Sing a Song of Shanties

Is warm weather keeping you from feeding that ice-fishing Jones? Then, head to the Milwaukee Repertory Theater for a performance of Guys on Ice.

The ice fishing musical is celebrating its 25th anniversary and playing now at the Stackner Cabaret. It’s a comedic tribute to Wisconsin’s favorite winter pastime of sitting in a shanty and waiting on lunkers.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, this is a chance for you rugged outdoorsmen out there to stealthily show your partner your softer side with a night at the theater. Your special someone will be so surprised that she won’t notice that the play is about ice fishing. While musical theater may not be your thing, it’s a far better option than going to a performance of something heavy like A Long Day’s Journey into Night or Woyzeck, which have no fishing of any kind in them.

Who knows, you may love it. Guys on Ice may serve as a “gateway play.” In a few short months, you’ll move onto harder musicals, and by the time the Tony Awards roll around, you’ll be a full-blown theater junkie, wearing a cape and a top hat, or whatever people on Broadway do.

The show’s run continues through the winter, with the final show on March 17th. And, just in case, the 2024 Tonys are on June 16th.