Marcus Performing Arts Center

Summer of Soul: Outdoor Marketplace & Concert Series
2024-07-10 - 2024-09-18 | Peck Pavilion, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Free Event
Discover the extraordinary at the inaugural Summer of Soul: Outdoor Marketplace & Concert Series (SoS).
Nestled within the enchanting Peck Pavilion and Performing Arts Center Grounds, imagine a haven where you are free to immerse yourself in top-shelf entertainment, local crafts, and delectable cuisine under the open sky.
SoS is more than an event. It’s an unforgettable experience that transcends boundaries and fosters community spirit. It’s a grand celebration and an ode to Milwaukee’s culture, creativity, and community, where barriers dissolve and individuals from all walks of life revel in boundless artistic expressions. Best of all, it’s free!
Join us as we dance beneath the stars, savoring every moment.

Performance Lineup:
Wednesday, July 10 – Growing Nation
Wednesday, July 24 – Robert Randolph Band
Wednesday, August 7 – Moonchild
Wednesday, August 21 – Talib Kweli
Wednesday, September 4 – Brew City Soul
Wednesday, September 18 – De La Buena
As you plan your visit, please note: Wisconsin Statute 125.32 6A does not allow carry-in alcoholic beverages on the premises. You are welcome to enjoy single serve non-alcoholic beverages and small snacks you may have brought with you, however, large volume distribution and consumption of these items or food prep requiring heating or open flame on these grounds is restricted to approved vendors.
Common schedule of the evenings:
5:00 -7:00 pm – Marketplace and DJ set
7: 00 – 8:30 pm – Live Performance
8:30 – 10:00 pm – DJ Set
This event is presented by Creative x Design, an independent organization separate from the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

The Daily Show: Indecision 2024
2024-07-15 - 2024-07-18 | Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Cancellation Note:
In light of the incredibly shocking and sad events that took place on Saturday, July 13, The Daily Show will no longer broadcast from Milwaukee at the Marcus Performing Arts Center during the Republican National Convention. While we were all looking forward to the events, it is the right thing to do, and we support their decision.
The safety and well-being of our audience members, guests, and staff is the highest priority to the Marcus Performing Arts Center, and The Daily Show. We know that this was not an easy choice to make, but out of respect for the situation and an abundance of caution for everyone, this was a necessary decision.
We are deeply grateful for your support, and we apologize for this unexpected change. Thank you so very much for your understanding.

LowDown Brass Band at Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT
2024-07-23 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Peck Pavilion, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Free Event | Sponsored by MGIC
Embodying the vibrant Chicago music culture, LowDown Brass Band is a one-of-a-kind horn ensemble weaving the rhythm of the streets with conscious hip hop, reggae, and soul.
Leaning on their talent and unconventional style, they continue to carve out a path, defying convention and charting their own course in the ever-evolving landscape of music. LowDown Brass Band has received critical acclaim for their unique blend across multiple genres and ability to amplify the energy of any room with their positive and infectious spirit.
LowDown Brass Band has built a highly impressive discography, accumulating over 1.1 million streams across Spotify alone, with notable performances at The Montreal Jazz Festival, World Music Fest, SummerCamp, Vancouver Jazz Fest, Chicago Jazz Fest, and opening runs with Galactic, Bon Jovi and more.
Stay tuned to MPAC Socials for any weather updates that may impact the event.
Schedule of July 23:
5:00 – 7:00 PM – Kiss FM Live On Air Booth
5:30 – 7:30 PM Bubbles playtime with Michelle Hackett on South Grounds
5:30 – 6:30 PM Happy Hour Yoga with Yoga Six; Space is limited – Register Now!
7:00 PM – LowDown Brass Band performance in Peck Pavilion
All Day FUN
Elysian Arcs by Atelier Sisu
Rainbow Piano – BE the art!
Giant Lawn Games
Food & Beverages
Sazama’s River Edge Patio serving Saz’s Festival Favorites and Beverages
Food trucks starting at 5:00 PM: Cocina Filipina | Pineapple Cafe | El Sazon | Isa’s Ice Cream | Marco Pollo | Little Havana Express

