By Mary Boyle

I have a secret to admit: I have never seen an entire episode of Nickelodeon’s long-running and popular animated series SpongeBob SquarePants by Stephen Hillenberg, which first aired in 1999.  Nonetheless, I was well aware, thanks to the catchy theme song, that the character lives in a pineapple under the sea, works as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab restaurant, and has a pet snail named Gary and a best friend who is a starfish named Patrick.  The truth is, you really don’t even need to know that much to enjoy seeing this cartoon brought to life on the stage, which First Stage has done brilliantly with THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES.

SpongeBob (Gracie Halverson/Thatcher Jacobs) is an incurably optimistic resident of Bikini Bottom who thinks every day is “the best day ever.”  When his town is suddenly threatened by the eruption of an underwater volcano called Mount Humongous, the residents look to the Mayor of Bikini Bottom (Lachrisa Grandberry) to solve their problems, but Plankton (Jesse Bhamrah) and Karen the Computer (Bree Beelow) have a plan to use the chaos to get people to their restaurant, The Chum Bucket, in their never-ending feud with their competitor, Mr. Krabs (Zach Thomas Woods), owner of the Krusty Krab. While SpongeBob’s coworker, Squidward (Doug Clemons), plans a fundraising show to help get the community out of Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob and his best friend, Patrick (Gavin Miller/Zach Church), along with their friend Sandy the Squirrel (Natalie Ortega/Naima Gaines), work on another plan to save Bikini Bottom before it’s too late.

Directed by Tommy Novak, who was recently seen as Sam the Snowman in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical, SpongeBob The Musical features original songs written by well-known artists such as Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, The Flaming Lips, Cydi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At The Disco, They Might Be Giants, David Bowie, and more, all directed by Paul Helm.  The costumes by Theresa Ham to the scenic design by Kristin Ellert help to make the world of SpongeBob come to life, but it’s the actors who make it so real.  Doug Clemons really steals the show as Squidward and Zach Thomas Woods is spot on as Mr. Krabs, but the young performers (who are double cast) are also strong.  I saw Gracie Halverson as SpongeBob and Zach Church as Patrick and they were both impressive.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Lainey Techtmann as Perch Perkins, the news anchor, who was absolutely a delight.

While “young audiences” even makes its way into the title of the show, this musical will appeal to all ages, whether you are a rabid fan of SpongeBob or not.  Witty, yet heartfelt, with surprising relevance to current events, this production offers a plentiful amount of feel-good-fun for the whole family – don’t miss it!

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES runs through April 2, 2023, at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, located at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 N. Water Street, by phone at (414) 273-7206, or online at firststage.org. Performance runtime is approximately 75 minutes plus intermission. Suggested for families with young people ages 6+.

Special events for THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
Pay What You Choose Performance: Friday, March 10, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Pay What You Choose tickets are available on a first come, first served basis with a minimum suggested donation of $5 per person. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. on the day of the performance. Patrons are encouraged to arrive early. Tickets may also be reserved in advance by phone at (414) 267-2961, weekdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, please visit: firststage.org/events-tickets/tickets-offers/pay-what-you-choose/
 
Sensory Friendly Performance: Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.
A Sensory Friendly Performance with accommodations for families with children on the autism spectrum will take place on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. Sensory accommodations include a quiet area staffed by an experienced educator, lower sound, house lights up and more. Tickets for Sensory Friendly Performances are $10. Order online or by phone at (414) 267-2961, weekdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. to reserve tickets. To learn more visit: firststage.org/plan-your-visit/sensory-friendly-performances/.
 
ASL Interpreted Performance: Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 3:30 p.m.
This performance will be sign language interpreted for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Assistive listening devices are also available at the Todd Wehr Theater. To learn more, please visit: firststage.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility/sign-language-interpreted-performances/
 
About First Stage
Founded in 1987, First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and
families, and a driving force behind the creation of the best and most innovative plays for family audiences, theater training programs for young people and education initiatives for its schools and community. First Stage ensures that all programming is not only accessible to its community but that it is reflective of the community it serves.  First Stage produces plays that honor the young person’s point of view, include diverse and traditionally underrepresented voices and inspire meaningful conversations. First Stage has presented more than 70 world premiere productions that address important subject matters relevant to today’s youth. The Theater Academy is one of the nation’s largest high-impact theater training programs for young people (3-18 years old). Through a challenging curriculum taught by professional teaching artists, the Academy nurtures life skills through stage skills and includes the Next Steps Program that tailors Theater Academy classes to the needs of young people on the autism spectrum and with other developmental disabilities. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education Programs cleverly blend theater activities with standard curriculum – allowing more than 10,000 students annually to learn traditional academic subjects through creativity and self-expression.
 
