In this issue . . .

YANKEE TAVERNTruth, Lies or Dangerous Obsession? pg. 3

ALMOST, MAINE Love, Loss and Magic under the northern lights pg. 7

PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST The Ambassador

of Love pg. 5

THE SEAFARER Whiskey, Festivity and Irish Rowdiness pg. 9

Backstage with The Reps Resident

Acting Company pg. 12

The Reps Online News Magazine January/February 2010

Elizabeth Ledo and Gerard Neugent. Photo by Jay Westhauser.

Prologue

We begin 2010 in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater with Steven Dietzs YANKEE TAVERN, a political suspense-thriller packed with intrigue, wry humor and surprises that entirely engrossed and entertained me from my first read of an early version of the script. Along with the sheer delight of surrendering to the riveting plot and beguiling characters, my theatrical mind went to the provocative political suppositions of an Oliver Stone film as well as the spellbinding and ingenious plotting of Alfred Hitchcock all channeled through Stevens unique imagination and voice. The plot of YANKEE TAVERN is driven by a controversy surrounding the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center rendering it all the more immediate and gripping. The play centers on Adam, a bartender and International Relations grad student and Ray, the best friend of Adams recently and mysteriously deceased father. Ray is an inveterate barfly and impassioned conspiracy theorist, ever-willing to go on a rant with the slightest of provocation, compelling

Adam to debunk Rays outlandish theories surrounding the 9/11 attacks until he finds himself enmeshed in an intrigue that could substantiate one of those very theories.

Steven has written an inspired maze of a story, to which he adds his perfect pitch for comic dialogue to create a tale with genuine insight into how the most outrageous of suspicions can take root in a world ruled by fear and distrust of the government institutions we want to believe are there to protect us. Were very happy to welcome Sean Graney, making his Rep debut as the director of YANKEE TAVERN. Sean comes to us from Chicago where he has created several acclaimed productions. Resident Acting Company actors Brian Vaughn and Torrey Hanson will share the stage with local sensation Marti Gobel and Chicagos Will Zahrn, both making their Milwaukee Rep debuts.

Rehearsing next door to YANKEE TAVERN, and preparing to usher in the New Year in the Stiemke Theater, is John Carianis ALMOST, MAINE, directed by Resident Acting Company Member Laura Gordon. Set against the dazzling backdrop of the aurora borealis, ALMOST, MAINE follows the residents and visitors of a small town in a cold climate as they fall in and out of love at an alarming rate. In the eight stories that make up the evening, love is discovered; hearts are broken and mended almost, in what the playwright calls a midwinter nights dream. ALMOST, MAINE will perform during the Valentines season in what we hope will provide an agreeable romantic and comedic antidote to the Wisconsin winter. The cast of comic veterans includes Resident Company Acting Members Deborah Staples and Gerry Neugent along with Rep favorite Elizabeth Ledo. Steve Haggard, a frequent performer at American Players Theatre, will make his Milwaukee Rep debut.

And preparing to launch 2010 in the Stackner Cabaret is PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST. In this joyous and entertaining tribute, celebrated actress Roz White channels the irrepressible show business legend in a musical and comic tour de force. Against a backdrop of swing, jazz and Broadway tunes that highlight a remarkable career, Ms. White will invoke Baileys infectious and sultry tones, underscored by her remarkable wit. Stackner favorite William Knowles will music direct and accompany along with bassist Don Linke and percussionist Dave Bayles. Ms. White is directed by the energetic and highly accomplished actor, director and writer, Thomas W. Jones II, making his Rep directorial debut.

Following YANKEE TAVERN in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater will be Conor McPhersons THE SEAFARER. The story is set at Christmastime soon after Sharky, a recovering alcoholic with a slippery grip on sobriety, arrives home to look after his irascible, recently-blinded brother. The place is a mess as their hapless friend, Ivan, rummages about looking for the glasses he lost in the previous nights bash. Sharkys ex-wifes new husband and a well turned-out stranger show up to pass the holiday with a friendly game of cards. As the booze flows around Sharky, he suddenly finds himself in a high stakes game with his soul as collateral. THE SEAFARER was a recent London and Broadway hit and garnered a slew of awards for McPherson, considered by many to be one of our finest contemporary playwrights. Ben Barnes, who has directed some of the strongest work on our stages, including THE CHERRY ORCHARD, ENDGAME, TRANSLATIONS and A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY, will return to The Rep to direct a cast that includes Resident Actors Jon Daly, Lee Ernst and Jim Pickering along with Jonathan Smoots and Chris Tarjan.

All the very best for a healthy and happy 2010.

Joseph Hanreddy, Artistic Director

THE REPS NEW YEAR BEGINS WITH INTRIGUE, ROMANCE AND A JOYOUS TRIBUTE

Joseph Hanreddy

From the Artistic Director

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I try, Ray. You know that? Sometimes I really try. Adam just laughs you off, but sometimes I think if I really hang in there and listen to your stories Ill get a little glimpse of something, you know? something that might have some shred of possibility to it. But, you are just unbelievable!

