Stealing the spotlight

Posted: Jan. 11, 2010

Two weeks into rehearsal and Jon Olsen, 11, said he already knows "The Thief Lord" will be awesome. The Pewaukee fifth-grader has been cast as the count in the next First Stage Children's Theater world premiere production, set to open Jan. 22 at the Todd Wehr Theater in downtown Milwaukee.

"I'm having a blast! I'm meeting a lot of new friends, and I get to wear a pretty cool costume with a cape and maybe a sword," said Jon. "This is my first play with First Stage. I auditioned and hoped for the best, and then they called me back. It's been very exciting - I mean, it's First Stage!"

Jon is no novice when it comes to singing and acting on stage in and around the community. In November, he performed in the chorus of the Florentine Opera production of "Tosca" at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in Milwaukee, and last summer, he played JoJo in Waukesha Civic Theater's production of "Seussical the Musical."

Jon's mom, Monique, said her son became interested in theater two years ago after performing in his school's musical at Brookfield Academy. "Jon caught the acting bug in a really bad way, and it's been a year-round thing ever since," said Monique. "It has been so exciting; he loves it, but it's also a huge commitment."

Juggling school, rehearsals, voice and piano lessons, and other activities takes dedication and the continuing support of family and teachers. "Jon knows he has to find that balance between homework and rehearsal, and he works really hard at school because he likes being in the theater so much. The level of maturity and the responsibility this experience has given has been so good for him," his mom said.

Jon said being involved in the theater has also provided the skills to be more flexible and stay organized. "I think of what it would be like if I wasn't involved in the play, and I know I would be bored. My goal is to try my best and have fun and do decent in school. I love it, and if I'm feeling stress I just let it out on a stage as a mood of my character. This is something that's going to be a part of my life forever."

World premiere

Since 1987, First Stage Children's Theater has brought the magic of the theater to young people and their families through countless professional productions that combine the raw talents of young performers with a seasoned adult cast. One of the largest professional children's theater companies in the United States, First Stage produces more than 300 performances each year with five mainstage plays and two First Steps series plays.

For the first time ever, audiences will be able to experience "The Thief Lord" on stage at the Todd Wehr Theater in the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Milwaukee. Originally a novel written by Cornelia Funke, the author of "Inkheart," and adapted to the stage by actor, author and playwright James DeVita, "The Thief Lord" uses the magic and intrigue of Venice, Italy, as a backdrop for a spellbinding tale full of adventure and dark secrets.

"This is such an incredible story - full of life and mystery with a touch of magic. The characters are so vivid and rich, and the plot is complicated with its twists and turns - just like the streets of Venice," said Jeff Frank, director of "The Thief Lord" and artistic director at First Stage.

Well into their second week of rehearsal, the cast of adults and young performers are working hard as a collaborative team to breathe life into "The Thief Lord," said Frank. "As soon as our young performers walk into the room they're actors, and they're treated the same as the adults. The adults have been amazed at these young people and what they're capable of. Everyone is having great fun working together," he added.

Young performers roles are double-cast to ease the burden of the hours of rehearsals and show times as the young actors try to juggle being involved in the professional productions at First Stage with school and other activities. "Right from the start, our young performers and their parents know what to expect. We work with the parents and the schools, and the kids know it is their responsibility to stay on top of their schoolwork," said Frank. "My job is to support them emotionally. I am always watching, listening and checking in to see how they are managing everything. We all have a goal of creating a wonderful, beautiful piece of art, but never at the expense of our children.

"The theater itself is a way of examining the human experience - to explore it and better understand it. Our young people are learning about communication and cooperation. They're learning how to respect themselves and others and about working together on something. These are the real touchstones of being a good human being," said Frank. "It's a great lesson for everybody."

A balancing act

Nathan Kluge, 15, has been an actor since the second grade and has several theatrical experiences under his belt through school, First Stage and area community theaters. Most recently, he played the king in the "Ye Old Madrigal Christmas Feaste" at Oconomowoc High School and is now working hard to bring to life the role of Scipio in "The Thief Lord."

"My character is the very mysterious thief lord. He lies a lot about who he really is. Part of my costume is a traditional Venetian bird mask, which conceals my face, and I also wear a cape, which makes my character even more mysterious," said Nathan.

