First Stage Presents The World Premiere Of: Esperanza Rising.

Esperanza Rising is a world premiere commissioned by First Stage. It is adapted for the stage by Alvaro Saar Rios with original music by Dinorah Marquez and is based on the book by Pam Munoz Ryan. This is the most personal and poignant play that First Stage has presented this season and maybe in the period that I have been enjoying their plays.

First Stage is a tremendous youth theater opportunity for both audience members and young aspiring actors. When they play at the Todd Wehr theater they usually present large scale musicals with wonderful choreography and of course, music, with large ensembles of adult and young actors, and dynamic presentations around characters well known to their young audience.

(left to right) Ashley Marie Rodriguez, Laura Crotte, Miranda Rose, and Aria Martinez in ESPERANZA RISING. First Stage, 2025. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

Esperanza Rising is a bit different. Dinorah Marquez has provided some very memorable songs and music that celebrates Mexican culture and family. These songs are sometimes sung by the ensemble and sometimes by individual characters in the play. But here they support the storytelling instead of being a major force in the play. And that adds to the personal. And the storytelling is key.

And a quick reminder. When First Stage presents these larger plays at the Todd Wehr, the core cast of adults remains constant, but the young actors rotate via alternating casts. So I saw the Hope cast on Sunday May 4th, 2025. So if you are hoping to see a particular young actor, check the link below to see which cast (Hope or Dream) they are a part of and when they are performing.

The play is set in the 1930s and begins in Mexico where Esperanza is growing up on her family’s farm. Her father is a very wealthy land owner and the 1930s were a turbulent time and after a pair of family tragedies, Esperanza’s mother decides to move to California along with some of the staff from their farm. They settle in a migrant farm camp and for the first time in her life Esperanza confronts hardship and poverty and the need to work. It is a growing experience for a young girl who is about to turn 13 when we meet her. And this is a very special story about the importance of family and community.

Laura Crotte (left) and David Flores in ESPERANZA RISING. First Stage,
Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

There are five adult roles around Esperanza, but three adult actors. Ashley Marie Rodriguez is Mama. A confident and strong woman who so obviously loves her family but makes a tough decision in the face of adversity and wishes nothing more than a better future for her daughter. Laura Crotte plays both Abuelita and Hortensia. As Abuelita she is the doting grandmother to Esperanza who lovingly teaches her to knit. She too has to make some tough decisions. And Crotte smoothly transitions to Hortensia, a practical and emphatic woman who befriends Esperanza’s family in California. And David Flores is Papa and Alfonso. First a caring and doting father who always gives his daughter a doll for her birthday and does so again for her 13th. But this one takes on more meaning and Esperanza cherishes it. Flores is also simply solid and practical as Alfonso as he moves his family to California and helps Mama and Esperanza reach there as well.

Now, there are two storytellers per the cast list. They are the narrators who fill in the back story and history of the period as well as fill in the relationships of the characters and at times tell us what the characters are thinking. They also get to play a number of small parts: the ‘bad’ guys in Mexico in silly silly mustaches, the immigration agent in California, and a police officer. The storyteller roles are played by young actors from the alternating casts. On Sunday they were played by Lucia Harris and Eleanor Dysart with flair and grace but a bit of comedic posturing when on stage as the ‘bad’ guys, and a certain bit of menace as the border agent or police officer.

Miranda Rose (left) and Thomas Alberto Bastardo (right) in ESPERANZA
RISING. First Stage, 2025. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

There are three other young person roles. Miguel who is Alfonso’s son, childhood friend of Esperanza, and shall we say, love interest. Thomas Alberto Bastardo makes a suave and thoughtful Miguel, an optimistic youth and like his father, someone who can get things done. And Isabel, a young girl at the migrant farm who is paired with Esperanza to baby sit Isabel’s younger siblings. Aria Martinez is a delight with her curious questions and disbelief that Esperanza needs to be taught to change a diaper. They end up being very close in the end. And Marta, an activist and union organizer on the farm. Erin E. Frailing presents a very determined and focused Marta but… The storytellers are eager to march and chant her slogans.

