First Stage Announces BIG, PINKALICIOUS and More for 2012-13 Season

First Stage marks its 26^th year in the 2012-2013 season, comprising of five Family Series productions to be performed at the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Milwaukee, two First Steps series productions – plays geared towards children ages 3 to 6 – at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, and one production performed by First Stage's Young Company – First Stage Theater Academy's advanced actor training program for high school students – at Marquette University's Helfaer Theatre.

The season kicks off at the Todd Wehr Theater in the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 North Water Street in downtown Milwaukee – with BIG, THE MUSICAL, October 19 through November 11, 2012.  Based on the 1987 film starring Tom Hanks, BIG brings to audiences Josh Baskin, a frustrated 12-year-old who makes a wish to become "big" and wakes up the next morning to find his wish has literally come true when he is suddenly a 30-year-old man.  This new Theater for Young Audiences adaptation is developed collaboratively by First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank and Michael Bobbitt, artistic director of Adventure Theatre in Maryland. 

"I think it is a great choice to open our season," said Frank.  "So many of our First Stage parents grew up with the movie, and now they will have a chance to share the story with their children. The humor of BIG may be what we remember, but the heart of the story is what spoke to me. Families would have a much easier time communicating if young people understood the reality of being a grown up – and if parents could remember what it was really like to be a child," continued Frank. 

Families can celebrate the holiday season with RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™, November 23 through December 30, 2012. Adapted from the popular 1964 animated television special, the beloved stop-motion classic comes to life on stage. Fleeing from the Abominable Snow Monster to saving Christmas, Rudolph and his friends – Hermey and Yukon Cornelius – share adventures that teach audiences that what makes you different can be what make you special.  "This show is a huge opportunity for us to reach new families throughout the holidays," said Frank.  "Generations of families recall seeing this animated classic on television, and now First Stage can give them the chance to see this clever staging of the musical."

The world premiere of TO THE PROMISED LAND by Playwright and Milwaukee Repertory Theater's Resident Acting Company member Jonathan Gillard Daly opens January 25, 2013 and runs through February 10, 2013. Reeling from the loss of her brother during recent Civil Rights actions, Ruth – a young African-American in late 1960s Milwaukee – is ready to quit school when she finds inspiration in the autobiography of Golda Meir, past student of the former Fourth Street School who rose to become the first woman prime minister of Israel. Woven into the portrayal of Ruth's story is that of a young Golda Meir, and both stories converge when a grown Golda Meir arrives at her former Milwaukee school to give a speech.  Audiences will witness both young people finding strength and courage across generations to break barriers and reach their own promised land.  TO THE PROMISED LAND continues The Wisconsin Cycle, First Stage's commitment over the next five seasons to develop and produce plays that celebrate the history and people of Wisconsin.    

 "First Stage has been developing the play over the last two years, including a public reading at Golda Meir School this past January," said Frank.  "We look forward to bringing the African American and Jewish community together around this piece to facilitate a dialogue about Milwaukee's vibrant cultural history."

Inspired by the book "Pinkalicious" by Elizabeth Kann & Victoria Kann, PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL comes to life on stage February 22 through March 24, 2013.  Pinkalicious Pinkerton develops "pinkititis" from eating too many pink cupcakes and turns pink from head to toe.  What starts off as a dream come true for the pink-loving enthusiast turns into a disaster as her hue goes a little too far.  Will her broccoli-eating brother be able to help cure her before it's too late? PINKALICIOUS has delighted sold-out audiences all across the country.  Within this zany musical are themes of the need to eat healthy foods, enjoying treats in moderation, sharing, and friendship. 

JACKIE AND ME concludes the Family Series at the Todd Wehr Theater, April 12 through May 5, 2013. Young Joey Stoshack is a headstrong boy with the unique power to travel through time by way of a baseball card. When assigned to write a report on a legendary African American, Joey travels to New York City in the year 1947 to meet one of history's greatest baseball players, Jackie Robinson. Through his adventures, Joey witnesses Jackie's dedication and determination during this turbulent time of segregation. Joey's uplifting journey forever changes his definition of courage, and unites generations through the history and enthusiasm for America's pastime. Playwright Steven Dietz points out that "Robinson is an immensely important historical figure – situated at the crossroads of sport, culture, politics and race …. Because of pioneers like Jackie and Rachel Robinson, and others, baseball…enables (and forced) America to talk about race."  Artistic Director Frank comments that "Jackie's courage enabled young people throughout the nation to dream of what might be possible. This play celebrates Jackie Robinson, baseball and ultimately America. It is a guaranteed home run."

First Stage's First Steps Series – plays geared toward children ages 3 to 6 in a fun, intimate environment at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 West Walnut Street – presents FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS, November 3-18 2012.  Based on the series of books by Eileen Christelow, five silly simian siblings insist on doing things their own way, presenting lessons of cause and effect and following directions to its young audiences in a clever, participatory, and humorous way.  Also in the First Steps Series is the world premiere of Lois Ehlert's MOLE HILL STORIES, January 12-27, 2013. Inspired by the work of Milwaukee author/illustrator Lois Ehlert, the play brings three of Ehlert's most famous stories to life – "Mole's Hill," "Cucu" and "Moon Rope." This bilingual play springs to life as dancers recreate the journey with Mole as she discovers that there is more to life than looking only at what's right in front of you.  "We are excited for this play, in particular our collaboration with Choreographer Dani Kuepper and Danceworks," said Frank.  "Milwaukee author/illustrator Lois Ehlert's enchanting stories and strong visual sense seemed a perfect fit for the blending of the talents of our two companies," continued Frank.

Closing the 2012-2013, First Stage's Young Company – the Theater Academy's pre-professional actor training program for high school students – will present the world premiere production of GATHERING BLUE at Marquette University's Helfaer Theatre – 525 North 13^th Street in Milwaukee – May 10-19, 2013.  Recommended for everyone ages 12 and up, GATHERING BLUE is Playwright Eric Coble's adaptation of the book by Lois Lowry, with script developed in collaboration between First Stage and Oregon Children's Theatre.  In a world where the weak are cast aside, Kira fears for her future as an orphan with a twisted leg. However, the all-powerful Council of Guardians spares her when they discover she is a gifted weaver and gives her a task that no other community member can do. While her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes that she is surrounded by many mysteries and secrets. Join Kira in her quest to uncover the truth about her world and discover the places that exist beyond in this exciting production. 

FAMILY SERIES AT THE TODD WEHR THEATER

First Stage's Family Series at the Todd Wehr Theater offers plays for every age range.  Performances are located at the Todd Wehr Theater in the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 North Water Street in downtown Milwaukee.

 

BIG THE MUSICAL

October 19 - November 11, 2012

Book by John Weidman

Music by David Shire

Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr.

Based on the motion picture "Big" written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg: produced by Twentieth Century Fox

Theater for Young Audiences adaptation by Jeff Frank, First Stage and Michael Bobbitt, Adventure Theatre

 

When frustrated 12-year-old Josh Baskin makes a wish to become "big" and wakes up the next morning to find his wish has literally come true, he discovers there's much more to being an adult than he's bargained for – and learns we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own time. Come see this new version of the Tony® Award-nominated musical comedy, created just for our family audiences.  For everyone ages 7 and up.

 

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER ®

November 23 – December 30, 2012

Adapted from the Animated Television Special

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and all elements from the 1964 television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" © and ™, presented under license from Character Arts, LLC.

All rights Reserved.

 

The beloved stop-motion classic shares Rudolph's adventures with his friends. Feeling from the Abominable Snow Monster to saving Christmas, join Rudolph and his friends, Hermey 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. For everyone ages 3 and up.

 

TO THE PROMISED LAND

January 25 – February 10, 2013

A world premiere by Jonathan Gillard Daly

 

Reeling from the loss of her brother during recent Civil Rights actions, Ruth, a young African-American in late 1960s Milwaukee is ready to quit school when she finds inspiration in the autobiography of Golda Meir – past student of the former Fourth Street School who rose to become the first woman prime minister of Israel. Witness both young people find strength and courage across generations to break barriers and reach their own promised land.  For everyone ages 9 and up.

