First Stage Children's Theater presents TO THE PROMISED LAND a world premiere play by Milwaukee actor and playwright Jonathan Gillard Daly!
Performance Dates: January 25 – February 10, 2013.
Venue(s): Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Todd Wehr Theater
Directed by Sheri Williams Pannell
For everyone ages 9 and up.
First Stage continues its 26th season with the world premiere of TO THE PROMISED LAND, an original play by Milwaukee actor and playwright Jonathan Gillard Daly. TO THE PROMISED LAND runs January 25 – February 10, 2013 at the Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water Street, downtown Milwaukee. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center box office at 929 N. Water Street, by phone at (414) 273-7206 or online at www.firststage.org.
Set in late 1960s Milwaukee, the play seamlessly weaves together the story of Ruth, a young African-American girl reeling from the loss of her brother during recent Civil Rights actions, and that of Golda Meir, Israel’s first female prime minister, who had spent her formative years in Milwaukee. As Ruth draws on Golda Meir’s autobiography for inspiration a story between Milwaukee’s African-American and Jewish communities is shared as we follow both characters on their path to her own promised land.
“The play is about the journey of a young person searching for truth while struggling with the tests that come with life in an urban setting,” said Director Sheri Williams Pannell. “TO THE PROMISED LAND serves as a catalyst to encourage dialogue about Milwaukee history and witness how one moment in time can impact the life of an impressionable young person,” she continued.
TO THE PROMISED LAND marks the second play in First Stage’s Wisconsin Cycle, a new play development effort
celebrating the history and people of Wisconsin through a series of plays, associated workshops, special events, and educational initiatives.
Special events for TO THE PROMISED LAND
My Journey to the Promised Land – Jonathan Gillard Daly
Monday, January 14, 2013 from 7pm to 8:30 p.m. at Hotel Metro, Milwaukee, WI.
Playwright and Actor Jonathan Gillard Daly discuses the inspiration for his
world premiere play and the process of bringing it to life at First Stage. Free
appetizers and cash bar are included. This event is for everyone ages 9 and up.
Admission is free, but space is limited; RSVP is required. Please RSVP by
January 7 with your name and number of guests to Ann at (414)
267-2964 or [email protected].
Opening Night Reception: Friday, January 25 (Following)
the opening night performance First Stage invites all patrons to attend the
Opening Night Reception at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut
Street, located one mile from the Marcus Center. Patrons will have the
opportunity to meet and mingle with the cast and crew of TO THE PROMISED LAND
while enjoying refreshments, courtesy of First Stage.
Opening weekend: Friday, January 25 through Sunday, January 27
A drawing for a $20 gift certificate to Rainbow Booksellers will be held immediately following
each performance. Gift certificates may be redeemed for a book purchase at the First Stage
merchandise counter in the lobby or at Rainbow Booksellers, located at 5704 W. Vliet Street,
Milwaukee. One winner will be selected at each performance.
Extended Talk Back: Sunday, January 27 (Immediately following the 3:30 p.m. performance)
Join Jody Hirsch, Judaic Education Director of the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center
and Director Sheri Williams Pannell for a discussion about the themes of the play.
Performance Dates: January 25 – February 10, 2013.
Venue(s): Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Todd Wehr Theater
Directed by Sheri Williams Pannell
For everyone ages 9 and up.
First Stage continues its 26th season with the world premiere of TO THE PROMISED LAND, an original play by Milwaukee actor and playwright Jonathan Gillard Daly. TO THE PROMISED LAND runs January 25 – February 10, 2013 at the Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water Street, downtown Milwaukee. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Marcus Center box office at 929 N. Water Street, by phone at (414) 273-7206 or online at www.firststage.org.
Set in late 1960s Milwaukee, the play seamlessly weaves together the story of Ruth, a young African-American girl reeling from the loss of her brother during recent Civil Rights actions, and that of Golda Meir, Israel’s first female prime minister, who had spent her formative years in Milwaukee. As Ruth draws on Golda Meir’s autobiography for inspiration a story between Milwaukee’s African-American and Jewish communities is shared as we follow both characters on their path to her own promised land.
“The play is about the journey of a young person searching for truth while struggling with the tests that come with life in an urban setting,” said Director Sheri Williams Pannell. “TO THE PROMISED LAND serves as a catalyst to encourage dialogue about Milwaukee history and witness how one moment in time can impact the life of an impressionable young person,” she continued.
TO THE PROMISED LAND marks the second play in First Stage’s Wisconsin Cycle, a new play development effort
celebrating the history and people of Wisconsin through a series of plays, associated workshops, special events, and educational initiatives.
Special events for TO THE PROMISED LAND
My Journey to the Promised Land – Jonathan Gillard Daly
Monday, January 14, 2013 from 7pm to 8:30 p.m. at Hotel Metro, Milwaukee, WI.
Playwright and Actor Jonathan Gillard Daly discuses the inspiration for his
world premiere play and the process of bringing it to life at First Stage. Free
appetizers and cash bar are included. This event is for everyone ages 9 and up.
Admission is free, but space is limited; RSVP is required. Please RSVP by
January 7 with your name and number of guests to Ann at (414)
267-2964 or [email protected].
Opening Night Reception: Friday, January 25 (Following)
the opening night performance First Stage invites all patrons to attend the
Opening Night Reception at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut
Street, located one mile from the Marcus Center. Patrons will have the
opportunity to meet and mingle with the cast and crew of TO THE PROMISED LAND
while enjoying refreshments, courtesy of First Stage.
Opening weekend: Friday, January 25 through Sunday, January 27
A drawing for a $20 gift certificate to Rainbow Booksellers will be held immediately following
each performance. Gift certificates may be redeemed for a book purchase at the First Stage
merchandise counter in the lobby or at Rainbow Booksellers, located at 5704 W. Vliet Street,
Milwaukee. One winner will be selected at each performance.
Extended Talk Back: Sunday, January 27 (Immediately following the 3:30 p.m. performance)
Join Jody Hirsch, Judaic Education Director of the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center
and Director Sheri Williams Pannell for a discussion about the themes of the play.