To Catch a Thief at Skylight Music Theatre

Skylight Music Theatre will debut the world premiere, staged concert reading of the new musical To Catch a Thief. Milwaukee area audiences have the opportunity to be the first to experience this captivating new musical adaptation of David Dodge’s classic novel. The limited engagement will run March 14-15, 2025 at 7:30p onstage at Skylight's Cabot Theatre.

There will be a exciting pre-show events for each performance: The Skylight Season Announcement of the 25-26 season will take place at 7p on Friday, March 14th. A pre-show panel discussion will take place at 7p Saturday, March 15, featuring Kendal Lukrich, the granddaughter of To Catch a Thief novelist David Dodge, joined by the To Catch a Thief musical composer and lyricist/book writer, and the Skylight creative team.

Directed by Skylight’s Artistic Director, Michael Unger, To Catch a Thief brings to life the thrilling tale of retired jewel thief John Robie, who must clear his name when a series of burglaries target wealthy tourists on the French Riviera. Featuring a lush score and a witty book, this musical promises suspense, romance, and a touch of glamour. Generations of crime and mystery fans cherish To

Catch a Thief, a title frequently linked to Hitchcock's Oscar-winning 1955 film.

"We are very excited to bring the very first incarnation of this musical to Milwaukee and the Skylight stage. With a cast of many Skylight favorites, and some exciting newcomers, Skylight will, yet again, put its stamp on a brand-new musical work" said Michael Unger, Artistic Director and director of the reading. "This story, based on the famed novel, is a delightful and fizzy caper with a witty and wonderful script and score. We invite audiences to join us as we bring this exiting tale to life for the first time."

This world premiere staged reading will feature a cast of twenty-eight talented performers and a seven-piece orchestra, providing a rich and immersive experience for audiences. As a staged reading, this production will focus on the musical and dramatic elements, offering a glimpse into the creative process.

"It is a rare occurrence to be afforded a full-cast, public reading of a new musical, and rarer still to be offered the opportunity to do so in one of America's most beautiful regional theatres,” said Kevin Purcell, composer of the new work. “I'm indebted to Michael Unger and Skylight for the confidence they have shown in To Catch A Thief in extending to Peter and me this remarkable opportunity."

Performance Details:

• Title: To Catch a Thief (World Premiere Staged Reading)
• Dates: March 14-15, 2025
• Location: Skylight Music Theatre | 158 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
• Tickets and Information: www.skylightmusictheatre.org

Cast:

John Robie/Jack Burns ....................................................................... Nigel Huckle*

Frederick Lepic .................................................................................. Andrew Varela*

Beline Coutier .................................................................................... Samantha Sostarich

Edwin Paige ........................................................................................ David Flores

Maude Stevens .................................................................................. Liz Norton*

Danielle Bissett .................................................................................. Jamie Lynn Mercado

Le Borgne ........................................................................................... Jonathan Riker

Coco .................................................................................................. Jackey Boelkow

Jean Pierre .......................................................................................... Jason Peregoy

Claude Moreau .................................................................................. Jared Brandt Hoover

Lily ..................................................................................................... Harper Fornstedt

Female Ensemble .............................................................................. Raven Dockery, Marcee Doherty, Lydia Eiche, SaraLynn Evenson,
Paula Garcia, Ciara Hart, Kristin Knutson,
Stephanie Staszak

Male Ensemble .................................................................................. Mason Hanizeski,
Chad Larget, Connor Nekich, Josh Pope, Mathew Torkilson,
D. Eric Woolweber

Creative Team

Director: Michael Unger

Music Director: Eric Svejcar

Sound Designer: Chad Parsley

Lighting Consultant: Dovie Roberts

Video Consultant: Jack Albert

For more information on the cast and creative team, including biographies, visit the Skylight Music Theatre website: www.sklymusictheatre.org

About the Creative Team:

Michael Unger (Director) Michael is the Artistic Director of Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee, WI. Some favorite projects there include: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Spring Awakening, Frankenstein, and Noises Off. He was previously the Associate Artistic Director of Off-Broadway’s York Theatre. For nine years, he was the Producing Artistic Director of NewArts, started in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy; directing 17 productions working with over 650 area-children. He has directed benefit concerts honoring Susan Stroman, André DeShields, Maltby and Shire, and Leslie Uggams, as well as for the communities of Sandy Hook, CT and Parkland, FL.  

Peter Sham (Writer and Lyricist) is perhaps best known nationally and internationally as bookwriter/lyricist for Lend Me A Tenor: The Musical which celebrated a successful run at the Gielgud Theatre on London’s West End. He is also the author of the musicals, Sherlock Holmes and the Great Royal Goose Chase, Blue Collar Musical, Toyland, and It’s a Dog’s Life: Man’s Best Musical; the plays, A Christmas Carol: On-the-Air and its sequel Frankenstein: On-the-Air. He is now at work on A Penny Urned, a nine-episode TV streaming series created with Roger Bean, author of The Marvelous Wonderettes. buffalotheatrecompany.org

Kevin Purcell (Composer) as a writer of musical theatre Kevin has scored four musicals to date: Rebecca (2004), The Stranger from Seville (2013) a New York Music Theatre Festival Grand Jury Selection; 2018 2nd. Florida Festival of New Musicals and the multi-award-winning film Castle Gillian (2025) a feature-length, 360 VR musical. As a conductor, Kevin is the recipient of several international conducting competition awards and has musically directed shows, including CATS and Wicked in London’s West End.

About Skylight Music Theatre:

Skylight Music Theatre is a professional theatre company that produces high-quality musical productions that entertain, educate, and inspire. We are committed to providing a platform for local talent and showcasing the best of Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1959, Skylight is Milwaukee’s professional Equity music theatre company and the state's largest employer of Wisconsin actors. Skylight produces the full range of music theatre from blockbuster Broadway musicals to reimagined operas, and from exciting world premieres to contemporary off-Broadway hits. Skylight’s mainstage home is the Cabot Theatre in the Broadway Theatre Center, which was built by Skylight in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward in 1992. Considered to be one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful theatres, the Cabot Theatre is based on the design of an 18th-century French opera house. With just 350 seats it offers audiences great views of the action onstage and an undeniable connection with the performers. Skylight Music Theatre marks its 65th season in 2024-2025. Skylight Music Theatre is a proud Cornerstone Member of the United Performing Arts Fund.