Getting to Know the Cast of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY opens this weekend, March 2, 2012.

by: Kelsey Lauren

The well-known story of Charlie Bucket receiving a Golden Ticket as his passport into Willy Wonka’s whimsical world of wacky wonders kicks off March 2.  Join Charlie and his Grandpa Joe as they take a daring adventure into a world of pure imagination, filled with Oompa-Loompas, squirrels, chocolate rivers, and cotton candy dreams. Artistic Director Jeff Frank is thrilled to be directing the second to last production of First Stage’s 25^th anniversary season . The show is a visually stunning version of the Roald Dahl children’s classic was adapted by Richard George.

Frank says, "When I thought about how well our designers and production team realized amazing renditions of THE NEVERENDING STORY and PETER PAN AND WENDY (both produced in 2010), I knew they would rise to the challenge of recreating Willy Wonka's whimsical world fit for our stage." 

This whimsical world has far surpassed the stage. The children involved in the show have had quite an experience from rehearsal to the Todd Wehr Theater. First Stage chats with a few of the young performers of CHARLIE: Ayanna Ellzey, Molly Flanagan, Seth Horne, Sarah Kinn, Zoey Knox, Margaret Mazza, Elizabeth Mazza, Emma Nelson, Maddie Penzkover, and Malia Westlake. 

First Stage- What is your favorite part about the rehearsal process thus far?

Ayanna - My favorite part so far is having fun and hanging out with my newfound friends. It's a great experience.

Elizabeth- My favorite part is getting to work with everyone in the play, from the actors and actresses, to our amazing director Jeff, to the cast and crew! Every single one of them. Every single one of them is so talented, wonderful, and fun to be around, it's like every rehearsal is one big family party! Each day is more fun than the last. Everyone is so supportive. No matter how many times you mess up, everyone is there to cheer you on and build up your confidence as an actor and as a person.

Emma- My favorite part of the rehearsal process so far was the first day of tech week, when I got to see the stage we were performing on for the first time in my life! I loved hanging out with everyone backstage, seeing all the set and props, and performing on the big stage.

Maddie- I love how much we all have bonded. It’s like we’re one big family now - and that’s what I love about theatre.

Malia-I love to do run-throughs with my cast and go over the Oompa Loompa dances.

Margaret- I love being with all my friends and I love being with Jeff Frank in this wonderful production.

Molly-My favorite part of rehearsals is all of the dancing and singing. It is so much fun!

Sarah- I like when we run through the full play the best.  I like to see the story from beginning to end.

Seth- My favorite part of the rehearsal progress so far is learning the blocking for each scene.

Zoey- My favorite part of the rehearsal process has been seeing the show progress from the first stages into working in the theater.

First Stage- What is it like to work with professional actors?

Photo taken by Ross Zentner

Ayanna- The fact that the actors are professionals doesn't really matter. They are, however, very helpful and supportive.

Elizabeth- It's amazing! These are people I am honored to be in a play with. It's inspiring to see people work so hard at what they love to do. They give 100% of their effort into whatever role, scene, or line they have, they encourage everyone around them to do their best while having fun, and they are just really great people. It's wonderful to watch and aspire to. 

Emma- Working with professional actors has been a fantastic opportunity for me to perfect my own acting skills while watching them act. They always go all-out in their performances no matter what, and they aren't afraid to ask the director questions or give their own thoughts and ideas.

Maddie-Super cool! It’s just a great experience working with them because you can learn so much! I also really appreciate how they treat all the young performers as equals but are also there as role models.

Malia-It feels so good to work with professional actors because they inspire me. I've always wanted to become famous with acting skills, so their experience with acting helps me to become a better actress.

Margaret- It is so awesome . . . and I love talking with them.



Photo taken by Ross Zentner



Molly-It is so cool to be able to work with professionals.  You learn so much and can do so much more than you could at other theaters.

Sarah- It is amazing to work with the professional actors.  I learn so much from watching them up close.  It's educational and makes me want to be a better actor.

Seth- Working with professional actors is awesome because the help you do your best and are amazing actors.

Zoey- It is fun to see the way they work with their characters. Also, they are very helpful and can give you tips on acting in general.

First Stage- What are you looking forward to the most during this rehearsal/performance process?

