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First Stage In The News

2023/24 Season

First Stage’s ‘Peligro Island’ is a Sprawling Adventure
Shepherd Express

Escape from Peligro Island: A Create Your Own Adventure Play headed to Milwaukee stage
CBS 58

First Stage’s Engaging ‘Elephant & Piggie’
Shepherd Express

Jamey Feshold taught kids how to fight in First Stage's Percy Jackson musical
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

First Stage's 'Lightning Thief' takes audiences on a thrilling adventure journey
Shepherd Express

First Stage's 'Percy Jackson Musical' find strength in numbers
Radio Milwaukee

‘The Lightning Thief’ Is a High-Energy, Rocking Musical
Milwaukee Magazine

First Stage's 'The Lightning Thief' puts sword-slinging hero Percy Jackson on stage
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

First Stage's Impressive Musical Fantasy
Shepherd Express

Percy Jackson Swims Into the Marcus Performing Arts Center
WISN

Artistic Director Jeff Frank and Alumni Engagement Manager Elizabeth Anderson on Art Beat
The Morning Blend

Jeff Frank and Ben Nowacek on The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
CBS-58

First Stage Young Company’s Henry IV (in White)
Shepherd Express

First Stage’s Young Company Presents Shakespeare’s Henry IV (Part 1)
An Intuitive Perspective

The First Step. The First Stage Young Company serves as a feeder program for MKE area acting opportunities
MKE Lifestyle Magazine

Review: First Stage's Musical BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER is the Best Show for Kids this Holiday Season
BroadwayWorld

First Stage’s Catchy ‘Christmas Pageant’
Shepherd Express

'The Forgotten Girl' debuts in Milwaukee
WISN Channel 12

Haunting Themes of First Stage’s ‘Forgotten Girl’ Casts A Spell
Shepherd Express

A ghost haunts students in First Stage's 'The Forgotten Girl' (subscription required to view)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Donald Driver inspired play, 'Dream, Quickie! Dream!' teaches determination and dedication
WUWM 89.7 FM

First Stage appoints a new managing director
Milwaukee Business Journal

'Dream, Quickie! Dream!' at First Stage; story inspired by Donald Driver
Fox 6

'Dream, Quickie! Dream!': Inside the Family-Friendly Play Inspired by the Life of Donald Driver
Radio Milwaukee's HYFIN

Director Dimonte Henning and Movement Choreographer on WTMJ N.O.W. for DREAM, QUICKIE! DREAM!
WTMJ 620 AM

The Story Of Donald Driver Hits The Stage!
WTMJ-4 The Morning Blend

A quick guide to First Stage's new Donald Driver show, 'Dream, Quickie! Dream!'
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MKE Lifestyle Fall Arts Preview - Michelle LoRicco, Associate Artistic Director
MKE Lifestyle Magazine

MKE Lifestyle Fall Arts Preview - Elyse Edelman, First Stage alum
MKE Lifestyle Magazine

MKE Lifestyle Fall Arts Preview - Brett Ryback, First Stage alum
MKE Lifestyle Magazine

MKE Lifestyle Fall Arts Preview - Ashley Jordan, First Stage alum
MKE Lifestyle Magazine

2022/23 Season

First Stage is teaching life skills through the theater
'Next Steps' program helps students on the autism spectrum and with other sensory processing disorders.
WISN Arts Avenue

'Next Steps': First Stage Milwaukee offers summer acting course
CBS 58

First Stage Managing Director Betsy Corry to Retire
American Theatre Magazine

‘Gracious Sisters’ at First Stage Brings Greek Myths to New Audiences
Milwaukee Magazine

A Statewide Festival Celebrating New Plays and Musicals
TMJ-4's The Morning Blend

‘Gracious Sisters’ Guilt and History, Beat and Melody
Shepherd Express

First Stage’s Contribution to World Premiere Wisconsin: The Gracious Sisters
An Intuitive Perspective

Musical shares story of bravery through Bob Marley's music
CBS 58

First Stage Theater Academy on The Arts Page
Milwaukee PBS

Production of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds"
TMJ-4's The Morning Blend

First Stage's 'Three Little Birds' is an upbeat musical for kids set in Jamaica, based on Bob Marley songs
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Relaxing Reggae Adventure
Shepherd Express

First Stage’s Reverent, Radical Adaptation of ‘Little Women’
Shepherd Express

A simple sea critter turns hero in First Stage's lively 'The SpongeBob Musical'
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

An 8-year-old reviews ‘The SpongeBob Musical for Young Audiences’ at First Stage
88Nine Radio Milwaukee

SpongeBob Sings!
Shepherd Express

Review: 4 Reasons SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL at First Stage Will Float Your Family's Boat
BroadwayWorld

The Arts Page | First Stage's 'The Hobbit'
Milwaukee PBS

Why You Should See 'The Hobbit'
Milwaukee Magazine

First Stage's 'The Hobbit' is a triumph of storytelling
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Classic adventure 'The Hobbit' hitting the stage in Milwaukee
CBS 58

