Milwaukee Rep reveals first look of new Herro-Franke Studio Theater

By opening the rebuilt and upgraded Herro-Franke Studio Theater, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater has completed the final major piece of its $80.1 million physical and technological makeover.

The Rep has released first-look photos of the flexible space, seating up to 220 people depending on configuration, where it performs some of its most adventurous shows. It is christening the Herro-Franke with a new production of Brookfield Central High School grad Ayad Akhtar’s “McNeal,” a provocative drama about AI and plagiarism. Akhtar’s script will test the theater’s technological mettle immediately, as it calls for extensive visual projections and deep-fake videos.

To audiences, the most immediate and obvious change may be the Greg & Rhonda Oberland Studio Theater Lobby that leads into the Herro-Frank audience space. The old studio theater had a bare-bones lobby that could only be described as functional, with a temporary bar. The new theater lobby has a permanent bar and more comfortable seating for patrons waiting to see a show.

More information: “McNeal” runs through March 22 at the Herro-Franke Studio Theater, 108 E. Wells St. Visit milwaukeerep.com or call (414) 224-9490.