Ayanna- I am ridiculously excited to get to perform for the city of Milwaukee and entertain people. I love performing.

Elizabeth- I'm looking forward to just being a part of the play with all these wonderful people! It's just so much fun to be telling a beautiful story like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with your acting family. Nothing can compare to doing what you love to do, with people you love to do it with, in a magical play that tells a touching story about the power of hope and dreams coming true. 



Photo taken by Ross Zentner



Emma- I am looking forward very much to the first show!!! I can't wait to perform in my first First Stage show ever in fronof a live audience.

Maddie-Hmm... Everything? If I had to pick one thing, though, it would probably be opening night. It's that moment that you see all the hard work everyone put in come together into a fantastic show. And then you finally get to share it with the world!

Malia- I love performing in front of crowds and have never been in a first stage production, so I am super excited to get on stage! I am a pretty shy outside of theatre, but when I perform, I let it all go and it's so much fun!

Margaret- I am looking forward to putting all our hard work together and seeing the final product.

Molly-I am looking forward to Tech Week.  Tech week is the last week before performances.  It is when we put together the costumes, make-up, lights and sound.  You get to be on stage!

Sarah- I can’t wait to see the set come to life with the actors.  The set is unbelievable!

Seth- I'm looking forward to getting to tech and the theatre and then starting the shows.

Zoey- I am looking forward to working with the set the most. There are so many technical aspects of the play, and I can't wait to see them in action!

First Stage- Do you have a favorite moment in the play? If so, can you tell me a little bit about it?

Ayanna- I would have to say my favorite part is when I get blown up. It’s super fun. I also love Mike Teavee's scene, it's very high tech and cool.

Elizabeth- There are so many wonderful moments in this play. But one of my favorites is in the scene when all the golden ticket winners come to the gates of the factory to meet Willie Wonka for the first time. Each one is shockingly mean or ungrateful for this special opportunity they have when they meet Mr. Wonka. But then there's Charlie, the only kid who shakes Mr. Wonka's hand absolutely overflowing with happiness and gratitude to be there. His honesty and goodness show so beautifully here and you can just tell that Charlie is the best kid out of all the ones there. I'd have to say that is one of my favorite moments of the play. 

Emma- I love many parts of the play a lot, but one of my favorite parts is when Augustus falls in the chocolate pond and Mrs. Gloop freaks out- I think it's hilarious!

Maddie-My favorite moment is at the end, after all the other children are gone, and it’s just Charlie, Grandpa Joe, and Willy Wonka in the glass elevator. The moment when Wonka gives Charlie the factory is just so beautiful – it makes you want to cry and smile at the same time.



Photo taken by Ross Zentner



Malia- I really like the part when Charlie gets to own the factory. Even though I'm not in that scene, I love to see that even though the Buckets were poor, anything can happen!

Margaret- I love the end in the Wonka Vator because it is so touching.

Molly-My favorite moment in the play is when the squirrels attack Veruca Salt and then they start dancing.

Sarah- My favorite scene is when the squirrels attack Veruca.  It is hilarious!  The audience is going to love it.



Seth- My favorite moment is the ending scene with Charlie Willy Wonka and Grandpa Joe because it’s the perfect ending because Charlie has made all the right choices and he is rewarded with the factory, also it saves his family from starving.



Zoey- One of my favorite moments in the play is during the boat ride when Veruca asks about the whip room and Wonka replies "Whipped cream isn't whipped cream unless it's been whipped with whips. Just like a poached egg isn't a poached egg unless it's been stolen from the woods in the dead of night". This moment gives insight into Wonka's sense of humor and never fails to make me laugh.

"I've long loved the Roald Dahl classic, and thought it would be the perfect fit within First Stage's 25th anniversary season," said Jeff Frank.

We know you all will love CHARLIE too!! 

   

Tickets for CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY start at $13.  For tickets or more information visit www.FirstStage.org.

 

Touching the lives of Milwaukee’s youth – First Stage Theater in Education Residency at Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club

By: Jenny Loeffler

First Stage continues the celebration of its 25th anniversary by making a significant impact on the Milwaukee community. To understand the mission of First Stage, one just needs to take a look at the lasting impression that the Theater in Education program has left on the students of the Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club.