Robert Randolph Band at Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT
2024-07-24 19:00 | Peck Pavilion, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Free Event
Co-Presented with Culture x Design as part of the Summer of Soul: Outdoor Marketplace & Concert Series
Known for their electrifying live shows, The Robert Randolph Band, led by its pedal steel guitarist namesake, will give a joyous, gospel-infused genre-bending performance courtesy of their multiple Grammy-nominated studio albums.
A mainstay of the festival touring circuit since 2004, having opened for renowned acts such as Eric Clapton and the Dave Matthews Band before headlining their own international tours, The Robert Randolph Band (formerly Robert Randolph and the Family Band) brings its pulsating rock-gospel fusion to Milwaukee.
This show is part of a unique partnership between MPAC and Culture x Design and is the second show in the inaugural Summer of Soul: Outdoor Marketplace & Concert Series.
Additional vibes provided by DJ Romke.
Stay tuned to MPAC Socials for any weather updates that may impact the event.
Schedule of July 24 “Rainbow Summer of Soul”:
5:00 PM – Summer of Soul’s Marketplace featuring a vibrant array of vendors, including local artists, restauranteurs, crafters, and makers
5:30 – 7:30 PM – Bubbles Playtime with Michelle Hackett on South Grounds
5:30 – 6:30 PM Happy Hour Yoga with Yoga Six; Space is limited – Register Now!
7:00 PM – Robert Randolf Band Performance in Peck Pavilion
All Day FUN
Elysian Arcs by Atelier Sisu
Giant Lawn Games
Rainbow Piano – BE the art!
Food & Beverages
Sazama’s River Edge Patio serving Saz’s Festival Favorites and Beverages
Food trucks starting at 5:00 PM: Cocina Filipina | Pineapple Cafe | El Sazon | Marco Pollo | Isa’s Ice Cream | Little Havana Express | Gordo’s

Radio Free Honduras at Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT
2024-07-25 19:00 | Peck Pavilion, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Free Event | Sponsored by Versiti
Radio Free Honduras incorporates the colorful tastes of salsa, samba, and bossa nova into their music, drawing influence from the diverse musical traditions of Latin America. They are a cross-cultural, multigenerational collaboration fronted by Honduran folk music legend Charlie Baran.
Prior to immigrating to the USA, Baran was a fixture in the largely undocumented music scene of Honduras in the 70s and 80s. He was an integral part of several of the biggest musical acts in Honduras during that era, all of which played an essential role in creating the sound that eventually became the genre of music known as Punta Rock.
While heavily influenced by the Punta-rock genre that Baran and his contemporaries in the Honduran music scene pioneered, Radio Free Honduras performs a wide variety of styles that they generally refer to as Latin Americana.
Stay tuned to MPAC Socials for any weather updates that may impact the event.
Schedule of July 25:
4:00 – 7:00 PM Mercadera Market
5:30 – 7:30 PM Bubbles playtime with Michelle Hackett on South Grounds
7:00 PM – Radio Free Honduras performance in Peck Pavilion
All Day FUN
Elysian Arcs by Atelier Sisu
Rainbow Piano – BE the art!
Giant Lawn Games
Food & Beverages
Sazama’s River Edge Patio serving Saz’s Festival Favorites and Beverages
Food trucks starting at 5:00 PM: Isa’s Ice Cream | More Trucks Provided as part of Mercadera Market

BritBeat at Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT
2024-07-26 19:00 | Peck Pavilion, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Free Event | Sponsored by U.S. Bank
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the iconic soundscape of The Beatles with BritBeat – The Immersive Beatles Tribute Experience, an unparalleled fusion of live musical prowess and innovative multimedia technology. It’s a one-of-a-kind performance that transcends the ordinary and plunges you into the heart of The Beatles’ legendary history.
BritBeat seamlessly blends a live concert performance of the timeless song catalog of The Beatles, with immersive video imagery. Audiences will be transported into a world that captivates and resonates, making you feel like a part of The Beatles’ historic journey.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to be part of an unforgettable night that pays homage to the greatest band in history. This is more than a concert; it’s a transformative encounter with the enduring legacy of The Beatles.
Stay tuned to MPAC Socials for any weather updates that may impact the event.
Schedule of July 26:
5:30 – 7:30 PM Bubbles playtime with Michelle Hackett on South Grounds
7:00 PM – BritBeat performance in Peck Pavilion
All Day FUN
Elysian Arcs by Atelier Sisu
Rainbow Piano – BE the art!
Giant Lawn Games
Food & Beverages
Sazama’s River Edge Patio serving Saz’s Festival Favorites and Beverages
Food trucks starting at 5:00 PM: Cocina Filipina | Marco Pollo | Little Havana Express | Juan Roasting