First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the
Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Milwaukee Arts Partners and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). firststage.org

By Mary Boyle

I was born in 1974, which means I grew up watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and the series of stop motion animated television specials by by Rankin/Bass Productions from the 1960's, which included Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, The Little Drummer Boy and, of course, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, along with the traditionally animated Frosty the Snowman.  I can still remember the anticipation of the yearly event of these television specials, which traditionally took place on a Wednesday night, and when I had children of my own, I made sure these shows became a part of their Christmas tradition, too.  Back in 2012, First Stage brought a part of my childhood to life with the World Premiere of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL and now its back, again, for the 2022 season!

Even if you haven’t seen the original television special, the music of Rudolph went on to become a mainstay of the Christmas music repertoire in our country.  I had always thought the song about Rudolph came from the cartoon, but in fact it was the opposite: the original animated television special was based on the song, which was written in 1949 by Johnny Marks (based on the poem written by his brother-in-law in 1939), who also wrote the other music for the special, as well as music and lyrics for a number of other Christmas classics.  The great Burl Ives, who was the voice of Sam the Snowman (a character made for him and based on him), became an icon of the Christmas Music catalogue because of the television special, with songs such as “Silver and Gold,” “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas,” and his version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”  And, if you know the song about Rudolph, then you already know most of the story about this most famous of reindeer; however, the animated special filled in a few more details.

​Narrated by Sam the Snowman (Tommy Novak), Rudolph (double cast as Liam Eddy/Lucia Harris), as we all know, was born with a bright and glowing red nose, to the dismay of his father, who is none other than Donner (James Carrington), one of Santa’s original sleigh team.  As Rudolph grows, his father tries to help him by covering up his “nonconformity” but, in the end, Rudolph is found out and ostracized by Santa (David Flores) and his reindeer community, except for his mother (Ashley Oviedo) and Clarice (double cast as Emily Honigman/Lauren DeGroot), a doe who thinks his red nose is cute.  Unfortunately, her father, Dasher (Rick Pendzich), doesn’t want his doe hanging out with a red-nosed reindeer.  Meanwhile, in Christmastown, an elf named Hermey (double cast as Layton Lal/Abram Nelson), who would much rather be a dentist than be an elf, is threatened with being fired by the Boss Elf (J.T. Backes) if he doesn’t get back to work making toys.  These two misfits meet and decide to run away together, despite the danger of the Abominable Snowman of the North (Tim Linn).  On their journey, they meet Yukon Cornelius (Rick Pendzich), a miner searching for silver and gold, and stumble upon the Island of Misfit Toys.  A timeless story about acceptance, there’s a reason the original special went on to become the second longest continually running Christmas TV special in the USA. 

The amazing thing about the First Stage production, which is being produced for the 4th time since its World Premier, is how true it is to the original.  The incredible scenic, puppet and costume design by Brandon Kirkham is truly as if the special was brought to life, but then the cast takes it a step further: most of the actors sound remarkably like the original voice actors (who, incidentally, were all Canadian, except for Ives).  Rick Pendzich is a ringer for Coach Comet and hysterical as Yukon Cornelius, David Flores and Karen Estrada are perfect as Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Tommy Novak does a fine job as Sam the Snowman, but my personal favorite is J.T. Backes as the Boss Elf and Charlie in the Box – it’s like listening to the original!  The Young Performers are double cast; I saw the Silver Cast and Layton Lal, Liam Eddy and Emily Honigman did a phenomenal job as Hermey, Rudolph, and Clarice, respectively.  Donner isn’t really a remarkable character in the animated special, but I would be remiss if I didn’t add that James Carrington brought his usual charm and humor to the role and made Donner stand out.

Directed by Jeff Frank, with music direction by Raven Dockery and choreography by Ami Majeskie, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL is the perfect holiday show for young children and their families.  Tickets may be purchased at firststage.org or through the Marcus Center Box Office, in person at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee or by phone (414) 273-7206 or toll free at (888) 612-3500. The number for TDD (for deaf and hard of hearing patrons) is (414) 273-3080.
 
Special events for RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL
Sensory Friendly Performance: Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.
A Sensory Friendly Performance with accommodations for families with children on the autism spectrum will take place on Saturday, December 10 at 3:30 p.m. Sensory accommodations include a quiet area staffed by an experienced educator, lower sound, house lights up and more. Tickets for Sensory Friendly Performances are $10. Order online or by phone at (414) 267-2961, weekdays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. to reserve tickets. To learn more visit: firststage.org/plan-your-visit/sensory-friendly-performances/.
 
