Milwaukee Rep’s 70th season brings to stage new musical by Violent Femmes singer

Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the biggest professional theater in our neighboring city to the north, has announced its 2023-24 season under the leadership of artistic director Mark Clements and executive director Chad Bauman. It’s the 70th anniversary season for Milwaukee Rep, which presents shows on three stages in the Associated Bank Theater Center (108 E. Wells St.) and Pabst Theater in downtown Milwaukee — including the Quadracci Powerhouse mainstage. Subscriptions are now available; more information at 414-2249490 and www.Milwaukee Rep.com.

“Country Sunshine: The Legendary Ladies of Nashville” (Sept. 8 to Oct. 29 in the Stackner Cabaret):

Celebrate the queens of country music with Katie Deal, including Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.

“Run Bambi Run” (Sept. 13 to Oct. 22 in the Quadracci Powerhouse):

World premiere musical with book by Eric Simonson, music and lyrics by Gordon Gano of the Milwaukee band Violent Femmes. Directed by Clements, based on the true story of Milwaukee police officer and Playboy Bunny Lawrencia “Bambi” Bembenek.

“Parental Advisory: a breakbeat play” (Sept. 26 to Oct. 29 in Stiemke Studio):

World premiere by Idris Goodwin. Hip-hop artists mix beats with questions about censorship and expression in popular music.

“Nuncrackers” (Nov. 3 to Jan. 7, 2024, in the Stackner Cabaret):

The sisters of “Nunsense” are back in a musical by Dan Goggin.

“Dial M for Murder” (Nov. 14 to Dec. 17 in the Quadracci Powerhouse):

Jeffrey Hatcher adapts the Frederick Knott murder mystery.

“A Christmas Carol” (Nov. 28 to Dec. 24 in the Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St.; not part of the regular subscription season):

Matt Daniels plays Scrooge in the Charles Dickens holiday favorite directed by Clements.

“Guys on Ice” (Jan. 12, 2024, to March 17, 2024, in the Stackner Cabaret):

Musical comedy with book and lyrics by Fred Alley, music by James Kaplan. An encore production of the Wisconsin favorite (“When on Thin Ice,” “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit”) for the anniversary season.

“Little Women” (Jan. 16, 2024, to Feb. 18, 2024, in the Quadracci Powerhouse):

Adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott.

“What the Constitution Means to Me” (Feb. 6, 2024, to March 10, 2024, in Stiemke Studio):

The Broadway title by Heidi Schreck arrives in Milwaukee, directed by Laura Braza.

“The Chosen” (March 5-31, 2024 in the Quadracci Powerhouse):

Adapted by Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok from Potok’s novel. In 1940s Brooklyn, two Jewish boys grow up sharing a love of baseball.

“Piano Men 2” (March 22, 2024, to May 19, 2024, in the Stackner Cabaret):

Created by Clements, the dueling piano players are back. Bring your song requests.

“Nina Simone: Four Women” (April 16, 2024, to May 12, 2024, in the Quadracci Powerhouse):

By Christina Ham, about the musician and civil rights activist.