A quick guide to First Stage's new Donald Driver show, 'Dream, Quickie! Dream!'

First Stage will begin its new season of family theater with a hand from one of Wisconsin's most popular athletes.

The world premiere production of "Dream, Quickie! Dream!," adapted from several children's books by former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, will take place in October at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

This production was co-commissioned by First Stage and the Marcus Performing Arts Center; Driver is the Marcus' first cultural ambassador, appearing at a number of Marcus performances and events.

Here are answers to some questions about the show, particularly for people who might be new to local theater.

What is 'Dream, Quickie! Dream!' about?

In the play Daddy D. (the adult Donald Driver) is an exhausted Green Bay Packers player with a baby who won't sleep. When the bleary Daddy calls out for help, he gets a magical visit from Quickie, his younger self, an irrepressible boy who loves football. Quickie takes Daddy through some flashbacks from his childhood, showing the adult how he rose to challenging occasions as a boy, including family conflict, times of being unhoused, and frequently being considered too "shrimpy" to play football. The play has music and movement, including some positive rapping and chanting.

Who wrote the play 'Dream, Quickie! Dream!?'

Gloria Bond Clunie wrote the play, drawing from Driver's books and life. She is a playwright, director and educator who lives in Evanston, Illinois. Her previous plays have been performed in several different Chicago theaters and elsewhere.

What are the titles of Donald Driver's 'Quickie' books?

Driver's "Quickie" books for children include "Quickie Makes the Team," "Quickie Handles a Loss," "Quickie Goes to the Big Game" and "Quickie Stands Up to a Bully."

When and where are performances of 'Dream, Quickie! Dream!?'

First Stage will perform public shows Oct. 6 through 29 at the Marcus Performing Arts Center's Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St. (The entrance to the theater is on the backside of the MPAC, facing the Milwaukee River.)

How long are performances of 'Dream, Quickie! Dream!?'

First Stage says they will last about 75 minutes, including a brief intermission. First Stage performances are usually followed by a short talkback, where actors answer a few questions from the audience.

How can I buy tickets for 'Dream, Quickie! Dream!?'

Buy tickets at First Stage's website, firststage.org. You can also call the First Stage box office at (414) 267-2961. Tickets are $16.50 to $33.50 plus applicable service charges and fees. The 7 p.m. Oct. 13 performance is a pay-what-you-choose special, sponsored by Children's Wisconsin. Check the First Stage website for details.

What are the age recommendations for 'Dream, Quickie! Dream!?'

Described by First Stage as "a story for all ages," the theater recommends this show for people 7 years and older.

Are there any performances for people with special needs?

The 3:30 p.m. performance Oct. 21 is a sensory friendly performance with adjusted sound and lighting and a quiet area staffed by educators.

The 3:30 p.m. performance Oct. 22 is sign language interpreted.

Who is the director? Who are the cast members?

Milwaukee theater artist Dimonte Henning is directing the production.

First Stage has not yet announced the cast of "Dream, Quickie! Dream!"

More: Packers Hall of Famer Donald Driver tries mail jumping on Lake Geneva and it provides plenty of laughs

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: First Stage to begin new season with play inspired by Donald Driver