Romance, Revenge, and Raucous Comedy Abound in THE TEMPEST, a Young Company Performance Project

MILWAUKEE — First Stage — one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families — invites you to a mesmerizing journey into THE TEMPEST, where magic, mystery, and romance collide in one of Shakespeare’s most captivating plays.
THE TEMPEST, a Young Company Performance Project, runs Dec. 6-15, 2024, at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. Tickets are available now on FirstStage.org.
“We are thrilled to announce the opening of our Young Company season with William Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST, a play that celebrates the art of storytelling as Shakespeare’s own farewell to the stage,” said Michelle LoRicco, First Stage associate artistic director. “Shakespeare’s victory lap offers much to our students as creatives, and with Marcy Kearns at the helm as director, will no doubt be meaningful and beautiful to behold.”
Set on a remote, enchanted island, THE TEMPEST follows the story of Prospero, a deposed duke with powerful sorcery, as he summons a fierce storm to bring his enemies to his shores for a final showdown. Will it be revenge or reconciliation?
With unforgettable characters, enchanted creatures, and themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption, this tale invites audiences to explore the power of transformation and the human spirit. Don’t miss this spellbinding production that will transport you to a world where the line between fantasy and reality is delightfully blurred.
The show runs approximately two hours, with a brief intermission. Recommended for families with young people ages 13-17 and theater lovers of all ages.
Creative Team
Young Company Director … Michelle LoRicco
Director … Marcella Kearns
Fight & Movement Director … James Cheatham
Costume Coordinator … Michelle Verbos
Lighting Coordinator … Marion Frank
Sound Coordinator … Derek Buckles
Stage Manager … Carrie John
Assistant Stage Manager … Marko Van Slyke
Young Company Cast
Shipmaster / Stephano … Elena Marking, Franklin
Boatswain / Spirit / Juno … Sophia Bernhardt, Greendale
Mariner /Spirit / Ceres … Laura Mendoza-Sanchez, Bayside
Mariner / Spirit / Iris … Amélie Davis-Quiroz, Waukesha
Alonso … Lucy Kuhnen-Grooms, Shorewood
Sebastian … Cole Sison, Franklin
Antonio … Lola Onorato, Milwaukee
Ferdinand … Abram Nelson, Whitefish Bay
Gonzalo … William Swoboda, Milwaukee
Prospero … Silver Anderson, Milwaukee
Miranda … Alice Rivera, Milwaukee
Ariel … Josie Van Slyke, Milwaukee
Caliban … Maya Thomure, Whitefish Bay
Trinculo … Thatcher Jacobs, Milwaukee
Understudy for Prospero … Ben Nowacek, Wauwatosa
Understudy for Ariel … Valkyrie Ladd, Milwaukee
Understudy for Caliban … Thomas Bastardo, Saint Francis
Swing … Kate Michael, Fredonia
Swing … Hazel Dye, Milwaukee
Swing … Edward Owczarski, Milwaukee
Swing … Natalie Ottman, Milwaukee
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.
Nov. 29 – Dec. 29 RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™: THE MUSICAL
Jan. 18 – Feb. 16 THE DINOSAUR PLAY
Jan. 31 – Feb. 16 EMILY SONG AND THE QUEEN OF THE NIGHT
March 8 – April 6 DISNEY & PIXAR’S FINDING NEMO
March 28 – April 13 RIDE THE CYCLONE: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION
May 2 – 18 ESPERANZA RISING
For additional information about the 2024-2025 season and to order tickets, please go to firststage.org or call (414) 267-2961.