Theatre Performances

October 8–October 12

H.M.S. Pinafore

Full of wit, absurdity and sly social commentary, HMS Pinafore is a hilarious tale of love, honor and duty aboard a Royal Navy ship whimsically named after a woman’s garment. Written by master social satirists W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan—one of musical theatre’s most iconic duos—this classic 19th-century comic opera gets a fresh, imaginative staging by Milwaukee Opera Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director Jill Anna Ponasik. Presented in collaboration with Milwaukee Opera Theatre and the UWM Department of Theatre, this lively production promises sharp humor, infectious music and a delightful twist on tradition.

November 5–November 9

In Darkness, Audio Flowers Bloom

In a world silenced by a ban on music, a group of daring teens risks everything to rediscover it. They meet in secret to learn about all things musical, defying an oppressive government determined to keep them silent. But their newfound knowledge comes at a price. In Darkness, Audio Flowers Bloom is a bold, imaginative new work exploring resistance, identity and the unshakable human need for expression. Presented as part of the UWM Department of Theatre’s New Dramaworks series, this thrilling world premiere amplifies voices that refuse to be silenced.

November 19–November 23

Scapino!

Set in modern-day Naples, Scapino! is a zany reimagined farce inspired by Molière’s 1671 comedy Les Fourberies de Scapin. This madcap romp bursts with slapstick and fast-paces humor, including tall tales, bad impersonations, ridiculous chase scenes, disgruntled waiters, lovable panhandlers, melodic macaroni, and misbehaving sausages. Overflowing with physical comedy and rapid-fire humor, it’s a theatrical free-for-all that’s as unpredictable as it is hilarious. You’ve been warned: your belly might just ache from laughing so hard!

March 11, 2026–March 15, 2026

The Good Doctor

A mistimed sneeze, a foolish drowning stunt, a helpful cuckold, an enthusiastic dentist, and a boy reluctant to face manhood—this is just a taste of what unfolds when Anton Chekhov’s short stories meet the wit and whimsy of Neil Simon. The Good Doctor is a clever “tour de farce” filled with absurdity, charm and deeply human foibles and follies. Blending Chekhov’s timeless observations with Simon’s comedic sparkle, this series of vignettes captures the unexpected tenderness of life’s missteps with humor and heart.

April 8, 2026–April 12, 2026

Songs for a New World

The first musical from three-time Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown, Songs for a New World is a moving collection of powerful songs examining life, love and the pivotal choices people make when facing defining moments. From the deck of a Spanish ship in 1492 to the ledge of a Fifth Avenue high-rise, each character confronts a turning point—forced to take a leap into the unknown. With a soaring, contemporary score, this intimate song cycle explores the beauty, heartbreak and hope of ordinary people facing extraordinary change.

April 29, 2026–May 3, 2026

The Three Sisters

Master dramatist and storyteller Anton Chekhov bookends the spring semester with The Three Sisters, offering a poignant contrast to the comedy and farce of Neil Simon’s The Good Doctor. In this tour de force of love, longing and heartbreak, sisters Olga, Masha and Irina languish in a provincial town, far from their beloved Moscow. There, they yearn for the sparkling city of their childhood, where they dream all wishes can be fulfilled. A masterful look at a family navigating the space between reality and dreams, The Three Sisters envelops you with exquisite moments of humor and hope.

May 6, 2026–May 10, 2026

New Dramaworks: Short Play Festival

The New Dramaworks Short Play Festival is back! The UWM Department of Theatre presents an exciting showcase of original plays celebrating hope and resistance. Don't miss the premiere of these brand-new works written, directed and produced by UWM students.