First Stage In The News
2023/24 Season
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
2020/21 season
Song and Dance, Pigs, and The Big Bad Wolf - a review of Adventures with the Three Little Pigs
Shepherd Express
First Stage's 'Amplify' Series raises the voices of people of color
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
First Stage Play Uses Traditional Indigenous Storytelling In A New Coming-Of-Age Story
WUWM Lake Effect
First Stage Amplifies Voices of Black, Indigenous and People of Color
Shepherd Express
Intense Audio Crucible with First Stage
Shepherd Express
Escape from Peligro Island Makes a Streaming Splash at First Stage
BroadwayWorld
First Stage and Betty Brinn Bring 'Learning' to Kids at Home
Shepherd Express
First Stage donors and relief grants help make up for lost earned revenue
Milwaukee Business Journal
Kids’ Characters Lend a Hand in First Stage’s ‘Christmastown’
Shepherd Express
Actor performs First Stage's new online show, 'The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus,' from her home
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
First Stage’s latest play explores Milwaukee’s history, ‘warts and all’
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
First Stage creates Covid-19 relief fund to support staff, programs
Milwaukee Business Journal
2019/20 season news
No matter who claims victory, First Stage's "Rock, Paper, Scissors" is a winner
OnMilwaukee.com
The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors wins at First Stage
BroadwayWorld
First Stage Nurtures Local Talent
Shepherd Express
First Stage Invites you to lean in with Gretel
Shepherd Express
Children Travel the Universe and Confront Evil in First Stage's 'A Wrinkle in Time'
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Snowballs and Snow Angels at First Stage
Shepherd Express
Elf - The Musical sets ticket sales record for First Stage
BizTimes Milwaukee
First Stage creates holiday magic with Elf The Musical
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
First Stage's "Mariposa" is a gorgeous tribute to Mexican culture
OnMilwaukee.com
First Stage's On the Wings of a Mariposa Soulful, Bilingual Delight
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Migration, Memory and Family in First Stage's On the Wings of a Mariposa
Shepherd Express
First Stage’s Playwrights in Residence
Shepherd Express
Piggie, Elephant and the Fourth Wall
The Small Stage
Non-profit Leadership: Acting on Insight to take Mindful Risks
Milwaukee Business Journal
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
2016/17 season news
2015/16 season news
First Stage after-school program uses theater to teach literacy, life skills.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
2014/15 season news
First Stage's Deb Moody named non-profit CFO of the year
Milwaukee Business Journal
First Stage artistic director Jeff Frank takes lessons from the stage to be a Maniac, Warrior and Spartan
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
First Stage's Latino Youth Program
Off the Cuff with Jeff Frank, Shepherd Express
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
2012/13 season news
Message helps First Stage's 'Jackie and Me' connect
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
First Stage's 'Pinkalicious' is a tasty treat
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Play reconnects Golda Meir to Milwaukee roots
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
'Rudolph' shines in faithful First Stage show
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
A 'Big' hit for First Stage
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee Ballet teams with MYSO and First Stage for "Peter and the Wolf"
OnMilwaukee.com