We love live performances, but we don't often go to the MPAC. It's partly because of the selection of shows, and partly because of the size of the space. We prefer the more intimate setting of the smaller theaters in town. However, if you want to see a Broadway-caliber show, then Marcus is the place to go. We got tickets for Hamilton. The show itself was amazing. Most of the people I met there had been to at least one other performance. Many of them knew the dialogue and lyrics and could easily follow along. For someone without those benefits, we struggled to understand. Some of this was due to the performers' voices, how well they were mic'd, the mixing at the soundboard, and the acoustics in the space. It's hard to get consistent, high-quality sound in a large theater. We were in the L5 balcony seating, and that is definitely not as good as being on the main floor, center (no surprise there). Also, they recently updated the main orchestra seating with additional aisles so that you don't have to literally climb over 50 people to get to your seat. That is not the case in the balcony sections. There are only two ways to get to your seat: far right or far left. We were in the very middle, so neither point gave any advantage. The attached parking structure is convenient, but have you ever been in one that is more bumpy? Did they actually design it with speed bumps every 20 feet? Glad we went to the show. read more

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I went with a friend on a Sunday afternoon to see the Milwaukee Ballet Alice in Wonderland at Marcus Performing Arts Center. It was absolutely incredible! The costumes were amazing, the choreography was perfect, and the ballet dancers were so graceful and talented. I was in awe the entire time! read more

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Saw Kimberly Akimbo at the Marcus last night. A beautiful, vas theater. Seating is comfortable, views of the stage are great, and the sound travels well throughout. Pours of wine were perfect to casually sip as we watch. We won tickets through lucky steak and our seats were amazing - happy about that! Would recommend seeing any of the number of shows that travel through here. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Kimberly Akimbo - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Marcus center needs maintenance. Numerous drinking fountains were out of order, or shot water 3 to 4 feet. They did provide cups so you wouldn't get sprayed. Restrooms are totally inadequate for the size of the venue. They are dingy and look worn. We went to a performance and bathrooms on the Loge level were closed off for another event. They could have set the entry control point between the bathrooms and the Prom to allow for the use of the large restroom. This is a managerial failure making structural deficiencies worse. The hall itself is good, but the basic amenities are lacking. read more

MARCUS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS Very interesting place. I would assume, all events downtown occur here. Has a small auditorium for outdoor shows. We drop by to see an art display "Lost" by Amanda Parer in 2025. Art. Art. Art. Art everywhere. Nice. Highly Recommended read more

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We are near-die hard Broadway fans and visit the Marcus Performing Arts Center regularly. I say "near-die hard" because it never fails that every season there is at least one show that we aren't interested in seeing, and as such, have never bit the bullet and signed up for a subscription to an entire season. Thankfully we have access through Group Sales and have been able to get wonderful seats to many shows and are always excited for the next show in the lineup. Shout out to Chris in that area for all of his efforts! Within the last few years the main Uihlein Hall was refreshed and updated, including adding some more incremental aisles (always hated having to try and squeeze past 35 people to get to my seat!), which has been great in terms of accessibility. This improved the seats themselves also, which I appreciate given that every time we come, it's nearly a three-hour commitment! My only issue is that for some shows, the sound is off; the sound of the orchestra often overpowers the singers, making it difficult to follow the lyrics. It isn't every show, so I don't think it's me but instead a technical challenge to overcome. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Don't say it three times! - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A good theatre, although it needs more signs to help attendees to get around. The same applies to the parking lot. It's easy to get lost. Signs for the skywalk are necessary. I wasn't the only one lost looking for it. The seats are very comfortable; and the theatre is very well located. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Elysian Alps drew me in. I drove by and saw them. It was dusk and they were irredescent and glowing! I knew I had to see them up close. Back at our rental house I delved into where were they...the Marcus Performong Arts Center! I was in town for 3 days, the exhibit was there for 7. What luck! Even better luck... when the kids and I showed up on Saturday the Wisconsin children's hospital was throwing a free event! Free bounce house, cotton candy, etc... but soul mix was there where old records are placed in a dj mixer and spray art occurs! The kids loved it! The Alps were cool. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Soul mix art - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Very disappointing that such a beautiful theater is so poorly staffed. I'm my decades of attending live theater, my visit to the ****** was the first time I could not only hear a commotion from the lobby, it is the first time I witness the ushers crashing through the doors, stomping down the stairs mid song for no reason. This usher wasn't attending to anything, he was just walking around WITH HIS WALKIE TALKIE ON in the middle of the final act. In three decades I have never witnessed such a thing. I could have let this pass, but when (after the performance) I approached the man to express my disappointment in his utter lack of basic courtesy and professionalism he became immediately combative, rude and dismissive. I asked his name with the intention of being polite and speaking to him as an equal. Pete was far more interested in insisting it wasn't his fault and that "other people" were being disruptive. A freshman working a highschool theater in farm country has more professionalism, class and respect than "Pete" will ever have. At his age and by his disgusting behavior when confronted, there is no hope he can improve. I can't recommend a theater that has rude, sloppy staff and runs out of play bills. read more