Janet, YANKEE TAVERN

Join us in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater for a lively evening of outlandish paranoia, dangerous obsessions and entertaining thrills! From acclaimed playwright and long-time Rep collaborator, Steven Dietz (SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE FINAL ADVENTURE, 2005/06, INVENTING VAN GOGH, 2002/03; PRIVATE EYES, 1997/98, SILENCE, 1995/96), comes a powerful and dramatic thriller featuring Rep Acting Company Members Brian Vaughn and Torrey Hanson and guest actors Marti Gobel and Will Zahrn. You are in for a wild ride of fear and intrigue that will have you on the edge of your seat and that just might leave you questioning everything you believe about American culture, conspiracies and faith in the nation.

Off-shore consortiums of Big Box Bridal Shops and FTD Florists collude in a retail wedding racket; staged moon landings; the Loch Ness Monster; global warming; JFK and the Grassy Knoll and especially 9/11 its all fuel to provoke endless conspiracy theories, debates and wild ranting. Kooky and charismatic barfly, Ray, has a conspiracy theory for everything from the most trivial affairs of daily life and culture to matters of national faith, identity and security. The likeable crackpot warms the same barstool daily at the Yankee Tavern, a crumbling New York bar that is set to see the wrecking ball any day now. He is, for all intents and purposes, the sole patron of the ill-fated drinking establishment run by Adam, a graduate student working to complete a thesis that aims to debunk the wilder conspiracy theories surrounding the 9/11 attacks. When a mysterious patron, Palmer, enters the bar one afternoon, Adam and his fiance, Janet, find themselves caught up in the web of those very theories. And what was once only hypothesis is about to get dangerously real.

Rays opinions are popular ones. According to Time magazine in 2006,This is not a fringe phenomenon. It is a mainstream political reality. And the 9/11 theories topped a greatest conspiracy theory list compiled by The Daily Telegraph in 2008. The majority of the 9/11 conspiracy theories allege that the attacks of September 11, 2001 were either intentionally allowed, orchestrated by an organization inside the US government, or that the collapse of the World Trade Center and 7 World Trade Center were the result of controlled demolition. These theorists suggest motivations for the alleged orchestrated attacks, including justification for the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, control over the vast foreign oil resources, the facilitated increase of military spending, as well as the

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YANKEE TAVERN January 5 January 31, 2010 Quadracci Powerhouse Theater

TRUTH, LIES OR DANGEROUS OBSESSION?

(continued on next page)

YANKEE TAVERNBy Steven Dietz(Contains adult language)

PERFORMANCE INFORMATIONPreviews: January 5 7, 2010January 8 January 31, 2010Tickets: $10.00 $60.00

CAST LISTMarti GobelTorrey HansonBrian VaughnWill Zahrn

Member of 2009/10 Rep Resident Acting Company.

Will Zahrn and Brian Vaughn. Photo by Jay Westhauser.

restriction of domestic civil liberties. Many of these theories have been rejected by published reports and articles such as US National Institute of Standards and Technology, Popular Mechanics and the mainstream media. It was the lure of the contradictory, pervasive and strange 9/11 discussions that drew in playwright Steven Dietz to write YANKEE TAVERN:

Conspiracies are catnip to a playwright theres a level of obsession and outlandishness to the personalities involved; and theres always just enough of the truth to ground the actions. And in the case of 9/11, the discussions (however feasible or off the grid) are endless. I couldnt resist the story!

Regardless of where you stand on the plausibility or implausibility of any of these conspiracies, the bizarre nature of the stories creates a foundation for an entertaining evening of thrills, danger and pulse-racing excitement. Join us in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater for an evening you wont soon forget!

Kristin Crouch, Literary Director

THE REP IN DEPTHJoin us for The Rep In Depth, our lively informative half-hour talk which starts 45 minutes before every performance in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. This Rep In Depth will be led by guest actor Marti Gobel.

Made possible in part by the generous support of:

Dont Miss this Behind-the-Scenes Opportunity!Please join us with YANKEE TAVERN director Sean Graney Thursday, January 7 at 6 pm

This unique series offers theater-goers an insiders perspective into the upcoming play YANKEE TAVERN which opens in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater January 8, 2010. Director Sean Graney will present his vision and process for this production on Thursday, January 7 at 6 pm. Join us for a night of discussion and delicious hors d oeuvres buffet provided by Laginappe Brassiere as well as fine wines and beverages. Tickets for this event are $25, all proceeds go to support The Reps Artistic Program.

Please contact Becca Kitelinger at 414-290-5347 or e-mail her at development@milwaukeerep.com.

