Cozy, Little Productions for February

February is an interesting mix of action comedy and drama in s number of cozy, little producctions that are opening in the final full month of winter. Stages heat-up amidst what is expected to be an unseasonably warm February in Milwaukee,

Back in 2005, American author Rick Riordan developed a series of children’s fantasy novels featuring the characters from Greek mythology walking around in the 21st century. The Percy Jackson Chronicles has inspired movies, video games and TV shows. It also serves as inspiration for a live stage musical which is being produced by First Stage. The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is based in the first novel in the series. It comes to the small stage at the Marcus Center. Director Jeff Frank conjures a modern sequel to Ancient Greek myth February 3 - March 10. For ticket reserevations and more, visit First Stage online.

A young white playwright pens a script about the African American experience. It’s been selected for a major play festival. It’s a bad idea that turns worse in a dark comedy that explores race relations and a whole lot more. Jeff Talbott’s  The Submission makes an appearance late this wonder as Theatrical Tendencies presents an intimate production of the play at Inspiration Studios on 1500 S. 73rd St. in West Allis. Directed by Mark E. Schuster, the production features Christopher Orth, Jaleesa Joy, Matthew Umstot and Kevin J. Gadzalinkski. The show runs Feb. 16 - 25. For ticket reservations and more, visit Theatrical Tendencies online.

Next Act continues its season with a show that opens late this coming month. Laura Gordon directs palywright/Perfoerm Heidi Armbruster in a production of her one-woman show Scarecrow. She’s playing a big city actress who finds herself back home soon her family Wisconsin dairy farm. The promo copy compares Armbruster’s story to the type of thing seen on the Hallmark Movie Channel. The intimate stage Next Act shares with Renaissance on south Water St. has hosted some remarkable one-actor shows in the past. The cozy stage should find welcome home for Armbruster’s tale. Heidi Armbruster’s Scarecrow runs Feb. 21- Mar 17 on 255 S. Water St. For more information, visit Next Act online.

A couple of Mo Willems’ beloved characters get another moment onstage as First Stage presents Elephant & Piggies “We Are In A Play!”  Director/choreographer Michelle LoRicco welcomes James Carrington and Rachel Zientek in the lead roles they played a few years back for First Stage back in the 2019/2020 season. The two seasoned actors play the two beloved characters as they settle-into their space onstage...slowly realizing how best to be in the show that...they’re in. It’s a fun, casually metaphysical show for even the youungest theatergoers. 45 minutes long,  the show is ideal for kids ages 3 - 9. It runs Feb. 24 - Mar. 17.