Mucca Pazza at Rainbow Summer Highlight
2024-07-27 18:30 | South Outdoor Grounds, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Free Event | Family Day presented by Children’s Wisconsin
Mucca Pazza is an interdisciplinary instrumental music ensemble from Chicago. They have made a name for themselves playing alarmingly danceable music composed and arranged by band members especially for their implausible instrumentation – original music which defies classification.
In addition to blaring trumpets, slithering saxophones, clarinets, trombones, and tubas, the band boasts a drumline that seems to share a single nervous system, an entire section of disparate instruments that don’t belong anywhere near a marching band (electric guitars, accordion, violin, and yes, a cello), and contains within its multitudes a cheer squad that performs absurdist cheers and asymmetrical, impressively low-to-the-ground pyramids.
No one has ever been completely certain of the exact number of people in Mucca Pazza. Everyone can be completely certain that this group of weirdos belongs together! Mucca Pazza: embracing the absurd! in solidarity with the improbable.
Stay tuned to MPAC Socials for any weather updates that may impact the event.
Schedule of Family Day presented by Children’s Wisconsin:
3:00 – 6:00 PM – Kid Boogie Down Dance Party + Henna Tattoos
3:00 – 7:00 PM – Soul Spin – Spin Art MKE
3:30 – 6:30 PM – Diana’s Snazy Face Painting
4:00 – 6:00 PM – Bubbles Playtime
6:30 – 8:00 PM – Mucca Pazza Performance in Peck Pavilion
All Day FUN
Elysian Arcs by Atelier Sisu
Inflatable Slide and Bounce Houses
Giant Lawn Games
Rainbow Piano – BE the art!
Food & Beverages
Sazama’s River Edge Patio serving Saz’s Festival Favorites and Beverages
Food trucks starting at 3:00 PM: Cocina Filipina | Pineapple Cafe | El Sazon | Marco Pollo | Juan Roasting | Shake Shack

El Boricua es Otra Cosa
2024-08-04 17:00 | Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, 121 E State St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
¡ESTE SHOW ES EN ESPAÑOL!
¿Eres Puertorriqueño o eres Boricua? Porque ser puertorriqueño y ser Boricua No es lo mismo…
Si no sabes la respuesta o la pregunta te confundió, sencillamente el show “El Boricua es Otra Cosa” es para ti. “El Boricua es Otra Cosa” es un espectáculo de comedia familiar donde Gaby Alicea, nos presenta su divertida teoría de por qué ser puertorriqueño y ser boricua NO es lo mismo. Junto a sus personajes, Boricuita y Don Seferino establecerá, de manera jocosa, las diferencias entre el puertorriqueño y el boricua con su estilo único que te hará “morir de la risa”.

Are you Puerto Rican or are you Boricua? Because being Puerto Rican and being Boricua are not the same…
If you don’t know the answer or the question confused you, simply the show “El Boricua es Otra Cosa” is for you. “El Boricua es Otra Cosa” is a family comedy show where Gaby Alicea presents her funny theory of why being Puerto Rican and being Boricua are NOT the same. Together with their characters, Boricuita and Don Seferino will jokingly establish the differences between the Puerto Rican and the Boricua with their unique style that will make you “die laughing.”
Tickets start at $48.24 including taxes & facility fee.

