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16 music and theater performances to see in Milwaukee in January 2026

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16 music and theater performances to see in Milwaukee in January 2026


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During the performing arts season, arts editor Jim Higgins recommends promising music, dance and theater productions to see in the coming month. Look for these stories in the newspaper the final Sunday of the month. They post online the preceding week at jsonline.com/entertainment/arts.

In Milwaukee’s performing arts scene, the first month of 2026 brings the return of the 21st century’s revolutionary musical, plus a new stage work about Wisconsin artist Mary Nohl.

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Also, it’s a good month for Mozart, both in the concert hall and on stage.

Here are 16 theater, music and dance performances you can enjoy in the Milwaukee area in January. I would never tell you that these are the only shows worth seeing here during that time period.

‘The Godfather,’ Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Associate conductor Ryan Tani leads the MSO in performing Nino Rota’s Oscar-nominated score live to screenings of Francis Ford Coppola’s classic American film. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2-3. Bradley Symphony Center, 212 W. Wisconsin Ave. Visit mso.org or call (414) 291-7605.

‘Cardboard Piano,” Renaissance Theaterworks

Hansol Jung’s drama, which opens in war-ravaged Uganda in 1999, takes on compelling conflicts about faith and homophobia. Jan. 9-Feb. 1, 255 S. Water St. Visit rtwmke.org or call (414) 278-0765.

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‘The Fisherman’s Daughters,’ Milwaukee Repertory Theater

In singer-songwriter Katie Dahl’s musical, set in Door County, two sisters fight the state of Wisconsin’s attempt to take their land by eminent domain. Milwaukee Rep says this show is recommended for people 10 years and older. Jan. 9-March 1, Stackner Cabaret, 108 E. Wells St. Visit milwaukeerep.com or call (414) 224-9490.   

‘Celtic Throne II – Psalter of Ireland,” Marcus Performing Arts Center

This all-ages Irish dance, music and theater show is built around the story of the mythological lawgiver Ollav Fola. 7 p.m. Jan. 15, Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St. Visit marcuscenter.org or call (414) 273-7206.

‘The Lehman Trilogy,’ Milwaukee Repertory Theater

The Rep’s second fully staged production in the upgraded Checota Powerhouse Theater is an epic story of immigration, economic ascension and financial collapse, running an estimated 3 hours and 40 minutes with two intermissions. It’s coming to Milwaukee from Minnesota’s Guthrie Theater. Jan. 13-Feb. 8, Checota Powerhouse Theater, 108 E. Wells St. Visit milwaukeerep.com or call (414) 224-9490.  

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‘Maybe We’ll Fly,” Milwaukee Opera Theatre

Milwaukee Opera Theatre is presenting staged readings of a new play by Wisconsin playwright Marie Kohler with music by composer Josh Schmidt. Subject: the life and passion to create of Mary Nohl  (1914-2001), who transformed her Fox Point cottage and yard into an artistic environment. 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Florentine Leuders Opera Center, 926 E. Burleigh St. Visit milwaukeeoperatheatre.org.

‘Folk Songs,’ Trio Mediæval

Early Music Now presents this Norway-based vocal ensemble, in a concert of Norwegian and Scandinavian songs, including lullabies and tales of courtly love. 5 p.m. Jan. 17, St. Joseph Chapel, 1515 S. Layton Blvd. Visit earlymusicnow.org or (414) 225-3113.

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‘Hamilton,’ Marcus Performing Arts Center

The 21st century’s most popular musical returns for its third visit to Milwaukee; it was last here in 2021, when Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hip-hop-infused look at the Founding Fathers reopened the Marcus Performing Arts Center following the pandemic lockdown year. Sixteen performances are scheduled for Jan. 20-Feb. 1 at MPAC, 929 N. Water St. Visit marcuscenter.org or call (414) 273-7206.

‘Amadeus,’ Skylight Opera Theatre

Peter Shaffer’s play pits Mozart, genius composer but vulgar human being, against his more ordinary rival Salieri. Skylight’s production will include a live chamber orchestra. Matt Daniels, Milwaukee Rep’s Scrooge, takes on the key role of Salieri. Jan. 23-Feb. 8, Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. Visit skylightmusictheatre.org or call (414) 291-7800.  

Kerson Leong and Bernard Labadie, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Soloist Leong performs Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, one of the peaks of violin repertoire. Guest conductor Labadie leads the orchestra in Hadyn’s Symphony No. 103 (“Drumroll”). 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23-24, Bradley Symphony Center. Visit mso.org or call (414) 291-7605.