YANKEE TAVERN January 5 January 31, 2010 Quadracci Powerhouse Theater

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Sean Graney

(TRUTH, LIES . . . continued)

YANKEE TAVERN January 5 January 31, 2010 Quadracci Powerhouse Theater

ON ACTRESS AND PLAYWRIGHT ROZ WHITEWhen Rosalind Roz White discovered that she shared a birthday (March 29) with Pearl Bailey, she felt a kinship with the exuberant singer. They looked alike and also both spent part of their childhood in Washington, DC. Ms. White decided to write a piece to celebrate the life and work of the legendary performer. Collaborating with Thomas W. Jones II, a talented performer in his own right, they wrote PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST. The production shares the story of the performers fascinating life working in stage and film with many of Pearl Baileys most requested songs. Songs featured in the production include: Baby its Cold Outside, Takes Two to Tango, Too Close for Comfort and Bill Bailey, as well as many more.

Roz White made her debut as a playwright with PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST. Studying as an actress and singer, she attended The Duke Ellington School of the Arts as well as Howard University in Washington, DC. Whites thesis production, called THE WOMAN I AM, incorporated six of her greatest influences, including Sarah Vaughn, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and of course, Pearl Bailey, who White would eventually play in her first production.

After graduating from Howard University, White spent three years in New Orleans, pre-Hurricane Katrina, working in intimate settings and cabaret-style clubs. There she learned the importance of connecting with the audience and gained much of the experience needed to do a show like PEARL BAILEY. As an actress, Whites career continued to grow. She has played Effie White in DREAMGIRLS, Mahalia Jackson in MAHALIA, Woman of the World in BLUES IN THE NIGHT and Hanna in REJOICE. In 1996 she received the Helen Hayes award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Resident Musical for her work in BESSIES BLUES.

PEARL BAILEY made its debut at the MetroStage Theatre in Alexandria, Virginia at the beginning of the 2008/09 season. White was given positive reviews for the way she hindered her own voice and style to more fully resemble Bailey herself, and for her explosive stage persona. Whites other acting credits with MetroStage include BRICKTOP, TWO QUEENS ONE CASTLE, THREE SISTAHS and COOL PAPAS PARTY.

The MetroWeekly, Washington DCs GLBT Newsmagazine, had this to say about the production, Gorgeously dressed and accessorized, White employs a light touch throughout the entire production, gingerly gliding through the Bailey songbook as well as her monologues. She improvises here and there as befits Bailey, a Jazz Era great known for her quick wit and love of music and the stage. She handles the role with such aplomb, in fact, youll almost forget shes not Bailey. Its a remarkable feat youll remember for a long time to come.

Join us in The Reps Stackner Cabaret in this rare opportunity to spend a memorable evening with the Ambassador of Love.

AshLeigh Brown, PR/Marketing Intern

PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST January 8 February 28, 2010 Stackner Cabaret

5(continued on next page)

Roz White

I want audiences when they come to see PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST to be swept away to a time of elegance and class.

Roz White

Roz White

PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST January 8 February 28, 2010 Stackner Cabaret

Pearl Pearlie Mae Bailey was an accomplished singer, performer and actress. In her early days, she performed in vaudeville and nightclubs, eventually making it to Broadway where she won a Tony Award. After hitting Hollywood, Bailey appeared on several variety shows and specials, winning her an Emmy Award and a show of her own: The Pearl Bailey Show. During her acting career she also released more than 20 records, gaining a top ten hit with Takes Two to Tango. Later in her life she was awarded The Presidential Medal of Freedom for her outstanding contribution to music in the United States.

Bailey was born in Newport News, Virginia on March 29, 1918. As a teenager, she settled in Philadelphia with her brother, Bill Bailey, who tap danced at the Pearl Theatre. She entered and won an amateur contest there, going on to do the same at the famous Apollo Theater in New York. Seeing this as a career move, Bailey joined the club circuit, performing in small towns and eventually joining a U.S.O. troupe. In 1945 Bailey joined Cab Calloway and his orchestra, establishing her popularity as a singer.

In 1946 she first appeared on Broadway in the musical, ST. LOUIS WOMAN, winning a Donaldson Award that year for best newcomer on Broadway. She attracted the attention of Hollywood and received roles in Carmen Jones with Dorothy Dandridge, Porgy and Bess with Sidney Poitier and All the Fine Young Cannibals with Natalie Wood. While still performing in nightclubs, Bailey had the highlight of her career when she starred in an all-black cast of HELLO, DOLLY, playing the title role in this production for over three years and winning a 1968 Tony award.

Baileys likable personality and enjoyable performances made her a household name. She performed for presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon Johnson and Gerald Ford. Richard Nixon even dubbed her Americas Ambassador of Love in 1970. Next to Bob Hope, she and her jazz drummer husband, Louis Bellson, have had the most appearances at the White House. She was a four-time public goodwill ambassador to the United Nations, sang the National Anthem at Shea Stadium and received her Bachelors Degree at the age of 67.

Karl Stark in the Philadelphia Inquirer once wrote Bailey . . . was a star of the old school, a performer who could wow you with the expressive power of her art or bowl you over with the acuity of her intellect. She was, first and foremost, a vaudevillian who relished the intimacy of live performances.

