Seventeen-year-old Milwaukee resident performs in First Stage’s PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL

Austin Winter, age 17, from Milwaukee, appears in First Stage’s PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL, a fun-loving musical based on the popular book of the same name by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, playing at the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts through March 27.

Austin has been involved in theater for eight years. He has been involved with First Stage’s Theater Academy for eight years and has performed in shows for the last four years. His past First Stage performances include MY SON PINOCCHIO and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. Other shows that he has been a part of include OUR MISS BROOKS, ALICE AND WONDERLAND and his favorite role to date, Arnold Wiggins, in THE BOYS NEXT DOOR.

“I love acting because it gives me a break from normal life,” Austin said. “When kids decide what they want to be when they grow up, no one ever gives the option of everything. With acting, the choices are unlimited! I get to become anyone I want. Besides, what other activity allows you to burst into song and dance?” he added.

According to Austin, performing means creating something and sharing it with the world. “When you are part of a cast, you succeed together, you fail together and you all work together to practice and make the show perfect,” he said. One thing he has learned from working with First Stage is respect. “First Stage encourages us to conquer our fears and take risks. The stage is not meant for cautious actors,” Austin added.

“Our production creates a playful world of excessive pink, magical transformations and dancing cupcakes,” said First Stage Associate Artistic Director John Maclay, the director of this colorful musical adventure. “Our talented actors, designers and professional shops all played a part in bringing Pinkalicious, her world, her family, her friends, and several dancing cupcakes to life here at First Stage,” he continued.

About PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL: How much is too much pink? Pinkalicious Pinkerton will soon realize how much when she develops “pinkititis” from eating too many pink cupcakes and turns pink from head to toe! What starts off as a dream come true for the pink-loving enthusiast turns into a disaster as her hue goes a little too far! Will her broccoli-eating brother be able to help cure her before it’s too late? Experience this colorful musical adventure, and indulge in the sweetest treat in town!

PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL is recommended for everyone ages 3 and up, and runs through March 27. For tickets and more information, visit www.firststage.org.