First Stage’s Young Company continues its 2011-2012 season with William Shakespeare’s THE WINTER’S TALE on Friday, March 9 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, March 10 at 2 and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee.
THE WINTER’S TALE is one of the bard’s most sweeping sagas. Violent jealousy turns a king into a tyrant and tears apart families and friendships. Throughout the vastness of time and tempest, two kingdoms will experience regret, redemption, and reunion. The cycle of life and the power of true love come alive onstage, in a world filled with magic, wonder, and prophecy.
Director Todd Denning is thrilled to be back with First Stage, having just returned from the 50th anniversary season at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, where he played Camillo in THE WINTER’S TALE and Captain Lesgate in DIAL M FOR MURDER. His most recent Milwaukee appearance was playing Malvolio in Optimist Theatre’s production of TWELFTH NIGHT. He has acted in several First Stage productions including PETER PAN AND WENDY, Tom Sawyer, A MIDNIGHT CRY, HOW I BECAME A PIRATE, and most recently, U:BUG:ME. Todd is a theatre artist who lives and works in Milwaukee as an actor, director, teacher, and fight choreographer. First Stage directing credits include THE QUILTMAKER’S GIFT; GIGGLE, GIGGLE QUACK, and numerous Company Class and Young Company productions. He is the co-director of the Young Company of the First Stage Theater Academy, along with John Maclay. Todd received his M.F.A. in acting from the University of California – Irvine. Other regional acting credits include South Coast Repertory, Georgia Shakespeare, Tennessee Repertory Theatre, PCPA Theaterfest, and Milwaukee Shakespeare.
The cast of THE WINTER’S TALE includes Garrett Kim of Hartland as Leontes; Julia Rothacker of Whitefish Bay as Camillo; Garrett Hanson of Bayside as Antigonus/Autolycus; Caroline Fossum of Grafton as Cleomenes; Maura Atwood of Brookfield as Dion; Mitch Bultman of Wauwatosa as Polixenes; Corwin Weeks of Milwaukee as Florizel; Christine Pollnow of Kewaskum as Archidamus/Paulina; Kelly Venable of Mequon as Archidamus/Paulina; Kate Futoransky of Hartland as Old Shepherd; Jordan Horne of Wauwatosa as Clown/Son;Courtney Collingwood of Pewaukee as Sicilian Lord; Samantha Hendrickson of Waterford as Mariner/Gaoler/Servant; Laura Troshynski of Whitefish Bay as Hermione/Dorcas; Arianna Imperl of Oconomowoc as Hermione/Dorcas; Emmie Mandel of Mequon as Perdita/2nd Lady;Hannah Jeruc of New Berlin as Perdita/2nd Lady; Katherine Pollnow of Kewaskum as Emilia/1st Lady; Emma Tower of Kenosha as Mopsa/Officer; The role of Mamillius will be played by guest performer Carlos Meyers of Milwaukee.
Other production staff include First Stage Theater Academy’s K4-4th Grade Academy Director Jennifer Adams, Stage Manager; First Stage Costume Shop Cutter/Draper Lyndsey Kuhlmann, Costume Designer; and local designer & Academy alumnus Alan Piotrowicz, Lighting Designer.
The Young Company is the advanced, college-level actor training program at First Stage. Young Company students complete coursework led by First Stage’s John Maclay, Todd Denning, Matt Daniels and Karl Miller as well as special guest artists. Young Company produces three shows a year.
Advanced tickets are available now. Tickets are available at First Stage Academy Office at academy@firststage.org or (414) 267-2970. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Seating is general admission. THE WINTER’S TALE is appropriate for everyone ages 13 and up due to some mature themes. The production will be performed in Main Stage Hall at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center – 325 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee
