The Stage
No one has done it longer than Peninsula Players Theatre. Situated on a spectacular piece of waterfront property on Peninsula Players Road between Fish Creek and Egg Harbor, the Players are in its 76th season. A new stunning stage house is in keeping with the theater’s open-air pavilion feel for which it was known. The season begins in mid-June and extends into October and consists of five plays. For more information, call 920-868-3287 or visit www.peninsulaplayers.com.
Since 1990, American Folklore Theatre has set its stage deep in the woods in Peninsula State Park. AFT’s stage is surrounded by tall trees and covered with nothing but a star-lit sky. It’s classic Door County and the shows normally have a strong northern Wisconsin flavor. The season runs mid-June through August followed by an indoor fall offering. Tickets are sold one hour prior to show time or in advance by calling 920-854-6117. A state park sticker is not required to see the show. This year’s summer schedule includes “Guys and Does,” “Lumberjacks in Love,” and the premiere of “Bing: The Cherry Musical.” “Guys On Ice” and “Spitfire Grill” will be presented in the fall at the Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek.
Door Shakespeare has used Door County’s stunning natural qualities as a backdrop for its offerings since its debut in 1999. Performances are held in the garden at Bjorklunden Estate, located on the shores of Lake Michigan south of Baileys Harbor. Door Shakespeare’s season runs from mid-July through much of August and feature Shakespeare's “Twelfth Night” as well as Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” For information, call 920-839-1500 or visit www.doorshakespeare.com.
The Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek continues its tradition of bringing big-name entertainment to the Peninsula such as legendary performers like Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Bob Newhart and many more. The stunning 750-seat auditorium celebrates its 20th season in 2011. For information contact the Auditorium box office at 920-868-2728 or go on-line at www.dcauditorium.com.
The Auditorium also serves as the home for the Peninsula Music Festival, a Door County tradition for 58 years. Traditionally, nine concerts in length, the season spans the first three weeks of August with performances on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. They feature some of the finest performers in the classical music world. Tickets are available through the Festival office, 3045 Cedar Street in Ephraim or online at www.musicfestival.com, where a complete schedule can be found. 920-854-4060.
Washington Island also hosts a top-notch music festival each August. For a complete schedule visit www.washingtonislandmusicfestival.com
While on the Island, check out the schedule for the Washington Island Players, a local theatre troupe offering a variety of plays. Visit www.islandplayers.org for current information.
The Birch Creek Music Performance Center, located three miles east of Egg Harbor on County Highway E, is Door County’s unique summer music school and concert venue, where top professionals come together by day and perform by night in the 500-seat Dutton Concert Barn. Sessions are broken into Symphony; Percussion and Steel Band; and Big Band Jazz. Concerts formally begin at 8 p.m. For complete information, or to reserve tickets, call 920-868-3763 or visit www.birchcreek.org.
Sturgeon Bay’s Third Avenue Playhouse, located in the former Donna movie theater in downtown Sturgeon Bay, has established itself as a promoter of theater and music at all talent levels. For additional information, call 920-743-1760 or visit www.thirdavenueplayhouse.com.
The Midsummer’s Music Festival brings world-class chamber music to the Door and to the county's various constituencies. For information, call 920-854-7088 or visit online at midsummersmusic.com.
