First Stage presents: The Three Little Pigs

Milwaukee, WI – First Stage’s First Steps Series presents Stiles and Drewe’s THE THREE LITTLE PIGS at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee from November 1 – November 23, 2014. This fun, interactive performance is part of First Stage’s First Steps Series, designed to introduce children ages 3 to 6 to live theater in an engaging and lively environment. Tickets can be purchased in person at the First Stage box office by phone at (414) 267-2961 or online at www.firststage.org. Several performances are close to selling out, so patrons are encouraged to buy tickets early.
From the musical team behind Mary Poppins and Honk!, this joyous adventure with music by George Stiles and book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe will huff, puff and blow our young audiences away. “The music combines elements of Hip-Hop, R&B and Broadway Musical – all rolled into one,” said First Stage Dramaturge Sheri Williams Pannell who directs this production. “It’s going to be crazy good fun!”

A special sensory-friendly performance designed to serve children on the autism spectrum and their families is planned for Saturday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. Families can enjoy a welcoming and comfortable environment including lower sound, lights up, and available quiet areas staffed by experienced educators.

Sheri Williams Pannell (Director) made her debut at First Stage as Sojourner Truth in A WOMAN CALLED TRUTH.  Since then, she has appeared in A MIDNIGHT CRY, SMOLDERING FIRES, THE WIZ, HOLES, PERSEUS BAYOU, THE HUNDRED DRESSES and CLICK, CLACK, MOO and directed the productions TO THE PROMISED LAND, MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS and THE WATSON’S GO TO BIRMINGHAM – 1963. Her additional directing credits include productions at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Old Lyric, United Nations/UW Madison, University Theater, Madison Rep, University Opera, Children’s Theatre of Madison, Bronzeville Arts Ensemble, and Uprooted Theatre. Pannell has performed with Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Rep, In Tandem, Skylight Music Theater and Old Lyric Rep. She is First Stage’s Dramaturge and Education Department lead teacher. Sheri is a founding member of the Bronzeville Arts Ensemble and belongs to Calvary Baptist Church, co-directing In the Beginning Was the Word Drama Ministry. A graduate of Spelman College, Sheri also holds a master of fine arts degree in theater and drama – directing from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

The adult actor cast of THE THREE LITTLE PIGS includes Adam Estes (Member of Actor’s Equity Association) as Wolf; Marvette Knight (Member of Actor’s Equity Association) as Mother Pig;Sheri Williams Pannell as Mother Pig understudy and Zach Woods as Wolf understudy.

Young performer roles are double cast.  Young performers in the House Cast are Alex Quade (as Bao), Noa Rubnitz (as Cha), Isabella Lozier (as Siu), Aziz Draper (Ensemble), Heaven Lucas (Ensemble) and Rhea Goodwyn (Ensemble).

Young performers in the Home Cast are Thomas Mazza (as Bao), Zoey Knox (as Cha), Stephanie Guy (as Siu), Elijah Luna (Ensemble), Caroline Hanson (Ensemble), and Silma Berrada (Ensemble).

The artistic staff for THE THREE LITTLE PIGS includes: Sarah Hunt-Frank (Scenic Designer); Zenon Castillo (Graffiti Artist); Jenny Thurnau (Costume Designer); Greg Hofmann (Lighting Designer); Erin Paige (Sound Designer); David Lancelle (Music Director); Marvette Knight (Choreographer); Kristi Ross-Clausen (Stage Manager) and Marissa Raby (Assistant Stage Manager).

Tickets for THE THREE LITTLE PIGS are $14.00.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.firststage.org or through the First Stage box office, by phone (414) 267-2961.

Location:  Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut Street, Milwaukee

Dates:  November 1 – November 23, 2014

Description:  The pigpen is starting to look like a real sty, and Mama says it’s time to leave and build something new. Help Cha, Siu, and Bao watch for wolves while they use hay, sticks, and bricks to make it in a big, bad world. Filled with humor, this gleeful adventure will huff, and puff, and blow you away!  For everyone ages 3 and up.

Performances:

• Saturday, November 1 at 11:00 a.m., 1, & 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, November 2 at 11:00 a.m. & 1 p.m.
• Saturday, November 8 at 11:00 a.m., 1 & 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m. & 1 p.m.
• Saturday, November 15 at 11:00 a.m. & 1 p.m.
• Saturday, November 15 at 3:30 p.m. (sensory-friendly performance)
• Sunday, November 16 at 11:00 a.m. & 1 p.m.
• Saturday, November 22 at 11:00 a.m., 1 & 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, November 23 at 11:00 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Tickets are $14.00

Tickets and information:  Call (414) 267-2961 or purchase tickets online at www.firststage.org

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 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).

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.

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