9 Shows We Can’t Wait to See in December

City skywalks, busy catwalks, shows in holiday style. The Milwaukee Theater District has a stacked holiday season at venues around town. And if you’re a lover of all things Santa and Rat King, you should check out all the upcoming holiday performances in our Holidays in the Milwaukee Theater District blog. But, for those looking for everything from standup comedy to Grateful Dead tribute shows, there’s so much more in store for theater lovers in the district! Here are nine shows we can’t wait to see in December.

Riverside Theater

Joe Russo's Almost Dead

The Riverside Theater
December 5 | 8 p.m.

Joe Russo is alive and well, but the band is Dead…or pretty close to it. The Grateful Dead tribute band showcases a selection of the legendary jam bands’ greatest hits with a raw energy that has drawn Deadheads from around the country to experience the Dead’s catalog as it was meant to be, live and in person. Get Grateful this holiday season.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” in Concert

The Riverside Theater
December 6-8 | 7 p.m.

This season, forget the wrapping paper. Get wrapped up in the conclusion of a beloved cinematic saga at “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2,” accompanied by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. The boy who lives, the one who shall not be named and the pure magic of it all underscored by the rich sounds of a symphony. Fly in to see Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger take on The Dark Lord one last time in a clash between good and evil for the ages. “Wingardium Leviosa!”

History That Doesn't Suck with Prof. Greg Jackson

Turner Hall Ballroom

December 12 | 8 p.m.

There’s an old saying that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat the past. Well, no one said it had to be boring, either. Dr. Greg Jackson and his team are hitting the road to share the oft-forgotten stories throughout the first century of American history in an engaging, hour-long format. Coming to the historic Turner Hall Ballroom, revel in the storytelling of our country’s past, along with live music and video at this History That Doesn’t Suck. Class is in session!

Rene Vaca

Turner Hall Ballroom

December 13 | 7 p.m.

Arriving at Turner Hall Ballroom in the midst of his national tour, Rene Vaca is bringing the laughs to Milwaukee on December 13. The 28-year-old comic, writer and actor has been featured as one of Netflix’s Introducing Comedians for the 2024 Netflix is a Joke Festival and on his own monthly show, LEG DAY, at The Hollywood Laugh Factory. Let’s laugh!

Two people walking in front of Broadway Theatre Center, home of Skylight Music Theatre

“Oliver!”

Skylight Music Theatre

December 1, 4, 6-15, 18-22, 26-29

Charles Dickens in December? Nope, it’s not “A Christmas Carol” (Although you can see The Rep’s rendition of the holiday staple at the Pabst Theater). We’re talking about another in the decorated author’s stable of literary classics: “Oliver!” The musical rendition of Dickens’ novel “Oliver Twist,” see this rags-to-riches story spring to life in front of your eyes with unforgettable characters, humor, dancing and drama in a heartwarming musical that you’re sure to love. Please, sir, may I have some more (tickets)?

PAW Patrol Live!

Miller High Life Theatre

December 14-15

PAW Patrol is on a roll…to the Miller High Life Theatre! See your favorite furry friends in action as they go on “A Mighty Adventure.” Designed as an intro to the performing arts, this interactive show featuring Skye, Zuma, Rocky, Marshall and more invites you and your little one to sing along, clap, dance and join in the fun! PAW Patrol, to the Miller High Life Theatre website!

The Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of Grateful Dead + More for Kids

Turner Hall Ballroom
December 29 | Noon

It’s a big month for the Grateful Dead in Milwaukee. From the unbridled excitement of Joe Russo’s Almost Dead tribute band to the Grateful Dead for kids, you could say our city is experiencing a “Ripple” effect. Bring your little dancing bears to Turner Hall Ballroom at noon on Sunday, December 29, for this kid-centric show that encourages kids to move, play and sing while listening to the music of genre-defining jam band The Grateful Dead. And, as an added bonus, the show kicks off with a New Year’s Eve Ball Drop at Noon. Let there be songs to fill the air!

Lumberjacks in Love

Lumberjacks In Love

Stackner Cabaret

Now – January 12

Ope! From the makers of “Guys on Ice” is a heartwarming tale full of up nort’ humor, fun-loving songs and flannel-clad lumberjacks. Set in the early 1900s, settle into this light-hearted comedy is about a camp of lumberjacks living in a bachelor paradise who have their world turned upside down by the unexpected arrival of a special delivery named Rose in a play so clever, funny and painfully human that you simply must see it to believe it. Get your tickets here!

WMSE's 10th Annual Big Band Grandstand

Turner Hall Ballroom

December 8 | 4 p.m.

Returning to Turner Hall Ballroom to mark a decade of this annual tradition, Big Band Grandstand is back with performances by WMSE’s own Dewey Gill and Gunhild Carling, known for her incredible multi-instrumental talents, including trombone, bagpipes, trumpet, recorder and more. The best part? It’s all for a good cause! Proceeds from the Big Band Grandstand support the upkeep of WMSE’s studios, help digitize the station’s jazz library and power the WMSE Live Jazz stream 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Big band, big fun! Find your tickets!