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The Young Performing Arts Center Announces a Thrilling 2025–2026 Season
The Young Performing Arts Center (YPAC) is proud to unveil its 2025–2026 season, an inspiring lineup of world-class performances, Broadway hits, community showcases, and cultural treasures. This year’s season promises something for everyone — from epic tales of myth and adventure to dazzling dance, family classics, and laugh-out-loud comedy.
“We’re thrilled to bring such a dynamic mix of performances to The Young Performing Arts Center this season,” said Dr. Michael Dugan, Dean – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Arts and Communication & Interim Executive Director of The Young Performing Arts Center. “Audiences can expect unforgettable evenings filled with heart, humor, artistry, and the unique shared experience that only live performance can provide.”
For more information about the 25-26 Season and to purchase tickets, please visit TheYoungWhitewater.com or contact the box office at 262-472-2222
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Ticket prices shown include all fees. Parking is free!
Editor’s note: Apparently Charlie Berens’ performance is not considered to be part of the season; however, there are still seats available for his Friday, September 12 show at 9:30 p.m. CHARLIE BERENS is a comedian, New York Times Best Selling Author, Emmy-winning journalist, musician and creator of the Manitowoc Minute. The Wisconsin native has been featured on Comedy Central, Fox, CBS, Funny or Die, TBS, Variety, MTV News and more. He creates weekly content for his various social platforms and has amassed over 7.5 million followers. There are only a few single seats on the main floor, but many seats remain in the balcony. $45+
Beowulf – Wednesday, September 17, 2025 @ 7 P.M.
A fierce one-person retelling of the Old English epic. John Heimbuch performs Charlie Bethel’s tour-de-force adaptation, blending wit, vigor, and meaty language in this Fringe Festival favorite. Contains descriptions of fantasy violence.. All seats $13.
Gilgamesh – Thursday, September 18, 2025 @ 7 P.M.
Charlie Bethel’s solo adaptation of the ancient Sumerian epic brings forth themes of friendship, immortality, and adventure. Recommended for ages 13+ due to sacred sexuality and fantasy violence.. All seats $13
Dungeons & Dragons: Twenty-Sided Tavern – Tues./Wed., October 14–15, 2025 @ 7 P.M.
An interactive, laugh-filled fantasy quest where the audience chooses the heroes and shapes the story. “Rip-roaring funny” (Nerdist) — no two shows are alike! $67+
Ballet Hispánico – Saturday, October 18, 2025 @ 7 P.M.
America’s leading Latino dance company brings bold, breathtaking repertory to the stage, redefining what it means to be an American dance company. All seats $40.
Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through “The Change” – Thursday, October 30, 2025 @ 7 P.M.
The hilarious, heartfelt sequel to the smash-hit “Menopause The Musical”. A spirited celebration of menopause, friendship, and fun. $38+
John McGivern – Sunday December 7, 2025 @ 3 P.M.
Beloved Wisconsin storyteller and Emmy Award winner John McGivern shares heartwarming, funny stories rooted in family and community. $32+
Chicago – Wednesday, February 4, 2026 @ 7 P.M.
Broadway’s longest-running American musical! Fame, fortune, and all that jazz light up the stage in this Tony and Grammy Award-winning sensation. $67+
The Jungle Book: Missoula Children’s Theatre – Saturday, February 14, 2026 @ 3 P.M.
Local youth perform this rollicking adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, filled with original music, humor, and adventure.
Spamilton: An American Parody – Thursday, February 19, 2026 @ 7 P.M.
From the creator of “Forbidden Broadway”, this hilarious parody of Hamilton and other Broadway blockbusters promises a comedy revolution. $30+
Peking Acrobats – Sunday, February 22, 2026 @ 3 P.M.
Daring feats of balance, juggling, cycling, and contortion performed with jaw-dropping skill. A thrilling family spectacle. $18+
Shamrock Tenors –Tuesday, March 3, 2026 @ 7 P.M.
Ireland’s newest musical sensation brings soaring five-part harmonies and infectious energy to Irish classics. $26+
New York Voices: The Grand Finale – Sunday, March 15, 2026 @ 3 P.M.
