MILWAUKEE: Milwaukee Repertory Theater has announced that it will move its 2020-21 season programming to the 2021-22 calendar year. The company’s 2020-21 Reset Season will feature five socially distant productions.
“The original 2020-21 season was designed to be enjoyed by over 250,000 audience members and involved 500-plus artists and staff,” said artistic director Mark Clements in a statement. “Unfortunately, given the realities of COVID-19, producing the announced season in a safe and responsible manner is not possible at this time. However, we know how important theatre is during challenging times, so we are pleased to offer an alternative that will provide high-quality, entertaining theatre in an environment that is safe and welcoming to our patrons. For safety, we are starting with the smallest-cast shows and building up from there through the spring. It may look different, but our dedicated artists and staff are eager to put their skills to task and provide our audiences with a theatrical experience that will undoubtedly meet our world-class standards.”
The updated season will kick off with Jacob & Marley’s Christmas Carol (Dec. 1-24), adapted by Tom Mula from Charles Dickens. The one-person show will star Lee E. Ernst as Ebenezer Scrooge, and mark the company’s 45th production of the classic holiday tale. Clements will direct.
Next up will be Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song (Feb. 16-March 14, 2021), presented by Artists Lounge, a musical about the life and career of Ella Fitzgerald. The show features tunes including “Summertime,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.” Alexis J. Roston will star in the eponymous role.
Following will be Dick Enberg’s McGuire (March 23-April 18, 2021), a play about Marquette University’s legendary basketball coach Al McGuire. This encore production, which first bowed at Milwaukee Rep in 2017, stars Anthony Crivello.
Next will be Antonio’s Song/I Was Dreaming of a Son (April 7-May 2, 2021), by Dael Orlandersmith and Antonio Edwards Suarez. This movement drama explores the sins of fathers and mothers, as well as the gifts parents bestow to their children. The show is part of the John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program. Clements will direct.
The season will conclude with Christina Ham’s Nina Simone: Four Women (April 27-May 23, 2021), about the ways the tragic 1963 KKK bombing that killed for girls in Birmingham, Alabama shaped Nina Simone as an artist and activist.
Milwaukee Repertory Theater, founded in 1954, presents classics, new plays, and musicals in its three performance venues.
