New theater built in 2006

As Cole Porter once sang , “Another opening, another show.” When it comes to Peninsula Players, Theatre in a Garden, it is more like three days. Three days to tear down one show, and put up another. A simple task? Far from it.

One of the greatest things about Peninsula Players is the family feel you can’t help but notice upon stepping onto the grounds – from the interns to the crew to the recurring actors – Peninsula Players is a place of family. Everyone pitches in – to pull out carpet staples from the floor, to tag costumes for the next show, gathering props and hanging lights. It takes everyone to make this miraculous change in just seventy-two hours. And when the new show starts, it is hard to believe another stage, another cast, another show existed in this very space.

But that is just part of the magic that is Peninsula Players.

Sunset from the grounds of the Peninsula Players

My love of theatre started on these very grounds, thanks to Robert Thompson, a veteran Player who also stayed at the very campground that was my youth. Driving down the windy road, my stomach always filled with butterflies. The sunsets always managed to take my breath away, though I’d seen hundreds of Door County sunsets before. The walk through the garden, the beautiful flowers, the sounds of nature are always a must to any visit. And no matter how many times I visit, the moment the show begins, it always contains the magic I felt as a child. For a few brief hours, I was lost in the world that was so brilliantly created before me. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the acting, began to see just how they pieced everything together, began to notice all the hands that held a piece to this puzzle. Peninsula Players is certainly more than just a theatre.

It began in July of 1935, with an eager cast, a small audience, and the Fisher family. Peninsula Players was born with the show Hay Fever by Noel Coward behind the Bonnie Brook Cottage and Motel in Fish Creek. Two years later, with the purchase of the recently vacated Wildwood Boys Camp, Peninsula Players was on the road to seventy-four summers of history.

Tiger lilies on the theater grounds

Although the Players have since changed hands a few times, the goals of the Fisher’s are still well and alive, striving to continue providing a professional working atmosphere for current and future theatre artists. As Tom Birmingham, a former General Manager, once said, “It is said that theatre in its simplest terms is two planks and a passion. The two planks are easy to come by. The passion is rare.” Regardless of how rare, it always finds its way to the Players grounds summer after summer.

One of the biggest changes that has occurred is in regards to the structure in which the stage and audience sits. Originally, sitting in the audience, you could glance from the stage right up into the starry night above. In 1946, a canvas top was draped over the audience in an effort to allow performances to continue even through rain. In 1957 a permanent roof was constructed over the theatre. Most recently, a brand new theatre was built. Beginning demolition after the 2005 season, and ending shortly before the 2006 season, a completely new structure was built.

With the new theatre, the vision of the founders, excited new interns, veteran actors and crew, Peninsula Players is eagerly awaiting your arrival.

For tickets:

Rows A-K/Rows 1-10             $35

Rows L-O/Rows 11-14            $33

Rows P-S/Rows 15-18            $30

To order, visit the Peninsula Players website or call (920) 868-3287.

The 2009 Season Plays:

Plays run Tuesday-Sunday. For reviews, curtain times and more detailed synopses, visit the website.

The Lady With All The Answers

June 16 – July 5

By David Rambo

A one-woman play based on the life of Ann Landers, the Mistress of Manners” and twin sister of Dear Abby, that allows a glimpse into her relationship with her husband and sister.

A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine

July 8 – July 26

By Dick Vosburgh, Frank Lazarus and Jerry Herman

“This Tony Award-winning musical is a double feature. First, a musical tribute to films of the 1930s and 1940s, then a fast-paced comedy à la the Marx Brothers, including tap dancing and rubber chickens!”

Is He Dead?

July 29 – August 16

By Mark Twain, adapted by David Ives

A comedy about a young painter who fakes his own death in order to pay off his girlfriend’s debts, and then dresses as his sister until he figures out how to come back to life.

Wait Until Dark

August 19 – Septermber 6

By Fredrick Knott

From the author of Dial M For Murder, comes a thriller about a recently blinded woman who is trying to outwit a couple of criminals that are trying to steal a package her husband unwittingly transported over the border.

Around the World in 80 Days

September 9 – October 18

By Amark Brown, adapted from the novel by Jules Verne

Looking for a family friendly comedy? This is it! Bring the kids and take the 24,000 mile whirl-wind journey.

Story and Memory Collection

Already a fan of Peninsula Players? Have memories from childhood or adulthood? Artistic Director Greg Vinkler is currently looking for your stories. Please limit contributions to 100-150 words. Send them to:

Peninsula Players
c/o Memories
4351 Peninsula Players Road
Fish Creek, WI 54212

or email them to news@peninsulaplayers.com