Celebrating Fats Waller With Ain’t Misbehavin’: And The Joint Is Jumpin’

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is celebrating the music of Fats Waller with an ensemble presentation of over 30 of his songs in the Stackner Cabaret. And if you don’t have fun, it’s your own dang fault.

Pictured Amahri Edwards-Jones and Jarran V. Muse Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo Courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

Yes, indeed, Director E. Faye Butler has put together a solid ensemble of performers and then given them the room to move: sing, vamp, tease, and perform like there is no tomorrow but like they’ve been doing this forever. And Choreographer Kenneth E. Ingram weighs in with on stage moves that delight and allow the cast to swing, jump, jitterbug, waltz, etc in any number of ways that enhance the stories in Waller’s songs.

And it is the stories in the songs that drive this play…so some numbers are full on ensemble pieces but many break down into duets or solo pieces, and Butler and Ingram make those changes and shifts fluid and essentially invisible to the audience, but Lighting Designer Maaz Ahmed, knows just where to light and whom to light and what lights are best for the mood of the piece being performed. That helps draw cleanly the audience along the story lines.

Pictured L to R: Brad Raymond, Rae Davenport, Amahri Edwards-Jones, Katherine Alexis Thomas, Jarran V. Muse. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

And on to the ensemble/cast: We have five outstanding performers, and again I have to give credit to Butler for pulling together these strong singers and strong personas and making it feel like family on stage. Our cast is Rae Davenport, Amahri Edwards-Jones, Jarran Muse, Brad Raymond, and Katherine Alexis Thomas. And in fact they do feel like family particularly when they are teasing or kidding around with each other. Now you will notice that there aren’t any roles assigned to our five here. That’s because their roles and relationships shift and mutate as they progress through the Waller songbook. So as the stories shift and as we transition from one song to the next, the roles they are playing shift as well. But all of them can move from shy to coy to flirty to sexy to sultry to seductive to suggestive to elegant and back again depending on what they are singing about. And where are they performing? Well, from speakeasy to fancy nightclub to downtown at the Waldorf to a radio station studio (WMKE is back on the air YKIYK) and back with just a bit of vaudeville thrown in.

Pictured L to R: Amahri Edwards-Jones, Rae Davenport, Katherine Alexis Thomas. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

Our three women, Davenport, Edwards-Jones, and Thomas are fearless and willing to use their entire range. So at times they are in solid aria mode, full throated with vibrato in full display but when the mood calls for it, they aren’t afraid to go high to the point of break up and brittle to make a comedic point! And the men, Muse and Raymond, are willing to go that route too from fill the room to a bit up there from confidence and swagger to vocal eye-rolls and laughter. Raymond and Edward-Jones in particular are our comedic foils, just watching them move is a delight.

Pictured William Foster McDaniel. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

But none of this would work without the solid piano work of William Foster McDaniel. This 85 year old musical conductor and keyboard phenom is front and center on a grand (pun intended) sounding upright piano that so perfectly projects McDaniel’s playing . Piano is the only accompaniment and McDaniel is flawless and totally in tune with the music, working without sheet music. The Rep is lucky to have him…he’s been conducting or performing Ain’t Misbehavin’ for quite a while now, all across the country.

Spoiler alert: As we move into the finale, the cast gets to step out of character just a bit and instead of lyrics, gets to scat perform as different jazz musical instruments. It’s a lot of fun.

Pictured William Foster McDaniel. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

Now, most of these songs are nearing 100 years old, so the lyrics may seem dated and at times the content is defined by its place and time in America’s musical history…but there is nothing but happy here.

And now for a personal sartorial decision: fedora or bowler. I think the bowler…

Ain’t Misbehavin’ will be presented in the Stackner Cabaret from now through April 26, 2026. Additional information and tickets can be found here.

Extra Credit Reading: The Program

Pictured Amahri Edwards-Jones and Jarran V. Muse Photo by Michael Brosilow. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater.

PSA: Milwaukee Repertory Theater Announces 2026/27 Season

I am about a month late on getting this out here…it’s been a very busy month! But it might be a good thing. If you missed the announcement, here’s your chance to dream about the Rep’s 2026/2027 season and if you saw it but forgot to act, here’s your chance to buy tickets. What follows is from the Milwaukee Rep itself so all of the good details are baked in already!