THIRD ANNUAL MILWAUKEE BLACK THEATRE FESTIVAL
2024-08-07 - 2024-08-25 | Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Black Arts MKE is proud to again present its Third Annual MKE Black Theatre Festival 2024, returning to community venues across the city from August 8-25. The three-week-long celebration of Black arts and culture features ticketed and free events including three full productions, staged reading, audition masterclass, auditions (staged reading & Black Nativity), Poetry Set with Jasmine Sims & more!
The 10th Anniversary Season of MKE Black Theatre Festival is generously supported by: National Endowment for the Arts, BMO Harris Bank, Northwestern Mutual, and Wisconsin Arts Board.
About: FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE / WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF by Ntozake Shange Directed by Linetta Alexander Performance Dates: August 8 – 12, 15 – 16, 22 – 25 | 7:30pm, Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, Marcus Center In for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf Ntozake Shange illuminates the kaleidoscope of Black women's experiences, weaving a vibrant tapestry of resilience, pain, and triumph. The play serves as a powerful testament to the interconnectedness of Black women, portraying their voices as instruments of empowerment and transformation. Through the poetic mosaic of individual narratives, it highlights the significance of Black women as a 'third place' for each other—a sanctuary where shared stories, sorrows, and joys converge to forge bonds of solidarity. In their collective strength, these women not only navigate the complexities of their lives but also spark movements, amplifying the potency of their voices to ignite change, resilience, and unyielding hope. Ntozake Shange (1948-2018) was one of America’s greatest writers – an acknowledged master in the genres of drama, fiction, memoir and poetry. In a hugely prolific career, Shange wrote 15 plays, 19 poetry collections, 6 novels, 5 children’s books, 3 collections of essays, and a memoir called Lost in Language & Sound. Her theatre piece for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf (dubbed a “choreopoem” for its highly original combination of music, poetry and dance) was a stunning success on Broadway in 1976-1977. Considered a landmark not just in American theatre but also in theatre worldwide, it won an Obie while still off-Broadway at the Public Theater. for colored girls… has been performed continuously since then both in the United States and abroad, has remained in print since its publication in 1974, and was made into a movie by Tyler Perry in 2010. for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf is presented with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel Frency, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com About: THE REALNESS: A BREAK BEAT PLAY By Idris Goodwin Directed by Denzel Taylor Performance Dates: August 8 – 11, 15 – 18, 22 – 25 | 7:30pm, Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center 1996 is an incredible time to be a hip-hop fan, so the moment T. O. escapes the suburbs, he plunges into the scene, eager to experience the culture for himself. It doesn't get much more real than Prima, a super-dope MC supporting her family, and the moment he meets her, T. O. falls madly in love. But when he becomes tangled in the lies he tells to get closer to her, he's forced to ask himself: is he after real love, or fulfilling a middle-class fantasy of rap? Idris Goodwin takes on tough questions of authenticity and class collision with humor, heart, and killer rhymes in a coming-of-age tale set to the beat of hip-hop history. Idris Goodwin is a multiple award-winning playwright, breakbeat poet, content creator and arts champion. A 2021 United States Artist Fellow, Goodwin is recognized as a culture bearer who celebrates community values and cultivates histories with care. Idris is the author of over 60 original plays ranging from his Hip-Hop inspired breakbeat series to historical dramas to works for young audiences. Titles such as And In This Corner Cassius Clay, How We Got On, Hype Man: A Break Beat Play, This is Modern Art, and the ground-breaking Free Play: open source scripts for an antiracist tomorrow, are widely produced across the country by a diverse mix of professional theaters, academic environments, and non-traditional spaces alike. Goodwin’s created original content for and/or appeared on Nickelodeon, HBO Def Poetry, Sesame Street, NPR, BBC Radio, and the Discovery Channel. “Your House is Not Just A House,” his first picture book, will be published by Harper Collins in 2024. Passionate about cultivating new audiences in the arts, Idris served as Executive Director of The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (the first Black man to hold the position in its 100-year history). Prior to that, Goodwin served two seasons as Producing Artistic Director at StageOne Family Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky. Idris sits on the board of the Children's Theatre Foundation Association and was recently named Board President of Theater For Young Audiences/USA. Find him at www.idrisgoodwin.com and on all the socials

Summer Park Jam
2024-08-09 - 2024-08-10 | Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Friday, August 9th – 12pm-4pm
Inside Marcus Performing Arts Center | Free with Reservation
Tap into workshops and network with the best. Whether you’re an up-and-coming Creative Entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, our CEO Sessions have something for everyone. Be part of Milwaukee’s next wave of greatness! RSVP OPENING SOON!

Saturday, August 10th – 12pm-8pm
Peck Pavilion, MPAC Outdoor Grounds | Free and Family-Friendly
LIVE Art, performances, vendors, family activities, food trucks, skate park, fitness and fun, and “Best Threats in the Midwest – Battle of the Elements” returns! Cash prizes and giveaways!
This event is presented by True Skool, an independent organization separate from the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Black Couples Therapy
2024-09-07 19:00 | Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, 121 E State St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Four couples, strangers to each other, meet at a group therapy session. Each couple is dealing with their own issue. The therapist is determined to help them get beneath the surface of their issues but ultimately each couple has to decide whether to stay together or go their separate ways. From the writer of Black Girl Therapy comes the next session….get your ticket today and we will see you at the session.
This event is presented by Tre Floyd Productions, an independent organization separate from the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

esperanza spalding
2024-09-17 19:30 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Emphasizing simplicity and intimacy of her voice, bass, and songs, in this special configuration of 2 musicians and 2 dancers, esperanza performs songs from all 8 of her previous albums, songs from current releases, plus a special preview of her forthcoming project.
esperanza spalding (a.k.a. irma nejando) is an eaabibacliitoti* artist, trained and initiated in the North American (masculine) jazz lineage and tradition. Her work interweaves through various combinations of instrumental music, improvisation, singing, composition, poetry, dance, therapeutic research, storytelling, teaching, regenerative agriculture, urban land & artist-sanctuary custodianship, and growing in love as a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, auntie, great-auntie, friend, while collaboratively decolonizing within and through her hometown community.
She co-founded and serves as lead curator for Prismid Inc., a non-profit that creates and stewards artist residency, performance, and workshop space in Portland, Oregon.
With her dance company Off Brand gOdds (co-founded with Antonio Brown) and the Songwrights Apothecary Lab she leads multi-week performance, teaching, workshop, and therapeutic-arts research residencies in collaboration with colleges and arts venues across the Americas, and throughout the world.
*European-African ancestored being influenced by American cultures living in Indigenous Territories of Turtle Island

This show is part of the 2024/25 MPAC Presents Jazz series. To learn more and subscribe to all three jazz shows, click here.

