Let your imagination take flight with First Stage's 2017-2018 season

With two world premieres and celebrated family favorites, First Stage continues its commitment to spectacular theater experiences for young people and families.

FIRST STAGE’S 2017-2018 SEASON:

FAMILY SERIES
at the Todd Wehr Theater 

CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

October 6 – November 5, 2017
Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Cheer on the devoted father and eccentric inventor, Caractacus Potts, and his children, Jemima and Jeremy, as they plot to rescue Grandpa Potts and the children of Vulgaria from the dastardly Baron Bomburst. Based on the beloved 1968 film based on Ian Fleming's children's book and featuring an unforgettable score, this is one family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find "Truly Scrumptious.” For families with young people ages 6 – 16+

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
November 24 – December 31, 2017
Back by popular demand, this treasured classic comes to life on stage this holiday season. Everyone is giddy with Christmas cheer, but Charlie Brown has the Yuletide blues. Will directing the Christmas play help him get in the spirit of the season? Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. This is one holiday gift the entire family will adore. For families with young people ages 4 – 14+

THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE

January 12 – February 11, 2018                                

With his handmade silk suits, wide array of hats and tiny gold pocket watch, Edward Tulane is the most exceptional toy in Abilene’s room. He is adored and he is happy. But when Edward is thrown overboard on a cruise ship by mean boys, he begins a remarkable journey of discovery across Depression-era America. Based on Newberry-winner Kate DiCamillo’s celebrated book and brought to life through imaginative storytelling and folk music, don’t miss this breathtaking story of finding friendship, finding yourself, and eventually finding your way home. For families with young people ages 7 – 16+

THE WIZ
February 23 – March 25, 2018

It’s the timeless classic you know and love, with a modern, soulful twist. When an epic tornado lands Dorothy in a faraway place, she is sent on an unforgettable adventure to defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, and find the great and powerful Wiz to help her return home. Come along on a spectacular journey as Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion ease on down the yellow brick road to the magical land of Oz. For families with young people ages 6 – 16+

ANTARTICA, WI    
April 6 – 22, 2018

In Milwaukee there lives a very special young man. One who sees more deeply than others. He sees so much that he loves in his city, but he also sees the fractures. And when this special boy begins to see icebergs floating into Milwaukee, he alone must find a way to help his community navigate through the dangerous waters. From internationally recognized playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer comes a contemporary folk tale inspired by conversations with our community. For families with young people ages 10 – 17+

JUDY MOODY AND STINK: THE MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD TREASURE HUNT
May 4 – June 3, 2018

Third grade has put Judy Moody in a mood. She's got to figure out what to include in her "Me" collage, and her know-it-all little brother Stink keeps getting in the way. When the Moody family drops anchor on “Artichoke” Island, they meet Cap’n Weevil with a secret treasure map, launching them on a mad dash across the island in search of gold. But they’re not the only salty dogs lookin’ for loot! Can Judy Moody and Stink outwit their competition in time? Will Judy finish her project? Set sail on this world premiere and find out! For families with young people ages 5 – 9+

FIRST STEPS SERIES
at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN                 
October 1 – 29, 2017
Spookley the Square Pumpkin is teased by the other pumpkins because of his odd shape. His new friends – three hilarious spiders named Edgar, Allan and Poe – try to convince Spookley that square or not, he has a right to be the Pick of the Patch on Halloween. Spookley isn’t sure he has what it takes until a mighty storm threatens to destroy the entire patch, sending the round pumpkins rolling towards the raging river. Just in time for Halloween, Spookley – the Official Spokes-Pumpkin for National Bullying Prevention Month as recognized by PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center – teaches us there are times it is better to be square. For families with young people ages 3 – 7+

Dr. Seuss’s THE CAT IN THE HAT
January 21 – February 25, 2018
Leave it to the Cat in the Hat! Everyone’s favorite feline in the red and white hat turns a rainy afternoon upside down with his madcap mischief and wacky adventures. Speaking only in rhyme, the Cat in the Hat shows Sally and her brother that “it’s fun to have fun, but you have to know how,” despite the misgivings of their well-mannered Fish. But what will Mother think of all the antics when she returns home? Find out when all of your favorite moments from this Dr. Seuss classic come to life before your eyes. For families with young people ages 3 – 7+

FIRST STAGE YOUNG COMPANY
at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center

THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH
December 8 – 17, 2017
By Thornton Wilder
Produced by Special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Dinosaurs. Wooly Mammoths. The Ice age. World War. And your basic suburban family. Thornton Wilder’s allegorical play about, well… the entire history of mankind. This Pulitzer prize winning play by one of America’s finest playwrights is a wildly entertaining and thought provoking explosion of time and space that will stay with you long after the final curtain. For families with young people ages 12+

HENRY V                                                           
March 9 – 24, 2018
By William Shakespeare
 “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, Or close the wall up with our English dead!” Join us as the Young Company, nationally renowned for their excellence in performing the Bard, dives into the breach with one of our favorite plays by William Shakespeare. King Henry the Fifth has rallied the nation to invade France and this war won’t end until the famous Battle of Agincourt. The English must succeed against seemingly impossible odds – or be killed in the process. An epic story of a country at war and England’s most popular king. For families with young people ages 12+

TO ORDER

Family Packages for First Stage's 2017-2018 season are available beginning April 1, 2017. ORDER YOURS ONLINE or contact the First Stage Box Office at (414) 267-2961. Single tickets will be available beginning September 1, 5017