An Expanded Lineup of 13 Bold Contemporary Plays, World Premieres, Musicals and Returning Favorites across the Checota Powerhouse Theater, Herro-Franke Studio Theater, Stackner Cabaret, and Pabst Theater.

February 3, 2026 (Milwaukee, WI) – Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Wisconsin’s largest performing arts organization and one of the nation’s leading regional theaters, today announced its 2026/27 Season—its second full season in the state-of-the-art Associated Bank Theater Center. Building on the momentum of this year’s inaugural slate, the new season showcases a mix of Broadway hits, world premieres, intimate new works, and audience favorites across four performance venues.


The 73rd Anniversary Season runs September 2026 through May 2027 and reflects Milwaukee Rep’s commitment to producing entertaining, provoking, and inspiring theater that sparks conversation and celebrates the diverse stories of the community.


“With our 2026/27 Season, we continue to discover what’s possible inside the recently opened Associated Bank Theater Center,” said Artistic Director Mark Clements. “With an expanded 13-production season, including three new plays, one in each of our performances spaces, every production reflects the heart of Milwaukee Rep with bold new award-winning voices, world-class artistry, and stories that celebrate the full spectrum of our shared humanity.”


“Milwaukee Rep’s modernized and expanded home at The Associated Bank Theater Center provides world-class performance spaces in which we can produce the best of American theater,” said Ellen & Joe Checota Executive Director Chad Bauman. “This coming season, we will produce more productions than ever before as we continue to showcase brilliant, boundary-pushing, and deeply challenging work in a space that has quickly become a hub for the community, a place where everyone feels welcome and inspired, and a theater where artists can do their best work.”

The 2026/27 Season highlights:

  • Three major new‑play development projects through the John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program—including two World Premieres (The Cherry Tortured and MKE MVP) and continued development of the genre‑bending Instructions for a Séance.
  • A Broadway powerhouse lands in Milwaukee with the seven‑time Tony Award–nominated hit John Proctor Is the Villain.
  • A landmark special event: Mark Clements directs a star‑studded Wisconsin cast in the iconic courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men as part of a new three-play Herro-Franke Studio Theater season.
  • A high‑voltage musical opener as Footloose storms the Checota Powerhouse stage under the direction and choreography of Olivier Award-winner Stephen Mear.
  • A beloved holiday tradition returns as A Christmas Carol once again fills the historic Pabst Theater featuring Matt Daniels as Scrooge.

The Stackner Cabaret launches the season with the high‑energy Broadway celebration The World Goes ’Round by Kander and Ebb, running September 11 – November 1, 2026. Reconfigured as an actor-musician performance and featuring iconic songs from Chicago, Cabaret, and more, this vibrant revue sets the tone for an unforgettable year. Next, audiences are treated to the return of JP Coletta—who brought the house down in last season’s Million Dollar Quartet—in his brand‑new show JP Coletta’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Piano Man, November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027. The momentum continues with the World Premiere of Matt Zembrowski’s MKE MVP, a spirited tribute to the Milwaukee Bucks championship run told through the eyes of devoted fans, January 16 – March 14, 2027. Closing out the Stackner season is the beloved hit The Craic, back by popular demand March 26 – May 30, 2027. Sing along to classics like “Danny Boy” and “Whiskey in the Jar” and relive the electric atmosphere that had audiences on their feet.

The Herro‑Franke Studio Theater presents an expanded three production offering highlighting bold voices and intimate storytelling. The season begins with Instructions for a Séance, written and performed by Katie Bender, October 6 – November 8, 2026. Equal parts hilarious, haunting, and heartbreakingly honest, this one‑woman show blends memoir and live magic to explore ambition, motherhood, and the extraordinary hidden in everyday life. The Studio then hosts Twelve Angry Men, directed by Mark Clements, February 2 – 28, 2027, and featuring a powerhouse cast of Wisconsin favorites including Matt Daniels, Steve Koehler, James Pickering, Marcus Truschinski, Jonathan L. Wainwright, and more. This is a rare opportunity to see this epic courtroom drama in the intimate Studio Theater. The Studio season concludes with Penelope, directed by Laura Braza and running April 6 – May 9, 2027. Inspired by The Odyssey, this captivating one‑woman journey fuses myth, music, and theatrical invention.

