Milwaukee, Wis. (April 25, 2023) — Artistic Director Michael Unger today unveiled Skylight Music Theatre’s 2023-2024 season at an in-person and livestreamed event from the Cabot Theatre featuring musical selections from the shows to be presented in Skylight’s upcoming 64th season. Unger was joined by Skylight performers and an on-stage band to introduce what he described as a “…fun, powerful, inspiring, and exciting season that is sure to surprise and delight!”
Skylight’s 2023-2024 season includes the Midwest premiere of Tim Rice’s new musical, From Here to Eternity; a moving new interpretation of the coming-of-age musical, Spring Awakening; the postponed production of the adored Leonard Bernstein operetta Candide, directed and designed by visionary theatre artist James Ortiz; the family-favorite rock musical School of Rock by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the hit film; the electrifying, roller skating romp Xanadu, based on the cult 1980s movie of the same name; and Tim Rice’s newest musical, From Here to Eternity, based on the Pulitzer prize-winning novel by James Jones which was turned into the Academy Award-winning film.
“We are looking forward to building upon the momentum of our successful 2022-2023 season, which exceeded attendance goals and brought full houses of thrilled patrons back to the Cabot Theatre,” said Skylight Artistic Director Michael Unger. “This season promises five meaningful stories that audiences will find entertaining, thrilling, gripping, daring, and inspiring.”
Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional music theatre company, located at 158 N. Broadway in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.
Season Begins with Uplifting New Take on Classic Operetta ‘Candide’
Originally scheduled to close Skylight Music Theatre’s 60th anniversary 2019-2020 season and delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Candide will now open the 2023-2024 season and run from Oct. 13 – 29. The four-time Tony Award-winning Candide tells the story of a naive young couple and the absurdly unfortunate events that befall them in their round-the-best-of-all-possible-worlds romp. Leonard Bernstein’s magnificent operetta will be adapted, directed, and designed for Skylight by the acclaimed New York City designer, playwright, and director James Ortiz. At Skylight, Ortiz previously directed the light opera Beauty and the Beast (Zémire et Azor) in 2017, which featured massive puppets and received universal praise from critics. Ortiz recently created the puppet design for the current Broadway tour of Into the Woods, and in 2012 for off-Broadway’s acclaimed The Woodsman, which he also wrote and directed.
“Skylight is delighted to welcome James Ortiz back to kick off our 2023-24 season,” said Unger. “Set in an explosively surreal and colorful 1950’s setting, this new version of Candide will feature Ortiz’s signature impressive puppetry design.”
Rock Out with the Whole Family for the Holidays
Skylight will celebrate the holidays with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s joyous rock musical School of Rock, Nov. 17 – Dec. 30. The four-time Tony Award-nominated School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed rockstar-in-his-own-mind who stumbles into a job as substitute teacher at a prestigious private school, eventually enlisting a group of students to form a rock band. School of Rock will feature a sensational kids’ rock band, comprised of talented local youth performers. Hit songs like “You’re in the Band,” “Stick it to the Man” and “Teacher’s Pet” will electrify the Cabot Theatre as these youngsters, and their teacher Dewey, learn they have a lot more to offer than they might have thought.
“Once again, our holiday show will feature a cast of incredibly talented local youth,” said Unger, who will direct. “The incorporation of kids playing instruments live on stage, alongside a marvelous story, makes this the perfect show for rockers of all ages.”
Tony Award-Nominated ‘Xanadu’ a Glittering Tribute to 1980s Roller Disco
In 2007, Xanadu skated its way into the hearts of Broadway audiences and earned four Tony Award nominations. Skylight will present Xanadu Jan. 26 – Feb. 11, 2024. Xanadu follows the enchanting and beautiful Greek muse Kira as she descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, Calif. in the year 1980 to inspire a struggling artist. Xanadu is a roller disco romp that encourages adults and children alike to follow their dreams, with a hit score by pop-rock legends Jeff Lynne (of Electric Light Orchestra) and John Farrar.
“Following the success of Mamma Mia! in our 2022-2023 season, we know that audiences are yearning for genuine dance-in-the-aisles fun,” Unger said. “Xanadu is the perfect mid-winter pick-me-up for Milwaukee audiences and will mark the first-time actors will be on roller skates in the Cabot Theatre!”