Beetlejuice
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-06 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to Milwaukee.
It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
Recommended for 13+. Parental discretion advised. Contains strong language, mature subject matter, and a lot of the crazy, inappropriate stuff you would expect from a deranged demon.
Advisory: Beetlejuice includes substantial haze and fog, sudden loud noises, pyrotechnic and strobe lighting effects.
“A FEAST FOR THE EYES AND THE SOUL!” – Entertainment Weekly
“A JOYFUL, EBULLIENT ANTIDOTE TO REALITY!” – Rolling Stone

Bonus Experiences:
Broadway Buzz: Cocktails to Curtain – a pre-show discussion open to all ticket holders in MPAC’s Anello Atrium on Tuesday, October 1 from 6:30 – 7:15 PM. Hosted by MPAC’s Vice President of Programming, Jared Duymovic, and Critics’ Choice Association member and entertainment journalist, Ryan Jay, the discussion will include insights about the shows, news from Broadway in New York, and other relevant (and perhaps irrelevant) information to those attending the performance.
Post-Show Q&A – Join us for a post-show Q&A with some of the cast after the show on Thursday, October 3! Simply move up near the front of the stage once the house lights go up.

Pete The Cat
2024-10-03 - 2024-11-03 | Todd Wehr Theater, 123 E. State St, Milwaukee, WI, United States
Based on the Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly and James Dean
Meet Pete. He’s one groovy, guitar-playing cat, who likes his music cool and his coffee sweet. When Pete moves in with the Biddles, Jimmy—the most organized second grader on earth—is unsure of this cat’s antics and laid-back ‘tude. But when he draws a blank in art class, Pete’s the perfect pal to lead the mission to help Jimmy find his inspiration. Board the VW bus for a trip around the globe with Pete, Jimmy and friends in this hilarious, toe-tapping musical!
Event Dates & Times Fri. 10/04 @ 7 PM Sat. 10/05 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM Sun. 10/06 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM Sat. 10/12 @ 11 AM, 1 PM & 3:30 PM Sun. 10/13 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM Fri. 10/18 @ 7 PM* Sat. 10/19 @ 11 AM, 1 PM & 3:30 PM Sun. 10/20 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM Sat. 10/26 @ 11 AM, 1 PM & 3:30 PM** Sat. 11/02 @ 11 AM, 1 PM & 3:30 PM Sun. 11/03 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM *Pay What You Choose Performance**Sensory Friendly Performance

Madama Butterfly
2024-10-18 - 2024-10-20 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Indulge in the timeless allure of Puccini’s masterpiece, Madama Butterfly, where Japanese traditions meet American dreams. As the exquisite melodies of Puccini’s iconic score unfold, experience an exploration of love, sacrifice, and cultural collision. Delve into a world brimming with raw emotion as Cio-Cio San faces heartbreak, and her unwavering devotion leads to a devastating sacrifice for the future of her child.
Bonus Content:

Versed – October 9, 2024, 5:30pm at the Lueders Opera Center
Opening Night Dinner – October 18, 2024, at 5:30pm, at the Saint Kate’s Arc Theater
Pre-Opera Talk – October 18, 2024, at 6:30pm and October 20, 2024, at 1:30pm in the Anello Atrium (MPAC)
Opening Night Post-Show Party – October 18, 2024, after the show, at the Saint Kate’s Arc Theater (cash bar)

