"Man of La Mancha," the classic Tony award-winning musical about Don Quixote, will kick off the Milwaukee Rep’s Quadracci Powerhouse 2016-17 to be followed by one of the greatest American plays and a Pulitzer Prize winner by Milwaukee native Ayad Akhtar

"La Mancha," famous for the song "The Impossible Dream," will be directed by Artistic Director Mark Clements who is virtually unmatched when it comes to staging big musical productions.

This version will also star Milwaukee’s own Nathaniel Stampley in the lead role. Stampley is a popular and successful actor having played on Broadway and around the world.

Another highlight of the season will be the production of "McGuire," a one-man play about Al McGuire, written by his longtime broadcasting partner Dick Enberg. The show premiered in Milwaukee and has played all over the United States. 

Hollis Resnik, who wowed Rep audiences when she played Judy Garland in "End of the Rainbow" in 2014, will return to play Amanda in the Tennessee Williams epic "The Glass Menagerie."

Akhtar’s play, "Disgraced," won the Pulitzer in 20213. It’s a searing tale of race, ethnicity and the road to understanding.

In addition the Rep will unveil a new  "A Christmas Carol," adapted by Clements.

Here is the press release from the Rep, complete with dates:

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
Sept. 9-Oct. 30
Stackner Cabaret
By Lanie Robertson

As the 1950s come to close, the famous Billie Holiday puts on a show in a small dive bar in Philadelphia. Unbeknownst to the audience, they will witness one of the last performances of her extraordinary life. Full of show stopping numbers like "God Bless the Child," "Strange Fruit," and "What a Little Moonlight Can Do," Lady Day shares her loves and losses in this award-winning musical fresh from its Broadway revival. Pull up a chair for an intimate evening that’s up close and personal with one of the greatest jazz/blues vocalists of all time!

Man of La Mancha
Sept. 20-Oct. 30
Quadracci Powerhouse
Written by Dale Wasserman
Music by Mitch Leigh | Lyrics by Joe Darion
Original Production staged by Albert Marre
Originally Produced by Albert W. Selden and Hal James Directed by Mark Clements

Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, it’s the classic story of Don Quixote retold in one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Imprisoned by the Spanish Inquisition, Miguel de Cervantes enlists his fellow inmates to help his defense by telling a tale of a mad knight who believes the wrongs of the world can be corrected as he jousts at windmills with his trusty sidekick Sancho, and his beloved Dulcinea. With beautiful songs like "The Impossible Dream" and "Dulcinea," this timeless tale of love and adventure continues The Rep’s popular streak of bringing the best of Broadway to the intimate Powerhouse stage.

The Royale
Sept. 28-Nov. 6
Stiemke Studio
By Marco Ramirez

From the award-winning writer of the hit TV series Orange Is the New Black and Sons of Anarchy comes one of the hottest new plays in the country. It’s 1905. Jay "The Sport" Jackson wants nothing more than to prove he’s the best boxer in the world but in the Jim Crow era, his chances are as good as knocked out. When a crooked boxing promoter hatches a plan for "the fight of the century," The Sport just might land a place in the ring with the reigning white heavyweight champion. Set in a boxing ring and inspired by the true story of the boxer who broke the color barrier in professional sports, The Royale packs a punch that will leave you breathless.

I Love a Piano
Nov. 4-Jan. 15, 2017
Stackner Cabaret
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Conceived and Written by Ray Roderick & Michael Berkeley Musical Arrangements by Michael Berkeley
Directed by JC Clementz

As a piano with one sour note passes from owner to owner, it takes the audience on a musical journey through American history told by Irving Berlin’s timeless songs. From Ragtime to the swinging 1920s to the songs that inspired a nation in the Great Depression, I Love a Piano embarks on an exuberant journey of more than 50 Berlin classics such as "Puttin’ on the Ritz," "There’s No Business like Show Business," "God Bless America" and "White Christmas." Declared an "unforgettable tribute" these songs do more than identify the music of a generation: they define the music of our country.

The Foreigner
Nov. 15-Dec. 18
Quadracci Powerhouse
By Larry Shue
Directed by Associate Artist Laura Gordon

When Froggy brings his friend Charlie to a fishing lodge, Charlie is feeling a bit unsociable. Hoping to help his friend, Froggy has the perfect solution—just tell everyone Charlie doesn’t speak English! But things start to go awry when Charlie suddenly finds himself privy to everyone’s secrets, including a plot to take over the lodge. Charlie must "learn" English quickly and think on his feet if he wants to save the lodge and his new friends. Originally written for The Rep, The Foreigner returns for the first time in over a decade after playing to millions worldwide, and becoming one of the most celebrated comedies of all time.

