First Stage to present world premiere of 'Esperanza Rising' musical

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- First Stage will debut its original musical adaptation of "Esperanza Rising" beginning Friday, May 2 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Todd Wehr Theater.

Director Michelle Lopez-Rios, who joined us on Wednesday, April 23, is collaborating with playwright Alvaro Saar Rios on the production, based on the novel by Pam Muñoz Ryan.

The story follows a wealthy Mexican girl forced into life in a California labor camp, where she confronts hardship and adapts to new circumstances. Performances will run through Sunday, May 18.

Special performances include a Pay What You Choose night Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m., a sensory-friendly show Saturday, May 17 at 3:30 p.m. and a sign language-interpreted performance Sunday, May 18 at 3:30 p.m.

More details, including how to get tickets, can be found by clicking here.