An 8-year-old reviews First Stage’s production of ‘The Hobbit’
88Nine Radio Milwaukee

A Richly Dense, Little Middle-earth
Shepherd Express

First Stage Turns into Middle-earth
Shepherd Express

Review: CARMELA FULL OF WISHES Charms Little Ones at First Stage
BroadwayWorld review

A Vibrant Community Springs to Life in First Stage's 'Carmela'
Shepherd Express review

First Stage's Carmela Full of Wishes
An Intuitive Perspective review

Carmela Full of Wishes Features Love, Imagination, and Family
Shepherd Express

First Stage Production Brings ‘Rudolph’ to Life for Milwaukee Families to Enjoy
Shepherd Express review

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Musical, At Milwaukee’s First Stage!
An Intuitive Perspective

Review: RUDOLPH THE MUSICAL is Festive Family Fun at FIRST STAGE
BroadwayWorld review

First Stage Announces Sensory Friendly Performance Schedule for 2022-2023 Season
Shepherd Express

Review: ARTHUR & FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL is Fantastic Fun at FIRST STAGE
BroadwayWorld review

First Stage World Premiere: Arthur And Friends Make A Musical!
An Intuitive Perspective

First Stage's 'Arthur & Friends' a Fun Musical Ride
Wisconsin Theater Spotlight

Book Smart ‘Arthur’ and his First Stage Musical
Shepherd Express review

First Stage makes animated kids come alive in world premiere 'Arthur and Friends Make a Musical!'
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel review

First Stage adapts animated TV star 'Arthur' into a world premiere musical
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

New First Stage production brings classic children show characters to life
WISN Arts Avenue

Family-friendly musical theatre headed to Milwaukee's First Stage
CBS 58

2021/22 Season

Why You Need to See First Stage's "The Amazing Lemonade Girl"
Milwaukee Magazine

First Stage's inspirational 'The Amazing Lemonade Girl' remembers a kid who faced cancer by helping others
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

First Stage’s Inspirational ‘Lemonade Girl’
Shepherd Express

Future stars are chasing their dreams right here in Wisconsin
Spectrum News

The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors At First Stage - Performance Review
An Intuitive Perspective

Inspired Musical Weirdness for Kids
Shepherd Express

First Stage's 'The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors' is a battle royale turned dance party
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Dancing Granny” Celebrates the Beauty of Community and Collaboration
Milwaukee Courier

‘The Watsons’ Is a Moving Tale of African-American History at First Stage
Shepherd Express

In 'The Watsons Go to Birmingham,' a Black family's road trip meets up with history
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The Watsons Go To Birmingham – 1963 Presented By First Stage!
An Intuitive Perspective

The Laramie Project teaches students about the dangers of homophobia
88Nine Radio Milwaukee

Complexity of Tragedy In-The Round
Shepherd Express

Looking for the true meaning of Christmas? The kids behind 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' want to share it with you
Spectrum News

First Stage Brings a Classic Holiday Story to Life with “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
The Madison Times

Review: First Stage’s ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
Milwaukee Magazine

First Stage's ‘CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS’ Brings Joy And Laughter To The Holidays
Wisconsin Theater Spotlight

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is Fun & Festive at First Stage
BroadwayWorld

Jazzy Music Keeps Characters Jumping in First Stage’s ‘Charlie Brown Christmas'
Shepherd Express

First Stage's 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' a treat for both kids and adults
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 

First Stage's 'new normal' includes layered COVID protections as it returns to in-person shows
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“How To Actually Graduate in a Virtual World” reviewed by Julia W. Rath
Around the Town Chicago

First Stage’s Online Graduation Drama
Shepherd Express

Hidden Gems: 'First Stage, First Steps' introduces children with special needs to the theater
WTMJ-4

First Stage Breaks Ground with ‘Amplify-BIPOC’
Shepherd Express

Every Voice Heard: Artistic Director Jeff Frank leads First Stage theater company to a new era of education and inclusiveness
MKE Lifestyle Magazine

2018/19 season news

Milwaukee’s First Stage Announces Expanded Playwrights in Residence
BroadwayWorld Milwaukee 

5 reasons to check out First Stage’s ‘The Miracle Worker’
OnMilwaukee.com

Managing Director Betsy Corry Named Milwaukee Business Journal's Women of Influence
Milwaukee Business Journal

A Moving Story that changed the world
Shepherd Express

An interview with Jeremy Tardy
Milwaukee PBS - Black Nouveau

First Stage’s charming “Tinker Bell” gives Peter’s Pan's sidekick the spotlight
OnMilwaukee.com

Tinker Bell sparkles at First Stage
Milwaukee Magazine

Pixie Dust Brings ‘Tinker Bell’ to Life at First Stage
Shepherd Express

CW-18/Our Issues – Andrea Williams interviews Managing Director Betsy Corry
CW-18 Milwaukee