First Stage has partnered with the Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club since 2005 with an after-school program, reaching 250 students each year. The partnership is comprised of three sequential programs that explore stories and cultures from around the world through a dramatic lens, including: 1) Early Literacy Sessions for those in the Positive Attitude Learning Skills program (PALS); 2) Professional Theater Outings; and 3) Production-Based Program.

The Early Literacy Sessions for PALS is for the youngest students at the Club (ages 6-8) and uses theater arts to foster a love of reading while simultaneously developing curriculum-based skills in reading, writing, and language arts. Specially trained First Stage Teaching Artists visit the PALS classroom at the Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club for 14 sessions – one hour every other week. Using classic picture books as the springboard for lessons, this program brings stories to life with dramatic activities and theater exercises. This active learning approach ensures all students are engaged, making the learning experience natural, fun, and exciting.

The Professional Theater Outings offer all Club members and their families free tickets to attend preview performances of First Stage’s Family Series productions at the Todd Wehr Theater. Before each show, students are able to participate in a 45-minute pre-show workshop, which gives them a greater understanding of the play’s subjects and themes.

The Production-Based Program offers students two opportunities to showcase their talents: Introduction to Acting Workshops and a Culminating Production.

The first, Introduction to Acting Workshops, is a series of four 2-hour workshops for all students at the Club who are interested in participating. The workshops focus on teaching basic acting skills, including: voice and speech techniques, creating characters through movement, playing objectives and tactics, listening to scene partners and truthfully responding, giving and taking focus, and working as an ensemble. The workshops also prepare students for the audition process that take place in mid-January for the Culminating Production.

The second opportunity, the Culminating Production, is a more advanced program that offers a final performance for 12-18 students. Auditions are held in mid-January and rehearsals begin in February. The production process becomes more advanced as the performance nears, with rehearsals only once a week in February and March and twice a week in April and May. The final performance is held at the end of May at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, followed by a reception for the actors, their families, and audience members.

The Culminating Production for spring 2012 is titled “Multicultural Folktales,” a piece that was deliberately chosen for its impact on how students understand the humanities. “Multicultural Folktales” is a collection of folktales designed to bring a variety of countries and cultures alive for young learners. The folktales range from humorous to thought-provoking and include samples from African, Native American, and Central American cultures. In between the folktales, students will weave multicultural hymns, poems, and songs selected with help from the directors and assistance from a choreographer.

The cast members and other interested students from the Club will help First Stage’s technical director and production manager in creating the set for the production. The performance is also filmed and presented at a screening at the Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club for the entire Club to see. There is a reception and a talkback session with the actors after the screening, which will allow other Club members to ask the young performers questions about their experience of being a part of this production.

Julia Magnasco, First Stage’s education director and developer of the program, believes that the students can learn valuable lessons such as commitment, responsibility, and teamwork. She says, “Of course the students are going to gain the experience of being in a production, but above all, they will gain a commitment to following through on tasks, a responsibility to their cast, director, and self, and learning teamwork while being an ensemble member.”

But that’s not all they will learn. She adds, “With all of these traits, they will also gain respect, leadership, and time management skills with school work, rehearsals, and family.”

Julia says that her favorite part of the program is the gratification that the students and their families gain. “They grow so much from when we first start to when we finish the production. The gratification they gain is immense, and that’s why I love doing this,” she enthuses.

“Multicultural Folktales” will be presented on May 18 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, and the screening will take place at the Daniels-Mardak Boys & Girls Club at the beginning of June. For more information on First Stage’s Theater in Education programs, visit http://www.firststage.org/.

A sneak preview to the CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY cast and crew!

By Kelsey Lauren

Rehearsals for CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY kicked off on February 7, beginning with a Meet and Greet with the First Stage staff and the production’s cast and crew. Many of the young performers and veteran actors alike ran into the rehearsal hall to catch up with old friends while simultaneously meeting new friends.   Additionally, Managing Director Rob Goodman and Artistic Director/CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY Director Jeff Frank also caught up before the Meet and Greet began.

Stage Manager Caskey Hunsader and Assistant Stage Manager Hannah Binish prepared themselves, the designers, and the cast for the first rehearsal by making sure that all were present and everyone had what they needed to pursue a successful production.