The five‑show Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater Season begins with the smash‑hit musical Footloose, bursting onto the stage with high‑octane choreography and electrifying ’80s anthems September 22 – November 1, 2026. Directed by West End legend Stephen Mear—who dazzled Rep audiences with Ragtime and Guys and Dolls—this production promises a thrilling start. Next up is Heist by Arun Lakra, November 17 – December 20, 2026, directed by Blake Robison. A cinematic, twist‑filled crime caper, Heist blends the slick fun of Ocean’s Eleven with the intrigue of a classic whodunnit. The new year brings a bold contemporary reimagining with John Proctor Is the Villain, January 12 – February 7, 2027. Directed by Laura Braza, this seven‑time 2025 Tony Award nominee offers a sharp, provocative look at morality and consequence. The season continues with the World Premiere of The Cherry Tortured, written and directed by Aaron Posner, February 26 – March 28, 2027. Set in modern‑day Door County, this fresh take on Chekhov follows one unforgettable family fighting for love, legacy, and the future of their cherished estate. Closing the Powerhouse season is Somewhere by Tony Award–winning playwright Matthew López, directed by María Amenábar Farias, April 13 – May 9, 2027. Set in 1959 New York City against the excitement of West Side Story, this tender, riveting portrait of the Candelaria family celebrates dreams, resilience, and the power of imagination.

Subscriptions are now available for renewal. Subscription prices for the 2026/27 Season range from $125-$857. Packages available are the Ultimate 11-play package, which includes the entire Subscription season spanning all three of Milwaukee Rep’s performance spaces; Powerhouse/Stackner Cabaret 9-play package; Powerhouse/Studio 7-play package; Powerhouse 5-play package; Stackner Cabaret 4-Play package as well as a Create Your Own Season package and Flex Passes. Subscribers can also add A Christmas Carol and Twelve Angry Men to their packages at this time. Single Tickets will go on sale later in the summer. For additional information on Subscription offerings, please contact Milwaukee Rep’s Ticket Office at 414-224-9490 or visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com/Subscriptions.

The World Goes ‘Round

Music by John Kander | Lyrics by Fred Ebb

Conceived by Susan Stroman, David Thompson, and Scott Ellis

Directed & Choregraphed by Kelley Faulkner
September 11 – November 1, 2026

Stackner Cabaret

High-Energy Broadway Celebration

Kicking off the Stackner season, this high-energy musical revue brings to life the legendary songs of John Kander and Fred Ebb, the iconic duo behind the musicals Chicago, Cabaret, and Kiss of the Spider Woman. Featuring 36 unforgettable songs, five dynamic performers deliver beloved favorites with heart and show-stopping style. The music moves seamlessly from sizzling showstoppers to intimate, moving moments that reveal the depth of the duo’s remarkable collection of songs. From razor-sharp humor to powerful storytelling, this celebration is pure Broadway joy from start to finish.

Footloose

Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie
Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Music by Tom Snow | Lyrics by Dean Pitchford

Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman
Directed & Choregraphed by Stephen Mear

September 22 – November 1, 2026

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

The Music. The Magic. The ’80s

Get ready to kick off your heels and feel the beat! The smash-hit film Footloose explodes onto the stage with high-octane choreography and electrifying ’80s anthems, including “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” and “Holding Out for a Hero.” When city teen Ren moves to a small town where dancing is banned, he challenges the rules, sparks romance, and inspires a community to rediscover joy, freedom, and the power of music. Helmed by Olivier Award-winning artist Stephen Mear, who wowed Rep audiences with his choreography for Ragtime and Guys and Dolls, this energetic, feel-good Tony-nominated musical will have you laughing, cheering, and jumping to your feet.

