Rep’s 2018-’19 season includes ‘In the Heights,’ Akhtar play
Next season, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater will produce shows likely to please fans of “Hamilton” and Jane Austen.
During the 2018-’19 season, the Rep will perform “In the Heights,” the Tony-winning musical that Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote before going on to create “Hamilton.” (The Marcus Center has announced that it plans to bring a national touring company of “Hamilton” here during the 2019-’20 season.)
For Janeites, the Rep will stage “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” a holiday story featuring the Bennets of “Pride and Prejudice,” with spotlight on middle sister Mary. Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon’s comedy is rising fast in popularity across the country.
The Rep also continues its close relationship with Brookfield Central graduate and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Ayad Akhtar, who recently joined the Rep board of directors. It will stage his new play “Junk,” which will feature one of the largest casts the Rep has put on stage for a drama apart from “Christmas Carol” during artistic director Mark Clements’ regime.
Here’s a list of the Rep’s 2018-’19 shows, in chronological order:
“Songs for Nobodies,” Sept. 7-Nov. 4, Stackner Cabaret. Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith wrote this one-woman show, which draws on the songs and inspirational power of Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Edith Piaf and Maria Callas.
“In the Heights,” Sept. 18-Oct. 28, Quadracci Powerhouse.
“Guards at the Taj,” Sept. 26-Nov. 4, Stiemke Studio. Set in 17th-century India, the drama by playwright Rajiv Joseph charts the friendship and conflicts of two imperial guards.
“The All Night Strut!,” Nov. 9-Jan. 13, Stackner Cabaret. A musical revue featuring songs from 1930s and ‘40s, including Duke Ellington and the Gershwins.
“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” Nov. 13-Dec. 16, Quadracci Powerhouse.
“A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 27-Dec. 24, Pabst Theater. Leda Hoffmann will direct Clements’ adaptation.
“Junk,” Jan. 15-Feb. 17, Quadracci Powerhouse. Akhtar’s drama pits old capitalism vs. aggressive takeover artists in the 1980s. Clements directs.
“Mark Twain’s River of Song,” Jan. 18-March 17, 2019, Stackner Cabaret. World premiere of a musical production by Randal Myler and Dan Wheetman featuring songs associated with the Mississippi River.
“The Chinese Lady,” Feb. 13-March 24, 2019, Stiemke Studio. Lloyd Suh dramatizes the story of Afong Moy, brought from Beijing to the United States in 1834 and displayed in sideshows.
“Things I Know to Be True,” March 5-31, 2019, Quadracci Powerhouse. Clements directs Andrew Bovell’s gentle drama about aging parents and their mostly grown-up children.
“Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash,” March 22-May 26, 2019, Stackner Cabaret.
Rep Lab, April 4-8, 2019, Stiemke Studio. The Rep’s annual showcase for its emerging professional residents (i.e., interns).
“Every Brilliant Thing,” April 1228, 2019, Stiemke Studio. In Duncan Macmillan’s unusual play, a lone actor moves through the audience, enlisting their help in warding off his mother’s depression.
“Two Trains Running,” April 16May 12, 2019, Quadracci Powerhouse. In August Wilson’s play, set circa 1969, the owner of a Pittsburgh diner in a run-down neighborhood faces hard choices.
Also, the Rep’s Professional Training Institute company of teenage actors will perform Kimberly Belflower’s “Lost Girl,” a Peter Pan sequel focused on Wendy Darling, July 19-22 in the Stiemke Studio.
For subscription and other info, visit milwaukeerep.com or call (414) 2249490. Read more about the Rep’s next season in the Feb. 18 Sunday Tap section.