Young Brookfield residents take on BIG roles in First Stage's BIG, THE MUSICAL

Several young Brookfield residents will take to the stage in First Stage’s world premiere TYA version of BIG, THE MUSICAL at the Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee from October 19-November 11, 2012.

When frustrated 12-year-old Josh Baskin makes a wish to become “big” and wakes up the next morning to find his wish has literally come true, he discovers there’s much more to being an adult than he’s bargained for – and learned we must all grow up at our own pace, in our own time. Come see this new version of the Tony® award-nominated musical comedy, created just for our family audiences. For everyone ages 7 and up.

Thomas Kindler, a freshman at Brookfield Central High School, is returns for his fourth First Stage production as Billy. Recent performances include Nick Burns in A THOUSAND CLOWNS at the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre and Dill Harris in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at the Milwaukee Rep. Other First Stage credits include ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY, MISS NELSON IS MISSING, and DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER, AND A FLY. In his spare time, Thomas is a student of guitar and ukulele, and enjoys playing soccer, tennis and golf.

Junior at Brookfield Academy Abbi Minessale appears in her fifth First Stage show as part of the Ensemble. Abbi has been a member of First Stage’s Young Company for three years. Her recent favorite roles include Gertrude McFuzz in SEUSSICAL at Brookfield Academy and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS with First Stage’s Young Company.

Isaiah Reynolds, a junior at Waukesha South High School is so excited to be in his second show at First Stage in the Ensemble. Isaiah has performed in many shows in Wisconsin and had the privilege of being an alternate for the Kids from Wisconsin. Some of Isaiah's favorite shows that he has been in are: BYE,BYE,BIRDIE; HONK;WILLY WONKA; THE DROWSY CHAPERORNE; ANNIE; DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER AND A FLY and HAIRSPRAY.

Wisconsin Hills Middle School seventh-grader Sofia Bosio returns in her second First Stage musical production as a member of the Ensemble. She debuted in DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER AND A FLY and is thrilled to be back. A native of Brazil, Sofia also performed in the musical HERE’S LOOKIN’ AT YOU BROADWAY last year. She has also previously appeared in THE WIZARD OF OZ and ALADDIN with the Brookfield Elementary Players. Sofia enjoys playing the guitar and singing in the school choir and is now very excited to be part of First Stage Theater Academy’s Glee Club.

Visit www.firststage.org for tickets and information.

To arrange a media interview, please contact Erica Davis, Communications Manager at (414) 267-2931