Joseph Michael Beal

CHICAGO – Joseph Michael “Joe” Beal, age 61, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away November 18, 2025, in Chicago, at St. Joseph Hospital, after a brave battle with bile duct cancer, leaving family and friends heartbroken. 

Joe was born on January 10, 1964, in Mobile, Ala., to Warren Virgil and Beatrice Mae (Brei) Beal. He attended St. Joseph Grade School in Baraboo, Wis., and Baraboo Senior High School (Class of 1982). He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, graduating in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Music, with concentrations in Journalism and Theatre. 

Joe had a successful career in both technology and information governance. He was a manager for a Chicago corporation, in senior leadership for several Chicago law firms, and the Sydney Arts Council in Australia. His colleagues appreciated his quick wit, professional collegiality and ability to solve even the most complex problems quickly and efficiently. He was heralded as a thought leader in evolving law firm technology rising quickly into management due to his innate ability to “self-teach” and keep up with the evolving needs of his employers.

Joe also had a varied and extensive career in music and theater. After graduation, Joe toured with the 1986-87 version of the Wisconsin Singers, a group serving as a goodwill ambassador for the University. After college he moved to Chicago where he was in many productions in both Chicago and other regional playhouses in Toledo, OH and Middletown, VA., including Theatre on the Lake, Profiles Performance Ensemble, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Pheasant Run Dinner Theatre, Bailiwick, Westgate Dinner Theatre, Wayside Theatre, Piccolo Theatre and Upstart Theatre Company.  Among his more memorable musical performances were roles like Matthew in Jesus Christ Superstar, Sir Evelyn Oakleigh in Anything Goes, Orin Scrivello DDS in Litte Shop of Horrors. and Bellomy in The Fantasticks, He also appeared in The Laramie Project, Our Town and several other productions in Sydney.

Joe was a prominent figure in the creation and original cast of the stage musical Schoolhouse Rock Live! Joe originated the character "Joe," the "cool" alter-ego of the main character, known for his memorable rendition of "Conjunction Junction" and "Rufus Xavier Sarsaparilla." He stayed with the show from 1993 to 1998, as it ran in Chicago, moved to Off-Broadway in New York, went on several tours, and returned to Chicago.

Joe traveled widely, living for extended times in England, Australia, New York and Washington DC. Back home, Joe continued his career with Chicago area theater companies but moved away from musicals, focusing on significant works that carried more solemn meanings.

In 2017, Joe was a founding member of Invictus Theatre Company, a nonprofit dedicated to productions of Shakespeare, classical drama, and modern works with rich text. He served on the Invictus Board and acted in many of its productions, with memorable roles including Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, Claudius in Hamlet, Reverend Parris in The Crucible, Chebutýkin in Three Sisters, and Brabantio in Othello. He also played Sir George Crofts in Mrs. Warren’s Profession with the Promethean Theatre Ensemble. Joe’s “Shylock” startled his law firm colleagues with a side of Joe they never suspected at work.

Joe was blessed to have many good friends both on and off stage, who remember his deep sense of humor. He made company members laugh or cry with a simple glance onstage. Off stage, Joe will be remembered for his ability to find humor in everyday moments. He managed to combine being serious and successful in everything he did with an underlying lightness which put things in perspective. 

As an uncle, Joe influenced his seven nephews and favorite niece (“Sparkles”) who remember hearing about his travels, especially to Australia and England. The youngest, his namesake, has coincidentally taken up Shakespeare. His family misses his beautiful baritone singing voice, especially at Christmastime.

Joe is survived by his siblings, Ann (Gary) Karch of Glen Ellyn, Ill., Matthew of Waupaca, Wis., James of Madison, and Daniel of Baraboo; seven nephews, a niece, a great-niece, two great-nephews, aunts, an uncle, many cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Betty; a younger sister, Mary Elizabeth (at age 3); and two older brothers, Thomas Anton and Andrew Brei.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Baraboo, WI with Father John Blewett presiding. Visitation will be held at church on Friday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass. A graveside service will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, and a luncheon celebration of Joe's life will be held afterward. 

A Special Program will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Invictus Theatre, Windy City Playhouse in Chicago, IL. 

Joe would have agreed with Shakespeare’s advice to “Give sorrow words: the grief that does not speak / Whispers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break" (Macbeth). In memory of Joe please reach out to someone you haven’t heard from in a while and perhaps invite them to a Shakespeare play!

Memorials in Joe’s honor may be made to Invictus Theatre, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, and St. Joseph School, Baraboo, WI.