Peninsula Players Theatre 2026 Playbill by penplayers

at The Theatre in a Garden

Welcome to Peninsula Players Theatre!

Dear Friends,

The year: 1935. The venue: an amphitheater, a small hill behind the Bonnie Brook Motel. And the planks: a pair of siblings with a dream and a passion to produce live theater in this budding tourist town.

The locals must’ve thought them crazy; that it would never stick, but stick it did. Word got around, their audience grew and the venue moved. To this very spot, a boys’ camp on this shore of Green Bay. No prettier place on earth, they dubbed it “Theatre in a Garden”.

War over, their company by then well rooted and their marquee hung by the highway, the townspeople took reflected pride, naming the road after them. Helping out, too. Eva Klingbile, the Juddville grocer, took personal interest in getting them fed. Her pies, legendary. A local schoolteacher, my father, took a walk-on role in The Threepenny Opera then never left.

Generations later, the faces have changed and the venue’s improved, but their dream and passion live on as we carry forth.

Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Board of Directors, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to the 91st season of the Peninsula Players Theatre. Please enjoy the show.

Tom Birmingham Board Chair

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

at The Theatre in a Garden

Tom Birmingham, Chair

Mike Fordney, Vice Chair

Bill Higley, Treasurer

Barbara Simpson Fuhrmann, Secretary

Directors

Sarah Bonovich

Dave Borghesi

Julia Chomeau

Sara Glenn

Mary Greisen

Jill Herlache

E. Louise Rogers

Greg Wait

at The Theatre in a Garden

Dear Friends,

Welcome to Peninsula Players Theatre and thank you for joining us by the bay.

Before the curtain rises, we hope you have taken the time to sample all that makes an evening here so special - strolling the wooded paths, enjoying the beautiful gardens, breathing in the shoreline air, and settling into the peaceful setting of our grounds. Perhaps you’ve stopped by the Beer Garden to enjoy a pre-show picnic by the water or gathered with friends at the Luna Bar. As the sun sets and the anticipation builds, this shared experience becomes part of the performance itself.

This season, we are delighted to bring you five distinctive productions, offering a blend of storytelling, humor, music, and intrigue. We begin with Baggage by Sam Bobrick, a quirky romantic comedy that reminds us of what we carry and what we can learn to leave behind. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap follows, inviting you into a world of classic suspense where every clue matters. Music takes center stage with Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, celebrating the enduring spirit and sound of the Man in Black. Then, laughter returns with Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig, a hilarious screwball comedy full of theatrical hijinks and larger-than-life personalities. We close the season with Murder Girl by Heidi Armbruster, filled with suspense, small-town gossip, and Midwestern heart, this sharply funny mystery will have everyone guessing until the final moments.

Each production is brought to life by a remarkable company of artists, artisans, and staff who share a commitment to excellence and to creating memorable experiences for you, our audience. Whether this is your first visit or part of a long-standing tradition, we are grateful you are here.

Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting live theatre in this extraordinary setting where art and nature meet.

Linda Fortunato Brian Kelsey Artistic Director Managing Director

Acosta, Brandon, Actor

Company Members

Alcazar, Aja, Actor 15 Alley, Jenna, Prop Shop Supervisor 75

Baumann, Katharine, Box Office Manager 79

Blake, Sean, Actor 17 Booker, Charlotte, Actor 36

Brooks, Janet Ulrich, Actor 22

Butera, Francesca, Stage Management Intern 39

Casey, Joe, Actor 33

Cavender, Erin, Administrative Intern 39

Cliffel, Drew, Technical Director 77

Cook, Sydney, Scenic Charge Artist 63

Court, Joe, Sound Designer 53

Craft, Trevor Lindley, Actor 33

Danner, Evelyn, Costume Designer 54

Diedrich, Cody, Carpenter/Drafter 77

Engstrom, Sophia, Costume Technician 78

Etti-Williams, Dee, Sound Designer 58

Faulkner, Kelley, Associate Director/Choreographer 53

Filipek, Codi, Stage Management Intern 39

Fisch, Jessica, Director 46

Fisher, Laura T, Actor 34

Fleming, Landree, Director 58

Fortunato, Linda, Artistic Director 9

Fox, Frances Walker, Scenic Intern 39

Garza, Alex, Costume Intern 39

Glover, Merit, Stage Manager 63

Grano De Oro, Maximo, Lighting Designer 46

Grimm, Brian, Sound Designer 42 Hamilton, Karl, Actor

Hosler, Dani, Carpenter 77

Kazemi, Dan, Director & Music Director 53 Kelly, Peter, Marketing Director & Company Manager

Kaitlin,

Kopischke, Kärin Simonson, Costume Designer

Korvne, Ethan, Composer/Sound

Many members of the administration and production teams greet and assist patrons at each performance. Please thank all our company members for their efforts to bring you a memorable and engaging experience.

Peninsula Players Theatre Mission Statement

Peninsula Players Theatre is committed to preserving America’s Oldest Professional Resident Summer Theatre in its unique setting on 16 forested acres along the shores of Green Bay. The Theatre’s mission is to support, without reservation, the most exciting theatre company possible; to preserve the Theatre in a Garden’s natural beauty; to provide artists the freedom, tools, and facilities they require to entertain, uplift, and inform our audiences; to foster future generations of theatre professionals through the internship program; and to maintain fiscal policies that insure the future security of the Theatre.

Values of Peninsula Players Theatre

We strive for excellence in all we do – endeavoring to present our patrons with the highest quality professional theatre while ensuring their visit is as welcoming and positive as possible.

We celebrate equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion. We value the right to be who you are and embrace differences, which makes us whole as a community. Diversity encompasses aesthetics, age, class, disability, ethnicity, gender, geography, economic status, faith, race, sexual orientation and varying points of view.

We aspire to foster a company that practices joy, humor, kindness, compassion, honesty, respect, dedication, inclusiveness, and love. One which also understands the value of a strong work ethic, ongoing professional development, as well as the value of being a member of a social and supportive campus community.

We commit ourselves to produce a wide variety of programming that remains faithful to the intentions of the Theatre’s founders. In addition to providing the joy of entertainment for its own sake and bringing established stories to light, we also work to produce wellknown stories and new works that take an artistic risk, reflect the complexity of our shared humanity, explore social commentary, feed the soul, foster civic dialogue and fuel the curiosity of our community at large.

We pledge to be a supportive and responsible member of the Door County community and an advocate for the larger arts community. We are determined to expand public awareness of the essential contributions the arts make to society as a whole.

We prioritize the health (mental & physical) and safety of our company members, donors, patrons and volunteers and dedicate ourselves to providing a safe and secure environment for all.

We believe in the intrinsic value of life-long learning which creates an environment of continued professional and personal growth.

We mentor the next generation of theatre practitioners through our internship program, by way of advice, teaching, listening, example and help in making their way into the professional world, and through supporting secondary education in the arts through our scholarship program.

We cherish and value the tranquility and splendor of the forest and water which surrounds our artistic home and commit ourselves to environmental sustainability.

We revere the rich legacy of Peninsula Players Theatre and embrace the great responsibility of ensuring it remains a stable business by using sound financial practices and accountability that will protect the theater for future generations.

Recognition of Prior Stewardship

Peninsula Players Theatre would like to acknowledge that the land on which we gather was nurtured for thousands of years before our residence in 1937. These peoples include the former Wildwood Camp for Boys, the Potawatomi Nation and other influential peoples/nations, including the Huron, Menominee, Ojibwe, Ottawa, Petun, Sauk and the Winnebago (or Ho-Chunk).

BRIAN KELSEY

Managing Director

Celebrating his 19th season as Managing Director of Peninsula Players Theatre, Brian reflects on his extensive professional journey, which has taken him through various sectors across the United States and Europe. With expertise spanning operations, finance, marketing, and public relations, Brian serves as a versatile leader within the organization. Brian’s dedication goes beyond his role at Peninsula Players Theatre. He previously held the position of president at the Peninsula Arts and Humanities Alliance and currently contributes as a member of the Marketing Committee of the Women’s Fund of Door County. Moreover, he currently chairs the Wisconsin Arts Board and actively participates in state-level tourism initiatives, serving on the Joint Effort Marketing Grant Committee. His contributions play a vital role in advancing cultural and tourism endeavors statewide. As a journalism graduate from Marquette University, Brian takes pride in sharing his business acumen with his community, particularly acknowledging Peninsula Players Theatre for igniting his passion for the arts during his childhood. Brian’s tenure epitomizes a harmonious blend of professional expertise, community engagement, and personal fulfillment. His unwavering dedication is evident in his efforts to enhance both the arts and tourism within his community and across the state.

Helpful Hints

Restrooms. Restrooms are located north of the theater near the lower parking lot. As you exit the audience pavilion on the Beer Garden side, follow the footpath past the Canteen to the next building beyond. Follow the “star lights” for your respite. Re-entry during a performance. If you must leave during the performance, please do so quietly through the nearest open house door. Re-entry, while the performance is in progress, is at the discretion of the House Manager. Children. In general, we suggest ages eight and over attend due to attention span. One or more of our shows have adult themes that may be inappropriate for young children. At Peninsula Players Theatre, we generally follow the ‘school-age and up’ rule. Everyone attending must purchase a seat. Babes in arms will not be allowed in the theater. For further information regarding the age-appropriateness of any of our shows, please contact the Box Office at (920) 868-3287 or visit the play pages at www. peninsulaplayers.com.

To purchase tickets for wheelchair or limited mobility seating, please phone our Box Office at (920) 868-3287. We are better able to handle special needs in person or over the phone.

Induction Loop Technology is available to guests with hearing devices containing a telecoil (T-Coil) on the theater’s main floor, rows A through S. The loop will transmit sound directly to your hearing aid or cochlear implant while you are in the “loop.”

Assisted listening devices are available at the Canteen for the hearing impaired. A driver’s license or credit card is requested as a security deposit to use these devices.

Balcony Guests – If you are seated in the balcony, visit the Canteen for an assisted listening device. The balcony does not have hearing loop technology.

LINDA FORTUNATO

Artistic Director

Director – Baggage

This is Linda’s fifth season as Peninsula Players Theatre’s Artistic Director where her many seasons include directing Barefoot in the Park, A Rock Sails By, The Rainmaker, Ghost the Musical, Lend Me a Tenor, And Then There Were None; choreographing Chicago and Cabaret; and acting in Talley’s Folly, The Importance of Being Earnest, Wait Until Dark, and Noises Off. She was previously the Artistic Director of Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana, where her directing credits included Cabaret, Big River, The Tin Woman, and Steel Magnolias. Linda is a two-time Jeff Award winner whose credits include directing The Angel Next Door at Northlight Theatre, directing and choreographing White Christmas at Marriott Theatre, work with Drury Lane Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Writers Theatre, Timeline Theatre, BoHo Theatre, Fulton Theatre, American Players Theatre, and teaching at Loyola University and Columbia College Chicago.

ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE

Elevate your experience at Peninsula Players Theatre by immersing yourself in the serenity of our Beer Garden. Begin your journey up to 90 minutes before the curtain rises, allowing ample time to relax under the canopy of mature cedar trees. Unwind amidst the Theatre’s gardens and soak in the breathtaking natural surroundings while creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Enhance your experience by packing a picnic to enjoy in the Beer Garden. The Luna Bar and Canteen offer a variety of beverages, from refreshing sodas to bottles of water, beers, wines or mixed drinks. We do not allow grilling, and Wisconsin state statute prohibits the carry-in of alcohol.

We kindly ask that you honor the Theatre’s environmental values and the Door County Pledge to "leave no trace" by taking any picnic waste with you and to dispose of trash responsibly.

We hope you enjoy your Peninsula Players Theatre Experience, and we look forward to your next visit.

The Luna Bar and Beer Garden are open 90-minutes before curtain and some Saturdays after the show.

Photo courtesy of John Nienhuis/ Destination Door County

Join Us for a Pre-Show Seminar!

The Theatre will host Pre-Show Seminars before select performances of the 2026 season. Audiences are invited to arrive early for special seminars on topics related to the shows. General admission seating, no tickets necessary.

Summer Pre-Show Seminars begin at 6:30 p.m. inside the theater. The Pre-Show Seminar for Murder Girl will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 25 – Hosted by Ally Bretl and Emily Kraynak, Licensed Clinical Social Workers at Door County Medical Center.

Saturday, July 25 – Hosted by Dr. Christopher Chan, historian, information scientist and Agatha Christie expert.

Tuesday, August 11 – Hosted by Paul Sowinski, bass and vocals for Big Mouth & The Power Tool Horns.

Friday, September 4 – Hosted by Karl Hamilton, actor in Moon Over Buffalo.

Friday, September 11 – Hosted by Heidi Armbruster, playwright of Murder Girl.

Join the Post-Show Discussions at Peninsula Players Theatre

The Theatre invites our audience to stay after certain performances in 2026 and participate in a conversation with our artists. Have a question about the performance? Or do you want to know how a bit of stage business was accomplished? Now is the chance to ask!

