First Stage to perform ‘Matilda,’ 3 other musicals

Next season, Milwaukee’s First Stage will create its own full-length production of recent Broadway hit “Matilda, the Musical,” one of four musicals in the family-oriented theater program’s lineup.

Based on Roald Dahl’s children’s novel, “Matilda” revolves around a precocious girl who discovers her powers of telekinesis, which she uses against tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

First Stage artistic director Jeff Frank will direct “Matilda,” with choreography by Milwaukee Ballet artistic director Michael Pink and Jayne Pink.

Also, under its Forge label, First Stage will perform “Locomotion,” based on a Jacqueline Woodson story about a boy in tough circumstances who discovers his passion for writing poetry, Jan. 25-Feb. 24 at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St.

This production is for people 9 and older. It’s an extension of

Foundry, First Stage’s new play development project.

Here’s a look at the First Stage’s upcoming 2018-’19 season:

Family Series

Performed at Marcus Center’s Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St.

“Nate the Great,” Oct. 12-Nov. 11. World premiere musical adaptation by John Maclay and Brett Ryback of Marjorie Weinman Sharmat’s novel about an elementary school detective. For 4 years and older.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical,” Nov. 23-Dec. 26. The return of a popular show about the naughty Herdman kids and their surprising effect on the church show. For 4 years and older.

“Matilda, the Musical,” Jan. 11Feb. 24. First Stage stresses that this won’t be a junior version, but the same script performed on Broadway. Recommended for people 8 years and older.

“Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” March 15-April 24, 2019. An adaptation for young people of the Broadway musical, featuring songs by Roger Miller. Recommended for 10 years and older. For people 10 and older.

“Tinker Bell,” April 26-June 2, 2019. A take on the Peter Pan and Wendy tale from the perspective of the famous fairy. For 6 years and older.

First Steps

For children 3 to 7 years old, at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show,” Sept. 22-Nov. 4. Puppets help bring Eric Carle’s colorful critters to life.

Young Company

Advanced teenage actors perform at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. For theater-goers 13 and older.

“Girls in the Boat,” Dec. 7-16. World premiere, based on a book about young women fighting discrimination in rowing.

“As You Like It,” March 8-24, 2019. Shakespeare’s comedy.

“The Crucible,” May 10-19, 2019. Arthur Miller’s drama about the Salem witch trials — written as his response to Wisconsin Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s communist witch hunts in the 1950s.

For ticket and information, visit firststage.org or call (414) 267-2961.

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT Cast members from the Broadway production of “Matilda, the Musical” perform the song “Naughty” at the U.S. State Department in Washington in 2015. Milwaukee’s First Stage will stage its own production of “Matilda” during the 2018-’19 season.