 

PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL

February 22 – March 24, 2013

Book by Elizabeth Kann & Victoria Kann

Music by John Gregor

Lyrics by John Gregor, Elizabeth Kann & Victoria Kann

Based on the book "Pinkalicious" by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann

 

How much is too much pink?  Pinkalicious Pinkerton will soon realize how much when she develops "pinkititis" from eating too many pink cupcakes and turns pink from head to toe! What starts off as a dream come true for the pink loving enthusiast turns into a disaster as her hue goes a little too far! Will her broccoli-eating brother be able to help cure her before it's too late? Find out in this colorful musical adventure, and indulge in the sweetest treat in town! For everyone ages 3 and up.

 

JACKIE AND ME

April 12 – May 5, 2013

A play by Steven Dietz

Adapted from the book by Dan Gutman

Published by Avon Books copyright 1999

Used by permission of the author c/o Kirchoff/Wolberg 

Young Joey Stoshack is a headstrong boy with the unique power to travel through time by way of a baseball card. When assigned to write a report on a legendary African American, Joey travels to New York City in the year 1947 to meet one of history's greatest baseball players, Jackie Robinson. Through his adventures, Joey witnesses Jackie's dedication and determination during this turbulent time of segregation. Embark on this uplifting journey that forever changes Joey's definition of courage, and unites generations through the history and enthusiasm for America's pastime. This production deals with historical racism in an honest manner.  For everyone ages 8 and up.

 

 

FIRST STEPS SERIES AT THE MILWAUKEE YOUTH ARTS CENTER

These performances are geared toward children ages 3 to 6, introducing them to theater in an engaging, interactive and lively environment at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 West Walnut Street.

 

FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS

November 3-18, 2012

Based on the series of books by Eileen Christelow

Adapted for the stage by Ernie Nolan

 

Go bananas with five silly simian siblings as they insist on doing things their own way in this zany play! Filled to the brim with monkey mayhem, this production FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS brings the delightful children's picture books to life on stage. For everyone ages 3 and up.

 

Lois Ehlert's MOLE HILL STORIES

January 12-27, 2013

Based on the books by Lois Ehlert

Adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios

Choreographed by Dani Kuepper 

Inspired by the work of Milwaukee author/illustrator Lois Ehlert, the play brings 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 looking only at what's right in front of you. Sometimes you need to look up and dream big! This bilingual play springs to life as dancers create a living environment through which they characters journey. For everyone 3 and up.

 

 

FIRST STAGE YOUNG COMPANY

First Stage Young Company – the Academy's advanced actor training program for high school students – will present a full-scale production at Marquette University's Helfaer Theatre, 525 North 13^th Street in Milwaukee.

 

GATHERING BLUE

May 10-19, 2013

Based on the book by Lois Lowry

Adapted for the stage by Eric Cable

Script developed in partnership with Oregon Children's Theatre

In collaboration with Marquette University

In a world where the weak are cast aside, Kira fears for her future as an orphan with a twisted leg. However, the all-powerful Council of Guardians spares her when they discover she is a gifted weaver and gives her a task that no other community member can do. While her talent keeps her alive and brings certain privileges, Kira soon realizes that she is surrounded by many mysteries and secrets. Join Kira in her quest to uncover the truth about her world and discover the places that exist beyond in this exiting production.  For everyone ages 12 and up.

 

FIRST STAGE FAMILY PACKAGES

First Stage Family Packages – any combination of tickets for three or more plays – are on sale to the general public beginning April 2, 2012.  With a Family Package purchase, families receive free and unlimited ticket exchanges, the opportunity to attend free family workshops and a backstage tour, and more.  Family Package prices are available at nearly 50% off the cost of regular single ticket price through June 30, 2012.  More information is available by visitingwww.FirstStage.org or calling (414) 267-2961 to request a season brochure.

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