AMPLIFY FALL FESTIVAL

AMPLIFY FALL FESTIVAL

CELEBRATING ALL VOICES

First Stage's Amplify Fall Festival invites artists and audiences from all different backgrounds to share with our community in the creation of new work, fostering a place of creation where all voices are heard and the work developed is an authentic reflection of our community. Join us for this season's Amplify Fall Festival, November 8-15, featuring readings of three new works. See below to learn more about LILLY AND THE PIRATES, THE PIGEON AND PALS BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!and COURAGE HOUSE!

Let your voice be heard. Following each reading, there will be a talkback where audience members are encouraged to engage in dialogue with the playwrights, helping shape the development of potential future productions at First Stage.

Amplify Fall Festival Readings are Pay What You Choose ($10 Suggested Donation). Call our Box Office at (414) 267-2961 to reserve your tickets ahead of time, or get your tickets at the door!

LILLY AND THE PIRATES THE MUSICAL

A new musical by
John Maclay, Brett Ryback, and Will Eno

Based on the book LILLY AND THE PIRATES
By Phyllis Root © 2010 All Rights Reserved

Reading with Discussion
November 8 at 7PM
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center's Goodman Mainstage Hall

A sighting of the rare frangipani fruit fly sends Lilly's scientist parents off in search of thefabled Shipwreck Islands. In this Smithsonian's Notable Book for Children, Lilly awaits their return at the home of her great-uncle Ernest, the chief librarian of Mundelaine, a town that seems to have more than its share of piratical-looking characters lurking about. When news comes that her parents' ship has wrecked, she must overcome her fear of the sea, find the hidden island, and outsmart a bunch of treasure-hungry pirates to save the day.

THE PIGEON AND PALS BIG TIME HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

Mo Willems, Co-Writer/Creator
Deborah Wicks LaPuma, Composer

Adam Tobin, Co-Writer

Reading with Discussion
November 9 at 2PM
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center's Goodman Mainstage Hall

Inspired by his book DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE SLEIGH, Mo Willems and his team are crafting a new musical holiday classic featuring Pigeon, Elephant and Piggie, and Unlimited Squirrels! When Zoomy Squirrel shares their dream of hosting a holiday party, all the Squirrels spring into action to make it the biggest, bestest holiday party ever. A joyful chaos ensues as the Squirrels get carried away, Elephant and Piggie start to feel anxious about their gift-giving, and Pigeon gets more than he planned for at the North Pole. Will Mo Willems’ friends all find the holiday cheer they are hoping for? Join the party this holiday season and discover the magic with them!

The Pigeon and Pals Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!

COURAGE HOUSE

Music by Sheridan Stevens
Lyrics by Michael Liebhauser

Book by Michael Liebhauser & Sheridan Stevens
Concept by Elyse Edelman
Inspired by interviews conducted by
Elyse Edelman & Michael Liebhauser


Reading with Discussion
November 15 at 8PM
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center's Goodman Mainstage Hall

Drawing inspiration from dozens of interviews and rich experiences at Courage Milwaukee, a sanctuary for LGBTQIA+ unhoused youth in our city, COURAGE HOUSE unfurls the captivating story of Wren, a fresh face at the group home embarking on a profound journey of self-discovery. Shifting between the present and the past, the musical reveals the vibrant daily life at the Courage House and the inspiring history of a community that came together to establish this inclusive haven. Join us for an emotionally charged exploration of queer young people boldly declaring, “This Is Who I Am,” with the support and love of those who champion courage.