The shortest month of the year packs some of the season’s biggest shows in the Milwaukee Theater District. From classic plays to jam bands, we’ve got what you need to make theater plans this month. Here’s what to see in Milwaukee this February.
The Classics
They’re timeless, they’re staples of their respective mediums and they’re playing in the Milwaukee Theater District this winter. Check out these classics.
“Frankenstein: The Musical”
February 25 – March 30
Toss out all the tropes, scrap all the scary stories of monsters and drop all you remember about the standard production of “Frankenstein” for this musical. A faithful retelling of Mary Shelley’s iconic work, this new perspective on the classic tale dives into the depths of exploration, the lengths we’re willing to go for discovery and what it means to be truly human. It’s alive! It’s live in the Milwaukee Theater District!
“Romeo & Juliet”
Skylight Music Theatre at the Bradway Theatre Center
February 21 – March 9
A twist on the Shakespearean masterpiece, head a tad west of Verona, Italy, to the hills of the Appalachian Mountains as the setting for this tale of star-crossed lovers. Against all odds, amidst the tight-knit mountain communities, two members of feuding families fall in love, invoking the poetry of Shakespeare in a refreshed take of the well-loved work. Oh tickets, oh tickets, where art thy tickets?
“Casablanca”
Bradley Symphony Center
February 14-16
Of all the theater districts in all the towns in all the world, “Casablanca” walks into ours. Fall in love with this classic movie like never before this Valentine’s Day weekend at the Bradley Symphony Center. Accompanied by the lush sounds of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, you’re not just watching this timeless film; you’re a part of the action. Round up the usual suspects and get your tickets here!
Concerts
Temps outside might be low, but the raw energy of live music is enough to warm the soul. Here are just a few of the concerts coming to Milwaukee in February.
Hippo Campus
February 12, 8 p.m.
Hippo Campus rolls into town on a tour of their long-awaited fourth LP, “Flood.” For five years, the band, known for its easy sound and jamming ability, worked tirelessly on the music and themselves in attempts to engineer a masterpiece, only to realize that it simply was not good enough. Scrapping the original album, the group booked a 10-day session at Sonic Ranch in Texas and walked away with one of the best Hippo Campus albums to date. Hear the new album live!
Goose
February 6-8, 8 p.m.
Soaring into the Miller High Life Theatre, Goose is embarking on a three-night set in Milwaukee this February. Since the band’s debut in 2016, the band has been flying high, amassing a massive fan following through their jam band allure. Saturday night is already sold out! Get your tickets today.
Crystal Gayle
Turner Hall Ballroom
February 22, 8 p.m.
Towards the end of the month, Crystal Gayle is coming to the Turner Hall Ballroom. Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2017 by her sister Loretta Lynn, the country music star is bringing songs like “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” “You’ve Been Talking In Your Sleep, When I Dream, Half the Way,” and more of her 35 top-10 country hits to the ballroom as she tours her latest album “You Don’t Know About Me.” Get your tickets today!
More Dramatic Acts
There’s so much more to see! From authentically local ballet performances to thought-provoking plays, the city’s most entertaining district has something for you.
MKE Mix
Baumgartner Center for Dance
February 7-16
Innovative ballet works hit the stage with a local flair this month at MKE Mix by the Milwaukee Ballet. Taking place at their 172-seat theater in the Historic Third Ward, this production showcases three works by the ballet’s own company artists. Don’t delay — tickets are going fast.
“The Children”
February 12 - March 9
A beautifully written and thought-provoking work by Lucy Kirkwood, “The Children” weighs themes of responsibility, guilt and what we owe to future generations. The play takes place in a post-apocalyptic landscape where two nuclear scientists peacefully hide away in an isolated cottage until an old friend appears with a frightening request. Get your tickets today!
“Acis & Galatea”
February 14 & 16
Handel’s most performed opera, this production tells the tale of love, jealousy and mythical mischief, culminating in a Florentine Opera Company performance that has been described as nothing short of “visual poetry.” The weekend begins on Valentine’s Day with an opening night dinner at Saint Kate’s Arc Theatre and a pre-opera talk inside the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall before closing out with a post-show party at The Bar back at Saint Kate. Book your perfect date night here!
Adaptive Performances
The comedy, tragedy and energy of shows in the Milwaukee Theater District are for all! Here are some of the adaptive performances at this month’s shows.
- ASL Interpreted Performance
- March 6
- March 6
- Audio-Described Performance
- March 6
- ASL Interpreted Performance
- March 14 and 28
- Closed Captioned Performance
- March 23
