News / Media

Boswell gets production at Next Act

I’m so excited to announce Next Act Theatre’s upcoming production of BOSWELL – the first offering of this new version of my play to Wisconsin audiences. Playing November 19 – December 14, 2025, the play will be directed by Laura Gordon and feature Heidi Armbruster, Madeline Calais-King, David Cecsarini, Josh Krause, Brian Mani and Sarah Zapiain.

Creative Couple: Marie Kohler & Brian Mani
What's On Tap with Sandy Maxx

What’s on Tap with sandy Maxx

Sandy Maxx invited Brian Mani and me to join her for What’s On Tap to discuss THE CHILDREN, our careers, relationship, and working together. She is a delight to talk with — replete and ready with smart questions and a lovely demeanor. A community communications treasure.

The Children by Lucy Kirkwood

I’m Back in the Director’s Chair

I directed Lucy Kirkwood’s powerful drama THE CHILDREN at Milwaukee’s Next Act Theatre in winter 2025. This play knocked me out when I saw it in Berkeley, CA, in 2020. I found its combined focus on social issues and human insight really powerful – efficient, economical, moving, disturbing … all the things I want a play to be.

Tending her orphans

Marie Kohler is having a banner year. In July, she finally, formally published her play “Boswell” with Dramatic Publishing, and followed that success with the publication of her play “Midnight and Moll Flanders” in August. In March, she was chosen for a 2024 Fellows Award by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters, one of just 16 individuals…

Milwaukee Playwright Marie Kohler Finds New Audiences

Plays by Milwaukee’s Marie Kohler have been performed locally by Renaissance Theaterworks as well as off-Broadway and at Scotland’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. At least two of those plays might be staged more often after their publication this summer by Dramatic Publishing.

Boswell by Marie Kohler

BOSWELL is Officially Published

BOSWELL has taken me on quite the journey! From first reading James Boswell’s journals as a little girl, to its premiere production at Renaissance Theaterworks (as BOSWELL’S DREAMS), to the unforgettable trip to the Festival Fringe, to my first Off-Broadway production (a sellout no less!). And, now, BOSWELL has been published by Dramatic Publishing, setting the stage for many others to enjoy this journey!

THANK YOU, WISCONSIN ACADEMY

I am incredibly honored to have been elected a Fellow by the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters. To be included in this year’s group of 15 remarkable individuals leaves me grateful and humbled. A huge thank you to those colleagues and friends who recommended me. I am amazed.

Marie Kohler sitting on a couch writing

TWO PLAYS RECEIVE PUBLISHING CONTRACT

In winter 2022 we opened and ran my play BOSWELL Off-Broadway at 59E59 Theaters. The success of that sold-out run led to many opportunities, including a publishing contract. BOSWELL is about to be published by Dramatic Publishing, along with MIDNIGHT & MOLL FLANDERS. I am thrilled.

NEW PRODUCTION OF MIDNIGHT AND MOLL FLANDERS!

My play MIDNIGHT AND MOLL FLANDERS was performed by the Burlington Players in Massachusetts November 3-18, 2023. They invited me to come and witness, and I was impressed and inspired!

BOSWELL: The Official Trailer

To learn more about producing this two-period dramedy about friendship, travel, and the written word, contact me at writer.mariekohler@gmail.com.