Since 1935, Peninsula Players has been entertaining and delighting Door County audiences in Fish Creek, Wisconsin.
From left to right are Peninsula Players veteran actors Tom Mula, Greg Vinkler and Tim Monsion as three friends who goad one another onto new adventures in Heroes, on stage through July 4
In conjunction with its celebratory 75th season the Players will offer public tours of its stage house and all-weather audience pavilion. Free backstage tours will begin at 2 p.m. Sundays, June 20, June 27, July 11, Aug. 1, Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Sept. 12, Sept. 19, Sept. 26., Oct. 3 and Oct. 10.
“Patrons have the rare opportunity to go backstage and glimpse into the life of an actor by visiting the dressing rooms and sets of the Players 2010 shows,” says Audra Baakari Boyle, Players Business Manager. “In addition to learning the history of Peninsula Players, guests may view and walk the set. Being on stage is a very different experience than seeing a show from a seat in the audience. When one goes backstage and onto the terrace ‘Heroes’or into the home of the Pazinski family in ‘Over the Tavern’ patrons will get the feeling of what it is to be in that time and place. Our scenic designer and props master go into intricate detail to dress the sets. For example, the selection of photos or other props that fit the time period of a specific show will become apparent and enhance the guests’ overall experience.”
The Players 2010 season includes Tom Stoppard’s award-winning comedy “Heroes” now playing through July 4; a comedy “Over the Tavern,” (July 7 – July 25); Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award winning “A Little Night Music” (July 28 – August 15); Alan Ayckbourn’s sci-fi comedy “Comic Potential” (August 18 – Sept. 5); and the stylish thriller “Panic” (Sept. 8 – Oct. 17). Advance tickets and season tickets are on sale both through the Players’ box office 920.868.3287 and its Website, www.peninsulaplayers.com.
“Patrons are curious about what goes on behind-the-scenes including the work our company does on each of our shows,” says Baakari Boyle. “As part of our mission, we want to educate the public on the working life of a theater and in saying that, we want to give the public an opportunity to see for themselves our work environment; hence, the backstage tours. We also want to give patrons an opportunity to ask questions surrounding the 75-year history of Peninsula Players.”
Those interested in a backstage tour should phone the box office to reserve a spot on a tour as space is limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis.
“We can accommodate 20 to 25 guests per group,” Baakari Boyle says,.
Peninsula Players was founded by a brother and sister team, Caroline and Richard Fisher, who dreamed of an artistic utopia in the north woods where actors, designers and technicians could focus on their craft while being surrounded by nature in a contemplative setting. The Players moved to the theater’s present location along the shore of Green Bay in 1937.
The Fishers’ dream lives on as professional actors, directors and designers work side-by-side with college interns while living on the Players 16-acre campus, bringing audiences a variety of works including dramas, mysteries, comedies and musicals. In autumn, 2005, the troupe closed its season early to begin construction on a new stage house and audience pavilion. 2006 was the first season in the new theater with new permanent cushioned theater seats, graduated floor, grass roof and radiant floor heating.
To purchase season tickets, to reserve a spot on the backstage tour, or for more information phone the Players’ box office at 920.868.3287.
The Peninsula Players 75th Anniversary season is sponsored through the great generosity and support of Baylake Bank who has been the Players financial partner for more than 50 years. This season is also supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.
