First Stage makes a big impact on the arts community in Milwaukee, guiding young community members on the road from theater education to actual production. As part of their Make Believe Ball this past weekend, the organization focused on the latter by announcing their full lineup for the 2025-26 season.
The new slate of selections literally spans centuries, going all the way back to Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (written in 1599) and right up to Disney’s inescapable Frozen. There are also several productions that’ll be instantly recognizable to family audiences, including Goosebumps, Peter Pan and Wendy, and characters from author Mo Willems in a world-premiere musical adventure.
"As I begin my 30th season at First Stage, I reflect on how we’ve been the foundation for so many young people’s first theater experiences and the families who share in those moments,” First Stage executive artistic director Jeff Frank said. “This 2025-2026 season will offer those same wondrous adventures — from a subterranean lair harboring a ghost with a grudge to the North Pole, where a determined Pigeon tries valiantly to drive a sleigh; from a boy who refuses to grow up to a girl and dragon who overcome fear.
“We’re also thrilled to be among a select group of professional theaters around the country producing Disney’s Frozen, the full-length Broadway musical.”
You can find information on the full lineup below and head over to the First Stage website to learn about the discounted family ticket packages available now.
First Stage 2025-26 season
R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium
Oct. 11-Nov. 2, 2025
Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Performing Arts Center
Horror fans Brooke and Zeke are thrilled to be starring in a mysterious show called The Phantom, and not the least bit frightened by the old legend that the play is cursed. But when strange, eerie messages appear and a masked menace starts disrupting rehearsals, they begin to wonder: What if there really is a ghost haunting their school, determined to stop the show?!
Prepare to get goosebumps as they race to solve the mystery in this thrilling and chilling musical, based on the classic series by R.L. Stine. Recommended for families with young people ages 8-18 and thrill seekers of all ages.
Young Company: Rose of Treason
Nov. 7-16, 2025
Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
In 1943, a group of university students in Germany, appalled at the truth coming to light about the Nazi Party, started a resistance group aimed at bringing down Hitler and the regime. Their story is one of breathtaking courage, selflessness and utter faith in what is right. The efforts of The White Rose are an inspiring tribute to the goodness of humanity shining even in the darkest moments of history. Presented in partnership with Violins of Hope and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. Recommended for families with young people ages 12-18 and courageous leaders of all ages.
World Premiere: The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravangana
Nov. 21-Dec. 28, 2025
Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Performing Arts Center
When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever. The Unlimited Squirrels deck the halls, and Elephant and Piggie come ready to celebrate. But will The Pigeon join in the festivities, or will he run all the way to the North Pole in search of the greatest gift ever? Catchy tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts, audience antics — it’s all in this brand-new musical party that sleighs. Recommended for families with young people ages 4-14 and festive celebrators of all ages.
Lovabye Dragon
Jan. 24-Feb. 15, 2026
Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
An enchanting musical of unexpected friendship between a lonely girl and an even lonelier dragon who embark on a grand adventure to the farthest far away, only to face their greatest challenge. Covering three books in the Dragon and Girl series by Wisconsin author Barbara Joosse — Lovabye Dragon, Evermore Dragon and Sail Away Dragon — this adaptation with infectious music and lyrics by The Happy Racers is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face, lift your spirits, and get you singing and dancing along. Recommended for families with young people ages 3-8 and brave explorers of all ages.
Peter Pan and Wendy
Feb. 20-March 22, 2026
Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Performing Arts Center
J.M. Barrie’s classic story comes to life as never seen before in this thrilling new production. Through the magic of stage wizardry and the power of your imagination, you’ll find yourself transported along with Wendy and her brothers to Neverland — a place of magic and wonder, of danger and suspense, where you’ll believe in the seemingly unbelievable. Marvel as the Darling children are swept into Peter's deadly battle with Captain Hook and his mostly fearsome pirate crew. With so much excitement, why ever go home again? Recommended for families with young people ages 6-14 and magical dreamers of all ages.
Young Company: Julius Caesar
March 13-22, 2026
Goodman Mainstage Hall, Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
Beware the Ides of March! If only Julius Caesar had listened. Fresh from a victory over his rival Pompey, Caesar basks in his newfound power, celebrated by the people of Rome. But not everyone is cheering. Some fear he is becoming powerful enough to end the Roman Republic and crown himself king. Betrayal. Conspiracies. A public that cheers one day and turns the next. Who should hold power? And what happens when those in control decide to take matters into their own hands? Shakespeare’s gripping political thriller comes to life in a story of loyalty, honor, and the price of ambition. Recommended for families with young people ages 14-18 and Shakespeare fans of all ages.
Disney’s Frozen
April 11-May 17, 2026
Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Performing Arts Center
In the beautiful, mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she has desperately tried to conceal take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance and finding the real meaning of true love. Now, experience the full-length Broadway musical brought to life as only First Stage can. Recommended for families with young people ages 8-18 and determined adventurers of all ages.
