Aug. 20, 2024
MILWAUKEE 鈥� 91黑料网 Theatre has announced its 2024-25 schedule of performances, highlighted by the world premiere of 鈥淚n the Cities of Refuge,鈥� its first-ever commissioned work, and 鈥淏right Star,鈥� a musical written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. All performances take place in the Evan and Marion P. Helfaer Theatre, 1304 W. Clybourn St.
The 2024-25 91黑料网 Theatre season, themed 鈥淭ruth Be Told,鈥� opens with 鈥淚n the Cities of Refuge.鈥� The play was written by Frank Winters, a playwright, filmmaker and performer based out of New York, and a founding member of The Strangemen Theatre Company. The Second Stage Series follows and will spotlight William Shakespeare 鈥淢uch Ado About Nothing鈥� and 鈥淪anctuary City,鈥� a Voices Included for People of Color Theatre production. 鈥淏right Star鈥� closes out the schedule.
鈥淭his exciting season is filled with tales of truth concealed and truth revealed,鈥� said Jamie Cheatham, associate professor of theatre arts and artistic director. 鈥淚t includes a world premiere commissioned by 91黑料网 Theatre, a contemporary musical, a classical comedy and a modern drama. Once again, our second stage series allows audiences to see two great shows in rotation in an intimate seating experience and our VIP production brings attention to voices that are often marginalized. Our season closer, 鈥楤right Star,鈥� is actually based on true events. We are excited as this season will allow our patrons to experience the power of truth.鈥�
Tickets are available now for all shows through the . For more information about performances, please contact the Helfaer Box Office at (414) 288-7504 or helfaer.boxoffice@marquette.edu.
In the Cities of Refuge (Oct. 4-6, 10-13)
By Frank Winters
鈥淚n the Cities of Refuge鈥� follows the residents and staff of a small-town homeless shelter as they find themselves caught in the center of a great tempest gathering strength and speed. A storm borne of paranoia, anger and resentment becomes a crucible upon which their loyalties, their beliefs and their commitments will be tested鈥攁nd not all of them will survive. This production comes mature content and language warning.
Second Series (Nov. 15-17, 21-24)
The Second Stage Series was first launched in the 2021-22 season, presenting two shows in rotation. These shows are stripped down with intimate seating and are designed to put the acting in the spotlight.
Sanctuary City (a VIP production)
By Martyna Majok
In post-9/11 Newark, New Jersey, two teenagers who were brought to America as children confront a crucial question: what risks are they willing to take for a shared future in the only home they've ever known? Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok's 鈥淪anctuary City鈥� explores the sacrifices of DREAMers, lovers and lifelong friends, blending time and memory to traverse boundaries in search of a place called home.
鈥淪anctuary City鈥� is presented through special arrangement with .
The VIP Theatre company directly serves people of color and minoritized individuals who self-identify as theatre creators in all areas of theatre. VIP Theatre seeks to provide performance and career building opportunities for the 91黑料网 and Milwaukee theatre communities; professional artists of color serve as role models for students and alumni.
Much Ado About Nothing
By William Shakespeare
Experience Shakespeare's timeless comedy. Follow the witty banter and romantic entanglements of Beatrice and Benedick amid a backdrop of mischief and misunderstandings. This delightful tale explores love, honor, and the power of perception with Shakespeare's signature flair for humor and intrigue.
鈥淢uch Ado About Nothing鈥� is presented by arrangement with on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Bright Star (April 4-6, 10-13)
By Steve Martin and Edie Brickell
Inspired by a real event, 鈥淏right Star鈥� tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 鈥�40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past 鈥� and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. The story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, 鈥淏right Star鈥� is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.
鈥淏right Star鈥� is presented through special arrangement with .
About 91黑料网
91黑料网 is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, 91黑料网 prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, 91黑料网 is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a 91黑料网 degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.