At 4 p.m. the meeting began with Jeff welcoming all the members of the cast, crew, designers, and  First Stage staff . He introduced himself by talking about what CHARLIE means to him.   “Within the Bucket household there is still love and hope despite the economic situation.” Frank drew parallels to how this play is very similar to today’s world. “Here is a kid who is rewarded because he does all the right things…because it’s his essence…it’s who he is!”

Jeff also explained how he perceives the heart, imagination, and messages of hope in the story.  Acknowledging Rob, Jeff says, “Rob is someone who has taught me about hope and dreams.”

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned from initial excitement to sheer joy, and thrill to be working on a piece as special and honest as CHARLIE. After his opening remarks, Jeff allowed everyone in the room to introduce themsleves – all young performers including 12 Oompa-Loompas per cast, adult actors, designers, and administrative staff. From the managing director all the way down to the intern, by simply stating our name and sharing our position served at First Stage, Jeff formed an inclusive, comfortable setting.

As the introductions wrapped up, Frank prepared to share the set design by Scenic Designer David Minkoff. The magnificent set model allowed for all minds to envision a chocolate fountain, “glass” tube, boat, and many other intricate details. Next on the agenda was presenting the costume designs. Displaying the beautiful and detailed costume renderings was Costume Designer and First Stage Costume Crafts Artisan Brandon Kirkham. He explained each costume for every character, then passed each rendering throughout the group. Everyone smiled as the costume renderings were exactly as one could imagine.

 As the Meet and Greet drew to a close, Jeff asked the Oompa-Loompas to share what they had been working on for us . The catchy song made the room even more excited to rehearse.

The Meet and Greet ended on a very positive note as Frank thanked the room for attending, and passionately encouraged us to visit and see the show progress!

Tickets for CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY start at $13.  Tickets may be purchased at www.firststage.org or through the Marcus Center box office, in person at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee or by phone (414) 273-7206 or toll free at (888) 612-3500.  The number for TDD (for deaf and hard of hearing patrons) is (414) 273-3080.

Performance dates:  CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY opens Friday, March 2, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Other performances are held:  Saturday, March 3 at 1:00 & 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 4 at 1:00 & 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 10 at 1:00 & 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 11 at 1:00 & 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 17 at 3:30 & 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, March 18 at 1:00 & 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 24 at 1:00 & 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, March 25 at 1:00 & 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, March 31 at 1:00 & 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 1 at 1:00 & 3:30 p.m.

   

Interview with Lois Lowry Scholarship Recipient, Erin Stapleton

By: Jenny Loeffler

The 2012-2013 Lois Lowry Scholarship winner was just announced, and this year Erin Stapleton was chosen as the lucky recipient. The award was created in 2007 as a merit-based scholarship that is given annually to a deserving student for participation in First Stage Theater Academy programming throughout the year. Lowry is a prolific figure in children’s and young adult fiction and has penned more than thirty books, including The Giver and Number the Stars (for which she was awarded Newbery Medals).

We found time to catch up with Erin (who just wrapped up playing Meg Murry in First Stage’s A WRINKLE IN TIME) to ask her all about the scholarship!

How do you feel about winning the scholarship?

I am so profoundly grateful for this scholarship and honor. When I first heard John Maclay [First Stage Associate Artistic Director and Director of the Academy] announce my name, I was overwhelmed with excitement and completely humbled. To be seen by my role models, the people I look up to most at First Stage, as a special part of the community is a gift that I am truly thankful for. And the scholarship part, beyond the recognition, is fantastic, because it gives me the opportunity to come back and learn more and enjoy this great place for another year! It is also an honor to be considered in the company of previous award winners. They are individuals who I really look up to and admire their work.

What is your favorite thing about performing at First Stage?

My favorite thing by far is the people. I have never met more accepting, supportive, loving people. I will have a crummy day at school and go to rehearsal and instantly feel my spirits lifted because people are actually smiling and enjoying what they are doing. I am also grateful for the environment First Stage offers. I can be creative and do something “crazy” that is encouraged, where anywhere else I would be ridiculed for or laughed at. Everyone else here is working on character and finding their way, so I have no reason to be insecure.

What are you most looking forward to for next year’s Academy sessions and First Stage’s 2012-2013 season?