I always love the Marcus Performing Arts Center, but if you haven't yet...GO SEE WICKED! This is an absolutely phenomenal performance and there isn't a bad seat in the house. I went the cheap route - free street parking, ate before I went, used the bubbler at intermission, and didn't buy anything from concessions, but I was just there for the show and it DELIVERED! Worth the price of the ticket, and they were very helpful finding my seat when I got there. read more

I've seen at least a dozen shows (ballets, musicals, and a concert) at this venue. It is easy to find and there is a parking structure just across the street. The interior is quite posh and they have definitely improved the small beverage/snack kiosks on the main level over the years. I have, however, discovered the elusive "bad seats" in the house.... they are the uppermost level, rows 3-8ish on the end of aisles. There is a railing on either side for the few stairs and it obstructs view terribly, it's worse if you are on the shorter side. I really wanted to enjoy the musical Six in all it's amazing glory and I was on the very end, so I stood up - and was promptly asked to sit back down. I'm not a very big person but the seats are small and really uncomfortable. The one musical performance/concert I attended, I was rudely escorted back to my seat though 100s of others remained up and close to the stage (as if it was a concert venue). Considering it is Milwaukee and not a "famous" venue, prices are quite high. I've looked at comparative tickets in nearby markets for several shows and the additional fees that are charged are rather ridiculous. I know this is a much larger issue than the venue, but I'd be curious to know how much the venue actually profits off these fees and taxes. We do not have [m]any options on venues that offer the Broadway productions and ballet in Milwaukee so we are kind of stuck with what we have. However, I've begun seeing shows at venues in other larger cities and found it to be less expensive and an overall better experience. read more

Great, comfortable venue! It seems to be very well run. And I like the performances there, too. Easy to navigate the website to find out about attractions/music acts and easy to buy tickets. 5 stars. 'Nuff said. read more

The PAC is always a premier location. My party thoroughly enjoyed tonight's performance of Clue. Though I have to admit, I was less than impressed, but then again, the Monty Python type humor is not my cup of tea. The actors spoke so quickly it was difficult to hear and understand, and the French maid spoke with such an accent, we all would've needed subtitles to understand. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Love having a vibrant and growing theatre scene in Milwaukee! I grew up watching and performing in musicals, and the Marcus Center is a great place to add more to the list! Their recent remodel is beautiful, and the new seats are comfy. Big fan of the addition of cup holders, and the mobile ticket option. If you can splurge for the orchestra seat, you will love the experience! But, there really isn't a bad seat in the house. We'll be back again in a few days to see Frozen and cannot wait! read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I'm going to be brutally honest here. The theater is quite pretty. The view from the 3rd level walk across from the parking structure is pretty. The show we saw was LION KING and it was amazing and gorgeous. Disney does it right with extreme talent and eye appealing costumes, sceneries and scores. Back to the theater. We were in the first row of the upper balcony. We went with someone who needed assistance and the elevators were broken. We had to walk to an opposite side and go up and down a flight of stairs each side to get to a working elevator. In the balcony area, the woman's restroom has 2 TWO stalls. They were flicking lights to get back into the theater and the line was still extremely deep. There was no way for everyone that needed the bathroom to have the ability to go. The line at the bar areas was inaccessible for a drink as well in the time allotted. There are many many people when the theater is full and the services can not handle the flow of people. We also had to lean all the way forward to be able to see the whole stage. Otherwise the railing bar was in our line of vision of the stage. Luckily the show itself was stunning and made it all worth it. My overall thoughts of the theater itself range between 2-3. Not ever sear is a good seat. And the prices are high- so you expect to have a good view from wherever you are but this just isn't true. Luckily the show and the company we kept at the show made it very memorable. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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This is a hidden gem! Being from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, we often have to take the blue line to the city to see a broadway production. Parking is expensive in downtown Chicago and driving is a pain. The train is also gross at times and it takes away from the experience. Traffic was so much better in downtown Milwaukee. The theater has its own parking garage which is super close and convenient. Rush tickets were offered making it affordable and there's plenty of close by dinner options before the show starts. The theater itself is beautiful and expansive. The orchestra seats were perfect and the show and sound were amazing. Though there is no glimmering marquee or glitz that the Chicago theaters have, the convenience factors make me definitely want to come back here for another show soon!!! read more

