A Create Your Own Adventure Play

Directed by Jeff Frank

First Stage

(I'm playing ??? — it all depends on the adventure! And directing the movement)

Callaway Brown - an unlikely young hero - has been stranded on a desert island, and it’s up to YOU to decide what happens next! In this interactive production, audience members vote on Callaway’s actions in an energetic romp through time and space. Will Callaway time travel to the Wild West and meet a talking horse? Develop superpowers and fight crime in the future? Or have a crush on a vampire? The choice is yours!

Book by Joe Tracz 
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki 
Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan 

THE LIGHTINING THIEF is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com 

Directed by Jeff Frank

First Stage

(I'm playing Chiron, Hades, and a host of monsters, and directing the movement)

As a son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can't control, monsters on his trail, and is on a quest to find Zeus' lightning bolt to prevent a war between the Greek gods. Featuring a thrilling original rock score, this musical adaptation of the New York Times bestseller is an action-packed, mythical adventure for Percy fans of all ages! 

Noises Off

by Michael Frayn
With music by Combustible Edison
Directed by Michael Unger

Skylight Music Theater

(I'm playing Lloyd.)

Skylight presents one of the most hilarious plays ever written – and adds music! This hit, side-splitting backstage farce will have live accompaniment by a singer and band playing songs by the cocktail lounge-inspired, 1950s groove of Combustible Edison. Sparkling tunes and showbiz shenanigans create a first-of-its-kind production on Skylight’s stage.

By J.R.R. Tolkien

Licensed by Middle-earth Enterprises
Adapted for the stage by Greg Banks
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences

First Stage

(I'm playing Thorin Oakenshield and a host of monsters, and directing the movement)

Our unlikely hero, Bilbo Baggins, would much rather be sitting in their cozy Hobbit Hole with a cup of tea and a plate of bacon and eggs. However, they somehow find themselves on a magically mystical adventure. Staged with speed and surprises, you’ll be delighted as things change before your very eyes. Discover what happens as Bilbo travels on an epic journey over freezing mountains and a frightening forest, meeting all sorts of fierce creatures—some who want to eat them, others who turn into dear friends.

Ernest Shackleton Loves Me

Book by Joe DiPietro
Lyrics by Val Vigoda
Music by Brendan Milburn
Directed by Jill Anna Ponasik

Skylight Music Theater

(I'm playing Shackleton.)

This 2017 Off-Broadway hit crisscrosses continents and time in an improbable and enchanting love story. With astounding ingenuity, modern music, and cutting-edge video, this wildly inventive musical is a romantic ride linking a struggling modern-day, single-mom composer/violinist and the early-1900’s, intrepid, banjo-playing, Antarctic explorer, Ernest Shackleton.

By Jordan Harrison

Forward Theater

(I'm playing Larking)

BACK AFTER CANCELLATION DUE TO COVID

Hollis is a performer in an itinerant troupe of actors attempting to outrun the Black Plague in this 14th century-set comedy by the author of Marjorie Prime. The Renaissance is still in the future, and so is the concept of self-determination. So when Hollis stops a performance to wonder why Mrs. Noah would get on that ark, she throws her castmates into chaos.

This thought-provoking and centuries-spanning play delights in the imaginations of theater-makers and theater-goers everywhere. And in a tale as inventive and hilarious as its characters, The Amateurs ponders the purpose of art in turbulent times.

“...a rollicking tragicomedy in which pratfalls and death throes are tumbled together...” - The New York Times

By Jordan Harrison

Forward Theater

(I'm playing Larking)

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Hollis is a performer in an itinerant troupe of actors attempting to outrun the Black Plague in this 14th century-set comedy by the author of Marjorie Prime. The Renaissance is still in the future, and so is the concept of self-determination. So when Hollis stops a performance to wonder why Mrs. Noah would get on that ark, she throws her castmates into chaos.

This thought-provoking and centuries-spanning play delights in the imaginations of theater-makers and theater-goers everywhere. And in a tale as inventive and hilarious as its characters, The Amateurs ponders the purpose of art in turbulent times.

“...a rollicking tragicomedy in which pratfalls and death throes are tumbled together...” - The New York Times

By Madeleine L’Engle

Adapted by John Glore
A Wrinkle in Time is produced by special arrangement with Crosswicks, Ltd. and Stage Partners. (www.yourstagepartners.com)
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle © 1962 Crosswicks, Ltd. All rights Reserved.

First Stage

(I'm playing Mrs. Whatsit and the Man with Red Eyes)

It was a dark and stormy night. When a mysterious stranger arrives at Meg Murry’s home, she embarks on a wild, empowering journey of self-discovery. Joining forces with Mrs. Whatsit, Charles Wallace, Calvin O’Keefe, and more, they travel through space and time to battle the forces of evil so she can rescue her father, save humanity and find herself. Propel your imagination with this fantastical adventure of a lifetime.

By Margaret Rather

Based on the characters created by P.G. Wodehouse

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre

(I'm playing Jeeves — for the fourth time!)

Bertie Wooster and Jeeves return for a new adventure on the high seas - or, at least, off the coast of Monte Carlo. Bertie and his chum Sir Percival Everard Crumpworth (aka Crumpet) are reveling in life aboard the fetching Lady Stella Vanderley's yacht... until Crumpet discloses that he may or may not have murdered a prince.