I am definitely looking forward to Summer Academy. Last year was my first summer, and I cannot wait to go back. There is nothing better than being with your best friends while doing what you love and experiencing the wonder of theatre ALL in one summer. I also am greatly anticipating Young Company next year. It will be my third year as a member, and I am much better for it. Each week I gain so much from my teachers and even my fellow students. I look forward to enjoying all of these people I love at First Stage for one more year. And you know what? I am really looking forward to seeing the younger actors and actresses that I have had the pleasure of working with grow in the next year. It is so special to see them make good friends and shine in their classes and productions.

Erin also felt gracious by the amount of support and congratulations she has been receiving.

I have been incredibly thankful for the support of the First Stage community since I’ve received the scholarship. My fellow Academy members, friends, teachers, staff, and even parents have been amazingly kind! Everywhere I turn I get a “congratulations!” and a smile. I even received a Facebook message from a First Stage mother. I have never met her before, but that did not stop her from congratulating me. I was very moved and, once again, extremely grateful. You don’t normally encounter such kindness everyday.

Do you have any advice for aspiring actors?

Get out there! If you love to act or even if you have never before and are interested, audition! It all begins with that. Once you get the part, be a sponge. Take everything in. AND, do not let anyone convince you that what you are doing is foolish or a waste of your time; it is not. Whenever you love something and have a passion for it, it is not. Be proud!

Interviews with Skylar Cranfield and Garrett Kim from the Frappuccino Cast of DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!

by: Kelsey Lauren

After a 52 performances to sold-out audiences, First Stage is about to close its run of DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS on February 12. Many families both returning and new to First Stage have enjoyed seeing author Mo Willems’ classic characters come to life on stage.

After watching and enjoying a show, have you ever wanted to talk to the actors? Have you ever wondered who they are outside of the roles they play in shows? Since our talkbacks after a performance last only a few minutes , we thought we would ask the Frappuccino Cast more about the characters, the process of creating the show, and what the interests of the actors are outside of the world of the play. So, before Pigeon drives the bus away this weekend , we sat down for a chat with Skylar Cranfield, Duck, and Garrett Kim, Pigeon and asked a few fun questions! .

First Stage: What is your favorite part about being in a play at First Stage?

Skylar as the Pigeon

Skylar: That I get to have an amazing experience on a stage with amazing actors. I also LOVE that we randomly break into song and automatically know the dances! It's SO MUCH FUN!
Garrett: My favorite part is the environment we get to work in. We have a lot of fun because everyone here is kind and collaborative, and that kind of positive environment helps make our shows so great!

First Stage: What is your favorite part about being in an interactive show?

Garrett enjoying time with the kids in the audience!

Skylar: I like that Pigeon actually personally asks kids questions and they get to answer for themselves. It makes the kids feel good that there actually talking to "the" Pigeon..:) It's like the kids are in the play with us. It's good that they have a lot of fun, just like us!
Garrett: Most definitely the kids. They certainly keep us on our toes and make every show extremely different!

First Stage: What is it like to perform with professional actors?

Skylar and Garrett acting with AEA member, Chris Feireisen.

Skylar: It is AMAZING! They are so nice and good people. We're like a big happy family, and I love them. They give me great advice that makes each of my performances better.
Garrett: It's awesome because here at First Stage, the young performers are treated pretty much like the professionals, not as little kids or whatnot. Plus, Chris is hysterical and still a child at heart, so it's definitely easy to work with him.

First Stage: When double casted in a show, can you tell me what the rehearsal process is like?

Skylar: I think it's really interesting that both casts get the same script, but that each person has their own unique way of making the lines theirs. Its really fun to watch a play where you already know all of the words!
Garrett: It's very nice in a condensed rehearsal process like this because you can watch someone else do what you'll have to do, and both actors make discoveries and mistakes that help the other one out. Being double-cast also challenges you to give the same lines, blocking, and choreography your own spin.

First Stage: What will you miss most about playing your character?

Skylar and AEA member, Chris Feireisen on the bus.

Skylar: The thing I am gonna miss about my character is actually acting like a duck. With my best friends being a Pigeon and a Bus Driver. It's so fun! I also love my costume. My feathers are CRAZY COOL, and I absolutely ADORE my big round glasses!
Garrett: Onstage, I'll miss listening to the kids (who are already so excited to see this) shout things at inappropriate times and laugh and clap along. Offstage, I'll miss all the silliness with Skylar and Chris.

First Stage: What are you interested in outside of the theater world?