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This was our first show (Mean Girls) since the pandemic. We were required to show vaccination cards at the entrance. My daughter just turned 16 and doesn't yet have a state id. Her school never issued school ids. I had to show an id. Do they really have an abundance of kids faking vaccination status! Even though my kid is fully vaccinated she still got Covid! There's no distancing inside. Every seat was filled! The notion you can't pass or get Covid when you eat or drink is the dumbest thing I've ever heard! Why have a requirement of no enforcement inside? read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Full house and no distancing. It made no sense. - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I saw MJ recently, and it was phenomenal. The only issue was the lack of ushers. Throughout the show, the family on one side of us continually got up and pushed through the row to get drinks. This was done about 5 times in act one alone and they were intoxicated by the end of the show. The family on the other side were on their phones the ENTIRE show. Brightness all the way up, and it was extremely distracting. I'm a subscription holder, and this has happened at several shows now. In the very back was a group of rowdy children who were talking loudly through most of act two. While I know this behavior isn't at fault of the theatre itself, no ushers were to be found to bring up the concern to. As we were leaving, I brought the issue up to an usher near the skywalk, and she responded that they aren't usually stationed in the balcony seats during the show. Just because the seats are more affordable doesn't mean they need to be neglected!! I know this would not have flown if we sat in the orchestra or any section closer to the stage. read more

Love this venue!! Have seen so many shows here and never once have considered myself to be sitting in a bad seat! It's so beautiful inside the theater as well. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Seeing Jesus Christ Superstar from center orchestra! Great seats! - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I've attended dozens of shows at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts over the years. Most of have been in Uilein Hall, including the ballet, symphony, Broadway shows, and an opera. I've attended several events outside in the Peck Pavilions, recently attended my first show in Vogel Hall, and once attended a show in the Todd Wehr Theatre many years ago. The Peck Pavilion is one of my favorite venues in the city because it is outside, which is great in the summer and covered from the elements, in case of rain. The property is well-kept inside and out and has great amenities. I find the staff to be friendly and helpful across the board. My only request for the Marcus Center is in Uihlein Hall. Can you please add some more padding on the seats and backrests, the backrests especially. i found the seats and backrests in Vogel hall to be very comfortable, wide and well-padded. Also, when the performers have speaking parts, it can be a little difficult to hear them 20 rows back in orchestra level, but no issues at all for hearing music or singing. At any rate, this is a great venue. I know there are plans for renovations and improvements, and I hope someone there reads this and takes my suggestions under advisement. read more

Our welcome into the theater was needing to find the bathroom for my kiddo... and was told, after checking in with our tickets, that we would need to walk out into the lobby and check in to the other side because the male and female bathrooms are on opposite sides of the lobby. WHAT? Then, to get to the balcony we were sent to a slow moving elevator or we could walk up the concrete steps that are basically a fire escape. For a theater that is new, it's surprising to see that they didn't create some pageantry for this theater. The inside also doesn't feel welcoming. They had a wonderful opportunity to create a beautiful theater -- not just a semi functional one. The seating on the balcony was perfectly acceptable. But coming to a theater this size should feel like an event -- not like you're going to a conference center. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Side seating - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Been seeing lots of reviews on this place popping up. Seems like the whole city, including myself, saw that amazing Lion King! Every single thing about the show itself, was absolutely phenomenal. We were absolutely impressed by the acting, singing, stage design and overall theatrics. Here's some deets on the theater though: Definitely an excellent venue that attracts people from all over for so many shows year-round. The parking is plentiful, even with it being located at the center of the city. The interior is quite pretty, but old pretty, ya know? It could use a little facelift here and there. There is no storage on seating inside, and I don't think there's a bad view in the house. We were sat mid-way back on the left side of theater and could see everything perfectly! Seats are comfy enough as well. With the amount of people they're hosting each night, the two-stall bathrooms were a bummer, as the line was down the hall at intermission. Crowds and lines are abundant at the snack/drink bar as well. So I'd say the overall flow of the place could use a little improvement. I would return to see the Lion King (again!), and many of the Marcus Center's other seasonal shows. This latest experience was a date-night surprise so nudge-nudge to the hubby to hook it up again! read more

