In the season of resolutions, now’s the perfect time to choose to see more shows in the Milwaukee Theater District this year! Great, now that that’s settled, what better way to get started on your newest New Year’s resolution than to dive in right away? Here are nine shows in the Milwaukee Theater District that you just have to see in January.
“Chicago”
January 14-19
Broadway’s longest-running musical is back in the Milwaukee Theater District this month. A tale that has it all: fame, fortune and a jazz-laden musical score that’ll have you dancing in your seat. Taking place in Chicago’s Jazz Age, follow along as two of the Cook County Jail’s most notorious murderesses—vaudeville star Velma Kelly and chorus girl Roxie Hart—battle for headlines amidst a media frenzy. Don’t wait! Get your tickets to this classic today.
“A Doll’s House”
January 24 - February 9
Considered one of the great feminist works, for only the second time in 50 years, the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre will perform this world-changing Henrik Ibsen play. Nominated as a Tony Award for Best Revival in 2023, the work is a devastatingly compact and celebrated new adaptation is a study on gender roles, marital dynamics and the struggles for equality that remain as relevant today as it was when the play debuted over 150 years ago. Find your tickets here!
Ben Schwartz & Friends
January 18 | 8 p.m.
There’s suspense, and then there’s the art of suspenseful anticipation that can only be found in expertly executed improv comedy. Coming to The Riverside Theater mid-month, Ben Schwartz and Friends will bring a completely improvised show full of twists, turns and plenty of unexpected laughs along the way. Book your ticket to an unforgettable, truly one-of-a-kind night out. Secure your seats here!
“The Nether”
January 11 - February 2
In a world where AI has become more and more a part of the everyday experience, “The Nether” is a thought-provoking play that challenges the audience to define the line between ethics and morality in the use of virtual reality. Throughout the play, follow along as a detective investigates a disturbing online realm, uncovering a dark network that raises unsettling questions about tech, morality and the human psyche. Find your tickets today!
Goblin King Masquerade Ball
Turner Hall Ballroom
January 17-18
Yes, that Goblin King. If you know, you know. If not, then maybe this isn’t the event for you. The Third Annual Goblin King Masquerade Ball is returning to Turner Hall Ballroom on January 17 and 18, transforming the historic ballroom into a magical haven befitting “Labyrinth” star David Bowie. Come dressed in your finest formal wear, ready to party, then revel in a waltz dance class, savor signature cocktails and live music and so much more. Don’t miss out! Party like a Goblin King and get your tickets here.
The Dinosaur Play by First Stage
January 18 – February 16
A roaring family night out at the theater, take a trip back in time millions of years ago to days when dinosaurs roamed the earth, where an urgent mission awaits. It’s up to you to help hatch a dinosaur egg, defeat the Tyrannosaurus Rex and make new friends along the way. Recommended for families with young people ages 3-9, your Jurassic adventure awaits! Get your tickets today!
“The Woman in Black”
January 21 – March 23
Halloween is long in our rearview mirror, but spine-tingling horror knows no bounds! From London’s West End to Milwaukee’s downtown, “The Woman in Black” tells the story of a lawyer obsessed with a curse he believes has been cast over him and his family by the specter of a woman in black. Connecting with a young actor to share his tale, the two characters find themselves ensnared in an adrenaline-inducing plot so gripping that you have to see it to believe it. Click it for tickets!
Milwaukee’s Festival City Symphony
January 25 | 2 p.m.
The last of 2024 Saturday Classics concerts are perfect for symphony lovers and newcomers. Taking place in the opulent Bradley Symphony Center, this free performance, “Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and Beethoven’s Eighth,” welcomes Milwaukee violinist Jonah Kartman as he showcases his talents with works by Ravel, Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Reserve your seats for this symphonic afternoon at the theater.
King Buffalo
January 30 | 8 p.m.
Heavy psych rock. Need we say more? The trio known as King Buffalo is headed to the Pabst Theater to close out the month of January, bringing their trademark sound that has tantalized crowds across the country, with tours supporting Clutch, Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, All Them Witches, The Sword, and Elder. Find your seats!
Adaptive Performances
The passion and excitement of shows in the Milwaukee Theater District are for fans all! Here are some of the adaptive performances at this month’s shows.
“Chicago”
“A Doll’s House”
“The Nether”
- Captioned Performances
- ASL Interpreted Performance
- Sensory Friendly Performance
- Audio Described Performance
“The Dinosaur Play”
- Sensory Friendly Performance
- February 1 at 3:30 p.m.
- Sign Language Interpreted Performance
- February 9 at 1 p.m
- February 9 at 1 p.m
“Woman in Black”
