Building The Future Together

The historical Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Stackner Cabaret is ready to entertain the masses after $1.75 million worth of renovations. The theater broke ground on May 30th and opened its doors to the public on September 7th that same year.

Opened in 1987, the Stackner performs approximately 300 shows a year. It is located at 108 E. Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee and is one of three theaters in the Rep’s Baker Theater Complex.

Hunzinger took a leading role as Construction Manager for this 6,600 sq. ft. interior renovation. Uihlein Wilson Ramlow Stein Architects designed this interior renovation that revamped the iconic theater with an expanded seating configuration by removing the dividing wall between the seating area and the adjacent bar, resulting in an expansion of the ticketed seating area.

A mobile bar, expanded kitchen with new and custom appliances, redone entrance, remodeled bathrooms and new in-house control station was also completed during the project along with installing new carpeting, a wood panel ceiling, and marquee lighting.

The Rep can now utilize the lobby and outer patio space to better accommodate larger crowds. A big screen TV and mobile bar were added to the lobby to live stream performances when the audience overflows the theater area.

The Rep also installed a T-coil Loop Hearing System. Theatergoers can set their hearing aids to T (for telecoil), eliminating the need to wear assisted listening devices during performances.

The result of the changes is expected to increase the Stacker’s brand as a must-see venue in downtown Milwaukee.

The Stackner Cabaret is open for drinks and dinner service Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturdays from 2:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Photos by the Milwaukee Business Journal

Chad Bauman

Managing Director of the Repertory Theater

Project: Stackner Cabaret