Learning from the adult actors and finally getting the chance to perform in front of an audience keeps him going through hours of rehearsal and preparation, said Nathan. "It's very fun, but it's also very professional. I work with a lot of adults and castmates that have been in a lot of other shows. I'm learning that you have to not just play your character - you have to become it. The adult actors really do that well," he said.

Nathan's dad, Jon Kluge, said his son is living his passion through his work in the theater, while learning how to balance everything else that goes along with being a teenager. "We were a little nervous at first because of the huge commitment and all the hours of rehearsal, but First Stage does such a great job teaching the kids to be prepared and organized. Friends, school, homework, family and being involved with this production - Nathan has had to learn how to manage all of that," said Kluge.

"We never have to harp on him about getting his stuff done. He just does it. It's such a great experience. The folks at First Stage are just wonderful with the kids. We're so happy he's doing it."

Swan song

"The Thief Lord" marks Mack Folkert's sixth and final production with First Stage Children's Theater. The Pewaukee senior has been interested in theater and taking acting classes since age 5. "When I was little I would get the kids in the neighborhood and we would make up movies with action shots and special effects in my basement," said Mack.

For the last seven years, Mack has been taking classes through First Stage Theater Academy and is a part of Young Company, the academy's advanced, pre-professional theater training program for high school students. He has performed on stage at Pewaukee High School and with professional theater companies, including Milwaukee Shakespeare. Last spring he played the lead role of Atreyu in First Stage's production of "The Neverending Story."

" 'The Neverending Story' was an adventure every time I performed it. So many artists worked so hard to put it all together - the scenery and the puppetry. It was amazing," said Mack.

The young performer is off on a new adventure as he hones the character of Scipio in "The Thief Lord." "This is a fast-moving, exciting show. It has magic, action and adventure and there are a lot of deep things going on with the characters. The set and the costumes are a beautiful representation of Venice and really capture the enchanting feelings of the story," said Mack.

When he isn't rehearsing for First Stage, Mack is preparing to audition for colleges from around the country known for their theater programs. He likens what his character is going through on stage with the real life feelings he is personally experiencing.

"Scipio is constantly wanting to be an adult, so in a way he's missing out on being a child. He's in this emotional transition where nothing will ever be the same," said Mack. "It's interesting to think about that because in my life I'm getting ready to go to college, and my life is also changing and will never be the same."

Mack's mom, Karla, has also noted the milestone in her son's last performance with First Stage. " 'The Thief Lord' is Mack's swan song. I'll admit I got a little choked up during the parent meeting. We've had so many wonderful experiences through First Stage, and it's coming to an end," she said. "Mack has performed in 120 professional performances since the fifth grade. He works so hard, but he's happiest when he's acting. I just make sure he's fed, rested and at the theater on time. Everything else is up to Mack."

All the hard work throughout the years has been worth it, said Mack. "I've definitely found myself as an artist at First Stage. It's a lot of work, but you get it all done. My grades in school actually go up when I'm in a play because I get so focused. My advice to other kids who think they might want to try the theater is just go for it and don't be afraid to take a risk. Just have fun with it," said Mack. "I am really grateful for the opportunity to be a young performer with First Stage, and I am going to enjoy my last show as much as I can."

"The Thief Lord" runs Friday, Jan. 22, through Sunday, Feb. 14, at the Todd Wehr Theater in the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St. in downtown Milwaukee. The show is most appreciated by adults, teens and children ages 8 and older. Tickets start at $10.50. For more information about First Stage Children's Theater and its production of "The Thief Lord," call (414) 273-7206 or visit www.FirstStage.org.

Cure for cabin fever

→ First Stage Theater Academy is one of the largest theater arts education programs for young people in the country. Since 1992, thousands of young people ages 3 to 18 have stepped into the spotlight while participating in the First Stage Theater Academy, exploring the world of theater and developing life skills such as teamwork and self-confidence - all while having fun and making new friendships.

→ First Stage Theater Academy offers classes for children who are taking their first steps in learning to use their imaginations through creative drama to students seeking to participate in advanced preprofessional theater training. Sessions are available throughout the school year, during spring break and during the summer. The Academy's eight-week Winter Session runs Jan. 23 through March 18, at the Oconomowoc Arts Center, the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center and the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center in Brookfield. For more information or to register for classes, call (414) 267-2970 or visit www.firststage.org.