Baggage - Tuesday, June 23

The Mousetrap - Wednesday, July 15

Ring of Fire - Friday, August

Moon Over Buffalo - Thursday, August 27

Murder Girl - Saturday, September 19

7 lovely apartments located right on the water, open year around except the month of March

Baggage

Tony & Judy Licata

The Mousetrap

Allen & Maribeth Watson

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Alibi Marina & Harbor Guest House

Moon Over Buffalo

Tim & Jackie Danis

Murder Girl

Richard & Barbara Board and Door County Medical Center

We would like to extend a special ‘thank you’ to Nicolet National Bank for their continued support, season after season.

For more information on show sponsorships, please contact Development Director Danielle Szmanda at (920) 868-3287 or danielle@peninsulaplayers.com

Gather with friends at the Bayside Tavern, named “Wisconsin’s Best Small Town Bar” and home of famous “Smilen” Bob’s Chili, great burgers, sandwiches, salads, pizza and fish fry.

Also visit Bayside Coffee, on the waterfront, serving breakfast or lunch and The Bayside Shop located in downtown Fish Creek.

baysidetavern.com | 920.868.3441

IN DOOR COUNTY, WE KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SWEPT AWAY.

BY A PERFORMANCE. BY A STORY.

By a moment that holds a room completely still.

To the actors, musicians, directors, designers, and creative minds who bring these stories to life — thank you. Your talent, passion, and dedication shape the cultural heartbeat of our community and inspire all of us who are lucky enough to experience it.

Here, between the lake and the bay, the arts don’t just happen. They linger.

Discover more about arts & culture in Door County at www.doorcounty.com/experience/arts-culture.

Actor – Baggage, The Mousetrap, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, Moon Over Buffalo

Aja (she/her) is excited to return to Peninsula Players Theatre! Previous Peninsula Players Theatre Credits: I Ought To Be In Pictures, The Angel Next Door, Million Dollar Quartet, The Stranger. Chicago Credits: The Angel Next Door, The Heart Sellers (Northlight Theatre), Always…Patsy Cline, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash (Drury Lane Theatre), The Penelopiad (Goodman Theatre), Cambodian Rock Band (Victory Gardens Theater), Merrily We Roll Along (Porchlight Music Theatre), Aristophanesathon, Cinderella (Hypocrites), Hookman (Steep Theatre), Little Fish (Kokandy Productions). Regional Credits: Million Dollar Quartet, A Christmas Carol (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Cambodian Rock Band (City Theatre - Pittsburgh, Merrimack Repertory Theatre), and more. Aja is represented by Stewart Talent Chicago and Brave Artists LA.

Seasonal

SEAN BLAKE

Actor – Baggage, The Mousetrap

Sean is thrilled to return to Peninsula Players Theatre where he was last seen as H.C. Curry in The Rainmaker. Sean has had an extensive career performing in Broadway national tours, numerous regional theatres, television and film. Sean is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA. Sean is also the Brand Ambassador for JD Botanics natural skin care. Enjoy the experience.

BRI SUDIA

SEAN FORTUNATO

Actor – Baggage, The Mousetrap

Actor – A Rock Sails By, Blithe Spirit

Broadway: A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical (Ellie Greenwich, Original Broadway Cast). Chicago: Dear Evan Hansen, Sweeney Todd (Paramount Theatre), Always ... Patsy Cline (Drury Lane Theatre), Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (Writers Theatre), A Christmas Carol, Wonderful Town (Goodman Theatre), Oslo, A Shayna Maidel (TimeLine Theatre). Bri earned a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from University of Illinois and a degree in ASL interpreting. Bri is thrilled to spend the summer in the woods!

Peninsula Players Theatre: The Rainmaker, Talley’s Folly, Peter and the Starcatcher (Black Stache), Sunday in the Park with George (George), Doubt (Father Flynn) and Cabaret (Emcee). Off-Broadway: Rose Rage at The Duke on 42nd. Regional: Damn Yankees (Applegate) at Marriott Theatre; Intimate Apparel at Northlight Theatre; Matilda (Miss Trunchbull) at Drury Lane; Twelfth Night (Malvolio) at Writers Theatre; 2666 at Goodman Theatre and work at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theatre, Theatre at the Center, Timeline Theatre Company, Porchlight Music Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre, About Face Theatre, Intiman Theatre and The Old Globe Theatre. TV: Antoon Dumini in “Fargo” (FX), “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago PD” (NBC). Film: “The Merry Gentleman” directed by Michael Keaton. Sean has received nine Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and an After Dark Award.

he English Inn

CHRISTOPHER SHEARD

Actor – Baggage, The Mousetrap

Christopher (he/him) is an ensemble member with Definition Theatre (An Octoroon, A Doll’s House) and has performed in Chicago theatres such as: Goodman Theatre (A Christmas Carol, The Winter’s Tale), Writers Theatre (The Last Match, Arcadia), Chicago Shakespeare Theater, A Red Orchid Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, American Blues, TimeLine Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre, and Windy City Playhouse. Regional credits include five seasons with American Players Theatre (Romeo and Juliet, The Seagull, A Phoenix Too Frequent), Great River Shakespeare Festival, and in Door County’s own Third Avenue PlayWorks. He is represented by Grossman and Jack Talent and received his MFA from University of Illinois. Chris lives with his wife and dog in Evanston, IL, and works as a licensed social worker.

JANET ULRICH BROOKS

Actor – The Mousetrap

Janet is very happy to return to Peninsula Players Theatre, last seen in 2025 as Aunt March and Mrs. Kirk in Little Women the Broadway Musical. In Chicago, Janet is a company member of TimeLine Theatre Company, having performed in 16 productions including Master Class for which she received a Joseph Jefferson Award for her portrayal of Maria Callas. Janet has performed throughout Chicago, including at the Goodman Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Writers Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and more, as well as regional theaters including Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in D.C., and Theatre Squared in Fayetteville, AR. Represented by Gray Talent Group, television and film credits include Chicago P.D., Med & Fire, Fargo, Sense8, Divergent, Conviction, One Small Hitch, and others.

Enjoy the freshest catch from Baileys Harbor Fish Company, a fourth-generation family fishery. Locally caught, processed, and smoked in-house for premium quality. Our selection includes fresh fillets, smoked specialties, and flash-frozen options, all available at our retail store and online.

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GARRETT LUTZ

Actor – The Mousetrap, Moon Over Buffalo, Murder Girl

Thrilled to be back in the woods! Credits include: The Angel Next Door, Million Dollar Quartet, The Stranger (Peninsula Players Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors, Titanic, Arthur, The Magic School Bus, Damn Yankees, Spring Awakening, Newsies, Grease, Shrek (Marriott Theatre); The Music Man (Goodman Theatre); Cabaret (Paramount Theatre); Three Sisters (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); Short Shakes: Macbeth and Twelfth Night (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Tiger Style (Writers Theatre); Big River, Ghost (Theatre at the Center); and more. Film and web credits: Chicago Med (NBC); Divergent (Summit Entertainment); “The Munch on Oregon” (The Onion). Storefront: Urinetown, Dogfight (BoHo Theatre Ensemble); Heathers, The Full Monty (Kokandy Productions, Non-Equity Jeff Award Nominee). Representation: Gray Talent Group. Garrett lives in Chicago with his Aja and Bigi.

Actor – Moon Over Buffalo, Murder Girl

Tyler returns to Peninsula Players Theatre where she previously appeared in Barefoot in the Park. Chicago Credits: Inherit the Wind, The Penelopiad, The Cherry Orchard, Twilight Bowl, Graveyard Shift/New Stages (Goodman Theatre); Little Women (Northlight Theatre); Campaigns, Inc. (TimeLine Theatre Company); Translations, Eurydice, Mystery of Love and Sex (Writers Theatre); The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); A Christmas Carol (Drury Lane Theatre); The Columnist (American Blues Theater). Regional Credits: A Phoenix Too Frequent (American Players Theatre); At The Wedding, Miss Bennet: Christmas At Pemberley, My Father’s War (TheatreSquared). TV/Film credits include Chicago Fire. Tyler is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, School at Steppenwolf, and the University of Illinois-Chicago. She is represented by Gray Talent Group. @tylermckmeredith

Photo by Michael Demchik

JONATHAN WEIR

Actor – The Mousetrap

Jonathan is delighted to return to Peninsula Players Theatre. Previous seasons: 1998, 2000, and 2005. Some favorite shows include Spider’s Web, Rain, See How They Run, Far East, and Escanaba in da Moonlight. A Chicago-based actor, he has appeared at Writers Theatre, New Theatre Project, Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Marriott Theatre, Lyric Opera Chicago, Drury Lane Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Northlight Theatre, and TimeLine Theatre Company. Broadway: Jafar in Aladdin and Scar in Disney’s The Lion King. National Tours: Aladdin, Gyp DeCarlo and others in Jersey Boys, The Lion King (1st and 2nd National Tours), and Jacob Marley in Scrooge the Musical with Richard Chamberlain. Thanks to Linda and everyone at The Players! Proud husband, dad, and papa. Jonathanweiractor.com

BRANDON ACOSTA

Actor – The Mousetrap

Brandon is a Chicago-based actor and composer who is thrilled to be making his Peninsula Players Theatre debut! Select theatre credits: Peter and the Starcatcher, Little Shop of Horrors, An Act of God (Paramount Theatre); TYA Shrek the Musical, Grease (Drury Lane Theatre); Frederick (Chicago Children’s Theatre); Do Something Pretty (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble); 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Guys and Dolls, Godspell (Music Theater Works). Social Media: @Pfgum2

7537 Hwy 57 • Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 920-839-2211

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) unit is in the back of the audience pavilion for use in a health crisis and members of the Theatre's staff are CPR and AED certified. In case of an emergency, please remain calm and follow staff instructions.

The Play’s the Thing Winter Playing Reading Series

The Play’s the Thing is part of our community outreach programming, presenting free professional play readings for the public on the first Mondays of February, March, and April. The 2026 readings were directed by Artistic Director Linda Fortunato and performed at Björklunden in Baileys Harbor.

We opened our 16th year of the three-part play series on February 2 with Rosenberg by David Meyers, in coordination with Door County Reads’ exploration of “The Briar Club” by Kate Quinn. Alumni actors Ayanna Bria Bakari, Jordan Golding, Emma Rosenthal, and Noah Simon made up the cast.

Pictured are actors Ayanna Bria Bakari and Jordan Golding at the reading of Rosenberg.

The Play’s the Thing continued with two world premieres presented in conjunction with World Premiere Wisconsin, a yearlong, statewide festival dedicated to developing and showcasing new plays and musicals. March 2 featured new work In the Doorway by Sean Grennan, with an ensemble of Wisconsin-based actors that included Casem AbuLughod, Frankie Breit, Matt Daniels, Eva Nimmer, and Karen Janes Woditsch.

The series concluded on April 6 with Wisconsin playwright Sophie McIntosh’s the after wife. The cast included Emily Ann Brooks, Connor Nekich, Greg Pragel, and Cassie Slater. The Play’s the Thing continues to bring people together and maintain a human connection over the winter months in Door County.

The Play’s the Thing is funded in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as generous support from Friends of Door County Libraries, Patrick O’Hearn & Anita Zipperer, The Shubert Foundation, and operating funds of Peninsula Players Theatre.

Thank you to the amazing staff at Björklunden for their hospitality and for hosting this series year after year! We are grateful for their generous spirit, thoughtful collaboration and dedication to the arts.

Save the dates for The Play’s the Thing 2027:

Monday, February 1, 2027

Monday, March 1, 2027 Monday, April 5, 2027

JAMES DAVID LARSON

Actor – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, Moon Over Buffalo

Off Broadway: Into the Woods (Roundabout Theatre Company), Atomic (Theatre Row). National Tours: Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Buddy Holly Story, Twelfth Night. Selected Regional: Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Waitress (Florida Studio Theatre & Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), As You Like It (Sylvester Manor), Heartbreak Hotel (Walnut Street Theatre), Luck Be a Lady (Asolo Repertory Theatre), Too Marvelous for Words (Florida Repertory Theatre), The Hound of the Baskervilles (Gulfshore Playhouse), The Night Before (freeFall Theatre), Million Dollar Quartet, The Buddy Holly Story, Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Playhouse Xmas Show (Bucks County Playhouse), The Other Josh Cohen (Geva Theatre). Insta: @jamesdlarson

PHOTO BY

DAN EGGERT

JOE CASEY

Actor – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, Moon Over Buffalo

Joe is thrilled to be making his Peninsula Players Theatre debut! Favorite roles include Robert Kincaid in The Bridges of Madison County (Majestic Theater), John Proctor in The Crucible (Great Escape Stage Company), Mil in Billy Baloo (Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse), The Historian in the world premiere of the actor/musician play Wild Fire (Denver Center for the Performing Arts), Mr. Hart in 9 to 5 (Majestic Theater), numerous productions of Million Dollar Quartet as Johnny Cash, and the world premiere in NYC of Allen Wilder 2.0 (Theatre for the New City). Television credits include American Dynasty, The Knick, and A Crime to Remember. Joe is streaming in the vertical mini dramas Bound by My Fiancé’s Uncle and Love Me Again My Hidden Lover

TREVOR LINDLEY CRAFT

Actor – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Recent credits include Million Dollar Quartet Christmas and Heartbreak Hotel with Marriott Theater, The Craic and Million Dollar Quartet at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and Once at the Fulton Theatre, Capital Repertory Theater, and others. Check out his album When the Bellow Goes on all streaming platforms.

PAUL WYATT

Actor – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Paul is thrilled to be joining Peninsula Players Theatre this season! During the school year, Paul is a music teacher at Little Water Preparatory School in Upstate New York. Paul recently performed the role of Dr. Carrasco in Theatre SilCO‘s production of Man of La Mancha. As an actor-musician, Paul has performed in numerous productions of Ring of Fire and is elated to play the music of Johnny Cash again. Favorite performances include roles at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Actors Theatre of Louisville, The MacHaydn Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, and Sacramento Music Circus. Paul is a graduate of The University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, & Dance.

LAURA T. FISHER

Actor – Moon Over Buffalo, Murder Girl

Peninsula Players Theatre debut. A Chicago-based actor, Laura has performed at Steppenwolf Theatre Company: Mary Page Marlow; Goodman Theatre: Seagull, Finishing the Picture, The Shawl; Court Theatre: Cyrano; Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Cymbeline, Kabuki Lady Macbeth; Northlight Theatre: The Mousetrap; Marriott Theatre: The Sound of Music; Paramount Theatre: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and others. Regionally, Laura has performed at Milwaukee Repertory Theater: Good People; Renaissance Theaterworks: Switzerland; Indiana Repertory Theatre: Arcadia, Morning After Grace; Kansas City Repertory Theatre: Flood. Awards: Joseph Jefferson Award, After Dark Award, Michael Merritt Arts Advocacy Award. Film/TV: Contagion, Widows, Captive State, Never Not Yours, Chicago Fire and PD, Work in Progress, Empire. AEA, SAG-AFTRA. Laura lives in Chicago with her husband, Don Copper. More at lauratfisher.com

SAILBOATS MOTORBOATS SHOWBOATS

Whether it’s wind in the sails, engines at full throttle, or f loating palaces built to dazzle, the Door County Maritime Museum has a boatload of stories waiting to be uncovered. From the practical to the spectacular, explore how vessels of every kind shaped life on the water. It’s history with a splash of style, a dash of drama, and plenty of propellers. Anchors aweigh—this isn’t your average three-hour tour!

KARL HAMILTON

Actor – Moon Over Buffalo

Karl returns to the Peninsula Players Theatre stage having last appeared in Living on Love. His previous Peninsula Players Theatre shows include The Drowsy Chaperone, The Bridges of Madison County, and Miss Holmes. A native Chicagoan, he has performed at Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, Writers Theatre, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater, among others. Off-Broadway, he played The Amazing Karnak in Ride the Cyclone. His television appearances include Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. Karl remains a proud and outspoken 18-year-member of Actors’ Equity.

SUSIE McMONAGLE

Actor – Moon Over Buffalo

Happy to be making her Peninsula Players Theatre debut. Broadway: Fantine in Les Misérables. First National Broadway Tours include Mrs. Wilkinson in Billy Elliot, Donna in Mamma Mia, Rhetta in Pump Boys and Dinettes, and Martha in The Secret Garden Chicago credits include Diana in Next to Normal (Jeff Award), Gretta in The Dead at Court Theatre, Candida in Rock ’n’ Roll at Goodman Theatre, Margaret Thatcher in The Audience at Drury Lane Theatre, and Daisy in Side Show at Northlight Theatre. Favorite Credits include: Indian Ink, Dirty Blonde, Cats, Evita, Miss Saigon and Chess. Susie is the recipient of After Dark Awards, Critic’s Circle Awards, Jeff Awards, as well as 12 Jeff Nominations. BFA Stephens College. Susie lives in Chicago with her husband Dan.

CHARLOTTE

BOOKER

Actor – Murder Girl

Charlotte’s long and checkered career includes understudying Madeline Kahn on Broadway in Born Yesterday, lots of Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway, starring on a 90’s cult series (Hi Honey, I’m Home!), decades of regional theatre, guest-starring on many TV shows (Power, Boardwalk Empire, Blue Bloods, Law & Order, The Larry Sanders Show, etc.), co-creating Cause Celeb! (a comedy show that ran for four years in NYC), and writing and performing a cabaret play called She’s Alive! (based on the life and music of Elsa Lanchester, the original Bride of Frankenstein) in Chicago, New York, Rochester, and Martha’s Vineyard. Los Angeles is next! She is married to writer/composer Mark Nutter, and divides her time between Evanston, IL, and New York. www.charlottebooker.com

JOE PICCHETTI

Actor – Murder Girl

Joe is thrilled to be making his Peninsula Players Theatre debut with Murder Girl Previous Door County credits include The Bachelors with Northern Sky Theater last season. When not up north, Joe can be found throughout the Milwaukee and greater Wisconsin theatre community. Other regional credits include Lumberjacks In Love with Milwaukee Repertory Theater, A Rockin’ Midsummer Night’s Dream and Amadeus with Skylight Music Theatre, Witch and Photograph 51 with Renaissance Theaterworks, Airness with Forward Theater Company, A Christmas Carol with Children’s Theater of Madison, Preludes and A Chorus Line with Milwaukee Opera Theatre, as well as being a founding member and previous park liaison for Summit Players Theatre.

DOOR COUNTY YMCA

INSPIRING & NURTURING A PASSION

Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers working in theatres across the U.S. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, and provides benefits, including health and pension plans, for its members. Equity’s mission is to advance, promote, and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Whenever professional theatre exists, Equity exists.

Internship Program, Est. 1935

These company members are an integral part of our Theatre, and they deserve a huge standing ovation.

Peninsula Players Theatre’s internship program is part of a tradition that runs as deep as the Theatre’s roots. Since the Theatre launched its first season in 1935, interns, then called apprentices, have been given the opportunity to work side-by-side with professionals, learning the craft by participating in and observing the process. Participants spend 14 to 20 weeks working alongside the Theatre’s professional actors, designers, managers, and technicians. They witness all facets of theatre in action, from backstage to the front office, creating a constant path of growth throughout the season, thus making our program unique among theatre programs.

You may see them directing traffic, greeting patrons at the Canteen or Box Office, shifting scenery, delivering posters, selling tickets, or operating the sound board during the shows. During the day, they assist in building the shows and selling tickets for the following shows. Peninsula Players Theatre has always provided its interns with a weekly stipend and provided free room and board. For more information about our internship program, phone the Box Office at (920) 868-3287, or to apply for an internship for 2027, visit our website at www.peninsulaplayers.com.

The Kathryn A. Doerr Intern Fund

Established in 2013 in memory of Kathryn A. Doerr (Katie), by her family, this fund provides critical support for Peninsula Players Theatre’s intern program. During her lifetime, Katie was an advocate and supporter of art education, notably to art education in the Door County community she loved. Her legacy will provide a scholarship for Alex Garza during the Theatre’s season this year.

If you are interested in supporting Peninsula Players Theatre’s internship program please contact Danielle Szmanda at danielle@peninsulaplayers.com or (920) 868-3287.

Do you recognize these faces?

They are Peninsula Players Theatre’s hard working interns.

FRANCESCA BUTERA

Stage Management Intern

Graduate of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

CODI FILIPEK

Stage Management Intern Graduate of Missouri State University

ALEX GARZA

Costume Intern Graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University

HONOR PIERCE

Lighting and Sound Intern

Graduate of University of Rhode Island

FRANKLIN WAHLSTROM

Scenic Intern

Graduate of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

ERIN CAVENDER

Administrative Intern Graduate of Marquette University

FRANCES WALKER FOX

Scenic Intern Graduate of Vassar College

MIA ORR

Administrative Intern Graduate of Millikin University

BILLY TENSEN

Scenic Intern

Graduate of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

ANNALESE WENTHUR

Props Intern

Graduate of University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Participating in the Theatre’s internship program this season are 10 graduates from theatre programs across the country. These graduates have focused their studies on various theatre disciplines. They are joining us to help create the dynamic performances you are about to experience. Please welcome and thank them for all of their hard work in helping to make each performance possible.

To learn more about our internship program, visit www.peninsulaplayers.com.

Our 91st Year

June 16 – July 5, 2026

Peninsula Players Theatre

LINDA FORTUNATO

Artistic Director

Scenic Designer Michaela Lochen

BRIAN KELSEY

Managing Director

Presents BAGGAGE

By Sam Bobrick

Costume Designer Rachel Lambert

Sound Designer Brian Grimm

Stage Manager Kaitlin Kitzmiller

Lighting Designer Jason Lynch

Scenic Artist Sydney Cook

Assistant Stage Manager Duncan McMillan

Directed by Linda Fortunato

Generously Sponsored by Tony & Judy Licata

Production Manager Becca Stockhaus

Peninsula Players Theatre would like to thank The Shubert Foundation and the Wisconsin Arts Board, with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the arts, for their ongoing support.

Baggage is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Assisted listening devices are available at the canteen. Rows A to S of the theater are equipped with a loop induction system.

The Cast in order

of appearance

Phyllis Novak .................................... Aja Alcazar

Bradley Naughton ........................ Christopher Sheard

Dr. Jonathan Alexander ............................ Sean Blake

Mitzi Cartright ..................................... Bri Sudia

New York City

Act One

Scene 1: An early spring evening

Scene 2: Moments later

Scene 3: Later that evening

Scene 4: Saturday afternoon, one month later

Act Two

Scene 1: Moments later

Scene 2: That evening

Scene 3: Later that evening

There will be one 15-minute intermission.

PENINSULA PLAYERS THEATRE IS A PROFESSIONAL THEATER EMPLOYING MEMBERS OF ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, THE UNION OF PROFESSIONAL ACTORS AND STAGE MANAGERS IN THE UNITED STATES.

The stage manager, assistant stage manager and all cast members of Baggage are members of Actors’ Equity Association.

The director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

The lighting designer is a member of United Scenic Artists Union. Their work on stage is copyrighted artistic property.

Please Note!

Only water is allowed in the theater. The use of recording instruments and cameras is strictly forbidden. Please turn off or silence all mobile devices prior to the performance.

MICHAELA LOCHEN

Scenic Designer – Baggage, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Michaela is a scenic designer based in St. Paul, Minnesota. She holds degrees in scenic design and anthropology, and a certificate in museum studies, from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and an MFA in scenic design from the University of Tennessee. Recent credits include Significant Other, Ride the Cyclone, Mamma Mia (Lyric Arts, Anoka, MN); Newsies, The Mountaintop (Artistry Theater and Visual Arts, Bloomington, MN); Cinderella, It’s a Wonderful Life (The Phipps Center for the Arts, Hudson, WI); as well as The Giver and Inherit the Wind (Clarence Brown Theatre, Knoxville, TN). You’ve seen her work at Peninsula Players Theatre in Million Dollar Quartet and Steel Magnolias. More of Michaela’s work can be found at michaelalochen.com.

JASON LYNCH

Lighting Designer – Baggage, Moon Over Buffalo

Peninsula Players Theatre: Blithe Spirit (2023) and I and You (2022). Jason is a Chicagobased lighting designer for theatre, dance, opera, and other live performance art. Recent Chicago credits include work with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Shattered Globe Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, TimeLine Theatre Company, among others. Recent regional credits include work with Alley Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Denver Center Theatre Company, Geva Theatre, Guthrie Theater, Huntington Theatre Company, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, The Old Globe, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and Signature Theatre. Jason is represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA829 of the IATSE and The Gersh Agency. www.jasondlynch.com, @jasonlynch.design on Instagram.