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‘I Am My Own Wife,’ Milwaukee Chamber Theatre

Doug Wright’s one-actor play won both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a Tony Award for best play in 2004. In Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s new production, Jonathan Riker will perform all the characters in this story of famed German transgender figure Charlotte von Mahlsdorf.  Jan. 23-Feb. 8, Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway. Visit milwaukeechambertheatre.org or call (414) 291-7800.

‘Baroque Unbound’ Frankly Music

Harpsichodist Paolo Bordignon and piccoloist Jennifer Bouton join violinist Frank Almond and other musicians to perform music of the Baroque era by Vivaldi, Bach and other composers. 7 p.m. Jan. 26, Wisconsin Lutheran College Schwan Concert Hall, 8815 W. Wisconsin Ave., Wauwatosa. Visit franklymusic.org.

‘Encore,’ Milwaukee Ballet

Milwaukee Ballet performs a program of classical and contemporary dance in its intimate We Energies Performance Studio, a 172-seat venue. Jan. 30-Feb. 8, Baumgartner Center for Dance, 128 N. Jackson St. Visit milwaukeeballet.org or call (414) 902-2103.

‘Hellenika,’ Marcus Performing Arts Center

Playwright-composer Kyle Thomas Hanneken has been working for seven years on this large-scale musical about the Greek philosopher Socrates, his teacher Aspasia and the fate of democracy in Athens. While these performances are billed as public readings rather than a fully staged production, this is a big show with 20 performers and 30 songs. 7 p.m. Jan. 30-31, Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St. Visit marcuscenter.org or call (414) 273-7206.

Stephen Hough, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

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Pianist Hough, a MacArthur “genius grant” awardee who’s also a composer and a significant writer about music, visits the MSO to perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, which movie buffs know from its use in “Elvira Madigan” (1967). Guest conductor Jean-Marie Zeitouni leads a program that includes Mozart’s “Prague” Symphony and works by Ligeti and Kodály. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31-Feb. 1, Bradley Symphony Center. Visit mso.org or call (414) 291-7605.

Julian Lage, Wilson Center for the Arts

A former child prodigy, Lage is a leading contemporary jazz guitarist and composer. His performance was rescheduled to this date from a previously planned summer concert here. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31, Wilson Center for the Arts, 3270 Mitchell Park Drive, Brookfield. Visit wilson-center.com or call (262) 781-9520.



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Milwaukee Brewers Flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski Has Historic Night Against Yankees – World Baseball Network

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Milwaukee Brewers Flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski Has Historic Night Against Yankees – World Baseball Network


The Milwaukee Brewers shut out the New York Yankees in a 6-0 victory on Friday night, and Jacob Misiorowski was dominated at a historic level. 

In the first two innings of Friday night’s game, Misiorowski threw eight of the 10 fastest pitches ever by a starting pitcher. Of those eight, seven are now the fastest pitches ever thrown by a starting pitcher, according to Codify Baseball. 

Misiorowski’s velocity has been a major topic of discussion ever since he made his debut last season. He lights up the radar gun early in games, but usually sees his velocity drop as the game goes on. However, in the fifth inning, he was able to throw a 103 mph fastball to Ryan McMahon. He also threw a 102.7 mph fastball to Cody Bellinger in the sixth inning. 

Misiorowski leads all of baseball in strikeouts, notching his 70th strikeout of the season in the sixth inning of Friday’s game. Misiorowski has a 2.45 ERA on the season and had 11 strikeouts against the Yankees. The 60 fastest pitches thrown by a starting pitcher this season all belong to the Brewers ace. 

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It was Misiorowski’s first time facing the Yankees, and it was not just fans who were left in awe. Spencer Jones, the Yankees’ No. 6 prospect, made his MLB debut on Friday night and felt happy to just foul a pitch off against the flamethrowing righty.  

I’ve never seen pitches that hard in my life,” Jones said after the game, per MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy. To foul off a couple is pretty great, so I’ll take that for now.” 

Misiorowski’s teammate, Sal Frelick, was also in disbelief when Misiorowski kept touching triple digits late in the game. 

I kept looking up at the velo after every pitch as he got deep,” Frelick said per McCalvy. I couldn’t believe it.” 