Instructions for a Séance

Written & Performed by Katie Bender

Directed by Lily Wolff

October 6 – November 8, 2026

Herro-Franke Studio Theater

A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Production

Houdini, Motherhood And Mayhem

Step into an unforgettable adventure of mystery, mischief, and messy humanity. Katie Bender transforms the theater into an intimate DIY séance, daring to summon the spirit of Houdini—and maybe wrestle with the chaos of her own life along the way. Equal parts hilarious, haunting, and heartbreakingly honest, this one-woman show fuses memoir and live magic to explore ambition, motherhood, and the craving to break free. Expect laughter and glimpses of the extraordinary hidden in everyday life.

JP Coletta’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Piano Man 

Created by JP Coletta

November 6, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Stackner Cabaret

Epic Songs. Electric Energy. One Unforgettable Show.

Step into a world of high-octane piano and legendary hits! Rock ‘N’ Roll Piano Man takes you on a thrilling journey through the history of rock ‘n’ roll piano—from the rebellious roots of Little Richard and Fats Domino to the soulful sounds of Ray Charles, and piano legends Elton John and Billy Joel. JP Coletta, who brought down the house as Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet, and his band bring each song to life with electrifying energy, dazzling skill, and irresistible charisma. Experience classics like “Great Balls of Fire,” “Bennie and the Jets” and “She’s Always A Woman” in an unforgettable tribute to the music that shaped generations.

Heist

By Arun Lakra

Directed by Blake Robison
November 17 – December 20, 2026

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

High-Tech Thrills. High-Stakes Laughs.

A crew with secrets. One last job that could change everything. Heist is a cinematic, twist-filled crime caper brought vividly to life on stage—part Ocean’s Eleven, part mystery-whodunnit, and all heart-pounding theatrical adventure. Featuring sharp dialogue, clever surprises, and unexpected laughs, it takes you on a thrilling ride that keeps you guessing until the final moment. Perfect for the holiday season, it’s the ultimate escape into suspense, humor, and high-tech fun.

John Proctor is the Villain

By Kimberly Belflower

Directed by Laura Braza

January 12 – February 7, 2027

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

A Bold, Contemporary Twist On A Classic Story
Broadway smash hit and seven-time 2025 Tony Award nominee John Proctor Is the Villain is a sharp, provocative reexamination of morality and consequence. Set in a modern high school classroom, students collide over truth, power, and whose voices actually get heard. Funny, fearless, and bursting with energy, this contemporary take flips familiar ideas on their head and tackles today’s most urgent questions—leaving you laughing, gasping, and talking long after you leave the theater.

MKE MVP

Book, Music & Lyrics by Matt Zembrowski

January 16 – March 14, 2027

Stackner Cabaret

A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Production

A New Musical Celebration Of A Championship Team

From the creator of the sold-out hit Dad’s Season Tickets, comes a World Premiere musical comedy that celebrates the Milwaukee Bucks unforgettable championship journey through the eyes of a close-knit group of lifelong fans. From the arrival of a franchise-changing MVP in 2013, to the final buzzer in the Summer of 2021, the glorious end of a 50-year wait reveals how one extraordinary season, one electrifying talent, and the exceptional people around us—can make a lasting impact on our lives. Joyful, funny, and full of hometown pride, sports fans and theater fans won’t want to miss this musical  that captures the soul of our city when its team took the world stage.

The Cherry Tortured

Written & Directed by Aaron Posner

February 26 – March 28, 2027

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Production

Chekhov’s Classic. Door County Freshness.

Milwaukee Rep favorite Aaron Posner (The Chosen) returns for the World Premiere of his gloriously funny, brilliantly sharp reimagining of Chekhov’s masterpiece, The Cherry Orchard. Set in modern-day Door County, one unforgettable family fights for love, legacy, and tradition as the future of their beloved family estate teeters on the edge of change. The Cherry Tortured is the latest in Posner’s award-winning series of bold and clever Chekhovian adaptations that rank among the most produced plays in the country—and you can be the first to see this cheeky, free-spirited take on an all-time classic.

The Craic

By Mark Clements and Deanie Vallone

Directed by Mark Clements

March 26 – May 30, 2027

Stackner Cabaret

Back By Popular Demand After A Sell-Out Run!

Join the fun that made The Craic the biggest hit in Stackner Cabaret history. Set in a lively Irish pub, five friends share an evening full of music, stories, and unforgettable camaraderie. Enjoy classics like “Danny Boy,” and “Whiskey in the Jar,” and feel the excitement that had audiences jumping to their feet. From laughter to music-filled moments, every second is full of warmth, humor, and charm. Whether you’re returning for the experience or discovering it for the first time, this joyous celebration of friendship and laughter is pure Irish delight—Sláinte!

Penelope

Music, Lyrics & Arrangements by Alex Bechtel

Book by Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz

Based on writings in The Odyssey by Homer

Directed by Laura Braza

April 6 – May 9, 2027

Herro-Franke Studio Theater

The Legend You Know, The Story You’ve Never Heard

Step into Penelope, where myth, music, and theater collide in a captivating one-woman journey. The legendary wife of Odysseus waits, weaves, and wrestles with love, loss, and life on the edge of the sea. With a bourbon in hand and a three-piece band, she shares her heartache, humor, and unshakable resolve with songs ranging from jazz to folk to indie rock. Confiding in us about her son, her suitors, and the faith she must place in herself, this ancient tale is reborn for a modern audience. Penelope is funny, heartfelt, and utterly alive, asking what it truly means to wait for the ones we love.

Somewhere

By Matthew López 

Directed by María Amenábar Farias

April 13 – May 9, 2027

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

Family, Hope And A Rhythm All Their Own

From Tony Award–winning playwright Matthew López comes Somewhere, a tender and riveting portrait of a tight-knit Puerto Rican family in 1959 New York City. Set against the excitement and energy of Broadway’s West Side Story, the Candelaria siblings chase their dreams of dancing on stage, buoyed by their mother’s love and infectious enthusiasm. When their building is slated for demolition to make way for Lincoln Center, the family must navigate heartbreak, hope, and the unshakable bonds that hold them together. Bursting with music, dance, humor, and heart, this joyous, moving story is a celebration of family, resilience, and the American Dream.

Now I know you are smiling and trying to figure out which play will be your favorite. Am I right? But we aren’t done, there are two more offerings that are outside the normal subscription offerings…as always, A Christmas Carol AND:

Twelve Angry Men

By Reginald Rose

Directed by Mark Clements

February 2 – February 28, 2027

Herro-Franke Studio Theaterr

Twelve Strangers. One Impossible Choice.

Step inside a sweltering jury room where the fate of a young defendant rests with 12 ordinary citizens. What begins as an open‑and‑shut case unravels into a gripping battle of logic, prejudice, and moral courage. Tensions flare, alliances shift, and the path to justice becomes anything but clear in this timeless, razor‑sharp drama that feels as urgent today as ever. This all‑star production featuring Wisconsin favorites, including Matt Daniels, Steve Koehler, James Pickering, Marcus Truschinski, Jonathan L. Wainwright and more,brings electrifying intensity and unforgettable humanity to one of the most celebrated courtroom dramas of all time.

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

Adapted & Directed by Mark Clements

December 2 – 24, 2026

Pabst Theater

Presented by West Bend Insurance

Milwaukee’s Favorite Holiday Tradition

One night. Three spirits. A chance at redemption. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge on a magical journey that reminds us all of the power of generosity, connection, and hope. Featuring Matt Daniels as Scrooge, Milwaukee Rep’s A Christmas Carol sparkles with festive music, breathtaking visuals, dazzling stagecraft, and heart—bringing joy, wonder, and the true spirit of the season to audiences of all ages.

Ready? Set? GO!!

Lovabye Dragon, A Look At Friendship Up Close And Personal

First Stage has put together one of the cutest productions for the younger set that I have seen over several seasons. And to make it even better it is in the very intimate Goodman Mainstage at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. The Goodman is a theater in the round so no one is far from the action. And to add to the fun many of the front row chairs have been replaced with carpet squares so the youngest among us can have a stage side front row seat! This play appeals to the 3 to 8 year olds so this seating arrangement was well met…yes it was!

Lovabye Dragon was adapted from Wisconsin author Barbara Joosse’s Dragon and Girl books by First Stage’s Executive Artistic Director Jeff Frank and Barbara Joosse with original music by The Happy Racers. And Director Marion Frank makes it all sing and come alive on stage!