Paul Mecurio's Permission to Speak
2024-10-19 19:30 | Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, 121 E State St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Four of the most brilliant minds in TV and movies come together to present the ground-breaking live theater experience Permission to Speak. Fresh off a critically acclaimed, sold-out run off-Broadway, Permission to Speak features hilarious and jaw-dropping stories from audience members co-starring alongside Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian/actor Paul Mecurio, who punctuates the evening with his own jokes and anecdotes.
Among the show’s creators, they have been honored with a combined 33 Emmys, six Peabodys and two Grammy Awards, but the real stars of the show are the audience themselves. In Permission to Speak, audience members volunteer to join Paul on stage.
With Paul at the center of the action, driving and guiding the fun, the evening takes on a life of its own. Paul fearlessly, but respectfully, uses humor and compassion to create dynamic exchanges that lead to meaningful and often surprisingly unexpected connections. Audience members are comfortably and confidently empowered to reveal personal stories that are fun, inspiring, compelling and relatable. One fan remarked, “You could see this show a dozen times and never see the same show twice.”
The real magic of Permission to Speak is the humanity, candor and organic humor of its participants – and Paul. All guests willingly share their fascinating stories, bringing the entire audience on a fun, emotional journey that connects them all.
About the Creators Paul Mecurio has appeared countless times on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CBS Sunday Morning, The Tonight Show, HBO, NBC, ABC, and MSNBC, as well on his own Comedy Central TV special. The show’s director, Frank Oz, brings a touch of his movie and TV magic to the stage of Permission to Speak. Frank’s credits include the major motion pictures Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Bowfinger, Stepford Wives, and Little Shop of Horrors. Oz’s close collaboration with Jim Henson, creating and performing many well-loved Muppet characters, led to his iconic work as the voice and puppeteer of Yoda in the Star Wars franchise. The set of Permission to Speak is as much a star of the show as anyone on stage and it’s no wonder why. Behind the show’s ingenious environment are 23-time Emmy Award Winner for Production Design, Jim Fenhagen, who is best known for countless late night TV shows, the Olympic Games and five Super Bowls, and animator J.J. Sedelmaier, the artist behind ground-breaking animation on MTV’s Beavis & Butt-Head, Saturday Night Live’s TV Funhouse cartoons (including The Ambiguously Gay Duo), ABC’s relaunch of Schoolhouse Rock, and Cartoon Network’s Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law.

Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience
2024-10-24 19:30 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Marshall Charloff & The Purple Xperience scheduled for Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center has been postponed. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date. We want to ensure you’re aware of this change.
We are sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience during this time. Please hang on to your tickets, as they will be valid for the show’s new date, which will be announced soon. If you have questions about your tickets, please contact our box office at 414.273.7206 or tickets@marcuscenter.org

Recycled Percussion
2024-10-25 19:30 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Experience high-energy “junk rock” music as international phenomenon Recycled Percussion takes Milwaukee by storm! Taking percussion to a whole new level, the band brings to the stage an interactive experience filled with comedy, music, thrilling staging, and of course, brilliant drumming
The group has performed more than 7,000 shows worldwide since their founding in 1995. After gaining national fame with their groundbreaking performances on America’s Got Talent, Recycled Percussion has appeared on “The Today Show,” the Grammy Awards, the Super Bowl, and headlined on the Las Vegas Strip for ten years.
During every show, the band mixes their gritty assault on buckets, power tools, or anything else they can get their sticks on with a sense of humor and gravity-defying athleticism. Whether it is a sink, ladders, or buckets, Recycled Percussion makes a beat out of anything you put in front of them, so get out your inner rockstar and get ready to rock!
This performance will include ASL Interpretation. Please contact box office for seating.

Casanova
2024-11-01 - 2024-11-03 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
In Milwaukee Ballet’s dynamic season opener, follow the passionate and sensual Casanova from his career as an aspiring Venetian priest to his life as a salacious Parisian socialite. His sexual conquests and intellectual aspirations fill his life with opulence yet plunge him into despair in this sensational story glittering with richness and scandal.
From award-winning choreographer Kenneth Tindall, Casanova makes its Milwaukee Ballet debut with lavish dance and costumes set to an attention-grabbing score by composer Kerry Muzzey.
Content Advisory: Due to scenes containing sexuality and violence, this production is recommended for ages 16+

Nova Linea Contemporary Dance Presents - some wounds never heal
2024-11-15 - 2024-11-16 | Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, 121 E State St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
NOVA LINEA CONTEMPORARY DANCE, co-founded by Artistic Director Jared Baker and Executive Directors Chris and Kellie Plath, is Wisconsin’s premier contemporary dance company. Known for their emotionally-provocative performances, it is Nova Linea’s mission to provide accessible and relatable stories through dance to the community. In their first three seasons, Nova Linea has already left its mark on the Milwaukee area and beyond. They have been a three-time finalist for the Detroit Dance City Festival, and were awarded the opportunity to perform in the New Dance Festival in South Korea. In addition, Nova Linea has partnered with two local non-profits, Pathfinders MKE and NAMI Southeast Wisconsin, to help bring awareness and support for mental health. Thus far, they have reached hundreds of students through performances, outreach, intensives, and workshops in their mission to help build the future audience of dance.
In Nova Linea’s first appearance at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, “some wounds never heal,” choreographed by Artistic Director Jared Baker, offers an intimate, raw, and painful exploration of grief. This evocative piece delves deeply into the emotional landscape of loss, portraying a poignant story of feeling stuck, frozen, and unable to let go or move forward.
Exploring the depth of human emotion, the piece examines how grief shapes and changes us, posing profound questions: How do we pick ourselves back up and continue moving forward? How do these life-altering events leave their mark on us, both physically and emotionally?
“some wounds never heal” not only reflects on personal pain but also emphasizes the importance of community, compassion, and empathy in the healing process. It highlights how shared experiences of loss can forge deeper connections between individuals, fostering a collective resilience. This moving performance invites the audience to engage with their own experiences of grief and find solace in the understanding and support of others.
Bonus Content:
There will be a Post-Show Talk Back immediately following the performance.
This show is presented by an independent organization separate from the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker
2024-11-22 19:30 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.
Just like the original, in The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th Century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.
Grab your family and friends and let the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker take you on a journey that celebrates love, community and the magic of the holiday season.

