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Penelope

  • Music, Lyrics & Arrangements by Alex Bechtel
  • Book by Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean and Eva Steinmetz
  • Based on writings in The Odyssey by Homer
  • Directed by Laura Braza

April 6 – May 9, 2027

Herro-Franke Studio Theater
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The Legend You Know, The Story You’ve Never Heard

Penelope has been waiting…and waiting…and waiting for Odysseus to return—and frankly, she could use a drink. With a glass in hand and a live band behind her, she takes the mic to sing about her missing husband, her son, her persistent suitors and the gods. Featuring sharp humor, a little flirtation and songs ranging from jazz to folk to indie rock, this playful and intimate musical gives an ancient heroine a thoroughly modern voice—and the chance to become the hero of her own story.

“This one-woman musical theater piece…is simply spellbinding.” — DC Theater Arts

Approximate Running Time:

80 minutes with no intermission

Content: Includes themes of love, loss, and resilience. Click here for more specific content information.

Seating Chart

Synopsis

Below are more details about the show. If you prefer to experience the story without knowing any plot details in advance, we recommend closing this window.

Penelope has been waiting… and waiting… and waiting for her husband, Odysseus, to return from a decade-long war. Given the rest of the soldiers came home years ago – forgive her, but she’s going to need a drink while she tells you about it. With a beautiful folk-inflected pop score backed by an onstage band of strings, piano and drums, Penelope opens up about her loneliness, her son’s disappearance, her suitors, her gods, her faith in her marriage – and ultimately, the faith that she must have in herself. So go ahead and grab a drink, too, and listen to this ancient tale made new: A woman wondering who she is if she’s alone, and discovering that she has been, is and will always be complete – with or without her husband by her side. 

Blending sharp humor with a folk-pop score, this modern musical retelling of The Odyssey gives Penelope a voice as she awaits her husband’s return, moving through her loneliness to discover her own strength.

Accessibility Information

Milwaukee Rep offers a variety of accessibility services and seating options to help ensure a welcoming experience for all guests. The Checota Powerhouse features wheelchair, wheelchair transfer, companion, bariatric, and no-step seating. Look for the accessibility key on the seating chart when purchasing tickets.

To learn more about our accessibility services, explore our full Access Program or contact our Ticket Office at 414-224-9490.

Audio Description:
Tuesday, April 22, 7:30pm

American Sign Language (ASL):
Friday, April 30, 7:30pm

GalaPro Captioning: 
Thursday April 15, 7:30pm
Saturday, April 17, 3pm
Wednesday, April 21, 1:30pm
Friday, April 23, 7:30pm
Sunday, April 25, 2pm

Associate Producers 
Caryl & Frank Briscoe 
Dr. Rania Dempsey & Pat Dempsey
Dr. Mark & Barbara Sharon 

Part of the Four-Four Foundation Herro-Franke Studio Season

A WONDERFULLY INGRATIATING NEW MUSICAL.

— The Washington Post

AN EXHILARATING WHIRLWIND… A MUST-SEE PRODUCTION.

— MD Theatre Guide

PENELOPE’S CLEVERNESS, PATIENCE, AND RESILIENCE IS ON FULL DISPLAY IN THIS HIGHLY ENTERTAINING MUSICAL

— Theatermania

A RAPTUROUS SOLO MUSICAL… [THAT] BRINGS THE WOMAN TO VIBRANT, THREE-DIMENSIONAL LIFE.

— Talkin’ Broadway

Laura Braza

Director

Creative Team

Alex Bechtel

Playwright
Music, Lyrics & Arrangements

Grace McLean

Playwright

Eva Steinmetz

Playwright

Post-Show Experiences

Extend your theater experience with special events and activities after the performance.

Afterwards

Dates: Sat. April 10, 17, 24 & May 1 after the matinee

Join us after Penelope for a hands-on experience where you'll craft your own candle and rediscover the timeless art of letter writing. Create, connect, and take home a little inspiration. Free with the cost of your ticket, no reservations required.

TalkBacks

The conversation continues after the show. Stay in your seat for a post-show TalkBack with members of the cast. Free with your show ticket.

Tuesday, April 13 after the performance
Tuesday, May 4 after the performance

Panel: Forgotten Women in History

Post-Show - Thursday, April 15

History is full of women whose stories were minimized, misremembered, or left untold. Inspired by Penelope, this conversation reclaims those voices, exploring how myth, memory, and storytelling shape who gets remembered—and who gets erased.

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