Grandparent Holiday Brunch: Sunday, December 11 before the 1:00 p.m. performance of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL

Gather the entire family and join First Stage for a festive holiday brunch before the 1 p.m. performance of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL on Sunday, December 11, 2022. The brunch will be held at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in the Bradley Pavilion located at 929 N. Water Street. Registration is from 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. The brunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $65 for adults and $45 for children 12 and under, which includes a delicious pancake breakfast buffet, holiday-themed activities and programing for the kids, plus your ticket to the show! Already have tickets for the show, but want to attend the brunch? Tickets are $50 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. To learn more or to register, please visit Grandparent Holiday Brunch.

ASL Interpreted Performance: Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.
​
This performance will be sign language interpreted for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Assistive listening devices are also available at the Todd Wehr Theater. To learn more, please visit: firststage.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility/sign-language-interpreted-performances/
 
About First Stage
Founded in 1987, First Stage is one of the nation’s leading theaters for young people and families, and a driving force behind the creation of the best and most innovative plays for family audiences, theater training programs for young people and education initiatives for its schools and community. First Stage ensures that all programming is not only accessible to its community but that it is reflective of the community it serves.  First Stage produces plays that honor the young person’s point of view, include diverse and traditionally underrepresented voices and inspire meaningful conversations. First Stage has presented more than 70 world premiere productions that address important subject matters relevant to today’s youth. The Theater Academy is one of the nation’s largest high-impact theater training programs for young people (3-18 years old). Through a challenging curriculum taught by professional teaching artists, the Academy nurtures life skills through stage skills and includes the Next Steps Program that tailors Theater Academy classes to the needs of young people on the autism spectrum and with other developmental disabilities. As Wisconsin’s leader in arts-integrated education in schools, First Stage’s dynamic Theater in Education Programs cleverly blend theater activities with standard curriculum – allowing more than 10,000 students annually to learn traditional academic subjects through creativity and self-expression.  First Stage is a member of TYA/USA, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Milwaukee Arts Partners and is a cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). 

By Mary Boyle

​Victor Hugo couldn't have known when he published his story in 1862 that his book, which is one of the longest ever written, would go on to become one of the greatest novels of the 19th century and then, 123 years after its publication, go on to become a musical that would become one of the longest running musical in the world; however, it was very clear that he had set out from the beginning to change the many injustices he saw in the world.  To his Italian publisher he said:

​While it may seem that something as light and frivolous as a Broadway Musical could not possibly inspire any change in the world, I challenge you to experience LES MISÉRABLES, happening through December 4th at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in downtown Milwaukee, and see if you don't come away from it unmoved.

Les Misérables mainly follows the story of a Frenchman named Jean Valjean, who spends a harsh 19 years in prison under the watchful eye of the relentless prison guard, Javert, for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving child.  Finally released from prison, Valjean quickly learns that life is impossible when one has been branded a thief, until he is shown mercy and given a shot at redemption by the Bishop of Digne.  Valjean reinvents himself as a generous and respected man who runs a factory staffed with poor single women who, without the work, would be destitute.  Unfortunately, the factory foreman doesn’t share his employer’s benevolence and takes his vengeance on one of the women workers, Fantine, who wouldn’t stand his advances.  Left on the streets with no way to send money to her little daughter, Cossette, Fantine quickly succumbs to the horrors of 19th century France.  When Valjean discovers her on the streets, he vows to help her but, unfortunately, Javert has also caught up with him.  Escaping Javert again, Valjean rescues Cossette from the abusive family who had been charged with her care, the Thénardiers, and starts a new life in Paris but, not only does his past keep catching up with him, the very conditions that took him to prison in the first place are coming to a boiling point that culminates in the Paris Uprising of 1832. 

This North American Tour, produced by Cameron Mackintosh in 2009 to commemorate the show’s 25th Anniversary, is the same one that came to Milwaukee in 2018, also through the Broadway at the Marcus Center Season, and continues to enjoy record-breaking runs.  The incomparable Nick Cartel and Hayden Tee return to their roles as Valjean and Javert, but nearly all the remainder of the cast is new. Haley Dortch is splendid as Fantine, delivering a tear-jerking “I Dreamed a Dream.”  Monsieur and Madame Thénardier, now played by Matt Crowle and Christina Rose Hall (who theatregoers may recall from Skylight’s 2017 production of Sweeny Todd), still managed to delight the audience and steal the show. Christine Heesun Hwang was heartbreaking as Éponine and well matched to Gregory Lee Rodriguez as Marius.  Addie Morales’ operatic style did not fit my expectation as Cosette, yet there is no denying that her range is admirable; it worked better in some songs than others.  The young performers are always an audience favorite at Les Miz, and while little Cosette (Cora Jane Messer/Hazel Vogel) was perfect on Opening Night, Gavroche (Harrison Fox/Gabriel Lafazan) was unfortunately difficult to understand.