“Showcasing an incredibly athletic, youthful cast and brimming with positive energy, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, adapted by Mike Fitelson, proved to be a nonstop, family-friendly party.” – Milwaukee Magazine

Elf The Musical
2024-11-26 - 2024-12-01 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
ELF The Musical is the hilarious modern Christmas classic about Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This must-see Broadway holiday production is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.
The New York Times says that ELF is “SPLASHY, PEPPY, SUGAR-SPRINKLED HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT!” USA Today calls ELF, “ENDEARINGLY GOOFY!” Variety proclaims, “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”
Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar (The Prom, The Wedding Singer) and Chad Beguelin (Aladdin, The Prom, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). The production will feature direction by Sam Scalamoni and choreography by Connor Gallagher.
“Even the biggest Cotton-Headed-Ninny-Muggins will leave the theatre with A WARM FESTIVE GLOW!” – Entertainment Weekly
“A crisply paced, high-energy comedy with loads of charm and terrific tunes that stay with you long after the lights have gone up. THE JOY IS INFECTIOUS IN THIS UNFAILINGLY FUN SHOW!” – Pioneer Press

Bonus Content:
Broadway Buzz: Cocktails to Curtain – a pre-show discussion open to all ticket holders in MPAC’s Anello Atrium on Tuesday, November 26 from 6:30 – 7:15 PM. Hosted by MPAC’s Vice President of Programming, Jared Duymovic, and Critics’ Choice Association member and entertainment journalist, Ryan Jay, the discussion will include insights about the shows, news from Broadway in New York, and other relevant (and perhaps irrelevant) information to those attending the performance.
Post-Show Q&A – Join us for a post-show Q&A with some of the cast after the show on Wednesday, November 27! Simply move up near the front of the stage once the house lights go up.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™: The Musical
2024-11-27 - 2024-12-29 | Todd Wehr Theater, 123 E. State St, Milwaukee, WI, United States
Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage.
Directed by Jeff Frank
Come home for the holidays as the most famous reindeer of all soars off the screen and returns to First Stage this season. Celebrating 60 years on television, join Rudolph and friends as they come to life on stage in an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Acclaimed as “…packed full of holiday magic and family fun” by the Shepherd Express, don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” animated television special adapted from a story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks, music and lyrics by Johnny Marks. All elements © and ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC.
Event Dates & Times Fri. 11/29 @ 1PM & 3:30 PM Sat. 11/30 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM Sun. 12/01 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM Fri. 12/06 @ 7 PM* Sat. 12/07 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM Sun. 12/08 @ 1 PM Fri. 12/13 @ 7 PM Sat. 12/14 @ 1 PM, 3:30 PM** Sun. 12/15 @ 1 PM*** & 3:30 PM Thu. 12/19 @ 3:30 PM & 7 PM Fri. 12/20 @ 3:30 PM & 7 PM Sat. 12/21 @ 1 PM, 3:30 PM & 7 PM Sun. 12/22 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM**** Tue. 12/24 @ 1 PM Thu. 12/26 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM Fri. 12/27 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM Sat. 12/28 @ 1 PM, 3:30 PM Sun. 12/29 @ 1 PM & 3:30 PM *Pay What You Choose Performance**Our Sensory Friendly performance***Annual Grandparent Brunch and show package****Sign Language Interpreted Performance