AshLeigh Brown, PR/Marketing Intern6

Coming next to The Reps Stackner Cabaret

PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUESTStory concept by Roz WhiteBook by Roz White and Thomas W. Jones II

PERFORMANCE INFORMATIONPreview: January 8, 2010January 9 February 28, 2010Tickets: $30.00 $45.00

CAST LISTDave BaylesWilliam KnowlesDon LinkeRoz White

Watch Channel 10s Black Nouveau program on Wednesday, January 13 at 6:30 pm for a segment on PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST.

by Roger BeanMarch 5 April 25, 2010

Buy today! Tickets will go fast.milwaukeerep.com 414-224-9490

PEARL BAILEY THE AMBASSADOR OF LOVE

Pearl Bailey

ALMOST, MAINE tells the stories of fictional town Almost, nestled high in snowy northern Maine, miles from the ocean (and the lobsters). On one snowy night, the aurora borealis shines down on the almost-town causing strange happenings, some challenging, some wonderful. Told through a series of eight stories, the experiences of the people of Almost run the emotional gamut.

One woman finds love in the most unlikely of places: as she pays respects to her deceased husband. One man has a condition which makes him unable to experience pain, that is until the right person comes along . . . wielding an ironing board. While one couple waits anxiously for the other shoe to drop in their marriage, across town a couple of best friends take the first tentative steps towards romance. In this play love is at times shocking, icy, slippery and hard, but it is also thrilling, refreshing and as full of possibilities as a fresh snowfall. Directed by Rep Resident Acting Company Member Laura Gordon, straight off of her success in THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS, and featuring Resident Acting Company Members Gerard Neugent and Deborah Staples as well as guest actors Elizabeth Ledo and Steve Haggard, this is sure to be a night to remember. Gordon recently answered some questions for Literary Intern Zo Cohen on the joys and challenges of directing, and why ALMOST, MAINE is more than just the perfect date show. Zo Cohen: Many of our patrons may know you better as a member of our Resident Acting Company than as a director. How does your process as a director differ from your process as an actor? Do you have a preference for one or the other? Laura Gordon: I really enjoy both acting and directing. The wonderful thing about directing is the opportunity to work with the actors as well as with the design team . . . and all the collaborators, helping to bring a full production together. Every time I direct a play I learn (or relearn) something about acting. ZC: What attracted you to ALMOST, MAINE? Did you know immediately that this was a project you were interested in directing, or did it take some time? LG: I was interested in the play from the beginning. But I really got excited about it when I began to visualize specific actors in the roles. I could picture Gerry Neugent and Elizabeth Ledo doing a certain scene and thats when it came together for me.

ZC: Have you ever been to Maine? LG: I have been to Maine . . . but only to the southern part of the state, along the coast. The play takes place in remote northern Maine, far away from the ocean and the lobsters. Ive never been there. ZC: Playwright John Cariani seems very concerned that theses characters be portrayed without stereotype or disrespect, writing: The people of Almost, Maine are ordinary people. They work hard for a living. They are extremely dignified. They are honest and true. They are not cynical. They are not sarcastic. They are not glib. But this does not mean that theyre dumb. . . . Do you see a

ALMOST, MAINE January 13 February 7, 2010 Stiemke TheaterPEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST January 8 February 28, 2010 Stackner Cabaret

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A NIGHT OF LOVE, LOSS AND MAGIC UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

Laura Gordon

(continued on next page)Elizabeth Ledo and Gerard Neugent. Photo by Jay Westhauser.

ALMOST, MAINE January 13 February 7, 2010 Stiemke Theater

connection between the people of Almost to Midwesterners, or even more specifically, to Wisconsinites?

LG: Indeed! I think all these characters are recognizable to any audience, but I do think theres a certain Midwest sensibility . . . and a Wisconsin sensibility that seems very similar to northern Maine.

ZC: Gerry Neugent and Deborah Staples are featured in this show. What is it like to direct fellow Resident Acting Company Members? LG: I love directing actors I know. I know how they work. I respect their experience. I try to encourage them to stretch in ways that I know theyre capable of. ZC: Cariani writes: I think ALMOST, MAINE can best be described as a midwinter nights dream. Or as a romance. A really funny, really sad romance. Is this the perfect date show? LG: I like that description . . . a midwinter nights dream. It also strikes me as a kind of magical realism . . . far north of the border. I think it will be a great date show. But its appeal is broader than that.

ZC: He also insists that cute will kill this play. How do you plan to address the cute factor in your production? LG: The play is certainly about love. But its a subject that is bittersweet. I think the playwright has done a beautiful job examining love from lots of different angles. The sweet sort of takes care of itself. Im interested in the bitter that goes along with it.

Treat yourself to an early Valentines Day this winter, northern Maine style. Love is in the air, and so are the northern lights, as the citizens of Almost wander through this bittersweet midwinter nights dream.

THE REP IN DEPTHJoin us for The Rep In Depth, our lively informative half-hour talk which starts 45 minutes before every performance in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. This Rep In Depth will be led by guest actor Elizabeth Ledo.

