Milwaukee Repertory Theater Presents the World Premiere of The Craic By Mark Clements and Deanie Vallone

December 17, 2024 (Milwaukee, WI) Milwaukee Repertory Theater presents the World Premiere of The Craic where Irish music and great company collide this January 17 – March 16, 2025, in the Stackner Cabaret. Brimming with Irish humor, heartfelt camaraderie, and featuring classics like “Danny Boy” and “Whiskey in the Jar,” this world premiere musical by Mark Clements and Deanie Vallone promises an unforgettable celebration of friendship, music, and the indomitable Irish spirit. Sláinte!

The Craic cast features the musically talented Trevor Lindley Craft (Once, National Tour), Luke Darnell (Ring of Fire, Flat Rock Playhouse), Megan Loomis (Run Bambi Run, Milwaukee Rep), Alexander Sovronsky (Indecent, Arena Stage), and Claire-Frances Sullivan (Once, Coachella Valley Rep).

The Craic is directed by Artistic Director Mark Clements. He is joined by music director and arranger Dan Kazemi (Women of Rock, Milwaukee Rep), scenic designer Emily Lotz (Always…Patsy Cline, Milwaukee Rep), costume designer Mason Baria, lighting designer Noele Stollmack (The Chosen, Milwaukee Rep), sound designer Joe Cerqua (Things I Know to be True, Milwaukee Rep), voice and dialect coach Jill Walmsley Zager, casting director Jonathan Hetler, and stage manager Josh Hart.

Set in one of South Kerry’s most welcoming pubs, The Craic follows four musicians as they prepare for one of their weekly Irish music sessions. The evening takes an unexpected turn when a long-estranged bandmate walks through the door, reigniting old rivalries, unspoken romances and unresolved tensions. As the night unfolds, the five friends share music, stories, and drinks confronting their shared history while rediscovering the bonds that unite them.

The Craic is a John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program production and is presented by Jim Phillips and Karen Plunkett with Executive Producers Judi and Chris Collins, Associate Producers Amelie Clements, Renee and Tom McCutcheon, and Meredith and Thomas Scrivner with media sponsor Shepherd Express. The Craic is sponsored in part by the Milwaukee Irish Fest Foundation and is a part of the David Kundert Stackner Season.

The Craic runs January 17 – March 16, 2025, in the Stackner Cabaret. Opening night is set for Sunday, January 19 at 7pm. To purchase tickets, go to www.MilwaukeeRep.com, call the Ticket Office at 414-224-9490 or visit in person at 108 E Wells Street in Downtown Milwaukee.

For more information, please visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com.

::Fact Sheet::

The Craic
By Mark Clements and Deanie Vallone
Directed by Mark Clements
January 17 – March 16, 2025 (Opening Night Sunday, January 19 at 7pm) in the Stackner Cabaret

Talks and Events
Early Bird Performance: Tuesday, February 11 at 6:30pm

Information
Tickets: www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by phone at 414-224-9490, or Ticket Office at 108 E Wells Street, Milwaukee.
Hours: 12noon – 6pm; on performance days the Ticket Office remains open until 15 minutes past curtain.
Student Discounts: Students 18 and under can purchase $20 tickets for select seating areas.
25 & Under: Select $20 tickets available for patrons 25 & Under. (Select 25 & Under price at checkout online)
Group Sales: Discounted tickets for parties of 10+. Call 414-290-5340.

About Milwaukee Repertory Theater

Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin with its new artistic home in the Associated Bank Theater Center opening Fall 2025 with three unique performance venues – the Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater, Herro-Franke Studio Theater and Stackner Cabaret. For over seven decades, Milwaukee Rep has been a centerpiece of Milwaukee’s vibrant arts and cultural scene with productions ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare to American Classics and New Works that are entertaining, inclusive and impactful. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mark Clements and Executive Director Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Repertory Theater ignites positive change in the cultural, social and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity. More information is available at www.MilwaukeeRep.com

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.