Saturday, May 9, 2026 1:30 pm Matinee
Milwaukee Rep - Herro-Franke Studio Theater
An Iconic Painter’s Art, Heart and Spirit
Live boldly, love wildly, paint passionately — this was the uncompromising life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Through music, movement and irresistible charm, acclaimed writer and actor Vanessa Severo crafts a poetic performance that explores Frida’s breathtaking life and astonishing genius. This sizzling play plunges into the brilliant, nuanced world of Kahlo’s tumultuous, extraordinary life, offering a vivid exploration of how we shape ourselves through the art that we love.
“Vulnerable, emotional, personal, and full of joy... utterly captivating.” – Broadway World
“Colorful and imaginative… a deeply affecting drama that leaves an ineradicable imprint.” – The Pitch
recommended age: 12 and up
Approximate Running Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes with no intermission

So much is new at the Rep! This is PLATO's first visit to the newly remodeled facilities. The new black-box theater, the Herro-Franke Studio offers a uniquely flexible space that brings you closer to the story—perfect for powerful, intimate productions and bold, unexpected performances. Whether it’s a moving drama or a fresh new work, this space invites you into a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience where no two visits feel the same.
The Herro-Franke Studio Theater is located on the Lobby level. New more comfortable seats, railings in the aisles, cupholders, new assisted listening devices, new concession bar and modernized restrooms are just some of the new features.
Tickets: Our group will be seated in row C (third row) on both sides of the center aisle. Seats will be assigned based on registration date.
Group Lunch is at The Public Market. We will save tables on the second-floor. Each person is responsible for ordering, paying for and carrying their own meal from one of the nine unique eateries in the Public Market to the second floor dining area. In addition to the nine eateries, there is a bakery, wine shop and bar, coffee shop, etc. An elevator and stairs access the second floor and restrooms near the seating area. Again, lunch is not included in your registration.

Our bus will also drop-off and pick-up at the Milwaukee Public Market for lunch alternatives. There are many nearby Third Ward restaurants from which to choose. Many restaurants have changed over time so please check to see if they will be open and we highly recommend that you make a reservation.
Historic Third Ward Official Restaurant List - Check to see if they are open.
Historic Third Ward Official Shopping List - Check to see if they are open.
This theater trip's patrons with share a bus and group lunch with the patrons attending Mrs. Christie.
Itinerary
Bear in mind that our boarding bus route is like Madison Metro or any other municipal bus service. Please arrive early at your boarding stop so you don’t miss the bus. When everyone is aboard and seated, we leave. Don’t be late. We can wait just 5 minutes at any one location.
Accessibility Policy: On the Badger Bus, you must be able to climb steps to board and exit the bus. If you need assistance, we require that you bring a friend to give you a hand.
Leaving Madison
9:30 AM Westside: Bus arrives for boarding at Oakwood University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Road
9:40 AM Westside: Bus departs from Oakwood University Woods (sooner if everyone is aboard)
10:15 AM Eastside: Bus departs East Towne former Sears at light pole #13. Leave for Milwaukee (sooner if everyone is aboard).
In Milwaukee
11:30 AM Drop of at Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N Water St., Milwaukee
12:55 PM Pick-up at Milwaukee Public Market
1:00 PM Drop off at Milwaukee Repertory, 108 E Wells St., Milwaukee
1:30 PM Frida…a Self Portrait and Mrs. Christie begins
2:45 PM Frida performance ends
3:35 PM Mrs. Christie ends
4:05 PM Depart for Madison (sooner if everyone is aboard)
Arrive Madison (Estimated)
5:20 PM Bus returns to East Towne
5:50 PM Bus returns to Oakwood University Woods
Non-Member Policy: Members must register their guests. Each PLATO member is entitled to bring one non-member guest per bus trip. Members may bring more than one guest near the registration deadline date if seats are available. Check with trip organizer. Non-member guests pay an additional $10 registration fee.
PLATO Membership: PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on August 1.
Mail-in registration form linked here.
For further information, contact theater trip organizers:
Sue Josheff, sooziej@sbcglobal.net 608-770-3828 or
Nancy McClements, nancymcclements@gmail.com 608-358-4478