Office address: 325 W. Walnut Street  Milwaukee, WI 53212
Tickets: (414) 273-7206  Fax: (414) 267-2930  www.FirstStage.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Erica Davis (414) 267-2931 or edavis@firststage.org
First Stage Announces its 2016-2017 Season!
First Stage celebrates 30 years of Theater You Never Outgrow– including five
captivating world premiere plays for young audiences
March 8, 2016 – Milwaukee – First Stage announces its 30th season of innovative theater
experiences for young people and families. “First Stage’s commitment to creating groundbreaking new work for young people and their families will continue in our 30th anniversary
season,” said First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank. “Stories brand new and stories that have
quickly become family favorites will take center stage this season as we focus on all that we do
best.”
Three of this season’s five world premiere plays are part of First Stage’s Family Series at the
Todd Wehr Theater. Silly and spooky – and just in time for Halloween – GOOSEBUMPS THE
MUSICAL: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM by John Maclay with music and lyrics by Danny
Abosch, makes its debut October 14 – November 13, 2016. “GOOSEBUMPS THE MUSICAL is a
lively adaptation of one of the most popular modern youth literature series in history,”
commented Frank. “It’s something that different generations can enjoy together at the
theater.” WELCOME TO BRONZEVILLE, a world premiere by Sheri Williams Pannell, examines
life within Milwaukee’s Bronzeville community in 1957. On stage January 13 – February 5, 2017
this final installment of The Wisconsin Cycle was developed with the support of the elders who
remember first-hand the rich and vibrant community that was Milwaukee’s Bronzeville. Finally,
the timeless tale of ROBIN HOOD by Joe Foust and John Maclay makes its world premiere
February 17 – March 12, 2017. “Full of adventure and laughs, our ROBIN HOOD puts the young
Merry Men (and Women) in Training front and center,” said Frank.
The beloved holiday classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL makes its
leap from the small screen to the stage once again, November 25 – December 31, 2016. Next
First Stage proudly presents MOCKINGBIRD, based on the book by Katherine Erksine about an
11-year old girl on the autism spectrum. Adapted by Julie Jensen, this poignant story takes our
stage March 24 – April 9, 2017. The Family Series concludes with JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A
CROOK by Allison Gregory, adapted from the ever-popular book series by Barbara Park,
onstage from April 28 – June 4, 2017. “Beloved and iconic characters like JUNIE B. must be
-more-
First Stage Announces 2016 – 2017 season/add one
approached with honesty and integrity,” said Frank. “Age-appropriate casting leads to a more
fully developed portrayal and a deeper connection with our audiences.”
First Stage’s First Steps series, interactive theater experiences designed for children ages 3 – 7,
includes the return of Lois Ehlert’s MOLE HILL STORIES November 5 – 20, 2016. This innovative,
multi-disciplinary collaboration mixes dance, music and theater to tell the story of Mole and her
friends. Featuring original choreography by Dani Kuepper of Danceworks, the whole family will
enjoy this dynamic performance. The world premiere of LOVABYE DRAGON a musical
adaptation of the Dragon and Girl books by Wisconsin author Barbara Joosse, takes the stage
January 21 – February 19, 2017. “Our young audiences are sure to love this enchanted tale of a
friendship between a girl and a dragon,” commented Frank. “We’re thrilled to premiere this
story by one of Wisconsin’s finest writers on our stage, and the music created for the show by
The Happy Racers will have children and adults singing and dancing as they leave the theater.”
First Stage’s award-winning Young Company will perform three plays at the Milwaukee Youth
Arts Center in its 13th season. The season kicks off with mistaken identities, assumed personas
and wild mishaps in one of Shakespeare’s greatest farces THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, December
9 – 18, 2016. “These young people have earned a national reputation for performing the works
of Shakespeare with clarity and skill well beyond their years,” said First Stage Associate Artistic
Director and Director of the Young Company John Maclay. “This program will have a hand in
cultivating not only the next generation of Shakespearean actors, but audiences as well.” The
Young Company then presents TXT U L8R, a world premiere by Eric Coble March 10-19, 2017.