Disgraced
Jan. 17-Feb. 12, 2017
Quadracci Powerhouse
By Ayad Akhtar
Directed by Marcela Lorca

From the most in-demand playwright today, Milwaukee native Ayad Akhtar brings us the play that got everyone talking, winning the 2013 Pulitzer Prize and taking Broadway by storm. Amir, a successful Pakistani-American lawyer, is happy, in love, and about to land a huge promotion. But when he and his wife, a Caucasian artist inspired by Islamic painting, host a dinner party for Amir’s African American co-worker and her Jewish husband, the evening takes an unexpected turn and Amir makes a costly decision. Don’t miss this conversation-starter that will definitely give you something to talk about at the water cooler the next day.

McGuire
Jan. 20-March 19, 2017
Stackner Cabaret
By Dick Enberg

Few names trigger more memories and smiles in Milwaukee than Al McGuire, Marquette University’s legendary basketball coach. Many know him for leading the Warriors to the NCAA Championship and for his candid television personality, but few knew him like his broadcasting partner—Emmy Award- winner Dick Enberg. Just in time for March Madness, McGuire is a touching portrait of the uncommonly funny and profound man behind the legend.

Grounded
Feb. 22-April 2, 2017
Stiemke Studio
By George Brant
Directed by Laura Braza

An ace fighter pilot finds herself grounded when an unexpected pregnancy puts her career on hold. When she returns to the pilot’s seat, she finds that she’s now part of the "chair force," flying drones and dropping bombs on enemy combatants in Afghanistan from the comfort of an air conditioned trailer in Las Vegas. In this gripping, ripped-from-the-headlines new play, we find that hunting terrorists by day and being a mother by night may be this top gun’s toughest assignment yet.

The Glass Menagerie
March 7-April 9, 2017
Quadracci Powerhouse
By Tennessee Williams
Directed by Mark Clements

Faded southern belle Amanda frets constantly over her two live-in adult children—the painfully shy Laura and her restless poet brother, Tom. After great prodding, Tom brings home a possible suitor for Laura, but an unknown truth causes shockwaves in the family unraveling the delicate fantasies that keep them going. Director Mark Clements reunites with 10-time Joseph Jefferson Award-winner Hollis Resnik, who wowed Rep audiences as Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow, for a new production of this American classic that made Tennessee Williams a household name.

An Evening with Groucho
March 24-May 28, 2017
Stackner Cabaret
Written and Performed by Frank Ferrante

Deemed the "greatest living interpreter of Groucho Marx’s material" by The New York Times, Frank Ferrante brings his acclaimed production as seen on PBS and in New York to Milwaukee! This fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity features the best Groucho one-liners and songs including "HoorayFor Captain Spalding," and "Lydia, the Tattooed Lady." And don’t be shy – you might find yourself part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. Called "nothing short of masterful" by the Chicago Tribune, come prepared to be entertained by the true master of comedy.

Jane Eyre
April 25-May 21, 2017
Quadracci Powerhouse
By Charlotte Brontë
Adapted by Polly Teale
Originally produced by Shared Experience Theatre Compan
Directed by KJ Sanchez

From the award-winning Shared Experience Theatre Company in the U.K. comes this engaging adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s epic story of a spirited young woman in a man’s world searching for a sense of self. Orphaned Jane overcomes a rough start in life to become an accomplished governess at the mysterious home of Mr. Rochester. Passions grow between them when a secret is revealed, threatening Jane’s hopes for the future. Told by eight actors playing more than 20 roles, The New York Times raved that "this Jane Eyre provides a bite...think of it as Brontë unbuttoned."

A Christmas Carol
Nov. 29-Dec. 24
The Pabst Theater
By Charles Dickens
Adapted and Directed by Mark Clements

Don’t miss the wonderment and joy of a brand new A Christmas Carol. Featuring the same traditional story with your favorite characters, The Rep is excited to present a new, family friendly adaptation written by Artistic Director Mark Clements. You will be transported back to the heart of Victorian London for a magical immersive experience on the biggest and most elaborate set The Rep has ever created. Join Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and Scrooge in this holiday classic the whole family will love!