'The show must go on': Milwaukee County theaters flood with several feet of water

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Repertory Theater's production facility and Wauwatosa West High School's theater were both flooded, damaging expensive equipment and creating a messy situation on a tight deadline, with shows ahead for both groups.

"I think everybody expects a rainy day, but this was much more than a rainy day," said Chad Bauman, Ellen & Joe Checota executive director, Milwaukee Repertory Theater. "This was a 500-year flood event."

Bauman says with nine weeks out to their upcoming season, an unexpected call changed everything.

"On Sunday morning we were notified that there was a breach in the facility by our security company," said Bauman. "We came down expecting to perhaps see a burglary, and ended up finding four feet of standing water in our facility."

Opening a year ago, the Milwaukee Rep's production center stores their sound equipment, sets, props, costumes and more. Now, it's all destroyed by flood and sewage water, estimating damage of up to $5 million.

"All of our materials floating down the river. Here we are left with some pretty significant damage," said Bauman.

Ten minutes up the road, it’s a similar story, as Wauwatosa West High School's theater is left a muddy mess.

"Oh gosh, the water, the mud, it all came crashing in and now we are dealing with the rebuilding of it," said Adam Steffan, theater director at Wauwatosa West High School.

Several feet of water filled the pit orchestra, dressing rooms, stage and more, with the school year fast approaching.

"We're so used to creating stories and musicals and all sorts of things in this space," said Steffan. "To see your space covered with water and mud, is -- it's pretty devastating."

Both theaters say they have a long cleanup and insurance process ahead of them, but are determined to have all upcoming shows and classes run as expected.

"The show must go on, and it always does," said Bauman.