Esperanza Rising This play runs on May 2-18, 2025

Two young storytellers, with the help of an ensemble of actors, take the stage and begin to weave the tale of Esperanza — a wealthy Mexican girl whose privileged existence is shattered when tragedy strikes, and she and her mother must flee to California. Forced to work in a migrant labor camp, Esperanza must learn to rise above her difficult circumstances and discover what she's truly made of. Set in the turbulent 1930s, and based on the popular book by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising is a poetic tale of a young girl's triumph over adversity.

In this hilarious and outlandish musical, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. With music showcasing various musical genres—from glam rock to pop to rap and folk—buckle up for a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived! 

The beloved 2003 Pixar movie comes to life on stage, with new music by the award-winning songwriting team behind Frozen. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Dive into this underwater adventure!  

Emily Song had always known that she was meant to sing. However, her father banned music from their lives for as long as she can remember. But that doesn't stop Emily from secretly taking singing lessons online or joining the school glee club. On her 12th birthday, Emily's powers manifest and she discovers she is a music mage—a sorcerer who can cast magical spells through music. When the Queen of the Night kidnaps her father and best friend, Emily must figure out how to harness her newly discovered talent to save her loved ones—and New York City— from total destruction. Grab your cape, and be the first to see this brand new musical, part of the TYA BIPOC Superhero Project.

Imagine going back to visit a world, millions and millions of years ago, into the last age of the dinosaurs. In front of you is a dinosaur egg, tapping out a call for help. You will figure out what the egg is saying and help the egg to hatch.  Make a pact with a surly Triceratops, protect the newly formed dinosaur family and help defeat Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Romance, revenge, and raucous comedy abound in Shakespeare’s timeless tale of heartfelt reconciliation. The powerful Prospero, banished to a magical island by a conniving sibling, bewitches a storm to bring them back together for a final showdown. Will it be revenge or reconciliation? Sprites abound, young lovers meet, and mischief is made as two very different worlds collide.

Come home for the holidays as the most famous reindeer of all soars off the screen and returns to First Stage this season. Celebrating 60 years on television, join Rudolph and friends as they come to life on stage in an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Acclaimed as “...packed full of holiday magic and family fun” by the Shepherd Express, don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. 

Meet Pete. He’s one groovy, guitar-playing cat, who likes his music cool and his coffee sweet. When Pete moves in with the Biddles, Jimmy—the most organized second grader on earth—is unsure of this cat’s antics and laid-back ‘tude. But when he draws a blank in art class, Pete’s the perfect pal to lead the mission to help Jimmy find his inspiration. Board the VW bus for a trip around the globe with Pete, Jimmy and friends in this hilarious, toe-tapping musical!