Christopher Feiereisen (left) and Mac Heinrich (center) and the Magic Cast in Lovabye Dragon. First Stage, 2026. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

Since I don’t anticipate too many 4 year olds reading this review, I don’t think I need to hold back on any of the story. We meet Girl, a princess, celebrating her birthday with her Mother, the Queen, and Father, the King, in their castle home. After blowing out the candles on her cake which is almost immediately swept away, she opens her birthday present. It is a stuffed dragon. She laments that she asked for a real dragon and even wished for one as she was blowing out the candles on her cake. Mother and Father of course, being protective parents, outline all of the reasons that a dragon is unsafe…and you can never ever really trust a dragon. Father: “My motto is: Play it safe”. And then for safety the girl is sent to her room. She cries in sadness and frustration and her tears magically transport to the cave of a dragon, who too is lonely and in due course the dragon comes to her rescue (and his own as well).

Izze Yanovskiy (left) and Lainey Techtmann (right) in Lovabye Dragon. First Stage, 2026. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

And Girl suggests that they go outside and play and engage in a round of hide and seek. Girl has never been outside. But Girl hides too well and too far from the castle and night falls before they are reunited. Girl finds a treasure map in a bottle washed up on shore and they are off on a great great adventure…with challenges and new characters…and three little Viking trolls who want her gold. But here is the moral of our story…gold is friendship and our Vikings quickly understand that true friendship is truly gold.

Bree Beelow (front), Mia Raines (middle), and Owen McDonald (back) in Lovabye Dragon. First Stage, 2026. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

Like many First Stage productions for youngsters, this play is anchored by a number of adult actors. Bree Beelow as Mother, Jesse Weinberg as Father (and part of the dragon…more later). The most involved adult here is Christopher Feiereisen as the Troubadour. Luckily for us and Girl and Dragon, Feiereisen isn’t quite an adult in his own imagination yet. He clearly displays the youthful and playful character of a youngster, all the while framing the story for us in wonderful rhyme and dance and music. If it weren’t for the dragon, Feiereisen would be the star of the show.

(L to R) Amelia Sajdak, Penny Whitmore, and Christopher Feiereisen in Lovabye Dragon. First Stage, 2026. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

And as usual, the young actors are split into two casts, the Magic Cast and the Wish Cast. The named lead of course is Girl who is played by Lainey Techtmann in the Magic Cast and Amelia Sajdak in the Wish Cast. I saw the Magic Cast, and they were marvelous. Girl has the major speaking role and also performs a number of the key songs that tell the story. But from experience, no one will ever be disappointed by any cast in a First Stage production. But do keep in that if you wish to see a particular young actor, pay careful attention to which cast they are a part of and which days they perform.

Magic Cast of Lovabye Dragon. First Stage, 2026. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

And now, THERE ARE PUPPETS! What wonderful, what marvelous puppets. And I enjoy puppets a great deal and First Stage always uses them to great effect and has an amazing puppet workshop (see my previous posts on First Stage presentations to see a vast array of their puppetry). The major puppets are of course Dragon, operated by three actors, one working the head, one working the tail, and one serving as the legs and framework of the body. A great colorful walking dragon!

And there are a number of smaller dragons who represent the dragon in travel and the three little Viking trolls who are just as lively and incredible as our dragon. Props to puppet designer Brandon Kirkham and his helpers.

Wish Cast of Lovabye Dragon. First Stage, 2026. Photo by Paul Ruffolo.

One amazing thing I did learn: Dragons wag their tails when they are happy!

And one other feature of every First Stage production. There is always a short talk back at the end where the younger members of the audience get to ask questions of the cast. It is such fun to hear what they see and how they react to each play. This time one young lady was perplexed on what Girl’s name was. She didn’t want to accept that it was Girl. And one young man wanted to know why it took two people to work the dragon puppet. It is pretty large as is apparent in the photos. He was surprised to find out that it was actually three actors…he had missed the actor inside the body allowing the dragon to dance and walk.

First Stage’s Lovabye Dragon is at the Goodman Mainstage at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center from now until February 15th, 2026. Additional info and tickets here.

Approximately 50 minutes with no intermission. Recommended for families with young people ages 3-8 and brave explorers of all ages.

Extra Credit Reading: Enrichment Guide! Social Narrative!