SEASON 18 | 2026-27
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Past is Prologue
Presenting four extraordinary plays that take place in America’s past, in ways we think will shine a light on the present. This season looks backward in order to move forward – with stories that celebrate resilience, curiosity, and the power of gathering together.
Season lineup
WORLD PREMIERE
Steady She Goes
September 10-27, 2026
Written by Erica Berman Directed by Brian CowingRiding on a current of classic sea shanties, this world premiere adventure traces the real-life story of Mary Ann Brown Patten and the clipper Neptune’s Car. When her husband the captain falls desperately ill on a voyage around Cape Horn, Mary battles treachery and superstition to captain the clipper herself.
Brave the unfathomable, in a race against time and over two oceans, to bring a ship of souls safely home.
Media Sponsor: The Cap Times
WISCONSIN PREMIERE
Gaslight
Oct 29 – Nov 15
Written by Steven DietzAdapted from the original play by Patrick Hamilton Directed by Jen Uphoff Gray
Bella’s frightfully happy. Except: she’s been seeing things. Losing things. Forgetting things. Is her hold on reality slipping? Both from inside and outside her household, help is promised. But whom should she believe?
Shine a light on the truth in Steven Dietz’ new adaptation of the thriller that gave us a word for danger far, far too close to home.
Producers: Jacqui & Steve Suleski
Sponsor: MG&E
Media Sponsor: Our Lives Magazine
WISCONSIN PREMIERE
Dakar 2000
February 4-21, 2027
Written by Rajiv Joseph Directed by Mary MacDonald KerrAs the world counts down to Y2K, a young Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal crosses paths with a State Department operative whose motives are enigmatic from the moment they meet. What begins as a simple assignment spirals into a charged negotiation of ambition, desire, and shifting allegiances.
Rajiv Joseph’s gripping two-hander blends spy-thriller tension with razor-sharp psychology, asking who gets to tell the truth – and who pays the price when the truth gets bent.
Producer: Jane Coleman
Associate Sponsor: Stafford Rosenbaum LLP
Media Sponsor: Madison365
WISCONSIN PREMIERE
The First Lady of Television
April 8-25, 2027
Written by James Sherman Directed by Jen Uphoff GrayIn 1950, Gertrude Berg was a household name: writer, producer, and star of “The Goldbergs,” America’s first family sitcom. But when her co-star was accused of Communism, she faced an impossible choice: protect him and risk everything, or bow to the demands of sponsors and censors.
This vibrant new play brings a trailblazing entertainer to life in a story of art, integrity, and the political pressures that shaped (and still shape) American entertainment.
A drama about loyalty. A comedy about television. A story as relevant now as it was then.
Producers: Nancy Ciezki & Diane Kostecke
Sponsor: DeWitt LLP
Thanks to our season sponsors!
Thanks to our media sponsors!
