Milwaukee Rep Sets Box Office Record in New Studio Theater With McNeal by Ayad Akhtar
Ayad Akhtar’s newest play surpasses landmark hits including What the Constitution Means to Me and Hedwig and the Angry Inch
March 17, 2026 [Milwaukee, WI] — Milwaukee Repertory Theater is proud to announce that McNeal, the Midwest premiere of Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar’s newest play, has officially become the best‑selling production in the history of the newly named Herro‑Franke Studio Theater, surpassing previous audience favorites including What the Constitution Means to Me and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. McNeal joins Come From Away, the all-time best-selling show in Milwaukee Rep history as record setting inaugural productions in the Associated Bank Theater Center.
The milestone marks a defining moment for Milwaukee Rep’s newly reimagined black box venue, which opened this season as part of the Associated Bank Theater Center. The Herro‑Franke Studio Theater, now featuring modular platforms, flexible seating for 182 to 224 patrons, and expanded production capabilities, was designed to support bold, intimate storytelling. McNeal has proven to be the perfect inaugural production to showcase the space’s full potential.
Directed by Artistic Director Mark Clements, McNeal has captivated audiences with its darkly comic, razor‑sharp exploration of art, ambition, and authorship in the age of artificial intelligence. The production features jaw‑dropping projections and special effects never before seen in the studio, creating a theatrical experience that has driven unprecedented demand and multiple sold‑out performances.
“Launching the Herro‑Franke Studio Theater with a new play by Ayad Akhtar was already a tremendous honor,” said Artistic Director Mark Clements. “To see audiences respond with this level of enthusiasm is extraordinary. McNeal is not only breaking sales records; it’s redefining what’s possible in this space.”
The production features Peter Bradbury as Jacob McNeal, alongside a powerhouse ensemble including N’Jameh Camara, Ty Fanning, Jessica Ko, Jeanne Paulsen, Sara Sadjadi and Bridget Ann White.
McNeal runs through March 22, 2026, with limited tickets remaining. To purchase tickets to McNeal 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.
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.
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