‘Spring Awakening’ to include both Hearing and Deaf Actors
Originally scheduled in Skylight Music Theatre’s 2020-2021 season and then delayed due to the pandemic, Spring Awakening will be presented March 1-17, 2024. This modern re-telling of teen angst and sexual awakening in the 19th century has a phenomenal, alternative rock score. The original Broadway production won eight Tony Awards. Skylight will stage a version of this coming-of-age story that will be performed by a cast of hearing and deaf actors but is for all audiences. Skylight Artistic Director Michael Unger will co-direct the production with a deaf co-director and is thrilled to have American Sign Language as a central feature on the Cabot Stage for the first time. Unger directed a play at Deaf West Theater in California in 2010 and was inspired for this production by their 2015 Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Spring Awakening.
“Our reimagined version of Spring Awakening will have a dynamic cast made up of hearing actor/musicians alongside hearing-impaired and deaf actors,” said Unger. “Ultimately, it is my goal to create a theater experience that will be accessible to ALL audiences while opening hearts, minds and understanding,” said Unger.
Season Closer Marks Midwest Premiere of Tim Rice Wartime Epic
The final show of the 2023-2024 season will be Tim Rice’s newest musical, From Here to Eternity, presented April 12 – May 5, 2024. With lyrics by the legendary Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award-winner Tim Rice (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, Disney’s The Lion King), From Here to Eternity was adapted from the Pulitzer prize-winning novel by James Jones. The show saw its debut in London’s West End in 2013 and was Rice’s first new musical since Aida. This fascinating new musical, with a powerhouse rock and blues score, continues its US development with this production. Set in Hawaii in the two weeks leading up to December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, From Here to Eternity charts a compelling and suspenseful course for the soldiers of G Company as local and national tensions splinter against an escalating war.
“We are honored to be collaborating with the legendary Tim Rice to bring this incredibly powerful American story to Skylight,” said Unger. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Skylight audiences and will be the first time the musical of From Here to Eternity has been staged in the Midwest.”
New Adaptation!
CANDIDE
Oct. 13-29, 2023
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Book adapted from Voltaire by Hugh Wheeler
Lyrics by Richard Wilbur
Additional lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and John Latouche
Produced on Broadway by the Chelsea Theatre Center of Brooklyn in conjunction with Harold Prince and Ruth Mitchell
Broadway production conceived and directed by Harold Prince
Directed, Scenic Design and Puppet Design by James Ortiz
Leonard Bernstein’s operetta is a masterpiece for the ages. Based on Voltaire’s satire of innocence, optimism, and life’s unexpected lessons, Candide tells the story of two young innocents, their round-the-world romp and series of absurdly unfortunate events. Bridging the gap between musicals and opera, Candide holds a special place in Skylight history, produced twice at Skylight’s old space on Jefferson Street. This is its first time on the Cabot stage.
Production sponsors Jan Serr & John Shannon
“Stunning, effervescent and vividly moving adventure… a theatrical masterpiece of the highest order!” – Chicago Critic
“Delightful operatic romp!” – BroadwayWorld
Skylight Premiere!
SCHOOL OF ROCK
Nov. 17 – Dec. 30, 2023
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Glenn Slater
Book by Julian Fellowes
Based on the film School of Rock by Mike White
Directed by Skylight Artistic Director Michael Unger
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit rock musical is a joyful testament to the transformative power of music. This four-time Tony nominated show follows Dewey Finn, a failed rockstar who becomes a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. When he discovers his students’ hidden musical talents, he enlists them to form a rock band. This family-friendly story is perfect for all ages.
Sponsored by Private Asset Management Baird
“A big, beautiful blast of musical comedy from start to finish!” – BroadwayWorld
“Exuberantly loud, high-spirited and upbeat, it’s a feel-good show!” – Deadline
Skylight Premiere!
XANADU
Jan. 26 – Feb. 11, 2024
Music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar
Book by Douglas Carter Beane
Based on the film Xanadu by Richard Christian Danus and Marc Reid Rubel
Xanadu follows the enchanting and beautiful Greek muse Kira as she descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California in the year 1980 to inspire a struggling artist. Xanadu is a delightful roller disco romp that encourages adults and children alike to follow their dreams, with an original hit score by pop-rock legends Jeff Lynne and John Farrar. Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic film that starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, this glittering Tony Award-nominated musical adventure is an electrifying tale of endless fun that will keep audiences in stitches!
