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First Stage was set to produce RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL for the holidays this season and delight Milwaukee audiences once again with Rudolph's charming story. Well, we all know what happened in 2020 to alter schedules, change lives and generally upend life. But undaunted, the fine folks at First Stage still wanted to spread some of that contagious First Stage positivity combined with a dash of holiday cheer! Written by José Casas, Jeff Frank and Samantha D. Montogomery and directed by Jeff Frank, First Stage has created a 30-minute virtual special featuring some of the iconic characters from RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. Thanks to the generosity of Associated Bank and at a time when we need it most, First Stage offers this gift to the community - a virtual special filled with music, humor and a healthy dose of magic.
When the folks at Christmastown get the news that First Stage won't be able to share Rudolph's story on stage for audiences this season, the Misfit Toys, the Elves and Sam the Snowman decide to come to Milwaukee to help out - sure that they can help First Stage find a way to spread some holiday cheer. Incorporating some of the beloved songs from the show, the special shares their journey from their misadventures around the office and the shops to their discovery of the world of First Stage and Milwaukee to their efforts to cheer Milwaukee's young people and their families.
CHRISTMASTOWN COMES TO FIRST STAGE will stream for free via First Stage's YouTube channel as one of First Stage's Signature Theater Events, part of Through Our Lens - A Virtual Performance Series in the 2020/21 season from DECEMBER 13, 2020 - JANUARY 2, 2021. The site can be accessed at: First Stage YouTube channel. Performance runtime is approximately 30 minutes. Suggested for families and audiences of all ages.
In addition to streaming CHRISTMASTOWN COMES TO FIRST STAGE, First Stage supporters can also receive their very own "Merry Fun" Box straight from Christmastown. For a donation of $30, patrons will receive a special Christmastown "Merry Fun" box filled with wonderful surprises for their child, including a special note from Santa. Donations need to be received by DECEMBER 15, so that the "Merry Fun" box can be shipped in time for the holidays. Quantities are limited, so don't delay to receive something magical from First Stage and Christmastown this holiday season. To order a "Merry Fun" Box, go to CHRISTMASTOWN. The donation of $30 helps support the HOPE Fund, a special relief initiative to help First Stage endure the financial effects related to COVID-19 during the 2020/21 season.To learn more on how to donate directly to this special relief fund, please go to The HOPE Fund.
When asked how CHRISTMASTOWN COMES TO FIRST STAGE came about, Artistic Director Jeff Frank had this to say: "We have been honored to have our RUDOLPH production become the model for the national touring version of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEERTM: THE MUSICAL and we received permission to create this new holiday special which celebrates the collective spirit of Rudolph's story, the magic of First Stage and the wonder of Milwaukee.
As we searched for the right fit for a virtual holiday event for our audiences, an offhand comment by our Properties Master Nikki Kulas about how it would be nice to have Bumble working in the shop to get things down from the high shelves, inspired an idea. What if we explored a scenario that when we let Santa know we weren't going to be able to share Rudolph's story on stage this year that he sent some of our friends from Christmastown down to First Stage to help out and MAYbe spread a little holiday cheer? And of course we'd want to document the process."
Jeff continued, "So I came up with the idea of a faux documentary in the style of the hit TV show The Office, recruited playwrights José Casas and Samantha Montgomery to help me flesh out the story and build a script - and in a few weeks we were filming! I love that audiences will get to see not only some of our amazing young performers, but many of our staff members who are usually behind the scenes.
We are also incredibly thankful for the folks at Associated Bank. Through their sponsorship we are able to share this special with our community at no cost to our audiences. We hope that they find some holiday cheer and that perhaps viewers will come back to watch future virtual productions during the rest of the season."
First Stage Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Founded in 1987, First Stage is one of the nation’s most acclaimed theaters for young audiences and the second largest theater company in Milwaukee.
First Stage is at Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St..
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