First Stage adapts animated TV star 'Arthur' into a world premiere musical

The animated series "Arthur" ended its 25-season run on public television in February (though reruns are still airing).

But Milwaukee fans are luckier than most people. They can enjoy a new "Arthur" story.

First Stage presents the world premiere of "Arthur and Friends Make a Musical!" from Oct. 7 through Nov. 6 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Written and composed by John Maclay and Brett Ryback, the new musical was developed not only with "Arthur" creator Marc Brown's permission, but with Brown's active support.

"What I like most of all is seeing Arthur and his friends working together to make something wonderful happen," Brown said in an email response to questions.

Calling their musical "beautifully crafted," Brown gave this endorsement: "When I read a script and lyrics and they make me laugh out loud, that’s a very, very good sign."

Brown has been "an incredible resource, because there's no amount of research in the world that is going to get you to know what he knows," Maclay said.

Brown published his first book in the series, "Arthur's Nose," in 1976. Dozens have followed.

Maclay said the seed of First Stage's new musical comes from Brown's book "Arthur Writes a Story" (1996); Maclay and Ryback turned Arthur's struggle with confidence and the creative process into part of a class project to create and stage a musical. It's a show for anyone who sweats at the prospect of public speaking or performing.

If you're unfamiliar with Arthur, he's a normal anthropomorphic aardvark boy in humble Elwood City. While occasional episodes have addressed big life or social issues, most stories focus on the normal slings and arrows of growing up, going to school and working things out with family members and friends.

"I think Arthur is sort of a glue among his friends," Ryback said. The composer described Arthur as "a supporting character thrust in a leading character position." Ryback believes that situation drives much of the emotional conflict in the Arthur universe, particularly in this new show, as Arthur deals with the pressure of having to write a song and perform it, when he would rather just hand out programs. Meanwhile, he watches his friends — Buster, The Brain, Francine and Muffy — seemingly sail through the creative challenge.

"A big part of what helps Arthur get through is just having him understand that he is enough," Ryback said.

Now, you might not think that kids in First Stage who love to perform, and who auditioned to be in this show, would connect with Arthur's stage fright and writer's block. But Ryback, this production's music director, has been in rehearsal with cast members.

"Arthur's primary immersive emotional journey, which is dealing with his anxiety, was really … personal to all of the children," he said. "That reflected something that they all felt."

Ryback said the one real difference between composing songs for children and for adults is that kids tend to have a smaller best vocal range, a challenge he embraces as a tunesmith who's big on hook and melody. He and Maclay never approach children's theater as dumbing, watering or talking down. We honor the size of their emotions, the size of their conflicts and the size of their wants and dreams, he said.

The "Arthur" animated TV series had some powerful musical moments, including a remarkable 1999 episode featuring both cellist Yo-Yo Ma and jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman. (Arthur imagines these two giants of different genres would fight, but it turns out they love making music together.)

TV episodes began with a theme song performed by Ziggy Marley. In homage, Ryback said he's worked a reggae beat into his opening number.

Contact Jim Higgins at jim.higgins@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jhiggy.

If you go

First Stage performs "Arthur and Friends Make a Musical!" Oct. 7 through Nov. 6 at MPAC's Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St. First Stage recommends this show for people 5 years and older. Visit firststage.org or call (414) 267-2961.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: First Stage adapts animated TV star 'Arthur' into a new stage musical