Made possible in part by the generous support of:

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(A NIGHT OF LOVE . . . continued)

John Cariani

This January Love Happens

ALMOST, MAINEBy John Cariani

PERFORMANCE INFORMATIONPreviews: January 13 14, 2010January 15 February 7, 2010Tickets: $25.00

CAST LISTSteve HaggardElizabeth LedoGerard NeugentDeborah Staples

Member of 2009/10 Rep Resident Acting Company.

THE SEAFARER February 9 March 7, 2010 Quadracci Powerhouse Theater

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Time deepens and slows down somehow in a card game it could be any moment. Its always the same moment.

Mr. Lockhart, THE SEAFARER

Join us in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater this February for an evening of whiskey, festivity and Irish rowdiness and the most unlikely of Christmas stories! Rep Resident Acting Company Members Jon Daly, Lee Ernst, Jim Pickering and Rep favorites Chris Tarjan and Jonathan Smoots appear in Conor McPhersons THE SEAFARER, a lively and enthralling tale of drinking, secrets and revelation. If you enjoyed The Reps production of THE WEIR, youll love this delicious and dark comedy where risk is the name of the game and redemption may be slipping out of reach.

Its Christmas Eve in Dublin and brothers Sharky and Richard Harkin are celebrating with an inordinate amount of drinking, poker and a trio of holiday guests: Ivan, who lost his glasses in last nights revelries; Nicky, who is keeping company with Sharkys ex; and the mysterious Mr. Lockhart, a dapper stranger who has a secret meant for Sharkys ears alone.

In a run-down flat, strewn with whiskey bottles, beer cans, dirty dishes and last nights take-out containers, these inebriate Irishmen subsist on liquor, self-loathing and destruction. Though the elder brother, Richard, has recently gone blind and his friend, Ivan, cant see without his lost glasses, it is Sharkys struggles with drunkenness and violence that have left him spiritually blind to

the costs of his own human folly. Grasping onto the most tenuous threads of a newly-found sobriety, Sharkys past actions and poor choices have left him in a secret prison of his own guilt, anxiety and moral failings. When the stranger from Sharkys distant past turns up, the whiskey starts to look tempting and every card that Sharky bets could be his last; when everything is on the line, who will win the game? Tonight just might be the darkest night of Sharkys soul.

Within the dark and mysterious corners of Celtic myth and history, and under the weight of his own personal struggles with alcoholism, McPherson discovered an inspiration for his play in the transformative power of the faintest ray of light:

Theres this monument in Ireland, not very big, a 5,000-year-old tomb called Newgrange. Its got a long tunnel with a

WHISKEY, FESTIVITY AND IRISH ROWDINESS

(continued on next page)

THE SEAFARERBy Conor McPherson(Contains adult language)

PERFORMANCE INFORMATIONPreviews: February 9 11, 2010February 12 March 7, 2010Tickets: $10.00 $60.00

CAST LISTJonathan Gillard DalyLee E. ErnstJames PickeringJonathan SmootsChris Tarjan

Member of 2009/10 Rep Resident Acting Company.

Conor McPherson

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THE SEAFARER February 9 March 7, 2010 Quadracci Powerhouse Theater

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Top: James Pickering and Lee E. Ernst in The Reps 2002/03 Stiemke Theater production of THE LONESOME WEST. Bottom: Brian Vaughn and Chris Tarjan in The Reps 2003/04 Quadracci Powerhouse production of A DOLLS HOUSE. Photo by Jay Westhauser.

(WHISKEY . . . continued)little hole in the middle of it, and on [winter solstice] each year, the sun shines directly down that chamber and lights it up on the darkest day of the year. That image was mind-blowing to me so simple, spiritual, amazing. I wanted to write a play that had that moment.

As the all-night bender of liquor and laughs grows late, the stakes get higher and higher as we watch a tense battle between addiction and pathos, and between responsibility and forgiveness. Originally presented in 2006 at the National Theatre in London, and winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best New Play, THE SEAFARER transferred to Broadway in 2007 and was nominated for four Tony Awards, including Best Play.

Kristin Crouch, Literary Director

THE REP IN DEPTHJoin us for The Rep In Depth, our lively informative half-hour talk which starts 45 minutes before every performance in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. This Rep In Depth will be led by Resident Acting Company Member Jonathan Gillard Daly.

Made possible in part by the support of:

Milwaukee Repertory Theater is extremely fortunate to share a community with so many local businesses that are passionate about improving the quality of life in southeastern Wisconsin. Through generous support from companies both large and small, The Rep joins with all of Milwaukees arts organizations in creating one of the most vibrant, exciting and healthy arts scenes in the United States. Besides supporting The Reps programming, our corporate partners helped us bring theater into the lives of over 23,000 students in 2009/10, through in-school touring, residency programs and student matinees.