The music of Les Misérables, directed by Brian Eads, never fails to awe and inspire – particularly “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “Do You Hear The People Sing?” “One Day More,” and “Master of the House.”  Although the country they’re fighting for justice in isn’t our own, something stirs in your chest when they wave the bright red flag and repeat the chorus, “Can you hear the people sing?”  We come back to this story again and again because we recognize the universal truths in it: that we must forgive each other and ourselves and, most importantly, that we must love each other.  As Hugo wrote, “To love another person is to see the eyes of God.”

Tickets for Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, may be purchased at www.MarcusCenter.org, by calling (414) 273-7206, or by visiting the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Downtown Milwaukee. Single ticket prices start at $40 and are subject to change.

LES MISÉRABLES is part of the 2022/2023 Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center Season.  Subscribers may choose between a 6 or 7-show packages; the 7-show package includes LES MISÉRABLES.  Groups of 10 or more can secure their seats by calling 414-273-7207.  More information can be found at www.LesMis.com, the official global website for LES MISÉRABLES.

About Marcus Performing Arts Center
The Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) serves as a performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin, bringing high-quality arts and cultural programming to the region for over 50years. As a mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, MPAC strives to act as an energizing force that connects the community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement, and the transformative power of performing arts. Through multiple performance series and community events, MPAC brings a diverse range of performing arts to the region. Presented series include Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center, MPAC Presents, Dance, Jazz, National Geographic LIVE, Rainbow Summer, and additional special performances from internationally renowned artists. MPAC's education, community engagement, and inclusion initiatives provide free experiences that annually engage students and life-long learners in Milwaukee. MPAC is proud to be a dedicated War Memorial facility, honoring those who bravely served our country. For more information, visit www.marcuscenter.org.

Johnson Financial Group, with offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, is a privately owned financial services company offering banking, wealth and insurance solutions through its subsidiaries, Johnson Bank, Johnson Wealth, and Johnson Insurance Services. For more information visit johnsonfinancialgroup.com.

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. Led by 18-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon and Hamilton. Current and past productions include Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge! and To Kill A Mockingbird.
 

By Mary Boyle

The music of the 1960's is a fascinating cultural study.  In the beginning of the era, there's the innocent and happy doo wop that carried over from America’s Golden Age in the 1950's; but then, with each of the decade’s tragedies – the assassination of JFK in 1963, the war in Vietnam, the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. – the music, begins to change and mature, along with a generation of people.  One thing is for sure: it is an era when women really began to make their mark on the music scene, from The Angels and The Supremes to Dusty Springfield and Janis Joplin, and this is the theme of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s latest production at the Stackner Cabaret: BEEHIVE: THE 60s MUSICAL.

Created by Larry Gallagher and directed by Laura Braza, The Rep’s Associate Artistic Director, Beehive includes a cast of six young ladies who reflect on their formative years in the 1960’s and the music of women that highlighted the soundtrack of their youth, while performing it from a vintage music studio.  Two members of the cast are local actors returning to The Rep: Jackey Boelkow as Alison, who was recently a swing in Titanic The Musical, and Jamie Mercado as Wanda, who appeared most recently in Dad’s Season Tickets at the Stackner.  The remainder of the cast includes Sarah Lynn Marion as Laura, Tess Marshall as Pattie, Desireé Tolodziecki as Jasmine, and Amaya White as Gina.

This production is, for people who lived through the era, a lovely walk down memory lane, but every song, except for a couple created for the show, was familiar to this Gen Xer.  The trouble with the production is the tendency to compare the songs to the originals and, while the cast is quite talented, there are few who can really do Diana Ross or Tina Turner justice, particularly when there is no live band performing with them.  That being said, Sarah Lynn Marion may have sung Janis Joplin’s songs better than Janis Joplin did, and her Grace Slick was every bit as impressive as the real deal.  For those who remember where they were on Friday, November 22, 1963, the performance of “Abraham, Martin, and John” may bring a momentary tear to the eye but, in all, Beehive is a perfectly fun way to spend an evening enjoying the food, drinks, and desserts at the Stackner – I dare you not to sing along!
​
BEEHIVE: THE 60s MUSICAL runs through January 15th at the Stackner Cabaret, located within the Patty and Jay Baker Theater Complex, at 108 E. Wells Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets may be purchased online at www.MilwaukeeRep.com, by calling the Ticket Office at 414-224-9490, or in-person at the Theater Complex. Group tickets are available for parties 10+ by calling 414-290-5340.  
 
About Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin with three unique performance venues in the Patty & Jay Baker Theater Complex– the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio and Stackner Cabaret. For over six decades, Milwaukee Rep has been a centerpiece of Milwaukee’s vibrant arts and cultural scene with productions ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare to American Classics and New Works that are entertaining, inclusive, and impactful. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mark Clements and Executive Director Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Repertory Theater ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity.