Young Company Brings James Devita’s Timely the Rose of Treason Beyond the Stage

MILWAUKEE (October 2, 2025)—This fall, First Stage’s award-winning Young Company opens its season with The Rose of Treason by Resident Playwright James DeVita, a breathtaking play that asks: what does it take to stand up for what’s right? Running November 7–16, 2025, at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center’s Goodman Mainstage Hall, the production extends beyond the stage with historic exhibits, family workshops and a panel discussion.

Based on the true story of Sophie Scholl and the White Rose, The Rose of Treason follows a group of young university students in 1943 Germany who dared to speak out against the Nazi regime. Armed only with typewriters, leaflets, and courage, their quiet resistance became a resounding act of bravery. Their story is a hopeful testament to the inspiring power of young voices.

“I hope the audience leaves understanding that any one of us can fight injustice,” said Director Reva Fox. “Whether your actions are large or small, you can stand up for what is right. You can make a difference. And when one person stands up to injustice, we help encourage others to stand with us.”

In collaboration with Violins of Hope – Wisconsin, presented by the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Holocaust Education Resource Center, First Stage invites audiences to connect with this story and its themes beyond the stage. Each performance will feature one of the historic instruments from the Violins of Hope collection (owned and played during the Holocaust) accompanied by a docent sharing the remarkable history behind the instrument.

As part of this collaboration, First Stage will exhibit one of the historic instruments from Violins of Hope, a collection owned and played during the Holocaust. At each performance, a docent will share the remarkable history of the featured instrument.

Special events include Pre-Show Family Workshops on Nov. 8 and 15 at 3:30 p.m., hosted by First Stage’s Education Department, and a panel discussion on Nov. 9, facilitated by the Holocaust Education Resource Center.

“We are grateful to widen the conversation beyond the stage, and to invite our audiences to reflect alongside us on the power of conscience, conviction, and collective action,” said Michelle LoRicco, Director of Young Company.

The production features Young Company students Reiley Fitzsimmons as Sophie Scholl, Marko Van Slyke as Hans Scholl, Lio Landis as Christoph Probst, William Swoboda as Alex Schmorell, Elliot Lippman as Willi Graf, and more. Full list of cast and creative team available here.

The Rose of Treason is recommended for audiences ages 12 and up—ideal for families, students, educators, and anyone seeking stories of courage. The production runs approximately 90 minutes, including an intermission.

Tickets are $28, with a “Pay What You Choose” performance on Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets available at www.firststage.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.