“An outlandishly enjoyable stage spoof!” – The New York Times
“A hilarious, energetic and nostalgic trip back to the days of roller disco, mirror balls, glittering spandex, leg warmers and a synthesizer-heavy ELO score.” – Centerstage
Skylight Premiere!
SPRING AWAKENING
March 1-17, 2024
Music by Duncan Sheik
Lyrics and book by Steven Sater
Based on the play Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind
Co-Directed by Artistic Director Michael Unger
This modern re-telling of teen angst and sexual awakening in the 19th century has a phenomenal, alternative rock score. The original Broadway production won eight Tony Awards. With inspiration from the recent Deaf West Broadway revival, this version will have a dynamic, young cast made up of both hearing and deaf performers in a masterful re-imagining for all audiences that will open hearts, minds, and understanding.
This production contains adult themes, adult language, brief nudity, and sexual content.
“A sheer triumph!” – Associated Press
“The most gorgeous Broadway score this decade.” – Entertainment Weekly
Midwest Premiere!
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY
April 12 – May 5, 2024
Based on the novel From Here to Eternity by James Jones
Music by Stuart Brayson
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Book By Donald Rice and Bill Oakes
Directed by Brett Smock
Skylight presents the Midwest premiere of the legendary Tim Rice’s epic wartime musical From Here to Eternity. This fascinating new musical, with a powerhouse rock and blues score, continues its US development with this production. Set in Hawaii in the two weeks leading up to December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, From Here to Eternity charts a compelling and suspenseful course for the soldiers of G Company as local and national tensions splinter against an escalating war.
This production features strong language, adult situations, sexual situations, and simulated violence.
“The show ascends to another level!” – The Guardian
“A visually stunning production… a superb musical with an outstanding score.” – Theatre Weekly
Artists, titles, and schedule subject to change.
For press kit: https://bit.ly/41uOe4j
Performance Information
Skylight performances are in the Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway, Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee, Wis.
Tickets & Box Office
Subscriptions are on sale now. Subscribers get the best seats at the best prices. Single ticket prices will go on sale in August. Subscriptions can be purchased through the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office (414) 291-7800, Monday – Saturday, from noon – 6 p.m. or by emailing tickets@skylightmusictheatre.
Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Email tickets@skylightmusictheatre.
For ticket discounts and more information, sign up for Skylight’s email newsletter at www.skylightmusictheatre.org or call the Box Office (414) 291-7800.
Health & Safety Protocols
Skylight Music Theatre has joined other Milwaukee performing arts organizations in lifting Covid-19 safety protocols. Currently Skylight does not require proof of vaccination or negative Covid tests. Masks are optional. For up-to-date information, please visit www.skylightmusictheatre.org/
Health and safety protocols may be revised pending updated government and CDC guidelines. Skylight offers a risk-free guarantee to exchange, credit, or refund tickets for any canceled performances.
Parking Vouchers
Purchase discounted parking vouchers from the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office for use in the Historic Third Ward parking garage at 212 N. Milwaukee Street (one block east and one block north). Vouchers can be purchased for $5 during normal Box Office hours. Vouchers are valid starting at 5 p.m. for evening performances and from 12-5 p.m. for Saturday and Sunday matinees. Not valid for Wednesday matinees. Voucher sales are not available during intermission.
Sponsors
Skylight Music Theatre thanks its season sponsors: United Performing Arts Fund, Wisconsin Arts Board and CAMPAC – the Milwaukee County Arts Fund. Thank you to production sponsors Private Asset Management Baird and Jan Serr and John Shannon.
Skylight 2023-2024 production sponsorships are available. For more information, please contact Senior Director of Development, Debbie Prater Mitchelson: DebbieM@skylightmusictheatre.
About Skylight Music Theatre
Skylight Music Theatre is a proud Cornerstone Member of the United Performing Arts Fund.
Founded in 1959, Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional Equity music theatre company and the largest employer of Wisconsin actors in the state. Skylight produces the full spectrum of music theatre ranging from blockbuster Broadway musicals to reimagined operas, and from exciting world premieres to contemporary off-Broadway hits. Skylight’s mainstage home is the Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center, which was built by Skylight in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward in 1992. Considered to be one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful theatres, the Cabot Theatre is based on the design of an 18th-century French opera house. With just 350 seats it offers great views and allows audiences to feel close to the music and action on stage. Skylight Music Theatre marks its 64th season in 2023-2024.