After nearly four decades, this Grammy-winning vocal ensemble embarks on its farewell tour — an unforgettable celebration of music and friendship. All seats $31.
Kinky Boots – Tuesday, March 24, 2026 @ 7 P.M.
With a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, this feel-good Broadway hit follows an unlikely pair who discover they can change the world by changing minds. $67+
Preacher Lawson – Saturday, May 9, 2026 @ 7 P.M. $38+
The “America’s Got Talent” finalist and viral sensation brings his high-energy stand-up comedy to Whitewater for one night only. $38+
The Young serves as a presenting organization for the performing arts and as an educational and cultural center enriching the lives of regional communities. Tickets for any show can be purchased online at TheYoungWhitewater.com, by calling the Box Office at (262) 472-2222, or in person. Ticket Services is located in the atrium of Greenhill Center of the Arts, 950 West Main Street, Whitewater, and is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Young is located at 930 West Main Street, Whitewater, WI 53190. To learn more, visit TheYoungWhitewater.com.
There will be a Hymn Sing at the historic Heart Prairie Norwegian Methodist Episcopal Church on September 14th at 4:30 p.m. The church is located at N7372 County Rd P, Delavan, WI. The Rev. Larry Froemming will be the Pump Organist. Refreshments will be provided prior to the service. Due to limited parking, early arrival is advised.
The City of Whitewater is pleased to share highlights from a recent visit by Interim Economic Development Director, Emily McFarland, and staff to Fairhaven Senior Services, a premier Life Plan community located in the heart of Whitewater. The visit underscores the city’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with local organizations that enhance the well-being of residents of all ages.
City officials toured Fairhaven’s campus, which covers Prairie Village duplex ranch homes, senior living apartments (that offer care levels), new assisted living and Hearthstone Memory Care. They met with Brian Robinson, Director of Marketing, Community Relation & Leisure Services, and talked about opportunities for collaboration between the senior community and city departments.
Fairhaven’s impressive $12 million renovation of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floor assisted living areas was a major focus of the tour. Residents began moving into the upgraded spaces earlier this year, which feature enhanced accessibility, comfort, and modern amenities in alignment with Fairhaven’s mission of providing compassionate, high-quality care for older adults.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater. Whitewater Community TV recently produced a video that highlights Fairhaven’s services. It may be viewed at this link.
Update 8/30/25 @ 4:00 p.m. – Sherry Stanek indicates that a food truck will be onsite.
SAVE THE DATE! Watch 1,000 Chimney Swifts dive into the Whitewater Middle School Chimney!!
ATTENTION SWIFTIES. What are Chimney Swifts and why do we care about them? Chimney Swifts are unique birds that migrate north in the spring and south in the fall. While here, they eat thousands of insects each, EVERY day as they swoop and glide through the skies. As the summer days get shorter, Chimney Swifts from a wide area will gather in large chimneys to stay warm overnight. In Whitewater, that roosting chimney is located at Whitewater Middle School. Last fall an estimated 1,000 Swifts dove nightly into the Whitewater Middle School chimney to roost prior to flying to the Amazon for the winter! The roosting lasts for a short number of days. The ‘ganging up’ of the Swifts picks up speed during the last couple of weeks of August. Urban Forestry, with cooperation from the Whitewater Unified School District, is inviting the public to enjoy this spectacle of nature which occurs at sunset. Bring your blankets or chairs and settle in behind the middle school to watch this “Swift-nado” during the last week of August.
Then please join us to help us count how many Swifts do the ‘dive at dusk’ on Saturday, August 30th at 7 pm. Plan on arriving at 6:30 for a short program with speakers talking about birds and bugs and trees during our official Swift Night Out! This is an amazing spectacle that you won’t want to miss. See you there!
To pique your interest, take the quiz:
Chimney Swift Quiz
1 How long do Swifts fly without landing?
2 Can Swifts perch in a tree?
3 What life functions do Swifts perform on the wing?
4 How many rest stops do Swifts take on their migration to South America?
5 What is the average life span of a Swift?
6 How many Swifts occupy a single chimney during chick raising season?
7 Swift nests are comprised of what?
8 When Swifts hang in chimneys, what prevents their butts from rubbing against the chimney wall?
Scroll down for the answers.
