR. SOUL. This tribute to one of the ’50s influential musicians features favorites like Chain Gang and Twistin’ the Night Away. Next up in the Stackner Cabaret, WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE, watches a bachelorette party unfold as a group of girls swap stories about their love lives and discover more about one another than they ever imagined. The third show on the Cabaret stage, THEY CAME FROM WAY OUT THERE, comes from the writing trio that previously brought the sold-out CHAPS! to the Cabaret during the 04/05 season. This musical comedy about a paranormal society takes unusual events to a whole new world of fun. The final show in the Stackner Cabaret, AESOP REBOP, takes the audience through a funk-themed musical of age-old lessons with a hipster spin on Aesop’s fables. It’s written by David Scully, who wrote this year’s popular production, ELLINGTON: THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF THE DUKE. Milwaukee’s 31-year-old beloved tradition of Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL willreturn tothe majestic, beautifully-restored Pabst Theater and run November 24, 2006 – December 24, 2006. This critically-acclaimed holiday favorite tells the uplifting story of a bitter, miserly old man who is transformed into someone bursting with the Christmas spirit. A timeless tale of redemption, this classic creates a heart-warming experience for the whole family. The Rep’s production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is filled with gorgeous sets and costumes as well as a wonderful selection of traditional Christmas carols. Resident Acting Company member Lee E. Ernst will reprise his role as Ebenezer Scrooge. Subscriptions to the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater (6 plays), Stiemke Theater (3 plays), and Stackner Cabaret (4 plays) range in price from $35 to $275. Flex Passes, good for six admissions to any Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, Stiemke Theater or Stackner Cabaret performances, are available for $275 (valid any time) and $210 (valid Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday). Subscriptions are now available at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater Ticket Office, 108 E. Wells Street , or by phone at 414-224-9490. Information and subscription sales are also available on The Rep’s Web site at: milwaukeerep.com. Single tickets for the 06/07 season will go on sale Monday,August 21, 2006 . For more information, or to receive a free brochure, call The Rep Ticket Office at 414-224-9490. ### Milwaukee Repertory Theater is a nationally recognized theater company that presents a critically-acclaimed selection of compelling dramas, powerful classics, award-winning contemporary works, and lively Cabaret shows on three stages from September through May. The Rep also produces an annual production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The Rep’s home, the Patty and Jay Baker Theater Complex, accommodates the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, the Stiemke Theater, and the Stackner Cabaret. The Rep is also “home” to a resident acting company of 11 actors who perform with The Rep throughout the season. The Resident Acting Company is an essential component of the artistry and uniqueness of Milwaukee Repertory Theater. The ensemble enhances the work of the company through its ability to develop complex and ambitious productions over time; plan seasons to utilize the unique strengths of an ensemble of actors; and undertake large cast productions on a regular basis and consistently achieve inspired performances in both large and small roles. The 06/07 Milwaukee Repertory Theater Resident Acting Company includes: Jim Baker, Mark Corkins, Jonathan Gillard Daly, Lee E. Ernst, Laura Gordon, Torrey Hanson, James Pickering, Rose Pickering, Lanise Antoine Shelly, Peter Silbert and Deborah Staples. The Rep is proud to be a member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), which provides major annual financial support. The Rep is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), a management association of some of the nation’s largest non-profit professional theaters that collectively bargains with the unions that represent the actors, directors and designers that work at The Rep; a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the nonprofit professional theater; and a member of Theatre Wisconsin, the statewide association of non-profit professional theaters. This theater operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. The set, costume and lighting designers are members of United Scenic Artists, a national labor union. This theater is an equal opportunity employer. Except in plays where race itself is an issue, casting is decided based on ability, not race. Subscriber Benefits
SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION SERIES Theater Thursdays An event that’s perfect for Milwaukee ’s fun, creative professionals and their co-workers, friends (single or attached), and others who like to get together around a drink and see a great production. Held on the second Thursday of each Quadracci Powerhouse Theater production, Theater Thursdays feature a pre-show reception with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, behind-the-scenes insights, and a full cash bar for an additional $24 fee for the six receptions. Early Bird Tuesday This series is perfect for theatergoers who like to get home early on a weeknight or dine out after work and come straight to the theater. These Tuesday evening performances begin at 6:30 p.m. Smoke-Free Sunday Matinee One Sunday matinee in the Quadracci and Stiemke Theater will eliminate onstage smoking if used for that production. Family Sunday Matinees When you subscribe to this series, children can also have a great time at The Rep. While you enjoy the play, 5 to 12 year-old children can participate in the fun, educational theater activities with The Rep’s Education Department in on-site theater workshops – at no additional cost! 5 to 7-year-olds will enjoy creative and dramatic activities, while a separate class for 8 to 12-year-olds will offer more advanced theater games and explorations. Audio-Described Performance Each production features a special audio-described performance. Patrons who have a visual impairment are supplied with a headset attached to a small radio receiver, which allows them to hear a live, real-time description of the action on stage. Interpreted Performance Each Quadracci Powerhouse Theater and Stiemke Theater production features a performance interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) for the enjoyment of patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Captioned Theater Performance On the fourth Sunday matinee of each Quadracci Powerhouse Theater production, patrons can watch the performance and view lines from the script as they run concurrently with the actors’ lines on a 4’ X 6’ screen located on the house left wall next to the stage. This is a perfect way for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy the performance. TO ORDER 06/07 SEASON TICKETS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION,
Milwaukee Repertory Theater 06/07 Season KING LEAR Previews: September 6 – 7, 2006 A powerful kingdom is ripped apart by greed and confusion in Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy that explores the thin line between political order and chaos. When an aging father tests his daughters’ affections he unleashes a storm of corruption and madness. Powerful emotions and searing wit make this one of the greatest plays ever written. GEM OF THE OCEAN Previews: October 18 – 19, 2006 Seeking refuge from his past, a young man finds comfort in the company of a magical old woman whose wisdom guides him on a remarkable journey to grace and redemption. The first episode of August Wilson’s epic cycle of African-American life in the 20th century, this critically-acclaimed play is filled with memorable characters, gentle humor and soulful poetry. BORN YESTERDAY Previews: November 29 – November 30, 2006 Today’s Washington lobbyists ain’t got nothin’ on Harry Brock! A blustery businessman and his “sure-thing-hon” girlfriend visit Congress to do some business in the halls of power. But when Harry hires a jaded but conscientious journalist to give his gal “some educating,” she blooms into a force of nature that threatens to bring down Harry and his cronies. TRANSLATIONS* Previews: January 10 – 11, 2007 In 19 th-century rural Ireland , a young British officer leads an expedition to survey the landscape and convert the Irish names of age-old landmarks to the King’s English. His struggle to communicate with the Gaelic-speaking villagers reveals a culture far richer, and a people far more dedicated to defending their identity, than he ever could have expected. Moving gracefully between comedy, tragedy and romance, TRANSLATIONS is an acknowledged masterpiece from Ireland ’s greatest living playwright. THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE Previews: February 21 – 22, 2007 All seems solid as bedrock at Voysey and Son, the respected family brokerage house in all-too-comfort-able 1930s London . But an unexpected event reveals a scandalous secret and the son must decide between loyalty to his family and his own sense of justice. Don’t miss this classic drama that could have been ripped from today’s financial headlines. TARTUFFE Previews: April 4 – 5, 2007 What do you call someone who attempts to drive away your son, seduce your wife, marry your daughter and have you thrown in prison? Why “a saintly man,” of course! Orgon, the patriarch who can’t see through Tartuffe’s scheming hypocrisy, nearly destroys his family with his blind devotion to his pious friend. Will he ever see through Tartuffe’s holier-than-thou pose? Molière’s hilarious and timeless comedy holds the answer. Stiemke Theater HALF LIFE Previews: September 15 – 16, 2006 Clara and Patrick meet in a nursing home for veterans and their families. When they fall in love, they insist they share a past. Is it fantasy or a long-buried memory? As their middle-aged children watch, the older couple finds beauty and love in the twilight of their lives. John Mighton’s award-winning new play poignantly asks, “What shines through when memory fades away?” FROZEN Previews: January 19 – 20, 2007 A mother, a disturbed drifter and a psychiatric researcher: The disappearance of a 10-year-old girl brings three people together for a journey into the mysteries of human behavior and the limits of forgiveness. One of the most shattering and unforgettable plays of recent years finds hope in the most tragic of circumstances. Contains adult language and situations . GLASS MENAGERIE Previews: March 2 – 3, 2007 A grown man takes us on a gentle and heart-wrenching journey into his family memories: an absent father, a fragile, loving sister and an obsessively nostalgic mother. An African-American cast brings a fresh and engaging perspective to one of the most poetic and beloved of all American plays. Stiemke Theater
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