Skylar: I love to write, whether it's a book or in my diary. I also love reading. When I read, I get sucked into the book and become part of that world. That world is AMAZING!
Garrett: I enjoy reading and food. At my school, I'm Student Senate president, and I'm taking a bunch of AP classes.

First Stage Charlie Bars!

By: Jenny Loeffler

"So watch out for the Golden Tickets! Five Golden Tickets have been hidden underneath the ordinary wrapping paper of five ordinary candy bars.” Have you ever wished you could open up a chocolate bar and find that YOU won a Golden Ticket? Well, now that dream can become a reality! First Stage is selling Charlie Bars throughout the month of February in anticipation of its upcoming production of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, running March 2nd through March 31st at the Marcus Center.

Everyone has the chance to win a Golden Ticket – because every Charlie Bar is a winner! Prizes range from a ticket discount to CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY to a three-play Family Package to First Stage’s 2012-2013 season. One lucky Golden Ticket winner will receive four tickets to First Stage’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, complete with a backstage tour, Family Workshop, gift certificates for concessions and merchandise in the theater lobby, dinner at Joey Buona’s Restaurant, a copy of the Roald Dahl classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” signed by the cast, and a three-play Family Package to First Stage’s 2012-2013 season!

Not only will your Golden Ticket provide you with something special, but proceeds from the sale of the First Stage Charlie Bars will support First Stage’s Community Partnership Program, a comprehensive program that makes First Stage programming available and easily accessible to low-income families and City of Milwaukee schools.

We know that you want a Charlie Bar Golden Ticket now, so make sure to get yours at any of the ten area Balistreri-owned Sendik’s Food Markets and at Kehr’s Candies at the Milwaukee Public Market. You can also find your Charlie Bars in the lobby during First Stage performances of DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center and A WRINKLE IN TIME at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.

Charlie Bars also make a great Valentine’s Day treat. Give them to a friend, a loved one, or to all of your classmates! Any which way you choose, they will make a tasty and rewarding Valentine’s gift! One Golden Ticket winner (and remember, everyone's a winner) sent us these pictures to show us her clever Valentine's Day idea...

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY runs March 2nd through March 31st at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets and information, CLICK HERE.

First Stage's 18th Annual Make Believe Ball

By: Jenny Loeffler

Have you ever dreamed of having a golden ticket to travel with Charlie to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory? Enter into a world of pure imagination by attending First Stage’s 18th annual Make Believe Ball on February 11 at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.

First Stage seeks to touch hearts, engage minds, and transform lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and their families. This is achieved each year from the financial support provided at this annual black-tie family event. With 400 adults and children in attendance at last year’s Make Believe Ball, over $100,000 was raised for First Stage.

Libby Baranko and Tammy Fricker, co-chairs of the Make Believe Ball committee, expressed the importance of the ball on the community, “having an annual fundraiser that includes kids helps fulfill First Stage’s purpose to exist.”

The theme for this year’s Make Believe Ball revolves around the upcoming CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY production, which runs March 2-31 at the Todd Wehr Theater.

The Make Believe Ball is the only black-tie fundraiser that parents can attend with their kids (ages 3 and up). That’s right; this is an evening that the whole family can enjoy! Tickets to the ball are $50 per child, $75 per teen, and $175 per adult. The ticket prices include a gourmet, chocolate-themed dinner, a voice and silent auction, children’s entertainment, and music and dancing that will last the whole evening.

At the live and silent auction, you could win…
- 4 Viewing Passes for the 2012 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- 4 Green Bay Packers tickets.
- A half-day guided fly-fishing expedition for you and one guest.
- A one week stay in a 4 bedroom house on a mountain in Breckenridge, Colorado.
- Tickets for you and a guest to attend the 2012 Ryder Cup in Chicago.
- VIP behind-the-scenes tour of the Milwaukee County Zoo.
- The opportunity for a young person to serve as a Milwaukee Bucks Team Attendance for a 2012-2013 game.

First Stage’s 18th Annual Make Believe Ball will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012, from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, located at 509 W. Wisconsin Avenue, in downtown Milwaukee.

For more on this year’s Make Believe Ball, please visit www.firststage.org or contact Meaghan Morrissey at (414) 267-2937 or makebelieveball@firststage.org. We hope to see you there!