Single Tickets for First Stage’s 25th Anniversary Season Go On Sale 8/22

Single tickets for First Stage's 25th anniversary season of theater experiences for young people and families are on sale Monday, August 22, 2011. The season kicks off with SEUSSICAL^TM - back by popular demand! First Stage's original production of SEUSSICAL^TM hit the stage in 2006, playing to sold-out audiences and critical acclaim. Other highlights of the season include the world premiere of DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T FLY, an original play by Y York, inspired by the life and art of Milwaukee collage artist Della Wells, and this year's upbeat, hilarious holiday show JUNIE B. IN JINGLE BELLS BATMAN SMELLS.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center box office at 929 N. Water Street, by phone at (414) 273-7206 or online at www.firststage.org. Single tickets start at $13 for our Family Series at the Todd Wehr Theater and are $10 for our First Steps performances at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. First Stage Family Packages are still available by phone at (414) 267-2961 or online at www.firststage.org. For families planning to attend at least three performances this season, this is a great way to save up to 50% off of single ticket prices.

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 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Single tickets start at $13.

SEUSSICAL^TM
September 16 - October 16, 2011
Music by Stephen Flaherty, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Book by Lynne Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty
Co-Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and Eric Idle
Based on the Works of Dr. Seuss

Directed by Tony Clements
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant that resolves to protect all that live on the tiny speck of dust known as Who. Ridiculed by other animals and unwittingly admired by Gertrude McFuzz, Horton soon finds out that his newfound responsibility isn't as easy as he thought. Hold on as this roller coaster of an adventure weaves storylines and characters together in exciting and unexpected ways, introducing you to some of Dr. Seuss's most famous characters along the way. For everyone ages 3 and up.

DON'T TELL ME I CAN'T FLY (World premiere)
October 28 - November 13, 2011
An original play by Y York, commissioned by First Stage
Inspired by the life and art of Milwaukee collage artist Della Wells
Part of the Kennedy Center's New Visions/New Voices Biennial Festival in 2010
Directed by Mark Lutwak
A humorous yet inspirational portrait of the life of 9-year-old Tonia, seeking to contain her intelligence and creativity in order to adapt to her family's lifestyle. When her attempts don't work out as planned, Tonia harnesses her artistic soul - and finds her family, friends and the world begin to appreciate her uniqueness. Discover with Tonia and her family that the best you can be is to be yourself. An inspiring, engaging and delightful look at family life. For everyone ages 8 and up.

JUNIE B. IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS!
November 25 - December 24, 2011
By Allison Gregory
Adapted from the books by Barbara Park

Directed by Jeff Frank
It's Christmas season in Room One, and first-grader Junie B. is a mix of emotions. Visions of goodies from the school's holiday gift shop frolic about her mind. But, at the same time, she worries that the Holiday Sing-Along could resemble the disaster of skits past. And worst of all, the drawing for the Secret Santa gift exchange has stuck her with the least desirable name in the class - Tattletale May. Enjoy Junie B. learning to cope with her challenged holiday spirit, and you and your family will glow with Christmas warmth as everyone experiences the gift of giving. For everyone ages 3 and up.

A WRINKLE IN TIME
January 27 - February 19, 2012
Based on the book by Madeleine L'Engle
Adapted by John Glore
Directed by Mark Metcalf

Before there was Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, there was Meg Murry - the original sci-fi/fantasy hero.She is an outcast at school. Her father is missing. The town thinks her brother is some sort of freak. Meg Murry is angry at a world that makes no sense to her. But when a strange visitor arrives at her family's home on a dark and stormy night, she embarks on a wild journey through space and time to rescue her father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet. For everyone ages 8 and up.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
March 2 - 31, 2012
By Roald Dahl
Adapted by Richard George
Directed by Jeff Frank
Charlie Bucket's golden ticket is his passport into Willy Wonka's whimsical world of wacky wonders. Join Charlie and his Grandpa Joe as they take a daring adventure into the fantastical factory, filled with Oompa-Loompas, squirrels, chocolate rivers, and cotton candy dreams. This adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl has enough excitement to satisfy the sweet tooth of everyone in your entire family. For everyone ages 6 and up.

DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER, AND A FLY
April 13 - May 13, 2012
Based on the popular books by Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss
Book, Music and Lyrics by Joan Cushing
Directed by John Maclay

A masterful fusion of excitement and education, this adventure is as delightfully absurd and joyously playful as the wildly popular book series. Who ever thought that we could learn so much about ourselves by looking in on the lives of a non-arthropod, an arachnid and an insect? Walk alongside the worm, the spider and the fly as they learn to overcome many of the same life challenges that we face and emerge with a better understanding - and appreciation - for who they are. For everyone ages 3 and up.

FIRST STEPS SERIES AT THE MILWAUKEE YOUTH ARTS CENTER
The First Steps Series are special productions geared toward children ages 3 to 6, introducing them to live theater in an engaging, interactive and lively environment. Performances held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut Street. Single tickets start at $10.

DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!
January 14 - February 5, 2012
From the books by Mo Willems
Adapted by Ernie Nolan
Directed by Jeff Frank
Buckle up for this highly interactive adventure that puts you in the driver's seat. Everybody's favorite pigeon wants to drive the bus, and it's up to you to decide his fate. But the fun doesn't stop there. Should he eat a hot dog? Get a puppy? Stay up late? It's entirely up to you. Join the pigeon and all of his friends on this exciting audience favorite. But hold on tight. You never know where this unpredictable journey will take you!

For more information, visit online at firststage.org.

 

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