As Marcus Center’s Phantom ends its run, charities and patrons benefit

The national tour stop of Phantom of the Opera in Milwaukee is winding down, but during its time here the musical’s host Marcus Center for the Performing Arts has done public community outreach in conjunction with the show. Earlier in the month, this included an event called “Lunch with the Phantom” which featured area youth arts groups like the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra Calypso, Journey House, WE Indians, and the Hmong American Peace Academy. Now, they plan to continue charity fundraising and outreach with the Broadway Across America series as part of its 40th Anniversary season programming. As a result, the audience will benefit as well.

This time around, patrons that mention “Camp Heartland” to the ticket agent for any of the last six performances now through Sunday will get 50% off that ticket price donated to the umbrella One Heartland program that benefits the lives of kids affected by HIV and AIDS. Tickets for these shows are already pretty cheap, ranging from $30 to $45 based on house position.

But there are two shows that caught our note. Tonight (8/27) and Saturday (8/29) will benefit America’s Second Harvest of Wisconsin and the Hunger Task Force, respectively. Anyone who donates an item to Second Harvest (likely a non-perishable or canned goods) between 3-6 p.m. this afternoon will get one $10 ticket to the 7 p.m. performance. Up to eight tickets can be purchased this way, as long as supplies last. The same deal is offered for the Saturday show if patrons drop off items between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for the 2 p.m. performance, which will then benefit Hunger Task Force.

It’s a good cause as food banks desperately need help right now. Plus, you’ll get to see a top-rated show for a low price. You can still get tickets by phone as well, by calling (414) 273-7206.