Jeff Frank News

Theater makers have a “show must go on” spirit. So it is no surprise that the vast majority of the over forty artistic leaders I spoke to in the last two weeks believed they would find a way to survive even without promised National Endowment for the Arts funding. But it won’t be easy.

First Stage has unveiled its  2025-2026 season, featuring seven productions designed for theater lovers of all ages, including GOOSEBUMPS: PHANTOM OF THE AUDITORIUM and more.

First Stage will invite audiences to witness the world premiere of ESPERANZA RISING, a poetic tale of a young girl's triumph over adversity based on the popular book by Pam Muñoz Ryan.  

If you take your littles to one show this spring, make it Finding Nemo at First Stage. This “theatre for young audiences” version of the classic Disney & Pixar film is a musical adventure featuring book, music, and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—the dream team behind Frozen. The music is catchy, and the epic tale of a clown fish father trying to find his lost little fish in the big blue ocean is nicely compacted into a 75-minute (with intermission) spectacle.

First Stage will present the beloved 2003 classic on stage: Disney & Pixar's FINDING NEMO, Theater for Young Audiences version. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

 First Stage will invite audiences to the world premiere of EMILY SONG AND THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT. Emily discovers she has extraordinary powers—but will they be enough to protect her loved ones from the formidable Queen of the Night?

This is the last chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

First Stage is inviting all explorers to embark on a thrilling journey back to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth in THE DINOSAUR PLAY! Learn how to attend.

Voting continues for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Don't miss your chance to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Milwaukee, WI Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical is a wholly enchanting experience—the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with kids of all ages.

The Growing Stage: The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey will bring back the holiday classic, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer. Learn more about the show here!

First Stage will present RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL. Join Rudolph and friends as they come to life in an adventure that reminds us what makes you different can be what makes you special!

First Stage has announced the kickoff of its 2024-2025 season with PETE THE CAT, a musical for young audiences and families, starting on October 4.

The Growing Stage has unveiled its 43rd season starting in October with ROALD DAHL'S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Learn how to purchase tickets.

First Stage concludes its 2023/24 season with an exciting,  truly inventive production of ESCAPE FROM PELIGRO ISLAND: A Create Your Own Adventure Play by award-winning playwright and frequent First Stage collaborator Finegan Kruckemeyer. See photos from the show.

First Stage has unveiled its  2024/25 season – a lineup of eight captivating productions featuring the power of unlikely heroes. Learn more about the season and see how to purchase tickets for mainstage productions at the Marcus Performing Arts Center Todd Wehr Theater and additional productions at the Goodman Mainstage Hall in the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.

First Stage concludes its 2023/24 season with ESCAPE FROM PELIGRO ISLAND: A Create Your Own Adventure Play by award-winning playwright and frequent First Stage collaborator Finegan Kruckemeyer.

First Stage will conclude its 2023/24 season with ESCAPE FROM PELIGRO ISLAND, a unique interactive play by award-winning playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer. Learn how to purchase tickets.