2012-2013 Season of Plays

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BIG the Musical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ . . . . . . . . . 6-7

To the Promised Land . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Pinkalicious the Musical . . . . . . .10-11

Jackie and Me . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-13

Five Little Monkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Mole Hill Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Gathering Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17

First Stage Family Packages . . .18-19

How to Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-21

About First Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23

Dear Friends and Families:

TABLe OF CONTeNTS

After an incredible 25th anniversary

season, our focus turns to the next

25 years . First Stage will continue our

commitment to strive for excellence

on and off the stage . We will bring to

you the best plays brought to life by

leading artists from across the nation,

and we will reach even more young

people through our Theater Academy

and Theater in education programs as

we refine and develop our curriculum

to guide them to new heights . We

hope that you and your family will join

us as we journey into another year of

transforming lives through theater!

Sincerely,

Jeff FrankArtistic Director

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Family Series at the Todd Wehr TheaterOur Family Series at the Todd Wehr Theater offers plays for varying age ranges .

Performances are located at the Todd Wehr Theater in the Marcus Center for

the Performing Arts, 929 N . Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 .

See pages 4-13 for details.

First Steps Series at the Milwaukee Youth Arts CenterThese performances are geared toward children ages 3 to 6, introducing them to

the theater in an engaging, interactive and lively environment at the Milwaukee

Youth Arts Center, 325 W . Walnut Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212 .

See pages 14-15 for details.

First Stage Young CompanyNew this season! First Stage Young Company – the Academy’s advanced actor

training program for high school students – will present a full-scale production of

Lois Lowry’s GATHeRING BLue at Marquette university’s Helfaer Theatre,

525 N . 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233 . See page 16-17 for more information.

The Wisconsin CycleFirst Stage continues our commitment over the next five seasons to develop and

produce plays that celebrate the history and people of Wisconsin . With these

plays and associated workshops, special events and educational initiatives,

we hope to bring heightened awareness to the rich

heritage of our state . See pages 8-9 for details.

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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 .

The 1987 hit movie bursts on-stage in this vibrant, funny and touching musical.

October 19 – November 11, 2012

For everyone ages 7 & up.

Sponsored by:

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

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The beloved stop-motion classic

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and his

friends soar off the screen and onto our

stage this holiday season . From fleeing

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 .

And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows!

November 23 – December 30, 2012

Adapted from the Animated Television SpecialRudolph 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.

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For everyone ages 3 & up.

Sponsored by: Media sponsors:

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Reeling from the loss of her brother during recent Civil Rights

January 25 – February 10, 2013

A world premiere by Jonathan Gillard Daly

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For everyone ages 9 & up.

See page 2 for details

A World Premiere

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 the strength

and courage across generations to break

barriers and reach their own promised land .

Media sponsor:In partnership with Golda Meir School and:

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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!

How much is too much pink?

February 22 – March 24, 2013

Book by Elizabeth Kann & Victoria KannMusic by John Gregor

Lyrics by John Gregor, Elizabeth Kann & Victoria Kann Based on the book Pinkalicious

by Victoria Kann & Elizabeth Kann

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For everyone ages 3 & up.

Media sponsors:In partnership with:

T e Musical

This production deals with historical racism in an honest manner.

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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 .

Young Joey Stoshack is a headstrong boy with the unique power

April 12 – May 5, 2013

A play by Steven DietzAdapted from the book by Dan GutmanPublished by Avon Books copyright 1999

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

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For everyone ages 8 & up.

Media sponsors:

This production deals with historical racism in an honest manner.

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, FIVe LITTLe MONKeYS

brings the delightful children’s

picture books to life on stage .

Based on the series of books by Eileen ChristelowAdapted for the stage by Ernie Nolan

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November 3-18, 2012

Media sponsors:

FIRST STEPS

FIRST STEPS Perfomances at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. See page 2 for more information.

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Inspired by the work of Milwaukee

author/illustrator Lois ehlert, this

collaboration with Danceworks

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 the

characters journey .

January 12-27, 2013

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Based on the books by Lois EhlertAdapted by Alvaro Saar Rios

Choreography by Dani Kuepper

In Collaboration with

Perfomances at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. See page 2 for more information. For everyone ages 3 – 6.

A World Premiere

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 .

May 10-19, 2013

Based on the book by Lois LowryAdapted for the stage by Eric CobleScript developed in partnership with

Oregon Children’s Theatre

In collaboration with:

Performances at Helfaer Theatre at Marquette University

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For everyone ages 12 & up.

First stage Young CompanY

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First stage FamilY paCkages

Pick any three or more shows and receive…•SignificantSavingsofuptohalfoffregularsingleticketprices!

Order your Family Package early to receive the best discount .

•Orderingmadeeasy. Simply pick your shows and your seating section, and

add additional tickets for select plays at our low family rates .

•Guaranteedpriorityseating. Families will get the best seats to the

performances you want before they sell out .

•TheaterAcademydiscount. With a First Stage Family Package, you will

receive a $20 coupon for School Year Theater Academy class during the

2012-2013 school year .

