First Stage Hosts World Premiere of Emily Song and The Queen of Night: An Epic Tale of Magic, Music, and Heroism

MILWAUKEE — First Stage — one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families — invites audiences to the world premiere of EMILY SONG AND THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT. In this thrilling new production, Emily discovers she has extraordinary powers—but will they be enough to protect her loved ones from the formidable Queen of the Night? Don’t miss this epic superhero adventure that is sure to inspire and captivate audiences of all ages

EMILY SONG AND THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT runs Jan. 31 through Feb. 16, 2025, at the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Todd Wehr Theater. Tickets are available now on FirstStage.org.

Developed through First Stage’s Amplify Reading Series, this groundbreaking new musical emerged from the TYA (Theater for Young Audiences) BIPOC Superhero Project led by Jose Casas and designed to connect playwrights of color with professional TYA companies nationwide.

“Inspired by the world of anime and graphic novels, playwright and composer Marcus Yi has crafted an epic musical adventure unlike anything we’ve ever done before,” said Jeff Frank, First Stage Artistic Director. “Our Amplify Fall Festival shapes the development of potential future productions at First Stage. EMILY SONG AND THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT promises to captivate audiences by delivering a story that transcends traditional expectations of musical theater, seamlessly blending innovation, imagination and representation.”

Emily Song had always known that she was meant to sing. However, her father banned music from their lives for as long as she can remember. But that doesn’t stop Emily from secretly taking singing lessons online or joining the school glee club. On her 12th birthday, Emily’s powers manifest, and she discovers she is a music mage—a sorcerer who can cast magical spells through music. When the Queen of the Night kidnaps her father and best friend, Emily must figure out how to harness her newly discovered talent to save her loved ones—and New York City— from total destruction.

Grab your cape, and be the first to see this brand-new musical!

The show runs approximately 75 minutes, including a brief intermission. Recommended for families with young people ages 7-17 and theater lovers of all ages.

This production’s Pay What You Choose Performance is on Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m., the Sensory Friendly Performance is on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 3:30 p.m., and the Sign Language Interpreted Performance is on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 3:30 p.m.

Creative Team

Director / Puppet Designer … Michelle LoRicco

Choreographer … Amber Weissert

Music Director … Paul Helm

Scenic Designer … Em Allen

Costume Designer … Yao Chen

Lighting Designer … Maaz Ahmed

Sound Designer … Dee Etti-Williams

Stage Manager … Emily Wright*

Assistant Stage Manager … Carrie Johns

Adult Performers

Ben Song / Ensemble … David Lee

Queen of the Night / Ensemble … Sarah Zapiain*

Celeste Hu / Teresa Arioso … Sally Imbriano*

Young Performers

Magic Cast

Emily Song … Ginger Mai Foster

Layla Rayne / Ensemble … Annie Sturtz

Taylor / Ensemble … Zoey Pangborn

Riley / Ensemble … Terrance Ilion

Alex / Ensemble … Eliza Gray

Jamie / Ensemble … Cole Bugiel

Lady in Waiting / Ensemble … Lexi Nazario

dy in Waiting / Ensemble … Alice Rivera

Young Performers

Music Cast

Emily Song … Alexandria Raye

Layla Rayne / Ensemble … Melody Marks

Taylor / Ensemble … Delila Draeger

Riley / Ensemble … Cole Sison

Alex / Ensemble … Maggie Dentice

Jamie / Ensemble … Owen McDonald

Lady in Waiting/Ensemble … Valkyrie Ladd

Lady in Waiting/Ensemble … Sofia Sass

*Appearing through an Agreement between First Stage and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

Don’t miss out on the rest of the season productions coming soon! Find tickets and additional information at www.firststage.org/2024-2025-Season.

• Jan. 18 – Feb. 16 THE DINOSAUR PLAY
• March 8 – April 6 DISNEY & PIXAR’S FINDING NEMO
• March 28 – April 13 RIDE THE CYCLONE: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION
• May 2 – 18 ESPERANZA RISING
• May 3 – 4 DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL

For additional information about the 2024-2025 season and to order tickets, please go to firststage.org or call (414) 267-2961.

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.