There is some Spanish spoken at times but you don’t need to be bi-lingual to understand the meaning…it is apparent from the situation. And First Stage recommends Esperanza rising for young people 7 to 17 and theater lovers of all ages, I highly recommend this to adult theater goers even if you don’t have a child in tow. This story and these situations are pure drama and I think anyone interested in theater will enjoy this. And despite the era, the topics are very contemporary in their feel. First Stage has done an incredible job and again, I will say, this is a very poignant and rewarding presentation.

Cast in ESPERANZA RISING. First Stage, 2025. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

Esperanza Rising will continue from now until May 18, 2025 at the Todd Wehr Theater in Marcus Performing Arts Center. The play runs about 75 minutes with a short intermission.

Additional information and tickets can be found here.

And extra credit reading: The Playbill

Ashley Marie Rodriguez (left) and Isabel Scardino (right) in ESPERANZA
RISING. First Stage, 2025. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

And the final word from Isabel: “My Heart Is Dancing”.

First Stage’s Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer, The Musical, Reigns Over The PAC!

Silvia Stoeger in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEERTM: THE
MUSICAL. First Stage, 2024. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

If you aren’t quite in the holiday spirit as you approach the Marcus Performing Arts Center, you will be by the time you reach the lobby, if like me, you find yourself climbing the stairs to the Todd Wehr Theater among youngsters quietly singing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer to themselves…

And once inside, the room was electric until the lights went down and an immediate hush fell over the crowd in anticipation. And it was as near a full house (just a handful of empty seats) as I have ever experienced at the Todd Wehr so this silence from the young crowd here was amazing. This is the magic of First Stage, it engages the young audience in a big way but it entertains the entire family.

We all know the basic Rudolph story from the popular song. But Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the Musical has more story to tell! And we get some help keeping up with the plot via the narrator, Sam the Snowman, depicted by James Carrington. What a voice! What a presence on stage! Although Rudolph is our focus and hero, this story wouldn’t be as clearly told without Carrington’s portrayal of Sam.

David Flores (center) and cast in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED
REINDEERTM: THE MUSICAL. First Stage, 2024. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

As my long time readers and fans of First stage already know, the large musicals that First Stage presents at the Marcus are anchored by a few adult actors in pivotal roles and then two casts of young actors who rotate from presentation to presentation. So for Rudolph, we have the Silver Cast and the Gold Cast. You can find a complete cast listing here or here so if you know someone acting at First Stage you may want to consult the cast listings before ordering tickets. So, we do have two Rudolphs: Gwen Madson in the Silver Cast and Sylvia Stoeger in the Gold Cast. I saw the Silver Cast perform at the 1 P.M. matinee on December 1st.

So on with our story. We first meet Rudolph shortly after his birth as his mother proudly introduces him to his father Donner. All is joy and happiness until Rudolph’s nose starts to shine bright red. As Donner says, you could even say it glows. But it brings on great consternation between Donner and Santa. Eventually, Donner devises a nose mask to cover his nose. And as he grows, he eventually joins the other young bucks in reindeer games…essentially training under the watchful eye of Coach Comet. You know who that is, right? Well, despite being the longest and most successful flyer amongst the trainees, once his mask falls off, Comet banishes him from any reindeer games.

And just across Santa’s North Pole, the elves are making toys for Christmas. And elves love making toys and are making quick work of their tasks. Well, all except Hermey who doesn’t like making toys, for which he is ridiculed by his elfin peers. Hermey wants to be a dentist and he gets laughed at for that as well.

Zach Thomas Woods (left), Tim Linn (center), and cast in RUDOLPH THE
RED-NOSED REINDEERTM: THE MUSICAL. First Stage, 2024. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

Feeling ostracized, Hermey and Rudolph run away from their respective groups and team up and leave town. So of course they get lost and get into trouble. And they are threatened by the Bumble, a great snow monster who is able to track them via Rudolph’s nose. They meet Yukon Cornelius, played by adult actor Zach Woods (he also plays Comet). Woods plays a flamboyant over the top unsuccessful prospector looking for silver and gold in the Yukon. The three of them team up to overcome the Bumble and then make their way home.

And everyone back home is missing them and looking for them and they all arrive just in time for Rudolph to save Christmas by leading Santa’s sleigh with his red nose!

Now, be in your best voice because you are going to want to sing along with the cast as they sing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer for the grand finale. I mean it, you will be wholly ready to give yourself to the moment.