Answers
1 Swifts fly continuously for 10 months!
2 Swifts cannot land as they do not have an opposable thumb.
3 Swifts eat, sleep, and mate on the wing.
4 Swifts fly non-stop to South America!
5 The average life span of Swifts is 21 years! Other small wild birds 4-5 years
6 During the chick raising season, each chimney will host only one pair.
7 Swifts use saliva to build their nests gluing small sticks together in a corner.
8 Swifts have porcupine type quills in their tail feathers to support them when they hang in chimneys.
The Whippet Cross Country Team competed in the Palmyra Eagle Invitational on Thursday, August 28.
The boys’ race was led by freshman Tyler Carollo, who clocked a time of 20:14 and earned his first high school medal with a 24th-place finish (the top 25 received medals). Wyatt Esch and Isaiah Mendez were the team’s second and third finishers, each running within 30–35 seconds of their lifetime personal bests. Marcus Roselle and Quinton O’Toole rounded out the team’s top five, helping the Whippets place eighth out of 14 teams.
On the girls’ side, Virginia Nelson led the way with a 7th-place finish, earning a medal in 22:20—just six seconds off her lifetime best to start her sophomore season. Delaney Hammack ran strong in the No. 2 spot, finishing 31st. Melody Smith, in her first-ever 5K race, was the team’s third runner, finishing only 20 seconds behind Hammack. Ema Aranda claimed the fourth spot, while freshman Madelyn Taylor completed the team’s scoring five. The girls’ team placed sixth out of 14 teams.
Next up for the Whippets is the 22nd Annual Dirk Seibold Alumni Meet, hosted at Whitewater High School on Saturday. The boys’ race begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by the girls’ race at 10:40 a.m. This year’s course will be 1.5 miles. Fans are encouraged to come out, support the team, and reconnect with former Whippets.
Full results: https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/meet/258787/info
Article and Photos Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
The following are excerpts from an article by Matt Ellis in The Gazette on August 28.
“Until the Sept. 6 season kickoff, UW-Whitewater head coach Jace Rindahl and his staff will be evaluating a quarterback competition between sophomore Justin Klinkner and transfers Jake Frantl and Aidan Lucero.
None of the three has received any meaningful snaps on a college football field.
The Warhawks’ season starts by hosting Carleton (Minn.) College at Perkins Stadium for a nonconference game.
Klinkner did not see the field as a Warhawk freshman in 2024. Frantl spent four years at Pittsburgh but did not see the field. Lucero spent three years at Grand Valley State (Mich.), where he redshirted as a freshman in 2022 and did not see the field in the two years since.
“We’re intentional,” Rindahl said about the process of determining the Week 1 starter, “You’ve got three guys fighting for it. So you make sure that you give (fairness) and balance. You give them equal reps with the ones. Then you just are very strategic when you go through fall camp.”………
Obituaries
Lawrence “Larry” C. Hartung, a proud Marine Veteran of the Vietnam War, and longtime resident of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully at his home on May 1, 2026. Larry was born June 7th, 1949, to Levon and Charles Hartung in Chicago, IL. Larry enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1968 and served 3 consecutive tours in the Vietnam War. During this time, he became pen pals with his future wife, Candy, via a connection through his father. In 1970, he came home on leave to marry Candy. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on October 31st, 2025. During … Read more
Leo E. Wurzer, 65, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at his home. Leo was born on April 15, 1961 in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Cyril and Shirley (McNeil) Wurzer. He grew up between Pleasant Prairie and Antigo, spending his childhood summers on his uncle’s farm where he discovered his love for all things tractors. Although he never had a farm of his own, he was able to partially fulfill his dream by working as a driver for Robin’s Trucking in Whitewater, WI in his last days and collecting miniature Tonka toys. He began his career … Read more
Lois Cummings, 99, of Fond du Lac, WI (formerly of Janesville, WI, Fort Atkinson, WI, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Green Valley, AZ) passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 at the Meadows Senior Residence in Fond du Lac surrounded by family. Lois was born on February 17, 1927 in Fort Atkinson to Edward and Clarice (Roseth) Stevens. The middle child of 9 children, she attended Fort Atkinson schools and graduated in 1944. On September 11, 1948 Lois married Grant Cummings at Saint Andrew Catholic Church in Delavan, WI. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Colleen (Tom) Sabel, and Patty (Paul) … Read more
Come celebrate William Kincaid’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 30th at 1 pm at Trippe Lake Park Pavillion in Whitewater. He truly enjoyed gatherings where his favorite foods and music could be enjoyed with some of his closest friends and family. We will honor him by carrying on one of his favorite traditions. Please bring your own beverages and chairs. There is limited seating. See you all there!