Misiorowski picked a great night to showcase his best stuff. CC Sabathia was in the house to be inducted into the Brewers Wall of Honor, and he gave Misiorowski a glowing endorsement before the game. 

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I love Misiorowski,” said Sabathia, per McCalvy. I think he’s going to be a great pitcher. 

Honestly, he reminds me of myself as a young pitcher.” 

If Misiorowski can become the type of player Sabathia was, he will be breaking records for years to come. He has played his best in big games so far in his career, but he is still only 24 and getting better with every start. 

He credited adrenaline to his sustained velocity on Friday, so it makes sense that he has his best stuff in big games. 

Photo: Milwaukee Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Friday, May 8, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

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Milwaukee Weather: Mild and breezy Saturday, slight chance of showers

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Milwaukee Weather: Mild and breezy Saturday, slight chance of showers


Forecast from FOX6 Meteorologist Lisa Michaels

Partly sunny skies on Saturday with a slight chance for a few sprinkles or a shower.
Temperatures warmer on Saturday in the mid to upper 60s. Isolated 70s near the border. Breezy with winds gusting near 30mph.
Cooler temperatures in the upper 50s on Sunday (Mother’s Day) with increasing clouds. Patchy frost Saturday night into Sunday and Sunday night into Monday.
Next chance of rain and storms arrives on Tuesday.

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Today:    Partly sunny. A few showers possible. Breezy.
High:     67°
Wind:     NW 10-25

Tonight:  Partly cloudy. Patchy frost.
Low:      42°
Wind:     NW  5-10

Sunday:   Increasing clouds.
High:     57°
Wind:     NW 5-15

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Monday:   Mostly sunny.
AM Low:   39°                   High:  59°
Wind:     E 5-10

Tuesday:  Warm and windy. Chance storms.
AM Low:   42°                   High:  68°
Wind:     SW 10-25

Wednesday:Partly sunny.
AM Low:   46°                   High:  59°
Wind:     NW 5-15

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Thursday: Mostly sunny.
AM Low:   42°                   High:  64°
Wind:     S 5-10
 

6-day planner

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FOX6 Weather Extras

Local perspective:

Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:  

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FOX6 Storm Center app

FOX LOCAL Mobile app

FOX Weather app

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FOX Weather

Big picture view:

Maps and radar

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We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.

School and business closings

When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.

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FOX6 Weather Experts in social media

WeatherDaily ForecastMilwaukee



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Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation while honoring Milwaukee teachers

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Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation while honoring Milwaukee teachers


MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Bobby Portis Foundation hosted a luncheon Friday at Roosevelt Middle School to honor teachers — many of whom are also mothers — with Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Week overlapping on the calendar.

Portis and his mother, Tina Edwards, spent the day celebrating educators and reflecting on the mission behind the foundation.

“We just want to make sure that we let the teachers know you are appreciated because sometimes it goes beyond being a parent at home, but sometimes teachers are parents at school,” Edwards explained.

Ariel Campos, TMJ4 Sports

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Bobby Portis signs autographs for students at Roosevelt Middle School.

For Portis, a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, the foundation has always been rooted in one person.

“The Bobby Portis Foundation has always just been solely based upon really my mom, and that’s the inspiration behind it,” Portis said.

WATCH: Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation

Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation while honoring Milwaukee teachers

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Growing up, Portis watched his mother raise four boys on her own.

“My mom worked tirelessly to take care of all four of us,” Portis said.

Edwards made sacrifices for her sons from the very beginning — including turning down a basketball scholarship after becoming pregnant with Bobby.

“I still was offered a scholarship after I had him, but I wanted to choose him over ball,” Edwards said.

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Tina Edwards (Bobby Portis

Tina Edwards

Tina Edwards turned down her college basketball scholarship to raise Bobby Portis as a single mom.

That sacrifice brought her full circle through her son’s career.

“With Bobby becoming an NBA player, he’s living my dream, and I’m living the dream through him,” Edwards shared.

For Portis, the event was an opportunity to honor everything his mother has given him.

“I can’t just put into words what my mom has done for me, not only for my basketball career – that’s just like a small portion of my life – I’m talking about just me as a human being, as a man. I mean, I didn’t have a dad growing up, so my mom played both roles. She did a hell of a job raising not only me but my three other brothers,” Portis said.

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His grandmother’s message to spread his blessings continues to drive his work.

“Being able to be in a position now to have a voice, to have a platform, to give back, to help inspire. I try to use it to the best of my abilities,” Portis said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.


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