First Stage opens its 26 th season with BIG, THE MUSICAL!

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1 Office address: 325 W. Walnut Street Milwaukee, WI Tickets: (414) Fax: (414) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Erica Davis (414) or First Stage opens its 26 th season with BIG, THE MUSICAL! October 19 through November 11, 2012 Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Book by John Weidman Music by David Shire Lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr. Based on the motion picture Big, written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg; produced by Twentieth Century Fox Theater for Young Audiences adaptation by Jeff Frank and Michael Bobbitt Directed by Jeff Frank Sponsored by: Actuant Corporation Media sponsors: Fox 6, Shepherd Express In partnership with Toy Tips, Inc. Milwaukee, WI First Stage kicks off its 26 th season with the world premiere Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA/USA) version of BIG, THE MUSICAL, at the Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water Street, downtown Milwaukee, from October 19 November 11, Tickets can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center box office at 929 N. Water Street, by phone at (414) or online at Based on the 1987 hit movie from Twentieth Century Fox, this version of the Tony awardnominated musical comedy, BIG, THE MUSICAL has been newly adapted for family audiences. According to First Stage Artistic Director Jeff Frank, the company s big moment came from a small one a conversation he had with Michael Bobbitt, the artistic director of Adventure Theatre MTC. Michael and I agreed that an adaptation of BIG, THE MUSICAL would be terrific for young people and families, Frank said. Frank and Bobbitt reached out to Musical Theatre International, who holds the rights. They were as thrilled about it as we were, so they sent us the script and the score and we got to work, continued Frank.

2 First Stage presents BIG, THE MUSICAL/add one When frustrated 12-year-old Josh Baskin makes a wish to become big and wakes up the next morning to find his wish has literally come true, he discovers there s much more to being an adult than he s bargained for. In the full musical, Susan has the biggest journey, Frank says, noting that she discovers the potential for her life through her love for Josh. But we re focusing on the relationship between Josh and Billy, and how and how that relationship is threatened by the changes in Josh s life. Susan has become more of an obstacle to Billy reconciling with Josh. The new focus will make the musical more meaningful for young people, adds Michael Bobbitt, artistic director at Adventure Theater MTC. They know friendships. They know sleepovers. They know how traumatic it is when their friend has interests that are different than theirs. Losing their best friend is traumatic, Bobbitt continues. Director Jeff Frank has been First Stage s artistic director since February Previously he had served as education director/associate artistic director. Jeff is a native Wisconsinite who earned a B.F.A. in theater from UW Whitewater and went on to the University of Utah, earning an M.F.A. in child drama. Over the past 12 seasons Jeff has directed many First Stage productions. Among his favorites are: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, PETER PAN AND WENDY, U: BUG: ME, THE NEVERENDING STORY, SLEEPING BEAUTY, TOM SAWYER, SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON, LILLY S PURPLE PLASTIC PURSE, A LITTLE HOUSE CHRISTMAS, THE HOBBIT, A MIDNIGHT CRY, PERSEUS BAYOU, A CHRISTMAS STORY and THE GIVER. The adult actor cast of BIG, THE MUSICAL includes Jackson Evans (Member of Actor s Equity Association) as big Josh/Parent/Ensemble; Beth Mulkerron (Member of Actor s Equity Association) as Susan/Parent/Ensemble; Niffer Clarke (Member of Actor s Equity Association) as Mrs. Baskin/Ensemble; Todd Denning (Member of Actor s Equity Association) as Paul/Parent/Ensemble; Richard Ganoung (Member of Actor s Equity Association) as Zoltar/MacMillan/Parent/Ensemble; Jeannette Minson as Miss Watson/Parent/Ensemble; Ryan Cappleman (Artistic Intern and Male Understudy) as Parent/Ticket Taker/Bus Station Denizen/Jr. Exec/Ensemble; and Katie Gonring (Artistic Intern and Female Understudy) as Parent/Carnival Denizen/Toy Store Patron/Jr. Exec/Ensemble. Young performer roles are double-cast. Young performers in the Zoltar Cast are Nick Gray (as Josh) and Mari Duckler (Ensemble) from Mequon; Austin Zdziarski (as Billy) from Oak Creek; Jenn Jarecki (as Cynthia/Ensemble) and Isaiah Reynolds (Ensemble) from Brookfield;