TXT U L8R has been selected as part of New Visions New Voices 2016, The Kennedy Center’s
week-long biennial workshop/festival for playwrights and theaters to stimulate and support the
creation of new plays and musicals for young audiences and families. Finally, ANIMAL FARM
based on the book by George Orwell will conclude the Young Company season May 12 – 21,
2017.
-more-
First Stage’s 2016-2017 season:
FAMILY SERIES at the Todd Wehr Theater
Innovative theater experiences for young people and families, teens, grandparents and theater lovers of
all ages. Performances are held at the Todd Wehr Theater in the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts,
929 North Water Street in downtown Milwaukee.
GOOSEBUMPS THE MUSICAL: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM
October 14 – November 13, 2016
A world premiere play
Book and Lyrics by John Maclay, Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch
Produced by special arrangement with GURMAN AGENCY, LLC, New York, NY
Orchestrations and arrangements by Danny Abosch
™&© Scholastic Inc. SCHOLASTIC, GOOSEBUMPS and associated logos are trademarks and/or registered
marks of Scholastic Inc. Based on Goosebumps® Phantom of the Auditorium.
Brooke and Zeke have been cast as the leads in the school's new production of an old play about
a...Phantom. Strange things start disrupting rehearsals and they have to wonder: is this someone's idea
of a joke? Or is the Phantom real? A silly and spooky adventure ensues that will keep the whole family in
suspense until the final curtain! Ideal for adults, teens and children ages seven to sixteen.
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL
November 25 – December 31, 2016
Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the stage production
directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Script adaptation by Robert Penola.
Arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed reindeer” animated television special adapted from a story by Robert L. May
and the song by Johnny Marks, music and lyrics by Johnny Marks. All elements © and ™ under license to
Character Arts, LLC.
And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows! The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer soars off the screen and returns to our stage this holiday season. From fleeing the Abominable
Snow Monster to saving Christmas, join Rudolph and his friends, Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius, as
their adventures teach us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this
wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the little misfit in all of us. Ideal for adults, teens and children
ages five to fourteen.
WELCOME TO BRONZEVILLE
January 13 – February 5, 2017
A world premiere by Sheri Williams Pannell
Presented in partnership with the Bronzeville Advisory Committee, The Bronzeville Cultural and
-more-
Entertainment District and artist Della Wells, offering a series of community workshops and discussions
in conjunction with the play.
1957. The heart of Milwaukee’s Bronzeville pulses to the beat of jazz and blues. Everyone expects
Michael Jr. to be a deacon like his father. But is this who is he truly meant to be? The local talent show, a
famous visitor, and the wisdom and guidance of a community seeking to lift up their young people, help
Mike find the path to the man he will become. Join us for this latest installment of The Wisconsin Cycle
developed with the input and support of the elders in our community and celebrate the vibrant and rich
community that was Milwaukee’s Bronzeville. Ideal for adults, teens and children ages eight to sixteen.
ROBIN HOOD
February 17 – March 12, 2017
A world premiere by Joe Foust and John Maclay
A fresh look at the timeless tale of the legendary hero. When Robin, Little John and Friar Tuck are
captured, it falls to Marian and the Merry Men-in-training to come to the rescue. Full of adventure and
with laughs aplenty, this new take on a classic tale is suitable for the entire family. Ideal for adults, teens
and children ages seven to sixteen.
MOCKINGBIRD
March 24 – April 9, 2017
Adapted by Julie Jensen
Based on the book by Kathryn Erskine
Winner of the National Book Award
This play was commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and was first
produced at the Kennedy Center during the 2014-2015 season.
Produced by special arrangement with GURMAN AGENCY LLC, New York, NY
Caitlin sees the world in black and white. Colors are messy, and recess is chaotic. As an 11-year-old on
the autism spectrum, Caitlin used to rely on her older brother to help make sense of a world that
doesn’t fit her definitions, but now that he’s gone, she’s all on her own. With the support of her advisor,
father, and a new reading buddy, Caitlin begins to understand how to embrace the “messiness” of
emotions. Soaring with heart and humor, discover how the perseverance of one girl can change a
community – and how black and white can always be complemented by a kaleidoscope of colors. Ideal
for adults, teens and children ages ten to seventeen.
JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK
April 28 – June 4, 2017 at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater
A play by Allison Gregory
Adapted from the books series by Barbara Park
Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. www.playscripts.com
-more-
Based on the books Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook and Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren by Barbara
Park
Meet the funniest girl in Room Nine – Junie B. Jones! A terrible thing happened to Junie B. —someone
took her new black furry mittens! And plus also they kept them! When Junie B. finds a wonderful pen on
the floor, she should be allowed to keep it too, because “finders keepers.” There’s also a new boy in
school, and he’s the handsomest boy Junie B. has ever seen. Unfortunately, Lucille and That Grace want
him for a boyfriend too, and Handsome Warren just thinks Junie B. is a nutball. Whatever is Junie B. to
do? Find out how Junie B. perseveres through her kindergarten conundrums and learns that honesty is
the best policy. Ideal for adults, teens and children ages five to nine.
FIRST STEPS SERIES at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
First Steps performances introduce children to the theater in an engaging, interactive, and lively
environment. Geared towards families with children ages three to seven, performances are held at the
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee.
Lois Ehlert’s MOLE HILL STORIES
November 5 – 20, 2016
By Alvaro Saar Rios
Adapted from the book by Lois Ehlert
MOLE HILL STORIES received its world premiere at First Stage, Milwaukee, WI
Inspired by the work of Milwaukee author/illustrator Lois Ehlert, this collaboration with Danceworks
returns to First Stage, bringing three of Ehlert’s most famous stories to life – Mole’s Hill, Cucu, and Moon
Rope. Journey with Mole as she discovers, with the help of her friends, that there is more to life than
one can see at first glance and that our dreams are within reach if we believe. Actors and dancers and
live music spin a magical world, and true to Ehlert’s original text – the play makes use of English and
Spanish language. Ideal for adults, teens and children ages three to seven.
LOVABYE DRAGON
January 21 – February 19, 2017
A world premiere musical
Adapted from the Dragon and Girl books by Barbara Joosse
By Jeff Frank with help from Barbara Joosse
Music and Lyrics by The Happy Racers
From the Dragon and Girl series by award-winning Wisconsin author Barbara Joosse comes an
enchanting new musical of unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon.
Together they embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away only to face their greatest
challenge. With music by The Happy Racers, this show is guaranteed to get your toes tapping and to put
a smile on your face. Ideal for adults, teens and children ages three to seven.
-more-
FIRST STAGE YOUNG COMPANY
First Stage Young Company – First Stage Theater Academy’s award-winning training program for our
most advanced young actors - will present three full-scale classic productions. These emerging artists,
training with some of Milwaukee's top professional actors, have developed a reputation for engaging,
inspiring work. Revenue from these high-level performances helps ensure opportunities for all students
who wish to participate in our Theater Academy. Performances are held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts
Center, 325 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee.
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
December 9 – 18, 2016
By William Shakespeare
Two sets of twins separated at birth collide in the same city. Mistaken identities, assumed personas and
wild mishaps occur as laughs fly in Shakespeare’s farce about the most outrageous family reunion ever.
Ideal for adults, teens and children ages twelve and up.
TXT U L8R
March 10 – 19, 2017
A world premiere by Eric Coble
It starts on a Wednesday. Kids in high school getting the weirdest texts from fellow students they don't
know. What's going on? And what if it's not people connecting with people via their phones… but
phones trying to connect with other phones via their people? A digital mystery of the mind and heart
for the savvy texter. Ideal for adults, teens and children ages twelve and up.
ANIMAL FARM
May 12 – 21, 2017
Adapted by Ian Wooldridge from the book by George Orwell
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMITIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois
After revolting against the reign of their negligent human master, the animals of Mr. Jones’s farm create
their own ideal society in which all animals are equal and rules are set by democratic vote. It’s all
working pretty well, until the allure of power leads the animals to a chilling fate. ANIMAL FARM
illustrates how new tyranny replaces old and power corrupts even the noblest of causes. Ideal for adults,
teens and children ages twelve and up.
-more-
About First Stage
Since 1987, First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater
experiences for young people and families through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and
entertain; unparalleled Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills; and dynamic Theater in
Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community. In 2012, First Stage was selected
to participate in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. First
Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts
Education, Theatre Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United
Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).
###