•FREEandflexibleticketexchanges. If you can’t make a performance,

you can easily exchange your tickets for another date by phone or at the box

office . It’s hassle free and free of charge!

•FREEBackstageTours. An exclusive opportunity to see some of the magic

behind the scenes .

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Plan for a season of family fun with First Stage!

•FREEFamilyWorkshops.

These interactive workshops

offer a fun and educational

experience for the entire family in

preparation for the show .

•FREESchoolPerformances.

If your child is scheduled to see

a school performance that is

part of your First Stage Family

Package, he/she may attend the

school performance for free .

(You must notify your teacher at the start

of the school year.)

•FREECoatCheckatthe

theater.No need to let those

bulky coats take up room in your

seats on chilly days .

From Seussical Pictured (back to front): Brady Tutton and Rick Pendzich

Photo by Jessica Kaminski

From Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! Pictured (left to right): Todd Denning, Carlos Meyers,

Claire Zempel, Jonathan NeustifterPhoto by Jessica Kaminski

From Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Pictured (left to right): Skylar Cranfield, Garrett Kim

Photo by Ross Zentner

How to OrderEasy Ways to Order:•OnlinE – Visit us at

www .FirstStage .org to buy your

First Stage Family Package . For

your convenience, you may also

purchase Marcus Center parking

passes when you place your order .

•PhOnE – Call (414) 267-2961

weekdays from 10 a .m . to 5 p .m .

and speak to one of our

friendly representatives for

personalized service .

•FAx – Complete the order form

and fax with your credit card

information to (414) 267-2930 .

•MAil – Complete the order

form and mail with your check or

credit card information to:

First Stage Box Office

325 W. Walnut Street

Milwaukee, WI 53212

We offer age recommendations

for each play that consider the

production’s performance style,

length and subject matter . Our plays

are enjoyed by children, teens and

adults alike, but parents are always

the best judge of a child’s ability to

understand and appreciate a specific

play . We recommend that children

under the age of 3 do not attend

our performances .

Questions? Call our Box Office

at (414) 267-2961

AGe ReCOMMeNDATIONS

From Don’t Tell Me I Can’t FlyPictured: LaNae RameyPhoto by Jessica Kaminski

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Flexible Payment Options:No need to pay for your entire

Family Package now . Order your

First Stage Family Package today and

pay half now, half on July 6, 2012 .

(Applies to credit card orders only; you will be automatically charged on July 6)

Still need additional flexibility?

Call us at (414) 267-2961 to

arrange a flexible payment plan

that fits your family’s needs.

Find us onlinewww .FirstStage .org

www .facebook .com/FirstStage

twitter .com/FirstStage

www .youtube .com/user/firststage

FirstStageChildrensTheater .blogspot .com

Please note: ALL programs, dates and times are subject to change.From Peter Pan and Wendy

Photo by Mark Frohna

From The Magic Bicycle Pictured (left to right): Andres Kilwein Jennerjohn

and Haley CarterPhoto by Mark Frohna

From The WizPictured: Tiffany Yvonne Cox and cast

Photo by Mark Fronna

About First Stage Celebrating our 26th year in the

2012-2013 season, First Stage has

grown to become one of the

nation’s most acclaimed children’s

theaters and the second largest

theater company in Milwaukee .

First Stage is committed to new

play development, presenting over

40 world premieres in our history

and collaborating with renowned

artists such as Harry Connick, Jr .

and Stephen Schwartz, and award-

winning authors Lois Lowry and

Cornelia Funke .

In addition to our professional

theater productions for families,

First Stage touches hear ts,

engages minds, and transforms

lives through its unparalleled

Theater Academy that fosters life

skills through stage skills . The

Academy is the largest theater

Photo by Lindsey Abendschein

Photo by Jessica Kaminski

From U:Bug:Me. Pictured (left to right): Chase Stoeger and Rána Roman Photo by Mark Frohna

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training program of its kind in

the nation, serving students

ages 3 through 18 throughout

southeastern Wisconsin and

beyond in its Milwaukee,

Brookf ield, Oconomowoc and

Kenosha locations .

First Stage serves as Wisconsin’s

leader in arts-in-education

programming . Our dynamic

Theater in education programs

promote active learning in

our schools and community,

serving nearly 20,000 children in

classrooms and with community

organizations each year . We offer

classroom workshops, partnership

packages and after-school creative

drama programs that enrich

literacy skills and enhance learning

across the entire curriculum .

Students at the Milwaukee

Institute of Art & Design (MIAD)

collaborated with First Stage to

create the illustrations in this

brochure . A total of 87 illustrations

based on each play this season

were created; 11 were chosen for

inclusion in First Stage’s print and

web materials for the 2012-2013

season . Special thanks to Professor

Christiane Grauert and the students

of MIAD for their exemplary work

on this project .

ABOuT THe ILLuSTRATIONS

Alternate cover illustrations by Hayley Eichenbaum and Katelyn Kolis-Bowler, students of the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

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