The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, 108 E. Wells St., has had a successful season and is about to conclude with three shows: "I Just Stopped By To See The Man," Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" and "Fire on the Bayou."
The season started in September right after Labor Day weekend, according the Rep's artistic director, Joseph Hanreddy.
The Rep brings all kinds of theater to the Milwaukee community. Because the company has three stages to work with, it's able to offer multiple productions simultaneously.
"We have three different venues and they all have their own character," Hanreddy said.
Since September, The Rep has brought a variety of theatrical experiences to Milwaukee.
"It's been a really strong season for us," Hanreddy said. "We just finished a run of 'Pride and Prejudice' and it was one of our bestsellers ever. We were really pleased with that."
"I Just Stopped By To See The Man," which is performed in The Rep's Stiemke Theater, tells the story of Jesse Davidson, the greatest (fictional) bluesman. Although long believed dead, Jesse is actually living in the Louisiana Bayou with his activist daughter.
The story is based on folklore and legend, and when Jesse is visited by Karl, a young British musician, legends as old as the blues themselves come to life.
Hanreddy said "I Just Stopped By To See The Man" is a production anyone will enjoy.
"Everybody's into music and the cultural influences on music are always interesting," Hanreddy said. "And the performances are great."
The play features only three actors. Lanise Shelley is a member of The Rep's resident acting company, and actors Cedric Young and Eric Hellman were recruited from Chicago.
After a month of hard work in rehearsals, "I Just Stopped By To See The Man" opened to critical acclaim. The show opened on April 8 and so far the run has gone quite well, said Hanreddy.
"The audience has been pretty full," he said. "Our critical reviews have been great, too."
"I Just Stopped By To See The Man" will be running through May 3 at the Stiemke Theater.
Tickets are also available for "The Cherry Orchard" and "Fire on the Bayou," which both run through May 10. "The Cherry Orchard" is presented at the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater while "Fire on the Bayou" can be seen at the Rep's Stackner Cabaret.
For tickets, visit the box office or call 414-224-9490. Tickets are also available online. A student discount is available with ID, and student rush tickets are available 30 minutes prior to showtime at the Quadracci Powerhouse and Stiemke theaters.