Cast and crew of BIG NATE: THE MUSICAL are ready to rock your world!

First Stage’s 2014-2015 season continues with the madcap misadventures of sixth-grader Nate Wright in BIG NATE: THE MUSICAL, February 27 – March 29, 2015. The meet and greet took place this week and rehearsals are underway! 

Director Jeff Schaetzke sets the stage for BIG NATE.

BIG NATE: THE MUSICAL is based on the popular comic strip and book series by Lincoln Peirce with musical score by Chris Youstra. The story is outrageously funny, and has everything that makes the middle school world go round including an arch-nemesis, a love interest, struggles to avoid detention and a rockin’ battle of the bands!

First Stage favorites Molly Rhode (as Mrs. Czerwinski) who will also choreograph the show, Rana Roman (as Mrs. Godfrey), Rick Pendzich (as Coach John/Dad), Elyse Edelman (as Mrs. Hickson) along with Alex Campea (as Mr. Galvin) and Chris Gilbert (as Mr. Staples) make up the adult actor cast along with two alternating casts of 13 young performers.

Costume designer Jason Orlenko discuss designs for BIG NATE

“The young people are front and center in the story and in the show,” said Director and First Stage Company Manager Jeff Schaetzke. “The focus is on them during musical numbers and at turning points in the story.”

Costume Designer Jason Orlenko drew on the comic strip and book illustrations for inspiration, describing costume pieces for the battle of the bands scene as “an explosion of rhinestones and glitter.”

Set design by Kristin Ellert will feature video elements

 
The set is an interactive, colorful world for Nate and his friends to inhabit. “Scenic and Video Designer Kristin Ellert has created a fun, dynamic playground that’s a video game, a pinball machine, and a rock concert rolled into one,” said Jeff.

The meet and greet culminates in a air-rendition of "Livin' on a Prayer!"

For everyone ages 5 and up, BIG NATE: THE MUSICAL opens February 27. Tickets and information are available now.