D-Rock’s Live Taping Special
2024-11-30 19:30 | Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, 121 E State St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Get ready for a historic night of comedy with Milwaukee’s own D-Rock! With nearly two decades in the comedy industry, D-Rock has shared the stage with legends like Cedric “The Entertainer,” Damon Williams, Adele Givens, and Kevin Hart. His talent isn’t confined to stand-up—he’s also an accomplished actor with both on-screen and off-screen experience.
Now, D-Rock is set to bring his unique brand of humor to the Marcus Center for a special live taping, hosted by Keep a Smile On Your Face (K.A.S.O.Y.F.) Entertainment. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable evening of laughter showcasing one of the city’s brightest talents.
This event is sponsored by Spectrum and the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce.
Important notice: Due to the live taping of this event, any audience member arriving after 7:40 will be seated in the balcony.
This event is presented by K.A.S.O.Y.F Entertainment, an independent organization separate from the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Christmas with Lorie Line
2024-12-01 15:00 | Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, 121 E State St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Spend an intimate evening with Lorie Line around the piano as she shares heartwarming stories and celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.
Celebrate the season with Lorie as she marks her 35th year of touring at Christmastime. This year, she returns for her fourth solo tour, bringing a unique, up-close, and personal experience.
Enjoy Lorie’s performances of new and traditional holiday music from her extensive catalog. She’ll play all your favorites and share stories and the “good news,” embracing the spirit of Christmas.
Special guest baritone opera singer Jimmy Finch will also return to the stage, promising to “wow” audiences once again with his incredible vocals.
Make plans now to join Lorie in Milwaukee for an unforgettable evening of music and holiday cheer.

This event is presented by an independent organization separate from the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium
2024-12-07 - 2024-12-24 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
After its landmark opening year of record-setting audience attendance and universal critical acclaim, The Nutcracker: Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium is back and more magical than ever! Journey into the Imaginarium to experience the wonder of the holidays.

Luminare Christmas
2024-12-12 19:30 | Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, 121 E State St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Experience a Christmas rock concert that will take you on a powerful visual and musical journey. Drawing from his many years as keyboardist for Dennis DeYoung of Styx and lead keyboardist for Mannheim Steamroller, John Blasucci and LUMINARE have created a new, high energy holiday tradition. Re-imaginings of Christmas classics alongside brand-new original music will leave you feeling the joy and majesty of the most wonderful time of the year!

Chicago
2025-01-14 - 2025-01-19 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one showstopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.
In the whirlwind of Chicago’s Jazz Age, two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses—vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart—become fierce rivals as they compete for headlines amidst a media frenzy.
Broadway’s longest-running musical has been razzle dazzling audiences for 27 years, and after more than 10,000 performances, 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, and a Grammy®, we’re just getting started.
Come on, babe! Head to CHICAGO!
We’re hotter than ever.

Bonus Experiences:
Post-Show Q&A – Join us for a post-show Q&A with some of the cast after the show on Thursday, January 16! Simply move up near the front of the stage once the house lights go up.
Please note, there will not be a Broadway Buzz: Cocktails to Curtain event for this show.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story
2025-01-25 19:30 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back on tour, bringing the legendary music of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel to life in a spectacular concert-style theater show. Featuring a full live band, this immersive performance showcases all the hits you know and love, including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” and more.
Using stunning projection photos and original film footage, The Simon & Garfunkel Story chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo. From their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their rise as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s, their dramatic split in 1970, and their unforgettable reunion for “The Concert in Central Park” in 1981, this show captures the essence of their musical legacy.
With more than 100 million album sales, Simon & Garfunkel’s perfect harmonies and songs that poignantly captured the times made them one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. Over the years, they earned 10 Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 2003, Simon and Garfunkel were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the following year saw their “The Sound of Silence” awarded a Grammy Hall of Fame Award. Don’t miss this extraordinary tribute to one of the greatest folk-rock duos of all time!

‘‘Fantastic’’ – Elaine Paige, BBC Radio
“Authentic and Exciting” – The Stage

This event is presented by an independent organization separate from the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque
2025-01-29 19:30 | Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
A vibrant show by Yamoussa Bangoura, Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque combines breathtaking acrobatics with live music played on traditional Guinean instruments.
The stage comes alive with vibrant colors, scenery, and costumes, reflecting rich African traditions and contemporary flair. Dazzling circus arts intertwine with the sounds of live Afro-Jazz music, percussion beats, and the soulful melodies of the kora, a West African string instrument.
Afrique en Cirque celebrates the strength, agility, and joy of young Africans. Get ready for an unforgettable journey with Cirque Kalabanté as you are swept away into the heart of Guinea through a mesmerizing blend of acrobatics, music, and dance.

“Kalabanté offers high-flying, jaw-dropping performances that will amaze” – The Georgia Straight
“Explosive drumming and dance routines” – Vice Magazine