(left to right) Zach Thomas Woods, Silvia Stoeger, and Maryn Davis in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEERTM: THE MUSICAL. First Stage, 2024. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

Some very special mentions here. There are a number of actors dressed entirely in white who hide around the set and move the snow banks, ice bergs, and pine trees. But their most important function is to operate and voice the many puppets that populate the North Pole. There is a seal, a pair of owls, another pair of birds, squirrels, a raccoon, and of course the Bumble. But the Bumble is more than life size and inhabited by Timm Linn who controls his eyes and mouth. But the Bumble’s arms are controlled by a pair of actors in white.

And I am guessing the first day of rehearsal for the elves is learning to float around the stage in their special shoes with the long curled toes.

And one last feature of every First Stage play: the talk back afterwords. This is a ten minute feature where the audience members can ask questions about the play or set or costumes or whatever and the cast will take turns answering. This week we learned that the musical is based on the animated film from 1964, that Sam is made out of foam and James Carrington is sitting on a chair attached to the costume’s floor and is wheeled about the stage. And that the choreography back stage…moving on and off stage…and moving to new entrance points is more important than the choreography on stage. So make sure you stay for the talk back.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, the Musical runs from now through December 29, 2024. But don’t put off getting your tickets, it is a very popular show. Rudolph runs about 75 minutes and there is one intermission. It is recommended for ages 3 to 12, but I think the top age limit is unlimited! Tickets can be ordered here. There are some special days during the run, so check the link here to see what and when.

And Extra Credit Reading: The Digital Playbill!

And in case you need some help: Lyrics for Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. Directed by Jeff Frank.

J.T. Backes (left) and cast in RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEERTM:
THE MUSICAL. First Stage, 2024. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

PSA: Bob Marley’s THREE LITTLE BIRDS at First Stage!

YES -> That Bob Marley and as First Stage is saying: Bob Marley’s THREE LITTLE BIRDS brings Jamaican good vibes to First Stage this spring! So what else do we know?

-Join Ziggy as he overcomes his fears and enjoys the adventures of life-  

Infectious reggae music, colorful costumes and sets bring the culture of Jamaica to life in the Todd Wehr Theater with First Stage’s production of Bob Marley’s THREE LITTLE BIRDS. This delightful play is based on the children’s book by Cedella Marley, Bob Marley’s daughter, and includes music and lyrics by Bob Marley and is adapted for the stage by Michael J. Bobbitt. Arrangements, orchestrations and additional music and lyrics are by John L. Cornelius, II. Ziggy is afraid to leave his house. He is too busy worrying about tropical storms, evil spirits and the sneaky, hair-grabbing trickster, Duppy. With the help of his feathered friends, Ziggy will learn that “every little thing is gonna be all right!” With music from the legendary reggae artist, audience members young and old will enjoy jammin’ with this timeless tale of peace and love.  

Bob Marley’s THREE LITTLE BIRDS runs April 21 – May 21, 2023 at the Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, located at 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Tickets start at $18 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 70 minutes, which includes a brief intermission. 

From Director Samantha D. Montgomery: “Ziggy is fearful about what might happen to him and this restricts him from living and enjoying the adventures of life. This play, Bob Marley’s  

THREE LITTLE BIRDS, adapted for the stage by Michael J. Bobbitt, encourages us to enjoy the adventures of life by not allowing our fears to stifle us. Instead, we must rebuild ourselves and overcome our fears by finding the strength within ourselves to make bravery our only choice.” 

Cedella Marley (Author) is the first born of Bob and Rita Marley and a descendant of reggae royalty. She is an accomplished singer, an inspiring author, an adventurous fashion designer and visionary entrepreneur. The world first met Cedella as a singing and dancing teenager with The Melody Makers, the Marley sibling group featuring her younger brothers Ziggy and Stephen. The group toured the world establishing a new generation of Marley musical mystique, as they sold millions of albums and won three Grammy Awards. In 1993, Cedella was appointed as C.E.O. of Tuff Gong International, the group of companies now includes a renowned state of the art recording studio in Kingston, Jamaica, which is utilized by the island’s top reggae artists and producers, Marley’s sons and an array of international artists. Cedella is also an accomplished children’s book author, having written The Boy from Nine Miles (The Early Life of Bob Marley), Three Little BirdsOne Love and Every Little Thing. Published by Chronicle Books in 2012 is Cedella’s Every Little Thingis adapted from the lyrics to her father’s beloved song Three Little Birds. Debuting in an Off-Broadway children’s play adaptation in 2014 this children’s book is a follow up to Chronicle’s widely successful earlier release of One Love. Adapted from one of Bob Marley’s most beloved songs, One Love brings the joyful spirit and unforgettable lyrics of his music to life for a new generation. This heartwarming picture book offers an upbeat testament to the amazing things that can happen when we all get together with one love in our hearts. To learn more about her creative and philanthropic work, visit: cedellamarley.com 