In October of last year, as our nations economy began to melt down, we feared the worst here in The Reps Development Department. But the loyalty of The Reps funders and the commitment of our corporate partners allayed our fears. Companies both large and small continued to donate to us, underscoring the valued place The Rep holds in

our community. This is not to say that fundraising in the current climate is easy! But our corporate supporters continue to look for new and creative ways to support The Rep and add value to Milwaukee.

If you are the owner or an employee at any sized company, please know that there is a place for you with us. We are always on the lookout for new and collaborative ways to partner with local businesses. Your contribution need not be in monetary form! If you have a company that could provide services to The Rep, we would love to hear from you as well. In return, we would welcome you to special events and use our creative resources to ensure that you and your employees always know that you are part of The Rep family. And needless to say, our nearly 190,000 patrons will see your companys name in our program and know that you, like so many of Milwaukees finest businesses, support the arts and culture in our city and in our MPS school system.

So give us a call at 414-290-5348 or e-mail jfarrell@milwaukeerep.com to talk about how we can work together with you on board, we know we can keep our stages bright for years to come!

Jim Farrell, Director of Corporate & Foundation Relations

SAVE THE DATE THE REPS 2010 GALA May 1, 2010Milwaukee Repertory Theater is preparing now for the 2010 Gala to be held on May 1st celebrating the marvelous journey that Artistic Director Joseph Hanreddy has successfully led the company on. The evening will also be an opportunity to welcome incoming Artistic Director Mark Clements as he assumes the creative navigation of The Reps future.

This exceptional event will offer over 300 guests a chance to gather throughout the unique spaces at The Rep. The evening will begin with The Reps exclusive Silent Auction and then feature a delicious dinner, all while commemorating the past and celebrating the future. Everything raised from this years Gala will directly support The Reps nationally renowned artistic programming. The funds this year will be especially important as Mark steps forward and creates his vision for the artistic programming of The Rep.

We need help!! A key to the success of this event is volunteer participation. There are many ways to become involved including help with Registration,

Silent Auction, Wine Pull and Guest Services. If you are interested in becoming an integral part of this special evening, please contact Becca Kitelinger at 414-290-5347 or e-mail at development@milwaukeerep.com.

From the Development Department

WOULD YOUR BUSINESS LIKE TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE REP?

Jim Farrell

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Backstage with The Reps Resident Acting CompanyPhotos by John Nienhuis

These photos were all taken by photographer John Nienhuis during the rehearsal process of THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR. Pictured above (LR): Jonathan Gillard Daly, Peter Silbert; Lee E. Ernst; Jim Guy (Properties Director), Torrey Hanson; Deborah Staples; James Pickering; Laura Gordon; Gerard Neugent and Amanda Weener (Stage Manager).

For more go to: www.milwaukeerep.com/images/0910/behindscenes/index.html12

Resident Acting Company

EVENTS

Rep Events

TALKBACKSTalkbacks (post-show discussions) will take place after the following evening performances: YANKEE TAVERN: Tuesday, January 12 and Wednesday, January 27ALMOST, MAINE: Tuesday, January 26 and Tuesday, February 2THE SEAFARER: Thursday, February 18, 25 and March 4

JOIN THE FRIENDS OF THE REPJoin the Friends and join the fun! Members of the Friends of The Rep collectively donate thousands of hours of volunteer time and effort to assure that The Rep has the resources to maintain its artistic standards and meet its financial objectives. The Friends volunteer efforts provide extra people resources to help The Rep sustain its leadership as one of the finest regional theaters in the country. Membership fees range from $15 $40 for one year. For more information, go to our website at: milwaukeerep.com/support/volunteer.htm.

PLAY READINGS AT TEN CHIMNEYS ESTATETen Chimneys Foundation and Milwaukee Repertory Theater continue a sixth season of their highly-acclaimed collaboration The Plays of Lunt and Fontanne: Play Readings at Ten Chimneys. Featuring The Reps Artistic Intern Company, the series gives audience an opportunity to enjoy some of the 20th centurys most successful plays at the estate of the actors who made them famous. The Ten Chimneys Play Reading schedule for the rest of the 2009/10 season is:

George Bernard Shaws PYGMALIONMonday, March 22

The readings begin at 7 pm. Play readings are just $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Call 262-968-4161, extension 500, to reserve seats and for further information. You may also visit tenchimneys.org and go to the section called public programs to learn more about the Ten Chimney play readings.

YANKEE TAVERN AND ALMOST, MAINE ENTOURAGE EVENTEntourage Events are a great way for anyone under 40 to experience great theater at The Rep for a low cost. The pre-show social events at The Rep and other downtown hotspots are perfect for networking and socializing. The second Entourage Event of the season willl take place Thursday, January 14. The pre-show reception begins at 5:30 pm in The Reps Quadracci Powerhouse Theater Lobby. At 7:30 pm YANKEE TAVERN and ALMOST, MAINE will be playing. Drink specials and complimentary appetizers will be provided by Maders. Great Lakes Distillery will be pouring samples of their award-winning Rehorst Vodka, Rehorst Citrus Honey Vodka & Rehorst Gin at the Entourage Event.