The Arts Page: Next Steps
Milwaukee PBS

First Stage gives Young People the chance to Perform
WTMJ-4

First Stage Finds the Meaning of Freedom in 'Big River'
Shepherd Express

First Stage Delivers Ambitious & Spirited Big River
Showbiz Chicago

“BIG RIVER” Boils Down Huckleberry Finn While Losing None of its Heft
Milwaukee Magazine

First Stage's footstompin’ quest for freedom
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Photo Gallery for AS YOU LIKE IT
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

A Most Likeable (and Youthful) 'As You Like it'
Shepherd Express

First Stage dramatizes the power of words of Locomotion
Shepherd Express

Musical Review: ‘MATILDA’ Makes it in Milwaukee
Milwaukee Magazine

First Stage's magical “Matilda" is just right
OnMilwaukee.com 

Matilda Triumphs Over Bullies and a Dumb Dad at First Stage
Shepherd Express

The kids lead the way in First Stage’s bold ‘Matilda’
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Brilliant Matilda from First Stage is an Absolute Triumph
Dave Begel on Theater

First Stage’s ambitious ‘Matilda’ features tower of power Kelly Doherty
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

First Stage’s ‘Matilda’ A Timely, Uplifting Tale of Empowerment
Shepherd Express

‘Girls in the Boat’ Celebrates Rowing, Girl Power & Teamwork
WUWM

First Stage ‘Girls in the Boat’ Tracks the Rise in Women’s College Sports
Shepherd Express

First Stage's "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" is indeed the best
OnMilwaukee.com

First Stage Brings Music to its Annual ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
Shepherd Express

‘Bad’ kids rescue holiday show in comical musical ‘Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Taking the Next Steps: Off the Cuff with First Stage’s Jeff Frank
Shepherd Express

First Stage’s “Nate the Great” is indeed great
OnMilwaukee.com

Pancakes and Mysteries make ‘Nate the Great’ a colorful adventure
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Jeremy Tardy reflects First Stage roots and Milwaukee inspirations for “Dear White People”
Milwaukee Independent

What Jeremy Tardy learned from First Stage theater, Julliard and Hollywood
88Nine Radio Milwaukee

Dear White People Actor Jeremy Tardy Returns to first theater home
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service

Previewing Matilda at First Stage
The Morning Blend

First Stage’s Dreamy ‘Caterpillar’ Dance
Shepherd Express

Profile on Positively Milwaukee award-winner Kate Ketelhohn (interview begins at 1:17:27)
WTMJ-4

With First Steps Milwaukee’s children are ready for the stage
Shepherd Express

Vision comes to life at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

First Stage Theater is offering theater classes for kids with special needs called ‘Next Steps’
WTMJ-4, interview August 8, 2018

2017/18 season news

A vision realized: Milwaukee Youth Arts Center serves as model for meeting needs of children
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

First Stage to perform 'Matilda', 3 other musicals next season
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Jeff Frank, Artictic Director, First Stage
My24

First Stage actors, youth symphony musicians learn from pros at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Pumpkins, flying cars and Charlie Brown headline First Stage productions this season
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

'The Cat in the Hat' arrives with a bump
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

First Stage presents: Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
Shephard Express

'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' takes flight at First Stage
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Matt Daniels' Snoopy infuses First Stage's 'Charlie Brown' with glee
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

First Stage's "Edward Tulane" is a tale stuffed with soul
OnMilwaukee

First Stage's 'Edward Tulane' is One Heroic Toy Bunny
Shephard Express

First Stage's 'The Wiz' Combines Life Lessons with Entertaining Characters
Shephard Express

'A multi-cultural story:' First Stage puts on 'The Wiz' during Black History Month
Fox 6 Milwaukee

First Stage's Exhilarating "Antarctica, WI" is Too Important a Play to be Missed
Showbiz Chicago

Connecting with the Milwaukee community through ANTARCTICA, WI, opening this weekend at First Stage
Urban Milwaukee

Teens offer hope for tomorrow in 'Antarctica, WI,' 'I and You'
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

JUDY MOODY & STINK: THE MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD, TREASURE HUNT, a World Premiere with Excitement and Adventure
Broadway World Milwaukee

First Stage Young Company sinks its teeth into an American classic
Dave Begel on Theater

First Stage's award-winning Young Company presents THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH
UPAF

First Stage's award-winning Young Company presents HENRY V
UPAF

2013/14 season news

Missing First Stage's Nancy Drew would be a crime
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 

Executive profile: Corry's second act accompanied by many firsts
Milwaukee Business Journal 

Powerful 'Midnight Cry' journeys from slavery to freedom at First Stage
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 

Young Blood First Stage's teen-focused Young Company does more than prime tomorrow's acting talent, Milwaukee Magazine

First Stage's 'Best Christmas Pageant Ever' would move Scrooge
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

First Stage returns to arts center
Summer Academy kicks off at the Oconomowoc Arts Center
Living Lake Country

Business Journal announces Eureka Award winners
First Stage wins Eureka Award for its Next Steps Program
The Business Journal