Bob Marley (Music and Lyrics), born Robert Nesta Marley (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981), was a Jamaican singer, musician and songwriter. Considered one of the pioneers of reggae, his musical career was marked by fusing elements of reggae, ska and rocksteady as well as his distinctive vocal and songwriting style. Marley’s contributions to music increased the visibility of Jamaica worldwide and made him a global figure in popular culture to this day. Over the course of his career, Marley became known as a Rastafari icon, and he infused his music with a sense of spirituality. He is also considered a global symbol of Jamaican music and culture and identity and was controversial in his outspoken support for democratic social reforms. Bob Marley 

Michael J. Bobbitt (Playwright) is an award-winning theater director, choreographer and playwright who has dedicated his professional career to arts leadership. He began his tenure as Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council in February 2021 and is the highest-ranking cultural official in Massachusetts. Bobbitt serves on the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) Board of Directors, the National Assembly of State Arts Agency’s (NASAA) Board of Directors and was selected for artEquity’s BIPOC Leadership Circle. He is the former Artistic Director of the New Repertory Theater in Watertown, Massachusetts and the Adventure Theater in Maryland. Bobbitt gained extensive experience in nonprofit arts management by training at Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management, The National Arts Strategies Chief Executive Program and Cornell University’s Diversity and Inclusion Certification Program. As a director and choreographer, he has worked nationally and internationally. As a writer his plays have been published by Concord Theatricals, Broadway Publishing and Plays for Young Audiences. Bobbitt is the recipient of the Excel Leadership Award (Center for Nonprofit Advancement), the Emerging Leader Award (County Executive’s Excellence in the Arts and Humanities) and Person of the Year Award (Maryland Theatre Guide), along with eight Helen Hayes Awards. 

Samantha D. Montgomery (Director/Director ofArtistic Inclusion and Community Engagement) is a performance artist who is committed to the process of learning. She has worked in both traditional and non-traditional educational settings. Teaching is her passion, connectivity is her goal and working collaboratively in unity to nurture trust, acceptance, inclusion and community is her commitment. She has enjoyed working at First Stage as a Teaching Artist and is grateful for the opportunity to work as the Artistic Inclusion and Community Engagement Director. Samantha is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. She holds a BA from Alverno College in Professional Communication, a MS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Administrative Leadership and Supervision in Adult Education and a MA from Alverno College in Education.  

Sonya Thompson (Choreographer) was born and raised in Jamaica. She has been dancing since she was 4 years old. Embedded in her soul are the traditional culturalisms of African people throughout the Caribbean Diaspora. She has an Associate’s Degree from MATC in Administrative Professional Applied Science and plans to pursue her Bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in Criminal Justice. 

About: Bob Marley’s THREE LITTLE BIRDS
Based on a story by Cedella Marley; Music and Lyrics by Bob Marley
Adapted for the stage by Michael J. Bobbitt
Arrangements, Orchestrations, Additional Music & Lyrics by John L. Cornelius, II 

Directed by Samantha D. Montgomery
Choreographed by Sonya Thompson of Ko-Thi Dance Company 

Location: Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee 

Live Performances: April 21 – May 21, 2023 

Description: Ziggy’s afraid to leave the house. He’s too busy worrying about tropical storms, evil spirits and the sneaky, hair-grabbing trickster, Duppy. With the help of his feathered friends, Ziggy will learn that “every little thing is gonna be all right!” With music from the legendary reggae artist, get jammin’ with this timeless tale of peace and love. Performance runtime is approximately 70 minutes, which includes a brief intermission. Suggested for families with young people ages 3+. 

Visit here for additional details, ticket information, and special performance info (pay what you can, ASL interpretation, cast info, and such).