First Stage has officially revealed its highly anticipated 2024-2025 season, featuring a diverse lineup of shows designed to captivate audiences of all ages.
From toe-tapping musicals to heartwarming holiday classics, this season promises to take viewers on imaginative journeys, whether they’re jamming with a cool cat, venturing under the sea, or flying alongside reindeer.
With a mix of humor, heart, and adventure, this year’s productions are packed with family-friendly fun.
Here’s a look at what’s coming to the stage this season:
Pete the Cat: The Musical
October 4 – November 3, 2024
Based on the beloved Pete the Cat books by Kimberly and James Dean, this toe-tapping musical introduces us to Pete, a cool, guitar-playing cat who helps second-grader Jimmy unleash his artistic side. With an easygoing attitude and a love for adventure, Pete takes Jimmy—and the audience—on a wild ride in his VW bus! This family-friendly show is full of catchy tunes and valuable lessons about creativity and friendship.
Perfect for: Kids, families, and anyone who loves a little rock ‘n roll!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™: The Musical
November 29 – December 29, 2024
Come home for the holidays with a true classic. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ leaps off the screen and onto the stage for an unforgettable holiday tradition. This live production brings all your favorite characters to life—Rudolph, Hermey the elf, Yukon Cornelius, and more—in a heartwarming story about embracing your uniqueness. It’s a perfect holiday treat for all ages, packed with holiday spirit and magic.
Perfect for: Families celebrating the holiday season together.
The Tempest
December 6 – 15, 2024
Shakespeare’s The Tempest comes alive in this Young Company Performance Project. This tale of magic, love, and revenge centers on Prospero, a powerful sorcerer, who conjures a storm to bring his enemies to a mystical island. Filled with humor and reconciliation, The Tempest is a must-see for anyone who loves classic storytelling and adventurous drama.
Perfect for: Older kids, teens, and families who enjoy Shakespeare and classic theater.
The Dinosaur Play
January 18 – February 16, 2025
Get ready to travel millions of years back in time in The Dinosaur Play! In this interactive production, you’ll help a dinosaur egg hatch, team up with a Triceratops, and face the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. This imaginative journey into the age of dinosaurs will captivate kids with its hands-on, engaging adventure.
Perfect for: Young dino-lovers and curious minds ready for a prehistoric adventure!
Emily Song and the Queen of the Night
January 31 – February 16, 2025
Music and magic collide in Emily Song and the Queen of the Night, a brand-new musical that introduces Emily, a young girl discovering her powers as a music mage. When her father and best friend are kidnapped by the evil Queen of the Night, Emily must use her magical musical abilities to save the day. Part of the TYA BIPOC Superhero Project, this empowering tale will inspire kids to harness their own hidden talents.
Perfect for: Kids who dream big, and fans of magic and music!
Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo
March 8 – April 6, 2025
Dive into the heartwarming tale of Finding Nemo, as this beloved Pixar film swims onto the stage! Follow Marlin and Dory as they set off across the ocean to rescue Nemo from a dentist’s fish tank in Sydney. With vibrant visuals, charming characters, and music by the songwriting duo behind Frozen, this production will enchant the whole family.
Perfect for: Families and kids of all ages, especially fans of Pixar classics.
Ride the Cyclone
March 28 – April 13, 2025
In this darkly comedic musical, a group of teenagers from a Canadian choir faces a bizarre twist of fate after a roller coaster accident. Each teen tells their story in the hopes of winning a second chance at life. With an eclectic mix of musical genres and a blend of humor and emotion, Ride the Cyclone is a bold, unique experience.
Perfect for: Teens and adults who enjoy quirky, thought-provoking theater.
Esperanza Rising
May 2 – 18, 2025
Based on the popular novel by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising tells the story of a young girl forced to leave her privileged life in Mexico behind and move to a migrant labor camp in California. Set during the Great Depression, this moving tale of resilience and hope is a powerful reminder that we can all rise above adversity.
Perfect for: Families and older children, especially those interested in history and inspiring stories of triumph.
For more information and tickets, visit the First Stage website.
Related Posts:
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
