Miller High Life Theatre makes its new bar, Miss Lizzie's, the center of its space
The Miller High Life Theatre has revamped its auditorium with a brand new bar and seating area to welcome ticket holders as they walk into the theater.
The bar, named Miss Lizzie's, is named after Elizabeth Plankinton, a Milwaukee philanthropist who donated an organ to the building, formerly known as the Milwaukee Auditorium, in the early 1900s.
"When we found out the history of the building, it seemed like a perfect and natural tribute to name the bar after her," said Sarah Maio, vice president of marketing for the Wisconsin Center District.
The new bar showcases two historic murals on the wall along with a large seating area that can also be reserved for groups and parties.
The bar features Miller products on tap, with craft beer in bottles, wine and cocktails. There are also themed drinks for every production that comes to the theater.
Until now, the theater did not have a permanent bar. The new bar takes the spot of a coat check, which was moved to the guest services counter.
"The way that the space was allocated previously was not the best user experience for ticket buyers and concertgoers," Maio said. "We want to make sure people have a great time when they come here from the minute they walk through the door."
The front hall is completely remodeled. The floors will look new to visitors, but they're actually the floors that were underneath carpeting from the early 1990s.
The Miller High Life Theatre is part of the Wisconsin Center District, which includes the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and Wisconsin Center.
"It is not uncommon for a convention client to also use the Miller High Life Theatre and Panther Arena for an event, and we want to make sure were creating the kinds of destinations that patrons know will provide a phenomenal experience," Maio said.
The remodel began in July, a year ahead of the Democratic National Convention. Along with the theater's reboot, the district plans to expand the Wisconsin Center in 2021.
"We were pursuing the expansion before the DNC was secured. Securing the DNC really validated our contention that an expanded convention center is what the city needs, it's what Wisconsin needs," Maio said.
The Miller High Life Theatre remodel debuted Saturday with the show "Mystery Science Theater 3000."
For more information, visit millerhighlifetheatre.com/welcome-to-miss-lizzies/
Jordyn Noennig covers pop culture and entertainment in Milwaukee. Follow her on Instagram @JordynTaylor_n. Find her on Twitter @JordynTNoennig. Call her at 262-446-6601 or email Jordyn.Noennig@jrn.com.