Jim Higgins, an arts editor, suggests intriguing dance, theater, and music productions to see in the upcoming month during the performing arts season. On the last Sunday of each month, look for these tales in the newspaper.
The groundbreaking musical of the twenty-first century will make a comeback in Milwaukee’s performing arts scene in the first month of 2026, along with a brand-new stage production on Wisconsin artist Mary Nohl.
Mozart is also doing well this month, both on stage and in concert halls.
These are sixteen January theater, music, and dance events in the Milwaukee region. I would never claim that these are the only shows that are worth watching here at that particular time.
‘The Godfather,’ Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
When Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic American film is screened, the MSO performs the Oscar-nominated soundtrack by Nino Rota live under the direction of associate conductor Ryan Tani. 7:30 p.m. January 2–3. 212 W. Wisconsin Ave., Bradley Symphony Center.
‘Cardboard Piano,” Renaissance Theaterworks
Beginning in 1999 in war-torn Uganda, Hansol Jung’s drama tackles powerful issues of faith and homophobia. January 9–February 1, 255 S. Water St.
‘The Fisherman’s Daughters,’ Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Two sisters oppose the state of Wisconsin’s attempt to seize their farm through eminent domain in the Door County-set musical by singer-songwriter Katie Dahl. According to a Milwaukee representative, this program is best suited for those ten and up. Stackner Cabaret, 108 E. Wells St., January 9–March 1.
‘Celtic Throne II – Psalter of Ireland,” Marcus Performing Arts Center
The fabled lawgiver Ollav Fola is the central figure in an all-ages Irish dance, music, and theater production. Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St., Jan. 15, 7 p.m.
‘The Lehman Trilogy,’ Milwaukee Repertory Theater
The Rep’s second fully staged performance, which runs approximately three hours and forty minutes with two intermissions, is an epic tale of immigration, economic success, and financial collapse in the renovated Checota Powerhouse Theater. It is traveling from the Guthrie Theater in Minnesota to Milwaukee. Checota Powerhouse Theater, 108 E. Wells St., January 13–February 8.
‘Maybe We’ll Fly,” Milwaukee Opera Theatre
A new drama by Wisconsin playwright Marie Kohler, with music by Josh Schmidt, is being presented by the Milwaukee Opera Theatre. Subject: the life and creative enthusiasm of Mary Nohl (1914-2001), who turned her yard and cottage in Fox Point into a creative space. Florentine Leuders Opera Center, 926 E. Burleigh St., 6:30 p.m. on January 16 and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. on January 17.
‘Folk Songs,’ Trio Mediæval
This Norwegian-based vocal group will perform Norwegian and Scandinavian music, including lullabies and stories of courtly love, as presented by Early Music Now. St. Joseph Chapel, 1515 S. Layton Blvd., Jan. 17, 5 p.m.
‘Hamilton,’ Marcus Performing Arts Center
The most well-known musical of the twenty-first century is making a third appearance in Milwaukee. It was last seen here in 2021, when Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop-infused examination of the Founding Fathers reopened the Marcus Performing Arts Center after the pandemic lockdown year. MPAC, 929 N. Water St., will host sixteen performances from January 20 to February 1.
‘Amadeus,’ Skylight Opera Theatre
Mozart, a brilliant composer but a common human being, is pitted against his more common competitor, Salieri, in Peter Shaffer’s drama. There will be a live chamber orchestra in Skylight’s show. The important part of Salieri is played by Matt Daniels, the Scrooge of the Milwaukee Representative. Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway, January 23–February 8.
Kerson Leong and Bernard Labadie, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
One of the pinnacles of violin repertoire, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, is performed by soloist Leong. The orchestra performs Hadyn’s Symphony No. 103 (“Drumroll”) under the direction of guest conductor Labadie. 7:30 p.m. Bradley Symphony Center, January 23–24.
‘I Am My Own Wife,’ Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
In 2004, Doug Wright’s one-actor play was awarded the Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Jonathan Riker will portray every character in the new show by the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, which tells the tale of the well-known German transgender person Charlotte von Mahlsdorf. Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway, January 23–February 8.
‘Baroque Unbound’ Frankly Music
Vivaldi, Bach, and other Baroque composers’ work is performed by violinist Frank Almond, harpsichodist Paolo Bordignon, and piccoloist Jennifer Bouton. Wisconsin Lutheran College Schwan Concert Hall, 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wauwatosa, Jan. 26, 7 p.m.
‘Encore,’ Milwaukee Ballet
In its small, 172-seat We Energies Performance Studio, Milwaukee Ballet presents a program of modern and traditional dance. Baumgartner Center for Dance, 128 N. Jackson St., January 30–February 8.
‘Hellenika,’ Marcus Performing Arts Center
This ambitious musical, which is about the Greek philosopher Socrates, his teacher Aspasia, and the destiny of democracy in Athens, has been the work of playwright-composer Kyle Thomas Hanneken for seven years. This is a large play with 20 actors and 30 songs, even though these performances are advertised as public readings rather than a fully staged production. Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St., Jan. 30–31, 7 p.m.
Stephen Hough, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Movie lovers are familiar with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 from “Elvira Madigan” (1967), which is performed at the MSO by pianist Hough, a MacArthur “genius grant” recipient, composer, and notable music writer. The program, which is led by guest conductor Jean-Marie Zeitouni, including pieces by Ligeti and Kodály as well as Mozart’s “Prague” Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Bradley Symphony Center, January 31–February 1.
Julian Lage, Wilson Center for the Arts
Lage, a renowned modern jazz guitarist and composer, was once a kid prodigy. His originally scheduled summer concert here was rescheduled to this date. Wilson Center for the Arts, 3270 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield, 7:30 p.m., January 31.
