The story of a little boy who can't wait to get over his "littleness" is well known, with the movie "Big" being a huge hit for Tom Hanks.
The movie became a play, "Big: The Musical," which ran on Broadway and garnered a number of Tony nominations.
And now it comes to First Stage Children's Theater thanks, in large measure, to Jeff Frank, the artistic director of First Stage. He collaborated on turning the musical into an event for young audiences, and it opens at First Stage Friday and runs through Nov. 11.
Nobody in this country does theater for children better than First Stage, and pairing "Big" and First Stage seems like a match made in heaven.
The musical tells the story of 12-year-old Josh Baskin, who desperately wants to become "big." Overnight the magic happens, and he finds out that being an adult is not all that he expected it to be.
The production marks the opening of the 26th year for First Stage, which has built a national reputation for the quality of its theater. Frank has been artistic director since 2003 and is also directing this play.
It features a cast of young actors from Milwaukee, as well as some of the best-known adult actors, including Richard Ganoung, a founder of Madison's Forward Theatre, Beth Mulkerrron and Todd Denning.
Performances will take place at the Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater. Tickets are available online, at the Marcus Center box office or by phone at (414) 273-7206.
With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.
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