BRIAN GRIMM

Sound Designer – Baggage

Brian is a Wisconsin-based composer, performer, and sound designer known for deeply integrating sound design with original scores. Selected production credits: Barefoot in the Park, Little Women (cello) (Peninsula Players Theatre); Ryan’s Pub: Trivia Night, Stones In His Pockets, I Carry Your Heart With Me, Birds Of North America, A Christmas Carol and It’s A Wonderful Life: Live Radio Plays (Third Avenue PlayWorks); Lady Disdain, King James, The Flying Lovers Of Vitebsk (cello), The Garbologists, The Wanderers (Forward Theater); Chesapeake, Sandra, A Number (Two Crows Theatre); Buyer & Cellar (Renaissance Theatre Works); Almost Maine (Next Act Theatre); The Magnolia Ballet (About Face Theatre); Mary’s Wedding (Indiana Repertory Theatre); Two Mile Hollow, Oak (Phoenix Theatre); Shinsai (American Blues Theater). @ bgcellozone www.grimmusik.com

RACHEL LAMBERT

Costume Designer – Baggage

Rachel (she/her) is so happy to be back at Peninsula Players Theatre, where previous credits include The Mystery of Irma Vep, The Hollow, Lend Me a Tenor, Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime, Miss Holmes, The Actuary, A Trick of the Light, I Ought To Be In Pictures, and Barefoot in the Park. Her other credits include work with Goodman Theatre, The Second City, Northlight Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre, The Artistic Home, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, The Gift Theatre, American Blues Theater, Eclipse Theatre, DePaul School of Music, Redtwist Theatre, The Factory Theater, and others. Regionally, she has designed for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks and the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

Meet the Playwright ... SAM BOBRICK BAGGAGE

Born in Chicago in 1932 and an alum of the University of Illinois, Sam Bobrick made his way to New York where, after a brief fling writing songs, one of them being “The Girl of My Best Friend” recorded by Elvis Presley, he drifted into the world of TV. TV credits include Captain Kangaroo, The Flintstones, The Andy Griffith Show, Get Smart, Saved by the Bell, and more. In the late 1960's, Sam co-wrote his first play Norman, Is That You? with Ron Clark. He then went on to write and co-write 40 plays, 24 of them published by Samuel French, which are performed throughout the world, including Murder at the Howard Johnson’s, Weekend Comedy, The Crazy Time, Getting Sara Married, and Hamlet II (Better than the Original). Sam also doctored the book for the original Broadway production of The Wiz. In 2011, he won the coveted Edgar Allen Poe Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award for his mystery comedy The Psychic. Sam married writer Julie Stein, with whom he wrote two plays, and has 3 married children and 2 grandchildren. In October 2019, Sam passed away peacefully at the age of 87. sambobrick.com

BY SAM BOBRICK

KAITLIN KITZMILLER

Stage Manager – Baggage, The Mousetrap, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, Moon Over Buffalo

Kaitlin is delighted to be back at Peninsula Players Theatre for her eighth season. Regional theatre credits include: Asolo Repertory Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Drury Lane Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Resident Ensemble Players, Theatre SilCo and Nebraska Shakespeare. Love and Be Loved.

DUNCAN MCMILLAN

Assistant Stage Manager – Baggage, The Mousetrap, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, Moon Over Buffalo

Duncan is a Chicago-based stage manager and is thrilled to return to Peninsula Players Theatre! Previous Peninsula Players Theatre credits include Dear Jack, Dear Louise, Little Women The Broadway Musical, Misery, and Barefoot in the Park. Chicago credits include A Christmas Carol (22-25), New Stages Festival 25/26, BUST, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, and The Penelopiad (Goodman Theatre). Other credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Asolo Repertory Theatre); The Three Musketeers, King Lear (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks); and Reasons to Go to Space, Stupid Fucking Bird (Armory Free Theatre). Duncan holds a BFA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

A quirky, mismatched romantic comedy

Our 91st Year

July 8 –July 26, 2026

Peninsula Players Theatre

LINDA FORTUNATO

Artistic Director

BRIAN KELSEY

Managing Director

THE MOUSETRAP

By Agatha Christie

Scenic Designer

Lauren M. Nichols

Costume Designer

Loren Shaw

Composer and Sound Designer

Ethan Korvne

Stage Manager

Kaitlin Kitzmiller

Lighting Designer

Maximo Grano De Oro

Scenic Artist

Sydney Cook

Assistant Stage Manager

Duncan McMillan

Directed by Jessica Fisch

Generously Sponsored by Allen & Maribeth Watson

Production Manager

Becca Stockhaus

The Mousetrap is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Assisted listening devices are available at the canteen. Rows A to S of the theater are equipped with a loop induction system.

The Cast

in order of appearance

Mollie Ralston...................................... Bri Sudia

Giles Ralston ............................. Christopher Sheard

Christopher Wren ............................ Brandon Acosta

Mrs. Boyle ............................... Janet Ulrich Brooks

Major Metcalf ................................. Jonathan Weir

Miss Casewell .................................... Aja Alcazar

Mr. Paravicini ..................................... Sean Blake

Detective Sergeant Trotter........................ Garrett Lutz

The Great Hall at Monkswell Manor

Act One

Scene 1: Late afternoon

Scene 2: The following day after lunch

Act Two Ten Minutes Later

There will be one 15-minute intermission.

PENINSULA PLAYERS THEATRE IS A PROFESSIONAL THEATER EMPLOYING MEMBERS OF ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, THE UNION OF PROFESSIONAL ACTORS AND STAGE MANAGERS IN THE UNITED STATES.

The stage manager, assistant stage manager and all cast members of The Mousetrap are members of Actors’ Equity Association.

The director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

The lighting, scenic, and costume designers are members of United Scenic Artists Union. Their work on stage is copyrighted artistic property.

Please Note!

Only water is allowed in the theater. The use of recording instruments and cameras is strictly forbidden. Please turn off or silence all mobile devices prior to the performance.

JESSICA FISCH

Director – The Mousetrap

Jessica is thrilled to be making her Peninsula Players Theatre debut! Recent credits: Dear Evan Hansen (Paramount Theatre), Do Something Pretty (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble), Catch Me If You Can (Marriott Theatre), The Audience (Drury Lane Theatre, Jeff Award Nomination Best Production), Beautiful, The Carole King Musical (Marriott Theatre, Jeff Award Winner Best Director and Best Production), Athena (Writers Theatre), Murder on the Orient Express (Drury Lane Theatre, Jeff Award Nomination Best Production), Dear Jack, Dear Louise (Northlight Theatre, Jeff Award Nomination Best Production and Best Director), And Then There Were None (Drury Lane Theatre), Every Brilliant Thing (Windy City Playhouse), and Cry It Out (Northlight Theatre). Jessica is a proud member of SDC and a mom to two awesome kids. MFA: Northwestern University. jessicafisch.com

LAUREN M. NICHOLS

Scenic Designer – The Mousetrap

Lauren is a designer local to Chicago. Design credits include Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Hot Wing King (Writers Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, True West (Paramount Theatre), and Father of the Bride (Drury Lane Theatre). She has also designed for Court Theatre, Kentucky Opera, Olney Theatre Center, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Marriott Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Steep Theatre, Jackalope Theatre, Harper College, Shattered Globe Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Village Theatre- Seattle, The Gift Theatre, and Raven Theatre among many others. As an associate, she has worked on dozens of productions all over the US. 2025 Jeff Award for her work with Teatro Vista. Adjunct professor - The Theatre School-DePaul University. MFA Northwestern. Member USA829. laurenangeldesigns.com

MAXIMO GRANO De ORO

Lighting Designer – The Mousetrap

Maximo is a Chicago-based lighting designer for theater, opera, and dance, originally from New Jersey. He received his BFA in lighting design from Rutgers Mason Gross and his MFA from Northwestern University. Recent credits include Octet (Raven Theatre); BOTH (Teatro Vista Productions); The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Goodman Theatre); The Taming of the Shrew, A Raisin in the Sun (Court Theatre); Translations (Writers Theatre); Hedda Gabler (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company); and more. Regional credits include The Life You Gave Me (Boise Contemporary Theater); Moonlight and Magnolias (Third Avenue PlayWorks); Prelude to a Kiss, a Musical (Milwaukee Repertory Theater); Far Away (Villanova Theatre); and others. He is a full-time faculty member at Columbia College Chicago. Web: Maximolightingdesign.com Instagram: max.gdo_ld

ETHAN KORVNE

Composer and Sound Designer – The Mousetrap

Ethan is a composer and sound designer from Akron, OH, and based in Chicago. Selected Credits: The Chairs at American Players Theatre, Goodnight Moon at Chicago Children’s Theatre, Modern Gentleman at About Face Theatre, Birds of North America at A Red Orchid Theatre, Taming of the Shrew at Court Theatre (Composer), Oak at Raven Theatre, Hamlet at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, No Such Thing at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Short Shakes! Romeo & Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and the Chicago premiere of Tambo & Bones at Refracted Theatre Company (2 Joseph Jefferson Awards – Original Music in a Play and Best Sound Design). Ethan graduated from The Theatre School at DePaul University with a BFA in sound design. ethankorvne.com

Meet the Playwright ... AGATHA CHRISTIE

Agatha Christie (1890 - 1976) is known worldwide as the Queen of Crime. Her books have sold over a billion copies in English, with another billion in foreign languages. She is the most widely published author of all time and, in many languages, outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. She is the author of 66 crime novels, 150 short stories, over 20 plays, and six novels written under the name Mary Westmacott. Her work includes Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, and the genre-defining And Then There Were None.

Christie’s first novel, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles,” was written towards the end of the First World War, in which she served in the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD). In the novel, she created Hercule Poirot, the little Belgian detective who was destined to become the most popular detective in crime fiction since Sherlock Holmes. It was published by Bodley Head in 1920.

In 1926, after averaging a book a year, Christie wrote “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” her first masterpiece. It was the first of her books to be published by Collins and marked the beginning of an author-publisher relationship that lasted for 50 years and well over 70 books. It was also the first of Christie’s books to be dramatized – under the title Alibi – and to have a successful run in London’s West End.

By 1930, Christie had introduced a new character to act as detective. When she created Miss Marple, Christie did not expect her to become Poirot’s rival. But with “The Murder at the Vicarage,” Miss Marple’s first full-length outing, it appeared she had produced another popular and enduring character.

The Mousetrap, her most successful play, opened in 1952 and is the longest-running play in history. Christie was made a dame in 1971.

Agatha Christie Limited (ACL) has been managing the literary and media rights to Agatha Christie’s works around the world since 1955, working with the best talents in film, television, publishing, stage and on digital platforms to ensure that Christie’s work continues to reach new audiences in innovative ways and to the highest standard. The company is managed by Christie’s greatgrandson James Prichard.

Visit www.agathachristie.com for more information.

LOREN SHAW

Costume Designer – The Mousetrap

Loren has spent the last 16 years designing costumes for theatre, film, and opera in NYC, where she spent most of her career, and across the country. Her designs have been seen onstage at: Shakespeare Theatre Company; The Kennedy Center, DC; Wolf Trap Opera Company, VA; The Glimmerglass Festival, NY; Oregon Shakespeare Festival, OR; Asolo Repertory Theater, FL; New York Theatre Workshop; Atlantic Theater Company; The Flea Theater; Cherry Lane Theatre, NY, and others. She has been nominated twice for the Drama Desk’s Outstanding Costume Design Award. In addition to making beautiful things happen onstage, she has made two beautiful little humans and has a passion for nature, movement, and nurturing the love of those things in others. She lives in Madison, WI.

Agatha Christie, 1964

Our 91st Year

July 29 – August 16, 2026

Peninsula Players Theatre

LINDA FORTUNATO

Artistic Director BRIAN KELSEY

Managing Director

Presents

RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH

Created By Richard Maltby, Jr.

Conceived By William Meade

Adapted from the Broadway Production by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Jason Edwards

Orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby

Additional arrangements by David Abbinanti

Ring of Fire was originally produced on Broadway by William Meade, CTM Productions, Bob Cuillo, GFour Productions, and James B. Freydberg

Scenic Designer

Michaela Lochen

Sound Designer

Joe Court

Audio Engineer

Stefanie Senior

Costume Designer

Evelyn Danner

Associate Director/Choreographer

Kelley Faulkner

Stage Manager

Kaitlin Kitzmiller

Assistant Stage Manager Duncan McMillan

Directed & Music Directed by Dan Kazemi

Generously Sponsored by Alibi Marina and Harbor Guest House

Lighting Designer

Guy Rhodes

Scenic Artist

Sydney Cook

Production Manager Becca Stockhaus

The Cast Aja Alcazar

Joe Casey

Trevor Lindley Craft

James David Larson Paul Wyatt

There will be one 15-minute intermission.

PENINSULA PLAYERS THEATRE IS A PROFESSIONAL THEATER EMPLOYING MEMBERS OF ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, THE UNION OF PROFESSIONAL ACTORS AND STAGE MANAGERS IN THE UNITED STATES. The stage manager, assistant stage manager and all cast members of Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash are members of Actors’ Equity Association.

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash Small Cast is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com

Please Note!

Only water is allowed in the theater. The use of recording instruments and cameras is strictly forbidden. Please turn off or silence all mobile devices prior to the performance.

Assisted listening devices are available at the canteen. Rows A to S of the theater are equipped with a loop induction system.

JOHNNY CASH (1932-2003)

Johnny Cash remains one of the most influential artists in American music history. Born to Arkansas sharecroppers during the Great Depression, his upbringing shaped a lifelong reverence for family, faith, and social justice. After serving in the United States Air Force, Cash launched his career at Sun Records in 1955, introducing his distinctive sound with classics like “I Walk the Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Big River,” and “Ring of Fire.”

Often dressed in black, earning him the nickname "The Man in Black," Cash sang authentically about the downtrodden, prison life, and systemic reform. Despite personal struggles with addiction during the 1960s, he overcame them with the help of his second wife, June Carter Cash, launching a famous live prison album series and a popular television show. A member of the Country, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Halls of Fame, Cash experienced a critical late-career revival with Rick Rubin in the 1990s, recording "Hurt" before his passing in 2003.

RICHARD MALTBY, JR.

Creator/Adapter – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Richard includes among his Broadway credits: Conceived/Directed: Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1978 Tony, NY Drama Critics, Outer Critics and Drama Desk Awards), Fosse (1999 Tony, Outer Critics and Drama Desk Awards). Lyricist: Miss Saigon (1990 Evening Standard Award, Tony Nomination: Best Score). Director and Co-Lyricist: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Song & Dance,1986. With composer David Shire: Director/Lyricist: Baby, (1983 seven Tony nominations); Lyricist: Big, (1996 Tony Nomination: Best Score). OffBroadway credits: Director/Lyricist: Starting Here, Starting Now (1977 Grammy Award nomination); Closer Than Ever (1989 Outer Critics Circle Awards: Best Musical, Best Score). He also contributes devilish crossword puzzles to Harpers Magazine. Son of a well-known orchestra leader; married to Janet Brenner; five children: Nicholas, David, Jordan, Emily and Charlotte.

WILLIAM MEADE

Conceiver – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

A Grammy-nominated producer with over one hundred recordings, his credits include Hello, Dolly! starring Carol Channing, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with Ann Margret, and Elegies written by William Finn and starring Betty Buckley. He has written and produced music for the television shows Sex and the City, Love Monkey and Royal Pains, the Super Bowl Half Time Show, and The Miss America Pageant. Internationally, he has produced and written music and scripts for the Beijing Olympics. He wrote a series of educational teen musicals for the South Korean Ministry of Culture which toured schools throughout Southeast Asia. He wrote the screenplay for the feature movie, Invisible Bridges, and the play, Ordinary Miracles. In 2024, William became the Executive Director of The Banksy Museum in NYC.

Song List

ACT 1

“Country Boy”

“Straight A’s In Love”

“While I’ve Got It On My Mind”

“Five Feet High and Rising”

“Sweet Bye and Bye”

“Daddy Sang Bass”

“Flesh and Blood”

“The Old Rugged Cross”

“Cry, Cry, Cry”

“Big River”

“I Still Miss Someone”

“Get Rhythm”

“Egg Suckin’ Dog”

“Oh Come, Angel Band”

“Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart”

“If I Were a Carpenter”

“Ring of Fire”

“Jackson”

BY RICHARD MALTBY, JR.

ACT 2

“I’ve Been Everywhere”

“Sunday Morning Coming Down”

“All Over Again”

“Going to Memphis”

“Delia’s Gone”

“Folsom Prison Blues”

“Man in Black”

“I Walk The Line”

“The Far Side Banks of Jordan”

“Why Me, Lord?”

“Hey, Porter”

“A Boy Named Sue”

The Music of Johnny Cash A delightful musical tribute to The Man in Black

Country Boy

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash Song Credits

(John R. Cash) © House of Cash, Inc.

Straight A’s In Love

In The Highways

(Music & Lyrics by Maybelle Carter) © Peer International Corporation.

While I’ve Got It On My Mind

(John R. Cash) © Song of Cash, Inc.

Five Feet High and Rising

Daddy Sang Bass

(John R. Cash and Carl L. Perkins) ©Universal Cedarwood Publishing.

Flesh and Blood

Cry, Cry, Cry (John R. Cash) © House of Cash, Inc. (BMI) admin. by Bug

Big River (John R. Cash) © House of Cash, Inc.

I Still Miss Someone

Get Rhythm

(John R. Cash) © House of Cash, Inc.

Dirty Old Egg Sucking Dog

(Jack H. Clement) © Universal Songs of Polygram, Inc.

Angel Band

(John R.Cash) © Song of Cash, Inc.

Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart

(Jack H. Clement) © Universal Songs of Polygram, Inc.

If I Were A Carpenter

(James Timothy Hardin) © Allen Stanton Productions.

Ring of Fire

Jackson (Jerry Leiber & Billy Edd Wheeler) © Bexhill Music Corp., Sony/ATV Tunes, LLC.

Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down (written by Kris Kristofferson) Published by Combine Music Corp.

All Over Again

Delia’s Gone (John R. Cash, Karl M. Silbersdorf & Richard Toops) © Song of Cash, Inc.

Folsom Prison Blues (John R. Cash) © House of Cash, Inc.

Man in Black (John R. Cash) © Song of Cash, Inc.

I Walk the Line (John R. Cash) © House ofCash, Inc.

Why Me

(Written by Kris Kristofferson) Published by Resaca Music Publishing Co.

Hey Porter (John R. Cash) © House of Cash, Inc.

A Boy Named Sue (Words & Music By Shel Silverstein) TRO – Evil Eye Music, Inc. – ASCAP

DAN KAZEMI

Director and Music Director – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Dan is a composer, orchestrator, director, and music director. He directed Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash (Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Actors Theatre of Louisville), and created and directed Women of Rock. Dan directed The Greatest Love for Whitney (The Gretna Theatre). He orchestrated the world premieres of Run Bambi Run and The Craic at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, where he has musically directed over 40 productions including Come from Away, Titanic, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and more. Dan’s music was performed at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Le Cirque de Demain, and he composed scores for Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, McNeal, and for the musical podcast, Mythic Thunderlute. He is a Barrymore award-winning music director (Lizzie)

KELLEY FAULKNER

Associate Director/Choreographer –Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Kelley recently played Beverley and others in the hit musical Come From Away at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Other Milwaukee Repertory Theater favorites: The Coast Starlight, Titanic, Things I Know to Be True, Guys and Dolls, Harvey, and Ragtime, in addition to numerous choreography and directing credits. In 2025, she helmed an actor-musician production of The Last Five Years in the Stackner Cabaret, as well as adapted and directed Much Ado About Nothing and The Taming of the Shrew for Optimist Theatre. This fall, she will direct and choreograph And the World Goes Round at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. BFA in acting from Montclair State University, proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.

GUY RHODES

Lighting Designer – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Guy returns to Peninsula Players Theatre for his sixth season with past designs including Little Women The Broadway Musical, Million Dollar Quartet, The Rainmaker, and Ghost The Musical. Chicago-area credits include Cabaret (Theatre at the Center), Hedda Gabler (Theatre Northwest), Mother Hicks (Hammond Arts and Performance Academy), Jitney (West Side Theatre Guild), and The Last Night of Ballyhoo (Falling Drum). National credits include twelve years as lighting designer for Grammy Awardwinning singer Anthony Hamilton, The Polar Express Train Ride (Rail Events), as well as concerts for Kendrick Lamar, Alan Parsons Live Project, and Anita Baker. Guy frequently works in the disciplines of photography and video. Top assignments include the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea (USA Today Sports Images). Instagram: @guy_rhodes

JOE COURT

Sound Designer – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Joe’s work has been heard in Chicago (TUTA Theatre, Mary-Arrchie Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre, The Hypocrites, Emerald City Theatre, and many, many more), New York (59E59, Off-Broadway), Los Angeles (REDCAT at The Disney Concert Hall), The McCarter Theatre Center (Princeton, NJ), Clarence Brown Theatre (Knoxville), Great Lakes Theater (Cleveland), Virginia Stage Company (Norfolk), and the Idaho, Lake Tahoe, and Illinois Shakespeare Festivals. He has taught at Virginia Tech, Ball State University (Muncie, IN), and the University of Chicago. Joe has received five Joseph Jefferson Award Nominations for his work. He currently serves as the Lead Audio at the Tony Award-winning Pasadena Playhouse.

EVELYN DANNER

Costume Designer – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Evelyn is happy to be returning to Peninsula Players Theatre for her third production. Previous credits: Trying and The Rainmaker. Chicago credits include Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Gem of the Ocean, and Swing State (Goodman Theatre). Other credits include No Such Thing and Wipeout (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble); You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Marriott Theatre); Don’t Make Me Over: In Tribute to Dionne Warwick (Black Ensemble Theater); Crowns, Swamp Baby, Quark, Divine Order of Becoming, Bodies, Warm on the Cooling Board, When Good Broccoli Goes Bad, Blacademics, Sweet Home, Ten Square, Relative Hearsay, Milk, Trouble The Water (MPAACT Theatre); and the film The Gilded Six-Bits (West Side Theatre Guild).

STEFANIE SENIOR

Audio Engineer – Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash

Stef (she/they) is delighted to spend another summer on the peninsula. She is a Chicago-based sound designer/engineer/sword for hire, but works all over the country as well. Previously at Peninsula Players Theatre: Million Dollar Quartet (A1). Recent Chicago credits include Crime and Punishment (TUTA Theatre); Always ... Patsy Cline (American Blues Theater); Admissions (Citadel Theatre); Fiddler on the Roof (Music Theatre Works); Kid Prince and Pablo (Lifeline Theatre). Recent regional credits: Million Dollar Quartet (Theatre SilCo); The Last Five Years (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre); Somewhere Over the Border (People’s Light/City Theatre). Stefanie also works on the podcast I’ve Been Meaning to Listen to That. www.stefaniemsenior.com

Our 91st Year

August 19 – September 6, 2026

Peninsula Players Theatre

LINDA FORTUNATO

Artistic Director

Presents

BRIAN KELSEY

Managing Director

KEN LUDWIG’S

MOON OVER BUFFALO

Scenic Designer

Michelle Lilly

Sound Designer

Dee Etti-Williams

Scenic Artist

Sydney Cook

Costume Designer Kärin Simonson Kopischke

Wig Designer Kyle Pingel-Hickey

Stage Manager Kaitlin Kitzmiller

Assistant Stage Manager Duncan McMillan

Directed by Landree Fleming

Generously Sponsored by Tim & Jackie Danis

Lighting Designer Jason Lynch

Fight Director Dan Klarer

Production Manager Becca Stockhaus

Ken Ludwig's Moon Over Buffalo is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Licensees are required to use the 2022 Errata. Please reach out to your licensing representative with any questions.

Assisted listening devices are available at the canteen. Rows A to S of the theater are equipped with a loop induction system.

The Cast in order of appearance

George Hay .................................... Karl Hamilton

Charlotte Hay ............................... Susie McMonagle

Ethel .......................................... Laura T. Fisher

Rosalind ...................................... Tyler Meredith

Howard ................................... James David Larson

Eileen............................................. Aja Alcazar

Paul ............................................. Garrett Lutz

Richard ............................................ Joe Casey

On stage and backstage at the Erlanger Theatre

Buffalo, New York, 1953

Act One

A mid-morning in June

Act Two

Scene 1: Two hours later

Scene 2: Immediately following Scene 3: Two hours later

There will be one 15-minute intermission.

PENINSULA PLAYERS THEATRE IS A PROFESSIONAL THEATER EMPLOYING MEMBERS OF ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, THE UNION OF PROFESSIONAL ACTORS AND STAGE MANAGERS IN THE UNITED STATES. The stage manager, assistant stage manager and all cast members of Ken Ludwig's Moon Over Buffalo are members of Actors’ Equity Association.

The lighting and costume designers are members of United Scenic Artists Union. Their work on stage is copyrighted artistic property.

Please Note!

Only water is allowed in the theater. The use of recording instruments and cameras is strictly forbidden. Please turn off or silence all mobile devices prior to the performance.

LANDREE FLEMING

Director – Moon Over Buffalo

Directing credits include Modern Gentleman (About Face Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors and Fun Home (Paramount Theatre); Snow Queen (Marriott Theatre); Never Better, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and Once Upon a Mattress (Theo Ubique); 9 to 5: The Musical (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre); and Assassins (North Central College). She has performed at Paramount Theatre, American Theater Company, Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Griffin Theatre, and Theatre at the Center. She stars in the Dungeons & Dragons series Encounter Party (Hasbro, Wizards of the Coast, eOne), streaming on Plex, Freevee, and Roku, adapted from her podcast. She has appeared in Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med.

MICHELLE LILLY

Scenic Design – Moon Over Buffalo

Michelle is a Chicago-based designer whose work includes stage design and immersive experiences. Past Peninsula Players Theatre credits include Little Women The Broadway Musical and The Angel Next Door. Michelle has collaborated with The Alinea Group, Paramount Theatre (The Full Monty, Next to Normal, Billy Elliot, School of Rock), Milwaukee Repertory Theater (Romeo and Juliet, Songs for Nobodies, Ring of Fire), Writers Theatre, Albany Park Theatre Project, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Timeline Theatre, Stage 773, The House Theatre of Chicago, New Leaf Theatre, TUTA Theatre, The Springfield Muni, and many others. Michelle is an Adjunct Professor of Instruction at Columbia College Chicago. She holds an MFA in stage design from Northwestern University and a BA from Truman State University. www.michellelillydesigns. com

DEE ETTI-WILLIAMS

Sound Designer – Moon Over Buffalo

Dee (She/They) is a Chicago-based Sound Designer/Composer from Dallas, Texas. Dee’s work explores sound as an intentional yet flexible heightening of storytelling. She’s happy to be returning to Peninsula Players Theatre for her second summer of Theatre in a Garden. Select credits include: I Ought To Be In Pictures (Peninsula Players Theatre), Girls on Sand (Northern Sky Theater), Emily Song and The Queen of The Night (First Stage), Three Viewings (Third Avenue PlayWorks), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Covenant (Goodman Theatre), The Brothers Size (Oklahoma City Repertory Theater), The Island (Court Theatre), Lavender Men (About Face Theatre), Top Girls (Raven Theatre). www.deemakesnoise. com

KÄRIN SIMONSON KOPISCHKE

Costume Designer – Moon Over Buffalo, Murder Girl

Kärin is a proud union member, a Lawrence University professor and a sustainable clothing creator. Kärin celebrates the 30th anniversary of her first design for Peninsula Players Theatre. She designs costumes at top professional theaters and operas nationwide, including American Conservatory Theater, Long Wharf Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Minnesota Opera, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Boston Lyric Opera, Goodman Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Third Avenue PlayWorks and Skylight Music Theater. Kärin was recently honored by the Wisconsin Arts Board in their 50 Artists for 50 Years anniversary celebration. Kärin has won Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Award and the ariZoni. She was nominated for the Prague Quadrennial and won Nordstrom’s Project N: The Fashion Challenge for her upcycled designs found on Etsy in her Gothic Flower shop. Her historical renderings are exhibited in Fish Creek, Sister Bay and Ephraim. karinkopischke.com

Meet the Playwright ... KEN LUDWIG

Playwright – Moon Over Buffalo

Ken Ludwig has had six shows on Broadway, seven in London’s West End, and many of his works have become a standard part of the American repertoire. His 32 plays and musicals have been performed in over 30 countries, in more than 20 languages, and are produced throughout the United States every night of the year. Lend Me a Tenor won two Tony Awards and was called “one of the classic comedies of the 20th century” by The Washington Post. Moon Over Buffalo marked Carol Burnett’s triumphant return to Broadway after 30 years, and she and her co-star Phil Bosco (both nominated for Tony Awards for their roles) were followed on Broadway by Lynn Redgrave and Robert Goulet, then in London by Joan Collins and Frank Langella. Crazy For You was on Broadway for five years and won the Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical. He wrote Murder on the Orient Express for the stage expressly at the request of the Agatha Christie Estate, which had its European premiere at the Chichester Festival Theatre in June of 2022. His other works include Lend Me A Soprano, Moriarty, Pride and Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley and Lady Molly of Scotland Yard. Ludwig is a graduate of Harvard and Cambridge. He is a frequent guest speaker for groups as varied as The Oxford-Cambridge Society, The Jane Austen Society of North America, The Folger Shakespeare Library and The Baker Street Irregulars. www. kenludwig.com

BY KEN LUDWIG

DAN KLARER

Fight Director – Moon Over Buffalo

Dan is a professional theatre artist living in Door County, working as an actor, fight director, and educator. He has performed and choreographed for theatre companies around the Midwest and beyond, including: Third Avenue PlayWorks, Peninsula Players Theatre, Northern Sky Theater, Door Shakespeare, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Artists’ Ensemble Theater, Children’s Theater of Madison, Chicago Kids Company, and The Great American Melodrama in Oceano, CA. Dan is also the Education Coordinator at Third Avenue PlayWorks where he is building programming and opportunities for the Door County community. Dan received his Bachelor of Arts in Drama from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and his Master of Arts in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

KYLE PINGEL-HICKEY

Wig Designer – Moon Over Buffalo

Kyle is overjoyed to return to his home by the bay for his 12th season with Peninsula Players Theatre. Kyle began his journey with the Players as an intern in 2007 and served as Costume Shop Manager from 2013 to 2022. This season, he returns again to style some fabulous wigs! A UW-Green Bay alum (’12), Kyle is a theatrical wig designer and stylist with over a decade of experience creating custom looks for the stage. As a wig stylist, he specializes in crafting wigs that elevate character and performance, with a particular flair for drag and period styling. His work has been seen regionally and nationally, with credits including Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Peninsula Players Theatre, Lawrence University, University of WisconsinGreen Bay, Royal Caribbean, Goodman Theatre, Marriott Theatre and Paramount Theatre.

A hilarious screwball comedy

Our 91st Year

September 9 – October 18, 2026

Peninsula Players Theatre

LINDA FORTUNATO

Artistic Director

BRIAN KELSEY

Managing Director

Presents MURDER GIRL

By Heidi Armbruster

Scenic Designer

Jack Magaw

Composer and Sound Designer

Christopher Kriz

Costume Designer Kärin Simonson Kopischke

Scenic Artist

Syndey Cook

Stage Manager

Merit Glover

Directed by Mallory Metoxen

Generously Sponsored by Richard & Barbara Board and Door County Medical Center

Lighting Designer Noele Stollmack

Production Manager Becca Stockhaus

Murder Girl is produced by special arrangement with Bret Adams, LTD., 261 W. 35th St, Suite 204, New York, NY 10001. www.bretadamsltd.net

Murder Girl received its world premiere with Forward Theater Company in Madison, WI

Assisted listening devices are available at the canteen. Rows A to S of the theater are equipped with a loop induction system.

The Cast in order of appearance

Eric ............................................. Garrett Lutz

LeeAnn ....................................... Tyler Meredith

Charlotte...................................... Laura T. Fisher

Other Charlotte ............................. Charlotte Booker

Ted ............................................. Joe Picchetti

Marty’s Supper Club in the woods of Wisconsin

The week leading up to Christmas, 2006

Scene 1: Thursday late afternoon

Scene 2: Friday early afternoon

Scene 3: Later that afternoon

Scene 4: After Friday Night Fish Fry

Scene 5: Saturday before the shift

Murder Girl will be performed without an intermission.

PENINSULA PLAYERS THEATRE IS A PROFESSIONAL THEATER EMPLOYING MEMBERS OF ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, THE UNION OF PROFESSIONAL ACTORS AND STAGE MANAGERS IN THE UNITED STATES. The stage manager and all cast members of Murder Girl are members of Actors’ Equity Association.

The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers are members of United Scenic Artists Union. Their work on stage is copyrighted artistic property.

Please Note!

Only water is allowed in the theater. The use of recording instruments and cameras is strictly forbidden. Please turn off or silence all mobile devices prior to the performance.

MALLORY METOXEN

Director – Murder

Girl

Directing: No Wake (Third Avenue PlayWorks); L’Appartement, Sex with Strangers, The Drowning Girls, The Understudy (Renaissance Theaterworks); Anne of Green Gables (Constellation Stage & Screen); Fefu and Her Friends, The Thanksgiving Play, Ring Round the Moon, Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, The How and the Why (TTS at DePaul); All of the Everything, Lucky Numbers (Samuel French OOB Short Play Festival). Assistant Directing: All’s Well That Ends Well & Judgment Day (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Developed new works at the arc theatre, Forward Theater, Milwaukee Chamber Theater, Milwaukee Metropolitan Voices, Renaissance Theaterworks, Seven Devils New Play Foundry, and Third Avenue PlayWorks. Mallory is Co-Artistic Director of Seven Devils New Play Foundry. MFA in directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University. MalloryMetoxen.com

JACK MAGAW

Scenic Designer – Murder Girl

In 20 seasons at Peninsula Players Theatre, Jack has designed scenery for Misery, Dear Jack, Dear Louise, Mary’s Wedding, Trying, I and You, Talley’s Folly, Silent Sky, Living on Love, and The Bridges of Madison County, among many others. Recent Chicago and regional credits include Anastasia and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Bucks County Playhouse); Fiddler on the Roof (Drury Lane Theatre); the US premiere of London Road (Shattered Globe Theatre); Primary Trust (Westport Country Playhouse); Anastasia and Into the Woods (Cape Playhouse); Job (Writers Theatre); Big White Fog (Court Theatre); and The Angel Next Door (Northlight Theatre). Jack is an Adjunct Professor of Design at The Theatre School at DePaul University and he resides in Chicago. www.jackmagaw.com

NOELE STOLLMACK

Lighting Designer – Murder Girl

Noele’s lighting has appeared onstage at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, The Library of Congress Theatre, as well as the opera companies of Santa Fe, Ontario, Houston, Portland, Vancouver, New Orleans, Nashville, Columbus, Madison, and Milwaukee. Regional design for the theatre includes Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose Theatre Company, Baltimore Center Stage, Houston’s Alley Theatre, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. In Wisconsin: American Players Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Next Act Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks and Forward Theater Company. As Lighting Director for Houston Grand Opera, she supervised the lighting for over 50 productions along with designing the lighting for such productions as Andrei Serban’s Elektra Member of USA 829.

CHRISTOPHER KRIZ

Composer and Sound Designer – Murder Girl

Kriz is an award-winning Composer and Sound Designer based in Chicago. Past Peninsula Players Theatre designs include Misery, Mary’s Wedding, Trying, Baskerville, I and You, Ripcord, A Murder Is Announced, Salvage, Miss Holmes, The 39 Steps, and many more. Chicago credits include Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Court Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Paramount Theatre, TimeLine Theatre Company, Writers Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, and many others. Regional design credits: Seattle Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Repertory, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Nebraska Repertory Theatre, American Stage Theatre, and many others. A winner of seven Joseph Jefferson Awards, Kriz is a proud member of United Scenic Artists 829 and is represented by the Michael Moore Agency. To hear more, visit christopherkriz.com

Meet the Playwright ... HEIDI ARMBRUSTER

Playwright – Murder Girl

Heidi is a theatre artist dedicated to creating new work and discovering new approaches to classical literature and theatre. Heidi’s play Murder Girl received its world premiere in the 2024 season at Forward Theater Company in Madison, Wisconsin after workshops at Forward Theater Company, Third Avenue PlayWorks, and others. Her play Mrs. Christie has been produced by Milwaukee Repertory Theater, McCarter Theatre, and Kansas City Actors Theatre. Heidi’s solo show, Scarecrow, received its world premiere in the summer of 2022 at Dorset Theatre Festival, and made its Midwest premiere in Next Act Theatre’s 2024 season. Other plays include The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and Dairyland. Her next world premiere, The Boys from Baraboo, will be produced by Next Act Theatre in December 2026. Heidi was a member of Page 73 Interstate Writers, The Working Farm at SPACE on Ryder Farm, and a founding member of Women Artists Writing. As an actress, Heidi has extensive New York and regional theatre credits. Heidi received her Master of Fine Arts in Acting from American Conservatory Theater. Heidi splits her time between Brooklyn and Milwaukee. She lives with her partner Greg and their cats, Martin and Daisy.

Girl Murder

SYDNEY COOK

Scenic Charge Artist

Sydney grew up in a community that valued theatre and performance-based art and is now an aspiring Scenic Artist. Her early career began in her hometown community theatre, where she practiced a variety of skills such as acting, stage managing, general backstage work, and designing. This led her to pursue a technical theatre degree with a focus on scenic art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She took this opportunity to charge at the local community theatres in her college town. Sydney currently is a student at Cobalt Studios, a two-year scenic training residency program in White Lake, New York. She hopes you enjoy the hard work of the summer '26 team at Peninsula Players Theatre!

MERIT GLOVER

Stage Manager – Murder Girl

Merit (he/him) is an AEA Stage Manager based out of Milwaukee, WI. Recent productions include George & Gracie: A Love Story (Milwaukee Repertory Theater); The Book Club Play, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Cambodian Rock Band (TheatreSquared); Midsummer, Anything Goes (Gulfshore Playhouse); Joan, Boeing -Boeing, and Blues for an Alabama Sky (Barrington Stage Company). He is originally from Berkshire County, MA, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts & Spanish from Case Western Reserve University.

HEIDI ARMBRUSTER

A funny and thrilling Wisconsin whodunnit

The Peninsula Players Theatre Annual Fund

The following have shown their commitment to the Theatre by making an investment in our Annual Fund between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026. These contributions are invested back into our community and Theatre in several ways: 1) Top Quality Entertainment – we hire the best available talent; 2) Training Youth – our interns get unparalleled experience working with these professionals; 3) Historic Beauty – we preserve and enhance our beautiful and tranquil wooded shoreline for you to enjoy; 4) Community – pre-show seminars, post-show discussions, play readings, school programs and more enrich Door County life year-round. Our most sincere thanks to:

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Ron Hilton

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Judy Holtz

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Amit Hose

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Angele Jack

Mark Jackson

Chuck & Barbara Jackson

Deb Jacobs

Bob & Judy Jaeschke

Dr. Julie Jagemann

Nancy & Tom Johnson

BJ & Linda Johnston

Dennis & Jane Joyce

Hon. & Mrs. Michael Judge

Janet & Mark Kaczkowski

Steven Kane

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Edward Kelly

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Bob Kinmonth

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Joan Korb

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Mynn Lanphier

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Randine Larson

Paul & Dianne Larson

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Megan Leininger

Mark & Linda LeMahieu

Dr. & Mrs. Gregory Lewis

John & Ronda Liebmann

Kenneth Lindberg

Julie & Kevin Loomans

Steve Lundy

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Randolph Mark

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The McCormick's

Mike & Windsor McCutcheon

Marcie McDevitt

Donna McGreal & Robert

Clemens

James & Karen McKechnie

David & Mary Mellem

Stacie & Wally Meyer

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Wayne & Barbara Mohr

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Judy Moore

Ed & Marcia Moore

Gail & Pat Mullaney

Ann & Patrick Murphy

John Rankin & Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy

Elizabeth Murphy

Jan & Tom Myers

Tuffy Nell

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Mary Orlowski

Wayne & Phyllis Orrison

Gregory Pagh

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Mr. & Mrs. Alan Parks

Fred & Janet Perryman

Lynn R. Peters

Steven & Betsy Peterson

Lisa Pildes & Michael Sehr

Tom & Lynn Polacek

J.A. Polkinghorne

Doug Porter

The Porter Family

LaVonne Rasmusson

Rodion & Isabel Rathbone

Dennis Rebek

Peggy Reineck & Jeff Simpson

Ron & Donna Relic

Judith Rhodes

Rodney Greene & Trish Richmond

Christopher Rodel

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Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ronvik

Wayne & Cathy Royce

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Nancy Sargent

Lana Sassi

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Barbara & Richard Sayther

Tom & Gina Schlatter

Tom & Mary Schmidt

Thomas & Susan Schouten

William & Judith Schuele

Dr. & Mrs. Thomas & Margaret Schueppert

Nancy Schulman

Bev & Gary Schulze

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Schwarz

Mark & Leslie Schwenk

Ilana Seligman

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Carol & Walt Sigerich

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William Wildman

Michael & Martha Willett

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Leslie Woolley

Joseph Wright

Barbara Yingling & Paul Bosanac

Joanne Zahorik

Joseph Zeilermeir

Byron & Sharon Zeisler

Annie & Norb Zelewske

David Zeller

MEMBER

($50 - $99)

Anonymous (17)

Thomas L. Aerts

Kevin & Jane Allen

Jill Anderson

Janet Anderson

Neal & Rose Asklund

Daniel Baird

Harry Banzhaf

Aleta Barmore

Kathleen Barry

Ray Barry

Janel Bartel

David Bartikofsky

Susan Bathke & Stuart Landay

Dorothy Bauer

Lisa & Dan Bee

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Brianna & Jeffrey Dimond

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Jim & Pat Eggers

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Darlene Ferree

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Dawn Hohenstein

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Ms. Cheryl Kaczmarek

Judy & Darko Kalan

Liz Kyzr

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Christine Kelly-Bentgen

Paul Kendall

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Elaine & Jerry Ketola

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Larry G. Kleinsteiber

Jane & Bob Klozotsky

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James & Karen Kohler

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Gail & Les Kottke

Jim & Connie Kunde

Loren Kuzuhara & Kim Donahue

Kristine Landreman

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Lanum

Mert Larsen

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Jeffrey Scharfe

Janis & Greg Scharnott

David & Marilyn Scherer

Randy Schmirler & Marilee Gardner

Heather Schneider

Lynn Schuhart

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Special Thanks

Joe & Kathy Schumacher

Mike Serpe

Jean (Gwen) & Darrel Severson

Doug & Julie Shank

Greg & Barb Sheehy

Michael Siegmund

Cassie Slater

Bob & Chris Snyder

Elliot Spiegel

Cheryl Squires

Dr. N. Suzanne Standerford

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Karen Wedemeier

Eric White

Bob & Marcia Wittrock

Pat Wojciechowski

Christine Wollner-Codo

David & Jean Wolski

Dr. Susan Young

Mari-Jo Young

The following individuals and businesses have provided in-kind support in the form of goods and services or have helped fund capital improvements & projects at the theatre.

Greco & Sons, Inc.

Kohler Co.

Piggly Wiggly

Raibrook Foundation

Thank you for your support!

Sister Bay Bowl & Supper Club

Tadych’s Marketplace Foods

Wood Orchard Market

Peninsula Players Theatre Charitable Fund

The following individuals have shown their commitment to the future of the Theatre by contributing to the Peninsula Players Theatre Charitable Fund housed at the Door County Community Foundation.

Nancy & Dave Borghesi

Mike Fordney & Beth Healy

Don & Barbara Fuhrmann

Ron & Mary Greisen

Tom & Jill Herlache

Gordon & Naomi Rowley

Memorials & Honorariums

Memorial gifts are a unique way to keep your loved one’s memory and legacy alive. Honorarium gifts celebrate a special person or event (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) in your life. Remember a life well lived or honor someone you love by donating today

In Memory of Marilyn J. Banzhaf

Harry Banzhaf

In Memory of Nancy Epping

Hugh Epping

In Honor of Martin & Hilary Ford

The Ford Children

In Honor of Peter Kelly

The Kachelski Family

In Memory of Roger Kieltyka

Patricia Kieltyka

In Memory of Fay Knowles

Dr. Tom Knowles

In Memory of Sally Carnahan Lewis

Virginia Carnahan

In Memory of Judy Licata

Nancy & Dave Borghesi

Tom & Jill Herlache

Marilynn Nulton

Roy & Mary Thilly

In Memory of Robbie Malicki

COL Gregg Malicki

In Honor of Demaris & Tony Martinez

Nancy Schulman

In Honor of Anne Mortell

Daniel Baird

In Memory of Shirley Nowosel

John Haen & Karen Nowosel-Haen

In Honor of Carla Peterson

Nancy Feld

In Memory of Karen J. Pfeffer

Paul, Andrew & Lex, and Mark Pfeffer

In Memory of Bonnie Schuller

Virgie Raisleger

Lois & John Schultz

Annie & Norb Zelewske

In Memory of Pete Schuster

In Memory of Jean Sincere

From her children, Francesca & Larry

In Honor of the Nicole & Brad Smith Family

Angie Hubbard

In Memory of Dale Tremain

Laurie Tremain

In Memory of Sheila Turner

Nancy & Dave Borghesi

Peggy Kelsey & Michael Teich

WE Energies Foundation

Corporate Matching Gifts

The following organizations have matched employees’ charitable contributions. A matching gift is an easy way to double your contribution to the theatre. Find out if your employer has a matching gift program today!

Alliant Energy Foundation

Amcor Cares

American Family Insurance

Badger Liquor, Co.

Caterpillar Foundation

Charities Aid Foundation of America

Mead Witter Foundation

Pfizer Foundation

WE Energies Foundation

Wisconsin Public Service Foundation

Wrigley Company Foundation

For the past 91 years, Peninsula Players Theatre has relied on the goodwill and generosity of our patrons to help advance our mission and continue to provide exceptional theatrical experiences. If you have come to value these outstanding performances and the remarkable beauty of the Theatre and grounds, please consider making a tax-deductible gift to our Annual Fund. Thank you!

DANIELLE SZMANDA

Development Director

Danielle is delighted to be celebrating her 16th season with Peninsula Players Theatre. She first joined the company in 2011 as an Administrative Intern, returned in 2012 as Assistant Box Office Manager, and became Development Director in 2013. In her tenure, she helped close the $7.2M capital campaign to build the new theater, scene shop and canteen, and was a leader in fundraising for the $4.3M housing campaign to build new dormitories. A native of the Chicagoland area, Danielle is a graduate of St. Norbert College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies and Business Administration. Dedicated partner to fellow former intern, Jason, devoted mother to Louis and Martin, and proud steward of this incredible organization.

at The Theatre in a Garden

Have you enjoyed performances at Peninsula Players Theatre and wondered how you can help ensure its unique environment is preserved for generations of theatergoers?

There are many ways you can support Peninsula Players Theatre!

• Attend performances

• Attend our winter play reading series The Play's the Thing

• Share the Peninsula Players Theatre experience by giving a gift certificate

• Celebrate a special occasion, such as an anniversary, by donating to the Annual Fund

• Make a donation in honor/memory of a friend or loved one

• Become a playbill advertiser

• Volunteer for the Broom Squad, the spring cleaning crew

• Sponsor a play

• Name a seat in the theater

• Attend a pre-show seminar

• Attend a post-show discussion

• Volunteer to usher

Peninsula Players Theatre is proud to be a member of Travel Green, a Travel Wisconsin eco-focused program to which organizations commit to sustainability in the following areas: education, community, energy efficiency, transportation, waste reduction and water conservation.

at The Theatre in a Garden

Give the Gift of a Lifetime!

Share your passion for Peninsula Players Theatre with future generations by designating a planned gift to the Theatre through the Peninsula Players Theatre Charitable Fund. Whether it is a bequest, trust, annuity or arrangement through your IRA, planned gifts of all sizes support Peninsula Players Theatre’s longterm fiscal stability and reduce your taxable estate for federal tax purposes.

The Peninsula Players Theatre Charitable Fund is managed through the Door County Community Foundation. Through this partnership, your generous gift will benefit Peninsula Players Theatre while the foundation’s professional staff and advisers facilitate your contribution and handle all the administrative details. The Door County Community Foundation provides a simple, powerful and highly personal approach to giving. By working together, we offer a variety of giving tools to help you achieve your charitable goals.

By partnering with the Door County Community Foundation, Peninsula Players Theatre is able to receive a wide variety of assets including:

• Cash, stocks and bonds

• Real estate and other assets

• Non-cash assets such as publicly traded stock or artwork

The Door County Community Foundation is the ideal vehicle to facilitate even the most complex forms of charitable giving. Please consider incorporating a gift to the Peninsula Players Theatre's Charitable Fund in your estate plan.

To leave a bequest in your estate plans, please use the following verbiage:

“I hereby give and bequeath to Peninsula Players Theatre Foundation Inc., a not-for-profit corporation having a principal place of business at 4351 Peninsula Players Road, Fish Creek, WI 54212, Federal Tax ID #39-0986031, (specific amount, percentage of estate, or specific property) for the Peninsula Players Theatre Charitable Fund.”

To learn more about the Peninsula Players Theatre Charitable Fund, please contact Development Director Danielle Szmanda, at (920) 868-3287 or danielle@peninsulaplayers.com or Bret Bicoy, President & CEO at the Door County Community Foundation at (920) 746-1786 or bret@givedoorcounty.org.

Peninsula Players Theatre Scholarship

Peninsula Players Theatre is pleased to announce the 2026 recipient of the Peninsula Players Theatre Scholarship. Created by the Theatre and its Board of Directors, this annual award supports the educational and career aspirations of graduating high school seniors across Door County who are pursuing studies in the arts.

Established to encourage the next generation of artists and arts leaders, the scholarship reflects Peninsula Players Theatre’s enduring commitment to arts education. As America’s oldest professional resident summer theatre, the organization remains dedicated to fostering emerging performers, musicians, designers, technicians, and arts administrators.

A minimum $1,000 scholarship is awarded to one student from each of Door County’s five high schools, for a total of $5,000 in annual funding. Applications are available through the Door County Community Foundation. To be eligible, students must plan to enroll as full-time college or technical school students with a major or minor in arts management, music (performance or education), or theatre (including acting, theatre studies, theatre technology, or design).

Congratulations, Addison Richmond!

The 2026 Peninsula Players Theatre Scholarship is awarded to Addison Richmond, in recognition of her exceptional dedication, creativity, and leadership in the performing arts throughout her academic career.

A graduate of Gibraltar High School, Addison has cultivated a deep passion for theatre that will guide her next chapter. This fall, she will attend the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, where she plans to pursue a degree in Theatre Arts with a concentration in stage management.

Addison’s journey in theatre began in eighth grade with her first middle school production. While she initially found her place onstage, she quickly discovered that her true calling was behind the scenes. As a freshman, she was invited to stage manage a high school production, an opportunity that would define her path. From that moment on, Addison flourished as a backstage leader, skillfully coordinating props, managing scene transitions, meticulously organizing scripts, and ensuring each production ran seamlessly.

For more information about the Peninsula Players Theatre Scholarship, please contact Development Director Danielle Szmanda at 920-868-3287 or visit www.peninsulaplayers.com.

BECCA STOCKHAUS

Production Manager

Becca is eager to return to Peninsula Players Theatre for her seventh season and second as Production Manager. She started as a Production Intern and worked in the scene shop for several years. Becca holds a BFA in technical theatre from the University of Minnesota - Duluth and is currently based in Saint Paul, MN. During her time in Knoxville, Tennessee, Becca worked as a Scenic/Props Carpenter for the Clarence Brown Theatre at the University of Tennessee. She is looking forward to another beautiful summer down by the bay.

JENNA ALLEY

Prop Shop Supervisor

Jenna is a Houston-based artist who spends her fall seasons with Maples Repertory Theatre (MRT) and her summers anywhere with nicer weather than Texas! She has spent previous summers with Long Lake Camp for the Arts and Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG), and is so excited to be spending her first summer in Wisconsin with Peninsula Players Theatre! Favorite recent works include The Glass Menagerie (MRT), The Mousetrap (BTG), and Steel Magnolias (MRT).

