Somebody should take note of the retirement of Rob Goodman, so let us be the one.
Goodman founded First Stage Children’s Theater 25 years ago and presided over the growth of the company into one of the best children’s theater companies in the country. There are people in the world of theater who say it is the very best.
Countless thousands of children were introduced to the exciting world of theater by First Stage, some as students, some as actors and some as spectators. Whatever it was, the experience at First Stage was always magical.
So much children’s theater in this country is kind of dumbed-down to the level people feel is appropriate for children. Not here.
Casting plays with both children and accomplished adults, hiring outstanding directors and using the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Center, the plays never pandered and always were illuminating and challenging.
I’ve worked in a case with Goodman directing and it was always amazing how much attention he paid to the details that can make or break any production.
First Stage always guaranteed that for many children the first experience they had with live theater was a great one and might spawn a life long love of theater.
And that was, in no small measure, both the goal and the achievement of Rob Goodman.
With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.
He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.
This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.
Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.
