DOCTOR FAUSTUS LIGHTS THE LIGHTS

MILWAUKEE'S PROFESSIONAL PREMIERE — AND AN EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANYTHING YOU'VE EVER EXPERIENCED.

This Halloween, step inside the world of Gertrude Stein's Doctor Faustus Lights the Lights in a completely immersive theatrical event where theatre, dance, music, visual art, and installation collide. Directed, designed and illuminated by WCS Artistic Director Cole Castine.

There is no traditional stage. There is no distance between you and the action. You are inside the world. Set within the atmospheric Sanctuary Hall of Calvary Presbyterian Church, Wisconsin Classic Stage transforms the space into a living, breathing work of art that surrounds you, moves around you, and invites you to experience Stein's strange and thrilling take on the Faust legend from within.

Inspired by the ancient story of a man who makes a pact for knowledge and power, Stein's surreal operetta becomes something radically new: part theatre, part dance, part concert, part art installation—and completely immersive. The performers move through the space. Music surrounds you. Images emerge. The architecture becomes part of the story. Nothing is quite where you expect it to be, and no two seats offer exactly the same experience. You aren't coming to watch a story. You're stepping into it.

For one extraordinary night, leave the ordinary theatre behind. Enter the world of Doctor Faustus!

Milwaukee's professional premiere. October 30–November 8, 2026. Only 75 seats per performance.

Choose your night. Step into the electric  lights!

October 30 through November 8
Sanctuary Hall, Calvary Presbyterian Church, 935 West Wisconsin Avenue
Fridays 8pm, Saturdays 8pm and 10pm, Sundays 8pm
Standing room $10, reserved seating $25