3 First Stage presents BIG, THE MUSICAL/add two Andrew Oppman (as Derek/Ensemble) from Hartland; Casey Kitzman (as Benjamin Rubenstein/Ensemble) from Cudahy; Kaitlyn Serketich (Ensemble) from Franklin; Kamilah Lay (Ensemble), Erin Watton (Ensemble) and Stephanie Guy (Ensemble) from Milwaukee; Emily Riesterer (Ensemble) from Germantown; Taylor Vraney (Ensemble) from Menomonee Falls; Caroline Hanson (Ensemble) from Fox Point; and Ellie Taft (Ensemble) from Whitefish Bay. The young performers in the Wild Thunder Cast are Liam Hartnett (as Josh) from Whitefish Bay; Thomas Kindler (as Billy), Abbi Minessale (Ensemble) and Sofia Bosio (Ensemble) from Brookfield; Elizabeth Stawski (as Cynthia/Ensemble) from St. Francis; Zach Olsen (as Derek/Ensemble) from New Berlin; William Esty (Ensemble) from Franklin; Conlan Ledwith (as Benjamin Rubenstein/Ensemble) from Franksville; Ashley Patin (Ensemble) from Muskego; Amanda Desimowich (Ensemble) from Fredonia; Clarise White (Ensemble) and Ella Frank (Ensemble) from Milwaukee; Caroline Fossum (Ensemble) from Grafton; and Cami Westlake (Ensemble) and Malia Westlake (Ensemble) from Hartland. The Artistic Staff for BIG, THE MUSICAL includes: Jack Magaw (Scenic Designer); Kim Instenes (Costume Designer); Jeff Shaetzke (Music Director); Jeff Whiting (Choreographer); Chris Feiereisen (Assistant Choreographer); Jason Fassl, USAA (Lighting Designer/Associate Artist); Matt Whitmore (Sound Designer); Melissa L. Wanke (Stage Manager), and Paul Madden (Assistant Stage Manager). Tickets for BIG, THE MUSICAL start at $14. Tickets may be purchased at or through the Marcus Center box office, in person at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee or by phone (414) or toll free at (888) The number for TDD (for deaf and hard of hearing patrons) is (414) Performance dates: BIG, THE MUSICAL opens Friday, October 19 at 7 p.m. Other performances are held: Saturday, October 20 at 1, 3:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Sunday, October 21 at 1 & 3:30 p.m.; Friday, October 26 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, October 27 at 1 & 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 3 at 1, 3:30 & 7 p.m.; Sunday, November 4 at 1 & 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 10 at 1 & 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, November 11 at 1 & 3:30 p.m.

4 First Stage presents BIG, THE MUSICAL/add three Special events for BIG, THE MUSICAL Opening Night Reception Friday, October 19 Following the opening night performance First Stage invites all patrons to attend the Opening Night Reception at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut Street, located one mile from the Marcus Center. Patrons will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the cast and crew of BIG, THE MUSICAL while enjoying refreshments, courtesy of First Stage. The fun of opening night continues all weekend with a special drawing for some BIG items! One winner will be selected at each performance. DREAM BIG Costume Contest from First Stage and BuyCostumes.com Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 What do you want to be when you grow up? Come dressed in a costume inspired by your DREAM JOB (or any costume) at all performances this weekend! All participants will receive a prize; a grand prize winner at each performance will receive a special prize package, courtesy of BuyCostumes.com. BIG Toy Testing Event with Toy Tips, Inc. Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11 From 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Arrive at the Todd Wehr Theater early and participate in hands on demonstrations of the best new and classic toys! Free with your ticket to BIG, THE MUSICAL; must call (414) to RSVP by November 2. FACT SHEET Location: Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water Street, downtown Milwaukee Dates: October 19 November 11, 2012 Description: The 1987 hit movie bursts on-stage in this vibrant, funny and touching musical. When frustrated 12-year-old Josh Baskin makes a wish to become big and wakes up the next morning to find his wish has literally come true, he discovers there s much more to being an adult than he s bargained for and learned we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own

5 First Stage presents BIG, THE MUSICAL/add four time. Come see this new version of the Tony award-nominated musical comedy, created just for our family audiences. For everyone ages 7 and up. Performances: Friday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 20 at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 20 at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 21 at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, October 21 at 3:30 p.m. Friday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27 at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27 at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 3 at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 4 at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 4 at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, November 10 at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 10 at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, November 11 at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 11 at 3:30 p.m. TICKET PRICES: Start at $14 TICKETS AND INFORMATION: Call (414) or online at About First Stage Since 1987, First Stage touches hearts, engages minds, and transforms lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for young people and families through professional theater productions that inspire, enlighten, and entertain; unparalleled Theater Academy training that fosters life skills through stage skills; and dynamic Theater in Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community. In 2012, First Stage was selected to participate with Messmer Catholic Schools in the Partners in Education program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Theatre Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Arts Partners, and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). # # #