In the blink of an eye, Bertie is masquerading as a romance novelist, Crumpet is posing as his own long-lost twin, and a foreign count is challenging Bertie to a duel!

In Margaret Raether's fourth adaptation of the classic P.G. Wodehouse stories, appearing for the first time in our Studio Theatre, can Jeeves prevent his master from being murdered - or worse, married?

Henry V
The Merry Wives of Windsor

by William Shakespeare

Door Shakespeare

(I'm directing Henry V and playing the Chorus, and playing Ford in Merry Wives)

The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn

Music & Lyrics by Roger Miller
Book and TYA adaptation by William Hauptman
Adapted from the novel by Mark Twain
New arrangements and orchestrations by William Yanesh
Developed by Adventure Theatre in Maryland (in association with First Stage)

First Stage

(I'm playing the King.)

Travel along the mighty Mississippi River as Huck helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom and reunite with his family. Their shared journey of discovery proves humorous, suspenseful and heartwarming. Mark Twain’s timeless classic comes alive on stage in this coming-of-age musical, adapted from the award-winning Broadway musical for our family audiences.

BY AYAD AKHTAR

Milwaukee Repertory Theater

(I'm playing Maximilien Cizik)

REGIONAL PREMIERE

Immediately following its acclaimed Broadway run at Lincoln Center and featuring one of the largest casts ever on the Quadracci Powerhouse stage, this riveting story is set in the financial world of the 1980s. Inspired by the real junk bond kings of the day, it’s a battleground of titanic egos, where magnates are pitted against workers, lawyers against journalists, and everyone against themselves. With Junk, debt is an asset, and we see from the inside how money became the only thing that mattered.

THE TONY AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL

By Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron
Based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel

Forward Theater

(I'm playing Bruce Bechdel)

WISCONSIN PREMIERE

Graphic novelist Alison Bechdel’s father was a volatile and brilliant man whose secrets defined her family and her life. Bruce taught high school English, ran the family’s funeral home business, and was obsessed with restoring their old house. When he dies unexpectedly, Alison digs deeply into her childhood memories to try and understand how his choices may have influenced her own.

This unique, funny and heart- shattering new musical zig-zags across Alison’s past and present as she tries to make sense of her parents’ lives, her own sexuality, and how she maps the terrain of her adult world.

By Katie Forgette

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre

(I'm playing Professor Moriarty)

Legendary actress Lillie Langtry has a big problem! She's being blackmailed, by a man who has stolen highly intimate letters she exchanged with the Prince of Wales! When she turns to her dear friend, Oscar Wilde, he knows there is but one man who can solve the case: that master of detectives, the incomparable Sherlock Holmes!

By Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt

In Tandem Theatre

(I'm playing Hucklebee)

A whimsical, funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, a wall, and two fathers whose plans to bring their children together is by keeping them apart! Come see Off-Broadway’s longest running show, featuring classics like Soon It’s Gonna Rain and Try To Remember as the narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic.

The beloved children's book in a beautiful adaptation.

Adapted for the stage by Dwayne Hartford
Based on the book: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Text © 2006 by Kate DiCamillo 

First Stage

(I'm playing the voice of Edward Tulane.)

With his handmade silk suits, wide array of hats and tiny gold pocket watch, Edward Tulane is the most exceptional toy in Abilene’s room. He is adored and he is happy. But when Edward is thrown overboard on a cruise ship by mean boys, he begins a remarkable journey of discovery across Depression era America. Based on Newberry-winner Kate DiCamillo’s celebrated book and brought to life through imaginative storytelling and folk music, don’t miss this breathtaking story of finding friendship, finding yourself, and eventually finding your way home. 

Back by popular demand!

By Charles M. Schulz
Adapted by Eric Schaeffer from the television special by Bob Melendez and Lee Mendelson
Music by Vince Guaraldi

First Stage

(I'm returning to this production as Snoopy.)

This treasured classic once again comes to life on stage this holiday season. Everyone is giddy with Christmas cheer, but Charlie Brown has the Yuletide blues. Will directing the Christmas play help him get in the spirit of the season? Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they learn the true meaning of Christmas. This is one holiday gift the entire family will adore.

A play by Rebecca Gilman

Renaissance Theaterworks

(I'm making my Renaissance debut playing Pastor Jay)

When Caroline, a veteran social worker, removes infant Luna Gale from the custody of her struggling young parents, the best course of action seems clear and Baby Luna is placed temporarily with her devoted grandmother.  However Caroline quickly realizes that the situation is more complicated as she uncovers a shadowy and secretive family past.  Struggling with the limitations of an overburdened bureaucracy, Caroline is forced to make a risky decision with potentially dangerous consequences.

LUNA GALE explores the tough situations welfare workers must contend with daily to ensure the well-being of children and their families.

Based on the beloved Rankin-Bass TV Special

Adapted by Robert Penola from a story by Robert L May
Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks

First Stage

(I'm returning to this production as Movement Director and playing Boss Elf and Charlie in the Box.)

 And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows! The beloved TV classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off the screen and returns to our stage this holiday season. From fleeing the Abominable Snow Monster to saving Christmas, join Rudolph and his friends, Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius, as their adventures teach us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the little misfit in all of us. 

This production has become the gold standard around the country, as originally conceived by First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank.