Stage Write

  The American Player Theatre is just a quick drive north to Wisconsin. For 45 seasons APT has produced a wide range of shows each summer in both their large outdoor theatre and smaller indoor location. It is always worth the drive. Much Ado About Nothing is the classic enemies-to-lovers story that set the standard for all the thousands that followed it. Merciless barbs are tossed back and forth between Beatrice and Benedick before the pair realize they’re actually in love. This production is set in a seaside town, complete with a maritime theme. Beatrice (Jessica Ko) and Benedick spark like wildfire. Their chemistry is essential for the show to work, and their verbal sparring is a joy to watch. Marcus Truschinski wears his full heart on his sleeve even when jesting as the loveable Benedick. The gentle deception of their friends pushes Beatrice and Benedick together despite their stubborn natures. Not since the film “It Happened One Night” has a sheet and a clothesline been u...

  Humans yearn for what we do not have. It is the trademark of our species. We seem to never be satisfied, always longing for more, better, bigger. Though this play is set a century ago in Russia, it could not be more relevant to our current culture. Three Sisters tells the story of Olga, Masha, and Irina (and to a lesser extent, their brother Andrei). They are trapped in the monotony of country life. There's something so relatable about their constant struggle to get to Moscow. They live dreaming of the glory of the past and longing for the hopeful days of the future. They never embrace the present. Kelsey Brennan is the disenchanted Masha. Her flashes of passion, whether they are caused by love or anger, are beautifully played in contrast to her default attitude of boredom. She is all fire and ice, there is no middle ground. The only person who sees himself as happy is a classic fool. His refrain of contentment is an empty claim, repeated to convince himself tha...

ALCESTIS   Greek tragedy isn’t always at the top of everyone’s must see list, but this beautiful play dips into both the dark and light that every life holds. This production is based on Ted Hughes’ translation of the original play by Euripides. His skill as a poet is clear in each well-crafted line. From the opening scene we learn that Alcestis is dying, she has given her life so that her husband Admetus can live.   Alcestis, played by Melisa Pereyra, gives a hallowed-eyed performance as the selfless queen. To carry her to the Underworld is Death, deliciously played by Brian Mani. He’s charming in his chilling condescension.   The play’s second act isn’t as smooth or concise as the first, but it comes full circle by the end. We meander a bit as characters deal with the consequences of Alcestis’ death.     The play explores the ideas of grieving, sacrifice, and life carrying on despite mourning. In one man’s struggle with his wife’s death we c...

When you arrive first arrive at the American Players Theatre in Wisconsin you feel as though you've stumbled upon Nick Bottom's acting troupe practicing in the woods in A Midsummer Night's Dream. It's secluded and everything seems tinged with magic. As you wind up a small path, farther and farther into the forest, you find the Up-the-Hill Theatre. The wide open amphitheater provides stadium seating around an intimate stage. Young and old alike gather there to see productions put on by the professional theater. Even caught in a slight rain, audience members sit enthralled as the stage lights up. This is how Shakespeare's plays were meant to be absorbed, in the open-air, under the stars, performed with passion and humor, not just read from dusty pages. All's Well That Ends Well This Shakespearean "comedy" tells the story of the sweet Helena, the daughter of a poor physician. She falls for Bertram, the son of the countess who helped raise her and cleverly...