KATHLEEN REMBISH

Costume

Shop Supervisor

Kathleen (she/they) is a NYC-based costume designer and performer. She has a BFA in musical theater with minors in costume design and psychology from Manhattanville College. Kathleen was the Wardrobe Supervisor of The Office! A Musical Parody at The Theater Center where she also supervised FRIENDS! A Musical Parody, Singfeld! An Unauthorized Musical Parody, and designed We Three Kings. Previously, she was the Resident Designer and Shop Manager of The Westchester Sandbox Theatre for two seasons, designing over 20 productions. Most recently, she designed Tempest Tossed for New Place Players, becoming a resident member of their creative team. Kathleen considers herself a creative chameleon, drawing on her interdisciplinary experience to create collaborative story-driven work. IG: @kathleenrembish

JACKSON MIKKELSEN

Lighting

& Sound Supervisor

Jackson (he/him) is delighted to spend his summer at Peninsula Players Theatre! Jackson is originally from Lincoln, NE. He is now a Chicago-based freelance theatre worker in a variety of disciplines including lighting design, electrics, and performance. During the school year, he works as the Resident Lighting Assistant for Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, where he graduated with a BFA in 2023. Recently, he has designed for Promethean Theatre Ensemble, Bramble Theatre Company, Music Theater Works, Couch Penny Ensemble, and many more. As a performer, he has worked with Marriott Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Kokandy Productions, Theo Ubique, and the Dunes Arts Foundation. Learn

DREW CLIFFEL

Technical Director

This is Drew’s first time working at Peninsula Players Theatre and he is super excited to have such a wonderful season to work on. Drew’s previous design/technical credits include Technical Director for Into The Woods Jr., The Prom, The Wizard of Oz, and This Girl Laughs This Girl Cries This Girl Does Nothing at New London Barn Playhouse; Stage Manager, Props Designer, and Armorer for Sneaky Pete’s Wild West Dinner Show at Legacy Dinner Theatre; Resident Artist for CLIMB Theatre; and Stage Manager of The Surfer Boys at Florida Studio Theatre.

MICHAEL MITCHELL

Lead Carpenter

Michael is delighted to be returning to Peninsula Players Theatre for his fourth season in the scene shop. Michael is a Maryland-based theatre artist who has been working in theatre since the third grade, when his parents suggested he go out for drama club because he was “dramatic.” He has appeared both onstage and backstage: onstage with Baltimore Shakespeare Factory and Fultontown Theatre Company, and backstage with Salisbury University, where he serves as the Scenic Studio Specialist. He lives in Salisbury, MD.

CODY DIEDRICH

Carpenter/Drafter

Cody graduated from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2024 with a BFA in theatrical tech and design. During the off-season, they design and build sets for Deforest Area High School as well as various shows in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Cody is excited for their third season at Peninsula Players Theatre, having interned back in 2023 and returned in 2025 as a Staff Carpenter.

DANI HOSLER Carpenter

Dani is delighted to join Peninsula Players Theatre for another beautiful summer after starting as a Production Intern last season. They are an alum of Western Michigan University and hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Technical Production. Their recent credits include Technical Director for Legally Blonde, Argonautika (Western Michigan University) and Unto These Hills (Cherokee, North Carolina). When not working in a scene shop, Dani works as a professional decorator and installer for weddings and elegant events, as well as volunteering their time at cat shelters.

Symphony Series

BRIDGET POULTER

Props Artisan

Bridget is thrilled to be working with Peninsula Players Theatre for the season. Bridget was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, and is a recent graduate of Colorado State University, where she obtained a BA in theatre design and technology with a concentration in scenic design, and a minor in film studies. Bridget has worked as a prop artisan/designer, scenic painter, scenic designer, and carpenter for various operas, plays, and musicals. Her recent design credits include the Props Designer for 9 to 5, Beau Jest, and Rent School Edition (The Naples Players), and the Scenic Designer for Into the Woods (Colorado State University, American College Theatre Festival Nomination).

SOPHIA ENGSTROM

Costume Technician

Sophia is excited to be joining Peninsula Players Theatre for her first season as Costume Technician. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, she is a proud graduate of Central Washington University’s theatre program, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Production. She brings to this team almost a decade of experience constructing costumes, working professionally in costume shops for the past 3 years. She is thrilled to be a part of this team and collaborating with the incredible artists to make these shows possible.

KATHARINE BAUMANN

Box Office Manager

Katharine is thrilled to celebrate their fourth season at Peninsula Players Theatre! She served as the Assistant Box Office Manager in 2023, seasonal Box Office Manager in 2024, and has been a year-round staff member since 2025. Katharine enjoys working in many theatrical disciplines, with a recent credit being the Production Assistant, Carpenter and Run Crew Cover for Illinoise at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. They directed Stop Kiss and assistant directed Spring Awakening for Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre before graduating from Millikin University with a BS in biology, BA in theatre, and a music minor. Katharine continues her passion for science by assisting in research and attending events at Door Peninsula Astronomical Society and The Ridges Sanctuary.

KATIE MIZELL

Assistant Box Office Manager

Katie is excited to make her debut with Peninsula Players Theatre as Assistant Box Office Manager! She is a recent graduate of Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, with degrees in theatre and arts administration. In school, she served as Drury Theatre Box Office Manager and gained experience in performance, design, direction, and arts advocacy. Katie’s favorite onstage credits include Hannah Ferguson in The Spitfire Grill and Annie/Dance Captain in Chicago, as well as directing the world premiere of the one-act play Colorado Sunset.

SUBSCRIPTION has

Free Ticket Exchange Can’t make the date you booked? Just phone our Box Office 24-hours before the show and we will move your tickets to another date, free of charge.

Don’t want to commit to specific dates in advance? Our Flex Subscription will suit your needs. With our flex package, you pick the dates and we will seat you in the best seats available

ANNI & DEB LAMPERT

Cook & Head Chef

Once upon a time, Mrs. Lampert had a beautiful daughter, then another (then another, but that’s a story for another day). One decided she was the queen, and the other decided to be a princess. Now they run our kitchen and feed us all summer. God save the queen and the princess, too. You may know them as Deb Lampert and Anni Lampert. They live in a small castle in Sturgeon Bay, where they exercise active imaginations but rarely caution.

GINNY SOWINSKI

Cook

Ginny is thrilled to join Peninsula Players this season, armed with her signature warmth, energy, fun, a love for the arts, and an impressive collection of aprons. Raised in the restaurant biz, and her background in music, theatre and dance, she’s basically been rehearsing for this post her whole life! After a long, successful career in nonprofit fundraising and event planning, she’s circled home to her new role: crew chef and behind-the-scenes cheerleader helping whip up delicious meals for hardworking actors and theatre crew, proving food really is a love language. Ginny resides in Fish Creek with her husband, Paul, and is delighted to give back to the arts community she adores one delicious dish at a time.

ERIC SMITH

Landscape Design/Grounds Manager

Eric returned to Door County ten years ago to establish himself as an artist and pursue his talented career in Landscape Design. He brings to the theater more than 20 years of experience in design and landscaping, having worked for companies such as Leids Nursery and David J. Frank Landscaping. He served as grounds manager for Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls and as a computer graphics art designer at Flexcraft, Inc. in Wisconsin. Eric’s special talents for landscape painting, photography and his love for the outdoors add to his ability to create the beautiful gardens that are displayed throughout the property of Peninsula Players Theatre. Truly a work of art in the making!

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PETER KELLY

Marketing Director & Company Manager

Peter is thrilled to be returning to Peninsula Players Theatre for his fifth season and first as Marketing Director and Company Manager. He is an alum of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, having earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in General Management and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance. Peter is a former Administrative Intern and Box Office Manager from 2014 to 2017, before working in advertising for brands including: Aldi, Allstate, Lowe’s, and Red Bull. When not on the Players’ grounds, Peter resides in Milwaukee with his wife, Kelly, and their two children. He is enthusiastic to come home to his roots in the arts, raising awareness of Peninsula Players Theatre, which he cares so deeply about.

Photo: Chazen Museum of Art

Join curious minds at Björklunden, Lawrence University’s Door County campus.

opendoorpride.org

Take part in any of our variety of classes and workshops or just stop in, pick a spot, and start your book, poem, personal memoir, or even a script. Or simply wander our Writer’s Walk — 59 acres of hiking trails — and see what you discover. Find classes, workshops, and events for all ages online. writeondoorcounty.org | 920.868.1457 4210 Juddville Road, Fish Creek

Peninsula Players Theatre Staff 2026

4351 Peinsula Players Road Fish Creek, WI 54212

Artistic Director .................................... Linda Fortunato

Managing Director .................................... Brian Kelsey

Administrative Staff

Development Director .............................. Danielle Szmanda

Marketing Director & Company Manager .................... Peter Kelly

Box Office Manager ............................. Katharine Baumann

Assistant Box Office Manager............................. Katie Mizell

Administrative Intern ................................. Erin Cavender

Administrative Intern ...................................... Mia Orr

Kitchen/Landscaping

Head Chef Deb Lampert

Cook Anni Lampert

Cook Ginny Sowinski

Landscape Design/Grounds Manager Eric Smith

Production Staff

Production Manager Becca Stockhaus

Costumes

Costume Shop Supervisor ........................... Kathleen Rembish

Costume Technician ................................ Sophia Engstrom

Costume Intern ....................................... Alex Garza

Lighting and Sound

Lighting & Sound Supervisor Jackson Mikkelsen

Lighting & Sound Intern Honor Pierce

Properties

Prop Shop Supervisor Jenna Alley

Props Artisan Bridget Poulter

Props Intern Annalese Wenthur

Scenery

Technical Director ..................................... Drew Cliffel

Lead Carpenter ................................... Michael Mitchell

Scenic Charge Artist ................................... Sydney Cook

Carpenter/Drafter ................................... Cody Diedrich

Carpenter ........................................... Dani Hosler

Scenic Intern ................................... Frances Walker Fox

Scenic Intern ......................................... Billy Tensen

Scenic Intern .................................... Franklin Wahlstrom

Stage Management

Stage Manager ................................... Kaitlin Kitzmiller

Stage Manager ...................................... Merit Glover

Assistant Stage Manager ........................... Duncan McMillan

Stage Management Intern ........................... Francesca Butera

Stage Management Intern ............................... Codi Filipek

Please Support Our Advertisers

Peninsula Players Theatre extends its deepest gratitude to our steadfast community for their unwavering generosity. We encourage our patrons to embrace these businesses and contributors who stand as pillars of support for us. Next time you visit their establishments, please convey your appreciation for their invaluable contribution to making Door County a vibrant arts community.

June 16 – July 5

BAGGAGE

BY SAM BOBRICK

OUR 2026 SEASON

BAGGAGE

A quirky, mismatched romantic comedy. Two single people, disillusioned and trying to heal from disappointing relationships, are brought together when their luggage is mixed up at the airport. They decide to forge a friendshipperhaps to mend their hearts, improve future relationships, or maybe even to spare anyone else from being stuck with them. Encouraged by a free-spirited best friend and discouraged by a self-proclaimed expert counselor, will the couple get beyond their baggage and make a real connection?

July 8 – July 26

THE MOUSETRAP

July 29 - August 16

BY RICHARD MALTBY, JR.

August 19 - September 6

A classic mystery full of humor, intrigue, and thrills. As news spreads of a local murder, seven strangers find themselves snowed in at a secluded guesthouse, trapped with nowhere to hide. A police sergeant arrives with news suggesting the killer is among them. Everyone is a suspect as secrets unravel and pasts get exposed. Who’s the murderer, and who could be next? Agatha Christie’s highly acclaimed murder mystery is the world’s longest running play, captivating audiences with laughs, surprises, and suspense.

RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH

A delightful musical tribute to The Man in Black. The remarkable life story of Johnny Cash - one of the most revered storytellers in American music - is told through his iconic songbook. From country to rock ’n’ roll to searing ballads of love and faith, this theatrical and musical experience showcases the journey of the beloved legend. An incredible group of actor-musicians celebrate the man and the music with such hits as “I Walk the Line,” “I’ve Been Everywhere,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.”

KEN LUDWIG’S MOON OVER BUFFALO

A hilarious screwball comedy. George and Charlotte Hay were once celebrated stage actors, but now their careers are waning, and their relationship is falling apart due to George’s wandering eye. When they receive word that a Hollywood director is coming to their matinee, they realize they might have one more shot at success. But with unexpected backstage guests, missing actors, and confusion about what play they are actually performing, everything that could go wrong, does.

September 9 - October 18

Girl Murder

MURDER GIRL

A funny and thrilling Wisconsin whodunnit. At Marty’s Supper Club in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, the Old Fashioneds are mixed, the Packer game is on, and the secrets run deep. Twins Eric and LeeAnn are trying to keep the business alive when a shocking revelation from one of their employees sparks new questions about a missing girl and a past that refuses to stay buried. Full of suspense, small-town gossip, and Midwestern heart, this sharply funny mystery will have everyone guessing until the final moments.

June 16 – September 6: Tuesday – Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Sundays at 7:30 p.m.* September 9 – October 18: Tuesday – Sunday at 7:00 p.m.*

*Except Sundays July 5, 26, August 16, September 6, and October 18 at 2:00 p.m. Additional Matinees TBD

The Music of Johnny Cash

A delightful musical tribute to The Man in Black

BY KEN LUDWIG

A hilarious screwball comedy

A funny and thrilling Wisconsin whodunnit

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