Milwaukee Rep announced on February 25 that it would reopen with in-person performances of the previously announced “Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song” with Alexis J Roston beginning April 27 and running through May 23 in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater.
City of Milwaukee health officials recently approved Milwaukee Rep’s safety plan for in-person performances. Reinforcing protocols to support healthy and safe environments for patrons, staff and artists include increased cleaning procedures, paperless tickets, and upgrades to the HVAC system.
“We are thrilled to finally welcome audiences back in a carefully conceived and safe environment to enjoy the shared experience of live theater once more,” said Artistic Director Mark Clements. “Theater is cathartic, empathetic, joyful, profound, and most importantly entertaining, which is something we are all greatly in need of after a year of our stages being closed to the public.”
Facemasks will be required for patrons and staff at all times. When reopened, theaters will initially operate at 25% of capacity and patrons will be seated in a socially distanced manner. Please visit this link for a detailed list of Safety protocols.
Presented by Artists Lounge Live, the award-winning actress Alexis J. Roston salutes America’s favorite jazz singer as Ella Fitzgerald. Roston was last seen at Milwaukee Rep in her mesmerizing portrayal of Billie Holiday in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” and in the 2014 production of “The Color Purple.”
“These in-person concert performances of Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song will be a wonderful and meaningful way of allowing us to start gathering again in a socially responsible manner, as we begin to turn the corner of the COVID-19 pandemic, and put behind us huge challenges of the last year that we have all endured,” added Clements. “I’m immensely proud of our staff, artists, and Board leadership for their strong commitment to safety so we can continue to fulfill our mission of creating positive change in the cultural, social and economic vitality of our community.”
Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin with three unique performance venues. For over six decades, Milwaukee Rep has been a centerpiece of the region’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, with productions ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare to American Classics and New Works that are entertaining, inclusive, and impactful.
© Photo
Lee Matz