Gladys Jean (Riley) Hildebrandt, age 89, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 23, 2026. Gladys was born on December 26, 1936, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Theresa Egnoski Riley. She was married to Walter Sobolik Sr., and later married James A. Hildebrandt in 1976. Gladys was a hardworking woman who spent her life caring for others. She worked in school kitchens, restaurants, factories, and cleaning services. She concluded her working career as a full-time nanny. In that role, she lovingly cared for Andrew, Daniel, and Kaitlyn Drzewiecki, who became part of her chosen family. Gladys is survived by her sons, Wally … Read more
WHITEWATER – Nan Rowley died on April 15, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on September 4, 1935, in a little house on the prairie in the Town of Johnstown, Wisconsin, the daughter of Wayne L. Wilbur and Florence (McQuillen) Wilbur. Nan attended primary schools in the towns of Johnstown and Richmond and in the City of Whitewater. Nan graduated with honors from Whitewater City High School. On June 19, 1954, Nancy and Ken Rowley were united in marriage in Whitewater and went to live on the Rowley family farm in Richmond. Over the years, Nan served … Read more
Marion H. Gorniak (nee Pfeiffer), 74, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026. She was born on October 24, 1951, to the late Harvey and Loraine (nee Drifke) Pfeiffer in Fort Atkinson, WI. On June 2, 1969, she was united in marriage to Alan Gorniak. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and cooking, especially her rhubarb pies. She especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be missed by all who knew her. Those Marion leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Alan Gorniak; stepson, Alan Bauer; sister, Sue Ann Schultz, other relatives and friends. … Read more
Ruth Irene (Phelps) Justis, 88, of Appleton City, Missouri, passed away Friday morning, April 10, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg, MO, with her family by her side. Ruth was born June 3, 1937 in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Charles and Ada Mae (Maly) Phelps. She joined the Marine Corps in 1956. During her time there, she met and married her husband, Forest Wayne “Wayne” Justis in 1957. They shared 62 years of marriage and to this union, 2 children, Charles and Dorene, were born. Ruth grew up in Whitewater, WI., the oldest of three children. Ruth graduated from … Read more
Dorothy C. Kau, age 101, of Eagle, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Fort Memorial Hospital. Dorothy was born on March 18, 1925 in Eagle on the family farm, the daughter of John and Katherine (Faestel) VonRueden. Dorothy was a 1942 graduate of Palmyra High School. On May 21, 1949, Dorothy was united in marriage to Alvin E. Kau at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle and the Lord blessed their union with 8 children. Alvin and Dorothy enjoyed 50 years of marriage together until Alvin’s death in the year 2000. Dorothy enjoyed being a farm … Read more
Dorothy E. McCracken, 95, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on April 14, 1930, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Carl and Joyce Meyer, Dorothy grew up in Whitewater and graduated from Whitewater High School. She then worked for a photographer and hand painted his first colored portraits, until she got married. She and her first husband, Bernard Wafle, owned and operated a 179-acre dairy farm in Helenville, Wisconsin, for 25 years before relocating to Ocala, Florida, in 1979. Dorothy later married Earl McCracken, in Ocala, Fl. She also shared a special companionship later in life with … Read more
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