MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) continues its 50th Anniversary 2024/25 season with the Milwaukee premiere of CLYDE’S, the Tony Award-nominated comedy by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage. The production will runfrom November 8 to November 24, 2024, at the Broadway Theatre Center’s Studio Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online at www.milwaukeechambertheatre.org/clydes or by calling the Broadway Theatre Center box office at 414-291-7800 (M-Sa 12-6 pm and two hours prior to
BTC show times).
From the director of last season’s smash hit THE MOUNTAINTOP comes Lynn Nottage’s new “flavor-bomb of a comedy” (Variety) that’s “a spicy feast for the senses” (Chicago Sun-Times). Set in a diner kitchen that might be hell, limbo, or just a greasy spoon off the Pennsylvania turnpike, CLYDE’S follows four formerly incarcerated cooks striving for redemption by creating the perfect sandwich—all under the devilish gaze of Clyde, their hard-driving boss. Combining uproarious humor, fulsome heart, and generous hospitality, CLYDE’S delivers a delicious theatrical meal that showcases why Nottage is one of America’s greatest living playwrights.
“We’ve had an appetite to produce CLYDE’s since it premiered a few years ago, and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with Milwaukee audiences,” said MCT Artistic Director Brent Hazelton. “We’ve assembled the perfect team to tell this story, led by Milwaukee native and frequent MCT collaborator Dimonte Henning. Anyone who saw last season’s THE MOUNTAINTOP knows that Dimonte is one of Milwaukee’s best theater storytellers, and his warm sense of humor, big-hearted empathy, and commitment to community are the perfect lenses through which to tell this story.” Also a leading local actor, Henning last appeared at MCT as Actor Two in the 2023/24 world premiere of THE NOT-SO-ACCIDENTAL CONVICTION OF ELEVEN MILWAUKEE “ANARCHISTS”. Henning’s onstage work will also be familiar to audiences of Milwaukee Repertory Theater, First Stage, and Next Act Theater, among others.
“CLYDE’S provides us with more than delicious sandwiches, but a deep insight into the lives of formerly incarcerated people who are determined to make their second chance at life a fulfilling experience,” said Henning. “As the characters strive to make the perfect sandwich, we watch their humanity, aspirations, and redemptive qualities on full display as they navigate the tumultuous and sometimes hellish kitchen environment that is Clyde’s sandwich shop. Through
this transformational story, we are reminded of the power of forgiveness, perseverance, and the resiliency of hope even when the options seem limited.”
CLYDE’S will reunite Henning with the two stars of THE MOUNTAINTOP, Bryant Bentley and N’Jameh Camara, whom the Shepherd Express called “two powerhouse performers,” in the roles of Montrellous and Letitia, respectively. Camara also notably starred in MCT’s critically-acclaimed 2024/25 season opener AN ILIAD, where her performance was called “amazing…almost superhuman” (Ryan Jay Reviews), “Herculean” (Milwaukee Magazine), and “an
emotional display of genius” (CopyWrite Magazine). CLYDE’S will also feature the MCT debut of Milwaukee favorites Lachrisa Grandberry (First Stage, Northern Sky) as Clyde, Justin Huen (Milwaukee Rep) as Rafael, and Nate Press (Next Act, Sunset Playhouse) as Jason.
“I’ve been eagerly anticipating being a part of CLYDE’S with Milwaukee Chamber Theatre all year,” said Grandberry. “Returning home to Milwaukee to tell this powerful story is truly special. Telling stories that raise awareness of the challenges faced by marginalized communities is a mission I hold close, and CLYDE’S does just that. It’s a story of second chances, redemption, resilience, and the healing power of creativity. At the same time, it explores the tragic cycle of bitterness and control, and the complexity of being a Black or brown person—especially one impacted by the criminal justice system.”
Playwright Lynn Nottage is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and one of America’s greatest living dramatists. MCT’s production of CLYDE’S will be designed and created by an all-local team including Maaz Ahmed (Lighting Designer), Gina Cornejo (Intimacy Director Follow), KaiLee Evans (Intimacy Director Lead), Stephen Hudson-Mairet (Scenic Designer), Pia Russo (Assistant Stage Manager), Josh Schmidt (Sound Designer), Lauren Marie Stoner (Wardrobe), Simone Tegge (Properties Designer), Emily Marie Wilke (Stage Manager), and Trinae Williams-Henning (Costume Designer).
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s production of CLYDE’S is presented by Dwight and Marleen Morgan, Producers Pat Martin and Julie Anding and Lisa Kornetsky, and Associate Producers Keith and Paula Anderson and Kristy Nielson and William Lorber. CLYDE’S is produced in partnership with Kinship Community Food Center, the Milwaukee Freedom Fund, Food for Health, the Milwaukee Turners, and The Community.
PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION:
