First Stage Theater Academy's Young Company presents LITTLE WOMEN

First Stage Theater Academy's Young Company presents a musical version of the Louisa May Alcott classic LITTLE WOMEN, Friday March 4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 5 at 3:30 and 7 p.m. at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St. in Milwaukee. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and are available at the door one hour prior to the start of the performance. First Stage subscribers receive free admission.

The treasured classic comes to life on stage in this inspiring musical. LITTLE WOMEN tells the story of the four March sisters as they grow up in Civil War America. The sisters - brassy, tomboy-like, aspiring writer Jo; romantic Meg; pretentious Amy and kind-hearted Beth - tell a timeless story that deals with issues that are as relevant today as when they were written.

Director Katie Cummings, of Milwaukee, received a BA in Theater and Business from Cardinal Stritch University. Directing credits include WORKING and HOW TO SUCCEED INBUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. Katie has worked professionally with Bunny Gumbo Productions, The Alumni Players, UWM's College for Kids and Racine Youth Players. "Like the book, LITTLE WOMEN the musical has a different message for each generation as they watch the story unfold. The music will leave you inspired, the story will leave you hopeful," Cummings said.

Music Director Adam Baus has been working with First Stage since the summer of 2008. He co-directed CARNIVAL for the summer company class and will be returning to music direct LITTLE WOMEN. He most recently music designed, directed and performed for Sunset Playhouse's RISING STARS CABARET. He has performed with Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets, Skylight Opera Theatre, Off the Wall Theatre and numerous local high schools.

Young Company members performing in LITTLE WOMEN are Erin Schabla (as Professor Bhaer), Kira Gaudynski (as Amy/Troll), Gretchen Mahkorn (as Meg/Clarissa) and Lisa-Marie Rieckhoff (as Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk) of Milwaukee; Rachel Schmeling (as Jo) of Brookfield; Laura Mesrobian (as Beth/Rodrigo 2) of Whitefish Bay; Allie Babich (as Marmee/Hag), Garret Kim (as Mr. Laurence/Knight) and Andrew Oppmann (as Mr. Brooke/Braxton) of Hartland; and Mitchell Bultman of Wauwatosa. Stage Manager Laura Troshynski is also from Whitefish Bay.

The Young Company is First Stage Theater Academy's advanced, pre-professional training program for students ages 15 and older. Students receive advanced actor training in the form of coursework, master classes and performance in Young Company productions and New Play Workshops. In 2010, Young Company members competed in the Utah Shakespearean Festival/Southern Utah University Shakespeare Competition in Cedar City, Utah. The team of 15 students won First Place overall for its division, as well as placing First for its Ensemble Scene, First in Monologues and won the Larry Lott Award for Best Actor in an Ensemble. The students participated alongside more than 2,500 young people from over 90 schools from Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California and Idaho. First Stage teens traveled the farthest to participate in the competition.

For more information on the Young Company or other programs of First Stage Theater Academy, call (414) 267-2970, email academy@FirstStage.org, or visit www.FirstStage.org/TheaterAcademy.

First Stage Children's Theater is Milwaukee's premier, professional family theater. Founded in 1987,

the mission of the company is to touch hearts and transform lives by creating exceptional theater experiences for young people and families through professional Theater Productions, Theater Academy training that teaches life skills through stage skills, and dynamic in-school education programs that promote learning through theater. First Stage is a member of the Theater Wisconsin and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).

 

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