Milwaukee Rep to premiere musical about Laurie Bembenek
Get ready for a Milwaukee truecrime musical at the start of Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s 2023-’24 season.
In September, the Rep will stage the world premiere of “Run Bambi Run,” a new musical about the saga of Laurie Bembenek, convicted of the 1981 murder of her then-husband’s ex-wife, though many people fervently believe she was not guilty. Subsequent events included Bembenek’s escape from Taycheedah Correctional Institution and her flight to Canada.
What could make this theatrical experience even more peak 1980s Milwaukee? Music and lyrics were composed by Gordon Gano, the lead singer and songwriter of the Violent Femmes. Milwaukee native Eric Simonson, who wrote the play “Lombardi,” has written the book for “Run Bambi Run.”
Here’s a summary of next season’s shows, in chronological order by opening date:
“Country Sunshine: The Legendary Ladies of Nashville With Katie Deal,” Sept. 8-Oct. 29, Stackner Cabaret, 108 E. Wells St. Deal sings classic country tunes made famous by Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and Reba McEntire.
“Run Bambi Run,” Sept. 13-Oct. 22, Quadracci Powerhouse.
“Parental Advisory: a breakbeat play,” Sept. 26-Oct. 29, Stiemke Studio. A world premiere production of Idris Goodwin’s new show about two hip-hop artists of different ages, mixing fresh beats with a few familiar tracks as they share their lives.
“Nuncrackers,” Nov. 3-Jan. 7, Stackner Cabaret. The Christmas show installment of singing comic nuns, from the Dan Goggin franchise that began with “Nunsense.”
“Dial M for Murder,” Nov. 14-Dec. 17, Quadracci Powerhouse. A new adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher of Frederick Knott’s 1952 murder mystery (which Alfred Hitchcock turned into a 1954 movie).
“A Christmas Carol,” Nov. 28-Dec. 24, Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St. Matt Daniels returns as Scrooge in Mark Clements’ adaptation of Charles Dickens’ holiday tale.
“Guys on Ice,” Jan. 12-March 17, 2024, Stackner Cabaret. The Rep brings back Fred Alley and James Kaplan’s quintessential Wisconsin musical comedy of ice fishing, Packer loving and male bonding.
“Little Women,” Jan. 16-Feb. 18, 2024, Quadracci Powerhouse. Kate Hamill’s contemporary adaptation respects Louisa May Alcott’s novel while bringing the March sisters closer to a 21st-century audience.
“What the Constitution Means to Me,” Feb. 6-March 10, 2024, Stiemke Studio. Heidi Schreck’s play about America’s living document couldn’t be more timely. It was a finalist for both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award.
“The Chosen,” March 5-March 31, 2024, Quadracci Powerhouse. The Rep will perform Aaron Posner’s adaptation of Chaim Potok’s novel about two teenage Jewish boys who love baseball and learning but wrestle with elements of their religious tradition.
“Piano Men 2,” March 22-May 19, 2024, Stackner Cabaret. Artistic director Mark Clements’ 2022 creation — two versatile piano-playing entertainers performing audience requests — was such a hit, the Rep will do it again.
“Nina Simone: Four Women,” April 16-May 12, 2024, Quadracci Powerhouse. Christina Ham’s play with music explores how Simone made activism central to her music.
For subscription information, call (414) 224-9490 or visit milwaukeerep .com.
Tickets for individual shows will go on sale this summer.