Came here on Saturday to see Black Violin and was thoroughly impressed. We were in the center of row J, which offered an amazing view of the stage. But, truly, there didn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. Speaking of seats--I am happy to report, our seats were entirely comfortable. There was plenty of leg room as well as shoulder room/arm space. I know this seems like such a little thing, but two hours stuck in horribly uncomfortable and crowded seating can be just torture. The Marcus Center provides a comfortable viewing experience. There's nearby garage parking available (roughly $10 for the evening) as well as street parking. We took Lyft and were glad we did. Not having to worry about parking made for all the more enjoyable an evening. Looking at their upcoming season, the Marcus Center offers high quality and diverse entertainment. From Broadway shows, the ballet, and opera to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, holiday classics, and concerts (like Black Violin!), the Marcus Center brings some of the best in performing arts to Milwaukee. Prices for their shows are as diverse as the performances themselves. Our tickets to Black Violin were roughly $35/pp, but I've also seen events there for closer to $15/pp or on the other end of things $100/pp. So, really, about what one would expect for high quality performing arts. The ushers are all beautifully helpful and accommodating. All in all, Marcus Center performances offer a lovely evening out in downtown Milwaukee. Get to it! read more

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I've driven by the Marcus a thousand times and this time we actually had an event to go to, The Book of Mormon! Walking in first impression was wow. I had no idea that the interior was so lush and expansive. The theater itself is gorgeous and from the looks of it not a bad seat in the house. I would be very interested in sitting on the side levels to get a different perspective of the show overall. Bars in front of the house are cash only but you can bring your drinks in with a cap to boot. Now on to the show. The lighting, the stage, the theatrics were simply amazing. It was a particularly great show that we thoroughly enjoyed to the end. I am highly motivated to come back to the Marcus for some of the many other events they put on here. One that comes to mind is flag day. Again Milwaukee is blessed with such a prime spot to house shows and events. Good stuff going on at the Marcus! read more

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Went here for an improv show " Non-Denomiantioanal Christmas show" last night. It's a bit complicated to find at first because this was my first time. The staff was helpful which was good, walked around in a circle only to see that the parking was attached lol This show is a must see and please have a sense of humor. I got really nice seats which was awesome row K Seat 1 & 2 , I enjoyed everything about the show which was funny, The downside is there's not a lot of seats available if you are hanging out at the bar. The bathroom was clean and easy to find which was good Alison, EJ, Mark, Katie, Saurabh and Amy AWESOME JOB enjoyed every minute of the show read more

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MKE can be proud of this theater. It is a large, beautiful space. Not a bad seat in the house. Great accoustics. Nice parking tri-level building right across the street with a bridge into the upstairs part of the theater. Been here a dozen times or so in the past and never had any problems or issues. Just saw Whitte Christmas this evening and will be going to see Nutcracker Suite later this month (for the third time at this theater). Great times and memories at the Marcus Center. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Side Loge. Our favorite seats. - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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The show was amazing and Nick cartels did so well I will go see whatever he is in next! Though the Marcus center is mediocre, very confusing to get around. Drink were only in one area which made it a madhouse. We didn't get up at intermission because we wouldn't have had enough time to get to the bar and get another drink before it was over. Each floor should have a mini bar with just the main drink offered for quick service. Fox theaters offer this option; you could even have a glass waiting for you at intermission on your floor. As for our seats I guess I was confused by the seating chart map. In was under the impression we were on the second balcony. When I'm fact it was the third. It was nose bleed section. I was literally at eye level with the top of the channeler. We were so high it was hard to immerse yourself into the show. You couldn't see their faces at all just a blur. Next time we will go elsewhere for our shows. read more

