First Stage today announced its lineup of plays and productions for its upcoming 2019-20 theatrical season, highlighted by the presentation of an iconic Christmas blockbuster of the screen and stage, a world premiere, a classic literary sci-fi/fantasy adventure and more.  

Here's the lineup of shows headed to the Marcus Center stage this upcoming season:

"On the Wings of a Mariposa": Oct. 18-Nov. 10

Created in collaboration with Latino Arts, Inc. and the United Community Center, the world premiere of "On the Wings of a Mariposa" tells the story of a young girl named Pilar trying to hold onto the eclectic memories and adventures she had with her abuelita – from journeying into a magic forest to battling monsters and merely making corn tortillas. 

"Elf: The Musical": Nov. 23-Dec. 31

The hit 2003 Christmas blockbuster starring Will Ferrell became a hit Christmas Broadway musical – and now it turns into a First Stage show, telling the tale of Buddy the Elf's journey from the North Pole to find his identity and spreading Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear.

"A Wrinkle in Time": Jan. 24-Feb. 23

Madeleine L'Engle's famed tale of fantasy, science fiction and imagination leaps from the page to the stage in this adaptation, following a young girl as she joins forces with unique beings to fight an unfathomable evil and save her father.  

"The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors": March 6-April 5

The famous playground game gets a fantastical reimagining in this production, recasting the famous rivals as fearsome warriors battling their way across the land until the find their matches – which they eventually find in one another. Let them fight!

"Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand": April 24-May 17

Based on the true story of Alexandra Flynn Scott, "Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand" follows a young girl set on making a difference and making an impact on the world – no matter her circumstances and no matter how small. Even if it's just via a simple lemonade stand.

In addition to the company's main productions hosted at the Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater, First Stage will put on and host multiple shows at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, including:

"Gretel!": Feb. 21-March 22

A part of First Stage's Foundry Stage Series, highlighting talkbacks and workshops meant to inspire and stimulate creators and viewers alike, "Gretel!" retells the classic fairy tale with some new twists, featuring the lonely girl venturing into the woods to find the mythical Baba Yaga – and finds a folk rock-fueled musical adventure along the way. 

"Elephant and Piggie's We Are In A Play!": Sept. 21-Nov. 3

One of two First Stage First Step productions – shows created to introduce children ages 3-7 to theater – "Elephant and Piggie's We Are In A Play!" follows two best friends as they stand by each other in good times and bad in this stage adaptation of author Mo Willems' famous characters.

"The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats": Jan. 11-Feb. 9

The second of First Stage's First Step productions during the 2019-20 theatrical season, "The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats" tells many tales of growing up, including heartwarming odes about celebrating the coldest, chilliest and yet most fun days of the year. 

"The Winter's Tale": Dec. 6-15

In this Young Company Performance Project – featuring actor-driven shows on stripped-down stages – William Shakespeare's famed tragicomedy takes the stage featuring all of the drama, intrigue, deceptions and diabolically clever dialogue one would expect from The Bard. 

"You Can't Take It With You": May 8-17

Yet another dialogue-driven, stripped-down Young Company Performance Project production, two very different families – the freethinking Sycamores and their conservative future in-laws – sit down for dinner and instead duke it out as ideologies and insults comedically fly across the table in this Pulitzer-winning show.

Subscriptions for First Stage's 2019-20 theatrical season go on sale beginning Monday, April 8. For more information on First Stage's shows and how to get tickets, visit the company's website.