Tickets are $15. Visit www.milwaukeerep.com/entourage/ for information or to buy tickets.

PRE-PERFORMANCE MATINEE LUNCHEON at INTERCONTINENTALCome join the InterContinental for a special pre-show matinee luncheon before The Reps performance of YANKEE TAVERN on Wednesday, January 27th and THE SEAFARER on Wednesday, February 24th and March 4th. The inclusive lunch buffet is from 11:45 to 1:15 pm and costs $15 (includes tax and gratuity.) To make your reservation, please call Meghan Deutsch at 414-905-1200 or e-mail meghandeutsch@marcuscorp.com.

Guests of THE LADY WITH ALL THE ANSWERS luncheon learn tips from an etiquette expert.

Guests at the HAPPY NOW? Entourage Event.

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TICKET OFFICE: 414-224-9490 TICKET OFFICE FAX: 414-225-5490 WEBSITE: milwaukeerep.com ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE: 414-224-1761 ADMINISTRATIVE FAX: 414-224-9097

REP TICKET OFFICE HOURSMonday Friday: Noon 6 pmSaturday Sunday: Noon 6 pmWindow service is available until curtain time.

SINGLE TICKET PRICESQuadracci Powerhouse Theater: $10.00 $60.00 Stiemke Theater: $25.00Stackner Cabaret: $30.00 $45.00(Note: Prices are subject to change.)

THE REPS UNDER 40 DISCOUNTFor patrons under the age of 40, tickets as low as $15 are available for select Quadracci Powerhouse Theater seats. For more information or to order tickets visit: milwaukeerep.com/under40. (Prices subject to change without notice.)

DISCOUNTS FOR STUDENTS AND SENIOR CITIZENSReceive $5 off any seat bought in advance or purchase half-price rush tickets 60 minutes prior to curtain. Offer valid for QUADRACCI POWERHOUSE and STIEMKE THEATER performances only. Proper identification is required. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or Economy seating. Discount is not available online.

GROUP DISCOUNTSGroup Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information on The Reps Group Discounts, please contact The Reps Ticket Office at 414-224-9490.

A NOTE ON RUNNING TIMESTo find out the exact running time for one of our performances, please call the administrative office at 414-224-1761 on or after the first date of performance. Our receptionist will be happy to let you know the actual running time. Running times are also posted on our website at: milwaukeerep.com.

PARKINGLocated within the Milwaukee Center complex is an underground parking structure operated by InterParking. Enter off East Kilbourn Avenue or North Water Street, park, and then take the elevator to M or 2 for seating in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater or Stackner Cabaret, and to G for the Stiemke Theater or Rep Ticket Office. Patron Parking Passes for the Milwaukee Center Parking Garage are available in the Quadracci Powerhouse and Stiemke Theater lobbies for $7.00. See the House Manager for details or to buy a pass.

THE REP IN DEPTHJoin us for The Rep In Depth, a lively, informative half-hour talk which starts 45 minutes before every performance in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater and Stiemke Theater. Its free and you can drop in any time during the course of the talk. This popular series is sure to enhance your theatergoing experience with background information about the play you are about to see. Come and join all the other audience members who enjoy this free educational event!

ACCESS SERVICES Please contact The Rep Ticket Office to request Access Services, 414-224-9490.

Basic Information

BASIC INFORMATION

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Basic Information

(BASIC INFORMATION . . . continued)

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A sign language interpreted performance is scheduled for: YANKEE TAVERN on Thursday, January 28 at 7:30 pm, ALMOST, MAINE on Thursday, February 4 at 7:30 pm and THE SEAFARER on Thursday, March 4 at 7:30 pm.

A Captioned Theater performance is scheduled for YANKEE TAVERN on Sunday, January 31 at 2:00 pm and THE SEAFARER on Sunday, March 7 at 2:00 pm.

A script synopsis is available for those patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and would like to read it prior to attending a performance. If you would like to receive the synopsis, please call 414-224-1761.

The Quadracci Powerhouse Theater and the Stiemke Theater are equipped with an infrared listening system, which ensures clarity of sound from any seat in the house. If you would like one of the listening devices, please stop at the House Managers desk to check out a headset prior to watching your performance.

BLIND OR LOW VISION SERVICES:Audio-described performances are scheduled for: YANKEE TAVERN on Thursday, January 7 at 7:30 pm and Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30 pm, PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUEST on Sunday, January 17 at 7:00 pm and THE SEAFARER on Thursday, February 11 at 7:30 pm and Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30 pm. Audio description is the art of talking pictorially to make the arts accessible to people who are blind or have low vision. A cassette describing the visual elements and plot line of the productions are available at no cost to our patrons. Please call Erin Burgess at 414-290-5346 to make reservations for either of these audio-described performances or to receive the tapes.

Large print programs are available in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater or Stiemke Theater by asking any usher.

All Rep theaters are wheelchair accessible.

Prologue is available online quarterly by Milwaukee Repertory Theater.Artistic Director: Joseph HanreddyManaging Director: Dawn Helsing Wolters

Editor: Cindy E. MoranGraphic Design: Megan Gadient Editorial Staff: David Anderson, Kristin Crouch, Sandy Ernst, Brent Hazelton, Kristy StudinskiPhotography: Jay Westhauser, John Nienhuis

Cast of The Reps 2009/10 Pabst production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Photo by Jay Westahuser.

2009/10 Season Schedule

QUADRACCI POWERHOUSE THEATERYT YANKEE TAVERNSF THE SEAFARERKB SEVEN KEYS TO BALDPATE

STIEMKE THEATERAM ALMOST, MAINERG RADIO GOLF

STACKNER CABARETHW HOLMES & WATSON: A MUSICAL MYSTERYPB PEARL BAILEY . . . BY REQUESTRT ROUTE 66

LegendPreview

Opening Night

Pay What You Can

Talkback

SmokeFree

Interpreted in ASL

Audio Description

Captioned Theater

January

8 10

12 13 17

19 20 21 22

4:00/8:00 YT

8:00 PB

8:00 YT8:00 AM8:00 PB

4:00/8:00 YT4:00/8:00 AM4:00/8:00 PB

26 27 28 29

8:00 YT

8:00 PB

2:00/7:00 YT

7:00 PB

SATURDAYTUESDAY FRIDAYTHURSDAYWEDNESDAY SUNDAY1 32

30 31

14 15 16

5 6 7 9

2423

4:00/8:00 HW 2:00/7:00 HW

7:30 YT 7:30 YT 7:30 YT

6:30 YT

6:30 PB

7:30 YT7:30 AM7:30 PB

7:30 YT7:30 AM7:30 PB

2:00/7:00 YT2:00/7:00 AM

2:00/ 7:00 PB

1:30/7:30 YT1:30/7:30 AM

7:30 PB

7:30 YT7:30 AM7:30 PB

8:00 YT8:00 AM8:00 PB

4:00/8:00 YT4:00/8:00 AM4:00/8:00 PB

2:00/7:00 YT2:00/7:00 AM2:00/7:00 PB

7:30 AM7:30 PB

1:30/ 7:30 YT7:30 AM7:30 PB

7:30 YT7:30 AM7:30 PB

8:00 YT8:00 AM8:00 PB

4:00/8:00 YT4:00/8:00 AM4:00/8:00 PB

2:00/7:00 YT2:00/7:00 AM2:00/7:00 PB

February

4:00/8:00 SF

4:00/8:00 PB

8:00 SF

8:00 PB

4:00/8:00 SF

4:00/8:00 PB

8:00 YT

8:00 PB

2:00/7:00 SF

2:00/7:00 PB

SATURDAYTUESDAY FRIDAYTHURSDAYWEDNESDAY SUNDAY

7:30 SF

7:30 PB

7:30 SF

7:30 PB

7:30 SF

7:30 PB

6:30 SF 7:30 SF

7:30 PB

2:00/7:00 SF

2:00/7:00 PB

1:30/7:30 SF

7:30 PB

7:30 SF

7:30 PB

8:00 SF

8:00 PB

4:00/8:00 SF

4:00/8:00 PB

2:00/7:00 SF

2:00/7:00 PB

6:30 AM 7:30 AM7:30 PB

8:00 AM8:00 PB

4:00/8:00 AM4:00/8:00 PB

2:00/7:00 AM2:00/7:00 PB

75 62 43

9 1110 12 13 14

16 1817 19 20 21

23 2524 26 27 28

7:30 AM7:30 PB

7:30 SF

7:30 PB

March

8:00 RG8:00 RT

4:00/8:00 RG4:00/8:00 RT

SATURDAYTUESDAY FRIDAYTHURSDAYWEDNESDAY SUNDAY

7:30 KB7:30 RG7:30 RT

7:30 RG7:30 RT

2:00/7:00 RG2:00/7:00 RT

1:30/7:30 RG7:30 RT

7:30 KB7:30 RG7:30 RT

8:00 KB8:00 RG8:00 RT

4:00/8:00 RG4:00/8:00 RT

2:00/7:00 RG2:00/

7:00 PB

7:30 RG7:30 RT

7:30 KB

7:30 RT

8:00 SF8:00 RG8:00 RT

4:00/8:00 SF4:00/8:00 RG

8:00 RT

2:00/7:00 SF2:00/7:00 RG

7:00 RT

7

9 1110 12 13 14

16 1817 19 20 21

23 2524 26 27 28

5 62 43

30 31

1:30/7:30 SF7:30 RG

7:30 SF7:30 RG

7:30 RG7:30 RT

7:30 RG7:30 RT

8:00 RG8:00 RT

7:30 KB7:30 RG7:30 RT

4:00/8:00 KB4:00/8:00 RG4:00/8:00 RT

2:00/7:00 KB2:00/7:00 RG2:00/7:00 RT

6:30 KB

7:30 RT

PERFORMANCE CALENDARJanuary March 2010

Performance Calender

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