My first memorable contact with Ludwig von Beethoven's 9th Symphony was as a kid when I heard the opening strains of the 2nd Movement on television - as the theme song to NBC's Huntley-Brinkley report. I didn't really give a rip about world news at the time, I wanted to hear more of the music. The world seems to look at the 9th as two separate pieces of music, long-hair music lovers think of an entire four movement symphony with its lilting tunes, counterpoint and fugue formats while many hear the last movement, the "Ode to Joy" itself as the entire symphony. Why not, after all, it's been adapted for church hymns, it's been played at every Olympiad for as long as I can remember and probably before that, it has been used in politics in both good and evil camps and just generally shows up everywhere. It is the anthem of the European Union. Let me state here, the 9th Symphony is by far and away my favorite piece of music. Beethoven touches my soul in the second movement, he reaches my dreams in the third movement, he stirs my imagination in the first movement and Beethoven directly speaks to my heart in the fourth movement. Imagine my joy (pun intended) to learn that the MSO would join with the symphony chorus and four outstanding soloists to perform the 9th Symphony at the Marcus Center for the Arts. And imagine my imense joy at receiving tickets as a birthday gift? The concert opened with Joan Tower's "Fanfare for an Uncommon Woman" inspired by Aaron Copeland's "Fanfare for the Common Man." The stirring three minute overture certainly grabbed our attention. Second on the bill was the continuing celebration of Leonard Bernstein's centennial with the chorus and orchestra playing his "Chichester Psalms" for chorus and orchestra. I admit, I had never heard it before. Sung in Hebrew, translations to English were provided in supertitles which would also be used later in the 9th Symphony. The soloist was a young man named Evan Bagwell, singing the "Boy Soprano" solo. He is a freshman at Brookfield Central and a seasoned performer. The remarkable young man did a splendid solo with the orchestra as his accompanist. After a brief intermission, Jun Märkl began the opening movement to the 9th, where Beethoven plays with the audience a bit as the violins sound like they're tuning up - only to hit us a with an eruption of sound that tells us this will be a piece to be reckoned with. The beginning of the second movement congers memories of a small black & white television with images of David Brinkley and Chet Huntley, soon forgotten in the echoing strains between the sections. The melodic third movement lulls us into a sense of relaxation, with one blast near the end that signals the tumultuous movement that is about to appear. The fourth movement smacks us with a trumpet fanfare before the basses give us a hint of what is coming, Eventually the basses introduce the familiar Ode to Joy theme that will take your breath away. At the peak of the movement, Bass Morris Robinson erupts with the beginning of the vocals. His booming voice sets the tone for what will follow - who needs a microphone? Supertitles give English translations of Friedrich Schiller's "An die Freude" set to music by Beethoven. Tenor Anthony Dean Griffey gives an inspiring rendition to the Turkish March portion of the movement, Soprano Heidi Stober and Mezzo Soprano Kelley O'Connor provide the outstanding counterpoint to the bass and tenor. The Symphony Chorus is, in a word, outstanding in delivering the vocal portion of the Ode to Joy. It is obvious the music speaks to Jun Märkl, too, who all but dances in conducting this most stirring of Beethoven's body of work. The end of the symphony was greeted with a more than rousing standing ovation! I do not recall ever attending a concert at this venue with a longer, louder, or more heartfelt ovation than the MSO, Symphony Chorus and soloists received last night. It likely echoed the ovation the master himself received when the 9th premiered on May 7, 1824 in Vienna. (Remember, Beethoven never heard one note of his masterpiece and was so deaf, he had to be turned around to see the thunderous ovation.) Tickets for tonight's concert and tomorrow's matinee are probably available. Do yourself a favor and receive this "kiss to the world". Experience this wondrous piece of music yourself, presented in an outstanding performance. Even Chet and David are smiling "...above the starry canopy". read more

My spouse and I have been multi year Broadway season ticket holders for the Marcus. After a recent performance and the unequal treatment we received at a performance, we have decided to discontinue that. My husband (same couple) and I were attending a musical. One of the other patrons next to us had decided to bring their sick child to the performance who (as sick children do) proceeded to fidget and cough (on us) during the first act. Such that we reseated ourselves in an utterly empty row directly in front of our (then row) to avoid the onslaught of coughed up virus and germs. I also witnessed other people (heterosexual couples) moving from several rows back and even the Mezzanine to take advantage of the empty rows. An usher literally walked past the other people and singled my husband and I out and demanded to see our tickets. Note: this usher did not even ask if these were our seats or anything else, but began the engagement in verbally aggressive manner. I am actually proud of my restraint, because I came close to pulling out $40 cash (the price difference between our row and the one directly in-front of ours) from my wallet crumpling it up and throwing it at her. My husband and I explained the circumstances which prompted our move and the usher refused to hear any of it. We relented and moved the one row back to our seats, while watching the same usher do nothing to groups and opposite-sex couple who had reseated themselves right in front of her. In fact, I saw her assist one group on posing for photos in the auditorium (of which there was lobby signage prohibiting). My husband and I have brought the issue of the homophobic treatment up to the management of the Marcus Center and (over a week later) our efforts to remedy this situation have been dismissed and I responded to. Frankly, it is shocking to have a venue that shows Broadway shows to all blatantly homophobic behavior from their staff. And let me assure you: that is seldom my go-to assumption when I am mistreated, but based on the way we were singled out and treated, there seemed to be no other reason for the very differential treatment my husband and I endured when literally several heterosexual couples and groups were speared the same harassment. As a member of the LGBTQ+, I would hope they would want to hear of the issue and address it with their staff; clearly, this venue is not aligned on that and would rather ignore and dismiss (or even make an attempt to explain) to events that occurred. If I had the time, I would recommend a boycott of this venue until they put their staff through equality training. Even though the season is not over, we are already agreed we will likely take a loss in this years season package then go back to a venue which seems (at best) complacent in mistreatment for LGBTQ+ people. read more

Milwaukee is blessed to have this venue encouraging the promotion and appreciation of performing art - it's a jewel in its crown. I came here to see the Canadian Brass team up with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Brass Choir for a holiday concert. Oh my goodness. The beauty of a brass choir - two trumpets, a trombone, a tuba and a French horn, is lovely. Dual groups is twice as nice. What an incredible way to get into the holiday spirit! I've been here for other performances and they are always amazing. Staff are attentive and thoughtful, there are no bad seats in the house, and you're simply allowed the luxury of enjoying art, which is joyful on its own but amazing in this outstanding venue. Treat yourself to the joy, energy, enthusiasm and beauty of a live performance at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. You'll be glad you did! read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - The Canadian Brass Band marches in with "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" at the Marcus PAC. - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Saw this year's production of Les Miserable (2022). It was the best version I've seen yet! The casts' voice quality and skill was superior to the two previous performances I've seen. What a talented cast! The lead roles and supporting cast all had incredible voices. The only thing I could critique is the little boy who had several speaking parts was inaudible at times but it was a minor thing. The voices literally soar in this one so see this cast if possible! read more

I've been to the Marcus Center on many occasions and have always walked away feeling happy about my experience. Everyone who works there has always been friendly and helpful. I've had seats in probably every section and have been pleased every time with the view. Last night I was in the orchestra section row N, nearly in the center. I didn't feel too close or too far away from the stage. I was happy with the location and had a very good view. Last night, I saw the performance of Waitress at Marcus Center. It was a good show and funnier than I had anticipated. Waitress is not necessarily for children due to language and content at times but aimed more toward adults. Good show to see. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Tickets were much easier to get for Hamilton here then in Chicago. Plus we got to come to Milwaukee...double bonus. What a nice theatre, easy to park, restaurants and geat shops (Cheese and Usinger's) within walking distance. Very well managed and orderly, the staff was very helpful and they have good flow in and out. Its very nice inside, good sight lines. We were in the Loge. It's not that big so i would imagine that most all the seats are good. The seats themselves were very comfortable. We really enjoyed it and would not hesitate to return read more

Excellent venue that brings in lots of great touring companies and offers a wide variety of entertainment. Drinks are a bit overpriced here and bathrooms are much too small but that seems to be the standard for a lot of theaters. read more

Great venue for theatre. We saw Book of Mormon. The staff there is truly awesome. Extremely polite and helpful. The drink and snack prices are in the high side. A big thank you to Associated Bank for sponsoring the venue and even more for providing the tickets. The show was hilarious and entertaining. Not a play for children or adults that don't care for South Park type humor. The venue is gorgeous and well managed. read more

Never bring your kids to the theater! Apparently that is the philosophy amongst some of the ushers and managers. If the theater does not wish for kids to be present please put that on the website rather than leaving a family and kids to be traumatized by an antagonistic usher who is just sitting in the middle of the theater rather than doing her job. Additionally, it appears as though the theater would rather kick out a 4 year old with a paid tickets than admit when an usher is wrong, and clearly already in a bad mood. We all know it can be hard for children, to whisper during a whole show, but literally even just adjusting ourselves in our seat was clearly frustrating this usher. All I can say is, I wish I would have got a name and recorded the interaction and I will never be returning to the Marcus Center, too much trauma now associated with the experience. Good luck to any other parents out there, I honestly just feel bad that now my daughter holds this guilt. Disappointed and in shock. read more

Nice theatre. We came here for a play around Christmas time about the virgin birth. The performance by the young group was magnificent. There was a reception ahead of the play in the lobby. That was kind of cramped and very loud. Hard to hear. But it was fun. I nice area for refreshments. Their catering is great too. read more

Um. I don't care how weird this is. I'm writing a review about these lights and none of y'all can stop me, dammit. I love those freaking lights A TON. I mean, I can't review *them* as the Marcus Center. I would then have to review the building and the venue and all that. They're their own thing, the lights. And they're GLORIOUS. All the colors, and in all sorts of different combinations. They make me so happy I could spit. Or cry. Or grin like an idiot. Whatever. Who'd have thought something so so simple as big colorful lights on the Marcus could bring me so much joy? (scoffs at self) It's like, one night I could be sad and it might be sleeting and snowing and I'm driving down Water Street and the Marcus Center could be lit up like the most majestic of all ice castles; the shades of blue and purple swirl together in expertly situated confluence. I then like to image that a giant yet friendly abominable snow person is inhabiting the venue. Maybe he or she is conducting the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Maybe there are tiny ice gnomes carving snowflakes made of crystal inside. Maybe winter fairies are sprinkling glitter on the Ballet. Any and all of those things are most certainly happening inside. Another night, I could be headed to roller derby practice, and the building might be lit up all crazy shades of green. I might be in a bad mood, but how can I be in a bad mood when it's a swamp monster that lives inside of that giant green building?? (Except for that he's a friendly swamp monster, and he's working with the Ents and the pixies on a PowerPoint presentation that teaches conservation to all the visiting schoolchildren. The pixies swing from rainforest-y type vines and they use tropical flowers for chairs. The Ents are sipping on water from giant tea cups and their pinky branches are up, because Ents are civilized like that.) Some nights the building is lit up yellow and red. It makes me feel weird. When it's yellow and red, I think of the BCB Allstars (their colors are gold + red), but it also makes me think of Ronald McDonald. I don't really like when the Marcus is lit up yellow + red because Ronald McDonald scares me. When the Packers won the Super Bowl, the Marcus was green + yellow. That was super great, too. I love these lights. Too much, probably. I never professed to not have strange hang-ups though. So butt out! Or whatever. read more

Marcus Performing Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I attended my first performance at the Marcus Center this weekend; The Book of Mormon. Although, I wasn't overly impressed with the play, I loved the Marcus Center! I sat in the box which is the first level above the floor. The price for this seat was the same as sitting in the back of the floor (or orchestra seats). The view and sound were perfect! 1/2 level down, there is a cash bar for before the show and during intermission. The bar was expensive, but it's nice to have a drink available. I bought water for $2.25 for a small bottle (ridiculous!), but I also got a cup of ice and took advantage of free refills from the water fountain :) Lesson Learned: There are plenty of water fountains scattered around. There are also good sized restrooms on both sides of the loge level. I can't speak for the other levels. Of course, there was a line for the women's room at intermission, but I was able to get in and out and have time for my high-priced water. read more

Went to see Hamilton on Sunday. Just some observations: - Usher had no clue about seating. I had to go find my seat. - They ran out of programs. Was given a QR code to get my program on Sunday. - The bar staff would say drinks and food are allowed. Ushers would say only covered drinks, no food. Which one is it ????? - Masks not fully enforced on Sunday. Saw Ushers and Security let many people go without a mask around the building. - No ushers on my floor when I went out to the bathroom. I just had to re-enter and seat myself with my iphone flashlight. - Marcus is clearly short staffed. Staff made no secret of this either. Many staff seemed unhappy, over-worked and more then happy to share all the problems the Marcus is having. - The new security body scanner much better. Less Invasive. - New ticket scanner are better. - The newly redone Uihlein Hall looks beautiful. However, the rest of the building looks like shit. Stains on the carpet, trash on the floor from the afternoon show. Old Televisions. I pay lot of money ...yet have to watch on a TV from the 90's?. Marcus, LED flat screen TV's are not that expensive. It could have been better. read more