The Boys from Baraboo
Thursday, December 3, 2026 · 7:30 PM CST · Next Act Theatre · Milwaukee, WI
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About this event
Comedy! Songs! Entertainment! Step right up as Heidi Armbruster chronicles the rise and fall of the Ringling Brothers: five boys from Baraboo, Wisconsin. The story of their circus—the greatest show on Earth—is bookended by the brothers’ scrappy beginnings and difficult ends. THE BOYS FROM BARABOO tells the uniquely American story of a death-defying entertainment empire: music, storytelling, grit and charm create a tale that’s equal parts vaudeville revue and prestige drama. Associate Sponsors Bob Balderson and The Holman Family Co-Sponsors Margaret Dethloff and Teri Zeh, John McGivern and Susan and Howard Schoenfeld THE BOYS FROM BARABOO is part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals running throughout 2026. To learn more visit www.worldpremierewisconsin.com. Cast Featuring Brian Mani as John Ringling Laura Gordon as Charles/Edith/Heidi Kat Wodtke as Alf T./Mable Karen Estrada as Otto/Ina Molly Rhode as Al/Ida Sarah Zapiain as Younger John/Frankie/Julie Creative Team Cody Estle, Director Alissa Rhode, Music Director Caroline Norton, Assistant Director Jeffrey D. Kmiec, Scenic Designer Noele Stollmack, Lighting Designer Izumi Inaba, Costume Designer Josh Schmidt, Sound Designer Jim Guy, Properties Designer Deanie Vallone, Dramaturg Molly Rhode, Choreography/Movement Nat Goeller, Stage Manager Beck Trumbull, Assistant Stage Manager
Description from urbanmilwaukee.com