Broadway Star Brings Sokrates Back to Life in a Groundbreaking New MusicalL

(MILWAUKEE, WI – November 1, 2025) — The producers of Hellenika, a bold new original musical set during the Golden Age of Athens, announce a special two-night engagement, January 30 – 31, 2026 in Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, one of Milwaukee’s top live theater venues.

The public reading will be anchored by Broadway star Nathaniel Hackmann (Les Misérables, Back To The Future: The Musical) as Sokrates, alongside Chicago’s own Teagan Earley (EPIC: The Musical, Lady M: The Macbeth Musical) as Aspasia, Sokrates’ unheralded muse and intellectual equal. In addition to Hackmann and Earley, the reading will feature Jimmy Award-winner Christian Spaay as the statesman Perikles, Ekene Ikegwuani as the narrator Plato, and Joey Chelius as Athens’ bad boy Alcibiades.

The musical chronicles the final years of Sokrates’ life, examining the timeless themes of justice, power, rhetoric, and truth, within the context of the world’s first democracy. Several songs have already been released and are available to listen to now, including “Wonder,” “Ignorance,” and “The Ladder of Love.”

“Throughout the story, Sokrates is on an intellectual journey, demonstrating the importance of staying curious and asking difficult questions,” says creator Kyle Thomas Hanneken. “At its core, this musical explores the role of wisdom in leadership, the challenges of preserving democratic institutions, and the power of ideas to shape society.”

Hanneken plans to take Hellenika to New York next spring. “This Milwaukee reading is a great opportunity to build momentum and spark conversation around this remarkable true story,” he says.

Tickets go on sale November 1. To purchase tickets, visit www.MarcusCenter.org, call 414-273-7206, or visit the MPAC Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Downtown Milwaukee. Groups of 10 or more can secure their seats by calling 414-273-7207.

About Hellenika: The Musical
Set in the Golden Age of Athens, Hellenika: The Musical is a journey into the world’s first democracy, examining how its unraveling can illuminate our present path. The story follows the final 33 years of Sokrates’ life and explores the profound influence of his mentor Aspasia, a brilliant woman overlooked by history.

Music, Lyrics and Book by Kyle Thomas Hanneken.

For more information, visit: HellenikaMusical.com.

Stay connected with Hellenika on social media: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

About Kyle Thomas Hanneken

Kyle Thomas Hanneken is a Milwaukee-based composer, lyricist, playwright, and historian whose artistic mission is to tell the stories of the ancient past through the lens of the present in order to build a better future. A Milwaukee-native, Kyle holds a B.F.A. in Music Composition & Technology from UW-Milwaukee. His band, The Gardener, released their debut album Differences In Distances in 2018. He is also a regular performer with ComedySportz Milwaukee, having appeared in more than a thousand shows over the course of the last decade. As a talented pianist and percussionist, Kyle’s work reflects his passion for blending diverse genres and creating experiences that resonate with both the heart and mind. For more, visit www.KyleThomasHanneken.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.