"The Snow" at First Stage

Since 2011, Milwaukee's premier Youth Theater Company, First Stage, has been introducing one play each season that discusses important issues and reflects the stories, histories, and ethnic diversity of the Milwaukee community, hoping to foster cultural understanding among audiences from all backgrounds.  This series of plays is called The Wisconsin Cycle, and the world premier of The Snow marks the 5th play in the series.

Written by Finegan Kruckemeyer, and commissioned and developed by First Stage, Oregon Children's Theatre, and Magik Theatre, The Snow tells the tale of Theodore Sutton (Seth Hoffman/Zach Duckler), a small boy from a small village called Kishka.  The village has been surrounded by a snow so deep that the villagers cannot get food to eat and wood for their fires, but Theodore, though he is only a small child, has a solution that will - maybe - work.  

Written in the style of a German folk tale, but with plenty of modern humor, audiences of all ages will find something to relate to over the course of Theodore's journey.  "[The Snow] explores what it means to be heroic, what it is to be a true community, the pain of regret, the damages of hate, and the power of listening to our children," says Director, Jeff Frank.  

A highlight of the play is the live music played by several of the actors, including Milwaukee's own master of the ukulele, Matt Daniels, who appears, brilliantly, in several roles, as well as Andrew Crowe, a classically trained violinist who is also the Music Director of The Snow.

Rounding out the talented adult cast is Karen  Estrada as Margot and Margaretta, Tim Linn as the giant, Oliver, and Jonathan Williams as Roll Ark.   

Friendship, giants, adventure, darkness, laughter, bravery - The Snow is a nice way to wrap up a Wisconsin winter.      

The Snow opens Friday, February 26th at the Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St., in Milwaukee, and runs through March 20th.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.firststage.org, or by calling  (414) 267-2961. 

About First StageFounded in 1987, First Stage is one of the nation’s most acclaimed children’s theaters, and the second largest theater company in Milwaukee.  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; dynamic Theater in Education programs that promote active learning in our schools and community.  First Stage is a member of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Education, Arts Wisconsin and TYA/USA, the international association of theater for children and young people.  First Stage is a proud cornerstone member of the United Performing Arts Fund.